Most of us know him. His voice has been super familiar in so many Filipino households. Couples used his songs as their “theme song”. Kids danced to his Pinoy Ako song. I used to listen to his band’s album during the days I was heartbroken or in times that I just want to relax. His voice is just so soothing and his songs are all very meaningful.
Back in the days, I considered myself Orange & Lemons’ BIGGEST FAN. Seriously. I never got to watch any of their live gigs though. It’s either I had work (crappy graveyard #@$#@! lowpaying shift!) or I had to do something else. There was even a time that I was too excited to watch their gig but then there was an office party and my boss will not forgive me if I didn’t attend. I will never forget that day. It was April 22, 2006. I was at their gig’s venue and since they were the main act, they were starting late. Before they even began, the boss was already calling me and a friend I tagged along. While buying stuff from a sidewalk vendor, I saw him buying a cigarette as well. He was right beside me!!! I swear, I was starstruck. Didn’t even introduce myself or take a picture with him. I cried all the way to the office party. My friends who were left watching his gig just called me and made me listen to him sing over the phone. Yes, I was an ultimate FAN GIRL. (except for the hanging posters on the wall thing & keeping scrapbook stuff) And today, I just had an exclusive interview with him. Today’s SUPER AWESOME. Thank you, 2012 for being soooooo kind to me (SO FAR).
Mcoy Fundales, Marco Dela Rosa Fundales in real life, is a ROCK STAR. He’s experienced living in Big Brother’s house in the 2nd Edition of Celebrity Pinoy Big Brother. He’s living the dream of most Pinoy kids out there starting out in small bands. He’s been through a lot from being in a school band then Orange and Lemons, and now Kenyo. Kenyo has maintained the good stuff ONL had, actually even better with the good vibes, more beautiful music and all. For one, Kenyo has Mcoy and a couple of other band members from ONL (Ace & JM). They have gigs left and right, and best of all they make awesome music. They deserve all the honor and respect because Kenyo really is one of the best bands in the country today and we can expect them to stay for many years to come.
So anyway, I got to ask Mcoy a few questions that I wanted to know and I’ll be sharing that to all of you right now. :)
Orange and Lemons started 2000. Did you have a music career before that? If not, what were you doing before you got into a band? We started out as a school band doing fund raising shows in Bulacan. Then we tried playing gigs in bars who’d take us in after we patiently banged on their doors for days. I was also active in our church choir. It was school and then a corporate job that made me busy before ONL made it in the scene.
Briefly, can you share the story behind transitioning from Orange & Lemons to Kenyo? What’s the difference between the two bands? If I’m not mistaken, you and a couple of other guys from OnL are also with Kenyo? Besides, you’re the frontman and carry the name.
Three of us (Me, Ace and JM) from ONL had a falling out with our former band mate due to professional and personal reasons. The disbanding was ugly but was called for. We needed to get out from the unreasonable “control” and stress we have to put up with our former band mate. It was never an issue about the music and money. It was more of an issue of principles and denied compromises within the band.
Kenyo will never be what ONL was about. ONL came out at the right time, with a fresh sound and interesting branding perfect for the booming band scene at that time. Kenyo is not about trying to achieve what ONL did. It is more about having fun again while making music (however “cliche” as it may sound), and “working” harmoniously with each other without the extra mental and emotional baggage.
How does it feel being a celebrity? Being recognized in public places, etc. Does it ever get to your head?
I honestly don’t feel the “celebrity” status you’re referring to. For me, at the end of the day.. the perks of being “known” comes down to being able to get away from an MMDA traffic violation ticket.
If you’re not the music/TV personality that you are right now, what would you be?
I’d have more money hehe.
What’s your biggest achievement so far?
I always see my daughters as my biggest achievement. Them growing up well and happy. Other than them — meeting Sir Paul McCartney in person!
What’s your dream project? Who would be your dream collaboration?
I don’t have a dream career project. I’m open to working with anybody as long as the project is interesting.
My actual dream project would be to finish renovating our ancestral house and settle in it.
Who are your musical influences?
The Beatles, the classics. Those who wrote and did music as it’s supposed to be done.
How did it feel when you were chosen to do that first Pinoy Big Brother song?
Everything was unexpected. Us getting the project, coming up with the song and the show and the song getting really big. I guess I was simply fortunate to be the one to sing it.
I read somewhere you are an entrepreneur as well, so what do you do on a normal day when you’re not “celebrity Mcoy”?
I was able to start a couple of business of my own. I do FOREX trading, I established a Montessori school, I’m also into a couple of real estate businesses and stocks trading. Right now I’m looking into the merchandising business.
What can we look forward to in 2012?
2012’s great so far - 2nd season of our sitcom, a product endorsement, 2 possible TV projects and a radio show.
You can also check out Mcoy Fundales’
official Facebook fan page or follow him on
Twitter @mcoyfundales. I strongly suggest you do that now because his posts are one of my regular sources of “good vibes”. This guy has sense of humor. :) :) :)
All photos grabbed from Mcoy Fundales’ and Kenyo’s Facebook page. All rights go to each photo’s respective photographers. :) :) :)
