Nobita (band): Difference between revisions

| image = File:Nobita at Ayala Malls Feliz.jpg

| caption = Nobita in 2022

'''Nobita''' is a Filipino [[Rock music|rock]] band formed in [[Valenzuela, Metro Manila|Valenzuela]] in 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Bonifacio |first=Mark |date=2021-12-09 |title=The Strength of Nobita |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/12/09/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/the-strength-of-nobita/1825205 |url-status=usurpeddead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221015003/https://www.pressreadermanilatimes.comnet/philippines2021/12/09/manilaentertainment-lifestyle/show-times/20211209the-strength-of-nobita/2823296832333311825205 |archive-date=2021-12-09December 21, 2022 |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[The Manila Times]] }}</ref> The group consists of Jaeson Felismino (vocals, acoustic guitar), Sam Aquino (lead guitar), Mark Quintero (bass), Richmond Bancolita (keyboards), and Jonathan Agbanlog (drums).

The band is mostly known for their single "[[Ikaw Lang (song)|Ikaw Lang]]", breaking records as the most streamed Filipino song on [[Spotify]] Philippines in 2022 and as the longest charting song on [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'']] [[Philippines Songs]] with sixty-three weeks.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Tunac |first=Hermes Joy |date=2022-12-01 |title=NOBITA’sNOBITA's ‘Ikaw'Ikaw Lang’Lang' outranks global hits as most streamed song in the Philippines — Spotify |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/853204/nobita-s-ikaw-lang-outranks-global-hits-as-most-streamed-song-in-the-philippines-spotify/story/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[GMA News Online]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":76">{{Cite webmagazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-04-25 |title=Philippines Songs April 25, 2023 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2023-04-29/ |access-date=2023-04-25 |websitemagazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> Their follow-up track "Unang Sayaw" was nominated for Record of the Year at the [[Awit Awards|35th Awit Awards]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Angan |first=Kara |date=2022-09-26 |title=SB19, JMara, JRLDM, Fateeha + More Nominated At Philippines' 35th Awit Awards |url=https://hiphopdx.com/en_asia/news/id.73724/title.sb19-jmara-jrldm-fateeha-more-nominated-at-philippines-35th-awit-awards |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}</ref>

In early 2018, after citing creative differences and wanting to create original songs, Mark Quintero, Sam Aquino, and Jonathan Agbanlog left "Kultura", an [[Ethnic music|ethnic band]] originally from [[Pangasinan]] founded in 2013.<ref name=":0" /> Needing a vocalist, Quintero suggested contacting Jaeson Felismino, the younger brother of his former bandmate Melden Felismino, after recalling his performance at a fundraising event for cancer patients.<ref name=":0" /> The quartet formed Nobita in May 2018 and named it after the [[Katakana]] word meaning "to grow up strong and clear".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> After performing multiple gigs in bars around [[Metro Manila]], Agbanlog left the band in early 2019 due tofor personal reasons, being replaced by Lester Moñegas.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />

Nobita released their debut single "Yakap" on May 16, 2019, written by Aquino about yearning and [[Long-distance relationship|long-distance relationships]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Mortel |first=Dani |date=2020-01-17 |title=What's The Meaning Behind NOBITA's Band Name? {{!}} MYXclusive |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kHQUGR7dIs |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=MYX Global}}</ref> The following month, Richmond Bancolita was added as the band's keyboardist on July 23.<ref name=":0" /> Written by Felismino after eavesdropping a stranger while traveling to [[Cavite]], "Vie (Sabihin Mo Kung)" was released as their second single on October 18.<ref name=":5" /> The band was able to qualify for [[Red Horse Beer]] Pambansang Muziklaban by Rakista Radio, only reaching the semi-finals while competing for the Aklas trophy on November 23 in [[Cabanatuan]], [[Nueva Ecija]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-07 |title=Muziklaban 2019 Ep. 6 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zThodFCY4PI |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Rakista Radio}}</ref> Through the event, the band met Joel Ellorin and joined his roster under the independent label IndieTV PH.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2019-12-07 |title=NOBITA - Vie (Sabihin Mo Kung) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOgAOsr8Cts |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Nobita released their first music video for "Vie" directed by Kevin Hermosada on December 7, shot on a singular day.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> "Vie" entered at number twenty on the [[Myx|Pinoy Myx Countdown]] chart dated December 21, 2019.<ref name=":5" /> To promote, the band performed both "Yakap" and "Vie" on [[DWNU|Wish 107.5]], [[ASAP (TV program)|iWant ASAP]], and [[GMA Network|GMA]] Playlist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-08 |title=Nobita performs ‘Vie'Vie (Sabihin Mo Kung)’' live on Wish 107.5 Bus |url=https://www.wish1075.com/wishclusive/nobita-performs-vie-sabihin-mo-kung-live-on-wish-107-5-bus/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Wish 107.5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-27 |title=Nobita - Vie (Sabihin Mo Kung) {{!}} iWant ASAP Highlights |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4hTmNmqE-A |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[iWantTFC]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-12 |title=Playlist: Nobita – Vie (Sabihin Mo Kung) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF3yyaQuGw0 |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=GMA Playlist}}</ref>

