Neocolours: The Band That Perfected OPM’s Feel-Good Sound

If you’ve ever found yourself singing along to "Tuloy Pa Rin" or "Kasalanan Ko Ba" during a road trip or a karaoke night, then you already know the magic of Neocolours. 

This band, often associated with the rise of adult contemporary OPM, has left an unforgettable mark on Philippine music. But who exactly are they, and how did they become a household name in the OPM scene? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a nostalgic trip through the journey of Neocolours.

The Birth of Neocolours: Humble Beginnings

Neocolours was formed in 1987, during a time when the Filipino music scene was dominated by love songs and soft rock. The original members—Jimmy Antiporda, Ito Rapadas, Marvin Querido, Paku Herrera, Josel Jimenez, and Nino Regalado—shared a passion for crafting relatable and heartfelt songs that resonated with everyday Filipinos. Their music was a perfect blend of pop, soft rock, and new wave, creating a sound that felt both fresh and familiar.

The band quickly gained popularity with their debut album "Making It", which featured the iconic track "Tuloy Pa Rin". The song became an anthem of resilience, hope, and moving on—one that continues to touch hearts across generations.

Neocolours' Current Lineup:

  • Jimmy Antiporda - keyboards & vocals
  • Ito Rapadas - lead vocals
  • Marvin Querido - keyboards, backing vocals
  • Niño Regalado - drums, backing vocals
  • Paku Herrera - bass, backing vocals
  • Josel Jimenez - guitar, backing vocals
 

Former Members:

  • Jack Rufo
  • Dan Gil
 

Signature Sound: A Blend of Heartfelt Lyrics and Catchy Melodies

Neocolours is often credited with paving the way for modern Pinoy boybands. But unlike typical boybands, Neocolours stood out because they weren’t just about harmonies and good looks — they were a band that could actually play instruments. Their blend of soft rock, pop, and sentimental ballads became a blueprint for many OPM acts that followed.

Their music showcased a seamless fusion of catchy melodies and solid instrumentation, proving that a band could deliver both lyrical depth and musical quality. Songs like Tuloy Pa Rin and Say You'll Never Go exemplified this balance, influencing many contemporary OPM bands that strive to combine relatable lyrics with engaging musical arrangements. 

Neocolours showed that great songs are not just heard but felt, creating a legacy that remains strong to this day.

Neocolours on the cover of their "Tuloy Pa Rin" Album.
 

Notable Songs That Stood the Test of Time

Neocolours gifted us with several timeless hits, including:

  • "Tuloy Pa Rin" – The ultimate anthem of moving on and staying hopeful after heartbreak.
  • "Say You'll Never Go" – A heart-wrenching ballad about longing and devotion.
  • "Kasalanan Ko Ba" – A relatable song about guilt and heartbreak.
  • "Hold On" – An uplifting tune about perseverance and faith in love.
  • "Maybe" – A reflective song about uncertainty and hope in relationships.
 

Albums and Their Legacy

Neocolours' discography reflects their journey and growth as a band:

Making It (1988) – The band's debut album, featuring smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics that quickly captured the attention of OPM fans.

Tuloy Pa Rin (1990) – This album solidified their status with hits like "Tuloy Pa Rin," an anthem of resilience and moving on.

Truth & Consequence (1992) – A collection of songs that explored deeper emotional themes, showcasing the band's growth and maturity.

Emerge: The Best of Neocolours (1999) – A greatest hits compilation highlighting their most beloved tracks from the past decade.

Rediscovered (Compilation album, 2004) – A fresh take on OPM classics, introducing their timeless sound to a new generation.
 

The Band's Hiatus and Comeback

In the mid-90s, Neocolours decided to take a break to pursue individual careers. Members ventured into music production, songwriting, and session work with other notable OPM artists. But like their song "Tuloy Pa Rin" suggests, the band’s journey didn’t end there.

In 2019, after years of pursuing separate paths, Neocolours reunited for a series of concerts. Their comeback was met with overwhelming support from fans who grew up with their music and from younger generations who discovered their timeless hits through social media and streaming platforms.



What Are They Up To Lately?

Even after decades in the industry, Neocolours remains active and continues to captivate audiences with their timeless sound. The band members still come together for special performances and events, reliving the magic of their hits with longtime fans and new listeners alike. In recent years, they've participated in music festivals, private events, and television appearances that celebrate OPM's enduring legacy.

Beyond performing, the members have also ventured into music production and songwriting for other artists. Jimmy Antiporda, for instance, has worked extensively with ABS-CBN on various theme songs and soundtracks for popular television series. The band's influence extends behind the scenes, helping shape the next generation of Filipino musicians. Their music continues to resonate, proving that the heart of OPM beats stronger than ever.

Why Neocolours Still Matters Today

Neocolours' songs have a rare quality—they feel like old friends who understand your heartaches and dreams. Their music has transcended generations, finding new life in movie soundtracks, TV commercials, and viral social media posts.

So, the next time you hear "Tuloy Pa Rin", take a moment to appreciate the genius behind it. Because when life gets tough, Neocolours reminds us that no matter what happens, tuloy pa rin ang awit ng buhay.

Did you enjoy this trip down memory lane? Share this article and spread the timeless charm of Neocolours to more music lovers out there!

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