Demystifying Gloc 9

For those of you wondering how come Gloc 9 is so popular; well, in my opinion, what endears him to a lot of people is that he doesn't take his success too seriously. For him, he is just like any one of us---a person with a dream.

When I first met him a couple of years ago, I had no idea who he was.  His wife is a personal friend and my son's godmother.  Pleasantries were exchanged and introductions were made.  What I saw was an ordinary guy taking his family to Sunday mass.  No air of haughtiness whatsoever.  No flashy clothes (I did not even know what an FMCC shirt was!  Apologies to ya'll FMCC crew---I seemed to have been out of touch that time ).  No bling.  A simply, likeable fellow and a dotting father to his twins.  It was only after we've parted ways that my son told me that I was talking to a famous rapper.  His demeanor earned my respect and I became an instant fan. 

Gloc 9 has gone on to make two more albums after our first meeting and yet he is still that same guy that I have been introduced to.  I tell you, the guy is so down to earth that anyone can relate to him.  During the launching of his latest album "Talumpati" at Eastwood City, Libis, last February 24 was a testament as to how much following he has and yet here's what he has to say about himself on his Facebook wall:

"Siguro ang masasabi ko sa sarili ko as a

Rapper at ang kaibahan ko sa iba ay Wala...

 Wala akong kaibahan sa ibang tao nagkataon

lang na nagka albums ako nakakatugtog sa mga

sobrang cool na events at mga tao, pero

katulad ng lahat sumasablay din ako,

 kinakabahan na parang naiihe at dinadaan

sa dasal lahat...Kaya kung titingnan nyo

ako isipin nyo na parang kayo lang ako..."

Other than his grounded disposition, Gloc 9's music transcends age and social status. The rhythm of his songs carries the danceable beat of the young and his lyrics rouses the sensibilities of the nation. The presence of National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera and his lining up for an autograph during the album launch is proof of Gloc 9's literary artistry.  For me to have witnessed it was like seeing Plato putting the graduation cap on his student Aristotle---a hair raising moment it was!  And to think that Gloc 9's real name is ARISTOTLE POLLISCO is quite eerie!

Artwork by John Paul George Macarayan



Gloc 9: Talumpati Album Launch @ Eastwood City, Libis

February 24, 2011, Eastwood City, Libis was the venue of Gloc 9's "Talumpati Album" launch.  The event was packed by loyal supporters and attracted a lot of attention from the Eastwood crowd.  The young and the not so young were skin to skin as they jockyed for the best vantage point to capture the moment.  Cam phones, point and shoot, and SLRs clicked away as Gloc 9 rocked the house with choice cuts from his album and joined in by his collaborative partners like Aiza Seguerra, Tanya Markova, Jaq Dionisio, Aia de Leon, and Sheng Belmonte.  Other guests include Elmo Magalona and Mike Villegas.

The event was a huge success!  As a sign of his appreciation, Gloc 9 accomodated the more than 1 1/2 hour line for autograph signing and picture taking with the fans.  Talk about class!  No wonder he is so blessed! 

Congratulations Gloc 9!


If you have a National Artist as your fan you have got to be
SPECIAL!  Buenvenido Lumbera lining up for an autograph.
We're not worthy!

With Aiza Seguerra

With Elmo Magalona



With Tanya Markova

With Jaq Dionisio

With Aia de Leon

With Sheng Belmonte

"Walang Natira" by Gloc 9

Gloc 9, who is Aristotle Pollisco in real life, has gone a long way since that day in 1997 when he first met The Master Rapper, Francis Magalona. He was just a fan then who was given the chance to show off his rap talent in Eat Bulaga. Francis was impressed and that was the start of a long standing relationship. Gloc 9 became the Master Rapper’s protégé, that is, until cancer cut short The Master’s life in 2009.

Francis left a legacy of songs that now sits in the hearts of every Filipino. When he passed on, Gloc 9 became the obvious choice to fill the void.

Gloc 9 did not disappoint.

Numerous awards and four albums later, the legacy of Francis lives on with tracks that continue to speak to the Filipino psyche such as “Liwanag”, “Lando”, “Upuan” and “Martilyo”. Continuing on this trend, Gloc 9 offers us a new set of songs with his fifth album “Talumpati” and its carrier single “Walang Natira”.

“A blacksmith of words and letters, a true Filipino poet.”

---Francis Magalona’s description of Gloc 9

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“Subukan mong isipin kung gaano kabigat

Ang buhat ng maleta halos hindi mona maangat

Ihahabilin ang anak para ‘to sa kanila

Lalayo upang magalaga ng anak ng iba…”

Filipinos are industrious by nature. Unfortunately, for the longest time, many have given up on the lack of opportunity here in our own country and found themselves looking for greener pastures in the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. Earlier OFWs were predominantly from the lower brackets of our society who worked as housekeeps and yayas; however, as the financial horizon dims, even professionals like doctors and teachers have opted to seek employment outside of the Philippines. Brain drain they called it.

“yung bayang sinilangan ang pangalan ay Pinas

Ngunit bakit parang puno na ang prutas ay pitas…”

Manpower became the country’s number one export and the dollar remittances of the OFWs became the second largest contributor to the government coffers (BIR tax collection being the first). Good for the country, right? But at what cost?

“Ang phinga’y iipunin para magamit pag-uwi

Dahil doon sa atin mahirap makakuha ng buri

Mapahiran ng chocolate ang matamis na ngiti

Ng anak na halos di nakilala ang ama

O ina na wala sa tuwing kaarawan nila…”

Such is the inspiration behind Gloc 9’s carrier single “Walang Natira”. It is an elegy to the plight of our overseas workers as they sacrifice being with their families to slave for the country who would pay more. But more than just a tribute to our OFWs, the song is also meant to clamor for our country’s leaders to live up to their mandate as public servants; to lift our country from the ruins of corruption and economic depression and give our workforce a better chance for a brighter future here in our beloved country.

Album Launch:  January 23, 2011
Photos and Music Video c/o J. PACENA