Just Music: Tom's Story Wows in Album Launch

Fist Bump: Santiago, Naval and de Guia, who make up Tom's Story
share a moment before their set. 

The first time we saw Tom's Story perform was back in 2014 (or was it 2015?) they completely blew us away and Paul was an instant fan. I guess, there's something about an instrumental rock band that speaks to Paul, who incidentally used to play the guitar. Think 90's Rock acts like Green Day, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilot, Bush and even Razorback-you should hear him sing too- before picking up the camera and deciding to stay behind the lens to capture the rock stars and the musicians, he once could have been. 

'It speaks to the musician in you' Paul told me, referring to the music of the 3 piece post-rock, math-rock band on our drive home from their album launch. Honestly, their music didn't sweep me of my feet the first time I saw them perform, it wasn't really love at first sight but more of a gradual admiration. If you think writing songs is hard, try with just instruments. An instrumental piece with no lyrics to 'hide' from is like baring your soul to the audience and listener and without lyrics, it's really just the music speaking to you. It all comes down to what the music makes you feel. I know that it sounds too philosophical and maybe a bit serious and maybe even bordering to meditation and medidation but yes, it is just about the music and whatever it is that Gabba Santiago, Christer de Guiana and Tomas Naval have been doing-it works! People are responding to their songs (with matching quirky dance moves) despite the absence of lyrics and have quickly become one of the most sought after acts in the Metro. 

When the band announced that they would be launching their debut album it was one of the first events that was marked on our 2016 calendars. Apparently it was also what a lot of music lovers did becasue lo and behold- Route 196 was a sauna! I don't remember seeing the bar filled to the brim with people! It was a rubbing-against-elbows, sweat dripping down your neck kind of crowd. As a friend of mine said in a text 'we had to ninja ourselves in'. Paul had to wrestle his way to the front to take photos. 

It was a fun night (despite the heat and the sweat) with performances from Autotelic, Musical O and Tide/Edit.

It always makes me happy to be in a crowd that moves and dances with the music and the thought that it was a big crowd just makes me all the happier. It's a Saturday night and these millennials could be doing anything but they decided to spend it in a hot crowded bar in the middle of Katipunan, to show their love and support for a local band who actually makes music and not just belts out covers or  be another incarnation of a pogi-rock band because hey- those get the girls right? 

Picked up the album (review up on the blog soon) and now we have a piece of Tom's Story with us. We can blast the magic that is their music in the car or at home (neighbors be damned) and have our own quirky dance session, or whatever the music makes us feel like doing. 

Event was made possible by A Spur Of The Moment. 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

Taking A Walk 'Along Van Buren'

While covering events and album launches we encountered Manila based 4 piece band Along Van Buren. They performed impressive cover songs as well as exceptionally good originals. You may have seen Along Van Buren around, they were finalists in the Greenhills Sessionistas (College Band) competition. They have played in different bars around the Metro, as well as in different commercial establishments for different events. They even put on a suit and tie for a debut gig. :) 

Along Van Buren's Patch Javier and Kipp Pascual during the Panic! At The Disco X All Time Low album launch
 at Odyssey, Gateway, October 2013. 

Fresh off College the boys have released their EP 'Je Ne Sais Quoui' with 5 original tracks. The group has a very raw punk rock sound which is reminiscent of the bands that inspire them, their lyrics talk of young love and which is something that they probably still experience themselves, given their ages. 

Vocalist Kipp Pascual talks about their EP:

Je Ne Sais Quoi, the title of our debut EP,  is a French phrase for “I know not what”, but people use it in English to describe a distinct quality that cannot be put into words. Ever since the band started, we’ve been trying to find our own unique sound; which is why we have a mirror on the album art. The girl is actually representative of the band; in the sense that the girl is trying to fit in with her classic black dress, her make-up far from being perfect. She’s far from looking the best she could be, but she’s on track. She has a certain spunk which makes her look beautiful despite her flaws. Just like us, Along Van Buren, we have a certain Je Ne Sais Quoi that makes us the band that we are today.

I look forward to hearing more stories from them to their songs, especially since the boys have just started working and I'm sure that their life experiences will reflect in their future songs. They are just like your brother and his friends who play music in your basement and we need more of them, musicians who are passionate enough to pick up an instrument, create original music and share it to the world. 

