TALATA EP Launch

Among the Lights: Reyg Linao of Talata during their EP Launch. 

One of my regrets for 2014 was not being able to cover as much local gigs as we used to. So this 2015, one of my New Year Resolutions was to get to cover as much gigs as we could, despite the ugly and difficult schedules that we have.

Case in point-right now (at this period in time) Paul's off days are actually Monday-Tuesday (see-I told you-UGLY). So when Talata announced that they would be having their EP Launch on the the first Monday of January at 70's Bistro, we jumped at the chance to cover. Another requirement for gigs-to cover, especially when I'll still be going to work after would be that the location of the bar is near Eastwood (where I work). Which is why we found ourselves on a Monday evening at a jam-packed (the whole place was filled!) 70's Bistro, covering our first local gig of 2015- hoping for more this year! It was our first time at 70's Bistro actually and it was pretty nice :) Beer price is coincidentally around P70.00. :P 

We got to know Talata through covering an acoustic gig at Zili Nasi Goreng - a bad as$ Malaysian Restaurant at Vista Verde in Cainta. The owners turned out to be Mr. and Mrs. Linao. Jomal (Kamikazee) and Reyg, who also make up Talata. Okay so before I dive into the EP launch, I just have to go ahead and say that I really admire Jomal and Reyg; they have a family, with a beautiful daughter but they still pursue their dreams and literally rock out. I mean talk about having rocker parents right? They have a successful business and a financial adviser - yup you read that right a financial adviser! From an outsider's perspective they have things pretty much figured out which is why I really admire them as a couple and aspire to be cool parents like them someday :)

It was my first time to see Typecast perform live in a gig, since getting a copy of their Word Sits Heavy EP (which I won in a contest through Jam 88.3-album review here). We last saw them perform when they opened for Fall Out Boy in 2013 and as Paul said - you always appreciate a band more when you see them perform live and the same goes for Typecast ^_^ 

Another first for me was to see Moonstar 88 live- and it was really a relaxing set (obviously) and it gave a good variety from the other bands that performed earlier. I'm just glad that despite changes in the line up- Moonstar 88 has continued to create music and play for audiences - hoping to see more of them this year ^_^ 

The last time we saw Kamikazee was when we covered their signing in with JB Music, which the stage of the night was powered by - by the way. So I don't know if it usually sounds good in The 70's Bistro or was it thanks to JB Music ^_^ 

Seeing Kamikazee perform in a small bar was crazy fun! Now I see why Jay had a cordless mic (probably also from JB music-which is why it sounds so good!) with him as he made the ENTIRE bar-I kid you not - his stage! I mean this person is the very epitome of a performer as he reached out to people in the audience, danced his signature sexy, crazy moves; kissed girls and even got up the bar (where they served drinks) to do more crazy antics! Plus the hilarious banter of Jay towards other bands, just had the crowd howling with laughter. Jay also jokes about what will happen when the band will be "laos" but seriously how can Kamikazee be laos? These guys are one of a kind and I'm glad that OPM has them.

Crowd Favorite: Jay of Kamikazee basking in the light. 

Acoustic Night at Zili's

Midnight Meetings sharing a few teases, smiles and laughs before starting their acoustic set at Zili's

When I first came across the Resto Bar Zili's on Facebook posts for event announcements, two things immediately caught my attention. The first was that it was near our place, I have a childhood friend who lives in Vista Verde where the spicy bar and resto is located, so going there seemed like I was visiting a familiar neighborhood. The second thing that caught my attention was the 'SPICY' food that seemed to be what the resto bar was going for and how it was separating itself from other resto bars out there. Paul is a big fan of spicy food so I really wanted to check it out. 

