THE Dawn is now marking its 20th year, something they would not want emphasized.

In 1986, Teddy Diaz, a music major of the Philippine Women’s University,

invited JB Leonor, a drummer, to form a band. Teddy would be playing the guitar and would provide the vocals, while Teddy’s brother was to play bass guitar. Later on Teddy’s brother quit and was replaced by a classmate.

When the original group needed a manager to keep the band’s business in order, they obtained the services of Martin Galan. Martin eventually told Teddy he can’t sing
Eventually they had to find a lead singer for the band. Jett Pangan, the son of famous comedian Chiquito, auditioned on a lark. The rest is history.

Initially Jett thought that the band was just a passing fancy, something to do and have fun with. He soon realized that Teddy, the de facto band leader, was bent on making the Dawn a professional band who will play original Filipino music. He would give out music sheets for the band to read and memorize, and at the same time encouraged everyone to write their own songs.

Their first hit , “Enveloped Ideas”, catapulted the band into superstardom in the Philippine band scene. “Salamat” soon followed. Even now, these songs continue to appeal to 80’s Pinoy rockers here and abroad. As a tribute to their loyal followers who have joined the migration wave of the 90s, “Laging Narito” is a song The Dawn dedicated to their followers who have found greener pastures overseas.

It was in 1994 when they broke up. JB went into business, Francis “Kiko” Reyes (guitar/vocals) produced albums and is with NU 107, and Jett formed his own Jett Pangan Band. But the pull of their chemistry was stronger than they thought. JB finally initiated a reunion 2000, and since then they have kept on playing at various gigs.

The latest addition to the band, Buddy Zabala of the now defunct Eraserheads, was invited to become the group bassist in December 2005. Buddy could not believe his eyes when the offer came.

Right now, the band is content to keep on playing and having fun, maintaining a steady presence in the local music scene. Their iconic status continues to propel the band in the public eye.

Their next album, still untitled, is coming out this May.