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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Barbie Almalbis: 'We didn't really disband'

Barbie Almalbis: 'We didn't really disband'

Published Jul 24, 2026 04:53 pm
OPM band Barbie's Cradle
OPM band Barbie's Cradle
With only a few days before their one-night-only reunion concert, singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis of Barbie's Cradle waxed nostalgic recalling their early years as a group. 
"Music was really our bond, you know, back then. Early 20s tayo nun e. So we really grew up together, traveled together, and spent a lot of time in the studio," Barbie shared during a press conference.
Though they all have spent the last few years being busy with different pursuits, Barbie made clear they were, and still is, intact as a band.
"We didn’t really disband. So yung bond namin as brothers and sisters in a band, it was never really lost. Even through these years, even if we’re doing our own thing, every time na merong opportunity na tumugtog together, ginagawa namin. Kaya lang bihira ‘yung mabuo kaming apat," Barbie related.
Barbie's Cradle has remained deeply influential in the local music scene, particularly for woman-fronted bands and singer-songwriters. Their evolving sound, introspective and inspirational songwriting, and lyrical depth, shaped by Barbie's personal journey, continue to appeal to audiences across generations.
Note the band has released a new single thanks to the prodding of guitarist Kakoy Legaspi.
"It was Kakoy who first started sending some demos, some songs na nandun lang sa computer niya. So ‘yun lang, nagpadala lang ng songs tapos nag-decide kami to meet and actually work on the songs and mag-record. So sa bahay lang. Hindi siya ganoon ka-planado," Barbie said.
Is this the start of something even bigger for the group, we asked.
“Wala namang agenda. Gusto lang namin makagawa ng songs again together and to just enjoy that process. So, things just happened," Barbie maintained.
It was actually what prompted the reunion.
"Doon namin naisip na gumawa na nga ng show para pag nag-release na ng songs, meron na din show. That’s how this came up,” Barbie explained.
Presented by GNN Productions, the concert represents not only a nostalgic dream for longtime fans but also an important cultural moment for today’s music audience.
"It’s an honor to work with Barbie’s Cradle for this special project,” explains Milley Habito, one of the show's producers. “We first teased the iteration of the show during Barbie Almalbis’ 25th anniversary show three years ago, but this time, we’re taking the concert experience to an entirely new level. Staged in a theater setting, the concert is built around a meticulously crafted concept and theme, with elevated production values designed to create a memorable experience for fans and new listeners alike."

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