Iligan City Local talent Tukar: Duyog sa Bayug started out as the band “Dean’s List” in 1996. Friends and neighbors Onad (Guitars), Dansoy (Bass) and Frank (Drums) originally formed the group (with the group’s first name suggested by Dansoy), with Jong joining and filling in as Vocals/Guitar after getting to meet him after being formally introduced by Mr. Bryan C, another friend and neighbor.
The band played on until Jong left in 1998 to pursue his studies. Tony, another friend and neighbor, was then invited by the group and filled in the part as the new vocalist. The band then decided to have a new name, and so Dansoy proposed the name Mitochondria.
Mitochondria is the plural form of the word Mitochondrion (a cell responsible for taking in nutrients and breaking them down into usable energy molecules for the cell), it is also known and popularly nicknamed as the powerhouse of the cell.
Since both Onad and Dansoy’s influence then were Heavy Metal and were avid Metallica fans, with Dansoy also being a Biology student, he suggested the name Mitochondria, for the name begins and end with the same letters as one of their favorite groups.
Mitochondria
The name Mitochondrion originates from the Greek “mitos” (thread) and “chondrus” (granule) and was introduced and renamed Mitochondria in 1898 by Carl Benda. It is pronounced as “mai·tuh·kaan·dree·uh” and has 5 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Through the band’s years of playing, suggestions were made about maybe changing the band’s name to a simpler one, or one using a word from the local language. The band tried to do so but didn’t really pushed with changing the name then.
And as a number of folks that the band met during gigs, who ask what the band’s name was and upon hearing it, some would say, “What is that?” Others remembers and says, “ah, science.” The group also noticed that the name was usually pronounced in a different way.
But there’s nothing really wrong with the act of pronouncing words differently, the band is not really particular about articulation and enunciation, and do understands that different pronunciation happens due to regional variations, the influence of other languages, different individual speaker backgrounds, and the constantly-evolving nature of languages.
Tukar: Duyog sa Bayug
And they say that “one of the most important details to get right for a band is having a good name.”
So after more than 23 years of being Mitochondria, the band felt compelled and finally decided to change their name. A name that would be simpler, with lesser number of syllables, a straightforward and effortless name that will be easily understood and easy to remember.
So after brainstorming for some time, with more than 100 proposed names, one was finally selected, “Tocar.”
Tocar is a Spanish verb meaning “to play (an instrument)” and only has 2 syllables. With this, the band then slightly modified the word to “Tukar.”
But since there were already a number of other groups, artists, and bands who had the same or similar name as Tukar, the group decided to add the phrase “Duyog sa Bayug” (accompaniment or in connection with Iligan City’s historical village of Bayug) for description and artist name separation.
Music is a wonderful thing
With a new name, Tukar: Duyog sa Bayug, the band had their official first live gig with Friends Radio 96.7 FMR Iligan under their Tingog Lokal program in 2021.
They were also able to release two Music Videos in 2022, and with a new Lead guitarist Yuri joining the group, they were able to play in two major events.
However, the band’s current guitarist, Yuri, is now on indefinite leave, and with a number of upcoming projects, the group is now out looking for a new member to fill-in as Lead Guitarist, or maybe a drummer, or a keyboardist would definitely be a welcome addition.
The AudioBox Studio
Despite being down to three members again, the band still continues in their pursuit for creativity and musicality by making and showcasing their own music, as playing and composing original songs has not only become a form of diversion, but has become a passion.
With more than 100 original compositions, the group still remains committed and dedicated in making original songs in the hopes of inspiring and enhancing well-being, to bring people and local talents together, to build strong relations, and to foster a sense of community through music.
As music can bring about unity, the band recently accepted an invitation for a short interview and performance from one of Iligan City’s foremost musician and lead guitarist of the famed group Haring Gangis, Sir Richie Saceda of The Audio Box Crib.
The Audio Box Crib is considered as Iligan City’s Top Recording Studio and offers a full range of services from audio recording, mixing, and mastering, to lyric and music video services. They also offer Lights and Sound rental, as well as practice and band rehearsal.
For musicians, The AudioBox Studio is a great place that provides the space and time to develop those skills, creativity and ideas, and is also a wonderful place to set those band inspirations on fire and keep them burning. 🎸
TUKAR 