An ode to 41-year-old Ilonggo Binhi Band

By Dr. Herman M. Lagon

MUSIC, the universal language of mankind, has always had the power to connect, inspire, and heal. It is this power that the iconic Ilonggo band, Binhi, has wielded masterfully for an incredible 41 years. This journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of their music and the tenacity, spirit, and undying passion of the band members. Their story deserves to be sung from the rooftops, and that’s precisely what we intend to do in this celebratory column.

Born out of a desire to entertain, inspire, and bring joy to their listeners, Binhi Band was formed in 1982. Eddie “Taydiu” Magahum, the band’s bassist and vocalist, sowed this seed along with original members Norman Malacaman on organ and vocals, Edgar Clavecillas on guitar and vocals, Rodney Bernadas/Alex Boy Jacosalem on rhythm and vocals, Samuel “Sammy” Villamala on drums and vocals, whom Carlito Delmo later replaced, Loreto Delgado, and Bebe Villanueva.

Drawing inspiration from his grandfather, the father of Ilonggo novels, Angel Merle Magahum Sr., band leader Taydiu channeled his musical lineage into the heartbeat of the band “Binhi,” which translates to “Seed” in English, capturing the essence of their music as it grows, matures, and spreads like a tree. This musicality echoed in the Magahum household, resounding off the strings of two pianos, a cello, and an accordion, eventually spilling into the very fabric of Binhi Band.

From their first performance about four decades ago at the blessing of the municipal church of Igbaras, Iloilo, Binhi Band’s journey has been nothing short of a magnum opus. From covering the musical brilliance of the 70s, 80s, and 90s to creating their own original compositions, their music, imbued with authenticity and raw emotion and peppered with classical pop and jazz music, has enchanted audiences across Iloilo City and beyond.

Carrie,

In 1987, the band took a leap of faith and tried their luck in Manila, the capital city. Their hard work paid off, leading to successful tours in Cambodia, Singapore (NTUC), and Malaysia (Sparks Disco) from 1995 to 1996, and performances at the Grand Hotel in Bahrain from 1997 to 1998, and again at Phoenicia Hotel in Bahrain from 1999 to 2000.

Like any band, Binhi also went through ups and downs, facing challenges and conflicts among members due to individual differences. However, under the resilient leadership of Taydiu, Binhi Band was reborn in 2006 with new members, including Rodelio ‘Kim’ Vicente on lead guitar and vocals, Seymour Serrano on keyboard, George Vicente on drums and vocals, and Russel Baron on vocals. Venues such as Red Paprika, Kamalig, Yrong Yrong, Sugbahan, Ihawan, Quay Grill, Barracks, Kahirup, and Marina, among so many others, have all resonated with the soulful melodies of Binhi.

Their rendition of Queen’s masterpiece, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” is a testament to their ability to re-imagine and recreate brilliance, earning them well-deserved fame. And so as Aerosmith’s “Dream On and I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing;” Eagles’ “Hotel California;” Guns and Roses’ Sweet Child of Mind;” Europe’s “Carrie;” Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” and “Wondeful Tonight;” Queens’ “We Will Rock You,” “We Are The Champions,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and “I Want to Break Fee;” Kansas’ “Dust In The Wind;” Journey’s “Open Arms,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Faithfully;” Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door;” Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There for you” and “Bed of Roses;” Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven;” Nazareth’s “Where Are You Now?;” Toto’s “Rosanna;” Steelheart’s “She’s Gone;” Kenny Loggins’ “Forever;” Speedwagon’s “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore,” Santana’s “Black Magic Woman;” Tropical Depression’s “Bilog Na Naman Ang Buwan” and “Kapayapaan;” Side A’s “Forevermore;” Mike Hanopol’s “Laki Sa Layaw;” John Lennon’s “Imagine;” Bryan Addams’ “Please Forgive Me;” and Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry,” “Redemption Song,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Stir Up,” “One Love,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “I Shot the Sherrif,” “Is This Love,” “Jammin’,” “Waiting in Vain,” and “Get Up, Stand Up.” But, it is not just covers that this band is known for. Original compositions like “Buhay Musikero” also hold a prominent place in their repertoire, demonstrating their versatility and creativity.

Nonetheless, this year marks the 41st year of their melodious journey. And what a journey it has been! Their music has traveled across borders, transcending language and cultural barriers. Along the way, they have encountered and overcome challenges, always emerging stronger and more united, embodying the ethos Taydiu Magahum shared in a recent interview with Radyo Bistado, “Just go with your music; if you are in a band, always look on the positives and not the negatives.” That same interview posted on FaceBook got 150k views in just a day, which shows the extent of the band’s influence.

Binhi recently leaped another significant milestone—a live performance on the highly acclaimed platform Wish 107.5 last July 17 at Sunburst Park in the historic Calle Real, Iloilo City Proper. Their rendition of the slow-paced ballad “Forever,” their original masterpiece “Buhay Musikero,” and their signature Freddy Mercury-inspired “Bohemian Rhapsody” were testaments to the band’s musical “balayage (feels),” world-class instrumentality, and enduring relevance. It was an opportunity to reach new audiences, further spreading their enchanting melodies. And they nailed it.

So, as we celebrate and salute the iconic original Ilongg group, we also celebrate the spirit of music and its power to bring us together. The members of Binhi Band—past and present—have demonstrated that with passion, determination, and unity, we can indeed reach our destination.

As Taydiu eloquently said, “Maglakat sg tadlung kay makalab-ut ka gid na sa punta (Keep walking straight, and you will undoubtedly reach your destination in the end).”

To Binhi Band, we say, “Madamo gd nga salamat sa inyo nga musika (Thank you so much for your music).” And to the readers and music lovers, let’s continue to support local talents and get inspired to pursue our passions.

The band continues to perform, spreading the magic of their music at Parekoy Resto KTV Bar in Arevalo, Iloilo City, every Saturday and Burini’s Restobar in Molo, Iloilo City on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. For those who wish to listen to and enjoy the Binhi-blend of classical music, these are the places to be!

Like a seed that has grown into a mighty tree, Binhi Band has firmly rooted itself in the music scene, spreading its branches wide, touching hearts, and connecting souls with its music. Moreover, as they continue their journey, their music will continue to grow, branching out to new avenues, reaching new heights, and touching even more lives. Here is to 41 years of Binhi Band and to many more years of great music!

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Dr. Herman Lagon fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world that is grounded in social justice. He is a professor of ISUFST, a student of USLS, a retiree of Ateneo, and an alumnus of UP, UI, and WVSU.