This Filipino rock band we’re discussing here, has been quietly reshaping the OPM landscape since 2011, and trust me, they deserve way more attention than they're getting. Whether you stumbled upon them through their viral hits or you're just discovering them now, buckle up because I'm about to take you on a deep dive into everything MilesExperience.
What Makes MilesExperience Stand Out: The Wolfblood Connection
Here's something cool that'll blow your mind: back in February 2017, GMA Network announced that MilesExperience's song "Anggulo" was selected as the main theme song for the Philippine broadcast of Wolfblood, that British-German fantasy teen drama series that had everyone hooked. Let that sink in for a second. Out of all the bands and all the songs they could have chosen, they picked MilesExperience. That's not just lucky—that's a testament to how their sound resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
"Anggulo" isn't just any track. It perfectly captures that blend of emotional intensity and sonic sophistication that makes MilesExperience special. The fact that it was chosen to represent a fantasy series speaks volumes about the atmospheric, almost cinematic quality of their music. It's the kind of song that makes you feel something, you know? And isn't that what great music is supposed to do?
From Blues Band to OPM Innovators: The MilesExperience Origin Story
Picture this: it's 2011, and five music students at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music decide to start a band. Lead vocalist and guitarist Miles Bondoc (yeah, the band is named after him), drummer Tim Dadivas (who also goes by Odulio), guitarist Justin Teaño, and bassist Jonnel Pallasigui kick things off as a blues rock outfit. A year later, keyboardist Guido Hizon joins the crew, adding another layer to their sound.
But here's where it gets interesting. These guys weren't just any college band jamming in their dorm rooms. Miles was majoring in jazz guitar, Guido in classical piano, and Justin in classical guitar. Ian Diaz, who would later replace Jonnel on bass in 2014, started out studying voice before shifting to guitar and eventually pursuing arts at a different school. With that kind of musical background, they brought serious chops to the table from day one.
They even competed in the First Philippine Blues Competition at The Roadhouse Manila in 2012, showing they could hold their own in the competitive Manila music scene. But here's the thing—they weren't satisfied. They felt constrained by the blues rock label, like they were playing someone else's music rather than truly expressing themselves.
The 2014 Transformation: Finding Their True Sound
So they did something brave. In 2013, MilesExperience went on hiatus. They almost broke up completely, but instead, they chose to evolve. When they emerged in early 2014, they weren't the same band. They had revamped their entire sound and image into something fresh, something barely heard in the local music scene—something they could call their own.
This wasn't just a slight adjustment. This was a complete metamorphosis. The new MilesExperience sound was more polished, more atmospheric, more experimental. They kept the technical skill from their conservatory training but infused it with modern production techniques, indie rock sensibilities, and a willingness to push boundaries. Suddenly, they weren't just another rock band—they were pioneers carving out new sonic territory in OPM.
The MCA Music Deal and Breakthrough Success
Fast forward to August 2016, and MilesExperience gets signed by MCA Music Philippines. This was huge. Their debut album, "Again and Against," got re-released under MCA Music Records with the bonus track "Anggulo" (yes, that same song that would later become the Wolfblood theme).
Then came "Sunshine" in 2017, and boom—the floodgates opened. The song absolutely exploded, hitting number one on Spotify Philippines' Viral 50 chart. Let me repeat that: NUMBER ONE. Radio stations across the country were playing it on repeat—Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3, Mellow 94.7, PinasFM 95.5, Play FM 99.5, and Monster RX 93.1 all jumped on board. If you were anywhere near a radio in 2017, you heard "Sunshine."
But they didn't stop there. "Spaces," their follow-up single, showed they weren't just one-hit wonders. Both tracks were part of their sophomore album "Soberhaul," released in 2017, proving that MilesExperience had the staying power to keep delivering hit after hit.
The Music: What Does MilesExperience Actually Sound Like?
This is where words start to fail me a bit because MilesExperience's sound is genuinely unique in the OPM scene. Imagine taking indie rock, adding layers of atmospheric synths courtesy of Guido's keyboards, throwing in some progressive rock elements, and then filtering it all through a distinctly Filipino emotional sensibility. The result is expansive, sometimes dreamy, always captivating.
Miles Bondoc's vocals have this earnest quality that draws you in—he's not trying to oversing or show off, but every word lands with emotional weight. Justin's guitar work ranges from shimmering arpeggios to gritty riffs, Ian's bass lines provide solid, groovy foundations, Tim's drumming is tight and dynamic, and Guido's keyboards add texture and atmosphere that elevate everything else.
Their songs tackle themes of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and existential contemplation—universal stuff, but filtered through a uniquely Filipino lens. Whether it's the yearning in "Anggulo," the infectious energy of "Sunshine," or the introspective vibe of their other tracks like "Love Supreme" and "Silakbo," there's always this sense that they're pouring genuine emotion into every note.
The Band Members: Meet the Talented Individuals
Miles Bondoc (Vocals & Guitar): The heart and voice of the band, Miles is a trained jazz guitarist who brings both technical precision and raw emotion to MilesExperience. His songwriting tends toward the introspective and poetic, and his vocal delivery strikes that perfect balance between vulnerability and strength.
Tim Dadivas/Odulio (Drums & Percussion): One of the founding members, Tim provides the rhythmic backbone that holds everything together. His conservatory training shows in his ability to handle complex time signatures and dynamic shifts without breaking a sweat.
Justin Teaño (Lead Guitar): Another founding member, Justin's classical guitar background gives him a unique approach to rock guitar. He can shred when needed, but he's just as comfortable crafting delicate, melodic lines that complement the song rather than dominate it.
Ian Diaz (Bass): Joining in 2014, Ian brought a fresh energy to the band's revamped sound. His bass playing is both solid and inventive, knowing when to lock in with the drums and when to add melodic flourishes that enhance the overall texture.