So when I saw a post from Midnight Meetings that they would be playing a gig there and that December Avenue would be joining in I was SOLD!. I've always been a fan of December Avenue, in fact I included them in my list of OPM bands to watch out for, in a blog post I did last March 2013. You can read on that here. I haven't been able to catch December Avenue in a gig - ever so I pretty much knew it was a no brainer to go to the event. :) 

Nice and Spicy at Zili's

Like I mentioned in my recent post - I do take my siblings to gigs, because I want to expose them to awesome OPM bands. For this trip, we also took Paul's nephew Jared, who is also into music. He does acoustic covers also! (You can check out one here) He's not into the whole punk rock scene so we just bring him along for acoustic nights and gigs. So, armed my brother and Paul's nephew, curious tummies and ears wanting to hear good music, we made our way last Saturday night at Zili's. 

December Avenue serenading the crowd with their original songs and cover songs as well.  

Owned and Managed by Kamikazee Lead Guitarist Jomal Linao and his wife Reyg, Zili's is known for their SPICY Nasi Goreng Kampung. In case your wondering Nasi Goreng Kampung is a Malaysian dish and Zili's has perfected this with spices straight from Malaysia! 

Sorry we weren't able to take photos of the food. We gobbled it down right away once it was placed in front of us. :P Maybe next time we'll go there and do a photoshoot with the food and stuff - then eat it afterward of course! :) 

Another thing I love about Zili's is the affordable drinks that they have. Beer (San Mig Light) is at P45.00/each and there's Bottomless Iced Tea (YEHEY!) for just P50.00! And for someone who frequents bars on a tight budget we were more than happy to spend P85.00-P95.00 per meal for some awesome SPICY Asian fusion food :3   

Midnight Meetings SM City Taytay Mall Show

Heart Breaker: Ashley Gosiengfiao of Midnight Meetings serenading the crowd during their show at the Event Center in SM City Taytay 

While events and gigs were happening left and right across the Metro - the husband and I decided on the Midnight Meetings show in our neighborhood of SM City Taytay (which is like 15 minutes from our home). 

We've been going on #weekendlagare for the past few weeks - so it's nice to not have a too tiring event to cover since we do come from Friday shift every Saturday morning. We were just out of the house for about three hours, did not spend much on gas and Paul's beer allowance. (Yes - he has a beer/drinks allowance when we cover gigs) but we were still able to cover an event and see a band we haven't seen in a long time. 

Establishing Shot: A view from the back as Midnight Meetings take the stage at the Event Center at SM Taytay. 

We have been following Midnight Meetings, from EP launch, video launch and gigs whenever we can. We have missed a few changes in the band with the addition of new keyboardist, Len Calvo to the line up. So I was excited more than usual to finally catch them in a gig again. Let's also say I was looking for a change with the punk rock scene and just wanted to listen to some chill blues and alternative songs. :)

The band played a longer set than usual since they were the only act scheduled to play and it was an awesome set indeed! The addition of Calvo on the keyboards and doing backing vocals added a subtle dimension to the band's sound. 

On Board: New keyboardist and back up vocalist Len Calvo bringing a new dimension to Midnight Meetings. 

Aside from playing songs from their Acoustic EP, the band also played their take on the OPM classic "Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko" which was their latest single by the way- (You can check out their Music Video on that song here.) and I'm sure that hearts were breaking everywhere.

The band also performed new songs that were not in their EP like "LQ" (you can check an acoustic take on the song here.) and a new song entitled "Over It" - the video of a live performance on that song here.  

They also did an impressive cover of the infectious Lorde song: "Royals". 

The band teased fans about a new album coming out in July and can I just say that I'm really happy and excited over that piece of news!

I'm really looking forward to this new album as it offers a refreshing take on the OPM scene. The bands songs have a balance on both English and Tagalog lyrics which showcases their song writing skills. Aside from the catchy and honest lyrics the band is also a haven for listeners with their signature Jazz and Blues sound. 

After the band's set - they had a meet and greet with fans and photo op as well. :) It's interesting to note that this was the band's first Meet and Greet so to speak - but judging at the quality of the music that they have to offer there will definitely be MORE meet and greet sessions in the near future :) 

Here's MY Meet and Greet Photo Op :) 

Click HERE for MORE photos! 

