Album Review: All My Friends

The thought of writing a review for a post-rock/math rock or 'instrumental rock' album can be overwhelming, especially when a portion of my album reviews focus on lyrics. 

So that's immediately scratched off. 

Its also daunting as I am in no way a musician and lack the background and technical know how to have the credibility to actually talk about music (I have a Nursing degree and don't play any sort of musical instrument whatsoever and have been working in the BPO industry for more than ten years) let alone one which relies on music-alone. 

I just like to listen to a lot of different kinds of music and like everything else am really, really passionate about it. 

Then I realized music isn't always about the technical details, sure being educated about genres will help you navigate through the many material out there and having general knowledge about musical terms is essential so your audience knows what you're talking about but in truth, its actually how the music makes you feel that really matters. 

And tide/edit's "All my friends" made me feel a lot of things. 

"All My Friends" is a positive and inspiring musical experience that doesn't even require words or lyrics to express this. I was actually working on another album review when I gave the album a quick listen and I immediately went on "writer mode" scribbling away on an open notebook in my chicken scrawl of a handwriting. 

You can check out the band's video for "Twelve" which is also part of "All my friends". 

Paul and I influence each other when it comes to music (he's actually sleeping when I listened to the album and I can't wait to share this with him when he wakes up) -our love for post rock / math rock definitely comes from him. If you have no idea what "instrumental rock" is all about - tide / edit 's "All my friends" is a great introduction to the genre. 

The album is made up of 12 tracks and once you listen to the first track "Pelagic" it just keeps on going from one track to the next with its steady drum rolls, sensual bass lines, harmonic guitars; playing and teasing, soothing and calling- it calls to you to move, to sway, to dance, to feel, (or in my case to write) -its the music that is the star. 

"Lakeshore" highlights an acoustic guitar with some subtle percussion and its just glorious and its abrupt end will leave you wanting for more.

"White Flag" which features the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Dee Cruz is the only track in the album with lyrics and as if by some sort of genius is the last track and makes you realize you did not miss the traditional lyrics with music accompaniment and it is as if the entire album is a prologue to this satisfying end. It creates this unique experience that you have to listen to the entire album that all of its tracks are pieces that make up one beautiful puzzle. 

4/5. "All My Friends" is now streaming on Spotify and is available for pre-order on the Spur of the Moment website. Click here. 

Music: Thoughts on Reese Lansangan's "Of Sound Mind And Memory"

I think that an EP Review for Reese Lansangan's "Of Sound Mind and Memory" cannot simply be about the songs in the EP itself, you have to talk about its secret conception, which is just another reflection of its intimate nature. The EP is a secret love-child, which Reese kept and nurtured until the right time to share it to friends and followers. 

Despite a very busy few months; a fun collaboration with Fully Booked with the "Arigato Internet" Book Hunt, a music video for St. Petersburg, singer-songwriter has managed to record a 4-track secret EP! Which is something that I consider as a near impossible feat, what with social media, literally in your hands. 

Yet last April 30 (yes I know, this write up is way overdue) I was indeed surprised to receive an email (I'm signed up to her newsletter) about a surprise EP. Two words I wouldn't think that would go together, as most artists would update followers on any new music that they are working on but of course, Reese is not your every artist. She has and always will walk to the beat of her own drum, as she clearly has every detail of her ventures under her control. The distribution of the EP under the name of her studio: "Soon The Moon". 

The EP opens with the 1:59 min track "Arisophanes" which combines Reese's vocals with the use of loops and effects, something that we've heard her do in the years of following her work, while it may not be one of my favorites, it is an effective way of starting the EP or album, with the trend of using shorter tracks and sometimes even instrumental ones. If you want a stripped down version of the song, you can watch it on her "Of Sound Mind And Memory"  live sessions on Youtube. 

The next track is "Machines and Men" which exhibit her prowess as a lyricist as she tells the story of life and death (which is impressive in her young age) from the perspective of our very, very fragile and malleable bodies. 

"For the Fickle" is my favorite track from the EP, Lansangan's pleas for a "steady love" will have your heart bleeding. 

She sings: 

"No, I don't want just any love

I want steady love" 

-and in this day and age of flings and one night stands, you just want to hear those kinds of lyrics and Reese's honest and sincere way of singing it makes you want to want it as well. 

