Paramore Night 18 - Four Realizations

Local Rock Band Saydie during Paramore Night 18 

We've been absent in the local music scene for some time now and it saddens me that our schedule would not allow us to go to as much gigs as we would have wanted. So, whenever our schedule would open up and allow us, we would go!

Paramore Night 18 just recently concluded and Paul and I were fortunate enough to have been present. As I have written before, attending Paramore Nights is like seeing and catching up with old friends and while there has already been a number of Paramore Nights over the years, There's always a new realization that comes to me whenever I attend.

For the 18th time - I realized that it's events like these that allow the following:

1. New Bands to get their first 'gig experience'. 

There have been many bands over time, who have had their first ever gig in a Paramore night. You have to admit that all bands had their first ever gig, that first gig, where they can shake of their nerves and get to know what it feels like to perform in front of a crowd. The performance may not be the one that gets the crowd jumping and singing and applauding but its that first performance, that very first gig that all bands big and small must go through. It is a right of passage, you might say and Paramore Night has been a right of passage for many bands.

Mewa Cawad of Mad Hatter Day and Rizza Cabrera of The Chimichangas
perform an acoustic set during Paramore Night 18. 

2.   Upcoming Bands to continue to rise.

Over the years, Paramore Night has had a number of favorites who have often graced the much coveted line up. These upcoming local bands which already have a steady following and who have been around the metro (and even out-of-town) in different gigs and music festivals have the opportunity, through Paramore Night to connect with their fans, to let them know that 'Hey, we're still here' and 'Hey, we're still making music'. Of course, it also works both ways, it also allows fans to keep on seeing their favorite bands perform live.

  3. Great way to discover new bands. 

Paramore Nights have always a good way to discover new local acts and bands. Some attend to enjoy the Paramore covers and they get to listen to original songs from these bands and they love it. They follow these bands on social media and become fans and the rest is history.

4. Established Bands can gain more followers

Although being of different genres, a number of established bands have already been a guest during Paramore Night and it's amazing to see these bands drift away from their comfort zone in covering Paramore songs and they when they perform their original songs, they gain more followers in the crowd present.

Crowd Favorite CIRCA.

Some things to note from Paramore Night 18 - Mad Hatter Day did not perform as a full band, vocalist Mewa Cawad performed an acoustic set with The Chimichangas, it was a fun and unique set, complete with a beautiful rendition of 'My Heart' complete with harmonies. It was also our first time to watch local rock band Saydie perform and that was fun :)

Even if its already on its 18th run, there's still something new that you can pick up in a Paramore Night. It's a great place to share the love for music and for friends to get together. Of course, it's also always a great place to get to experience any or all of my four earlier realizations.

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Mandatory Paramore Philippines Group Photo! 

The MONUMENTOUR Tribute Night

Hand Gesture Says It All. 

If you asked me what my top two favorite bands were I would say Paramore and Fall Out Boy in a heartbeat - no questions asked. Their music filled my College years and helped me define my musical taste and preference. 

Now 10 years later - I've been able to watch both bands in concerts and even willfully defied no hugging orders and gave Patrick and Pete a quick hug when I got to meet and greet the band last year. 

So just imagine my joy and anguish (it's complicated) when it was announced that my two favorite bands were going on tour together! The very idea if it could send happy tears to my eyes but the reality of not being able to be in a show to catch them.... can you hear my heart and dreams shatter in a million pieces? -yeah I told you it's complicated. 

So while I'm seething at to not being able to be at an actual Monumentour show, I'll just go to the next best thing - The Monumentour Tribute Night where my favorite local acts will be covering Paramore & Fall Out Boy hits. 

Held at b-side at the South of the Metro, it may have been a big Yeay! from people residing at the South but it was a big Nay! from those of us from the mountains of the East (and I wasn't at all too happy about the price of the stuff in b-side - P60.00 for a bottle of water? - That's bloody highway robbery!) and yet on the evening of the 5th of March we brought my baby brother along to a night of fun and music.    

