dicta license disbanded

Truth be told, I am not much of an OPM fan. I know I should be but I'm not. In fact, if I were to name local bands I really enjoy, I would come up with only four. Dicta License owns the top of that list.

I was searching for information about the band's possible new album (which I was so keen on buying) when I came up with an article about how Pochoy was already a lawyer and how the band disbanded. What? That quick?! (Actually they disbanded as early as oct. 13, '07. Yes, I'm a bit delayed when it comes to current events.)

I was expecting another album or two. I was looking forward to listening to more of their music filled with realistic nationalistic sentiments. I was planning on having my Paghilom album (finally) signed on one of their gigs. And I was going to buy a Dicta shirt.

"It’s a tough act then balancing his busy studies with his band’s gigs, he admits. The set up was further complicated by the fact that two of his band mates, Boogie Romero and Kelly Mangahas were also having problems dividing their time performing in Dicta License and Kjwan, another band. When the situation became unbearable, the group finally disbanded, leaving Labog all focused on his studies. "
(http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/apr/13/yehey/weekend/20080413week2.html)

And so I learned that their breakup was inevitable and was for the common good of the members. That somehow alleviates my pain. Anyone who has something so unique and precious taken away from them would understand how I feel.

Here's a letter from Pochoy:

Writing this brings pain to my heart, the kind you get whenever you've lost someone important in your life and then there's nothing else to do but move on.

I'm afraid that dicta will be having its last dance tonight, 11pm at 19 east, Sucat. Please be there with me as I enjoy one last moment on stage with Kel, Boogs and Bry.

Dicta has been my stronghold for almost 8 years. It was never just a band for me. It was a movement, a stage, and a platform to reach people and to somehow use words and music to pierce your hearts and awaken your souls. And now that we are here, on the brink of our career, I just hope that we have accomplished something close to that dream.

Do not worry about the four of us. For each member will do great in whatever path he takes. Also, I want to make it clear that our friendship is so much bigger than this and no matter how sad and frustrating this conclusion can be, we remain as friends.

This is it guys. Thank you for all the love and support and for believing in dicta.

We had an awesome time together! One last time later!

See you guys.

Sincerely,

Pochoy Labog
Dicta License Frontman

"I will carry you through the hurricane waters And I'll remember you in the blue skies."
-Citizen Cope

I will miss Dicta License.