EXCLUSIVE: Moonstar88 celebrates generations of music lovers with new album ‘Habambuhay’

OPM band Moonstar88 hopes to leave a lasting mark on the local music scene with its latest album, Habambuhay, which celebrates the different generations of listeners who have embraced their music through the years.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, vocalist Maysh Baay shared how the album’s concept came from the band’s observation of the diverse audiences who continue to support them at their gigs and concerts.

“Ang concept ng Habambuhay is, as a group kasi may aspiration kami na to be really part of, you know, OPM history. Naks! Claim natin yan. But, on the immediate, we noticed sa mga gigs and concerts namin, iba-ibang generation yung nag-aattend,” she said.

From longtime listeners to younger fans discovering their music, Maysh said the band’s audience represents different generations, making them realize how their music has become a lasting part of people’s lives.

“Yung fans from lolas to moms to dads to young adults to kids. Lahat ng generation, well-represented. So, we thought that this is, actually, for us, ito yung forever. Ito yung Habambuhay for us,” Maay added.

The 13-track album features the band’s signature sound through songs such as “Goma,” “Inggit Pikit,” “Bahahaha,” “Ding Dong,” “Kape Tayo,” “Wala Nang Kulay,” “Pareho,” “Ba’t Nakaganyuan,” “Dito Ka Lang,” “Walang Hangganan,” “Basta Gawin Mo Lang ang Lahat,” “Sydney,” and its title track, “Habambuhay.”

During the album launch at Backyard Warehouse Studio in Quezon City, Moonstar88 also treated fans to live performances of some of their new songs, alongside their well-loved hits “Sulat,” “Migraine,” and “Torete.”

Having spent years in the music industry, the band also hopes to share a meaningful message through its latest release: that everyone has their own timeline and there is no need to rush through life’s journey.

For lead guitarist and backing vocalist Herbert Hernandez, the album’s title reflects the idea that life does not follow the same schedule for everyone.

“So, the name itself, ano talaga. Walang graduation naman sa, I mean, unlike sa totoong buhay talaga. Sa school kasi may, di ba, may first quarter, second quarter. In real life, ano lang naman, you have your own timeline,” Herbert explained.

He further encouraged listeners not to measure their progress against others, emphasizing that everyone should take their time and continue moving forward. 

“Habambuhay yung journey mo. So, hindi mo kailangan magmadali. Hindi mo kailangan, you don’t have to compare yourself to others. And like us, tuloy-tuloy lang kami. It’s just like that. Tuloy-tuloy lang kami. We’ll just do our best,” he added.

With the release of Habambuhay, Moonstar88 is also looking forward to bringing its new music to more audiences through a series of performances abroad.

“We’re gonna tour this album,” Maysh revealed.

Herbert also expressed the band’s interest in returning to the international stage, adding, “(Gusto rin namin) international ulit. We did the Canada tour, North America (last time). Masaya rin kasi aside from the Pilipinas, masaya din ang mga Filipino outside and abroad.”

Maysh went on, “We want to tour another North America, Middle East, and hopefully Australia and New Zealand.”

Beyond touring and releasing new music, Maysh also revealed another dream she hopes to fulfill with her bandmates: staging their very own musical inspired by Moonstar88.

“Marami pa talaga (kaming wish for the abdn) pero on top of it pangarap kong magkaroon ng Moonstar88 musical,” Maysh said.