Bamboo Manalac Live in Hawaii bamboomusiclive.com Francisco Gaudencio Lupe Belardo Mañalac,(born January 19, 1978) popularly known as Bamboo Mañalac, is a Filipino musician and singer, who was known as the former vocalist of Filipino rock bands, Rivermaya and Bamboo, now performing as a solo artist. Professional background Rivermaya (1993-1998) In 1993, Rivermaya was formed by PR practitioner Lizza Nakpil and film director Chito Roño, who planned on developing a musical group into a rock/show band. The band was originally formed under the name Xaga. The band evolved through a series of line-ups that included Nathan Azarcon on bass, Rico Blanco on keyboards and Perfecto de Castro on guitars. The initial drummer was replaced by former Bazurak bandmate and childhood friend, Mark Escueta. Bamboo was a schoolmate of Azarcon, who came on board as lead vocals. The band was managed by Lizza Nakpil and Chito Roño. With Mañalac as frontman, the band members decided to disband Xaga and re-establish the band as Rivermaya. They started developing original songs like “Ulan” (Rain), “214”, and “Awit ng Kabataan” (Song of the Youth) in demo form for prospective recording companies. They were quickly signed to the Sony BMG Philippines label. The band released 2 more hit albums Trip and Atomic Bomb, which produced hits like “Kisapmata” (Blink of an eye), “Himala” (Miracle), “Panahon Na Naman” (Here Comes the Season), “Hilo” (Dizzy), “Princess of Disguise”, “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita” (Always …