Since they first performed together in 2011 during a concert in support of the then Reproductive Health Bill which eventually became law the following year, Lolita Carbon, Cooky Chua and Bayang Barrios—now collectively known as the Tres Marias—has been pretty much inseparable.
Almost seven years after that fateful night, the trio continues to draw big crowds wherever they perform. While they still have their respective individual careers and perform with their respective bands on their own, the three ladies attribute their longevity as a group to their enduring friendship and mutual respect to each other.
In a previous interview with InterAksyon, Bayang admits that she and Cooky are both honored to share the stage with the legendary Lolita, an artist they had admired long before the two of them became respectable artists in their own right. But that also did not prevent them from being comfortable with each other and to do things loose and free.
“Nandun yung respeto pero lahat kami, pantay-pantay ang tingin sa kakayahan ng bawat isa. Walang nagsasabi na ‘ako ang icon dito’. (The respect is there but all of us look at each other as equals. No one is saying, ‘I’m the icon here’),” Bayang told InterAksyon in a previous interview.
“Pag napanood niyo kami, matatawa kayo lalo na pag nagkakatawanan na kami pag may nagkakamali, (When you see us perform, you’ll laugh with us when you see us giggling when someone makes a mistake)” Cooky added.
Bayang and Cooky said that onstage they’re just happy to sing some of their favorite songs by other artists they admire. Contrary to the circumstance that brought them together, they’re not really preaching any specific agenda, cause or advocacy during performances—at least most of the time.
Certain causes occasionally brings the trio together such as the time when they, along with fellow musicians like Chickoy Pura and Gary Granada against the rise of extrajudicial killings two years ago.
Recently, a more pressing and personal cause once again brought the Tres Marias together. This time, it’s for a fund-raising event for journalist Tony “Bong” Manipon, a columnist for the now defunct daily, Dyaryo Pilipino.
Manipon survived a heart attack last December but needs to have a second angioplasty procedure which alone would cost around P400,000 on top of the his mounting medical bills and post-operative expenses.
Held at the 70s Bistro, the special Tres Marias show was a full house affair as it was attended by prominent personalities who were also former activists who fought against the Marcos regime back in the day. These included former cabinet secretary Hernani Braganza, singer-songwriter Gary Granada and journalist-turned-actor Joel Saracho.
As expected, The Tres Marias, did not disappoint, as they dished out their own signature songs as well as the hits of Asin in particular. Right from the get go, Lolita, Cooky and Bayang captivated the crowd who sang along to their every tune.
But as pointed out by activist Ruben Felipe, music has a way of bringing all ideologies together especially for a common cause.
“Ngayong gabi, lahat magkakaibigan at magkakasama ang lahat para sa isang layunin, ang tumulong kay Bong Manipon (Tonight, we are all friends and comrades who are together for one single objective, and that is to help our friend Bong Manipon),” he noted.
“I wish to thank everyone who opened their hearts and wallets to help with the medical expenses of our friend and comrade, Tony ‘Bong’ Manipon. We are acknowledging everyone privately through the contact details they have provided,” Feliper later posted on Facebook.
For those who wish to help, cash donations can be made out to Dante Ricardo N. Manipon, BPI Savings Account No. 1999068894.
