Orange and Lemons
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Clem Castro, Mcoy Fundales |
| Defunct | 2007 (initial dissolution) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2007; reunited in 2017 |
| Successor | Kenyo (formed by former members) |
| Headquarters | Philippines , Philippines |
Area served | Philippines |
Key people | Clem Castro, Mcoy Fundales, Ace del Mundo, JM del Mundo, Jared Nerona |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Number of employees | 4 (current members) (2021) |
Orange and Lemons—commonly presented as Orange & Lemons and abbreviated as "O&L" or "ONL"—is a Filipino pop rock ensemble established in 1999 by lead singer and guitarist Clem Castro alongside former member Mcoy Fundales. The lineup was later completed with the addition of brothers Ace and JM del Mundo. Until the group's initial dissolution in 2007, Fundales served as the primary vocalist and guitarist.
Their sound is a fusion of alternative rock, indie pop, and experimental elements, drawing inspiration from influential acts such as The Smiths, The Beatles, and the Eraserheads. Over their career, they released three studio albums, with their 2005 second album Strike Whilst the Iron is Hot marking a commercial breakthrough.
The band parted ways in 2007 due to creative disagreements. Following the split, members pursued new projects: Fundales joined forces with JM and Ace del Mundo to form Kenyo, while Clem Castro initiated the indie group The Camerawalls alongside original member Law Santiago.
After a ten-year break, Orange and Lemons reunited in 2017 initially as a trio before expanding to a four-piece with keyboardist Jared Nerona.
Initial period (1999–2007)
The moniker "Orange and Lemons" was proposed by an early member who was unaware that it referenced a British nursery rhyme as well as an album by UK band XTC.
Castro and Fundales first connected during their high school years in the mid-1990s, assembling a band with friends from Bulacan. In 1999, brothers Ace and JM del Mundo joined after meeting Castro and Fundales. Under the management of Roldan "Bong" Baluyot from No Seat Affair, they recorded a two-song demo that year; the track "She's Leaving Home" received airplay on NU107.5 FM.
Following a short hiatus in 2000, the band regrouped in 2003 with the del Mundo brothers now permanent members. They began crafting original material for their debut album Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream, which was released on December 3, 2003. Their sound evoked a retro vibe blending alternative rock influences from The Beatles, The Smiths, The Cure, and Eraserheads.
Operating on a modest budget, they recorded ten tracks within three days under Baluyot's guidance. Their first significant performance took place at Where Else? in Makati City, where they encountered Toti Dalmacion of Terno Recordings. Dalmacion subsequently signed them as flagship artists for his independent label.
The debut album’s single "Just Like A Splendid Love Song" reached number one on NU107's weekly countdown in early 2004. That same year, Orange and Lemons earned the Best New Artist award at NU107's Rock Awards.
In October 2004, ONL secured a contract with Universal Records. Their sophomore album, Strike Whilst The Iron Is Hot, was launched on April 28, 2005, featuring singles such as "Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby)", "Lihim", and "Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown)". A notable highlight was when ABS-CBN commissioned them to compose "Pinoy Ako", which became the theme song for the reality program Pinoy Big Brother, released on August 1, 2005.
Other projects included tracks like "Abot Kamay", "Let Me" for a shampoo commercial, and "Blue Moon" for a film soundtrack.
In mid-2005, ONL appeared on MTV Philippines' Rising Star segment; by March 2006 they were named Lokal Artist of the Month. They also won NU107's Rock Awards Artist of the Year in 2005.
Their participation in the Apo Hiking Society tribute compilation Kami nAPO Muna (2006) revitalized public interest. Later that year, they recorded "Tuloy na Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko" for ABS-CBN’s Christmas station ID. Universal Records released their third album Moonlane Gardens on June 8, 2007; singles included "Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad" and their last release before disbanding, "Fade".
"Pinoy Ako" plagiarism controversy
Claims emerged suggesting that the tune and arrangement of Orange and Lemons' breakthrough track "Pinoy Ako," which served as the theme song for Pinoy Big Brother, were derived from "Chandeliers" by the 1980s English new wave group Care. In a 2021 discussion, Clem Castro acknowledged that he had "subconsciously" incorporated chord sequences inspired by renditions of The Cure but emphasized that such progressions are prevalent in various music styles including blues and reggae.
After Orange and Lemons disbanded (2007–2017)
Orange and Lemons officially parted ways on October 10, 2007, following disputes with their management. Clem Castro, the lead guitarist, went on to establish the indie pop band The Camerawalls under his own label, Lilystars Records, reuniting with original bassist Law Santiago. Meanwhile, the other former members formed a new group called Kenyo.
Unexpected reunion (2017–present)
In July 2017, after ten years apart, Orange and Lemons reassembled as a trio consisting of Clem Castro (vocals, lead guitar), JM del Mundo (bass), and Ace del Mundo (drums). They took center stage as headliners and organizers of the Moonlane Festival held in August 2018. Keyboardist Jared Nerona became part of the lineup in January 2019.
