Color It Red

Formed in 1989 by three schoolmates who drew inspiration from a teen film, the Filipino alternative pop/rock outfit Color It Red began with Cooky Chua handling vocals, Barbi Crisit on rhythm guitar, and Maricar Florendo on keyboards. The group later expanded its roster to include Mike Villegas on lead guitar, Hank Palenzuela on bass, and Edison Javellano on drums. A crossword puzzle supplied the band’s name, and Color It Red quickly became a regular presence at colleges and universities. After winning a talent contest, the musicians appeared at the RJ Pinoy Woodstock concert in December 1989. During those formative years they performed covers of material by the Doors, the Pretenders, and U2. Extensive early-’90s bookings at Club Dredd, the venue known for showcasing adventurous Pinoy rock acts, helped the group build a substantial following. Javellano exited in 1994; Jet Brosas first took over the drum chair, yet he soon gave way to percussionist Minco Fabreagas. Villegas then departed for Rizal Underground, prompting the arrival of G.P. Evaristo from Sonic City Zoo as the new lead guitarist. When Palenzuela also left, punk bassist Bobip Paraguya of Discant X joined the lineup. Alpha Records issued the band’s debut album, Hand Painted Sky, in 1994, and the release achieved platinum status. The following year Color It Red received the Awit Awards’ Best New Artist honor, the Philippine equivalent of the Grammys. Since that time the group has ranked among the country’s most enduringly popular and critically respected alternative acts.