The Batukada band meaning the “Beat” in Brazilian started out as a group called Bato-Balani (circa 1972), that played at the U.P. Los Baños auditorium and the Thomas Jefferson Cultural Center. They were also back up band for Bong Penera on his 3 albums, heavily influenced by Brazil and the Bossa Nova sound and all well sought after by collectors now. They also performed regularly at a restaurant/inn called Pension Filipina situated along the bohemian scene of Jorge Bocobo Street in Ermita, the gathering place for both the art crowd and the young social set. After splitting from Bong Penera they released this solo effort in 1977 featuring Jazz Funk versions of traditional Filipino songs.

Now Batukada were Boy “Yob” Katindig on keyboards, “Papa” Jun Enriquez on guitar, Sonny “Chaba” Nabong on bass, Cesar “Bachu” Yumping on drums, Nick “Egub” Boogie on percussion and Jun “Save Me” Salvame on flute and trumpet.