Smokey Mountain (band)

Smokey Mountain

Company type	Pop music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1989 in Manila, Philippines
Founder	Ryan Cayabyab, Judd Berlin
Headquarters	Manila , Philippines
Products	Music albums, singles

Smokey Mountain was a Filipino pop ensemble created by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab along with executive producer Judd Berlin. Originating from Manila, the initial members were James Coronel, Geneva Cruz, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Tony Lambino. After Cruz, Hidalgo, and Lambino departed to focus on solo endeavors or education, new artists Jayson Angangan, Chedi Vergara, and Zhar Santos joined the group. Subsequently, James Coronel left to pursue a solo career, and Anna Fegi took over for Zhar Santos during their 1994 tour in Japan.

History

The band’s name was inspired by Manila’s Smokey Mountain landfill. They launched their career in 1989 with a debut album titled after the group, which included the chart-topping single Kailan that remained at number one for eight consecutive weeks nationwide. This album quickly earned gold, platinum, and double-platinum status.

As members left to follow different paths, the restructured lineup produced popular tracks such as Da Coconut Nut, Paraiso, and a refreshed rendition of Kailan. Around 1993, they released their third international album Know You Will, shortly before Coronel’s exit. The final formation recorded the fourth album Death Penalty before disbanding in 1995. In 1998, BMG Records released a compilation titled Smokiest Hits.

Past band members

Geneva Cruz dedicated herself to a full-time career in showbiz.

Tony Lambino shifted his focus to songwriting, musical theatre, and hosting a morning news show on ABS-CBN. Academically, he graduated cum laude from Ateneo De Manila University, completed a master's degree at Harvard University as a Fulbright scholar, and earned a PhD from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. Professionally, Lambino worked at the World Bank, led communications at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and later served as Assistant Secretary at the Philippine Department of Finance.

Jeffrey Hidalgo earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines and studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Abu Dhabi. He has composed songs and currently runs a business specializing in cleaning products.

James Coronel owns call center operations spanning the United States, Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka.

Chedi Vergara released an eponymous album titled Chedi, became part of Teatro, formed his own band, and now lives in Brisbane, Australia.

Shar Santos Silonga (also known as Zhar Santos) has resided in Las Vegas since 2002 with her four children. She reached the top 20 in season four of American Idol and performed alongside National Artist Ryan Cayabyab on World Musikahan. Presently, she is a prominent realtor in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada while continuing to perform throughout the United States.

Jayson Angangan returned to his hometown of Ilagan in Isabela.

Anna Fegi, who joined during the final Japan tour in 1994 replacing Shar Santos, released two solo albums under Sony BMG. She is currently the founder and operator of the Brown Academy of Music.

Reunions

In March 2011, all members of Smokey Mountain came together once again to record I FEEL WHAT YOU FEEL in support of relief efforts following the Japan earthquake.

In May 2020, the group reunited through a virtual performance for a special edition of Bayanihan Musikahan, presenting a medley of Paraiso/Better World alongside Da Coconut Nut. This event was broadcast on ABS-CBN and streamed online to generate funds for the COVID-19 pandemic response.

On June 30, 2020, Smokey Mountain organized another online reunion concert, this time to raise support for the World Wildlife Fund.

Lineups

Original members:

• James Coronel
• Geneva Cruz
• Tony Lambino
• Jeffrey Hidalgo

Second formation:

• James Coronel
• Jayson Angangan
• Chedi Vergara
• Zhar Santos

Third formation:

• Jayson Angangan
• Chedi Vergara
• Zhar Santos
• Anna Fegi (substituted Zhar Santos during Japan tour)

Discography

Smokey Mountain (1990, Universal Records)

• Not All the World is America
• Mama
• Street People
• Earth Song
• Better World
• Kailan
• Escape
• Can This Be Love?
• Steal to Eat
• Sabihin Mo

Paraiso (1991, BMG Music Philippines)

• King Philip
• Nahan Ka?
• Da Coconut Nut
• Paraiso
• Sama Na Kayo
• Wanna Say No
• Kahit Habang Buhay
• Hideaway
• Best Friend
• Kailan (Boy Version)
• Freedom

Paraiso (Japan Edition) (1992, BMG Japan)

• King Philip
• Paraiso
• Tayo Na (Come On)
• Nahan Ka?
• Sama Na Kayo
• Wanna Say No
• Kahit Habang Buhay
• Da Coconut Nut
• Hideaway
• Best Friend
• Kailan (Boy Version)
• Freedom

Know You Will (1993, BMG Music Philippines)

• One Less Lonely Heart
• I Believe in You
• A.S.A.P.
• Why Do You Tell Me
• Stand Up
• I'm in Love with You
• She Has Gone
• Without You
• Shall We Dance
• We Can Change the World

Singles (1993, BMG Japan)

• Dakishimetai (I'm in Love with You)
• Two Hearts (Japanese Song)
• Stay Away
• Tokyo Rhapsody

Death Penalty (1994, BMG Music Philippines)

• Death Penalty
• When Doors Close
• Leave Me Forever
• Ikaw Lang
• What's Wrong With Dat
• Learn To Love
• You Can't Expect
• Sama 'Ko (Interlude)
• You Make Me Feel Good
• I Get So Lonely
• Ai Shite Ruyo
• Magbalik Ka Sana
• Sabi Mo
• Being Free
• We Share the Earth

Smokiest Hits (1998, BMG Music Philippines)

• Paraiso
• Kailan
• Da Coconut Nut
• I Believe in You
• Kahit Habang Buhay
• Can This Be Love?
• Mama
• Nahan Ka?
• One Less Lonely Heart
• Sabi Mo
• What's Wrong With Dat
• Better World

A Song For Japan (Single) (2011, Ivory Music & Video)

• I Feel What You Feel

Greatest Hits (Digitally Remastered) (2012, Ivory Music & Video)

• Kailan
• Can This Be Love
• Da Coconut Nut
• Kahit Habang Buhay
• Paraiso
• Mama
• Sabihin Mo
• Nahan Ka?
• What's Wrong With Dat
• Tayo Na (Come On)
• Street People

  * Sabi Mo   * Earth Song   * Better World   * Kailan (Boy Version)

A Bayanihan Musikahan Special (COVID-19) (2020, ABS-CBN)   * Da Coconut Nut (Tropical Version)   * Better World/Paraiso (Medley)