Three Guys, One Mission...
Here's something that'll blow your mind: while most rock bands are scrambling to find a fourth or fifth member to "complete their sound," Hilera has been proving for over two decades that three people can create more noise, more energy, and more unforgettable music than bands twice their size.
Think about it. Just three guys—Chris Padilla on vocals and guitar, Bobby Padilla on drums, and their bassist (whether it was Ivan Garcia, the legendary Buddy Zabala, or current member Luke Xavier Bayhon)—creating the kind of rock music that fills stadiums and makes your chest vibrate. No keyboards to hide behind. No second guitarist to share the load. Just pure, unadulterated rock and roll stripped down to its essentials.
This isn't a limitation—it's their superpower. When you see Hilera live, there's nowhere to hide. Every drum hit, every guitar riff, every vocal line is exposed and raw. Chris's voice has to carry the melody and the emotion. Bobby's drums have to provide both rhythm and power. The bass has to hold everything together while adding its own punch. And somehow, impossibly, it works. Better than works—it absolutely kills.
That three-piece setup forces them to be tighter, sharper, and more creative. Every member is essential. Every note matters. There's an intimacy and intensity you just can't replicate with a bigger lineup. And when they lock into a groove? Friend, it's like watching lightning in a bottle.
So yeah, while other bands are auditioning their fifth rhythm guitarist, Hilera is out here proving that three is the magic number. Allow us to tell you their story.
Who is Hilera? The Brothers Who Built a Rock Legacy
Let me introduce you to one of the Philippines' most underrated rock treasures. Hilera is a Filipino rock band that formed in December 2004, and they've been delivering high-octane alternative rock with punk and rockabilly influences ever since.
The band was formed by Chris Padilla and Ivan Garcia in February 2004, with Chris's brother Bobby Padilla joining on drums after months of searching for the right percussionist. Here's a fun fact: Chris literally forced his brother Bobby to learn how to play drums, making him the youngest member of the band at just 15 years old. Talk about sibling bonding, right?
Chris Padilla is part of the famous Padilla clan—yes, he's related to Robin Padilla and Daniel Padilla. But don't think he rode on family coattails. Chris and his bandmates earned every bit of their success through raw talent, relentless gigging, and an undeniable stage presence.
Currently, the band consists of Chris Padilla (vocals and guitar), Bobby Padilla (drums), and Luke Xavier Bayhon (bass), continuing their tradition of keeping it tight with just three members.
The Origin Story: From Underdog to Champion
Every great band has a breakthrough moment, and for Hilera, it came in 2005. The band joined the Nescafe Soundskool Battle of the Bands competition in 2005, where they won the top spot and scored a recording contract with EMI Philippines.
But here's what makes their win even more impressive: they came from Kalayaan College and bested schools like Ateneo and Mapua, always being the underdog in the competition since they were always last in the text vote tallies. It just goes to show that rock isn't a popularity contest—it's about who brings the fire when the lights go down and the amps go up.
Their victory proved something crucial: you don't need the biggest school or the most votes to make the best music. You just need talent, determination, and the guts to get on stage and give everything you've got.
The Sound: Where Punk Meets Rockabilly
So what does Hilera actually sound like? Their style is a mix of punk rock, alternative rock, and rockabilly. While Chris Padilla and Ivan Garcia initially had a fascination with metal and other genres, listening to bands like The Clash, Green Day, and the Stray Cats defined the band's musical direction.
To have a feel of Hilera's sound check out this live performance of one if the latest releases, "Sa Madaling Araw":
Hilera has developed a signature sound characterized by hard-hitting rockers and edgy slow-burners with a fresh, bluesy vibe. Their music feels both familiar and fresh—rooted in classic rock influences but with a distinctly Filipino perspective and modern edge.
The Complete Discography: Album by Album
1. Hilera (2006) – The Breakthrough Debut
Hilera released their first self-titled debut album on October 30, 2006 after winning that Nescafe competition. This album introduced the world to their explosive sound and featured some of their most iconic tracks.
"Define" became their breakthrough single—a vicious explosion of power chords and unapologetic drum-filled rock. It's the kind of song that demands to be played loud, preferably while driving with the windows down. "Pilit" showcased their ability to blend emotion with energy, becoming an instant fan favorite.
2. Nut House (2009) – Solidifying Their Sound
On March 11, 2009, the band released their second album "Nut House" featuring their carrier single "Radical". This album showed the band maturing and experimenting while staying true to their rock roots. The album confirmed their rock wizardry with a complex concoction of rockabilly and power pop, proving they weren't just one-hit wonders.
3. Kid in a Coma (2011) – Evolution and Experimentation
Their third album dropped in 2011, continuing to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. By this point, Hilera had established themselves as one of the most exciting bands in the Filipino alternative rock scene.
4. The Other Way Around (2018) – The EP That Showed They're Still Got It
In 2018, the band released a 6-track EP titled "The Other Way Around". After a gap in releases, this EP reminded everyone that Hilera was still very much in the game, delivering fresh material that stayed true to their signature sound while showing growth and maturity.