The last track "Wildwood" is a second favorite from the EP and its lyrics speak of a minimalist life, and being happy with the simplest things in life. A welcome reprise from the materialistic, bling, cash and party songs that litter the radio airwaves. 

To fully experience "Of Sound Mind and Memory" (aside from getting the tshirt - support local merchandise!) one must also watch its live sessions which was shot in beautiful Baguio as it also reaffirms Lansangan's acoustic singer-songwriter image, the very same one which also imbues her sincerity and vulnerability in her music. 

As of writing, the EP is not yet available in physical CD format. I would definitely get a copy. It is available in streaming services and let's just say that the baby has been listening to a lot of Reese these past few months.   

MUSIC: Loop Talks About Their "Reality And Dreams" (Album)

Last 2014, Paul and I were on a "Loop" craze, we were just mad for the four-piece Iligan based band. We loved their sophomore album "Flirting with the Universe" -with such a passion that its still one of our favorite go-to CDs to play, whether in the car or at home. 

So just imagine our excitement that the band is coming out with their third album "Reality and Dreams" (?!) -we were able to catch the band when they were in Manila last December. We saw (and enjoyed their set) for Paramore Night 23 and got to talk about the upcoming album. I promised to send a set a questions for them to answer and here it is! 

Sorry it took some time, you know it is. Holidays, baby news. Lazy preggy hormones. Hahaha -but not too lazy to show our continuing love and support for this awesome band! 


*Photos taken during Paramore Night 23*

Do you remember your first recording experience? How has your recording process changed in the years? How has the creative process been since then?

• We remember it as if it was yesterday! Hahaha. We were just starting out (2013) and we thought it would be awesome to record some demos with no plans of release. Good thing, Kim’s dad was out of town so we took it as an opportunity to record at her house. We didn’t even have interfaces back then. Just a mixer and an electronic kit. Halfway thru recording, we received an invite to play in Davao. That’s when we decided to use the demos and make it an EP.
• I’m also used to working alone on the mixing/mastering process.
• The creative process was raw and exciting. Kim had a number of acoustic demos and we just jam thru all of em in the studio that we rented. Took a while to cook up the songs to what it is right now.

Why "Reality and Dreams" ? And how much of the title influenced the record?

• Reality and Dreams is part of the song “31”’s lyrics. After listening to all of our songs, we just thought that it’s definitely what this is all about. The title came after the recording. We had a number of titles but RnD is just too perfect for it. The record influenced the title hahaha. The songs deal with our realities as well as our dreams.

Music: A Night with Aia, Barbie and Kitchie

Another late post. So sorry - you know how it is. "Rogue One", big baby news (apparently I was already pregnant when we saw "Secrets"- so rest assured this baby has been exposed to great music) I have to take it easy, no more burning the midnight oil to write posts and get them done right away (although I really want to). 

December 10, 2016. 

Despite the infamous Manila traffic, which has become a horror story of sorts, urging residents to stay at home, the brave flocked Greenhills-notorious for traffic jams and difficulty and scarcity of parking spaces, especially during the holiday rush, faithful fans were still patiently in a long line, snaking ouside the iconic Music Museum, eager to see a once in a lifetime show. 

They say that two's company and three's a crowd, well that certainly was not case during a great night for OPM, when three of its timeless and long enduring female singer-songwriters Aia De Leon, Barbie Almalbis and Ktchie Nadal joined forces - for an unforgetable performance, which showcased each of their musical prowess. They thrilled fans who were able to enjoy a good dose of old favorites, probabbly bringing back a memory or two with certain songs and lyrics. Like for me personally, Barbie Almalbis' "You can take the whole wide world with your boyish charm" from her song "Just a Smile" was for a boy, I had a crush on in College (and no, it was not Paul) and were also able to discover (not so) new songs, probabbly adding to new favorites. 

Long before the lights opened inside the Music Museum went on, fans in the audence were already shouting confessions of love and devotion to these ladies, which shows that despite the years that have passed (decades, even) their fans have always been there, cheering them on, eager to see them perform, and yes perhaps even to sing along, because well, we Filipinos just love to do that. 

Former Imago front woman, Aia de Leon was up first and chose to communicate with the audience through the use of a LED screen, which had hilarious lines, reflecting her friendly persona and drew laughs from the audeince as well. As she was performing, I realzied that I knew most of (if not all) the Imago songs, and just confirmed how big a part they were of my College years. 

