Meta and the Barkada

INTRO

Hoy! Meta and the Barkada here, an all Filipino band based in Denver. Barkada is a Tagalog word for "homies." If you're here, then you're part of the crew too! 

We believe music has the power to inspire people, that songs can become the soundtrack for social movements, paradigm shifts, and cultural revolutions. Music Matters! That's why we're competing to be Denver's Most Impactful Band and raising funds for Youth on Record, a nonprofit that offers free music programs for youth ages 11-24. They serve over 1,000 youth annually and actively support a student-to-career pathway in the creative economy -- programming we wish we had growing up!

MORE ABOUT US

Meta Sarmiento - Vocals. Poet & rapper whose work often explores cultural identity. Winner of Slam Nuba's 5th Annual Poetry Slam at Denver Art Museum - 2026, and ranked #10 on Top Acts of 2023 by Indie 102.3. Meta has been featured by Rocky Mountain PBSand NBC News.

Sarah Garcia - Keys. Cultural dancer for Padayon, the Filipino American Community of Colorado’s cultural arts group. Quantum physicist by day and musician by night, playing clarinet in classical ensembles and occasionally percussion in Padayon.

Anthony Berenguel - Drums. Cultural Director for the Filipino American Community of Colorado. Percussion lead for the FACC Padayon Cultural Group. Guitarist for FACC Padayon Rondalla. Self-records solo music under the alias Ant Bear. Tap dances on his wife’s last nerve. Plays skateboards.

Tommy Gatmaitan - Electric Guitar. Electric Guitar. Born in CA and raised in the Philippines. Plays the octavina for the Filipino American Community of Colorado Rondalla Ensemble.

Lianza Yap - Bass Guitar. Lover of rhythm from a young age, picked up the bass in middle school. Cultural dancer for Padayon, FACC. When she’s not laying down low-end lines, she’s hanging out with her fluffy bichon, Lili — her loyal backstage companion and biggest (tiny) fan.

CHECK US OUT