Along Van Buren is: 

Kipp Pascual 

Manu Avila 

Patch Javier 

Rommel Jabla 

Album art by Chesca Perez

I believe that OPM is very much alive

Reaching Out: Julz Savard of Save Me Hollywood at B-Tone Bar, Tanay Rizal 

I've always been an optimistic kind of person, you know the type that looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. So with regards to the statement that OPM is dead, I would have to disagree. Sure, there is truth and a painful reality to these "non-singers" and "pabebe" wannabes, sold out concerts in arenas of people who can't sing and albums sold from box-office personalities who only come out with covers of love songs.

I foam at the mouth when I think of these things especially since I know of so many underrated talented artists who play the local bars around the Metro, record songs from their rooms and peddle their CDs for half the price of foreign artists. 

Just open the radio stations, what is the ratio of foreign songs being played to local ones? Which songs are dominating the charts? Clue, they are most likely not from around these parts. 

Soft whispers, Strong Pulse 

It's a good thing that there are radio stations like Jam 88.3 which constantly play and promote local independent acts. Did you know that the radio station worked with Vinyl Titan Stachmi to produce and release a compilation of songs from some of the country's up and coming artists and release it on Vinyl? I'm a proud owner of Fresh Filter Vol. 1 and I'm listening to it right now as I am writing this, all the more determined to let the people know that OPM it is not dead. It is very much alive, playing to crowds in small bars, in soft whispers, a strong pulse, felt unfortunately only by a few.

OPM is alive, in the crowded bars of the Metro. Em Tolentino of Circa in District 2140, formerly Freedom Bar.  

There is an argument that our music scene is in the state that it is also because of consumers who choose to patronize novelty songs, the kind that eat your brain cells and offers no art, imagination or which cannot stir feelings aside from the kind of band-wagon hype which makes mindless zombies out of our population. Yes these are the masses who can't see (or hear) behind a beautiful face "singing" heaven forbid another love song cover. We can't do anything about that anymore, it's already there. The situation is what it is so the question is what are you going to do about it? 

Here's My Problem 

How and why do I say that OPM is still alive? Well- my problem, yes, it is a problem is that there are so many good OPM bands and music out there that my problem is I don't have the time or the funds to discover, listen and experience them all. 

Observe: 

Currently on my CDs/records to purchase list: 

Toni B. - Carnival 

Imago - Kapit

Never The Strangers -(New album)

Save Me Hollywood -Headlights 

The Ransom Collective- 

Idioms and Dispositions - 

Cheats - 

Drive Me To Juliet (Cebu based) - Kiss & Tell (album)

Jensen & The Flips - Honeymoon 

Barbie Almalbis - (New Album) 

Techyromantics - 

MOONWLK -20Twelve

Up Dharma Down -Capacities (on Vinyl) 

Maude

Pulso 

I'm looking forward to new music from these artists: 

Midnight Meetings 

Mad Hatter Day 

Tandems '91

Tom's Story 

Loop (Iligan based) 

Skymarines (Davao based) 

Autotelic 

Reese & Vica 

Kai Honasan 

Reese Lansangan 

Paraluman (currently recording in the studio)

December Avenue

Happy that Circa just released their long overdue EP :) 

*Apoligies for bands/artists I may have forgotten to mention* 

There are so many bands I've been meaning to check out but haven't had the time, between working the night shift and having events on weekends it's been a challenge. Speaking of working the night shift there are actually a lot of gigs and events that we couldn't go to or had to pass on because of our nocturnal schedule. We'd probably have more bands and artists to feature if we had an ordinary schedule. I haven't even been to 12 Monkeys bar yet, been wanting to go there but nothing has worked with our schedule yet. Hopefully soon. 

'Right back at 'ya' Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise at 70's Bistro 

Tools Of The Trade 

Social Media is a double edged sword but in the case of promoting OPM you can actually put it to good use. Amplify.ph is an awesome website where you can download songs and get to support the artist at the same time. The website also has articles which features playlist for different moods as well as staff picks and recommendations to help you get started. 

Some of our up and coming artists are also on Spotify! Tip. Don't check out the OPM playlist on Spotify itself, I have an OPM playlist you might want to check out, just follow me @ica_cheng. 

