At the grand opening of Yamaha Music’s largest boutique in the Philippines, located at Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City, former IV of Spades frontman Unique Salonga captivated fans with insights on his solo career, personal growth, and an unexpected reunion with his former bandmate, Zild Benitez.
In an exclusive interview at the launch, Salonga, who parted ways with IV of Spades in 2018, shared how his passion for music blossomed early, thanks to his parents’ influence. “Siguro naging musikero ako dahil sa parents. ‘Di ko alam kung unique ‘yun pero dun ako nanggaling. Malaki ang influence ng mga magulang ko,” Salonga shared. “Sobrang laking tulong niya unang-una sa Mental Health. ‘Yung growth ko ‘di lang bilang artist kungdi bilang tao rin. Sobrang naging parang outlet ko siya. Malaking tulong talaga niya sa akin.”
Adding to the excitement, Salonga crossed paths with Benitez at the event. “As in, biglaan lang na nagkita kami. As in, walang plano na kahit ano,” he said, explaining that they’ve reconnected as friends without any pressure of a band reunion. “Okay naman. Friends ulit. Ganun. Happy kami kaya nagkikita-kita kami minsan. Pero hanggang dun muna ‘yun. Walang pressure na, ‘O kelan kayo babalik?’ Walang ganun. Basta happy lang kami sa buhay namin. Enough na ‘yung bati-bati kaming lahat.”
The Yamaha boutique launch was a celebration of music, drawing together notable personalities such as Taguig City Councilor Jorge Bocobo and Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan, as well as prominent musicians like Marlo Mortel, LA Santos, and members from bands The Juans, Imago, and 6CycleMind.
The Uptown Mall boutique is Yamaha’s flagship store, featuring an extensive selection of instruments—from high-quality pianos, guitars, and drum sets to brass and woodwind selections and professional audio equipment.
It adds to Yamaha’s existing locations in SM North EDSA and an upcoming branch in Garden Towers, Makati, cementing its place as a one-stop destination for musicians and music lovers.
