The newest quartet in the country, "Chiro," launched their debut digital album Thursday under Star Records."Overwhelming maging parte ng Star Records. Noong time noong sumali kami [sa competition], parang nagbabakasakali lang kasi matagal na kaming naggi-gig sa iba. Tapos gusto na naming maiba. Hindi lang 'yong puro cover kaya 'yon," the group's vocalist Toni Rose Reynes told abs-cbnNEWS.com.
The band's name according to Reynes came from a driver's T-shirt while they were going to Sta. Mesa in Manila.
Other band members are Ivan Louis Leynes (drummer), Erick Gabriel (bassist) and Faelmar Ocampo (guitar).
The band first made a name when they won in the Nokia Music Connection beating over 200 participants.
The group said their digital album features songs such as "Iyak Na", "Alaala", "Handog" and "Batang Bata Ka Pa" which is also the album's carrier single.
Chiro also included in their album their original composition titled "Pahiwatig."
When asked why they chose to do a remake of APO Hiking Society's "Batang Bata Ka Pa", Reynes replied: "Bakit APO? Noong sumali kami sa Nokia 'yon na 'yong aregladong song. At that time hindi pa kami concentrated sa composition kaya nag-concentrate kami sa talagang areglado namin at 'yon 'yon. Kami fan talaga kami ng Apo."
Chiro's digital album will be released online this month while the physical CD-release will happen soon.
The band admitted that their influence when it comes to music are bands like Sugarfree, Eraserheads and APO Hiking Society.