News on gigs and events is easier to spread through social media. Follow your favorite local bands on their social media sites for news and updates, some bands are active on social media and even reply to tweets, questions and comments :) 

Once you have a band or artist you've come to like, don't be selfish-share them to friends and family! Post it on your timeline! Instead of sharing those pabebe videos, post something worth while. 

When people ride in our car and I'm playing some of my OPM picks I tell them (proudly) "OPM Yan!" And go on telling them how this artist is still in College and made the album before she was 20 (yes- B.P. Valenzuela that's you) or how members of this band also work in a Call Center like us. We bring my siblings and older nephew to local gigs and introduce them to local acts they can look up to. :) For our younger nephew, we watch Myx with him and recommend some OPM picks :) We make sure the next generation know what good OPM is. 

I really wanted this piece to take an empowering direction, instead of pointing fingers and complaining about how OPM is dead, let's be part of the solution. Let's actually do something. There are so many ways and means to help get OPM out there, it's not going to be easy, we would all need to do our part. Let's keep OPM alive, it's struggling to stay alive but honestly with the amazing quality of music out there, it shouldn't be. Are you up for the challenge? I know I am. #OPMIsAlive 

Save Me Hollywood: Headlights Intimate Press Launch

In a game of "Cyber Tag" members of the Save Me Hollywood Street Team were invited to a secret party that the band was holding for the press. It was nice to see the band in a laid back atmosphere as they talked about their new EP Headlights. Members of the press were also present to ask questions about the band, the journey to their new record as well as what to expect from the group with the release of their new EP. 

I wasn't sure if we were invited as fans or maybe as part of the press as we do get invited to press launches, maybe for both but for whatever reason we were there, Paul and I still did our usual thing, photos for him and writing for me. :) 

The Band answering questions from the Press. 

For the second record, the band talked about being more comfortable with each other, they made a conscious effort to move to a different direction with their sound and you can easily hear this on their new record Headlights. "We wanted to spread our wings a little bit more: build from what we already knew and put elements that weren't explored in the previous album," says Aaron Corvera. 

"Most of the songs from the Your Story To Tell (album) was written when I was in College and a lot has changed since then. I'd like to think that what I write about now are topics more people can relate to. I write about what I know, and more life experiences mean more knowledge." 

Adds Julz Savard, who pens all the lyrics. 

I wrote an EP review for Save Me Hollywood's Headlights a few weeks back. 

Here's an excerpt: 

The Headlights EP shows us that Save Me Hollywood has more tricks up their sleeves. We see a raw and vulnerable side of them but still delivering well written songs worthy of representing Original Pinoy Music to other countries. There is less distortion giving the new songs a more refined sound. 

The EP had not been released yet and had only been available on Spotify and was a great music experience. :) Still can't wait for the physical copy of the EP- speaking of which, the launch of said EP will be on June 19 at B-Side in Makati ^_^ 

That's such an awesome line up I'm actually tempted to go on leave T_T 

I also really suggest that you guys go to the show since Julz will be going to London in July for her studies in Fashion. So better catch this gig! 

Boss! I'm going on leave on Friday o-kaaay? 

I was really impressed (and touched) that the band also invited some of their fans at the press launch. They really make an effort to keep in touch and keep them updated. It's just like friends hanging out.

Unfortunately Paul and I had to duck out early since we had a screening of Jurassic World to go to. We might have missed on some fun hang out sesh but we definitely appreciate the effort :) 

Hopefully next time we can stay longer :) 

Headlights will be available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and is released 12 Stone Records and is distributed by Universal Records. You can listen to their music on Spotify, Deezer and iTunes :) 

Click HERE for More Photos! 

Headlights: EP Review

Save Me Hollywood is a local band that we follow and you've probably seen them on the blog since we do cover their gigs and I also wrote an album review for their debut "Your Story To Tell" which came out in 2013. When the band started playing new songs from their upcoming sophomore effort we were there to drink in and savor the goodness that new songs bring- at last the thirst has been quenched. 

Last Easter Sunday the band released the video accompanying their catchy single "Everybody Wants You" and fans loved it. The music video ends with a teaser for another video, you know the "to be continued" kind. (You can watch it below). 

