Frio (band)

FRIO is an alternative rock band from Quezon City, Philippines. The band is currently composed of five members: Christopher Sison (vocals), Archie Lim (Lead Guitar), Christian Quiambao (Rhythm Guitar), Raz Itum (Bass), and Marwin Salazar (Drums). The band is mostly known for its hit-songs “Alive,” “Hanggang Dito Na Lang,” and "Nag-iisa." The former line-up includes three more original members, all of which departed around mid-2007. Mark Alain, a former vocalist, then started his solo career as a pop-ballad artist. To date, FRIO holds seven chart-hitting radio singles, a soap opera soundtrack, and five music video releases. The band received nominations for Best Duo/Group Artist, Rock Artist of the Year, and Rock Album of the Year in the 3rd PMPC Star Awards for Music 2011.

History

Formed in 2003 and also formerly known as Euphonix, the band started playing in local bars and venues within Zamboanga City. In 2004, they won several band competitions, noteworthy of which were runner-up positions for the SMB Jingaling Contest Regional Finals and RX Band Breakout. Soon after, demo recording began with the future hit “Alive.” At that time, OPM alternative music saw a significant resurgence, and some of the band’s demo singles gained local airplay. By early 2006, the band found its way to Metro Manila and commercially released its first full-length album under Alpha Records. The name was subsequently changed to FRIO, which means “cold” in the Chavacano language.

FRIO (2006)

Released under Alpha Records, FRIO’s self-titled debut album contains 10 tracks, three of which are massive radio hits. The carrier single “Alive” became the band’s trademark song and had since been used as soundtrack in several TV shows, notably Pinoy Big Brother, Season 1 and Your Song (TV series), all under ABS-CBN. The song peaked at number one in several radio charts all over the Philippines, and soon after, “Could Have Been,” the second single, followed suit. FRIO was nominated as “Breakthrough Artist” alongside bands Pupil, Callalily and Itchyworms in the 2006 SOP Music Awards. In the same year, “Alive” was awarded the 7th spot in the ASAP Year-end Countdown.

Sana Maulit Muli Soundtrack Compilation (2007)

Gaining prominence in the Philippine music scene, FRIO was chosen to contribute a song to ABS-CBN’s hit primetime soap opera “Sana Maulit Muli,” starred by Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson. This resulted to the production of the duet-ballad single “Hiling,” which also peaked at number one in provincial radio stations. With songs from Gary Valenciano, True Faith, Silent Sanctuary, Six-Part Invention, and many other Filipino artists, the resulting “Sana Maulit Muli Soundtrack” compilation under Star Records attained Gold Record status the following year.

Reformation and Comeback

After the departure of its three members, FRIO reformed and took a more alternative rock direction. From 2008 to 2010, the quintet has independently produced several demo-singles and continued to tour the Philippines. FRIO supported headlining acts such as Bamboo, 6Cyclemind, and Rocksteddy, among others, during the course of their touring. By mid-2010 and after nearly three years of media hiatus, FRIO released its comeback single “Hanggang Dito Na Lang,” which paved the way for a yet another chart-hitting and mass-oriented album.

Overboard (2011)

The country soon took notice of “Hanggang Dito Na Lang,” which was limitedly released by FRIO. This led to the production of the band’s second 10-track album “Overboard,” distributed by Synergy Music. Under Lanns Artist Management, which handles legendary 90s acts Siakol and Grin Department, FRIO turned down offers from major recording labels and instead independently supported its own production. Within weeks, “Hanggang Dito Na Lang” peaked at number one in several radio charts, and its music video charted at #15 in Pinoy MYX Countdown. The second single “Nag-iisa” was released in February 2011 and was also noticed significantly by the media. FRIO’s third single “Amen” is currently being aired nationwide.

Tour and Promotion

With new management support, FRIO headlines its own concert series dubbed as the “Siakol and FRIO Pilipinas Rakenrol Concert Tour” which started on October 2010. Since its commercial release, FRIO has played in hundreds of locations nationwide and has participated in the following tours and events:

• Cossack Vodka Slamrock Tour (2006)
• Tanduay Rhum Rockfest (2006-2007)
• TM Astigfest Nationwide Tour (2008-2010)
• Yamaha Fiesta Tour (2009-2010)
• Manila Beer Nationwide Concert Tour (2010-present)
• Siakol and FRIO Pilipinas Rakenrol Concert Tour (2010-present)
• Radyo? Dalawa Lang Yan! The Concert Series (2011-present)

Members

Current members

• Christopher "Pepeng" Sison (lead vocals)
• Archie Lim (lead guitar)
• Christian Quiambao (rhythm guitar)
• Raz Itum (bass/vocals)
• Marwin Salazar (drums)

Former Members

• Mark Alain Echem (vocals)
• Shie Taup (vocals)
• Tristan Climaco (keyboards)

Discography

Studio Album

FRIO's Webpages

• FRIO's Facebook Group
• FRIO's Facebook Page
• FRIO's Twitter
• FRIO's Youtube Channel
• FRIO's Multiply