Philippine Concerts in Conversation with The Bloomfields ahead of the band’s 20th-anniversary show, Biyaheng Mahiwaga.

Renowned Filipino band, The Bloomfields, has undergone a transformational journey in the last twenty years, characterized by ingenuity, tenacity, and friendship—in their words, a BIYAHENG MAHIWAGA. The band reflects on their growth and expresses appreciation for their fans. They acknowledge a recent change in the lineup with the departure of Dino Pascual and welcome Nathan Abella, who seamlessly blends into the ensemble.

The band underscores the significance of purpose and commitment, finding happiness in composing music and engaging with their fans. They underscore the importance of balance in music and relationships, stressing the importance of consideration, perseverance, and shared principles as crucial components for achievement.

The Bloomfields is preparing to unveil a new album next year, featuring fresh interpretations of original songs and beloved covers, and highlighting a new psychedelic direction and the band’s aspiration to break free from conventions and artistic constraints. The band also intends to collaborate with other artists, aspiring to produce something innovative and unforeseen.

The Bloomfields aspire to be remembered as analog soul enthusiasts who enhanced the Filipino music landscape with modesty and dedication, greatly influenced by 60s Britpop and rock ‘n’ roll.

READ ALSO: The Bloomfields to stage special 20th anniversary show this month

Philippine Concerts: It’s been two decades since The Bloomfields started. How will you describe the past decades?

The Bloomfields: The past two decades have been a vibrant and thrilling journey for The Bloomfields—an adventure filled with creativity, grit, and brotherhood. It’s been a fellowship full of color, fun, and unexpected surprises, where each moment brought character development, self-discovery, and personal growth. With story arcs that could only be written through lived experiences, it’s truly been a BIYAHENG MAHIWAGA—a magical journey that has shaped who we are today.

PC: Is there anything you wish you had done differently when you first started?

TB: If we could go back in time, we’d definitely wish we had practiced more and worked even harder. We’d invest more time in honing our craft and growing together as a band. Most importantly, we wish we had appreciated the people who supported us, through both the highs and lows, even more. Their belief in us was invaluable, and in hindsight, wish we’d have expressed that gratitude more fully from the very beginning.

PC: A lot of changes have happened in the band during these decades. One of which is Dino Pascual’s departure from the band in 2021. How did that affect the band and how did you move forward following that?

TB: Yes, we refer to this period as The Bloomfields Season 3—marking the third lineup change in our 20 years in the music scene. Dino was with us for 11 incredible years, from 2010 to 2021, and he’ll always be a brother to us. His decision to leave the band took us by surprise, especially since we were still working on new music in our freshly built studio in Timberland, San Mateo. Despite the uncertainty, we were able to record one last song with him, ‘Diwata,’ which will be part of our upcoming album set to release next year.

In February 2022, we moved forward with Nathan Abella. We’ve known him through his father, Rey Abella of The Jerks, a veteran musician we jam with every year during the 70s Bistro’s Beatles Night. Nathan fits seamlessly into the band. He shares our passion for mid-century music, is a versatile musician who can also do lead vocals, and above all, is a true team player who meshes easily with our dynamic.

PC: What is the most significant learning you learned through your longstanding career?

TB: The most significant lesson we’ve learned throughout our longstanding career is the sense of purpose and service. We’ve never been driven by chasing hits or the spotlight; instead, we find joy in simply doing what we love—creating our own music and making people happy through our live performances. It’s a privilege to be able to share our passion with others, and that gratitude fuels us. Knowing this purpose keeps us inspired, allowing us to play with the same passion and energy, even when performing the same songs we’ve played for years. It’s about the connection with our audience and the joy we bring them.

PC: Many artists look up to you and see you as role models in the industry. What valuable lessons would you like other artists to take away from your career?

TB: Harmony is key—not just in music, but in relationships. Just like how different notes and chords come together to create a song, each member of a band brings unique strengths and personalities. The real challenge is finding that harmony in how you work together. Respect, patience, and staying grounded are what tighten that bond. In the end, relationships and shared values are just as important as the music you create. If you nurture those, the music will naturally follow.

PC: In celebration of your 20th anniversary, you will be releasing a new single and doing a special show. How will this be different from your previous music and shows?

TB: We’re excited to bring fresh takes on our original tracks—from our first self-titled album The Bloomfields, Hit the Ground Running, and A Drop into the Blue—along with a mix of our favorite covers over the years. Fans will also get a sneak peek at some new sounds from our upcoming album, which will be dropping next year.

We’ve made some trippy LED visuals that perfectly complement our sound, creating a full-on psychedelic experience. We’ll also be performing Diwata, the last song we recorded with Dino, which will be part of the new album. It’s a chance for Dino to bid a proper farewell and introduce himself as Dino Pascual, closing this chapter with us in a meaningful way.

PC: What kind of music or album will we see The Bloomfields release in the future?

TB: Yes, we’re currently working on an album set to release next year, and it marks a new chapter for us—we’re in our psychedelic phase. While some fans might expect us to stay within the box of a vocal group in suits or as the ‘Beatles of the Philippines,’ we feel the need to break free from those labels. This album is all about pushing creative boundaries and exploring our sound without limitations or comparisons. We’re not focused on making hits; we’re simply making the music we want to create and share with the world.

PC: Given the chance, which artist do you want to collaborate with and what kind of collaboration will it be?

TB: There are so many artists we’d love to collaborate with, but the ones who first come to mind are those we’ve hung out with over the years—like Clem Castro of Orange & Lemons, Paul Putian of Coffee Break Island, Eco Del Rio of Bird., Red Dela Peña of POT, and Chris Padilla of Hilera, just to name a few. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and it would be exciting to fuse our styles together for something fresh and unexpected.

PC: No one can deny your major contribution to the Philippine music industry and the music industry in general, with two decades under your belt, an impressive discography, multiple accolades, and more. Your influence is truly incalculable. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

TB: We hope to be remembered as a band that served and entertained with humility and service. We hope to be recognized as the ‘analog soul kids’ who were heavily influenced by the 60s Britpop and rock ‘n’ roll sound and style, enriching the Pinoy music scene with more color and character. After two decades of playing and creating music for our Pinoy audience, we take pride in the impact we’ve made and aspire to inspire future generations of Filipino artists.

With Byaheng Mahiwaga, a special 20th-anniversary event at Fin and Claw, Timog, Quezon City on October 25, 2024, The Bloomfields are getting ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. You can purchase tickets at bloomfields.helixpay.ph.