The band represented the Philippines in the recently concluded Music Matters Live in Singapore, here they released their new EP Headlights, all copies they brought with them were sold out. They didn't forget about their fans back home though as they recently made the EP available to stream on Spotify. Which is why I am writing this EP review now, originally I thought we would be going to the EP launch, getting a physical copy then I would be able to write an EP review but when it became available to stream on Spotify I literally went now what? 

Headlights On Spotify

As if a response to my question I saw bassist Calde's posts on social media asking fans to let them know what they thought of the new songs and upon seeing that it gave me the resolve to go ahead and write the review :) 

Headlights is a 6 track EP, which opens with the sounds of waves crashing to the shore, you are transported to the beach, to the ocean, you smell the salt in the air, then the drums sound off and the song Headlights plays. Taking a different route from her usual range, vocalist Julz Savard sings in a higher range for this song. It's a raw song which leaves the musicians vulnerable, it's sad and shows the band at a more comfortable stage in their song writing. I remember in one of their shows Julz talks about this song and says "when you're in the headlights, you can't see anything but everyone else can see you" and it's this vulnerable feeling which also transcends to the song. 

After the song plays, you hear the sound of the ocean again, teasing you of the summer that has come to pass, then the short but sweet and catchy Everybody Wants You plays, reminiscent of their more upbeat songs like High from their debut album, the chorus is ingeniously written with lyrics that goes: "Give Me One, Give Me Two, Give Me All Of You..." fans will definitely be screaming-err singing that out loud at gigs and shows. I just wish that the song were longer though, it's so good that you just want more of it. 

Secrets is the next song and no longer has the fun and upbeat characteristic it's predecessor had, the lyrics paint a vivid picture and tell a strong story  "We're in the streets eh, and I just can't sleep eh, So let's keep Secrets eh.." I can really see a couple, sitting on the sidewalk in the early morning, whispering secrets to each other. 

Coming Up Roses continues to show the band's more vulnerable side with lyrics like "I know I'm safe but it can't be that simple, the longer I wait, the more wretched I get" you feel the emptiness but then there is a saving grace in the story of the song with the lyrics "You came along and it all made sense" and it just brings a smile to your face. 

An old song that the band wrote but did not make it to the first album, Hold Your Fire picks up the pace and brings back the energy to which the band is known for. There is more angst in the song "If this means war-it just means you're asking for more" you hear the angry guitar riffs and you know they mean business. A good balance to the rest of the EP which otherwise shows a more mellow side to the band.

The EP closes with a song aptly called Slow It Down, have you ever heard songs that just makes you overcome with emotion and when the guitar adlibs play you just get goosebumps and you feel like crying? Well this is one of those songs, it's so scathing raw you can't help but be sad and calm at the same time. Then you hear the waves again, you're back at the beach and the EP is over, the sounds of the beach making everything come full circle.

Save Me Hollywood performing at Treehouse Tavern. 

The Headlights EP shows us that Save Me Hollywood has more tricks up their sleeves. We see a raw and vulnerable side of them but still delivering well written songs worthy of representing Original Pinoy Music to other countries. There is less distortion giving the new songs a more refined sound. I'm definitely missing their more angsty, let's 'bang our heads' songs like Reckless, We Are One Tonight and Any Press Is Good Press from their debut album. Hopefully there will be a couple of tracks with a similar feel in their yet untitled sophomore album. 

Even if I already have the album on Spotify (you can download it so it's available offline when you go premium) I will still be getting a physical copy of the EP as soon as it's made available. Why? Because I support the artist and the local music industry plus it's an addition to my collection :p I don't have a copy of the very first EP that the band came out with so that sucks and so I also suggest you get Headlights so you won't regret it in the future :p 

Other ways of supporting the band is by listening to their songs on Spotify, voting for their music videos and requesting for their songs on the radio. Of course going to their shows! Hope to see you in one soon :) 

Fresh Filter Vol.1 Vinyl Launch

Despite working odd hours (mostly the night shift), since both Paul and I work in the BPO industry. We still make the time to go out and support the local music scene. Paul came from working what would be considered a double shift while I still had work ahead but we stopped by the vinyl launch of Fresh Filter Vol. 1 at the Satchmi store in Megamall-because we wanted to be part of history of local music and we believe in it's cause and mission.

