The country's "Prince of Rock" penetrates reality television as he sits on the swiveling red chair of The Voice of the Philippines. Bamboo Mañalac, popularly known as "Bamboo", is a Filipino musician and singer who was also the former vocalist of two iconic rock bands of the past-- Rivermaya (1990's) and Bamboo (2000's). During his stay on Rivermaya, the band was able to release four notable hit albums: a self-titled one, "Trip", "Atomic Bomb", and "Remixed." These albums produced some of the songs that made a huge mark in the Philippine music history such as "Ulan", "214", "Awit ng Kabataan", "Kisapmata", "Himala", "Hinahanap-hanap Kita", and "Elesi." He left Rivermaya after the band finished its US tour and decided to stay in Los Angeles. After five long years, he returned in the country on 2003 and formed his second band which proved to be another milestone for his musical timeline. Bamboo (as the name implies) created songs that were more Filipino-ish and appealed more to local rock fans. Well-remembered pieces such as Noypi, Hallelujah, and Tatsulok were bold poems addressing significant issues seen in typical Philippine society-- sense of national pride and history, everyday living, and the reality of the social order. Despite its overwhelming success, the band later broke-up. At present, Bamboo is embarking on a journey as a solo artist. On September 22, 2011 he released his first single "Questions." This was later followed by the release of his debut album entitled "No Water, No Moon" on November 20 of the same year. The Voice of the Philippines becomes a more special dish with the added spice of rock courtesy of Bamboo Mañalac.
