Much like the elusive alamid, a wild civet cat that roams the Philippine forests, the band Alamid carved its own path in the OPM scene—fierce, untamed, and unforgettable. Their music prowled through the airwaves, leaving a lasting mark with songs that touched the heart and soul. If you grew up listening to 90s OPM, chances are “Your Love” by Alamid is one of those songs that never left your heart.
This classic OPM anthem has transcended generations, becoming a staple at weddings, acoustic nights, and even rock concerts. But Alamid is more than just that one song. They were one of the most influential Filipino rock bands of the 90s, creating music that spoke to the hearts of many.
Stay comfy on your seat, soundtripper, because you now have the ultimate guide to Alamid—their history, their biggest hits, and why they deserve to be celebrated.
Who is Alamid?
Alamid is a Filipino alternative rock band that gained fame in the 1990s with their emotionally driven songs and powerful performances. Their music blends alternative rock, soft rock, and pop, making them one of the most beloved OPM bands of their time.
The band is best known for their timeless hit “Your Love”, but their discography goes far beyond that. They have delivered some of the most unforgettable OPM rock anthems, proving their versatility and passion for music.
Alamid’s Notable Members
Like many long-running bands, Alamid went through several lineup changes over the years. However, their core members helped shape their legacy:
- Gary Ignacio - vocals
- Dexter Facelo - guitars
- Jun Pineda - bass
- Gene Mitra - keyboards
- Jex Herredura - drums
Alamid's Beginnigs as A Goth-Punk Band
Alamid’s journey began in the halls of St. James Academy in Malabon, where Gary Ignacio and Dexter Facelo first discovered their shared passion for music. As high school bandmates, they planted the seeds of what would later become one of the most influential OPM bands of the 90s.
Before Alamid, both Gary and Dexter were already immersed in the local music scene. Dexter was part of Ardourn Delirium, an all-male band that featured Myra Ruaro, who would later rise to fame as the vocalist of Put3ska. Meanwhile, Gary fronted a band called Boy Next Door, where he was the only male member in a group dominated by female musicians.
Tragedy struck when Gary’s band disbanded following an unfortunate incident involving one of his bandmates. Determined to continue making music, he teamed up with Thallie Facelo, Dexter’s brother, to form Athena’s Curse. Initially a goth-punk band, their style took a darker, more atmospheric turn when Dexter joined as a keyboardist, shifting their sound towards gothic rock.
For years, Athena’s Curse thrived in the underground scene, playing gigs and gaining a loyal following. “We played for years in the underground circuit,” Gary recalled. “We were even supposed to record an album, but it never materialized—partly because of the band’s name.”
By 1993, a major turning point arrived. Club Dredd, one of the most iconic hubs for Pinoy rock bands, closed its doors. Sensing the need for reinvention, the band decided it was time for a fresh start—beginning with a name change. They chose Alamid, not just as a symbolic rebirth but also as a practical decision—wanting to secure the top spot in alphabetical billings for shows.
Along with the name change came a natural evolution in their sound. No longer bound by the gothic undertones of their past, Alamid embraced a broader alternative rock style—one that would soon catapult them to mainstream success.
From their underground roots to becoming one of the most celebrated OPM bands of the 90s, Alamid’s transformation was nothing short of legendary.
From Underground Scene to Mainstream Success
Alamid's big break came in 1994, when they signed with Warner Music Philippines and released their self-titled debut album, Alamid. This album introduced them to the mainstream and gave them their career-defining hit, “Your Love.”
The song quickly became a massive hit, receiving heavy radio airplay and becoming a favorite among OPM fans. It was even recognized as Song of the Year at the NU 107 Rock Awards in 1995.
From that moment on, Alamid became one of the leading bands in the OPM rock scene, performing in major concerts, television shows, and award ceremonies.
Alamid’s Biggest Hits You Need to Hear
If you’re looking to relive the magic of Alamid or discover their best songs, here are their most iconic tracks:
1. Your Love
This is the song that made Alamid a household name. Your Love is a heartfelt, romantic anthem that has become one of the greatest OPM love songs of all time. Whether it’s played at weddings or acoustic gigs, its emotional impact never fades.
2. China Eyes
A catchy, upbeat track that showcases Alamid’s alternative rock energy. It’s a fan favorite that proves they weren’t just about love songs—they knew how to rock, too!
3. Still Believe in Love
This song blends hopeful lyrics and a soaring melody, capturing the spirit of perseverance in love and life.
4. Sama-sama
A feel-good hymn, that gives you that kind of urge to dance on the streets along with your friends, no matter how silly your movements might get.
5. Batibot Theme Song
Yes, you read that right! Alamid recorded a rock version of the iconic Batibot theme song, making it one of the most fun and unexpected additions to their discography.
These songs are just a glimpse into Alamid’s musical legacy—a mix of raw rock energy, heartfelt ballads, and unforgettable anthems.
Discography
Alamid’s music spans multiple albums, each representing different phases of their journey as a band. From their breakthrough debut to their later independent release, their discography showcases their evolution as one of OPM’s most enduring acts.
- Alamid (1994) – Their debut album, featuring their breakthrough hit Your Love.
- Panaginip (1995) – Continued their success with more emotionally charged tracks.
- Radio Friendly (1997) – Showcased their evolving sound and musical versatility.
- Anting-anting (2005) – An independently released album that reaffirmed their presence in the OPM scene.
The Loss of Gary Ignacio
One of the saddest moments in OPM history was the passing of Gary Ignacio, Alamid’s lead vocalist. In April 2015, Gary lost his battle with multiple organ failure due to kidney cancer, which he endured for eight months. He was only 49 years old.
Gary’s soulful and passionate voice was one of the defining elements of Alamid’s music. His performance in Your Love remains one of the most emotional and powerful vocal deliveries in OPM history. Even after his passing, his legacy lives on through Alamid’s timeless songs, touching the hearts of old and new fans alike.
His death was a huge loss for the Philippine music industry, but his influence will never be forgotten. Every time Your Love plays, it serves as a tribute to the man who gave OPM one of its greatest anthems.
Why Alamid’s Music Still Matters Today
Even though the 90s OPM scene has evolved, Alamid’s music remains timeless. Here’s why:
- Emotional Depth – Their songs tackle themes of
love, heartbreak, hope, and nostalgia, making them
relatable across generations.
-
Authentic Rock Sound – Unlike many overproduced
songs today, Alamid’s music had a raw, genuine quality
that made them stand out.
-
Impact on OPM – They helped define the sound of
90s alternative rock, inspiring many Filipino bands
that followed.
- A Song for Every Mood – Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or just reminiscing about the good old days, there’s an Alamid song for you.
Their music has been covered by new artists, played in countless live performances, and still gets airplay—a true testament to their lasting impact. No matter where you listen, Alamid’s music is guaranteed to bring back memories or create new ones.
Final Thoughts: Why Alamid is an OPM Treasure
Just like the wild alamid, which thrives despite changing landscapes, Alamid’s music remains untamed and timeless. Their songs continue to roam through radio stations, streaming platforms, and the hearts of OPM fans, proving that true music never fades.
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| Alamid during their Wish 107.5 performance, with Carl McFly on lead vocals |
From the emotional power of “Your Love” to their high-energy rock anthems, Alamid’s music continues to inspire old and new generations of OPM fans.
So if you haven’t already, hit play on an Alamid song today—you might just find yourself falling in love with their music all over again.
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