It's so Fresh-it's still breathing   

Unlike your usual radio shows which plays the contemporary chart topping songs (most of which are from foreign artists), Fresh Filter explores the rich yet undiscovered landscape of local indie music.
Helmed by DJ Russ Davis, the show features artists yet to be known and discovered and gives them a larger stage by playing them on the air. Listeners are then given the chance to vote for the songs that they would want to be included in the regular playlist of Jam 88.3. It's just unfortunate that Paul and I are not able to listen over to the show since we are mostly asleep when the show is on air (it plays in the afternoon during the weekdays and we're often asleep at this time due to our work schedules) but despite this set back we still follow the happenings in the show (thanks to Social Media).

Bundled OPM Freshness 

Fresh Filter Vol. 1 is a collective effort of Jam 88.3, Satchmi and so many awesome people to bring together a compilation of local music on vinyl. These indie artists cover a wide range of genres. The artists themselves belong to different generations and age groups and each of them have something fresh and new to bring to the table. The compilation is so diverse that you and your friends could party to some tracks on the record At Last (Tandems '91), Irish (Moonwlk), Accidents (Cheats), Pretty Car (B.P. Valenzuela) while your parents can enjoy some of the songs as well: A Quiet Walk Outside (Library Kids), I wouldn't Mind (Ourselves The Elves), Fools (The Ransom Collective). 

I'm a happy owner of the vinyl and it's great to hear your OPM favorites on vinyl it's a plus that you get to discover new acts as well :)

Launch and Bar Tour 

Last May 22, the vinyl had its launch at the Satchmi store at Megamall and despite the lack of sleep for Paul and an upcoming shift for me, we dropped by the launch to get a copy of the vinyl. Paul was so tired I literally had to point what he should take photos of, don't worry he had about 12 hours of sleep when he got home :P As Paul says - if there was a band called Ourselves The Elves on the vinyl, we would be "We The Sabaw" :P

Despite our usual predicament of being tired, sleepy and/or have work to go to, dropping by the launch and supporting this endeavor was so much worth it. It was a full house at Satchmi, there were so many people it was hard to move around and seeing that overwhelming support gives such a reassuring feeling that the future of OPM is still bright. I had to wait through an entire work shift before getting home, Saturday morning to play the vinyl on our Motorino and hearing the record for the first time made me even more determined to continue on our cause to support local music. I refuse to take in what my contemporaries lay before me as music. I would rather dig in the dirt longer and unearth rare gems that shine brighter and have more value, for they are ours, our own home grown talent just waiting to be heard and discovered.

Fresh Filter Vol. 1 will be sold exclusively in the coming bar tour. You can expect awesome performances from the artists on the record. :) Can't wait for Vol. 2! For more updates on awesome music and events make sure to like and follow Satchmi and Jam 88.3.

May 29 at Saguijo, Makati 

June 12 at A-Space, Makati 

June 26 at Cubao Expo, Quezon City

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) 

The Neon Hour Album Review

After the successful album launch of The Neon Hour - I really wanted to publish this album review at an earlier date but surprise, surprise, we had work even during the Holy Week break and to top it off we were also working on a Corporate Shoot project at the same time. As I said in a Facebook post it was like working twice (or working two jobs) during the Holy Week. Plus the heat of summer had me just going to sleep right after work.

I hated myself for not getting this album review out sooner - just because it's such an awesome album I want to share it with you guys! :)

I wrote in my be/ep review that I felt that the EP left me wanting for more well - The Neon Hour album satisfied that craving for more of B.P.'s music.

When you play the CD, the album opens with Early/Late which is reminiscent of the tracks from her be/ep EP, like having dialogue (which Paul loves conversing with). In my opinion this is a great way to start the album so that fans are eased into the more upbeat and diverse tracks which the rest of the album offers. 

Pretty Car is a great song to describe B.P's music (as of the moment) and is radio ready. B.P. describes the album taking a more "electro-pop" direction and 'Pretty Car' fits the electro-pop bill. 
I think that this is my favorite track in the album - it sticks to your head and you find yourself singing and dancing to it. 

As we were playing the album Paul commented "the quality of the music is really good- OPM has come a long way - put that in the review" he added. I already mentioned it before but I just have to say it again - Paul rarely gives his compliments to anything; so giving his 'thumbs up' to B.P. really says a lot. 