Mop of Blue: Ashley Gosienfiao of Midnight Meetings

  

Okay - so funny story; we had our weekend planned out like so: The Monumentour Night - Saturday and a Christening (where Paul and I are both god parents) on Sunday. But lo and behold - as I was lying in bed on Saturday afternoon, waiting for sleep to take me (for those of you who don't know, we work the night shift and make it a point to follow the same schedule even on our days off, just so we won't have a hard time adjusting come the next week) the phone suddenly rings and as it turns out the Christening was on Saturday and not Sunday! So Paul and I rushed to the church and had to literally say goodbye to hours of sleep to make it to little Summer's Christening. Unfortunately that meant being late for the Monumentour Night and missing some bands - apologies for the bands we missed and not finishing the event (we were too tired to cross the finish line) not sure if anyone noticed not having the customary epic group photo at the end. But fear not coz we still have amazing group shots! :D 

Arriving at b-side we caught Manila Under Fire on stage and I knew it was going to be a night of amazing performances. :) 

A-Ok in the Mosh Pit

Midnight Meetings was up next and this band has a lot of new things and surprises in store for fans of followers, especially with a new album coming out. Aside from their amazing Paramore cover, the band and new songs from their upcoming album which in my opinion are really good. 

I have a copy of their first Acoustic EP and I can tell that their new songs are showing a growth and maturity in their song writing, displaying new techniques and styles that were not in their first EP.      

Definitely excited for their new album - you guys should be too! So make sure to grab a copy when it gets out okay? :) 

Super kawaii all girl group First Impression had the crowd singing and dancing to their covers of Paramore and Fall Out Boy songs. 

The thing with Paramore Philippines is that you know that you guys are family, when you shout obscenities at each other. 

The way these guys head bang and mosh, you think that they live for it even waiting for the peak of each song, forming a circle and slamming into each other, becoming a mosh pit of flailing arms and kicking legs.  

Watching these guys slam and be a human mosh pit is just like an accident waiting to happen and I feel myself cringing every time it comes close and this time - it did. It was like watching a domino of people fall down and trip over speakers, and a mic stand fall-straight on the face of Mad Hatter Day bassist Paco Santos. Ouch! After that they had to bring a bouncer in to keep from any mishaps from happening. I think that that was the first time we had a bouncer for a Paramore Night and it probably won't be the last.  

It's actually nice to have some testosterone in the air for a change and which is why the male fronted bands for the night were very much welcome. 

Blue Boy Bite Back  getting some much needed testosterone in the air. 

Paramore Night 7

Philia front woman Arci Munoz reaching out to fans during Paramore Night 7

Apologies for the delay- we usually have an event up after a day or two but never like two weeks (since Paramore Night was last March 22) but work has been crazy kids - we're always doing Over Time so when we get home we're just too tired and sleep right away. Weekends have been dedicated to Graduation Ceremonies and celebrations since Paul and I have 3 people in our families graduating. So anyways - better late than never right? And these babies better get up the Internet soon since Paramore Night 8 is just around the corner ;)  

So let's get this party started shall we? 

Surely you've had friends contact you from time to time and invite you to a get together or a reunion once in a while. Well that's exactly how it is with what has become to be a genuine "Para"family.

Why do you think there would be a 7th Paramore Night if it's not a big success? 

When you go inside a bar for Paramore Night, people wave and greet at each other, hugs are exchanged, fist bumps and high fives are made. There are also well wishes such as Congratulations (on the Graduation), Congratulations on the engagement, Congratulations on the baby and words of caution as well: Wag masyado mag mosh - ang tahi (from a recent operation). That's all because we're all family, we're there for each other through the ups and downs in our lives and we all look out for each other. 

And if it's your first time to experience Paramore Night well you'd still be very much welcomed! There is even a usually a meet up in Cubao so that a whole group can go together. So even people coming from Pampanga would be able to journey to the venue no matter where it is in the Metro. 

For the 7th Paramore Night it was in 3rd Floor Bar in Cainta; which is really close to our place-so that's really good! :) During this particular Paramore night I had a thought about local bars - I guess it was because it was pointed out that Casa Nami where the First Paramore Night was held back in 2011 was already closed. I suddenly thought about the recently closed Freedom Bar (it's now District 2104) and Autonomy Bar which has closed as well. I kind of feel sad for these bars that had to close and I guess that there business is also a struggling and challenging business, just like music. Which is why those of us who are supporting these events and gigs should also look to supporting the bars and venues where they are held. 

