KinkyHooters! Before you think dirty thoughts let me clarify that KinkyHooters is a name of a rock band. Hooters is the name of the basketball team where a cousin of one of the band members, Kinky, plays. They were just four-days old when they joined their first rock band contest and still without a band name to put in the registration sheet. Thinking hurriedly for a name, one of them wrote KinkyHooters in the registration sheet, much to the judge delight. They won second place in that local band competition.

Their music is also far from the initial impression you get when their name is mentioned. This group is a rock group. They describe their music as rock but not the noise-kind-of rock. They play covers but prefer to play their original compositions. Writing songs is a group effort.

The group is made up of Gian Villaflor (vocals), Marc Lopez (guitars), Oswie Nicolas (bass) and Marvin Tad-y (drums). The group started out playing as friends until they began winning in band competitions. They were part of the 10 finalists in the 2004 Musiklaban. In the same year they represented the Philippines in the Yamaha Asian Beat Competition in Indonesia.

Since then they have continuously played in events and nightspots. They take pride in having to perform alongside the bands they have admired for so long like The Dawn, Bamboo and Wolfgang. They also have gained their own following. First-time listeners give them a second look, and find their beat riveting. The music lingers in your mind even after the song is finished, much like their name KinkyHooters.

They hope to launch their album before the end of the year and become part of the commercial rock scene. The next time you visit Manila, try to look for the band and let down your hair for the night