During the album launch - B.P. talks about how Nick Lazaro was a big part of the album and I just have to say that we love MOONWLK - Lazaro is 1/2 of the electro-pop duo. It's really great that B.P. is working with other artists to create music, it allows for more creative output and I just love that talented local artists are getting together to collaborate on awesome music! You can hear Nick Lozado on "The Fury and Sound"  while Curtismith collaborates with our electro-pop genius in "Veneers". I wrote before that the indication of a good album if there are collaborations with other artists and The Neon Hour is such an album. 

B.P. Valenzuela: A Bright Light in a Dark Time: The Neon Hour AlbumLaunch

Don't be fooled - people go all the way back - just couldn't see it in the photo :P

Driving along Katipunan on a Saturday night we arrived at CS Place Katipunan with Neon Lights on top of the building lighting up the dark night sky. I really didn't think too much of what I saw for a couple of seconds but I didn't think that I would look back at it now as I am writing this.

You see a 19 year old B.P Valenzuela is that bright neon light, shining bright and strong against the dark night which is everything that is working against her. The darker the night the more she shines bright in her own palette of neon colors.

Arriving at the venue of her album launch, we were early and had good seats or spots since well there were no chairs in the venue which was on top of the CS Place Katipunan Building, it was an open space which allowed the cold air to kiss the guests. There was an an enclosed area for the performances and this is where the audience gathered. I loved that the food and drinks were affordable, God bless B.P.'s mom who suggested to have food served and it must be said that it was affordable and delicious food. Pizza, quesadilla and sandwiches for only P80.00! Beer was for P50.00 and juice was served for P20.00! God bless you B.P.'s mom indeed! I thought we had to starve or would have to cross to McDonalds' for an affordable meal. :) It must be said that Paul was very happy with the affordable beer.

A young fan looks on as local artists make magic through their music. 

It was a pretty good crowd, it seems that the 400+ people who said that they were going on the Facebook event page for the event, actually went - if not more! It was the kind of crowd turn out where in you'd loose your spot if you went out- thank you to Francine for saving our seats so we could stuff our face with pizza and quesadillas outside. :)

Fresh from a show in Cebu, B.P says: "I wanted to make an album before I was 20 and it's happening now, it's so surreal." With a sweet smile underneath a cap, sans make up and wearing as shirt, shorts and a jacket around her waist, she is simple, unassuming and repeatedly thanked her parents through the night. Before the launch of her music video 'Steady' she tells the crowd -"there's a scene in the video where I have a cigarette in my hand, Mom if you see that don't get mad." I mean how adorable is that?! I wouldn't mind my younger siblings or pamangkins looking up to her. She still goes to school and works part time as a barista at Satchmi while making music in between.

"It's an electronic pop album which deals with a sh*t ton of grey areas." B.P. says of her album The Neon Hour. It took her over a year to come up with the 11 track album (album review on the blog soon-review on her EP be/ep here) and now everyone at the venue will be able to bring home a copy of her music and for someone who listens to music a lot I can tell you that you will be awed and amazed at to what this 19 year old can come up with. Her music should be on airwaves (she actually has a single on Jam 88.3-but we need more!) her music videos should be on TV. You should see her perform and I'm telling you, you too will see the light that I see, the light that all the people who came to that event has seen, heard and felt. Ladies and Gentlemen- The Neon Hour has come and missing it would be such a shame.

Click HERE for MORE PHOTOS 

be/ep EP Review

When I was 19 years old, I was in Second Year College (Nursing), Paul and I had just become a couple. I was engrossed in what any ordinary 19 year old was during my day. School, Family, Boyfriend and friend, we were in the School Publication though so that too. There wasn't even Facebook during those days (Friendster became a thing when I was I my 3rd to 4th year of college.

So just imagine my admiration of B.P. Valenzuela who at 19 years old is taking the Indie scene by storm. Her name has been on the lips of industry giants and greats, she has been featured in a number of magazines and articles, fans gush at her during shows, she recently played for <S>andwich's vinyl album launch and she was also a part of the recent Malasimbo Music and Lights Festival in Puerto Galera. 

