Rocky Collado

by RUC
(as published 4 years ago on MVP)

Ronald Anthony Collado, Rocky, monikered after the popular 1985 film Rocky IV, was not meant to be a boxer.  He was small, shy and hyperactive boy, addicted to jumping and running when not asleep. At age 6, his pediatrician once prescribed barbiturates to slow him down but her mom, also a physician from Bangued, Abra refused the rx and instead bought him a set of drums. That started it all.

Unlike his younger sister, Michelli who could sing opera songs at early age, Rocky would not even complete a simple nursery song.  Yet at age 7, Rocky surprised us with a complete drum solo on Hawaii Five O and various drum solos.  At age 8, he was invited in many special occasions where the audience would flock to the stage to find out who was banging the drums.

He finished his elementary and high school in De La Salle Greenhills despite his teachers’ frequent reports that he slept and drew cartoons during classes.

With his classmates, Rocky helped formed The Bloomfields, initially a techno/ funk rock band playing for some corner bars nearby.  Their weekly noisy practice techno jam sessions at home, forced us to soundproof a room for them, flee the house even as flower vases broke and neighbors complained.  Realizing the gravity of their songs, we urged them to play songs that people would listen to and are willing pay for.

They started singing Daddy’s songs and a year later they played the front act for Herman’s Hermits and Gary and the Playboys at Araneta Coliseum.  Today they have gigs at Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hawaii and Kuwait.

We urged him to take Medicine but he wanted architecture which is not offered in La Salle. He took Industrial Design instead side by side with his hectic performances here and abroad.  At one time he awed us with a first place in a Tupperware Global Design Contest.

With his playing schedules here in Metro Manila and abroad, my wife and I fervently wished that he would graduate sooner than next year.

With my family at Michelli's graduation at Boston University in May 2008

The Bloomfields in Hawaii

Rocky's profile lifted from the group's original website:  "Where else can you find someone who’d do bass line vocals then switch to Mike Love all in one go? Rocky Collado is the epitome of ease, variety, and showmanship. He wows the crowd each time with his rendition of The Shadows’ Little B, which is actually popular for its ridiculously difficult drum solo. He’s also known as the 'talker' and does most of the witty remarks and spiels during gigs. He’s also a fantastic lyricist, teaming up with Jay Jay for the words to their most popular original, Wala Nang Iba. He finds inspiration from Mike Love and swing drummer Gene Krupa."

You probably heard some of their hit songs such as Rocky’s Drum Solo on Little B, Ale, Wala Ng Iba, Never Let Her Slip Away, etc.

Little B
Ale
Wala Ng Iba

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News about the Bloomfields compiled by MVP

The Bloomfields Band's Overview

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The BloomfieldsBand Music, Inc. wish to inform you that Mr. Gregorio "Jay-Jay" Lozano and Mr. Jose "Pepe" Lozano have resigned from their positions as performers and directors of the company. The remaining members and some new additions are now continuing to provide the delightful music and energetic performance that you have come to expect from The Bloomfields.

Recent Update on the Bloomfields Band

The band is composed of four young men who display musical versatility. Apart from playing their respective instruments, each member is also adept at singing. The members are also very accomplished outside of the music scene. They are all educated, intelligent and eloquent young men.

Rocky Collado is fondly called “Gene Krupa of the Philippines” and “Doctor of the drums” due to his unparalleled talent in drum playing. His famous rendition of “Little B” is always a highpoint in their performance. Rocky is also a very talented singer, a gifted visual artist and the resident “talker” of the band.

Lakan Hila plays the lead guitar and the keyboard. He comes from a family of musicians which explains his proficiency in virtually any instrument he attempts to play. Lakan is responsible for the amazing leads during instrumentals often playing the keyboard with his guitar still firmly strapped to his chest.

Louie Poco is the bass player and the master of rock and roll showmanship. He is often seen jumping off stages, standing on tables and doing all sorts of maneuvers. He is also the go-to guy for blaring songs. He has the perfect raspy, high-pitched voice for authentic rock and roll.

Dino Pascual is the latest addition to the band and also the youngest. He plays the rhythm guitar and is also the resident balladeer. His acoustic roots allowed him to bring diversity to the band’s repertoire. Though a first-time rock and roller, he is slowly but surely making his mark.

Individually, they are amazing but together they are unstoppable. The Bloomfields bring back the richness of the ‘60s with the vitality and energy of today. Young men playing old music – who could ask for more?

See more articles about the Bloomfields:

Bloomfields moves forward with new balladeer Dino Pascual
The Bloomfields as wholesome as their music
What sets the Bloomfields apart?
New album: Hit the Ground Running
Sen. Bongbong Marcos jams with the Bloomfields