Music: Returning to Music Gigs: Mayonniase live in Eastwood City

Ica: 

We try to go to as much gigs as we can, as long as it fits our unorthodox schedule. Working the night shift, means missing out the weekday gigs and well, sometimes during the weekends we just want to sleep in or binge watch a series or two. 

So whenever a gig is within our range (location and schedule) we go as much as we can, even if it means catching a gig before going to work. I know that's strange for some but its just a way for us to adapt. When I found out that Mayonnaise was playing in Eastwood City, (I work there) and Paul was off from work, we left early (8PM, I have work at 11PM) and after some errands was enjoying a short and sweet set from one of our favorite local bands. 

I have yet to review their latest album, "For The Rest Of My Life" but that's definitely on the to-do list. They will also be celebrating their 14th Anniversary on the first of October at 12 Monkeys. Not sure if we'll be able to drop by - we'll see. :) 

Paul: 

It's always nice to get pretty close to the stage since most if not all the people are focused in drinking, socializing or what not. I enjoyed Mayonnaise's cover of 'When it rains' by Paramore before I brought out my camera. Yes, I know I missed a few opportunities but I tend to enjoy live performances first to get a feel for the crowd, lighting, ambiance and other elements. 

While shooting, it finally hit me that I missed shooting live performances and then I asked myself, 'When was the last time that I watched/shot a live performance?' Sadly I cannot recall. One thing is certain, I definitely missed going to music gigs. I miss the familiar faces, people swaying to the rhythm,  heads bobbing to the beat and the sing alongs.

While we stand at the beginning of Q4 of 2016, I could see a lot of gigs headed my way.  I just hope our(wife & my) schedule and budget can go for all of them but alas, well see where our feet will bring us. 

Again, we'll see...

More photos here.

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. 

The Walking Dead: Terminus Experience

   

It seems only yesterday when I was clutching onto the back of a complete stranger as we made our way, screaming and terrified across the halls & corridors of The Walking Dead: Haunted Prison last year in Eastwood City and now - here I go again! 

Last year's The Haunted Prison experience was a hit with the long lines snaking it's way all over Eastwood Central Plaza. So it was no surprise that the horror house would stand once again to bring chills, screams & thrills to those who dare enter it's gates. 

And in keeping with tradition, this year's Haunted House followed last season of the hit show The Walking Dead's setting which is in Terminus a place which promises sanctuary for all but as we all know that really isn't the case.

Because of last year's going-through-the-horror-house with strangers experience I invited some friends to go through the Horror House with me. At least if I would be clutching on to someone, it's someone I know! Lucky enough Sarah and Khin who I've been friends with through Paramore Philippines jumped to my invitation :) 

Come 6PM last Friday October 30, lo and behold the line for the Haunted House was so long already Surprise! Surprise! People wanted to get scared. 

While I was waiting for them (they got stuck in Friday traffic) I had the chance to observe the people in line and I saw how they took out their mobile devices and gadgets when the first batch of people went in, camera were flashing, photos were being taken by people waiting in line. You'd think that there was a concert. Kids passing by the horror house clung to their parents and cried- they know something scary is in there for sure! 

I just love the rock version of The Walking Dead's opening theme that they play. Hmmm I really should find that online. 

                                    

So when it was finally our turn, the three of us went through the horror house screaming and shouting - those damn zombies seemed to be coming out from everywhere! 

Even if in our group I was the eldest and they both called me 'Ate' I was the coward cowering behind them. There seemed to be more tricks, special effects and scares this time than last year. You also might want to check your back every once in a while. 

The Horror House is open until November 10, the price of the ticket has increased though to P150.00 still worth it - and let me ask you how much is your Starbucks coffee? Besides this treat is just once in a year-so make sure you don't miss it! 

It's a fun and memorable experience with friends. A great Halloween treat you should skip out on!  

                      

Covering for Azrael's Merryland. 

Big Hero 6 Party + Blu-Ray and DVD sale!

Fresh off their Oscar - Best Animatation Feature win, Big Hero 6 is throwing a PARTY! And what better way to party with the Big Hero 6 gang than to bring them home to relive their laughs, tears and adventures through your very own Bug Hero 6 Blu-Ray or DVD - at a sale price! (DVD is for P550.00).

The DVD also features Feast which also won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film - Wow! That is definitely one DVD to have (features two Academy award winning works) ^_^ 

Not only can you get to bring home the DVD (at a very good price- I might add) but you also get to enjoy Big Hero 6 activities and games! The party isn't just for the kids though since Dads and Moms (probably mostly Dads) will also get to enjoy looking through Blu-Ray and DVDs at discounted prices! Moms and Big Brothers and Big Sisters can enjoy the activities with the kids :)

This little cutie is having fun at one of the activities

NERDS WELCOME :) 

With everyone enjoying it is a great way to spend some quality family time :) 

Enjoy the Big Hero with an even Bigger Heart by coming to the Big Hero 6 Party at the Eastwood Mall Atrium from February 27 - March 3 ^_^ 

Did I mention you can also come in as your favorite Big Hero 6 character ? :) 

 

Team Lexie Photoshoot

Originally our first Team Photoshoot to date - Team Lexie wanted to wait on the tarpaulin of their team (Team of the month gets to have a big a*s tarpaulin of the team's photo printed and hung up on the wall - pretty neat huh?) to be printed first before releasing their photos - hence the late post :)

Our idea was to have their photoshoot outside the Eastwood Mall area but since there was an event going on that day we decided to look for another place to shoot, We really did not have to go far since there was a lot of nooks and crannys around to have a great photoshoot.

