UNiCA (band)

ÚNiCA (previously Maldita)

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	2009
Founder	Whey Guevara
Headquarters	Zamboanga City, Philippines
Area served	Philippines
Key people	Demz Espinosa (lead vocals), Whey Guevara (rhythm guitar, songwriting)
Products	Music albums and singles
Number of employees	6 (final lineup)

ÚNiCA (previously known as Maldita) is a pop and rock ensemble from the Philippines that came together in 2009, fronted by lead singer Demz Espinosa and guitarist-songwriter Whey Guevara. Their notable hit "¿Por qué?", initially performed in Chavacano and subsequently recorded in Tagalog, achieved considerable acclaim.

Current

• Demz Espinosa (lead vocals)
• Whey Guevara (rhythm guitar, songwriting)
• Jimi Tristan Ong (bass guitar)
• R.B Bandiola (lead and rhythm guitars)
• Nico Sta. Cruz (drums)
• Jesser Sison (keyboards, synthesizers)

Former

• Francel de Leon (vocals)
• Alyson Ybarlei (vocals)
• Mad Nubhan (drums)
• James Medina (bass guitar)
• Michael Tordecillas (drums)

Formation (2009)

Whey Guevara initiated the group Maldita to showcase his songwriting talents, initially recruiting Alyson Tracy Ybarlei as the vocalist. Their early gigs in Zamboanga City provided funds for their initial recording efforts. Attempts to record "Tú Lang" with Alyson did not succeed, prompting Whey to assign the track to his other band, Comic Relief.

A collaborative project was proposed by Whey, Michael Tordecillas, and Zack Quijano between Comic Relief and Maldita to compile Whey’s compositions. While working on "Tú Lang" for Comic Relief, Whey also recorded the acoustic single "¿Por qué?" with Alyson on vocals. Following Alyson’s departure, Francel de Leon joined as vocalist after an unplanned audition at the studio.

In search of a second vocalist, Francel recommended Demz Espinosa, who held the title of Miss Teen Zamboanga 2009 and was recognized for her vocal skills. With both vocalists onboard, they concentrated on recording "¿Por qué?" with assistance from RB Bandiola, who soon became lead guitarist alongside Whey on rhythm guitar. James Medina joined as bassist after expressing interest during studio sessions.

Keyboardist Jesser Sison was added to the lineup after contributing keyboard parts during recordings. Before their pre-album launch mini-concert in Tugbungan, Mad Nubhan replaced Michael Tordecillas on drums, completing the band's lineup.

The group launched "¿Por qué?" through various FM radio stations in Zamboanga City, marking their entry into the Filipino pop-rock scene.

Manila (2010-2011)

Following the upload of "¿Por qué?" on YouTube, the song unexpectedly received significant radio airplay. Composer Geraldine Therese Lim, scouting for local talent in Manila, translated the track into Tagalog and reached out to the band after discovering their online performance. With assistance from Lim and Pia Santiago, they secured a recording contract. Francel departed due to academic priorities, finalizing Maldita’s lineup as Whey Guevara, Demz Espinosa, drummer Mohammad Reda Nubhan, bassist Jimi Tristan Ong, and lead guitarist Renever Bandiola.

Maldita (2011)

In 2011, the band inked a distribution agreement with Viva Records and released their debut album titled Maldita, which included both the original "¿Por qué?" and its Tagalog version "Bakit?".

As ÚNiCA (2012-2015)

According to their Twitter updates, Maldita rebranded as ÚNiCA and announced plans for a sophomore album release.

UNiCA Disband

Their Facebook page later confirmed that UNiCA disbanded following their farewell show on November 24, 2015.

Discography

• Maldita (2011)

1. "Tuliro"
2. "Selosa"
3. "Gayuma"
4. "Sa'Yo"
5. "Yo Ya Lang Era"
6. "Bahala Na"
7. "Dehado"
8. "Sana"
9. "Bakit?"
10. "Ayoko Na Sa'Yo"
11. "Crossroads"
12. "¿Por qué? (Chavalog Version)"