From a photography perspective it was challenging to shoot in the venue, because of the lights in the Event Center - or rather the lack of it. Paul has shot in the same venue before since he gets some Event Coverage gigs from SM Taytay, but not with the same lighting conditions that were there yesterday. Despite the slight setback with the lights, Paul was able to make the most of the situation and shoot photos while enjoying some great music too! :) 

Upcoming Events: Neon Fest: Get to know the Headlining Bands

Now that you guys already know our 10 Indie bands performing for Neon Fest (in case you still don't you can check out the blog post here) it's time to get to know the 6 headlining bands performing! 

Mad Hatter Day 

I have nothing but love for Mad Hatter Day who have gone from your regular College band to opening acts for Bazooka Rocks II. As I mentioned in our review of their EP - Alice in Distress, their sound is fresh and unique and you can hear the hints and influences of metal and you can hear good old glam rock in their music. 

To get a feel of their sound, check out my favorite track off their EP - Finding Atlantis below. 

They also have a new song coming out, Resistance which they will be launching on September 28. 

For more information and updates on the band you can like their Facebook page here. 

Jensen Tenoso

An award winning singer in her own right, Jensen Tenoso already has a slew of awards and accomplishments at her young age even being part of the top five of GMA 7's PROTEGE in 2011. 

Check out her stint in Protege and rendition of Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis in the video below. 

For more updates and information on Jenses you can like her Facebook page here. 

  

Midnight Meetings 

Another band, who we have been following is Midnight Meetings their unique take on blues and jazz is something refreshing and sets them apart from other bands. 

You can check out my EP Review for their acoustic EP 'Pwede Ba?' here. 

You can also watch their video 'Pwede Ba?' below. 

For more updates and information on the band. Make sure to like their Facebook page here. 

  

Pcheng Photography Give away: SIGNED Midnight Meetings Accoustic EP and MORE!

FINALLY! We are posting this super late MIDNIGHT MEETINGS GIVE AWAY!

Up for grabs!

A SIGNED Midnight Meetings: Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP

A Midnight Meetings Keychain

A SIGNED Midnight Meetings print! 

If you check out our Midnight Meetings EP Launch post, you will read that the packaging of the EP itself is hand made and has that DIY charm you can't buy in record stores-definitely a collectible item! 

The keychain is also an original band merchandise from the band! :) If you check the photo you can see Ashley wearing it as a pendant. 

It's easy to win!

You just need to do the following: 

1. Like Pcheng Photography on Facebook. 

2. Follow Pcheng Photography on Twitter. 

3. Follow Pcheng Photography on Instagram. 

4. Send an email to paulcheng311@gmail.com and tell us why you should win these Midnight Meetings goodies. 

We will send a DM to the lucky winners and send the prizes to them.

In the mean time you can watch the video of Pwede Ba? below! 
Don't forget to vote for the video on Myx! Just log on to www.myxph.com  

EP Review: Midnight Meetings Acoustic

I know that this EP Review is very, very late already but allow me to explain (ahem...) along with this EP Review we will be having a PCheng Photography Give Away! A SIGNED Midnight Meetings EP, a Midnight Meetings keychain and maybe a signed print?? :)  (cue in the cheers - yeahey! yeahey!) but we couldn't do the give away yet without having sent the Mad Hatter Day: Alice in Distress EPs for our other PCheng Photography give away - so now that that's been done I can now post my EP Review for Midnight Meetings: Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP. 

We were also a sponsor during their EP and MV launch, blog post is here! 

Containing 4 acoustic tracks, the Midnight Meetings Pwede Ba? Acoustic EP is good to have in your playlist especially if you are a alternative-punk-rock chick like me. :) It's a good change to the heavy riffs and fast drum rolls, the songs are very laid back and relaxing.   

