“A band that eats together, stays forever.” It’s a lighthearted line, but for Sandwich, it reflects a deeper truth about longevity, chemistry and shared experiences that have kept them together for decades.
The veteran Filipino alternative rock band, composed of Raymund Marasigan, Diego Castillo, Mong Alcaraz, Myrene Academia, and Mike Dizon, shared the quip when asked about the secret behind their staying power. While clearly said in jest, the sentiment points to something essential: maintaining strong personal bonds beyond the stage.
For Sandwich, regularly coming together, whether for meals or music, has helped sustain the group’s dynamic and creative spark through the years.
Formed in 1998, Sandwich emerged as one of the defining acts in the local alternative rock scene. Known for their experimental edge and playful songwriting, the band carved out a unique identity that resonated with both critics and listeners. Over time, they built a reputation not just for producing hits, but for evolving with each release, never confined to a single sound or formula.
Their move to PolyEast Records in 2006 marked a new chapter, leading to a steady stream of albums and fan-favorite tracks such as “Sugod” and “Betamax.” Years later, their partnership with the label remains intact, with the band recently renewing their contract on March 27, 2026.
Even as the music landscape shifts, Sandwich continues to adapt. The group acknowledged the rapid growth of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in the digital era, embracing faster-paced platforms like TikTok to connect with newer audiences. This willingness to evolve has allowed them to remain relevant in an industry that constantly reinvents itself.
With that, Sandwich is currently gearing up for the release of a new full-length album, with a lead single titled “Young Stunna” set to drop in the first week of May. The upcoming track hints at a fresh yet familiar direction that blends their signature sound with contemporary influences.
The title alone plays on the idea of staying young at heart—an ironic but fitting theme for a band that has been in the industry for over two decades. Early hints suggest the single leans into a more contemporary, groove-driven sound while still carrying Sandwich’s signature grit and irreverence. It reflects their awareness of today’s fast-moving music culture, where trends evolve quickly and artists are constantly challenged to keep up.
The Rest Is Noise PH, a music curator and events production outfit based in Manila, will be celebrating its 8th anniversary with a show that highlights the rich and diverse backgrounds, cultures, and styles of music artists from the Philippines.
The event serves as the bi-monthly production’s 37th edition, and will take place on Friday, August 12, 2023, at Balcony Music House, Makati City. Headlining the lineup are some of the most notable Filipino acts from the past to the present, including Baguio’s very own Dilaw, who will be performing for the very first time on the TRIN stage, and alt-rock icon Sandwich, who just recently released their anthemic new single “Nyare” over the summer. Indie favorites SOS and Oh, Flamingo! will mark their return as part of the TRIN roster, along with Davao-based hip-hop crew PLAYERTWO and neo-R&B boyband KINDRED.
To keep up with the tradition of presenting a label showcase during highlight events, TRIN will be putting a spotlight to one of the most exciting record labels that came out during the pandemic. ECLECTIC KISS, a new label founded by La Balls Studio’s Nick Lazaro, will feature a special performance featuring its all-women ensemble, including hyper-pop acts such as AMSS, MOONWLK and PIKOY.
Pre-sale tickets are available at PHP 700 for limited quantities only, and regular tickets are priced at PHP 800. Tickets are available on July 19, 2023, at 7pm.
ABOUT THE REST IS NOISE PH:
The Rest Is Noise PH (TRIN) is a music curator, events production, and online publication based in Manila, Philippines. Since 2015, TRIN has curated and produced more than 30 shows: ranging from pocket venues to outdoor festival settings. It is home to the annual Summer Noise and All Of The Noise music festivals, which feature critically acclaimed homegrown and international music acts. These shows highlight the rich and diverse backgrounds, cultures, and styles of music artists from home and abroad, championing both emerging and established music-makers. In 2020, TRIN launched a digital platform to cover music by Asian artists from anywhere in the world: publishing in-depth stories, profiles, features, and essays, as well as curating regular playlists, country spotlight, and radio mixes. During the same year, TRIN co-founded the ASEAN Music Showcase Festival, a collaborative regional showcase and conference festival that aims to put the spotlight on music artists and communities from Southeast Asia. TRIN takes pride in fostering a thriving sense of community, culture, and inclusivity—providing a platform that champions the best of Asian music and strengthening regional and global connections, onstage or in the digital space.
