For many Filipinos who came of age in the early 2000s, few bands capture nostalgia quite like the acoustic band we’re talking about here. If you've never experienced their unique blend of acoustic covers and originals, you're in for a treat. And if you're revisiting them after years? Well, let's take this journey together through the remarkable story of MYMP—the band that proved sometimes the simplest stage setups can indeed create the most powerful connections.
Who Is MYMP Anyway?
MYMP (which stands for Make Your Momma Proud) is a Filipino acoustic band that rose to prominence in the early 2000s. If you were anywhere near a radio in the Philippines during that time, chances are you've heard their smooth, mellow covers of popular songs that they transformed into acoustic gems.The band was originally formed in 2003 by Chin Alcantara, Mike Manahan, and Juris Fernandez, whose angelic voice would become one of the most recognizable elements of MYMP's signature sound. When Mike left the group due to personal and creative differences, Chin and Juris triggered the tandem that we now know as one of the very best acoustic acts in OPM history.
As of this writing, this is the current lineup of MYMP:
- Chin Alcantara – guitar, vocals
- Juliet Bahala – lead vocals
- Ethyl Bahala – lead vocals
- Aaron Cadaing – bass
- Benj Bamba – drums, percussion
- Gen Lapinid – keyboards
The Golden Era: Juris and Chin’s Tandem
The partnership between Juris Fernandez and Chin Alcantara represents the most magical chapter in MYMP's history - a phenomenon that defied all conventional music industry wisdom. Armed with nothing more than a guitar and a voice, this unassuming duo commanded the same reverence and drew the same massive crowds typically reserved for full-scale rock productions with elaborate light shows and multi-piece bands.
There was something almost mystical about their chemistry. Chin's fingers would dance across guitar strings with mathematical precision yet soulful abandon, creating intricate melodic landscapes that served as the perfect foundation for Juris's vocals. And those vocals - ethereal yet grounded, delicate yet powerful - had an uncanny ability to silence even the largest, most boisterous venues into pin-drop quiet moments of collective emotional surrender.
Perhaps most telling was the reverent silence that would fall over crowds during their performances - a rarity in Philippine concert culture where audience participation and singing along is the norm. For MYMP's performances, fans would often shush each other, not wanting to miss a single note or nuance. That level of respect is typically reserved for classical performances, yet this acoustic duo commanded it while playing cover songs in shopping malls and concert halls alike.
With nothing but six strings and a voice, they created a musical legacy that continues to influence Filipino artists who understand that sometimes, the most powerful statement is the most simply stated.
MYMP's Discography
Each of the 5 albums below showcased their evolution as musicians while maintaining that signature MYMP sound that fans had come to love.Soulful Acoustic (2003)
MYMP's breakthrough debut album introduced the Philippines to their signature acoustic sound and Juris Fernandez's angelic vocals. Released under Ivory Music & Video, it achieved multi-platinum status with over 120,000 units sold. The album featured their original hit "A Little Bit" alongside unforgettable covers like "Tell Me Where It Hurts" and "Kailan," establishing MYMP as leaders in the acoustic movement and setting the template for their distinctive approach to reimagining both international and OPM classics.
Beyond Acoustic (2005)
Building on their initial success, "Beyond Acoustic" expanded MYMP's repertoire while maintaining their stripped-down acoustic essence. This sophomore effort showcased more polished arrangements and production quality, featuring standout tracks like "For the First Time" (which became a wedding staple throughout the Philippines), "Crazy for You," and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now." The album further cemented MYMP's reputation for creating definitive acoustic renditions that often surpassed the originals in local popularity.
Versions (2005)
Released in the same year as "Beyond Acoustic," "Versions" demonstrated MYMP's versatility across different genres while maintaining their acoustic identity. The album delivered massive radio hits including their cover of "Eternal Flame," an emotional rendition of Gary Valenciano's "How Did You Know," and their take on "Searchin' My Soul." This record proved MYMP wasn't just a one-album wonder but a band with staying power and the ability to consistently reimagine familiar songs with fresh, soulful arrangements.
