Music News: Urbandub Custom Guitars

You might have seen the new limited edition Urbandub Guitars from JB Music Philippines, well let's see what the buzz is all about shall we? 

With JB MUSIC PHILIPPINES, it’s all about putting Filipinosin the forefront of music by providing them the best quality products and services that only that a store brand like JB Music can offer. And for more than 10 years now, the company is humbled to have the great privilege of working with some of themost talented and respected OPM artists in the country. Through the company’s in-house brand for high-grade yet affordable musical instruments, FERNANDO, JB Music gives back to the artists they have had the pleasure to build a healthy rapport withthat goes beyond marketing purposes but a partnership of trust and support; starting with one of it’s biggest brand ambassadors,the ‘giant sound of the south’, URBANDUB.

Spearheading the first of its kind for the FERNANDO LIMITED EDITION collaborative series, JB Music launches theURBANDUB CUSTOM GUITAR to commemorate the band as they have taken on a long hiatus from their illustrious 15 year career in music.  The custom guitar is made from the same makers of leading names in musical instruments worldwide and is designed by the band’s primary axemen— vocalist/guitarist Gabby Alipe and lead guitarist John Dinopol.

Teaming up with the band’s most recent major record label MCA Universal, JB Music is proud to reveal  the commemorative guitars through the ongoing bar tour promotions for URBANDUB ENDLESS DVD, held at dates March 7th at 70’s Bistro Anonas Quezon City, March 10th in 12 Monkeys Music Pub Century Mall Makati and March 31st at 19 East Sucat Paranaque. And last March 10, there was an exclusive preview of the Fernando Limited Edition UrbandubCustom Guitars  at 12 Monkeys.  

Limited stocks of 200 will be sold throughout JB Music stores nationwide by April 1, 2016, with the first 10 guitars signed by the band. As a sign of the band’s gratitude and love for their fans, Urbandub encourages the lucky owners of the 10 signed guitars to post a photo on instagram with their guitar to receive a copy of the Urbandub Endless DVD personally addressed from the band.

Keep it tuned to JB Music Philippines on Facebook, Youtubeand Instagram as well as on the newly renovated official websitejbmusic.com.ph to get to know more about the limited editionUrbandub custom guitar.  A legacy you can own, a first from Fernando.  

FERNANDO LIMITED EDITON URBANDUB CUSTOM GUITAR

Guitar Specs

 

Body: Mahogany

Type: Les Paul

Neck: Mahogany set-in neck

Fingerboard: Rosewood with Urbandub logo on 12th fret,  “four elements” inlays

Construction: Set in neck

Scale:  24.75”

Tuners:  FERNANDO tuners (black)

Bridge:  FERNANDO Tune-o-matic

Hardware color: Black

Fret: 22 frets

Neck pickups: Custom PAF pick up for neck

Bridge pickups: Custom PAF pick up for bridge

Control: Three-way toggle switch/ two volume & tone

Color: Matte Black/White 

Details: Urbandub Ant logo on body and headstock, UDGJ2K on truss rod adjustment cavity plate. 

Honestly, I'm really happy that despite the hiatus the band is still very active, albeit in non-traditional avenues, hence the DVD launch and the custom guitar. Paul has put his axe-wielding days behind him in favor of being behind the camera, but we'll definitely get a copy of the DVD one of these days. 

Take A Bow: Built By Sonic

I've been working in Eastwood for a good 5 or so years and the Built By Sonic store has literally been a couple of meters from where I work, but because I work the night shift when I pass by the small shop with a big sound, it's already closed. I've bought a couple of CDs from them over the years, I didn't really look through the band shirts, thinking that they were always out of my budget.

I always told myself one of these days I would be dropping by the shop, I've been eyeing the 'Happiness Is' Taking Back Sunday album that I would spot through the door whenever I would pass by the store at 9:00 in the morning, on my way home-of course the store is still closed. I could see a couple of vinyl, might check those out too.

Then, just this week Built By Sonic released a farewell video, thanking fans and supporters for a wonderful five years. What?! I was really surprised and I could feel the sadness slowly creep in. Can you imagine all of my regret? I should have visited sooner, or more often. I thought. Then I also realized that I never got to go to any of the concerts that the store arranged. They also had a couple of music festivals (Sonic Boom) but for whatever reason, I was busy or couldn't make it. I always thought I'd be there for the next one.

It may sound cheesy but in the end you can only have regrets. I think that the store closing also comes just in time to fuel my campaign to keep physical CDs in record stores (or stores in general). I was actually planning to talk about my #CDsNotDead campaign in a separate post but I think I'll start talking about it here.

With the store's closing came the announcement of a week long sale. Yesterday's sale was a Buy One Take One offer on shirts, CDs and vinyl. I had to make it to the shop before it closed at 11:00 PM, my shift was still at 12:00 AM. Arriving at Eastwood a little before the shop closed, I was running as fast as my short legs could carry me. Thankfully I made it, catching a couple of people who worked at Accenture grab a couple of band shirts.

