Imago

Manila has seen its share of rock/alternative bands as they come and go. Imago remains resilient despite
the times, line-up changes, and the ever changing landscape of music where trends challenge the most
stalwart of artists. Imago’s music, its ideal and strength stems from the moment that inspired its
creation. It is not constrained by a “sound” nor is it pressured by anything that is happening around it. It
is the expression of a group, at a point in time, inspired by anything that moved the initiator of the song.
It has been this way from the beginning, and continuous to be so in the current chapter of Imago’s life.
The band is known for their hits which include Akap, Tara lets, Sundo and Rain Song.

HISTORY
The people behind the band got together towards the latter part of 1997.
By March 1998 the name Imago was born, and the first official gig happened in Freedom Bar in Anonas,
Quezon City. Imago was started by Zach. He just got out of Hungry Young Poets, and was looking
around to form a band. He got in touch with his college buddy Tim, Aia was then introduced to Zach by a
common acquaintance, Aia then got Michelle Pritchard on violin, and Michelle got Arvin. After a year of
gigs and writing songs they started recording and partnered up with Bob Aves and Grace Nono to
produce the first album. By 2000 Imago got signed under Viva records and by 2001 “Probably Not But
Most Definitely” was released with critical acclaim.

Imago has had 3 shifts with its line-up. The first was right after the first album with Michelle Pritchard
(violin) and Arvin Gatmaitan (bass). Michelle got busy with her writing career as a journalist for a local
auto magazine and decided to pursue that. Arvin’s musical preference leaned towards progressive rock,
and he ended up with Eternal Now. Myrene joined Imago right before their 2nd album “Take 2” was
released independently. The 2nd shift in members happened in 2014 when vocalist Aia de Leon decided
to pursue a solo career. After she left, the band got a former college buddy and band mate Mervin
Panganiban (Sugar Hiccup) to play drums. Zach plays guitar, and on vocals Imago found Mayumi Gomez
singing its songs. The band has then released their latest album entitled “KAPIT” which captures their
great chemistry and sound. Singles in the album include “Then was Forever”, “Kapit” and “Summer
Baby”. The 3 rd shift was brought about by Mayumi’s move to the US for her new life as a wife. Imago is
now joined by Kiara, a Communication Arts graduating student from Miriam College as their newest
vocalist.

AT PRESENT …
There are a lot of surprises to watch out for from Imago. The band is all over the metro experiencing and
sharing a new chapter of their music career to their fans.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
NOMINATIONS
 8th Katha Awards (2002)
 Best Alternative Music Composition
 Tugon (Imago/Probably Not/Viva Records)
 Laya (Imago/Probably Not/Viva Records)
 Otherwise (Imago/Probably Not/Viva Records)
 Rain song (Imago/Probably Not/Viva Records)
 Best New Artist
 Best Alternative Music Vocal Performance
 Rain song (Probably Not/Viva Records)
 Laya (Probably Not/Viva Records)
 NU 107 Rock Awards 2001 Nominations