One of the things that I found very endearing about the EP is that it was personally made by the band. They literally made an assembly line of themselves and each one had a specific assignment and this gave it a very personal touch. The fact that it did not have the guise of anything manufactured makes the EP one worth holding on to; aaaand we are giving away a SIGNED copy plus more Midnight Meetings goodies! Just keep a look out for the contest mechanics :) 

Even though the band is fronted by the already famous Ashley Gosiengfiao, it is definitely not 'The Ashley Gosiengfiao band' since each member is a true musician in his or her own right. 

Petite bassist Guada Tagalog really lets slaps that bass and as Paul would say 'mabigat ang bagsak nya sa bass' hmmm do we have a Myrene or Lalai in the future? :P  Lead guitarist Ken Estioko also lets out heavy guitar riffs on his own - check out his cover of the Game of Thrones theme here! While Drummer Ralph De Guzman combines his charm, humor and wit with his drum playing prowess which makes him a memorable drummer indeed. And of course the band is rounded up by Ashley Gosiengfiao on guitar and vocals, her vocals and deep range set her apart to other female vocalists fronting other bands.  

Since it is an Acoustic EP I am really looking forward to a full band LP or album! So that they have a chance to showcase their versatility. :) 

Events: Midnight Meetings 'Pwede Ba?' Acoustic EP and MV launch

ALL SMILES. Midnight Meetings after their set. 

There is always a sense of celebration and accomplishment when it comes to having a launch, it could be a launch for a new product or a new brand but for musicians, it is the launch of your hard work through an EP, an album or a video that takes that really matters and there was certainly an air of celebration last June 4, 2013 at Route 196 bar in Katipunan as Midnight Meetings had their 'Pwede Ba?' EP and MV launch. 

Formed in October of 2012, Midnight Meetings describes their music as Alternative Soul Music with Attitude. They are an Indie band who are currently self managed at the moment, which I found very impressive since they organized everything during the launch, with the love and support of friends and family but it was pretty much obvious that the whole event was pretty much organized by the band which I really admired. 

SNEAK PEAK: Midnight Meeting's video 'Pwede Ba?' being played on the screen. 

I have been blogging, tweeting and promoting about their launch for some time now and we as Pcheng Photography were very fortunate to be a sponsor of the event :) 

Aside from Midnight Meetings there was an amazing line up of bands who would be performing for the night. (We'll be getting there in a bit ;) 

The blues and the jazz started early with a good old street perfrormance from Hoochie Coochi Mikkie (Mykell Bryant Gozon), he surely charmed a lot of people (Paul included) with his guitar, harmonica and amazing blues inspired singing. 

Tips - Happily Accepted Anytime! - Hoochie Coochi Mikkie 

 

Midnight Meetings drummer Ralph De Guzman showing off Midnight Meetings shirts being sold during the launch. 

A Midnight Meetings fan with her copy of the Midnight Meetings Acoustic EP. 

Close up and (very) Personal: Midnight Meetings Acoustic EP. Photo from Midnight Meetings' Facebook page. 

We haven't been able to take up close photos of the EP yet, but I will be posting an EP review soon (but wait there's more!) we will also be giving away a SIGNED Midnight Meeting Acoustic EP and a Midnight Meetings Keychain so watch out for that! ;) 

Midnight Meetings Pwede Ba? Music Video & Acoustic EP Launch

While most students are probably dreading the approaching month of June - there is definitely something to look forward to and that is Midnight Meeting's Pwede Ba Music Video and Acoustic EP Launch! (Yeheeeeeey!!!) 

And in our continued efforts to promote OPM music PCheng Photography will be there to cover the event - through photos and blogging as always. :) 

The Launch will be on June 4, 2013 at Route 196 in Katipunan. Click the link for their FB page and directions :) 

There is definitely A LOT in store for you guys when you drop by the event since there will also be performances from these amazing bands! 

Midnight Meetings (of course!) 

Silent Sanctuary 

Mayonnaise 

Never the Strangers 

Hansom