Not limiting herself to the stage, Aia bravely walked to the audience and without any accompanying microphone for herself or her guitar, performed "Sundo" which caused goosebumps (and a bit of a tear) because it was just so raw and so beautiful, again with the audience eager to sing along (with second voice pa!) and I fell in love with the song and with Aia all over again. 

Its good to know that she is coming out with new songs next year, mostly digital releases and maybe some physical copies, to those who may be interested (raises hand). 

Never faltering in her guitar skills, Barbie Almalbis opened her 45 minute set with a jaw dropping display of her magic fingers as she played the guitar like a queen, slaying any wannabe Guitar Hero. Her technical playing has always set her apart as a musician, elevating her songs to more than just your pop song on the radio. 

Of course her unique and signature voice still has not changed over the years, endearing fans of multiple generations to this now proud mom of two. In case you didn't know, she recorded her last two albums at home so she can be with her kids. Now those are some #MomGoals. 

From a household name, Kitchie Nadal was the girl next door, who was the face behind that hit song, "Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin" do you remember when it became a smash hit? It was everywhere! Yet Nadal has become more than just that song, at the pinnacle of her success she decided to travel, for two years. Instead of pursuing what would have no doubt been a career with hit after hit, she chose to travel, and work with NGOs, helping children which was evident during the concert as she asked three talented boys, from her "ROAR" project to perform with her on stage. 

"They became viral with a video on Youtube" she tells the crowd proudly. 

It is as if these three talented singer-songwriters each went on their own personal journeys, bringing with them their own experiences, their own lessons in life, and it is these very personal and very different roads which have allowed them to break free from the cookie-cutter, singer-songwriter mold and become their own personal brand of musicians. 

As if a 45 minute set per artist was a great enough show, the ladies also shared the stage together, covering songs from The Cranberries and yes, even Nirvana. They each also performed each others' hit songs, much to the amusement of the crowd. 

Now it is no surprise that the show was a sold out success and if you missed it, fear not because the mighty trio will be back in February! So make sure to start saving up for that! (Tickets may run out fast!) It is concert season after all, with it being Valentines and all. 

"Secrets" : A Night with Aia, Barbie and Kitchie was an intimate show, one that I will not soon forget (I made a Spotify playlist, as a reminder) and a "secret" that is too good to keep to myself. 

#AiaBarbieKitchie  

Click HERE for MORE Photos. 

Events + Music: Aia, Barbie and Kitchie team up on “Secrets” Concert

Now this is one for the books! 

These ladies of local music have maintained relevant throughout their long lasting careers, a feat not so easily achieved in this fickle industry. Looking forward to catching these talented ladies!  

Celebrated alt-rock icons Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal are teaming up for the first time on their first major concert on December 10, Saturday at the Music Museum. 

Dubbed “Secrets: A Night with Aia, Barbie and Kitchie,” the one-night show will feature intimate and captivating performances from three of the finest singer-songwriters of our time. 

Join Aia, Barbie and Kitchie as they churn out self-penned classics and introduce a couple of new songs on a bigger stage. Aside from the individual sets, the trio will be collaborating on a jam session arranged by the show’s musical director, Mr. Niki Cabardo. 

Individually, their work has always been a great addition to the canon of contemporary Filipino tunes, and the challenge of bring it back to life on the center stage will surely excite music listeners given the magnitude of the task. 

“This show is our way of giving back to Filipino music fans who have been wanting to see them play on stage together,” Secrets PR and Marketing Director Ian Emmanuel C. Urrutia shares. “But more than anything else, this concert is a celebration of Aia, Kitchie and Barbie’s staying power and contribution to the music scene.”

Secrets is produced by Vandals On The Wall and Gabi Na Naman Productions, the same folks responsible for the sold-out success of Dama and Dama: The Repeat concert featuring acclaimed singer-songwriters Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel and Bullet Dumas. It is the third of the many planned shows that aim to give homegrown acts an opportunity to make history and be part of something big. 

For more updates on the upcoming concert, you may follow us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/aiabarbiekitchie. Tickets are available online via https://aiabarbiekitchie.com, or you may contact Music Museum at 721-6726 and reserve tickets through Gabi Na Naman Productions’ Milley at 0915-506-6892 using the link (bit.ly/AiaBarbieKitchie). 

