9. RUSSELL EUSTAQUIO (Tame the Tikbalang)
Front act: Speaking of badass meet "the baddest of the bad," Pinoy hardcore punk (Posers beware!) Russel Eustaquio, frontman of underground act Tame the Tikbalang, is now a fitness guru. Underground they may have been, but his musical flair and solid reputation have earned him managerial jobs in record labels like Polygram and EMI; Tame the Tikbalang is a band that even the most finicky Pinoy music lover wouldn't have the balls to put down.
G-clef: Real punk is not an easy genre to appreciate, much less to front. You've got to out-punk your audience, or you'll get your ass kicked. It's all about attitude, which Eustaquio's possesses a copious amount of. Coupled with great songwriting skills, and words that won't quit beating you (or the establishment) down, Eustaquio is one hell of a performer. I was fortunate to catch Tame the Tikbalang in Center for the Arts in 2009. These ears heard it, these eyes witnessed it: the man still has it, and I doubt he'll ever lose it, too.
G-spot: Fitness equals muscles. Muscles and a fully tattooed back and then some on a vocalist, plus a penchant for performing shirtless is the best thing that could ever happen to a female music lover (the drooling is a bit difficult to control though). Think Glenn Danzig minus the 'do (Eustaquio's also been likened to Henry Rollins). Oh, and he's got glasses, but he couldn't look like a defenseless dork even if he tried. "Punk's not dead," thanks in part to Eustaquio and his marvelous physique.
10. COWBOY SANTOS
Front act: Though not strictly a frontman, Cowboy Santos has fronted for bands like the Blue Rats and Tempestuous Jones (which he handles lead guitar for) on occasion. He also does back-up vocals for many of the acts that he plays for--be they spontaneous jams or a typical bar gig. He used to perform solo acoustic gigs at Sanctum way back. The son of the legendary Sampaguita, his talent certainly lives up to his bloodline.
G-Clef: Santos is an exceptional guitar player, and in terms of vocals, can definitely carry a tune. He specializes in the wicked blue blues. He's a leftie and wields a Tobacco Sunburst Les Paul. Besides Tempestuous Jones, Santos also plays lead guitar and backup vocals for the House Rockers, a band composed of rock veterans Charlie Y. and Dr. Ted, and of course, he's backed his mother in several of her performances. He's a great guitar player; good enough for me to have actually believed the urban myth that he's Eric Clapton's son.
G-Spot: Santos possesses a rare combination of model-esque good looks and height, and the rugged, easygoing appeal of someone who doesn't really care what he looks like. He is obviously Eurasian, and sports a longer version of the Renaissance's David's 'do. He's also appeared on billboards for Rustans's Salt and SmartBro. He likes the beach, which explains the perpetual tan and a body only a board sports enthusiast can possess. Sounds good, eh?
Art by Warren Espejo, rockers' photos from PEP.ph.
