Paramita (band)
Paramita is a three-piece pop rock act in the Philippines that has been playing their own brand of music since 2003. Paramita is made up of Marco De Leon on guitars (replacing Norman Dellosa), Alsey Cortez on bass, and Ria Bautista on drums and vocals. In 2005, they released their first single "Hiling" under Vicor Records which placed them on the map. It was included in the 10-track full-length album entitled Tala. Six of the album's songs are written in English while four are in Tagalog. Their second album was self-titled Paramita which was released in 2008 under Terno Recordings. By 2010, they decided to go fully independent under Blaster Music (an independent music organization) and launched their third album named Liyab. Their song "Turbulence" was on NU107.7 Stairway to Seven and was no. 1 for 12 weeks on UR105.9 Underground Radio. Their songs "Sulyap" and "Nightingale" received airplay on local stations.
Despite being such a young band, Paramita has already been featured in several media sources, such as MTV Ink magazine, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, NU 107's In The Raw radio program and the ABS-CBN morning show Breakfast. Paramita is fast becoming one of the most solid independent acts in the scene today, enlightened by music and strengthened by a belief in their own unique talents.
Paramita is now with Blaster Music along with Reklamo and upcoming artists Odat, Penguin, Trapeze, and Eleyn.
In the 10th day of October 2013, Paramita announced about its disbanding and their future plans as individual artists/musicians, as posted on their Facebook page:
"After 9 years and 3 albums, I have decided to let Paramita go. Me, Marco, and Alsey are going to part ways as bandmates, but we are still very much good friends in fact, our friendship even grew stronger after I told them about my decision. They have been absolutely supportive every step of the way. I am proud to be their singer and drummer for almost a decade and even more proud to be their friend with or without Paramita.
This decision did not come easy. Paramita has been the center of my entire career. It has brought me to places I've never dreamed of. It made me reach out to people and be part of their lives. Which is why I gave the idea much deliberation and thought. In the end, the need for growth as an artist and musician prevailed.
I want to try new things, experiment, collaborate, and challenge myself once more. I want to go back to basics, stripped of everything, be vulnerable and let the music take center stage. I want to remain true to myself, my bandmates, and you, our loyal fans. I owe everything I have to all of you and you deserve nothing but the best from me which is what I continually strive for.
It's painful, almost unthinkable, especially to me, but it has to be done and there is no other person to do this task but me for I started Paramita and it is fitting that I be the one to end it.
The band may be gone but me, Marco, and Alsey are definitely not retiring. Not anytime soon at least. Marco has a couple of projects with Alsey and they're gigging actively around the metro. I, on the other hand, plan to pursue a solo career, release a solo album, and collaborate with some of the local scene's young, aggressive, and talented artists. Aside from music, all three of us have countless other activities. So we're still gonna be pretty much around.
The Paramita page will continue to be active. Me and Marco will post updates, videos, and gigs. Not as Paramita, though, but as separate artists.
Thank you so much for your love and support all these years. The band never could have lasted this long if not for you.
I said this numerous times and I'll say it again: I never dreamed of having thousands of fans, playing huge rock concerts, and signing autographs. My dream was to make music, play some gigs, and have a handful of followers who are passionate about the music I make. Thank you for making that dream come true. Thank you for giving life to Paramita. We love you all. - Ria Bautista"
Band members
- Marco De Leon - rhythms
- Alsey Cortez - lead
- Ria Bautista - drums/vocals
Discography
Studio albums
Collaboration albums
- Kami nAPO Muna Ulit (2007, Universal)
