From the syncopated strike on the snare to the electrifying
sound of the lead guitar and the bass, all bands make their mark by offering a
different kind of entertainment to audiences. The FIREFLY band differentiates
themselves from the competition by singing not only about love or heartbreak
but by articulating ways on how to prevent destructive fires.
The name of the band, which means FIREmen Forever Love You, first jammed
together during the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Christmas party in December
22, 2002. Since then, the group continued to deliver their unique message
through original songs, most of which are compiled in an album titled Langit.
This 10-track album has the
carrier single "Langit," which features Cesar Apolinario as the singer. It also
includes the tracks "Kasama Mo Ako" featuring Rico J. Puno, "Trapik,"
"Kalikasan," "Sunog," "Taong Grasa," "Mr. Bell," "Hoy!," "I Love You," and
"Nasaan Ka Na."
In "Sunog," one will realize the importance of learning about fire prevention
while listening to lyrics such as "Wag maging alipin sa kapangyarihan ng apoy /
Di mo na maibabalik ang nasawing buhay sa sunog / Iwasan ang sunog / Dahil ang
sunog nakakakilabot."
The FIREFLY band is composed of three active firefighters who recognize that
they have the primary responsibility not only to put out fires but also promote
fire safety awareness among Filipinos. These are F/Chief Insp. Leonardo "Popoy"
Sabellina Jr. (band leader, guitarist and vocals), Fire Officer 2 Richard
Erichson Malamug (lead gutiar and vocals), Fire Officer 1 Rhoderick Herrera
(bass). They are joined by a civilian musician, Nowie Favila, who shares his
talent in playing the drums.
After five years of performing together, the band decided to part ways in 2007,
only to find themselves reunited in March 2008 for the Fire Prevention Month.
The group was dubbed as the
"Singing Firemen" in GMA-7 shows such as 24 Oras and Mel and Joey.
In ABS-CBN, they were featured in the late-night show Bandila. It was at that time when the band met GMA-7 reporter and director of the
award-winning film Banal, Cesar Apolinario.
Upon learning about their advocacy, Cesar offered his services for
free—from conceptualization and scriptwriting to casting and directing—in order
to create their first MTV Sunog.
Firefighters are usually seen in protective coats and helmets as they rescue victims and battle devastating fires. But these firemen decided to don civilian clothes and reach out to Filipinos through the power of music. Spreading the message of fire safety awareness through their songs is an extension of their duties—a noble endeavor that could hopefully reduce the casualties in fire-related incidents in the country.