You know how there are bands that don’t just create music—they start a whole movement? That's exactly what Put3ska did. If you’re even remotely curious about how ska music planted its roots in the Philippines, Put3ska is where your story should begin.
Sit back, soundtripper, because today we’re diving into the colorful, energetic world of one of the most iconic OPM bands ever. This is the ultimate guide to Put3ska: their history, their legacy, and why they’re still one of the coolest bands you’ll ever hear.
Who is Put3ska?
Put3ska (pronounced poo-tres-ka, a clever mashup of the Filipino expletive "putres" and "ska") exploded onto the Manila music scene in 1993. They were the torchbearers of the ska revival movement in the country—bringing the bouncy, horn-driven rhythms of Jamaican ska and giving it a distinctly Pinoy flavor.Fronted by the iconic Myra Ruaro, Put3ska was known for their irresistible energy, sharp retro fashion, and the kind of music that made you want to get up and dance—whether you knew how to or not. And man, they made ska look so effortlessly cool.
Put3ska's original lineup consists of:
- Myra Ruaro - vocals
- Arnold Morales - guitar
- Bing Austria - keyboard
- Luis Guiang - drums
- Rommel Cruz - bass
- Richard Cruz - saxophone
- Eldie Siochi - trumpet
- Marvin Flores - trombone
Think upbeat tempos, walking bass lines, off-beat guitar strokes, and brass sections that made audiences get up and dance no matter how hard they tried to resist. That’s the impressive collective sound that the above-mentioned guys projected.
In an interview, Myra once reminisced about their early days, recalling their first gigs at the legendary Club Dredd and the beautiful chaos that defined their beginnings.
While ska bands like Madness, The Wailers, and The Specials were topping charts across the globe, this genre initially seemed foreign to Filipino ears. Put3ska was introducing something revolutionary to the local music scene—a brave move that would eventually pay off tremendously.
How Put3ska Took Over Manila (and Beyond)
When Put3ska started playing gigs in the early ‘90s, they were something different—different enough to stand out, but familiar enough to get crowds moving. Their shows were pure fun: a party of upbeat horns, walking basslines, and lyrics that ranged from playful to socially aware.In 1994, they dropped their self-titled debut album, and boom—the local music scene had never heard anything quite like it. Hits like "Manila Girl", "My Boy Lollipop", and "Lucretia My Reflection" quickly became staples on Filipino radio and underground parties alike.
At the 1995 NU 107 Rock Awards, Put3ska was crowned the Best New Artist, and "Manila Girl" won Song of the Year. That wasn’t just a win for them—it was a win for ska music in the Philippines.
What Made Put3ska So Special?
Let’s be real: ska isn’t the easiest genre to popularize. It’s niche, it’s a bit quirky, and it’s usually dominated by huge horn sections and dancey rhythms. But Put3ska made it accessible and irresistible to Filipinos.Here’s why they stood out:
- Authenticity: They didn’t water down ska. They embraced it fully—brass, upstroke guitars, and all.
- Filipino Flavor: While their sound was rooted in Jamaican ska traditions, their lyrics and vibe were undeniably Pinoy.
- Charisma: Myra Ruaro wasn’t just a frontwoman; she was a force. Her voice, her style, and her stage presence made every performance unforgettable.
- Unity: Their music cut across social classes, bringing together punks, mods, students, and even the occasional tito and tita who couldn't resist the groove.
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| Myra Ruaro now goes by the name "Skarlet Brown" |
Greatest Hits You Need in Your Playlist Right Now
If you’re just starting your journey with Put3ska, these are the tracks you absolutely can't miss::"Manila Girl" — An ultimate Pinoy anthem. It’s catchy, it’s cheeky, and it’ll have you singing along even if you’re hearing it for the first time.
"My Boy Lollipop" — A cover of the Millie Small classic, given a Pinoy ska twist that feels fresh and funky.
"Sirang Romantiko" — A perfect blend of bittersweet lyrics and upbeat ska vibes, this track captures the chaotic but charming emotions of being a "broken romantic."
"Birthday Holiday" — A lively, feel-good song that’s practically made for dancing at a birthday party or just celebrating life itself.
"Short Stories" — A more reflective, storytelling-driven song that showcases the band's ability to weave deeper narratives into their usually high-energy sound.
Discography
Put3ska released two studio albums during their active years, each representing a significant chapter in the evolution of Filipino ska music:
Put3ska (1994)
Their self-titled debut album revolutionized the Filipino music landscape at a time when alternative rock dominated the airwaves. Released under Viva Records, this groundbreaking collection introduced local audiences to an authentic ska sound that was both foreign and distinctly Filipino. The album masterfully balanced upbeat, dance-worthy instrumentals with socially relevant lyrics that resonated with the Filipino youth of the mid-90s.Manila's Finest (1998)
Their sophomore album, "Manila's Finest," represented a significant evolution in Put3ska's musical journey. Released four years after their debut, this album demonstrated remarkable growth in songwriting sophistication, instrumental arrangements, and production values. The band had clearly honed their craft through years of performing, resulting in a more polished yet equally energetic collection of tracks.
The Break, The Reunions, and the Legacy
In 1998 Myra left Put3ska and formed The Brownbeat All Stars, a band with a very similar tone. To keep the brand alive, the remaining Put3ska members welcomed Marizel Serangelo as their new singer. The band's absence left a massive ska-shaped hole in the local music scene.But good news for fans: they reunited! In 2019, Put3ska made a thrilling comeback with a reunion concert that had longtime fans (and a new generation of curious listeners) skanking the night away once more.
Now, let’s talk about their legacy. In an age of streaming and algorithmic playlists, you might wonder why you should care about a Filipino ska band from the '90s. Well, friend, let me tell you:
First, Put3ska represents authentic Filipino musical innovation. They took an international genre and made it uniquely their own, infusing it with local flavors and sensibilities.
Second, their social commentary remains relevant. Many of the issues they sang about – inequality, corruption, social justice – continue to resonate in Philippine society today.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, their music is just plain FUN. In these often stressful times, don't we all need music that makes us want to get up and skank around our living rooms?
The Bottom Line
Bear in mind that Put3ska were pioneers who brought ska music to the Filipino mainstream and left an indelible mark on OPM history. Their unique sound, socially conscious lyrics, and energetic performances created a legacy that continues to influence Filipino musicians today.
So the next time you're looking for something to liven up your playlist, give Put3ska a spin. Your ears will thank you, your feet will start moving on their own, and you'll understand why they remain legends in the Filipino music scene even decades later.
And hey, if you end up becoming obsessed with Filipino ska because of this article, don't say we didn't warn you! Once that brass section hits, there's no turning back.
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