The standout track "Naghihintay Sa Wala" demonstrated their continued ability to craft memorable rock songs with emotional depth.
The Essential Hilera Tracks You Need to Hear
If you're new to Hilera and want to dive in, here's your starter pack:
- "Define" – Their breakthrough hit that showcases everything great about early Hilera
- "Radical" – The carrier single from "Nut House" with massive energy
- "Rhyme Without Reason" – Experimental vibes with electronic elements
- "Pilit" – A fan favorite that balances rock edge with emotional depth
- "Insomnia" – Ten years in the making, this track is worth the wait
The Lineup Changes: Brotherhood and Legends
Like most bands with long careers, Hilera has seen some lineup changes—specifically in the bass position, while the Padilla brothers have remained constant.
The Original: Ivan Garcia (2004-2015)
Ivan Garcia was the original bassist and co-founder of the band alongside Chris Padilla. He played upright bass and backing vocals, giving Hilera their signature rockabilly edge. In late 2015, Ivan Garcia left the band for personal reasons.
The Legend: Buddy Zabala (2015-2019)
After Ivan's departure, he was replaced by former Eraserheads and The Dawn bassist Buddy Zabala. Yes, THAT Buddy Zabala—one of the most iconic bassists in Filipino rock history. Having him join Hilera was like getting a stamp of approval from rock royalty. Buddy brought his collaborative approach to songwriting, working closely with Chris and Bobby on the band's compositions.
The Brief Stint: Conrad Javier (2019-2020)
Conrad Javier held down the bass position for a brief period, continuing the tradition of solid low-end groove.
The Current: Luke Xavier Bayhon (2020-Present)
Luke Xavier Bayhon is the current bassist, keeping the three-piece lineup tight and delivering both bass and backing vocals. The band continues to tour and release new music with this configuration.
There was also a period when JC Tayag was involved with the band (2020-2023) on guitars and bass, though the core three-piece remains the definitive Hilera sound.
The Supergroup Side Quest: The Oktaves
Here's where things get really cool. Chris Padilla found himself playing alongside rock icons Ely Buendia and Nitoy Adriano in the supergroup The Oktaves, where he sang lead on the band's hit single "Ikot".
The Oktaves comprised Eraserheads and Pupil vocalist Ely Buendia, The Jerks guitarist Nitoy Adriano, and Hilera members Chris Padilla (vocals, guitars), Bobby Padilla (drums), and Ivan Garcia (bass). They first performed together at the inaugural ball of the Philippine edition of Esquire magazine in 2012 and released a self-titled album in 2013.
Think about that for a second—Chris Padilla, who started by literally forcing his teenage brother to learn drums, ended up fronting a supergroup alongside Ely Buendia, one of the most legendary figures in Philippine rock. That's the Hilera story in a nutshell: relentless talent meeting incredible opportunity.
When Chris Decided Going Solo
After Hilera's last single release in 2021 with "Saan," Chris Padilla ventured into a solo career with his EP titled "Homestay." But don't worry—Hilera hasn't broken up. The band continues to release music, with new singles coming out as recently as 2025.
Chris's ability to experiment with his sound and his singing attitude sets him apart in the industry and creates a distinctive musical taste that appeals to audiences. Whether with Hilera or solo, the man knows how to craft a song that sticks with you.
The Philosophy: What Hilera Wants You to Know
When asked about advice for aspiring bands, Chris said: "Practice. Work on your craft before anything else. Be serious with your profession if you want to be a professional musician. So be serious, practice, and have fun".
Bobby added that knowing what your heart really wants is important because "if you really want it, you won't give up on it".
And Buddy's advice? "Make your song, indulge your passion. You should perform, and make yourself happy first and foremost".
That's the Hilera philosophy in a nutshell: work hard, stay true to yourself, and never forget why you picked up an instrument in the first place.
The Songwriting Process: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment, the band members said collaboration is key in everything they do, from lining up lyrics to mulling over the melody of the songs.
Buddy Zabala explained their process: "You put words together and then hopefully it makes sense. And then there are times that there's constraint 'cause you just come up with a four-minute song, nothing beyond that. There's a lot of editing involved".
When asked how long it takes to write a song, they said "Sometimes hours, sometimes years". Case in point: "Insomnia" took literally a decade to complete. Good things take time, my friend.
The Bottom Line: Three Guys, Endless Rock
Look, the Philippine rock scene has produced incredible bands over the decades. But Hilera holds a special place because they represent something essential about rock and roll: you don't need an orchestra or a dozen members to create magic. You just need three guys with talent, chemistry, and something to say.
So whether you're a longtime fan who remembers their Nescafe competition days or someone who just stumbled on "Define" in a Spotify playlist, welcome to the Hilera experience. Put on some headphones, crank the volume, and let these three guys remind you why rock and roll will never die.
Because at the end of the day, Hilera isn't just a band—they're proof that with enough talent, determination, and brotherhood (literal and figurative), three people can move mountains. Or at least make your speakers shake like there's an earthquake.
Rock on, and remember: sometimes three is all you need.
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