Sugarfree (Filipino band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Philippines |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
| Website | sugarfree |
Sugarfree is a rock ensemble from the Philippines, presently composed of Jal Taguibao handling vocals and bass, alongside Carlo "Kaka" Quisimbing on drums. Key former members include the principal songwriter and lead vocalist Ebe Dancel (vocals, guitar) and drummer Mitch Singson. The band's most notable period featured the trio of Dancel, Taguibao, and Quisumbing.
Under PolyEast Records (previously known as EMI Philippines), Sugarfree produced five albums: Sa Wakas (2003), Dramachine (2004, reissued in 2006), Tala-Arawan (2006), Sugarfree Live! with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (2008), and Mornings and Airports (2009).
In 2011, the band paused activities due to creative differences. Members then embarked on individual paths—Dancel launched a solo career and formed the group 3D, while Singson established the pop band Ciudad.
After nearly a decade-long break, Sugarfree reunited in 2020 as a duo with Taguibao taking on lead vocals and guitar duties, accompanied by Quisumbing on drums.
Initial phase (1999–2011)
Established in 1999, Sugarfree’s musical style combined elements of alternative and pop rock, drawing inspiration from bands such as Popsicle, Eraserheads, Oasis, and Radiohead. The original drummer was Mitch Singson until his exit in August 2006 when Quisumbing took over.
Their first album was initially slated for release under Viva Records but remained unreleased. Eventually, with assistance from Tracks Studio’s Angee Rozul, their debut album came out in 2003 through EMI Philippines.
Sugarfree worked alongside prominent Filipino producers like Angee Rozul and Rico Blanco on Sa Wakas; Buddy Zabala and Raimund Marasigan for Dramachine; Robin Rivera for Tala-Arawan; and Buddy Zabala with "Sancho" Sanchez for Mornings and Airports. Signature tracks such as "Hari ng Sablay" and "Makita Kang Muli" helped establish their mainstream popularity.
In 2007, they staged their inaugural major concert at Music Museum featuring the Manila Symphony Orchestra. The following year, Sugarfree created "Pugad," a promotional piece for Dencio's restaurant chain, and also covered Apo Hiking Society’s "Bawa't Bata" for Alactagrow milk. Their endorsements included brands like San Miguel Beer and Converse.
August 2009 celebrated their tenth anniversary with a two-night event titled "Dekada: Sugarfree with the Manila Symphony Orchestra," again hosted at Music Museum.
During the 2010 Philippine presidential elections, Sugarfree contributed campaign MTVs: "Ako ang Simula" for ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs and "Panata Sa Bayan" commemorating GMA News & Public Affairs’ 50th year. Ebe Dancel also performed the soundtrack "Hanggang Sa Dulo" for TV5’s series "8 Kingdom."
Their final concert before hiatus, named "Paalam Pilipinas," was held on March 1, 2011 at Eastwood Plaza in Quezon City.
After Sugarfree (2011–2020)
Following the group’s dissolution in 2011, frontman Ebe Dancel pursued solo endeavors including performing Purihin Ka, which became a finalist entry in UNTV’s inaugural gospel competition, ASOP: A Song Of Praise, in 2012. He also released the album "Bawat Daan." Meanwhile, other band members moved into different fields; bassist Jal Taguibao transitioned from entertainment to academia and currently serves as an assistant professor within the Department of Political Science at the University of the Philippines Diliman. In June 2018, he completed his Ph.D. in Political Science at the same university.
Unexpected Comeback (2020–Present)
On February 25, 2020, Sugarfree unexpectedly re-emerged as a duo consisting of Taguibao and Kaka Quisumbing, unveiling their new single "Nagkita Muli" on Jam 88.3. Taguibao attributed their revival to a sense of nostalgia. This return generated varied responses, particularly from Vin Dancel, Ebe Dancel’s brother, who pointed out that PolyEast Records retains exclusive ownership of the band’s name according to a contract established in 2002.
Band Members
Current lineup
- Jal Taguibao – bass guitar, backing vocals; lead vocals, guitars
- Kaka Quisumbing – drums
Original members
- Ebe Dancel – lead vocals, guitars, principal songwriter
- Mitch Singson – drums
Frequent touring/session musicians
- Bodgie dela Cruz – guitars
Discography
- Sa Wakas (Released January 28, 2003)
(Featured singles: Telepono, Mariposa, Burnout, Taguan)
Debuting at Freedom Bar in 2003, Sa Wakas propelled Sugarfree into mainstream recognition with popular tracks such as "Burnout". The album garnered accolades including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Best Alternative Recording at the NU Rock Awards, along with Best Rock Recording for "Mariposa" at the Awit Awards.
- Dramachine (Initial release February 19, 2004; repackaged January 2006)
(Featured singles: Sinta, Hari Ng Sablay, Prom, Kwarto, Tulog Na, Makita Kang Muli)
This album marked Sugarfree’s first platinum certification by surpassing 30,000 copies sold and solidified their status in Filipino music. The repackaged edition introduced new songs like "Cuida" and "Makita Kang Muli," which served as the theme for the TV series Panday. The AVCD included accompanying music videos.
