I’ve met him thru an acquaintance, Jing Maniebo, who is a big fan of Cebuano-band Cueshé, whom I promote circa 2006. She asked me if I’d be willing to help Hybrid Dawn in finding a record deal in the Philippines. Antonio Robert Cortes or Tony is not really new in Manila as they have traveled here before as part of a tour they did. His band also have a Filipino member, Eric Applegate (Caucasian/Filipino-American), that’s why it wasn’t that hard for them to catch attention in the Philippines.
During Tony’s 2nd or 3rd visit, I also met his other bandmate named Joey Hartoularos, who like Tony is a nice guy (quite strange for a rock band actually). They were in a vacation only but since I sensed a good vibes with them, I helped them doing some rounds in some radio stations to promote their band and album. And also the hope of getting signed to a record label.
It was supposed to materialize until his band disbanded after their vocalist (Shon Moshin) called it quits.
His last visit, I was working for Orange Magazine TV and decided to include him in our online magazine’s Fashion Editorial with World Vision Philippines as part of our Charity/Advocacy Issue last December 2010. The result of this photoshoot is the one posted above with Tony wearing a Folded&Hung José Rizal design.
Fast forward to 2011, I got a news from Tony that he is now with a new band called “Happy Problem” this time, as the drummer. I am excited and happy for him because it’s nice to see him back in the music scene. And I am looking forward to see his band perform in Manila soon. *crosses fingers*
Here’s some information about “The Happy Problem” that I took from their official website:
