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. 

Mayonnaise 2014 EP Review

Inspiration can strike at the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times.

While I already had a general idea on how to go about writing my "Mayonnaise 2014" EP Review; inspiration struck and had me taking a different direction for this write up. It was in the middle of a get together with childhood friends, when my iTunes became a source of music and they stumbled upon the Mayonnaise 2014 EP. They began singing (more like drunk belting out-actually) old favorites like Jopay and Bakit Part 2. You can probably  picture it in your head; a group of friends gathered and singing (rather loudly, probably thanks to the alcohol) surprisingly in a very heartfelt way (hugot lyrics maybe?) to old favorites but remastered with some new elements.

A week is never complete without some reminder of a past memory, whether it may be a sweet or bitter one, hence the weekly staples of #ThrowbackThursday, #FlashbackFriday #WaybackWednesday and other such trips down memory lane.

This nostalgic feeling is what the Mayonnaise 2014 album brings. Celebrating 10 years in the music industry; an achievement that not many can claim, Mayonnaise revisits their roots in the EP, bringing new life to old favorites. You find yourself belting out old favorites, like my drunken friends from last Sunday's early morning festivities. Probably reminiscing memories those songs had years ago and I think that this is where the power of this EP lies, it plays on reminiscing and we are a generation who loves looking back and Mayonnaise 2014 is a great way of doing that.

It comes in a simple black and white art cover. I wish they could have added a few words in the EP, like mentioning the 10 years that the band is celebrating and some thoughts on why revisit their old songs. That would have added a great personal touch to the EP's packaging.

So the next time you do a Throwback post you might want to check out the Mayonnaise 2014 EP - it is a genuine trip down memory lane but with new elements that will have you admiring the band's longevity and contribution to OPM.

Here is the tracklist for Mayonnaise 2014

Bakit, Pt. 2 (2014 Version) 

Jopay (2014 Version) 

The Only Thing (2014 Version) 

Pink White Blue (2014 Version) 

Sa Dilim (Previously Unreleased) 

The Only Thing (Acoustic Version) 

Tayo Nalang Dalawa Album Review

For me a traditionally good album is one that has songs that can make you feel different emotions - from happy and dancing to one song to a bit sentimental and reflective to the next. Another criteria of a good album (for me at least) is when the artists bring in other techniques, uses other instruments and features other artists and all of this is in Mayonnaise's Tayo Nalang Dalawa album.

With 10 diverse tracks, Tayo Nalang Dalawa (or TNLD) is my favorite album of 2014. I know that this review is super late already, especially considering that we go to Mayonnaise gigs (Yellow Room Nights and Mismo Prosuction events whenever we can) I say whenever we can because of our unconventional and ugly schedules (night shift and working on weekends). 

Even before the album was released we already got to hear a few of the songs from the album. When we first heard "Parang" and "Tayo Nalang Dalawa" being performed in live gigs we were immediately hung up on the songs, they were up-beat and catchy and the memorable and playful lyrics will make sure of your LSS. 

Speaking of lyrics- let's talk about that for a while. I have heard some songwriters say that it's hard to write in Tagalog since it comes out as "too cheesy" or too dramatic. This is not the case though for Mayonnaise front man Monty Macalino who also pens the lyrics in their songs, his use of the vernacular in the lyrics have made the songs current, relatable and memorable to the listeners. Even without the use of fancy words, their well known colloquial charm has endeared them to fans ever since their break through in the OPM Scene after winning the Red Horse Muziklaban in 2004 (more than 10 years ago!). 

Allow me to take a different course in this album review as I will also be writing about the music videos that came with each single as well as some elements in the songs which I think are worth noting. 

PARAAN 

Shot in Los Angeles, California it features the beautiful Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I admire the effort that was put into giving the music video a new flare by shooting it in a different country. 

The music video is beautiful as well as the song which resounds with a powerful and poignant message of making an effort and going the extra mile. 

The chorus goes: 

Sana malaman ng a raw at ng buwan

Gagawin ko lagi ng Paraan

Gagawan ko lagi ng Paraan 

Veering away from the usual band format, "Paraan" uses various string instruments like violin and cello to give that orchestra feel which in turn gives that extra tug at the heart strings. You can also hear the violin and cello in "Porta" and "Susan". 

PORTA 

Another video shot in Los Angeles this one features cute lip synching from America's Next Top Model alum Hannah Jones. A song that can get you jumping and dancing to it's up-beat catchy melody and positive vibes. 

AYAW MO NA SAKIN 

The song features Danita Paner and Madeline Ramboyong of Paraluman, the video is from our friends from The His And Her Project. This is what I was saying when I wrote about a good album (ideally not the first album) to feature other artists as well, this is to give that extra spice and also offer diversity to the listeners and "Ayaw Mo Na Sakin" is a great dancy song that will get you shaking your shoulders and dancing to your own groove.

