Barbie's Cradle
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Metro Manila , Philippines |
| Products | Music albums |
Barbie's Cradle was an alternative rock ensemble from the Philippines, established in 1998 by former members of Barbie Almalbis' earlier band, Hungry Young Poets. The group disbanded in 2005 when Almalbis embarked on a solo career. Their discography consists of three albums: Barbie's Cradle, Music from the Buffet Table, and Playing in the Fields. The latter two albums are distinguished by lyrics inspired by Christian themes, reflecting the songwriter Almalbis's spiritual journey.
Principal members comprised Barbie Almalbis (lead vocals and guitar), Rommel de la Cruz (bass), drummers Franklin Benitez and Wendell Garcia (before and after Music from the Buffet Table respectively), along with guitarist Kakoi Legaspi, who joined shortly prior to the band's breakup.
Origins
The group's roots trace back to Hungry Young Poets, formed in 1997 by Barbie Almalbis (guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter) alongside bassist Ricci Gurango. After issuing their self-titled album, drummer Franklin Benitez joined to complete the trio.
In 1998, Gurango left to front the cover band Little Green Men and subsequently created Mojofly. Following his claim over the original band's name, Almalbis and Benitez rebranded themselves as Barbie's Cradle.
Albums and lineup over the years
The original lineup—Almalbis on vocals and guitar, Benitez on drums, and Rommel De La Cruz handling bass—performed at a Manila concert opening for Sixpence None The Richer and recorded "Tabing Ilog," which served as the theme song for a well-known television drama. Their debut album, Barbie's Cradle, was released toward the end of 1999.
Prior to releasing their sophomore album, Music from the Buffet Table, in 2000, Benitez departed; drum responsibilities were shared between him and Wendell Garcia. This album introduced Christian-themed lyrics that became characteristic of both the band’s and Almalbis’s solo material.
The trio consisting of Almalbis, De La Cruz, and Garcia refined their sound with spiritually influenced tracks on Playing in the Fields (2003).
In 2005, Kakoi Legaspi, previously of Rivermaya, joined as a second guitarist. However, since Almalbis opted for a solo path soon after, no full-length album featured Legaspi’s contributions. His guitar work is present on "Good Day," included in Barbie: The Singles, a 2005 compilation showcasing songs from Hungry Young Poets, Barbie's Cradle, and Almalbis’s solo career.
After Barbie's Cradle
The final live appearance of the band took place during a benefit concert supporting the Philippine National Red Cross at UP Diliman's Bahay ng Alumni.
Following Almalbis’s departure in 2005 to focus on her solo endeavors, other members moved on to different musical projects. Rommel De La Cruz became bass player for Freestyle, Wendell Garcia took up drumming duties with Pupil, and Kakoi Legaspi co-founded Salindiwa. Franklin Benitez reunited with Almalbis as drummer on her solo albums.
Discography
- 1999 - Barbie's Cradle
- 2000 - Music from the Buffet Table
- 2003 - Playing in the Fields
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awarding Body | Category | Work Nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | New Artist Awards Festival (99.5RT) | Best New Pop-Alternative Artist | Template:N/A | Template:Won |
| 2000 | Awit Awards | Best Album Packaging | "Barbie's Cradle" | Template:Won |
| Katha Awards | Best Alternative Song | "Goodnyt" | Template:Won | |
| Best Album Packaging | "Barbie's Cradle" | Template:Won | ||
| 2001 | Katha Awards | Best Electronica Composition | "Up and at 'Em" | Template:Won |
| Best Folk Song | "Dear Paul" | Template:Won | ||
| Best Folk Vocal Performance | Template:Won | |||
| NU Rock Awards | Best Music Video | "Money for Food" | Template:Won | |
| Artist of the Year | Template:N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Album of the Year | "Music from the Buffet Table" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Vocalist of the Year | (for Barbie Almalbis) | Template:Nominated | ||
| Bassist of the Year | (for Rommel dela Cruz) | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2003 | NU Rock Awards | Bassist of the Year | (for Rommel dela Cruz) | Template:Won |
| Producer of the Year | "Playing in the Fields" | Template:Won |