For direct purchase, you can visit Satchmi SM Megamall.

This event is supported by brand and media partners Power Mac Center, Sprayground, Satchmi, A SPACE Philippines, Mfore Productions, Lunar Photography, Krispy Kreme, Pancake House, Yellowcab Pizza, Jamba Juice, Teriyaki Boy, Coca cola, MYX Philippines, Rappler, Inquirer.net, InqPop, MOR 101.9, Bandwagon, Radio Republic and Indie Manila. 

Album Review: Autotelic: Papunta Pabalik

Autotelic's "Papunta Pabalik" is more than just an album that you pop in your CD player to enjoy, as it represents that delicate jump from "independent music" to "mainstream" and being represented by a music label. 

We have been following the group long before the six-member electro pop band signed on to MCA music. Their catchy tunes have long played inside the different bars across the metro, often to millennials out to enjoy the night. 

Whatever music festival or event, you can expect Autotelic in the line up as they steadily became one of the most sought after bands in the local scene. 

The album has had reported incidents of running out of physical copies in record stores, all this at a time when consumers would easily prefer to download or stream albums online. 

"Who has CDs nowadays?"

-Nick Wilde, Zootopia. 

(Actually I do Nick, I still have CDs). 

So what is it with the 10 track album that has millennials (who most probably listen to music on streaming services such as Spotify) running to record bars to spend actual money on a CD-an artifact they probably don't see much of. Needless to say that the album also shot to the top of Spotify top track lists when it was released. 

Bringing back the glory of the 80's with the subtle use of synths, Autotelic brings in their own unique flavor with catchy guitar riffs and a unique play on vocals with Josh Villena's sincere shy boy persona (at least that's the vibe that I get from him, his Facebook posts and tweets are very funny) and Kai Honasan's sweet tones, creating a sound that can only be identified as theirs.

No, Ate at the Astroplus record store, they do not sound like Up Dharma Down, at all. 

(Click here to find out what that was all about) 

"Papunta Pabalik" opens strong with the catchy "Gising" whose trend setting guitar riffs, #JengJengJeng sets the tone for the "you can't help but jump and dance" track.

Nice thick bass lines smoothly transition from the stanza to the chorus. Coupled with drum rolls and hits that make you want to pseudo play drums your self. The synth compliments the song, much like whipped cream, it is both delicious and indulgent. 

When the album first came out and questions of "What's your favorite track?" started coming out, I was like a kid on Christmas Day, I couldn't choose which one was my favorite but after the excitement died down, I will settle with "Languyin" as my favorite track off the album, it steadily rises, much like the ebbing tide and reaches a high in the chorus, using infectious word play on "La-la-la-Languyin" and "La-la-la-lakbayin" to have the song playing in your head in repeat and that's actually a good thing. 

Out of the ten tracks in the album, six are original with four of the songs already released by the band in a previous LP (review here) but before you go and think that four old songs would be a waste of money, these old songs are given a new spin in the album, and the first of which would be the English track "Unstable". I liked the remastered version, which is a new twist to an old favorite. I wasn't a fan of "Misteryoso" 2.0 though as I felt that they overdid it with the synths and layers. But at least now, we have different versions of the song right? And taking a cue from Japanese Pop Star Ayumi Hamasaki, who dominated the charts in the early 2000 with multiple versions of singles and albums, this is not a bad start for the band. 

Crowd favorite "Dahilan" was given new life and I think the band took lessons from their live performances, injecting that "Whooooo!" as if the crowd didn't know what to do. 

"Laro" is an interesting song, I love how it opens steadily with the insistent guitar riffs. The lyrics are either a genius comparison of a relationship to Filipino games or could possibly come off as a little corny, sometimes it's one and sometimes it's the other. Paul singing "Tatay mong kalbo" after "Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo" doesn't help at all. 

But it's a unique song with very creative lyrics I will give it that and the line "Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo. Iiwanan mo ako." Just breaks hearts and brings in the "Awwwws" to a generation seemingly obsessed with "hugot lines" and believing that (there is) #WalangForever. Which is probably why the album was well received by teenagers to the late twenties demographic. Check out the #PapuntaPabalikArt to check it out. 

Album Art 

Packaged with a thick booklet featuring art by Daniel Tingcungco the album brings more bang to your buck which you can get for P280.00 only. The art is whimsical and fits with the feel of the songs, as it also tells a story through symbols, which you will probably spend time on decoding. The art cements the album's image as it offers a visual reference to the songs, which is probably what inspired fans to create their own art and anything that gets kids creating is always a plus. 

There are still a lot of gems to discover in the album but I won't spoil them for you as I want you to find that out on your own. Aside from the earlier mentioned songs, I also recommend "Mapa" and "Close Your Eyes". 

Creating their own unique sound and feel the band has successfully reached out to scores of fans, who actually take time to create artwork inspired from songs in the album. Kids whose peers would rather be listening to the latest foreign pop act than be caught dead fangirling over a local band.

Autotelic has quenched that thirst for local music to make waves in the mainstream arena once more. 

4 out of 5, "Papunta Pabalik" is available at Astroplus stores and can be streamed on Spotify. 

Music: Photo series: Autotelic: Papunta Pabalik

When Autotelic's "Papunta Pabalik" was launched last week, there was reliable information going around cyberspace that copies will be available at Astroplus stores on September 30, a day before the actual launch on October 1. 

So Paul and I headed to the nearest Astroplus only to be told by staff that it the album will only be available after the official launch on Saturday. 

With heavy hearts We went home but all was not lost as we could still enjoy the album on Spotify :) 

The team (naks-just Paul and I actually) was scheduled to cover another music event on Saturday October 1, although we could have gone to the album launch after, I was actually "afraid", yes we were "afraid" of the crowd, which was surely going to be HUGE, like overwhelmingly HUGE and well, Paul and I aren't as young as we were and I also came from work so we weren't really a 100% and the thought of fighting for breathing space had our 30 year old (30+ for Paul hahaha) knees shaking. 

A week later. 

We were at SM Megamall to pick up a gift for my godaughter and we swung by the Astroplus branch to (finally) get a copy of "Papunta, Pabalik" and this is what happened. 

Me: (To the Sales Lady) Ate - meron po ba kayong Autotelic? 

Sales Lady: (Enthusiastically) Ay mam meron po! Marami! 

Goes to the display where there are 3 copies visible. 

Sales Lady: Malakas po sila mam, dapat hangang dito ang display, indicates a spot which was now occupied by another album instead of Autotelic's. 

Me: Oo nga po, nag kaka ubusan nga po sa ibang mga Astroplus stores. 

Sales Lady: Ano po bang tunog nila mam? 

Me: Hmm..parang electro-pop po. 
(Phew, I don't have my music reviewer hat on). 

Sales Lady: Para ba sila ung isa pang indie na banda na sumikat? Ano nga un? Ah! Up Dharma Down! Parang ganun ba? 

Paul: Ay ndi po. Ibang iba po. 

Me: Mas up-beat po ung tunog nila (Autotelic). 

Sales Lady: Ndi po kc namin pweding buksan ung CD, she was obviously curious. 

Me: Ay nasa Spotify po sila, pasok nga po ung mga kanta nila sa mga Top lists sa Spotify.

While this was going on, Paul and I were trying to take a photo of the CD. 

Sales Lady: Suddenly has a stern face. Mam, taga MCA po ba kayo? 

Me: Ay, ndi po. 

Sales Lady: Kasi po bawal picturan ung CD. 

Paul: Ay - bayaran mo na yan dali! (Jokingly). Para pwedi na picturan.

So we went to the counter to pay for the CD. Good thing the Sales lady didn't ask me to erase the photo. :P 

Ate Sales Lady asked the girl at the counter, "Ilan pa ung Autotelic?" After punching something in the computer she responds "Seven." (So much for "maraming copies") but then as a fan, I'm happy that the album sales are doing so well. 

I wasn't originally planning on doing a post for this but we had such an interesting encounter at the record store, we decided to do a photo series of sorts. It's funny that, that one photo had so much going on in the background. 

And then there were two. 

We have been following Autotelic for some time now, just as they were about to break though the mainstream scene and I'm really glad that we have a copy of their first LP. (Review here.) It would probably be hard to get a copy of the first LP, I don't know if the band has any plans on reproducing copies, given their success and huge following. (Hello Telic friends!) I'm just glad that we have ours. I remember Josh still had long hair when we got this copy in 2014. Signatures for the two CDs are not yet complete - I still have to work on that.  

#CDsNotDead


-is something that I've been trying to promote and try to post whenever I can. I don't know, maybe it's got something to do with being born in the 80's and being a kid in the 90's. Paul and I really still do prefer physical copies of the music that we listen to. I have a humble collection of vinyl and CD at home, when we get to fix it up I can probably start taking photos, doing features and what not. 

I do have a Spotify account and listen to songs there as well but you know, you can have the best of both worlds. Easily access songs on Spotify and still have that tangible CD in your hands. Just pop it in the player, whether in the car or at home to just let it play. Without you having to think about what song should be next on a playlist. 

There is a lot of work that goes on behind an album, it's not just the music but the packaging and the album art as well and Paul and I like looking into that and appreciating what goes into it. 

+Plus you can have it signed by your favorite artists after a show! 

As I said earlier, this was an accidental post but then when "inspiration strikes" right? I will definitely be doing an album review for "Papunta Pabalik" soon but for now it's currently playing in our CD player at home and in the car for when we go out for the weekend.

Events: Satchmi Fever

Can you believe its already been a year since Satchmi celebrated its first birthday? Well - now its time for their 2nd Anniversary celebration! I know! Time just goes by so fast!

For a little throwback on what went on during their first birthday just click here!

Now - let's see what's in store for the loyal customers and patrons of Satchmi for their 2nd Anniversary!

Great Music! 

If any of their past events have proved anything is that they always, always have great music and the lineup for their 2nd Anniversary is just as awesome!

I am in love with Toni B's "Carnival" and I'm looking forward to hearing more of her songs and seeing her perform live.

We've seen and heard Tandems '91 perform and it's always a fun and crazy set when these boys are playing.

We haven't head of "No Rome" yet and I'm curious as to his music and I just love how Satchmi brings in new artists to discover. It's like when they make their line ups they make sure to bring in old favorites and new possibilities.

Exciting Launches!

Satchmi has launches in store! Such as "Film Folk" (for the photography and film lovers out there, I know Paul will be interested in this).  A "Satchmi Loyalty Card" (Yehey!), Vinyl Cleaning and Dewarping (Double Yehey!) as well as "Satchmi Beers" (this one is for Paul). 

FREEBIES! 

The best kinds of parties are the ones when guests get to bring home gifts and well, Satchmi has a lot of fun freebies in store for guests and patrons! You can click on their event page here to check out more details and to say that you are also going of course!

I'm also looking forward to see how the party will go, given that it will be held in Satchmi's bigger space! Remember that they already launched a cafe to go with the larger space. You can click here if you need a little refresher on that.

We actually have a wedding to go to on that day, in the afternoon so we will rush right after for the party. Hopefully the traffic won't be too bad. So don't be surprised if we appear to be a little over dressed.

Are you excited for the good kind of Fever with Satchmi's 2nd Anniversary celebration? I know we are! #SatchmiFever

TV + Music: "Jack Attack" Brings Local Music Acts to Eastwood

Franco. 

TV and Music -🎶 "these are a few of my favorite things 🎶" and I just love it when they come together and such was the awesome "Jack Attack" -free concert, which was held at my home away from home-Eastwood City! 

Music has always been our first love , it was what first got the blog up with #TeamPCheng covering local gigs, Paul taking photos and myself writing. But because of our nocturnal work schedules it has always been challenging to go to gigs and shows. So wheever there is a show or gig that fits our schedule, you can expect us to be there! 

When Jack TV (a staple TV Channel at home) announced that they would be having a concert featuring my favorite local acts (We follow every act in the lime up) at Eastwood City I was immediately interested. You see, I work at Eastwood so I would just need to wake up early, see the show and run to the office in time for my 11:00PM shift. Easypeasy right? 

Mayonnaise.

Unfortunately Paul wasn't able to come to the show since he was currently on the mid-shift during that time, so it was just me with the camera. When I arrived at Eastwood it was already Jensen and the Flips up on stage (apparently I already missed Autotelic #SoSad) I made a beeline to the front and was lucky enough to get a spot right in front, by the barricade. 

The moment I was settled, I could feel beads of sweat rolling down my back and I suddenly realized there was a steady growing crowd that was breathing down my back and I did the math, if it was around 7pm and I would be there until a little before 11pm, I would be dripping in sweat and not smell so fresh for work. I texted my office mate to bring me an extra shirt, which was a good thing since I also did a lot of jumping and head banging at the show. :p 

The girls behind me were totally going gaga over Jensen and the Flips. It was also nice to hear the crowd to sing to the songs of Indie bands including The Ransom Collective. 

Things got crazy when Mayonnaise got up on stage, with the, performing anthems such as "Bakit" and "Jopay" with the whole crowd singing out loud. 

Mayonnaise covered a couple of OPM classics which included "Ipagpatawad mo" where front man Mont Macalino even asked "Flip" guitarist Sammy Valenia to come up and sing. 

I haven't jumped and head banged in a long time, I think the last one was during Jack Daniel's Future Legends Indie Fest but I was definitely jumping up and down when Mayonnaise covered "Laklak" -the whole crowd went absolutely bonkers. 

Continuing their OPM covers, Paraluman vocalist Madeline Ramboyong Madz) was also asked to come up the stage to sing "Ang Huling El Bimbo" -the lyrics "Kamukha mo si Paraluman" was a nice little touch since Madz's band is called Paraluman :p  

Jensen And The Flips. 

It was so nice to see Mayonnaise after such a long time, we have been following the band for a few years now and it's always a pleasure to catch them in a show! :) 

Seeing Franco perform live, reminded me of this thought that I had years back-that when Franco performs live, it's like he's making love to his guitar. It's that intense! 

Apologies that the photos are not "PCheng quality" as I mentioned Paul wasn't with me and I was also constricted with one kind of lens and being stuck in that one position throughout the night. Hoult next time both Paul and I can enjoy another awesome show :) 

I wasn't able to finish Franco's set though, as I still had to grab food to stuff in my face while working :p 

It really was an awesome way to start my Wednesday workday, despite the leg pains during shift. 

There were some pretty cool posters set up of Jack TV's TV Shows, (The Flash, Constantine, Supergirl and Lucifer) - all shows we watch on Jack TV by the way :P They also gave away prizes to lucky winners! Even Kobe Bryant Funko Pops. 

 I didn't  get to take photos of those though, since it was already dark when I got to the show. The event was up since 10 AM with booths from Nescafe and Advil :) 

Make sure to follow Jack TV on Facebook for more updates on awesome shows and events!

#JackAttack #AllOutJackHeroes #ThisIsHowWePlayIt 

P.S. That extra shirt I requested really came in handy. I was pretty much sweaty after the show and still had to go to work! I pity my seatmates that would have to smell my sweat throughout the shift. 

Thank you to Jill for bringing an extra shirt for me. Mental note. Bring gig paraphernalia. :P  

The Ransom Collective. 

Music: A great night for OPM: Jack Daniel's Future Legends Indie Fest

Jensen and The Flips 

"Hindi natin keilangan ng foreign band para mapuno ang Circuit Makati!" 

("We don't need a foreign act to fill Circuit Makati!" Jensen Gomez of Jensen and the Flips told the crowd of about 5,000 in attendance as he and his crew, dressed in their signature neckties and white polo got the crowd singing and dancing to their signature sexy songs. This was at approximately 9:00 PM in the evening. By this time, already half of the more than thirty bands scheduled to perform on 3 different stages were already done with their sets and yet the night was still young and there was still more awesome music ahead.

About five hours earlier we left the house hoping to catch B.P. Valenzuela's set, unfortunately we didn't count on the Saturday traffic plus getting caught in the route of a Santa Cruzan when we were already in Makati. By the time we were already pulling up in the parking lot at Circuit Makati Tom's Story was already playing, Paul let out a pretty dramatic "dammit" -you see he loves the band with a passion, but what are you going to do right?

By the time we already claimed our passes, Mad Hatter Day was already playing, we  were held up in line because they wouldn't let my 19 year old brother in. His School ID did not have a birth date and the people on the gate wouldn't believe that he was already 19. Would you believe that I'm already turning 30 in June? I know, I can still pass for a 15 year old :P (so you see, it runs in our family) I understand that the staff was taking extra precautions at the event, at the wake of the Closeup Forever Summer incident guests were asked to sign waivers upon entering, bags were thoroughly searched and bringing in of food and beverage was strictly prohibited.

