Color It Red

The Filipino alternative pop/rock band Color It Red formed in 1989 after three schoolmates were inspired by a teen film. Originally consisting of Cooky Chua (vocals), Barbi Crisit (rhythm guitar), and Maricar Florendo (keyboards), Color It Red eventually added Mike Villegas (lead guitar), Hank Palenzuela (bass), and Edison Javellano (drums) to the lineup. Taking their name from a crossword puzzle, Color It Red became a fixture at colleges and universities. In December 1989, Color It Red performed at the RJ Pinoy Woodstock concert after winning a talent contest. During their early days, Color It Red covered classics by the Doors, the Pretenders, and U2. In the early '90s, the group's numerous appearances at the acclaimed Club Dredd, renowned for exposing adventurous Pinoy rock artists, carved a significant fan base. In 1994, Javellano departed from the band, initially replaced by drummer Jet Brosas. Brosas didn't last and percussionist Minco Fabreagas took his place. Villegas left Color It Red for Rizal Underground, and G.P. Evaristo of Sonic City Zoo became the group's lead guitarist. Palenzuela also split from the band, so Color It Red hired punk bassist Bobip Paraguya of Discant X. Color It Red's debut album, Hand Painted Sky, was released in 1994 by Alpha Records; it went platinum. In 1995, Color It Red was voted Best New Artist at the Awit Awards, the Philippines' version of the Grammys. Since then, Color It Red has established themselves as one of the Philippines' most popular and critically praised alternative acts.