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iskulbluekul

In 2004 a fortituous event occured in NYC: graduates of the most prestigious universities of the Philippines, now living in and around New York, were challenged to form alumni-based bands and compete in a "battle-of-the-bands" benefit to raise money for Filipino charities. From this inauspicious beginning IBk - iskulbluekul- was born.

Originally a ten-member dance band, horns and keyboards were subsequently added, bringing the total iskulbluekul family to fourteen. The current leaner and meaner rock lineup, featuring Warren Daya (lead guitar), Geo Garcia (bass), Cutuy Herrero (vocals), Arianne Recto (vocals and rhythm guitar), Mike Ruivivar (drums) and Bernie Villanueva (vocals) now perform a variety of classic rock covers and an evolving repertoire of originals.

The name "iskulbluekul" is derived from the popular Filipino slang term, "iskul bukul". According to the Pinoy Slang Dictionary, iskul bukul means: hindi-nagaaral (does not study); pumapasok sa iskul para alamin kung may pasok o wala (goes to school only to find out if there is school); pumapasok sa iskul dahil sa baon (goes to school for the allowance from one's parents); pumapasok sa iskul para man chicks (goes to school because of the girls); o di kaya talagang hindi pumapasok (does not really go to school). The "blue" in iskulbluekul refers to the Ateneo de Manila University (from which most band members graduated) school color. iskulbluekul is also a play on "Iskul Bukul", a very popular Filipino TV show from the early 80s.

Currently IBK is the house band of Croton Reservoir Tavern, Located at 108 West 40th St, NYC