On May 20, 2020, Nobita released "[[Ikaw Lang (song)|Ikaw Lang]]" as their third single overall to streaming platforms.<ref name=":7" /> A [[sleeper hit]], the song achieved new heights after its use in [[TikTok]], Nobita's induction to [[Sony Music Philippines]] in early 2021, and the premiere of its [[LGBT]]-themed music video directed by John Selirio on October 9, 2021.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-09 |title=NOBITA - IKAW LANG {{!}} Official Music Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvg0bPmO1p4 |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> Following its inclusion in major local playlists, "Ikaw Lang" became the most streamed song on [[Spotify]] Philippines in 2022, two years after its release.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Liwanag |first=Punch |date=2022-12-03 |title=Nobita, Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben, Arthur Nery among Spotify's Wrapped top acts for 2022 |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/12/03/nobita-zack-tabudlo-benben-arthur-nery-among-spotifys-wrapped-top-acts-for-2022/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-01-15 |title=NOBITA puts new spin on Eraserheads' iconic tune, 'Magasin' {{!}} SoundStrip |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/01/15/nobita-puts-new-spin-on-eraserheads-iconic-tune-magasin/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[BusinessMirror]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Its lyric video has amassed 83 million views on [[YouTube]] as of April 2023, becoming Nobita's most viewed video on the site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-20 |title=NOBITA - IKAW LANG {{!}} Official Lyric Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxXsdj7EBm4 |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Regarding the achievement, the band stated on a press release how honored they are to be recognized alongside other Filipino artists: "Undeniably, our fans had been a huge part of this but we’re also grateful for Spotify’s untiring support to our music and its clear vision for their artists. Like most artists, we’re also eager to see our band’s [[Spotify Wrapped|Wrapped]] and see what we have done throughout 2022 as musicians."<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-02 |title=‘Ikaw'Ikaw Lang’Lang', Zack Tabudlo top Spotify 2022 Wrapped in PH |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/02/22/ikaw-lang-zack-tabudlo-top-spotify-ph-2022-wrapped |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref>

On February 15, 2022, [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] launched the [[Philippines Songs]] chart as part of its [[Hits of the World]] collection, in which "Ikaw Lang" debuted at number five on the chart dated February 19.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2022-02-14 |title=Billboard Expands International Footprint With 'Hits of the World' Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/billboard-hits-of-the-world-weekly-chart-announcement-1235031189/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2022-02-25}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite magazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-02-15 |title=Philippines Songs February 19, 2022 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-02-19/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2022-02-25}}</ref> On the week dated April 9, "Unang Sayaw" made its debut at number twenty-three and "Ikaw Lang" peaked at number three behind "[[Pano (song)|Pano]]" and "Habang Buhay", both by [[Zack Tabudlo]].<ref>{{Cite webmagazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-02-15 |title=Philippines Songs April 9, 2022 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-04-09/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |websitemagazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> "Unang Sayaw" reached its highest position at number thirteen on the chart dated April 23, staying in the chart for twelve weeks in total.<ref>{{Cite webmagazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-02-15 |title=Philippines Songs April 23, 2022 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-04-23/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |websitemagazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite webmagazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-02-15 |title=Philippines Songs July 2, 2022 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-07-02/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |websitemagazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> "Ikaw Lang" has charted for 61 weeks as of April 15, 2023, setting the record as the first song ever to chart at least a year and becoming the longest charting song in Philippines Songs.<ref name=":76" /><ref>{{Cite webmagazine |last=Cusson |first=Michael |date=2022-02-15 |title=Philippines Songs February 11, 2023 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2023-02-11/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |websitemagazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

The farewell ode "Totoo" written by Aquino was released on April 7, including a music video directed by Selirio and starring actor [[Mon Confiado]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-04-11 |title=Entertainment News (04/12/22) |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2022/04/12/441657/entertainment-news-04-12-22/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2022-04-07 |title=NOBITA deals with being at the bitter end of a relationship on hugot anthem ‘Totoo’'Totoo' |url=https://orangemagazine.ph/2022/nobita-hugot-anthem-totoo/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Orange Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> Articulating the uncertainty of an unrequited love, Aquino defined its songwriting as a "counter song" for their usual romantic anthems and coming from "a place of earnestness of being at the bitter end of a relationship."<ref name=":11" /> "Paano Uusad" was made available on July 22, a mid-tempo track with [[Alternative rock|alt-rock]] influences evoking themes of loss, pain, and confusion over layered and intricate vocal arrangements.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Liwanag |first=Punch |date=2022-07-25 |title=AUDIO JUNKIE: Magnus Haven scores anew, Nobita returns, krisostomo and Zo Zo’sZo's lo-fi pop, EMN '98 and the excellent sounding neo folk of Nicole Abuda |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/25/audio-junkie-magnus-haven-scores-anew-nobita-returns-krisostomo-and-zo-zos-lo-fi-pop-emn-98-and-the-excellent-sounding-neo-folk-of-nicole-abuda/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[Manila Bulletin]] |language=en}}</ref> A music video was released on the same day directed by Selirio to promote the track.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-22 |title=NOBITA - Paano Uusad (Official Music Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXv6JVCRViE |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

