It never rains, but it pours.

Well into their 70s, three-man group Rainmakers continue to make hay whether or not the sun shines. Rain or shine, the past 50 years, they’re up there standing, making beautiful music, entertaining people who care for the good, old days.  

One such rainy night, our group of friends, Class 1974 of UST’s Arts and Letters, around 15 of us, spread around two long tables, gathered at Pier 1 in Quezon City to watch more rain fall from glass windows as we delighted in a musical trip down 70s lane. Trip was courtesy, of course, of The Rainmakers, a bunch of gentlemen singers whose mere presence and performance brought us back to our carefree days along the hallways and byways of our youth spent in the Espana campus of our beloved, rain-drenched university.

The Rainmakers were a campus heartthrob back then, known for their cool voices, melodious, unison renditions of the era’s popular songs. Born and raised in UST, they were organized to represent UST High School in the Student Catholic Action (SCA) vocal competition in 1968.

Ten young male students made it to the final cut, including Joel Macanaya, Luke Gaston, Jojo Grospe. Ramon Villanueva later joined them.

Joel, who acts as group leader into the 21st century, recalls they were inspired to sing like their idols at the time, the Beatles, the Lettermen. Perfect blending and harmony led to their winning the SCA contest’s grand prize for two consecutive years.

Turning professional in 1974, writing their own material, The Rainmakers eventually became a quintet, then a quartet, and then finally, a trio of long-standing gentlemen, the voices behind such evergreens as Binibini, Ale-ale, OK Ka Sa Akin, Miss Maganda.

Fished out of hibernation by demand among their Thomasian fans, the group has embarked on a series of commemorative concerts celebrating their 50th (golden) anniversary, kicked off by a March 2, 2024 concert in UST where it all began.

Their next stops are at Red Rhino in Greenfields on Sept. 29 and at SM Seaview in Cebu for a Carpenters Reborn concert on Oct. 3.

Few days after the Pier 1 show, I sat with the boys on another rainy day. Here goes.

NC: Why do you continue singing?

Joel: Singing is life, it keeps me young at heart. Where else can I get applause just for being me? It's free therapy with a great soundtrack!

Jojo: When you see that your audience is happy, that is the greatest achievement for a singer.

Ramon: When I hear the audience's applause, it inspires me to work even harder. When they chant 'more, more,' it drives me closer to perfection, though it’s a challenge.

NC: Any thoughts on retirement?

Joel: I’ll retire when I can no longer hit the high notes, basically, never! I plan to be the oldest rock star still stealing the spotlight!

Jojo: I will sing until I die, God willing.

Mon: Singing is my passion. If you can't hear me sing anymore, it means I'm no longer here.

NC: Tips to young singers aspiring to sing till old age.

Joel: Practice like your shower is a concert hall. Never underestimate the power of a good warm-up. Your voice will thank you with extra octaves!  

Jojo: Discipline is essential in all aspects. Avoid excessiveness. Practice restraint, be patient.

Mon: I dreamed of being a movie actor-singer. After years of hard work, it became a reality. My advice? Practice, practice, practice. At 76, I’m still singing.