The Crowd Dancing to Tandems '91

It was a good thing that the supervisor was super chill and even if I was already getting impatient, we were already missing out on Mad Hatter Day's much awaited comeback, we were able to resolve the issue (they let my brother go through) without me blowing my top. Take note, next time bring a birth certificate or take a photo of it or get a government ID.

With that incident over and done with, we made our way around the huge concert grounds, thank God it did not rain! There were three stages set up with a number of different bands and artists from different genres were set to perform. So we were literally running from one stage to another to catch our favorite acts perform. Paul was on photographer mode and sniping away while I had my siblings and our cousin in tow.

I loved Reese Lansangan's remix for her song "Bleed" which she talks about in our short interview with her here. My brother was gushing behind me - "they play her songs on etc!" he told me. He had a fanboy moment when I introduced him to Reese when we ran into her that night.

Actually, I have a draft for that already but I haven't gotten to writing it yet. (etc features local artists for summer campaign) I hope I get to finish that write up soon!

We've been loving Oh, Flamingo! for sometime now and I'm really happy we were able to see them perform live (after a long time!) the young musicians have a casual unpretentious charm which translates to their music. The crowd was singing and dancing as well. Looking forward to more songs from them. We'd definitely get our hands on an album. :)

Farewell, Fair Weather 

Tandems '91, who we last saw in last year's Vinly Day ingeniously included some iconic Filipino songs in their set such as Hagibis' "Katwan" in their set, that was a nice nod to OPM!

Paul was more than happy to capture Tonight We Sleep whom he has been a big fan of for a long time. He was like a boy on Christmas morning, taking photos of the band as he sang their songs.

I would have to say that Farewell Fair Weather is my new favorite Indie band and I'm looking forward to hearing more of their music and seeing them perform live again. :)

When Autotelic took the stage - Wow! The crowd just got up and was dancing to their songs, my sister told me "They're all singing! (the crowd)" which is really overwhelming considering you would only see that kind of reaction from foreign acts but now even an Indie band can draw that from the crowd.

The crowd goes wild for Autotelic 

Here's a thought. Up Dharma Down 's "Oo" came out TWELVE years ago!

A funny memory about the song is that I actually caught my baby sister crushing on her friend when I noticed she was singing the song, a little too emotionally. It's something that we tease her about to this day when it comes up. So imagine the fun my brother and I had, ganging up on her when the song was performed live.

During their set at Jack Daniel's Future Legends INDIEFEST the band remembered their early years when "only five people would watch them in Saguijo" and now they fill events with crowds eager to hear their music.

Continue supporting local talent, you never know when your new favorite Indie band will be able to fill up concert venues on their own. Indeed, it is a good time for OPM when, bar gigs are frequently happening, EP/Album and MV launches are a common event. Sometimes gigs and shows happen at the same time, only a Kagebunshin technique would get us to all the events.

As a music enthusiast, I appreciate and am happy for brands like Jack Daniel's who believe in supporting homegrown local talent. Kudos to you! Cheers! (Slugs down a shot of Jack Daniel's) :P

Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down 

Aside from the awesome bands performing there was also so much to see and do at the event, there was an an awesome display of Harley Davidson motorcycles as well as their proud riders.

"It's just like 'Sons of Anarchy'!" my sister excitedly told me.

There was a photobooth where we had some pictures taken. There was also a number of various booths were you can check out band merchandise and even free stickers from The Yellow Room booth! (Hola!).

Winners of awesome prizes (mountain bikes, Gibson Les Paul guitars and a freaking Harley Davidson motorcycle) were given away that night. Congratulations to the winners! Those guitars tho! T_T

The  event culminated with Brain Salad which is made up of members of Wolfgang and Razorback and was conceived 15 years ago in what is described to be as "usapang lasing". 

Basti Artadi of Brain Salad. 

The legendary group is composed of Basti Artardi, David Aguirre, Louie Talan and Brian Velasco. 

It was indeed a great night for OPM, as a crowd of over 5,000 people gathered to hear up and coming acts and established artists. There was a lot of singing, dancing and good clean fun. The event's hashtag #WeAreIndiesTogether was creatively crafted as it calls to everyone to come together to celebrate and enjoy music. Our very own music, something we can truly call our own.

Click HERE for MORE PHOTOS!