BOTOLAN, Zambales — A homegrown Botolan band is now steadily making waves as a rising Filipino indie pop-alternative group and gaining national recognition in the modern Philippine music scene.

Aw’te Amakeh, affectionately described as “Rakistang Aeta ng Zambales” for their Botolan roots, is composed of local talents Merly Rose “M” Flauta, Lourd Gerard “Gee” Daylag, John Cyrill “Cy” Dizon, John Clark “Clark” Diesta, and Daniel Jenrique “Dan” Villanueva.

The group reportedly borrowed its name from the traditional Aeta expression that translates to “Oh my God!”

Aw’te Amakeh’s steady rise to fame began at the Battle of the Bands in the 2025 Pinatubo Festival, where it became Champion. It soon gained national visibility when their original song “Dulo,” about enduring love (“Sana kayo pa rin hanggang dulo”), reached No. 1 on TV5’s Vibe Leaderboard and stayed there for four consecutive days.

The breakout song “Dulo” thereafter peaked at Top 2 on the Main Vibe Leaderboard, leading the band to live performances on TV5’s music platforms Vibe+, Vibe Nights, and Main Vibe.

On Spotify, the global audio streaming provider, “Dulo” has reportedly amassed more than 35,000 streams, thereby putting the Botolan band in the Top 12 of Spotify’s “Fresh Finds PH” playlist.

Now under management by Winsar Entertainment, Aw’te Amakeh continues to produce a string of popular releases since making it big with “Dulo.” These include “Ulan”, “Sopas”, and “Umaasa.”

Their recent release “Bituen” (Star), a song about people who shine brightly and inspire others, is also gaining traction among a dedicated indie fanbase.

Aw’te Amakeh has already gained high visibility on YouTube Music and Audiomack, yet still appears live at indie music venues in Metro Manila and popular resort bars in Zambales. – Taktikom News & Features