For most of us, there are moments when we found ourselves staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, replaying memories of a lost love. If such a scene happened to you, chances are you’ve had I Belong To The Zoo playing in the background.
This OPM band has mastered the art of turning heartbreak into hauntingly beautiful music. With raw, emotional lyrics and melodies that hit you right in the gut, they’ve become one of the most beloved acts in the Filipino indie and alternative music scene.
But who exactly is I Belong To The Zoo? Where did they come from? And why does their music feel like it was ripped straight from our diaries? Buckle up, because this is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about the band that made crying in the rain feel cinematic.
The Story Behind I Belong To The Zoo
Like many great musicians, lead vocalist Argee Guerrero found his passion for
music at a young age. As a grade 7 student, he was captivated by the
raw energy of live rock performances, sparking a dream that would
eventually lead him to the OPM scene.
From 2002 to 2007,
Argee honed his craft as a solo performer, writing songs and
playing gigs wherever he could. But by 2007, he felt the pull of
collaboration and formed the band Tonight We Sleep, which was managed
by Mary Moon Productions. The band allowed him to explore a more
dynamic, alternative rock sound, but something was missing—an
outlet for his more personal, stripped-down compositions.
In
2014, Argee took a leap of faith and embarked on a solo career,
realizing that some of his most heartfelt songs didn’t quite fit
the heavier, more anthemic style of Tonight We Sleep. He needed a
space where he could pour his personal experiences into music without
compromise—and thus, I Belong To The Zoo was born.
At first, it was just Argee, a guitar, and a collection of songs that felt too intimate for a full band setting. But as his music began to resonate with more and more listeners, what started as a solo project evolved. By 2018, I Belong To The Zoo had grown into a five-member band, bringing a fuller, richer sound to Argee’s deeply emotional songwriting.
And the rest, as they say, is hugot history.
Meet The Band
- Argee Guerrero – lead vocals, guitars
-
Simon Clariza – guitars
-
Lee De Veyra – guitars
-
Gere Guerrero – bass
- Paolo Owyong – drums
What’s With the Name?
So, why I Belong To The Zoo? Well, believe it or not, it all started as a joke. The name came from a parody of the classic “Happy Birthday” song: “Happy birthday to you, I belong to the zoo…”—a tune Argee Guerrero once sang to his then-girlfriend. What started as playful teasing soon became an inside joke that took on a life of its own.
But the name wasn’t just for laughs. Argee has openly shared that as a kid, he was often teased for his looks, and “I Belong To The Zoo” became his way of owning it. Instead of running from the joke, he turned it into an identity—proof that sometimes, the best way to deal with the world is to laugh along with it.
Ironically, while the name suggests something wild and untamed, the band’s music belongs anywhere but a zoo. Their songs deserve to be on the charts, in stadiums, and echoing through the hearts of every hugot-filled listener. So if you’re feeling like a heartbroken panda or a melancholic lion, welcome—you just might belong to this zoo, too.
The Signature Sound of I Belong To The Zoo
So, what makes I Belong To The Zoo different from other OPM acts? It’s all in their simplicity and honesty. Their music doesn’t rely on flashy production or complicated arrangements. Instead, they focus on the raw emotions behind every song, often using acoustic guitars, gentle piano melodies, and Argee’s soothing yet heartbreaking voice to convey deep feelings.
Their songs range from soul-crushingly sad ballads to uplifting anthems about healing. Whether you’re in the middle of a breakup or just feeling nostalgic, their music feels like a warm hug—or a punch to the gut, depending on the song.
Must-Listen Songs from I Belong To The Zoo
If you’re new to the band, here are some of their most iconic tracks that you need to hear:
1. Sana
This song became a massive hit because of its painfully relatable lyrics about unreciprocated love. If you’ve ever been in a one-sided love story, this song will break you all over again.
2. Balang Araw
A song about moving on and hoping for a better future, “Balang Araw” gives listeners a sense of bittersweet acceptance. Perfect for those who are trying to let go but still feel the sting of the past.
3. Paalam, Patawad
This song features another OPM icon Moira dela Torre. The combination of their voices makes this track an emotional rollercoaster.
4. Balita
A melancholic yet poetic song that reflects on how news of a past love can still shake you, even when you think you’ve moved on.
5. Wala Lang
A simple yet deeply emotional track that speaks volumes about unspoken feelings—because sometimes, saying “wala lang” means so much more.
Discography
I Belong To The Zoo has self-released several albums that showcase their growth and emotional depth:
- I Belong to the Zoo (2017) – The debut
album that introduced their heartfelt and deeply personal
songwriting to the OPM scene.
- Kapiling (2021) – A follow-up album that dives deeper into themes of love, longing, and acceptance.
- afteryou (2024) – Their latest release, offering a fresh yet equally emotional take on heartbreak and self-reflection.
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| Argee Guerrero with Monty Macalino, vicalist of Mayonnaise |
Awards and Recognition
I Belong To The Zoo has received notable recognition in the OPM industry, winning prestigious awards for their heartfelt music:
- 2019 Myx Music Awards – New Artist of the Year and Performance of the Year
- 4th Wish 107.5 Awards (2019) – Ballad Song of the Year for “Balang Araw”
Why I Belong To The Zoo Stands Out in OPM
1. Their Lyrics Are Painfully Honest
Argee Guerrero has a way of writing lyrics that feel like they were taken straight out of your personal journal. His words don’t just tell a story—they make you feel every single emotion.
2. Their Music is Intimate Yet Universal
Whether you’re happily in love, recovering from heartbreak, or drowning in nostalgia, there’s an I Belong To The Zoo song for you. Their music is deeply personal yet incredibly relatable, making it easy to connect with.
3. They’ve Mastered the Art of Simplicity
While many artists go for complex instrumentation and over-the-top production, I Belong To The Zoo keeps it simple—and that’s what makes their music so powerful. The stripped-down nature of their songs allows listeners to focus on the raw emotion behind every lyric.
4. They Bring OPM to the Digital Age
The band has effectively leveraged streaming platforms to grow their fanbase. Their songs rack up millions of plays on Spotify and YouTube, proving that great music doesn’t need major label backing to reach people.
Final Thoughts to Ponder
I Belong To The Zoo is a band that brings us a truly compelling emotional experience. Their music speaks to the heart, helping people process pain, love, loss, and hope in the most beautiful way possible. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, one thing is for sure: their songs will stay with you long after the last note fades.
So, what’s your favorite I Belong To The Zoo song? Let’s talk about it in the comments and relive those heartbreaks together.
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