Mewa Cawad of Mad Hatter Day showing the crowd how it's done and I have no idea what Tierro is doing there :P 

Being part of Sparks Productions I have an idea of what goes on organizing these events as well as the finances that go with it also. I know we all want gigs and events like these to continue, so with that in mind make sure that you also patronize the venues and the productions organizing the event. Invite friends and family to help with ticket sales. Order from the bar to help boost venue proceeds as well (Paul is just too happy to oblige ordering beer). 

I'd hate to think of a time when all these bars would be closed so let's make sure to keep that all in mind the next time we go to an event. :) 

So going back to Paramore Night 7 we were there early and were greeted by the hard working Mich Dimen from The Yellow Room, now if you've been following us on our social media sites you would probably recognize Mich since she has lots of photos on our pages :) that's coz she's also a vocalits for Southern Lights, Behind Those City Lights and now she's part of The Yellow Room team and has been doing her best to make events like Paramore Night 7 a big success! :)    

We were probably some of the first people in the Bar but a once empty bar was soon filled with familiar faces and friends. 

The show strated and was opened by the band Starecase and can I just say that the parents, family and friends of Vocalist Shelly coming by to see the show is just too cute! *Cue in my earlier point of inviting people to gigs and productions to support them :) The band had to play an extended set since they were still waiting for the next band to come - which was okay for the gang of course. 

Watching these guys go wild in the mosh pit - is like watching our children, nieces, nephews, younger cousins, cousins go wild. Seeing these guys, really, really enjoy the music my faith is renewed in this generation of device dependent kids who can't seem to put down their phones and tablets to actually experience music and life in general. 

Ain't it Fun? Paramore Nights sure are! 

Kids - a word of advice; you can always snap away a photo or take a video clip but make sure to put your phones and devices away to actually experience what is in front of you. Don't be one of those people who spend a whole concert holding a iPad up in the crowd so that the people behind you can't see coz your big ass iPad is blocking their view. One or two video clips is okay but not the whole event, trust me it's not cool and the people behind you don't like it either. So remember to experience the music, reliving it will be much better than watching a shaky video.  

:P There's always that familiarity which makes each Paramore Night special.But despite the familiarity there is always room for someone new - just ask my fellow Save Me Hollywood fans Cristine, Mj, Nico and the gang who had their first Paramore Night - it was wild! :) 

Although there was a little lost and found, surrendered then stolen iPod happening and a little Vandal Drama that happened. Just goes to show that 
you still have to be both aware and careful even in the company of friends, you never know when there will be a wolf in sheep's clothing. 

It was a great pleasure to have and witness the awesomeness that is Mad Hatter Day - they are really such an amazing OPM band that we can really be proud to call our very own! If you haven't checked them out yet - you should! Here's a link to their Finding Atlantis music video! 

Paramore Night VI

Paramore Night Staple Circa's front woman Em lets the crowd sing it all out. 

First we would like to apologize that this blog post and the photos took forever to put up. There have been a lot going on and we've been really busy these past few weeks. Plus Paul has been distracted with Dexter- the series. But with some pushing the photos are finally here! :) 

Ever since being a part of Paramore Night III Paul and I have been thrown into a whirlwind of gigs, events and music celebrating not only our favorite foreign bands but discovering true OPM (Original Pinoy Music) talent as well. We've made friends and have become part of a big Paramore family. 

There was some time before Parmore Night VI happened, a couple of months or so and this just made every one really excited for the event. Every one was really looking forward to it. 

Hands in the air. A jam packed Freedom Bar feels the music during Paramore Night VI. 

Honestly I was worried when days before the event front women for both Mad Hatter Day and Ferown had to cancel since they were sick, (a strange virus has been going around due to the crazy weather) I was worried that a lot of people would cancel their plans of going but boy was I in for a surprise because Freedom Bar was packed! 

Now we have been to Freedom Bar a couple of times already but I have never seen it so full of people! Usually the seats would be occupied by bands who would be performing but not this time, this time it was full of friends who smiled and called you when you entered the bar. It was nice to know that not only did the people come to enjoy the bands but they also went to see and hang out with friends, it really was one big crazy, happy and fun Parafamily. 

Amazing star-studded collaboration band 'The Morning Light' bring their A-game to Paramore Night VI.  

The event started late due to some difficulties regarding logistics but despite the long wait the people were already singing and dancing to Paramore songs being played in the bar. 

