Anak Bayan

Anak Bayan ("Child of the land" in Tagalog*) was formed in Manila, Philippines in 1971 when former D'Swooners drummer and vocalist Edmon came back from a seven-year stitch with the band in Japan where he discovered a lot of new, Western pop and rock. Back in Philippines, he decided over a couple of San Miguel with friend and colleague Wally Gonzalez to form Juan De La Cruz Band. Edmond didn’t stay long though, as it didn’t seem like the band was going to materialize (it eventually did and recorded its first album "Up in Arms" in 1971). Also, he longed to sing in his native Tagalog. Thus, he formed Anak Bayan with co-vocalist and guitarist Vic Naldo, Bing Labrador on keyboards, Alex Cruz on saxophone, Sonny Tolentino (son of National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino) on bass, with himself on drums and vocals. Marlon Ilagan, brother of actor Jay, was also a part of that band playing bass. Anak Bayan became a regular in the Manila rock clubs like Reno’s, Romulus, Los Indios Bravos, and Flames.