Radioman. Yep, that’s their name. And no, none of them work in a radio station, nor do they fix radios for a living. So why Radioman? And who are these dudes?
This rising alternative indie band from Taguig is a guitar-driven crew slowly carving their space in the local indie scene, playing around different bars across the metro and steadily becoming a familiar name among the underground crowd.
Formed in mid-2025, Radioman is composed of Daniel Bernaldo on drums, TJ Aquino on guitar, Marlon Valencia on bass, Apol Pisigan on lead guitar, and Ringo Ordoñez on vocals and rhythm guitar. These five guys picked up their instruments for one simple reason—to perform at their office Christmas party.
“The reason we decided to form a band was just to perform at our office Christmas party. That’s it. ‘Yun lang ang plano.”
Ringo, the band’s frontman, laughed as he recalled how it all started. But things took a fun little detour. What began as a one-night jam turned into something deeper: a shared rhythm and a new sense of purpose. Soon, the group decided to take it seriously and show the world, or at least the local underground/ indie scene, what they could do.
Most of them were co-workers. The other two were friends and former bandmates who got roped in to complete the sound.
At first, it was Ringo, Daniel, and TJ jamming to Orange and Lemons songs, their earliest musical common ground. They eventually tagged in Marlon to handle the bass. The sound was fine, but not quite what they were looking for. Then came Apol.
Apol’s arrival changed everything. His lead guitar tone glued the entire band together.
“Ang sarap ng tugtugan namin. Kabit na kabit. Mas pinili ko na ito as main band ko.” – Apol, Lead Guitarist
From there, the band’s sound evolved. They shifted from their ONL influences to covering the greats like Eraserheads, the ultimate OPM inspiration. The fit was perfect, and Radioman found its heartbeat.
“Nasarapan kami n’ung nagpa-practice kami. Naisip namin, bakit ‘di pa natin seryosohin?” – TJ, Guitarist
One night after another jam, they decided to test the waters and book a small production gig. Fast forward to October 4, 2025, and the band landed their first major break at Simon’s Place Supreme Resto Bar in Tomas Morato.
But before that, fate threw in a little surprise. While prepping his guitar for the gig, Ringo dropped by Clifton Guitars for some setup work. The shop happened to host Facebook Live band sessions, and the manager offered Radioman a slot.
That livestream became their unexpected debut gig—broadcasted and free for everyone to watch. The set went so well that it turned heads and caught the attention of local music lovers. A proper debut before their debut.
“Buo kami, totoo sa isa’t isa. Walang pataasan. Tska nag-eenjoy kami sa ginagawa namin. ‘Yun ang dahilan bakit solid ang Radioman.” – Daniel, Drums
Since then, Radioman has played a string of gigs, including a packed night at The Roadhouse Manila Bay, one of the metro’s classic live music spots. Friends, fans, and strangers filled the place. The energy was electric. People sang along, laughed, and felt that familiar tug of OPM nostalgia. Radioman didn’t just play songs that night—they connected.
“Madalas mahirap na masarap tugtugin ‘yung mga kinakanta namin. Pero masaya kami e. ‘Yun siguro ang importante.” – Marlon, Bass
Even as a cover band for now, Radioman’s OPM-driven sets showcase pure musicianship. Their chemistry, stage presence, and charm make them a treat to watch. It’s not just about the songs—it’s about the joy they bring to the crowd, the laughter they share on stage, and the connection they create through music. But the band isn’t stopping there. Radioman is currently in the thick of writing their own material, experimenting with new sounds and stories drawn from their shared experiences. Soon, they’ll be hitting the studio to record their first batch of original tracks—proof that their journey is just getting started.
Now, why Radioman? Most of the members work in multimedia and local news, usually behind the scenes. They took inspiration from a beloved New York street icon and movie extra known as Radioman, famous for appearing in dozens of films. Just like him, they wanted to show up, make their mark, and be seen.
So, if you ever find yourself around the metro looking for a good band to watch, keep your ears open for Radioman. They might just be playing at a bar near you—ready to make you sing, smile, and remember what good music feels like.
“Magandang gabi, kami ang RADIOMAN.”
Follow Radioman: Facebook: facebook.com/radiomanph Instagram: @radioman_ph
Ringo is a storyteller at heart, with a writing journey that’s as eclectic as his playlist. He’s dabbled in a variety of topics, including pop culture, music, automobiles, and travel. He also ventured into the daring and uncensored realm of storytelling while working as a content writer for Playboy Magazine, where he gained experience in telling bold and varied stories.
In his later role as a Staff Writer for Geekosity Magazine, he delved deeply into the realm of fandoms and superheroes, creating stories that honor all the elements that contribute to the success of pop culture. For someone who was raised with an interest in both words and worlds other than his own, it was the ideal playground.
As a content and news writer Taguig City’s Public Information Office, he currently serves on the front lines of public service by telling stories that have an impact, and educating, inspiring, and connecting the public through the city’s transformative initiatives.
Whether it’s fiction, features, or facts, Ringo’s goal remains the same: to write stories that engage, empower, and leave a mark.