DEAR CLASSMATE 

Another video from our friends from The His And Her Project "Dear Classmate" is a nice chill song with a message I myself want to share to our dear students out there, especially the mag-aral ka muna part. :P 

The video features a cute story of unrequited love that has a twist in the end :P The Music Video also features a lot of familiar faces such as Em Tolentino of Circa, Joyce Pring of Group Hug as well as the lovely people at The Yellow Room Music School Yup! A great music school for all your music needs :) Click on the link to find out more ^_^ 

PAG WALA KA 

I didn't even realize that I loved this song until I saw the video which I loved equally as well. A fun song that just makes you want to shout: Masaya Ako Kapag Wala Ka !!! 

The song is really infectious and will have you banging a beat in your imaginary drum and singing from the top of your lungs. The video itself is super hilarious with cheesy boy band dance moves, lots of pushing and shoving and the cutest cat fight I have ever seen. In a nutshell it shows what happens when you're the only girl in the band and another chick comes along.

Definitely an album to have, Tayo Nalang Dalawa is not just for Mayonnaise fans but for fans of OPM and those who can appreciate good music. The tracks are diverse enough that it doesn't feel that you are listening to the same songs all throughout. My favorite album of 2014 you are definitely loosing out if you don't have it in your collection.

Speaking of 2014 - Mayonnaise also came out with an EP Mayonnaise 2014 during the last quarter of the year. EP Review on that on the blog soon! :)  

Mayonnaise Plays for Eastwood Indie Thirstdays

I've been having a thirst for gigs since unfortunately Paul and I haven't been able to go gigs lately due to schedule conflicts and that really sucks. Fortunately for me Eastwood (which is like my second home already-have been working in the area for about 4 years now) had "Indie Thirstdays" where two Indie bands are scheduled to perform every Thursday of October this also coincides with their October Fest celebrations. (and yes, I just love the pun in "Thirstdays") 

I wasn't able to catch Autotelic when they were scheduled to play due to waking up to an awful migraine - which I really hated since I was hoping to catch them live. They're an up and coming band you guys should really check out. 

Since missing out on Autototelic I was determined not to miss Mayonnaise who were scheduled to play last night. We're both fans and followers of the band especially with their new album Tayo Nalang Dalawa out (still don't have a copy but will definitely get one and write up a review). 

The band played new songs from their album like Classmate, Tayo Nalang Dalawa and their latest single Porta (which is on the Myx Countdown by the way) as well as old favorites like Bakit Part II. 

Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish the set since I had to run back to work since my shift would be starting in a few minutes :p  Which is also why I wasn't able to fully enjoy the Thirstday experience since I couldn't drink alcohol since I still had to go to work. Although I'm not much of a beer drinker myself, I definitely want to bring Paul to Rue Bourbon so he can try out the flavored beer that they have  :) (Caramel Beer) sounds pretty good. ^_^ 

Loved Mayonnaise's set even if I was only there for a short while - in this fast paced lives of ours you have to take things as they come. Thanks Eastwood for making my Thursday a little better! 

By the way- their Beer Tent event is happening tonight! With lots of Beer and bands like Pupil and sandwich performing (among others). I might check it out later but then it would really depend on the size of the crowd too :p 

In case you were wondering, Paul wasn't with me, so these photos were just taken with my iPad, they were post edited by Paul on Snapseed. 

The Yellow Room Battle Of the Bands

This is actually late news already but good news is always worth sharing no mater how late it is. 

It seems only yesterday when Mayonnaise won the Red Horse Muziklaban in 2004 (it's actually been 10 years!) I was in a College back then and never would I have imagined that Paul and I would be covering events and blogging for The Yellow Room Philippines- helmed by Mayonnaise front man Monty Macalinao, which is a talent management and recording studio for up and coming independent bands in the Philippines.

The Yellow Room Philippines is paying it forward and giving other talented independent bands out there a shot through THE YELLOW ROOM BATTLE OF THE BANDS. 

Through a rigorous elimination process, band hopefuls sent videos of their performances in the hopes of being included in the coveted list that would ultimately fight it out Rock Of Ages style in a good old Battle Of The Bands.

Paying it Forward: They too were Battle Of The Bands winners, which helped Mayonnaise sky rocket into the local music scene and now Monty Macalinao is paying it forward by giving that same chance to a new generation of musicians.
Taken during The Yellow Room Music Battle of the Bands
(c) Roi Francisco Photography 

Held last August 22 ab B-side, we were actually invited to cover the event but unfortunately we weren't able to because of work but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be writing about it (albeit late) I believe and admire the efforts that The Yellow Room Philippines is doing in order to showcase up and coming talent and as if that wasn't good enough, winners were not simply going to get a Certificate or a Trophy, prizes included free recording packages and even a contract for the winner!

These prizes would surely help these budding artists get their music across, it wasn't just exposure for one night, the Battle Of The Bands served as an opportunity for the bands, it was a door that opened for them, even if they didn't win- they could count that to experience and as for the winners -

Congratulations and I'm definitely looking forward to the new material that you guys will be coming out with!

Kudos to The Yellow Room Music Philippines! You guys rock! 

MABUHAY ANG OPM! 

You can check out the winners list below and their amazing prizes! 

