When did you start playing guitar?
I started when I was 13, after seeing Teddy Diaz (The Dawn) perform at Ultrastorm II. I started out on classical, then shifted to electric after a few months.

Do I need to learn classical first before electric?
No, you can start on electric right away. Just make sure you have a good teacher or access to some good instructional material/instructional videos.

What was your first guitar?
My first guitar was a classical bought at JB Music. My first electric was a pirated (read: fake) Gibson SG also bought at JB.

How many guitars do you have?
I currently own 10 electrics, 2 ten-string classicals, 1 six-string classical, 2 flamenco guitars, 1 electric bass, 1 travel guitar. I might sell some of them; the cost of strings is getting quite heavy, hehe. I also borrow my brother's steel-string acoustic during times when that's called for.

What string/pick gauge do you use?
I use .010-.046 or .010-.052 for electric six-strings. For my Ibanez Universe 7 string, I use .010-.046 with a.056 or .060 for the low B string.

For classicals, I usually use normal tension strings (Augustine or D'Addario) but if I prefer high tension strings if they are available.

For picks, I use Jim Dunlop Gator Grip picks, 2.0mm thick. Anything lighter, I break or grind them within the first few songs, being the heavy-handed player that I am.

What effects do you use?
My single indispensable effect box is my BOSS Dual Overdrive. I've used several multi-effects processors over the years and they have come and gone but this pedal, for me, is a keeper.

I also have a Boss Digital Delay and a Vox wah. Other than these, my tones are the products of my picking technique and my guitar's pickup selector and volume pot.

What amps do you use?
I usually use whatever is available at the gig. But if I had a choice, it would be a tweed Fender, Blues Deluxe or Blues DeVille.

How often and how long do you practice?
I used to practice between 4-8 hours everyday when I was starting out. Nowadays, I should practice more often than I do, but with all my responsibilities, it's hard to find that much time to dedicate to practice.

Who are your influences?
I listen to everybody but if I were to narrow it down to 10, the list is:

• Teddy Diaz
• Steve Vai
• Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Eric Clapton
• Richie Kotzen
• Paco de Lucia
• Pepe Romero
• Maestro Jose Valdez
• Andres Segovia
• John Williams

In no particular order, of course.

Why did you leave Rivermaya?
I guess youthful pride was to blame, on both our parts. What started out as a difference in musical direction became ugly and personal quickly, which is the usual route when kids (or child-like adults) disagree on something.

Do you regret leaving?
HELL NO!!!   :-)

Why did you study Classical again?
I met my maestro, Jose Valdez, and he made me fall in love with the sound of classical guitar again, and more importantly, he made me realize that I could play it. I love listening to classical guitar but during my electric-playing days, I never thought I could play those pieces. Maestro Valdez changed my perception of classical guitar and I'm glad I met him.

What are you doing nowadays?
I'm working towards my degree in Classical Guitar Performance. I should be giving my solo recital sometime soon. I'm also researching and dabbling in Classical Guitar-making and design. I play with the Ars Nova Guitar Quartet. I also get the occasional sideman gigs from Mike Hanopol, Lou Bonnevie and Francis M. as well as some shows at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. I might be playing with Joey Ayala soon.

I tend to my recording studio and do some album production from major labels.

When I'm not dong anything concerning my career, I spend time with my son.