Pinoy rock legend Mike Hanopol, best known as the bassist and co-founder of Juan Dela Cruz Band, has re-released his sixth solo album Lagablab on vinyl through Backspacer Records on September 28. Originally released in 2003, the record slipped quietly under the radar but has since grown into a sought-after rarity. With this new edition, the album finally gets its due for fans who have been waiting for a release for more than two decades.
The album features collaborations with the late master rapper Francis Magalona, singer-songwriter Aia De Leon, and other Filipino music heavyweights. The vinyl version has been remastered by producer Shinji Tanaka at Kodama Studios, giving fresh clarity to Hanopol’s blend of searing guitar solos, balladeer-like anthems, and the unshakable rock energy that defined his style.
For longtime fans and new listeners alike, the release carries historical weight. Hanopol has been a fixture in Pinoy rock for nearly five decades, standing alongside Pepe Smith and Wally Gonzales as one of the architects of the genre in the 1970s. With Juan Dela Cruz Band, he helped establish “Pinoy rock” as its own movement, mixing Western influences with Tagalog lyrics and Filipino identity at a time when local pop leaned on imported sounds.
While Hanopol’s name is often tied to the mythology of Juan Dela Cruz Band, his solo career has always been about creating his own lane. Lagablab shows that spirit in full force, and its long-awaited vinyl release gives fans a chance to archive a key chapter in the legacy of one of Pinoy rock’s forefathers.
The vinyl is now available at Backspacer Records and online.