When the event did start the first band up was Sinaja who gave a beautiful rendition of "The Only Exception" complete with a violin accompaniment it was a perfect rendition for a wedding! :) Aside from a violin Sinaja also brought diversity to their music by having a keytar! 

It was an awesome set from collab band 'The Morning Light' made up of resident musicians of Paramore Night led by the man behind it all (and probably the person with the most Paramore shirts I know) Kuya Monty of Mayonnaise, with Mich Dimen of Behind Those City Lights on vocals, they had a new twist to their band by having Dj Jasper (in the house) experimenting with electronica which was just apt for Paramore's new album.

Dj Jasper of the Morning Light in the house yow!

Event Announcement: Fall Out Boy Night

Another band night is coming up and the Young Bloods have their war paint on! Mismo Productions is presenting Fall Out Boy Night on July 13, 2013 at Route 196. 

I've already been to a couple (more than actually) of band nights at Route 196 and they are always a blast! You get to spend an awesome night and hang out with fellow Fall Out Boy fans as well as sing, dance and gow crazy with FOB songs you just love plus you get to meet local bands as well! :) 

All you need is P150.00 to get in and you're all set (and that comes with a free drink-too!) :)

If you need to warm up for the upcoming Fallout Boy concert in August then Fall Out Boy Night is definitely the way to do it! :) 

See you all on July 13, 2013 at Route 196 and don't forget to like Mismo Productions's Facebook page here and follow them on Twitter: @MismoProd 

Don't forget to RSVP for the event here. :3 

UPDATE!!!

Hey Young Bloods! Things got bigger and better with Fall Out Boy Night since there will be lots of Fall Out Boy merchandise (ballers, T-shirts) as well as other band merchandise which will be sold during Fall Out Boy Night! 

Not only that but there will be great prizes available as well! 

Amazeballs Merch will be there and check out these lovely Fall Out Boy ballers which will be up for grabs as well as will be given away as prizes! 

You can follow them on Twitter: @AmazeballMerch Make sure to like their FB page here and check out their amazing band merchandise. You can order and just meet up during Fall Out Boy Night so you don't have to pay for shipping fees! :) 

BUT WAIT--There's MORE! 

Our very own Young Bloods are also Young Entrepreneurs and they will be selling Fall Out Boy shirts as well! Check out these t shirts from Alek, Dom and Jess or collectively known as Adj. Works You can click here for more details! Please note that the Inifinity on High shirts may not be available so make sure to post your inquiries ASAP! :) 

This amazing shirt design will be available on FOB Night! 

Not only is Inna the hard working admin and founder of Fall Out Boy PH but she also has Fall Out Boy shirts available for sale! You can click here for more details. 

I have the one in Maroon and will be wearing it for Fall Out Boy Night :) 

If you guys have any questions about for Fall Out Boy Night feel free to leave a comment here, PM on Facebook or Tweet me @ica_cheng. 

Can't wait to see you all this July 13, 2013 at Route 196 for Fall Out Boy Night! :) 

The following bands are all lined up and set to save rock and roll ~ what about you guys?! Of course Pcheng Photography will be there to cover the event - come on over and say hi and don't forget to smile for the camera! :D 

CIRCA

PARALUMAN

Letter Day Story

Blue Boys Bite Back 

Paramore Night V

It's all about the music. -Paramore Fans during Paramore Night 5

They say that love is sweeter the second time around so that only means that things can only get better the third time around right? Well things definitely got BIGGER and BETTER during Paramore Night 5 last May 11, 2013 at it's own home at Route 196. 

Aside from the amazing Mismo Productions who has been organizing the past Paramore Nights, Warner Music Philippines also played a hand in the event which is a significant step in the continuing evolution that is Paramore Night. 

Mouth watering prizes made its way through social media causing the baring of fangs and teeth among Paramore fans. Shirts from the Paramore Spring 2013 were up for grabs. As well as ballers from Warner Music. 

It's always fun to go Paramore Nights? Why? It's because of the people who go there - it really is a family without any pretenses, without the bull, it is in every definition a family brought together by their love for music and Paramore.

First band up the plate - Stratosdays 

Power Punch from Sarah Sayson of Stratosdays. 

First timers- PsychoChem