The band we’re discussing in this post is a name that can never be belittled in the long list of Filipino rock acts. You know why? Because they’re one of the pioneers of ‘90s Pinoy rock, crafting songs that continue to resonate with music lovers today. Whether it’s the emotionally charged Habang May Buhay or the uplifting Next in Line, After Image has created some of the most memorable songs in OPM history.
But who exactly are they, and what makes their music so special? Let’s dive into the story of After Image, one of the most influential Filipino bands of their time.
The History of After Image
Like a fleeting vision that lingers long after it fades, After Image left an undeniable mark on the OPM landscape. Formed in the late '80s, the band was composed of five talented musicians.
The original lineup consisted of:
- Wency Cornejo –
Lead vocals
- Chuck Isidro –
Lead guitars
- Bobit Uson –
Bass
- Rogelio “Ogie” Villamor – Drums
- Arnold Cabalza – keyboards
Before Isidro took on lead guitar duties, the band’s original guitarist was none other than Francis Reyes, who later gained prominence with The Dawn.
By the early '90s, After Image had cemented itself as one of the most promising acts in the growing Filipino alternative rock scene. But it was in 1994, during the height of the first OPM band explosion, that they truly became a household name.
Breakthrough Success: Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw
It was during the intense band craze during the mid-90s, when they released their second album, Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw—a record that would propel them to nationwide fame. The album’s lead single, "Tag-ulan," resonated with fans and climbed the charts, earning the band a Gold Record Award. But it was their next hit, "Mangarap Ka," that solidified their legacy. The song’s powerful message of perseverance and hope turned it into an anthem of its time.
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| Album Cover or Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw |
Their meteoric rise earned them the Artist of the Year award at the first NU Rock Awards in 1994, and in 1995, Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw was named Album of the Year at the Awit Awards. As the band continued their momentum, they underwent a lineup change, with Niño Mesina replacing Bobit Uson on bass, allowing Uson to switch to guitar alongside Isidro.
Maintaining The Momentum and Their Eventual Disbandment
Riding on their success, After Image released their third album, Bagong Araw, in 1996. However, despite their achievements, internal conflicts and management issues took their toll. By 1997, After Image disbanded, leaving fans with only the echoes of their music.
For over a decade, the band members pursued different paths, with Wency Cornejo embarking on a successful solo career. But in 2008, a long-awaited reunion happened. After Image returned with their comeback album, Our Place Under the Sun, under Viva Records—their first in 12 years since Bagong Araw in 1996. It was a testament to their enduring legacy and the timelessness of their music.
While their time in the spotlight may have come and gone, After Image remains an unforgettable name in OPM, proving that great music, much like an afterimage, never truly disappears.
Signature Hits That Defined a Generation
Next in Line
Perhaps one of the most inspirational OPM songs ever written, Next in Line is an anthem about self-discovery, growing up, and navigating life’s uncertainties. With its powerful chorus and relatable lyrics, it became a national graduation song and a theme for many young Filipinos trying to find their place in the world.
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| Inigo Pascual, performing his version of "Next In line," one of the most popular covers of the song. |
Habang May Buhay
This ballad is a deeply emotional love song that speaks about unwavering devotion. Its heartfelt message and sweeping melody made it one of After Image’s most iconic tracks. To this day, it remains one of the most requested OPM songs in karaoke bars across the country.
Mangarap Ka
A song that encourages listeners to dream big despite challenges, Mangarap Ka became a motivational anthem. It’s a song that resonates with Filipinos striving for a better future.
Bai
If you’re looking for a song that pays homage to friendship and camaraderie, this song is really it. Bai carries a warm, nostalgic feel that resonates with listeners, especially among Filipino social circles.
Pagtawid
This track delves into themes of resilience and moving forward, making it a powerful and uplifting addition to their discography. If you add Pagtawid to your playlist, you’ll surely have the motivation you need to get along with daily chores, no matter how hard they’ll get.
Discography
Through the years, After Image released a collection of albums that defined their signature sound—a mix of heartfelt lyricism, soaring melodies, and anthemic rock compositions. Their music captured the emotions of an entire generation, blending alternative rock with deeply personal storytelling.
Studio Albums
- Touch the Sun (1992)
– Their debut album introduced After Image as a rising force in
OPM. Featuring tracks that leaned toward alternative rock and pop,
this album showcased their raw energy and potential.
- Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw (1994)
– The album that catapulted them to mainstream success. It housed
the massive hits Tag-Ulan and Mangarap Ka, both of
which became iconic anthems of the '90s.
- Bagong Araw (1996)
– Marking a more mature phase for the band, this album featured a
refined sound while staying true to their signature emotional depth.
- Our Place Under the Sun (2008) – A long-awaited comeback album after 12 years, it reintroduced After Image to a new generation while rekindling nostalgia for longtime fans.
Compilation Albums
- Lites (1995) – A special release featuring stripped-down and acoustic versions of their hits, offering a fresh take on their beloved songs.
- Greatest Hits (1996) – A collection of their most celebrated tracks, serving as the ultimate After Image playlist for fans old and new.
With a discography that spans decades, After Image continues to be a symbol of classic OPM—proof that great music never fades, it only shines brighter over time.
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| Lead vocalist Wency Cornejo, performing "Next In Line" as a solo act in Wish 107.5 |
Awards and Recognition
Throughout their career, After Image has been recognized for their contributions to the OPM industry. Their music, characterized by heartfelt lyricism and powerful melodies, has earned them multiple awards and cemented their place as one of the most influential bands of the '90s.
NU Rock Awards (1994): Artist of the Year – At the height of their success,
After Image was named Artist of the Year at the first-ever
NU Rock Awards, a testament to their impact on the
alternative rock scene.
Awit Awards (1995): Album of the Year for
Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw – Their second studio album,
Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw, was named Album of the Year
at the prestigious Awit Awards, further
solidifying their reputation as one of the top OPM bands of the
decade.
Katha Music Awards (1996) – In the mid-90s, After Image won 3 prestigious awards for the Katha award-giving body, where most music artists got nothing:
- Album of the Year – Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw
- Best Rock Group Performance
- Best Rock Song – Habang May Buhay
These accolades reflect the band's musical legacy and their influence on Filipino rock music. Even decades later, After Image’s songs remain deeply embedded in the hearts of OPM fans.
Final Thoughts to Ponder
If OPM were a book, After Image would be one of its most important chapters. They weren’t just another band that made it big; they were artists who shaped the landscape of Filipino music with their poignant lyrics, soul-stirring melodies, and heartfelt storytelling.
So, if you haven’t given them a deep dive yet, now’s the perfect time. Play Next in Line when you’re feeling lost, sing Habang May Buhay when you’re in love, and blast Mangarap Ka when you need a little motivation. Because After Image provides a soundtrack to life’s most defining moments for those who call themselves "batang 90s"
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