Since forming in 2017, REACT has become a fixture of the Pilipinas hardcore scene, steadily building a reputation through relentless DIY work, nationwide shows, and a sound the band proudly calls "043 Style." Hailing from Batangas City, the five-piece has shared stages with touring acts such as Regulate, Magnitude, Envision, New World Man, Criminal Instinct, and Risk It! while carving out an identity rooted in their local community.
The idea for REACT took shape while vocalist Paul and drummer Festin were still playing in another band. Although lineup changes delayed the group's live debut until early 2018, the project quickly found its footing. Today, the lineup features Festin on drums, Paul on vocals, Chufeng and Xeus on guitar, and Leouell on bass, with Rommel stepping in as needed.
Rather than chasing trends, REACT has spent the past several years refining a sound that reflects both their hometown and the bands that inspired them. "We never wanted to simply follow trends or fit into a certain sound," Paul tells No Echo. "We wanted to create something that feels like our own and reflects where we come from. For us, '043 Style' is about building character instead of pretending to be something we are not. It's about creating music that feels genuine, personal, and true to who we are."
That philosophy carries through the band's 2025 full-length, True Grit, an independently released album centered on perseverance, resilience, and finding purpose amid adversity. "True Grit is not for those seeking comfort," Paul says.
"Our album is dedicated for those who seek meaning, those who are willing to put in the work, face the struggle, and build something real within themselves and in the world around them, even when few people trust or believe in them."
The band's DIY mindset extends beyond the music itself. REACT produced its own video for "R-E-A-C-T," while additional clips for "The Weapon" and "Ascend" were created by Gab Tojino, whose work has also helped strengthen Batangas' growing hardcore community through Hardcore Hope.
Paul credits Tojino as a driving force behind the local scene, while also encouraging listeners to check out fellow Philippine hardcore bands including Belligerent, Stick to Die, Made for War, Forsaken, Vagrant, One4zerO, FriendsUCanKeep, Waggy, Sneak In, Saving School Year, Aberrant, Nine Inch Long, Shed, Shellshock, Ghost Town Dappers, Sadness Has Its Teeth, 4sum, Dbl Tppngs, and Roundhouse.
Looking ahead, REACT already has new material written and plans to unveil its next record after a busy stretch of shows, including an appearance at Mindanao Hardcore Fest 2026 in Zamboanga City. The band also would love to get some international touring next year to celebrate their 10th anniversary as a band.
"We have a lot ahead of us," Paul says. "We're not stopping anytime soon."
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REACT on social media: Instagram
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