New Horizon (2006)
"New Horizon" marked a creative turning point as MYMP began incorporating more original compositions while still delivering the covers fans expected. The album featured original tracks like "Get Me" alongside their interpretation of Bob Marley's "Waiting in Vain" and "Be My Number Two." This release showed MYMP's artistic growth and willingness to take risks while maintaining the acoustic sensibility that made them famous, balancing their identity as interpreters and original artists.
Now (2008)
The final album featuring Juris Fernandez before her departure in 2009, "Now" carries a certain emotional weight and maturity. It features stronger original Filipino compositions like "Walang Iba" and "Huwag Mo Nang Itanong" alongside covers like "Only Hope." The album represented both the peak of the original lineup's collaboration and the end of an era, showcasing their evolved songwriting abilities and deeper emotional connection with listeners through more personal lyrical content.
Electrified: 10th Anniversary Edition (2014)
Celebrating a decade in the industry, "Electrified" represented a departure from MYMP's purely acoustic sound, incorporating more electric elements while preserving their essence. With Jana Laraza on vocals, bringing the band full circle to one of its original members, the album featured tracks like "Tambay," "Una Kang Naging Akin," and original composition "Sayo." This anniversary release demonstrated MYMP's ability to evolve with changing music trends while honoring the acoustic roots that made them beloved by Filipino audiences across generations.
The Bittersweet Changes
What followed was a series of transitions that tested the band's resilience. On January 24, 2010, Juliet Bahala was introduced as the new vocalist. At just 18 years old, this regional singing champion from Davao (coincidentally Juris's hometown too) brought fresh energy to the group. Juliet's voice graced MYMP's second live album "The Unreleased Acoustic Collection," helping the band maintain its connection with fans during this critical transition.
However, the demanding performance schedule took its toll. During the album's promotion, Juliet suffered severe vocal fatigue that eventually forced her to take an indefinite break from performing. The band needed to adapt quickly and brought in Vanessa Rangadhol as a temporary replacement from November 2011 to March 2013.
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| Jana Laraza fronted MYMP from 2012 to 2018 |
In another full-circle moment, original vocalist Jana Laraza returned to the group after winning an audition. Under her vocals, MYMP released the single "Electrified," marking a slight departure from their purely acoustic sound. Jana remained with the group until mid-2018, helping to maintain MYMP's presence in the music scene during a period of transition.
2018 brought more changes as Carmella Ravanilla was selected as the new vocalist. Around this time, MYMP returned to their original label, Ivory Music, and released "Wishes & Dreams"—their first new material in nearly six years. The MYMP story continued to evolve when, in July 2022, Juliet Bahala rejoined the group after recovering her vocal health. In a unique development, January 2023 saw the band expand their vocal section by adding Juliet's sister, Ethyl Bahala, as a second female vocalist, creating a new dynamic in the group's sound.
Throughout these transitions, Chin Alcantara remained the constant foundation, keeping the MYMP sound recognizable despite the changing voices that interpreted it. While fans often debate which era of the band they prefer, each vocalist brought her own unique qualities to MYMP's evolving legacy.
Final Thoughts to Ponder: Why MYMP is one of the GOATs
With what we discussed here, it’s quite clear that MYMP isn’t your typical cover band—they were musical alchemists who transformed familiar songs into something intimately their own while creating originals that felt like they'd always been part of our lives.
Two decades after they first appeared on the scene, their music continues to resonate across generations. There's something timeless about the combination of heartfelt vocals, skillful guitar work, and arrangements that strip songs down to their emotional core. In a musical landscape that increasingly values production over feeling, MYMP's catalog stands as a reminder that authenticity never goes out of style.
So tonight, why not create a MYMP playlist? Light a candle, pour your favorite drink, and let these acoustic gems wash over you. Some music is meant to be experienced, not just heard—and MYMP's catalog is definitely worth experiencing again and again.
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