I already mentioned in our Satchmi Feels blog post we won a copy of her EP be/ep by guessing her favorite local fruit lansones so thanks to lansones we got to bring home a copy of her EP and thus this review!

B.P Valenzuela during Satchmi's Feels Valentines Event

When Paul and I first played B.P.'s EP we thought that her music had an ambient feel to it. Like a soft and subtle music in the background that's very relaxing to listen to.

Not your conventional radio songs that consist of traditional instruments, your typical singing, stanzas and a chorus. B.P. takes everything to a whole new different level with the use of synthesizers, sound effects and even recorded dialogue. Yet, despite the mix and match of these unlikely ingredients B.P.'s music comes out in unison and harmony and are surprisingly catchy and addictive that we found ourselves wanting more of her music.

As if her EP was a delicious appetizer making our mouths water for the main course (pardon the use of food as comparisson - really hungry as I am writing this :P)

Consisting of 5 tracks, the EP will give you a new sense of hope at the talent of our young musicians. There is also beautiful lyrics in the songs in building she says:

You said 

Time flies, love dies, people walk away 

Memories are ghosts of moments you can't

have again 

Let go of inhibitions keeping you from loving me 

but don't fall in love with me 

please don't fall in love with me 

It is indeed a good thing that our craving for B/P's music will be satisfied (more food similies) with the release of her album The Neon Hour this coming March 28 at the Twelth House in Cubao Expo.
You can click on the event page here for more details :)

The CD sleeves come with beautiful photos, I'm guessing the coffee is also because of B.P.'s love for coffee. She also works part time as a barista in Satchmi :) We used the cereal bowl photo (which is also ingeniously the design on the CD) for the concept around the shoot.

We'll definitely be hearing more from this talented musician! Check back on the blog soon - we'll be dropping by her album launch :) Excited to get my hands on The Neon Hour :) 

Save Me Hollywood Pre-Album Launch & Listening Party

Save Me Hollywood is coming out with their sophomore album in a few months' time and they're giving everyone a treat by playing their new songs in gigs!

Loved the interior at Treehouse and yeah you don''t
talk about Fight Club. 

Got to listen to a couple of their new songs when we attended Vanity Riots' acoustic set at Zili's but we got to listen to these songs in a full band during their album-pre launch and listening party at Treehouse House Tavern in Makati! 

First of all can I just say that I really, really loved the interior of Treehouse Tavern! It is Geek Galore! The walls were painted with famous movie characters (Fight Club -> one of our favorite movies) Stormtroopers incidentally I was wearing my Rebel Leia shirt, unfortunately wasn't able to take a photo with the framed and/or painted Stormtroopers on the wall-maybe next time. :)

I just have to say though that the second best thing that happened that night (the first of course was being able to catch Save me Hollywood) was getting to play in an old school arcade - the very first Street Fighter game! It was soooo cool and brought back a lot of memories and I'm proud to say that I beat everyone I went up against! My Dad would have been so proud :) 

The Battle of the Two Chun-Li's: Cristine Ang VS. Ica Cheng :P 

Another great thing about that f*cking night to remember was getting to hang out with our fellow Woodies / Hollies from the Save Me Hollywood Street Team. You guys can join our group also for event/gig updates and more! It's also a great way to get instant gig buddies ^_^ 

Going back to the music, Save Me Hollywood played their past singles, as well as the Myx 2015 Award Nominated Happier This Way which you guys can of course vote for ^_^

Notes. 

We also got to hear some of the new songs which will be part of their new album Yehey! 

Everybody Wants You - I'm really loving this song, it's really catchy and even if I've only heard it twice it's already stuck in my head. 

Give me one..Give me Two - Give me all of you...

Headlights is another new song which the band played, it talks about celebrating your weirdness and that it makes you awesome. Lead vocalist Julz Savard said that the song is about when you're in the headlights people tend to see everything that is wrong with you, while you don't see anything.

Hold Your Fire is actually an old song which the band wrote before but didn't make it in their debut album Your Story To Tell (album review here). The song will make the new album this time around and that's definitely a good thing :) 

 So many good things happening for the band - you guys better make sure to stay updated it's going to be a great year for a once unknown band but now, everybody will.

Save Me Hollywood Street Team - represent! 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

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! :)