Lilystars Records announced on February 10, 2021, that the band would be releasing their first studio album in fourteen years, signaling a major return to the music scene.
Band members
Current lineup
- Clem Castro – lead vocals, lead guitar, principal songwriter
- JM del Mundo – bass guitar; backing vocals
- Ace del Mundo – drums; backing vocals
- Jared Nerona – keyboards
Past members
- Mcoy Fundales – co-lead vocals, rhythm and acoustic guitar
- Law Santiago – bass guitar
- Michael Salvador – drums
Albums
- Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream (Terno Recordings, 2003)
- Strike Whilst the Iron Is Hot (Universal Records, 2005) (reissued edition released October 25, 2005)
- Moonlane Gardens (Universal Records, 2007)
- Love in the Land of Rubber Shoes and Dirty Ice Cream (15th Anniversary Edition) (Lilystars Records, 2018)
- Strike Whilst the Iron Is Hot (2004 Demo Sessions) (Lilystars Records, 2020)
- La Bulaqueña (Lilystars Records, 2022)
Singles
- Just Like A Splendid Love Song (Terno Recordings, 2003)
- Abot Kamay (Universal Records, 2005)
- Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby) (Universal Records, 2005)
- Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown) (Universal Records, 2005)
- Lihim (Universal Records, 2005)
- Pinoy Ako (Universal Records, 2005) (later covered by Rico Blanco for Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10)
- Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad (Universal Records, 2007)
- Fade (Universal Records, 2007)
- Lovers Go, Lovers Come (Lilystars Records, 2017)
- Kailangan Kita (Lilystars Records, 2018)
- Ikaw ang Aking Tahanan (Lilystars Records, 2019)
- Pag-Ibig sa Tabing Dagat (Lilystars Records, 2019)
- Yakapin Natin ang Gabi (Lilystars Records, 2021)
- Ikaw Na Walang Hanggan (Lilystars Records, 2022)
- La Bulaqueña (Lilystars Records, 2022)
Tribute album contributions
- Ultraelectromagneticjam! – homage to Eraserheads with the track "Huwag Kang Matakot" (2005)
- Kami nAPO Muna – homage to APO Hiking Society featuring "Yakap sa Dilim" (2006)
Christmas compilation participations
- Not Another Christmas Album – JAM 88.3 ("Christmas Daydreams") (2004)
- OPM Gold Christmas Album ("Tuloy na Tuloy Pa Rin ang Pasko") (2006)
- Close Up Season of Smiles ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen") (2006)
Additional compilation features
- NU 107 Super Size Rock (Warner Music Philippines, 2004)
- Jack Lives Here (2004)
- Pinoy Ako (Star Music, 2005)
- Super! The Biggest Opm Hits of the Year (2006)
- Musika sa Bahay ni Kuya: The Best of Pinoy Big Brother Hits (Star Music, 2008)
- i-Star 15: The Best of Inspirational Songs (Star Music, 2010)
- Super Astig Hits (Universal Records, 2016)
Music videos
- Just Like A Splendid Love Song (2004)
- Abot Kamay (2005)
- Hanggang Kailan (Umuwi Ka Na Baby) (2005)
- Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown) (2005)
- Lihim (2005)
- Yakap Sa Dilim (2005)
- Blue Moon (2006)
- Pinoy Ako (2006)
- Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad (2007)
- Kailangan Kita (2018)
- Pag-ibig Sa Tabing-Dagat (2019)
- Ikaw Na Walang Hanggan (2022)
- La Bulaqueña (2024)
- Close To You (2025)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awarding Organization | Category | Work Nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | NU Rock Awards | Best New Artist | Template:N/A | Template:Won |
| 2005 | NU Rock Awards | Artist of the Year | Template:N/A | Template:Won |
| Rising Sun Award | Template:N/A | Template:Won | ||
| Vocalist of the Year | (for Mcoy Fundales) | Template:Nominated | ||
| Song of the Year | "Hanggang Kailan" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Album of the Year | "Strike Whilst the Iron Is Hot" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2006 | MYX Music Awards | Favorite Song | "Pinoy Ako" | Template:Nominated |
| Favorite Group | Template:N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Favorite Media Soundtrack | "Pinoy Ako" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2007 | MYX Music Awards | Favorite Remake | "Yakap sa Dilim" | Template:Nominated |
| NU Rock Awards | Album of the Year | "Moonlane Gardens" | Template:Won | |
| Best Album Packaging | Sarah Gaugler and Clementine for "Moonlane Gardens" | Template:Won | ||
| Producer of the Year | Robert Javier and Jonathan Ong for "Moonlane Gardens" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2008 | Awit Awards | Music Video of the Year | "Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad" | Template:Nominated |
| Music Video of the Year (People's Choice Award) | "Ang Katulad Mong Walang Katulad" | Template:Nominated |