When Chris Cantada decided to quit as Sponge Cola's percussionist in 2008, he was certain that he was through with the band scene.

In Chris's words: "Ayoko na! My mindset back then kasi is parang, 'I've had enough na.'"

It was unlikely for any of the four boys of Sponge Cola— Chris, front man Yael Yuzon, lead guitarist Armo Armovit, and bassist Gosh Dulay— to quit. Not at the height of their songs' popularity and the strong comeback of rock bands in the local music scene during the early 2000's.

In spite of the fame and downpour of support from fans, Chris knew he had to stop.

But why?

"Super pagod. Mga 2008 at that time. The band scene was really strong. We were gig-ing crazy," relays Chris. He narrates that on their hectic months, they were performing 5 to 6 times a week with 2 to 3 gigs per day.

While he trusts that other musicians, like his band mates, can handle the stress and pressure, he admits that at some point his body was giving up on him.

"I guess ako hindi [ko kaya]. Especially as a drummer, very physical, e. Tapos when I play pa, I want to play na bigay na bigay.

"So when I get sick and we have a gig, I still play na super bigay na bigay. Kasi as an audience member, ayoko naman na I paid to watch [tapos] nakalaylay lang. That's one of the reasons din. Super tiring!"

During that time, Sponge Cola just released their third, self-titled album with "Puso" as their carrier single. Chris found himself caving in to the exhaustion.

Being a drummer is physically taxing because one uses both his arms and feet.

Chris cites an article he once came across. It claimed that playing the drums is equivalent to playing soccer.

Eventually, Chris relented to fatigue and found himself in a sabbatical from music. It was both timely and unfortunate that during his respite, he fell ill.

Chris described it as a kind of tubercular infection that targeted his heart,  an "out-of-the-blue, shit-just-happens" moment in one's life. His doctors, despite their expertise, had no definite explanation as to how and why the condition came about.

According to Chris, his physicians' theory was that he probably acquired it at the peak of his rock star days and only after he ceased performing did the ailment manifest itself.