First Runner Up - False Apart

Paramore Night 8

Thrilling Trio Estrella 

When You already been going to an event that happens every few months or so(which is the case for Paramore Nights).  You might think that 'Nothing new is going to happen' or 'You've seen everything that could possibly happen.  But recently concluded Paramore Night 8 proved this to be wrong.

Being present since Paramore Night 3, I was still pleasantly surprised to witness a selfie stick in a moshpit, witness more amazing OPM bands (get to listen to quality  songs) and get some more haw dropping stage performances.  

Wild and Crazy with Android 18

This Paramore Night was also extra special for me since my band - The Pearl Report was included in the lien up.  So there was that extra nerves working up in (me) and butterflies in my tummy.  Thankfully we were able to it through our set without making a mess or losing face.

Paramore Night 8 revisited one of its former venues, former Freedom Bar in Anonas, which is now District 2140. I did write about (in my previous Paramore Night 7 blog post) about the current status of bars in the Metro having to close up. So seeing a historical bar having to close and go through new management was literally truth staring you in the face. 

Selfie Mosh with Veridea

Just glad that the venue is still a bar, where bands can still play music. It was just sad to see the once famous mural blank and white with only a few pieces of art drawn on them. Well at least there's space to make new art and memories right? 

My band The Pearl Report opened the show and shared the stage with other parawesome bands chosen from The Paramore Philippines Group like Juancho's Back, Veridea and Starecase.  

But aside from that the night was also extra special because it was also the Album Buyout for our beloved Mayonnaise's new album Tayo Nalang Dalawa :) There were prizes and surprises for the event attendees and every body went home a winner with the great music, the company of good old friends and also the pleasure of meeting new ones. 

#OOTD with Juanchp's Back

Can I just add that I loved the original songs of the band Estrella, led by Paramore fan Chin-Chin Detera, they were very well written and the delivery was smooth as ice! Hoping they get featured on Amplify PH soon :) 

Going to Church with The Morning Light

A lot of people have been clamoring for the band Android 18 (Dragon Ball fans I would presume) to be part of Paramore Night-and for good reason. Their energy on stage was amazing! All that jumping and headbanging is enough to give enough a stiff neck and a sprained ankle. 

The Yellow Room Night: Freedom Bar

Declared Already 

Apologies for the late post, we had to deal with a full External Hard Drive so we had no space to put in the new photos, we spent a few days having to clean up the hard drive and organize files and files of folders of photos. So if anyone would like to donate or sponsor an external hard drive you know how to reach us! :P 

So last Wednesday was the Yellow Room Night. Blog post on the event announcement here. 

For us, it was a night of a lot of firsts, well for one, we've mostly covered band nights - events where local bands get to cover songs from established artists, mostly foreign; so it was our first time to cover an event that featured and showcased bands and musicians in their own light and in their own music. 

It was also our first time to cover an event in Freedom Bar in Anonas. :) Loved the nationalistic painting on the wall. 

First band up is Declared Already, fronted by pretty and cute voiced  Sheric whose vocals reminded me of the anime and Japanese songs I love. (Check out Judy and Mary - the band) Hey if they can get away with the cutesy voices why can't we right? It also reminded me of a first generation Moonstar 88. Their songs were very catchy too! Declared Already will also performing during Circa's video launch - watch out for blog posts on that! :P 

You can check out the video of their original song 'Rumors' here. 

Second band up was Trapeze who we already had the pleasure of watching during Fall Out Boy Night. Check out their song Kara Krus which I love! You can check out the video of their song 'Pero' (recorded in The Yellow Room of course!) here. 

Third band up was Vicente Couleur band, whose vocalist kind of looks like Taka of One Ok Rock, I loved the effects that they used in their songs. 

I'm really excited for Circa's upcoming video launch 'Habang Buhay' blog posts on that coming up soon! Each time I see them perform live it just establishes the fact that these guys are ready for bigger things.Make sure to check back on the blog for posts and updates on Circa ~ Especially since they are having their video launch on August 10!  

Paraluman 

Crowd favorite Paraluman (check out the shirt above) was also present during the Yellow Room Night! 

Danita Paner of Ferown

Foo Fighters Night

Front and Center: Danita Paner of Ferown 

It was as if a foreshadowing took place at that moment when Monty Macalinao with Circa's cover of 'Best of You' by the Foo Fighters blared loud and proud during Paramore Night IV - it was just about time that 'Foo Fighters Night' would come along and this was definitely Paul's kind of 'band night'.  

Pinasikat.com which aims to be the central digital hub in the Philippines through video productions organized 'Foo Fighters Night' last April 27, 2013 at Route 196 in Katipunan where in local bands get to cover well loved Foo Fighters classics and also get to play current and new original music from them. 

Here are the bands who performed for Foo Fighters Night:

Luigi d' Avola 

Classic. Luigi d' Aviola 

Em Tolentino of Circa 

Whether it's Paramore Night or Foo Fighters Night - Circa can definitely make waves-we are big fans of Circa and we were also lucky enough to also get to hear their new song 'Tonight' which I really liked and I'm just excited to hear a studio version of it. :) 

Circa