Mercy Sunot (1976-2024) Died at United States of America, California, CA
Aegis is a Filipino rock band formed in 1995. The band is composed of sisters Juliet and Ken Sunot on lead vocals, only-male member Rey Abenoja on vocals and guitar, Stella Pabico on keyboards, Rowena Adriano on bass guitar and Vilma Goloviogo on drums. It is also their screen name in band. Just like 'surname' at screen. Mercy Sunot was a member up until her death in November 2024.[2] Formerly known as AG's Soundtrippers in clubs and lounges all over Japan, the group changed its name to Aegis (which means "shield" or "protection") upon signing with Alpha Records in 1998.[3][4]
The band's songs were featured in the musical Rak of Aegis.[5]
History
The band began in 1995 from a group of entertainers from different bands based in Japan under AG Talent Development and Management,[6] namely the sisters Juliet and Mercy Sunot, Stella Pabico, Vilma Goloviogo, Rowena "Weng" Adriano and Rey Abenoja. Initially named AG's Soundtrippers after the initials of their manager, the group was renamed to Aegis by their manager and following their signing with Alpha Records in 1998, when they returned to the Philippines to cover their debut album Halik (Kiss). In 2011, a third Sunot sibling, Ken, joined the group. Abenoja's brother, Celso, served as the group's main composer until his death in 2007.[7] Celso Abenoja suggested the band's name and wrote some of its original songs based on lyrics he had created in the 1980s.[8]
