Rivermaya set to rock Dubai: Bamboo reflects on staying grounded in music

Dubai: Iconic Filipino rock band Rivermaya is set to electrify Dubai on February 9, bringing their signature sound and timeless hits to fans in the UAE.

Ahead of the much-anticipated 'The Reunion' concert, former frontman Bamboo Mañalac shared his thoughts on touring and handling fame.

“I wish, I wish, like, I'll speak for myself, that I, or we, could take credit for that, but it's really the people around you who sort of keep you firmly on the ground, who keep you checked, right?” Bamboo said during a press conference in Dubai.

The legendary singer, known for his powerful vocals and stage presence, acknowledged the struggles of life on tour and how it can disconnect musicians from their roots.

“You forget who you are,” he admitted, explaining that returning home to family and friends helps reset and reconnect with reality.

His former Rivermaya bandmate Mark Escueta echoed the sentiment, stating that the love for music and audience reactions keep them driven. “It’s seeing people’s reaction when we play—the joy we bring, the joy it brings us listening to each other,” he said.

For Bamboo, music is a shared experience, one that thrives on connection. “You gotta sway together. It’s a dance,” he said, emphasizing that musicians must listen and adjust to those around them.

As Rivermaya gears up for their Dubai show, fans can expect a night filled with nostalgia, energy, and the timeless anthems that defined an era. Whether it’s "Elesi," "Hinahanap-hanap Kita," or "Kisapmata," the band’s performance is set to be an unforgettable experience for Filipino rock lovers in the UAE.

Rivermaya performs live in Dubai on February 9, bringing a night of OPM classics and rock nostalgia.