On July 27, alleged screenshots of the members’ group chat in the [[Messenger (software)|Messenger]] app were posted on the [[Facebook]] page “Mga taong may underrated music taste personality disorder”, leading to speculations that Moñegas was removed from the band due to his political support for [[2022 Philippine presidential election|2022 Philippine presidential candidate]] [[Leni Robredo]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> The post was deleted by request hours later; however, the page continued to publish criticism against the band and made Nobita a trending topic on Facebook and [[Twitter]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-28 |title=Tinanggal miyembro na kakampink? Nobita ‘sinuka’'sinuka' ng netizens - Abante TNT |url=https://tnt.abante.com.ph/2022/07/28/tinanggal-miyembro-na-kakampink-nobita-sinuka-ng-netizens/showbiz/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[Abante]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The following day, Moñegas published his commentary on his personal Facebook account confirming his removal and ownership of the screenshots, claiming the messages were leaked without the band's consent possibly by his partner at the time and clarifying his termination was caused by his inability to maintain neutrality in the band's political affiliation.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Derrick |first=Kossy |date=2022-07-28 |title=Lester Monegas finally revealed why he left Nobita band after rumours of him getting kicked out because he's a supporter of Atty. Leni Robredo went viral |url=https://www.kossyderrickent.com/2022/07/lester-monegas-finally-revealed-why-he.html |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Kossy Derrick Entertainment |language=en-us}}</ref> In response, Nobita issued an official statement minutes after Moñegas' post, denying the accusations of [[cyberbullying]], assuring their continuous collaboration with Moñegas post-removal, claiming the band's [[Nonpartisanism|non-partisan]] stance on [[Political sociology|socio-political]] beliefs, and seeking legal advice from authorities against the personnel involved in the [[defamation]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

Amidst the controversy, Agbanlog returned as the group's drummer and "Sa Ulan" was released on October 7.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Juanillo |first=Jowell |date=2022-10-11 |title=Filipino five-piece band NOBITA finds comfort amid life’slife's inevitable twists and turns on new single "Sa Ulan" |url=https://flingerosphilippines.com/filipino-five-piece-band-nobita-finds-comfort-amid-lifes-inevitable-twists-and-turns-on-new-single-sa-ulan/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Flingeros Philippines.com |language=en}}</ref> Described as a stripped-down [[folk-pop]] track that evokes the warmth of home and romance, Felismino noted how the track was inspired by "a pivotal moment in his life" and how the song was his way of expressing gratitude after feeling unworthy of love.<ref name=":8" /> The recording for "Sa Ulan" took five days and featured a slight departure sonically from the band's previous releases.<ref name=":8" /> On December 23, Nobita released their version of "[[Magasin (song)|Magasin]]" from the [[Eraserheads]] album ''[[Circus (Eraserheads album)|CiRcuS]]'' as a tribute to the band and as part of the [[Surround sound|spatial audio]] [[re-release]] of the [[Eraserheads discography]] to streaming sites'''''.'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Scott |date=2022-12-23 |title=SB19 and NOBITA release Eraserheads covers to celebrate band's reunion concert |url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/sb19-nobita-eraserheads-reunion-concert-3370854 |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=NME |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Purnell |first=Kristofer |title=SB19, Nobita release covers of Eraserheads hits |url=https://www.philstar.com/music/2022/12/24/2233083/sb19-nobita-release-covers-eraserheads-hits |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[The Philippine Star|Philstar.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Del Rosario |first=Pauline |date=2022-12-24 |title=SB19, Nobita ginawan ng sariling version ang ilang ‘classics’'classics' ng Eraserheads |url=https://bandera.inquirer.net/333811/sb19-nobita-ginawan-ng-sariling-version-ang-ilang-classics-ng-eraserheads |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Bandera |language=en}}</ref> Regarding their [[jazz-pop]] approach on the song, the band spoke highly of Eraserheads: "Nobita heavily draws inspiration from their music, especially their brand of songwriting. Their work has shaped us into where we are now, and we’re forever grateful to their enormous contribution to [[Music of the Philippines|OPM]] artists, young and old."'''''<ref name=":10" />'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Jansen |title=SB19 and NOBITA put their own spin on Eraserheads' iconic anthems |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/96293/sb19-and-nobita-put-their-own-spin-on-eraserheads-iconic-anthems/story |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=GMA Network |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=2022-12-23 |title=SB19, Nobita add unique twist to Eraserheads’Eraserheads' hit tracks |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/477786/sb19-nobita-add-unique-twist-to-eraserheads-hit-tracks |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=[[The Philippine Inquirer|INQUIRER.net]] |language=en}}</ref>

* {{cite magazine |date=2022-04-05 |title=Ikaw Lang (Week 8) |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-04-09/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2023-04-10}}

* {{cite magazine |date=2022-04-19 |title=Unang Sayaw (Week 3) |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/philippines-songs-hotw/2022-04-23/ |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2023-04-10}}</ref>