It never crossed Mitoy Yonting's mind to go solo and leave The Draybers after winning the first season of “The Voice Of The Philippines” in 2013.
Mitoy Yonting
In fact, one of his thoughts shortly after the results were announced was how he could share the success with his "brothers."
"I have seen a lot of artists who left their group after getting their own spotlight — then went back to zero,” he said in Filipino. "I told myself that won't be my story."
The singer-songwriter recalled telling the band members about joining the show even before he auditioned.
“I assured them our gigs and schedules will not get affected no matter what," Mitoy said.
At the time, The Draybers were regular performers at Grand Fiesta Manila inside Resorts World Manila. They still are, actually.
“That’s how much I love my band. I can’t leave them," he said.
“We’re bonded. We've experienced a lot together and we're past the ‘sulking’ stages many groups go through. There may be times we clash with our ideas but even then, we respect each other’s opinion."
Brothers
The Draybers will have their first-ever major concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre of Resorts World Manila on Oct. 30 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the band.
“In seven years of us being with Resorts World, this is the first time that we’re going to sell tickets,” he shared. “So I’m honestly really anxious.”
Recall that they started in 2008 – just six musicians who were struggling for something catchy to name their group which was ready to compete for a local battle of the bands competition. Eventually they settled for the name The Draybers. A decade later, the name is now a three-time ALIW Awardee and Hall of Famer.
The Draybers which is one of the most enduring pop rock bands in the country today is composed of Mitoy, himself, as the lead vocalist and guitar then joined by his younger sibling Mylo (alternate lead vocalist and rhythm guitar), Edwin Garcia (keyboards), Jerome “Lucky” Reformano (bass), Jude Santos (drums), and Cesar Uy Salazar (lead guitars).
What will they offer at the concert? Surprisingly, they said "the same stuff."
The Draybers
“So I asked my friends and co-members and they decided to stick to what who we are," Mitoy elaborated. "They told me ‘Do the reason why the audiences love the band in the first place.' So, we’ll just add new songs to those yet already loved by our listeners."
Asked why people love them, Mitoy paused to think then stopped trying altogether.
“Actually I don’t know," he said. "But whenever we perform, despite doing the same things over and over again, I could still see them amazed and surprised."
The Draybers are known for their rendition of songs by Queen, Eagles, Survivor, Journey, Air Supply, OPM Jukebox Queens, and Bon Jovi. The guest performers at the concert are Dulce, Randy Santiago, Nyoy Volante, Ato Arman, Noven Belleza, and Tanya Manalang.
What's next for The Draybers, we asked.
"By God’s grace, we hope to have our own album soon."
Mitoy Yonting
In fact, one of his thoughts shortly after the results were announced was how he could share the success with his "brothers."
"I have seen a lot of artists who left their group after getting their own spotlight — then went back to zero,” he said in Filipino. "I told myself that won't be my story."
The singer-songwriter recalled telling the band members about joining the show even before he auditioned.
“I assured them our gigs and schedules will not get affected no matter what," Mitoy said.
At the time, The Draybers were regular performers at Grand Fiesta Manila inside Resorts World Manila. They still are, actually.
“That’s how much I love my band. I can’t leave them," he said.
“We’re bonded. We've experienced a lot together and we're past the ‘sulking’ stages many groups go through. There may be times we clash with our ideas but even then, we respect each other’s opinion."
Brothers
The Draybers will have their first-ever major concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre of Resorts World Manila on Oct. 30 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the band.
“In seven years of us being with Resorts World, this is the first time that we’re going to sell tickets,” he shared. “So I’m honestly really anxious.”
Recall that they started in 2008 – just six musicians who were struggling for something catchy to name their group which was ready to compete for a local battle of the bands competition. Eventually they settled for the name The Draybers. A decade later, the name is now a three-time ALIW Awardee and Hall of Famer.
The Draybers which is one of the most enduring pop rock bands in the country today is composed of Mitoy, himself, as the lead vocalist and guitar then joined by his younger sibling Mylo (alternate lead vocalist and rhythm guitar), Edwin Garcia (keyboards), Jerome “Lucky” Reformano (bass), Jude Santos (drums), and Cesar Uy Salazar (lead guitars).
What will they offer at the concert? Surprisingly, they said "the same stuff."
The Draybers
“So I asked my friends and co-members and they decided to stick to what who we are," Mitoy elaborated. "They told me ‘Do the reason why the audiences love the band in the first place.' So, we’ll just add new songs to those yet already loved by our listeners."
Asked why people love them, Mitoy paused to think then stopped trying altogether.
“Actually I don’t know," he said. "But whenever we perform, despite doing the same things over and over again, I could still see them amazed and surprised."
The Draybers are known for their rendition of songs by Queen, Eagles, Survivor, Journey, Air Supply, OPM Jukebox Queens, and Bon Jovi. The guest performers at the concert are Dulce, Randy Santiago, Nyoy Volante, Ato Arman, Noven Belleza, and Tanya Manalang.
What's next for The Draybers, we asked.
"By God’s grace, we hope to have our own album soon."