Lights On "Lights Out!"

By Calix Sebastian D. del Mundo

Lourdesians are truly talented, that was never in doubt. We always find an outlet to let our creative and true selves shine. These outlets include our hobbies and the different mediums of art. Today, we are to dive into the musically-inclined side of our school and the students. I had the amazing opportunity to interview a band whose melody and tunes grabs the attention and ears of every student who gets the chance to hear them play. Today, we direct the lights on “Lights Out!”

Lights Out! is a band composed of students from the batch of 2025. They have been a band for a while but last school year, 2022-2023, was when they truly shined and showed who they are to the school community. This 6-piece rock band is composed of different sections that make their music whole. To add the “flashiness” and melody to the sound of the band, we have Master Eliseo Amadeo Torres on the “face-melting” lead guitar and Master Kristopher Jaden G. Melegrito on the “electrifying” rhythm guitar. Now, for the rhythm section of the band that brings the drive and beat we have Master Andre Justine C. Andres on the “powerful” drums and Master Jose Alfonso C. Lopez on the “thundering” bass. To top it all off, the band wouldn’t be complete without its face and voice so we have Master Lance Ethan P. Largo as the vocalist and “frontman” of the band.

This band started when its members were in Grade 7, right before the pandemic changed everything. Based on the words of Master Lacerna, a former band member, who was chosen specifically by the group to state the band’s history because he’s been through it all, the band started when a particular subject grouped the class and tasked them to do some sort of chant and present it in class. Master Lacerna’s group included 3, including himself, of the band’s present members who are Masters Andres and Melegrito. 

Because of having similar or related interests when it came to music, their group got the highest scores out of all the other groups. After that, the idea of a band came to mind and eventually, the band had its first three members. During the pandemic, Master Lacerna approached Master Torres for the role of lead guitarist and he said that he wasn’t that good but he proved otherwise after the first rehearsal. After that, they recruited Master Lopez as the bassist who helped change Master Lacerna’s perspective on the bass, which was an instrument he wasn’t fond of at first. Lastly, the band got another vocalist, Master Largo who Master Andres invited after a competition they did. After a few rehearsals, the band and he agreed to join as a permanent member. After that recruitment, the band had its members so they just needed a name. 

The meaning behind the band’s name “Lights Out!” and now you, the readers, will be enlightened as well. Their band name was coined because of an event that Master Andres, the band’s drummer, experienced during a movie screening at the St. Francis Theater when he was in grade school. He was sitting at the back section of the theater and they weren’t closing the lights at that section which frustrated him so he wrote on his hand the words “Lights Out!!!!” and an illustration of a light bulb, similar to the band’s logo at present time. He waved this particular hand to the staff in charge so he would see. To conclude their name’s history, Master Andres says that this is their name because “It’s a blast from the past and medyo nostalgic yung backstory to Lourdesians.” and one thing he said stood out to me which was that this may be a simple story but it proves that “Lights Out!” was “born and raised in Lourdes”. I thought this was a very touching and impactful sentiment which reflects the character the school wants to instill in us.

They debuted during the school year 2022-2023, during the high school community’s Christmas party. The band’s rhythm guitarist, Master Melegrito speaks for the band and says that their first live performance was “nerve-wracking” due to the high number of their audience consisting of both teachers and students. It was also a big event so they needed to do their best and avoid mistakes and this made Master Melegrito, specifically, feel very anxious due to the various scenarios and reactions of the audience playing in his mind. On a more positive note, he was “excited and proud” because they were finally able to showcase their talents and because they reached this milestone in the band and as a band. Master Melegrito also says that the band and its members are really “well-established”. They all have a shared vision for the band’s path, objectives, and “a clear understanding of the band's musical style and target audience”. He also shared that the band enjoys their time together and that they have fun while creating music together. While they face obstacles like disagreements, they make sure to handle it in the best way possible and they also make sure to maintain the bond and connection they have as a band and as friends.

To conclude this interview, I asked the band what they think is their best experience so far or the highlight of their career, and they answered that it was getting to perform in High School Night 2024 entitled Last Song Syndrome. “Being given the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd that big, professional sound equipment, and alongside other amazing artists, it really was a core memory in our young careers.” Says Master Andres. It adds to the meaning of the experience knowing that the aforementioned event was highly anticipated and they were really proud to be one of the openers that night.

“Even with the unavoidable nervousness, we prepared as much as possible for that, working tirelessly to polish our setlist.” says the band’s drummer which just showcases enough the effort they poured to give the LSM community and more a memorable experience from this unique band.

“Lights Out!” is one of the many examples of Lourdesians showcasing their heart and soul, bringing out their best selves in the process. They continue to connect with their audience through the mediums of social media and school performances which also connects the band and its members, making them closer. I thank “Lights Out!” for this chance they gave me to interview them because it was truly something to remember since I didn’t just learn about their band and its members, I learned more from them as individuals too and they taught me that being true to yourself and being passionate about what you really want to do in life never goes wrong.