Junior Kilat is a Filipino band, basing in Cebu, Philippines. The band is famous for its reggae sound, not just in Cebu-Dumaguete-Bohol area but also in Manila. Its name was taken from Leon Kilat, the 70’s Cebuano band.
Junior Kilat is currently composed of Errol “Budoy” Marabiles as the band’s vocalist, Tiano Evangelista on bass, Archie Ybañez on guitar, Bangin Atienza on turntable, Cleofas Quijano on trombone, Gina Pestaño as the keyboardist and the drummer Diana Freese. Jad Dapat was once a member of Junior Kilat who played the guitars.
Junior Kilat originated from Cebu, Philippines. Establishing a name as reggae band, Junior Kilat is popular in Davao-Dumaguete-Bohol regions. Their first exposure was on the album “Island Riddims” which was released on 2004 wherein two of their tracks: “K-Fyne” and “Original Sigbin” were featured. The band again appeared in another album entitled “Island Krismas” which their song, “Kling Klang”.
On 2005, Junior Kilat released its first full-length album entitled “Party Pipol Ur On Dub TV” under Galaxy Records. Containing twelve tracks, some of them were recorded at the studio while other were live at Idiot Bar in Cebu City.
Junior Kilat is also experiencing lineup changes as Jad Dapat left band and Archie Ybañez took over his left duties. Their sophomore album was released still under Galaxy Records on 2006 bearing the title “Buwad Suka Sili”. It contained 5 tracks, 2 music videos and the making of Ako Si M16 video.
Like any other bands, Junior Kilat wanted to explore the bigger world of music. Like Moslems who are making trip to Mecca, the band decided to venture and try their luck in the music capital of the country, Manila.
But prior to the exposures made in Manila, Junior Kilat already been featured in Ismol Tym, a Cebu-based channel RCTV show. Diana Freese, Tiano Evangelista and Gina Pestaño are staff members.
Junior Kilat was eventually introduced and be known nationwide when Budoy Marabiles joined Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition of AS-CBN. Inside the house, he was able to write two songs: Maligo Na Jam and Budoy Ako, the Cebuano version of Pinoy Ako. Though he did not win, it is enough to give the band the amount of recognition.
After crossing the troubled waters, the brave captain, Budoy finally made it quite fine. With each one’s contributions, Junior Kilat finally arrived to the distinct reggae rhythm, free roaming dub, dancehall and a bit of folk tunes.
The name became popular in Manila considering that their song Ako Si M16 was awarded as the Song of the Year. The song was the first single from their Party Pipol Ur On Dub TV.
Currently, Junior Kilat is promoting its newest album, Enrique De Malacca under Galaxy Records, released on 2008. It is packed with 10 songs plus a bonus track. The carrier single of the said album was “1-2-3”.
Junior Kilat is still in the active circuit, promoting original and sometimes satirical songs for people to enjoy.