Did Rivermaya guitarist Perf De Castro allude to his absence in the reunion concert? 'Wala sa picture, e di wala'
The former lead guitarist of Rivermaya Perf De Castro seemingly alluded to his absence in the iconic OPM band’s reunion concert in 2024.
In a Facebook post, De Castro, who’s now based in Los Angeles, wrote a cryptic post that read, “Wala sa picture, e di wala.”
While he didn’t mention anything specific, it can be noted that concert organizer Live Nation PH on Oct. 31 shared a teaser video featuring four men that resembled Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon.
Its official announcement on Nov. 6 finally showed the faces of the foursome but without De Castro.
His post got over 19,000 reactions (mostly “Sad”), 3,600 comments, and 5,500 shares.
Many users expressed their sentiments in the comments section.
Dong Abay, the frontman of their contemporary Yano, likened the situation to the American rock band Guns ’N’ Roses not having its lead guitarist Slash.
“Di pa rin reunion kapag walang Perfecto na mag gi guitar solo,” one user wrote.
“Sumikat ang karamihang songs ng original rivermaya dahil din sa signature solos n Perf,” another user wrote.
In another post, De Castro shared a wacky selfie against the poster of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, which has four members.
"Relax, guys, eto kasama ako sa picture,” he said.
De Castro wrote another post and, kidding aside, expressed gratefulness to fans.
"Nakakatuwa itong past couple of days at nakakataba ng puso ang lahat ng comments at support," he said, "pero OKs lang ako, men. Padayon lang."
Without mentioning the reunion concert directly, he told them, "Enjoyin nyo ang ihahain na show at huwag hanapin ang wala."
"Labyu all! Kitakits sa YouTube," added De Castro, who posts his guitar vlogs and performances on the platform.
The other Rivermaya members have yet to address the matter.
The band made its debut with its self-titled album in 1994 and became one of the biggest acts in the ‘90s.
De Castro left the band in 1995, while Mañalac followed suit in 1998.
Blanco also decided to leave the band in 2007, leaving Escueta and Azarcon as Rivermaya’s remaining original members. They’re with their longest-serving guitarist, Mike Elgar.
Rivermaya’s hits include 214, Kisapmata, Elesi, Himala, Ulan, and Awit ng Kabataan.
The Rivermaya: The Reunion concert will be held on Feb. 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque. Ticket prices range from P2,550 to P14,750.
(Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include De Castro's new post)