The OPM veterans celebrate 25 years with a homecoming concert that brings generations of fans together.
There was no need for a lyric sheet. When 6cyclemind launched into “Magsasaya,” the crowd at Eton Centris Activity Center already knew what to do. Voices rose with the band, turning the opening song of its 25th anniversary concert into a reminder of just how long these songs have lived with Filipino listeners.
On Saturday, September 12, generations of fans gathered in Quezon City to celebrate a band whose music has endured through changing trends, shifting lineups, and two and a half decades of the Philippine music industry. For one night, the years between them seemed to disappear, replaced by songs everyone knew by heart.
The celebration moved through some of 6cyclemind’s most familiar material, including “Paba,” “Biglaan,” “Prinsesa,” and “No Rewind,” each met with enthusiastic sing-alongs from the crowd.
But the anniversary show was not simply a look back. Its collaborations highlighted the band’s continuing reach across generations, with Rye Sarmiento taking over vocal duties for “Gaya Ng Noon,” while Bino of Sunkissed Lola joined 6cyclemind for “I” and “Pasilyo.”
The Dawn’s Jet Pangan brought his presence to “Upside Down” and “Iisang Bangka Tayo,” while Gigi De Lana joined the band for “Bonggahan” and “Sige.” The latter also featured a surprise appearance by Chuck Isidro, a former 6cyclemind member and producer of the band’s forthcoming album.
The concert also looked ahead. 6cyclemind performed new material from its upcoming album, including “Hithit Buga,” “Di Na Babalik,” “Nagbago,” and “Huling Pagkakataon,” offering fans a glimpse of the band’s next chapter. They also revisited staples such as “Alapaap,” “Kasalanan,” and “Sandalan.”
Even the rain could not stop the celebration. As showers fell over the venue, fans stayed on to sing and dance with the band, adding an unexpected but fitting detail to a night built around music and familiarity.
The anniversary celebration extended beyond the stage. The first 100 attendees received exclusive 6cyclemind anniversary shirts and had the opportunity to meet the band, while a videoke competition invited fans to put their own spin on OPM favorites, with the highest scorer taking home a cash prize.
For 6cyclemind, the milestone was also an opportunity to recognize the people who have stayed with them throughout their journey.
“We are very thankful sa lahat na nandyan pa rin para sa amin: from our management, fans, and brands that continue to support us. Andito na kami sa age na we are enjoying the fruits of our labor. We are lucky and grateful na, sa dami ng nangyari sa banda, natawid namin lahat ng ’to,” the band said in a press statement.
That journey began with bar gigs and small events before expanding to festivals, provincial shows, corporate performances, and stages across the country. Through lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, 6cyclemind has continued to perform and evolve while holding on to the identity that made its music resonate with Filipino listeners.
Their catalog has become a collection of songs that audiences return to across different chapters of their lives. Some arrive with memories attached, while others continue to find new listeners discovering the band for the first time.
Now, with a new album produced by Isidro on the way, 6cyclemind is looking ahead.
“The excitement is always there,” says manager and sixth member Darwin Hernandez. “Para pa din kaming bago na nag-promote ng kanta namin to a new audience.”
After 25 years, 6cyclemind may have a catalog full of familiar songs, but the band is still playing them for listeners who are hearing them for the first time.