- Tala-Arawan (Released November 24, 2006)
(Featured singles: Batang Bata Ka Pa, Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin, Dear Kuya, 'Wag Ka Nang Umiyak, Nangangawit)
With Kaka Quisumbing as the new drummer, this album reached gold certification by April 2008. The lead single premiered simultaneously on over forty radio stations nationwide.
- SUGARFREE Live! with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (August 2008)
Documenting their inaugural major concert held in September 2007 at the Music Museum, this two-disc live album was exclusively distributed through Dencio's and incorporated promotional materials linked to the brand.
- Mornings and Airports (Released July 24, 2009)
(Featured singles: Hay Buhay, Feels Like, Hang Over)
Sugarfree’s fourth studio effort showcased their first English-language single "Feels Like". This album was the final release before Ebe Dancel departed to embark on a solo career in early 2011.
Studio Albums
- Sa Wakas (2003)
- Dramachine (2004) (Repackaged edition released in 2006)
- Tala-Arawan (2006)
- Mornings & Airports (2009)
Live Album
- SUGARFREE Live! with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (2008)
Compilation Albums
- Sugarfree's Greatest Hits 2003-2011 (2011)
Collaborative Albums
- Ultraelectromagnetic Jam (Sony Music Philippines, 2005)
- Pinoy Ako! Blue Album (Star Music, 2006)
- KaminAPOmuna (Universal Records, Inc., 2006)
- Pugad Dencio's (Single, 2008)
- I-Star 15: The Best Of Rock & Alternative Songs (Star Music, 2011)
- A Perfectly Acoustic Experience (PolyEast Records, 2011)
- Awit Kapuso: Kay Sarap Maging Kapuso (GMA Music, 2011)
Noteworthy Tracks
- "Hari Ng Sablay" (featured in the film of the same title starring Joel Torre)
- "Tulog Na"
- "Mariposa"
- "Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" (covered by KZ Tandingan and Gary V.; served as opening theme for TV series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano)
- "Makita Kang Muli" (featured in ABS-CBN's Ang Panday and GMA's Kalyeserye)
- "Cuida"
- "Kwarto"
- "Kung Ayaw Mo na Sa Akin"
- "Dear Kuya"
- "Prom"
- "Pugad"
- "Burnout"
- "Hay Buhay"
- "Batang Bata Ka Pa" (originally by Apo Hiking Society)
- "Bawat Bata" (originally by Apo Hiking Society)
- "Tikman" (originally by Eraserheads)
- "Feels Like"
- "Walk Slowly"
Music Videos
- Mariposa (2002)
- Burnout (2003)
- Sinta (2003)
- Hari Ng Sablay (2004)
- Prom (2004)
- Tulog Na (2004)
- Kwarto (2005)
- Makita Kang Muli (2005)
- Dear Kuya (2006)
- Nangangawit (2006)
- Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin (2007)
- Wag Ka Nang Umiyak (2007)
- Pugad (2008)
- Feels Like (2009)
- Hay Buhay (2009)
- Hang Over (2010)
- Nagkita Muli (2020)
Musical Production
In April 2013, a jukebox musical titled Sa Wakas: A Pinoy Rock Musical, inspired by Sugarfree’s catalog, was presented at the PETA Theater from April 13 to April 28. The show featured selections from Sugarfree’s repertoire alongside an original song called "Bawat Daan," which later became the title track and lead single of Ebe Dancel’s solo album.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Awarding Organization | Category | Work Nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | NU Rock Awards | Best New Artist | Template:N/A | Template:Won |
| Album of the Year | "Sa Wakas" | Template:Won | ||
| 2005 | NU Rock Awards | Song of the Year | "Hari ng Sablay" | Template:Nominated |
| 2006 | MYX Music Awards | Favorite Music Video | "Hari ng Sablay" | Template:Nominated |
| Favorite Rock Video | "Hari ng Sablay" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Favorite Media Soundtrack | "Makita Kang Muli" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2007 | 20th Awit Awards | Best Album Packaging | "Tala-Arawan" | Template:Won |
| NU Rock Awards | Vocalist of the Year | (awarded to Ebe Dancel) | Template:Nominated | |
| Artist of the Year | Template:N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Album of the Year | "Tala-Arawan" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Album Packaging | (Inksurge.com for "Tala-Arawan") | Template:Nominated | ||
| Producer of the Year | "Tala-Arawan" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Music Video | "Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2008 | MYX Music Awards | Favorite Song | "Wag Ka Nang Umiyak" | Template:Nominated |
| 2009 | NU Rock Awards | Vocalist of the Year | (Ebe Dancel, shared with Armi Millare) | Template:Won |
| Best Album Packaging | (Inksurge for "Mornings and Airports") | Template:Won | ||
| Artist of the Year | Template:N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Producer of the Year | (Buddy Zabala & Romel Sanchez for "Mornings & Airports") | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2010 | NU Rock Awards | Song of the Year | "Hang-over" | Template:Nominated |