Guido Hizon (Keyboards): The newest of the core members (joining in 2012), Guido's classical piano training translates into lush, cinematic keyboard parts that give MilesExperience their signature atmospheric sound. Note: Guido left the band by 2021, and they continued as a four-piece.
Discography: The Essential MilesExperience Albums
Again and Against (2016): Their debut album showcases the band finding their footing in their new sound. It's raw, it's passionate, and it features early versions of what would become their signature style. Essential tracks include "Anggulo," "Love Supreme," and "Silakbo."
Soberhaul (2017): This is where everything clicked. Released through MCA Music, this sophomore effort features their biggest hits "Sunshine" and "Spaces." The production is more polished, the songwriting more confident, and the experimentation more daring. If you're only going to listen to one MilesExperience album, make it this one.
Cyber World War (2019): Their third album shows the band continuing to evolve, exploring new sonic territories while maintaining the core elements that make them special. This EP demonstrated their versatility and willingness to take risks.
Love Ain't Enough (2021 Single): After a two-year hiatus and now as a four-piece without Guido, the band returned with this introspective single about relationships that don't work out despite genuine love. Miles explained that he wrote it before the pandemic while reflecting on past relationships, and the song resonates with anyone who's experienced love that wasn't enough to make things work.
To fully dig into MilesExperience's discography, you may visit their Spotify page.
Critical Reception and Industry Recognition
MilesExperience hasn't just been popular with fans—they've earned respect from the industry too. In 2017, they received nominations for both the MYX Music Awards and the Awit Awards, two of the most prestigious recognition platforms in Philippine music. These nominations validated what their growing fanbase already knew: MilesExperience wasn't just another indie band; they were serious contenders in the OPM landscape.
The fact that "Sunshine" topped Spotify's Viral 50 Philippines chart while also getting heavy rotation across multiple major radio stations showed their crossover appeal. They weren't just indie darlings or mainstream sellouts—they managed to straddle both worlds successfully, which is ridiculously hard to pull off.
Here's Miles Experience with a smooth, impeccable performance of Sunshine:
Why MilesExperience Deserves More Recognition
Here's my honest take: MilesExperience is criminally underrated. In a just world, they'd be mentioned in the same breath as some of the biggest names in OPM rock. They've got the talent (seriously, their musicianship is top-tier), the songs (multiple chart-toppers and radio hits), the credibility (industry nominations and major label backing), and the innovation (that unique sound that stands out in the crowded OPM landscape).
So why aren't they bigger? Maybe it's because they're not flashy or gimmicky. They let the music speak for itself, which is admirable but doesn't always cut through in today's attention economy. Maybe they needed better marketing or more aggressive promotion. Or maybe they're exactly where they're meant to be—building a dedicated fanbase of people who truly appreciate musicianship and songcraft over viral trends.
The Hiatus and What Came After
After releasing "Cyber World War" in 2019, the band took another break. During this time, Miles Bondoc embarked on solo projects, collaborating with Dana Cruz on "Sayaw" and Jensen Gomez on "Chasing" in 2020, then releasing his solo track "This Drug" in 2021. These projects showed different facets of his artistry and kept his creative muscles flexing while MilesExperience regrouped.
When they returned in 2021 with "Love Ain't Enough," they were a leaner four-piece without Guido Hizon. The song showed they could still deliver emotionally resonant music even with the lineup change. The band proved that MilesExperience was bigger than any one member—it was about the collective vision and the songs.
How to Get Into MilesExperience: A Starter Guide
If you're new to MilesExperience and wondering where to start, here's our recommendation:
Start with "Sunshine" - It's their biggest hit for a reason. It's catchy, it's polished, and it gives you a great sense of what they're capable of.
Follow up with "Anggulo" - The Wolfblood theme song shows their more atmospheric, emotional side. It's beautiful and haunting.
Check out "Spaces" - This one demonstrates their ability to craft intricate, layered songs that reward repeated listening.
Listen to "Soberhaul" front to back - Once you're hooked on the singles, dive into the full album experience. This is where you'll really appreciate their artistry.
Explore "Again and Against" - Go back to their debut to hear where they started and appreciate how much they've grown.
End with "Love Ain't Enough" - Their most recent single shows where they're headed as a four-piece and proves they're still evolving.
Why MilesExperience Matters to OPM
In a music scene that can sometimes feel dominated by formulaic pop or bands that play it safe, MilesExperience represents something important: the courage to evolve, to experiment, and to trust that quality will eventually find an audience. They proved that Filipino musicians trained in classical and jazz can create rock music that's both sophisticated and accessible, both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
They also represent the power of authenticity. When they realized their blues rock origins weren't truly expressing who they were, they had the guts to reinvent themselves completely. Not many bands have that kind of self-awareness or courage. They could have kept coasting on their blues rock reputation, playing safe gigs and building a comfortable career. Instead, they risked everything to find their true voice.
Final Thoughts: Why MilesExperience Deserves Your Ears
If you're tired of cookie-cutter pop and want to hear rock music with actual substance, MilesExperience is your band. If you appreciate musicianship and songcraft, MilesExperience is your band. If you just want to hear some damn good OPM that'll make you feel something, MilesExperience is your band.
So do yourself a favor: pull up Spotify, Apple Music, or whatever streaming service you use, search for MilesExperience, and press play. Start with "Sunshine" or "Anggulo," and let yourself get pulled into their world. I promise you won't regret it.
And hey, if you end up loving them as much as I do, spread the word. Share their songs with your friends. Go to their shows if they come to your city. Support them on streaming platforms. Because bands this good deserve to be celebrated, not overlooked.
MilesExperience might not be the biggest name in OPM yet, but they're undoubtedly one of the best. And sometimes, that's even better.
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