It's a good thing that even if there were guards roaming around we were not asked to stop shooting :P Definitely grateful that the security of Eastwood is not that strict when it comes to photographers - unlike in Makati.

Definitely had fun shooting Team Lexie - especially since it was our first Team Photoshoot - lots of swagger for this team and they were really werking it :P

Click HERE for MORE PHOTOS! 

The Walking Dead: Haunted Prison Experience

I love watching movies but I'm not a big fan of Horror Movies. I just don't see the point of scaring yourself sh*tless - and I scare easily. Another thing about the Horror genre is that there is a fine line between "no plot and all gore" which is often crossed and slasher movies riddled with cliches leave a bad taste in my mouth.

Aside from not being a fan of the Horror genre, I am not a fan at all of Zombies. I remember having a conversation with my siblings (so long ago) that Zombies were our least favorite of all monsters and creatures. I mean they're dead and rotting and they eat you- as in not a bite but chew you up and worse- they could be your loved one turned undead, so talk about physical and psychological damages. 

Even when the Zombie Explosion blew up, I tried to fight against it as hard as I can. I didn't get into The Walking Dead wagon right away. It all started with Zombie books, colleagues encouraged me to read Mira Grant's Deadline trilogy. I was in a book club of sorts and Grant's Post Apocalyptic Zombie trilogy was in the circulation. It was in Grant's books that I learned terms like: Spontaneous Amplification: Defined as going through the "Zombie Changing" phenomenon without being bitten by an infected zombie. Happens after death. I also got an insight into what Virology would look like if say Zombie Outbreak does happen. 

After Gran't trilogy, I read World War Z, which unfortunately was not better than the movie. Watching Brad Pitt battle Zombies on the big screen was much better. It followed an actual -Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution (of sorts) unlike it's boring book counter part. 

By this time, I've already started watching The Walking Dead, I tried to fight it off, but I couldn't- I was already bitten and the infection spread quick. Now, my heart goes through tachycardia every Monday Morning when I'm watching Fox's Parallel Play with the US of the newest episode of The Walking Dead and I spend the entire week wondering what will happen in the next episode. 

I guess I started as a non-Zombie person to an okay-Zombie person ^_^ So I was really excited when I got the opportunity to cover The Walking Dead: Haunted a prison House at (one of my favorite places) Eastwood! Thanks to Megaworld, FOX and my Senpai Azrael for the opportunity!

THE WALKING DEAD: Haunted Prison House at Eastwood City 

As if the Zombie Explosion could not get any bigger! Eastwood City (my home away from home) has tied up with Fox International Channels to bring you The Walking Dead Experience - yes you get to live in the skin (sort of) of all your favorite characters. You get to go ala-Rick or Daryl or Michrone in a Horror House este Haunted Prison House taken straight out of the TV show. Okay so you might not be swinging a katana or firing off a gun but you'll definitely feel the suspense and fear that could only come from walking through a pathway with walkers at every corner. 

Weekend Photographer: HDR in Eastwood City

Weekend Photographer is my blog post for my instant projects during my rest days.  My rest days varies sometimes in the weekend, other times in the middle of the week.  My wife doesn't tag along in these self projects, so I'll try my very best to write down what I've experienced during these weekend projects.  Just another addition to the many blog posts here, hope you guys like and enjoy.  Comments would be appreciated as always!

As I was digging through our blog posts, to check on what we have, I found this post.  For some weird reason, this post was left as a draft, just pictures no words.  Remembering this now after a year would be difficult (I'm very forgetful!).  

Trying my best to look back, I drove Ica to work during this evening.  In advance I brought the tripod, camera and kit lens.  Parked the car and proceeded to positions that I thought would be a good spot to shoot in.  

When this was shot, the building below was still brand new. I took the opportunity to shoot in long exposures since it's the way to go in shooting buildings at night.  If you look closely, you'll see hint of lights coming from cars that passed by.  On another note, all of the shots are HDR, meaning a combination of 3 (or more) different exposures to get a wider dynamic range the image. I think I tried, 0, +1 and -1 on the camera's meter.  So think of  each image (HDR) shot as long exposure(3 times or more), so getting a single HDR image takes probably 15-20 minutes of shooting( a rough approximation).

The new Robinson Supermarket

As this has post has been stuck in draft for more than a year, I had to resize the images due to web upload. The original files, are still stuck in a desktop computer that has not been repaired yet for more than a year. Recalling why I left Eastwood early, I believe that a security guard told me that no photographing allowed.  I usually yield when told by anyone to stop shooting, it is still privately owned establishment. So their grounds, their rules, 'nuff said.




Hoping that I could shoot again in the evening, and try out a few things that I've learned a year after doing this.  

On C5 Road 

Here's to shooting more photos!