If you have been following my posts on the blog and my social media accounts, you may have noticed that I still buy CDs (yes, Spotify may have it's advantages but I still prefer a physical CD) and my humble collection has been growing steadily. So it was a no brainier to grab as many CDs as I can right? In the words of the kuya watching over the store: "Kayo lang namakyaw ng CDs" 

So here is my Farewell Built By Sonic Haul (Remember its Buy One Take One)

Foreign CDs at P495.00

Taking Back Sunday - Happiness Is
New Found Glory - Resurrection
The Used - Imaginary Enemy
The Used - Vulnerable (II) (2 CDs)

Local CDs at P195.00

Urbandub - The Apparition
<S>andwich - Five On The Floor
<S>andwich - Fat, Salt and Flame
Clara Benin - Human Eyes

I think I just added another pile to my CD collection. :)

"Kuya, anong mangyayari sa Sunday?" I asked, referring to the last day that the store would be open. "Mag-iiyakan siguro" the young kid watching over the store said, he was probably still in College. He then proceeded to tell me that the different Street Teams would probably be swinging by. Whatever they were going to have in store, I'm sure it's going to be a heart-wrenching Sunday, we have a Baptism and Birthday coverage on that day, so I'm not sure if we can drop by.

I suddenly remembered that there was also a 3 Stars and a Sun store, just right in front of the Built By Sonic shop, they sold vinly records there but sadly, by the time I got my Motorino the store was already closed. :(

I grew up having little to no extra money to buy the things that I wanted. It was only after a few years working and making my own money that I got to indulge in my hobbies (music, movies, books). There are a great number of people (the majority perhaps) who would want to save a few bucks and would rather download songs through the Internet or now, just stream through Spotify, but there are still a few people like me, who want to give back to the artist and to give them their due. Shops like Built By Sonic helped make that possible, by patronizing original band merchandise.

Hey! I pay for my Spotify premium! 

Yes - you may be paying for your Spotify premium but how much of that goes back to the artist? After all the deductions with the big corporations, record labels, etc. whatever goes back to the artist is practically barya (change). So yes, I'd still rather purchase a physical CD - thank you!

Rumors are going around that Built By Sonic may become an online store, this of course is still unconfirmed news. You might have been able to tell that I'm a bit old school, so yes, it's still a different feeling going through a store's doors and making your purchase over the counter, rather than doing it after a series of clicks and waiting for your item to be shipped to your doorstep. 

I can't speak for the community which the store has been able to build over the five years that they have been operating, I think that would be reserved for their regular customers and to those part of the Street Teams of the bands that the stop has been able to organize shows and concerts for. I'm merely speaking from an outsider's perspective. A music lover who regrets not being in the store, as often as I would have wanted.

Yes- there are regrets but I refuse for that to be the last feeling that I have toward the store, I would rather it be admiration and I would rather think of the store as a brother-in-arms in this fight to give music the love and respect it deserves. After all, we have a lot of things in common, we're both small but terrible, a small shop with a big sound.

I won't say good bye, but merely, take your well deserved bow, in front of cheers and flowers from your fans and admirers. We may see you again, as a different incarnation of your former self, perhaps an online store but whatever form you may take in the future, I will always see that small corner by the parking lot as the small shop with a big sound. God knows- I'll still be passing through that route for another 5 or so years.

*There are still CDs and of course band merch left in the store, I'd pass by this week if I were you. It would be hard to have just regrets in the end.*

Greenlight Music Festival

As the sun sets. People starting to gather for Greenlight Music Fest 

Have you ever had one of those whole day events, where you get so tired but you are just enjoying every minute of it? Well that was the case for Greenlight Music Fest (which was held last November 22, 2013) that brought a multitude of people together looking to enjoy a night of great music from some of OPM's greatest acts. But not only was Greenlight Music Fest lined up with amazing bands but there were so much fun activities that you could as well. 

Skater Boy hitting the skate ramp in Greenlight Music Fest

Sometimes they say that the best things in life are for free and that was the case for Greenlight Music Fest because of the great show, the skate ramp, the mechanical bull, the freedom wall and the great food and drinks available at the event. 

One of the great things about Greenlight Music Fest being held in Greenfield District was that it was a beautiful commercialized area that had security in place and the convenience of well loved restaurants and establishments around. Definitely a great commercial and residential area at the heart of Ortigas-make sure to check it out! 

The Portal at Greenfield District 

The Greenlight Music Fest was opened by the talented Reese Lansangan, now Paul and I have seen her perform with her pop-rock band Dressed Up Days so I was really surprised to see a toned down (Fiona Apple) side to her. Definitely a fan - make sure to check out her Youtube page here and listen to her great original songs and covers. 

Talented Reese Lansangan, opening up Greenlight Music Fest

  
Thanks to this event we were also able to discover techno/electronica band Techy Romantics who just came out from a nine month hiatus due to baby duties. While Paul and I are not usually fans of techno music we really liked theirs and are just glad that they are back and performing again. Make sure to check out their original songs in their Youtube channel here. 

Make sure to Escape with Techy Romantics! 

The event was hosted by boys from Jam 88.3 DJ Lambert Cruz and DJ Mighty Mike who never wavered in their energy as they brought the crowd through the night until the early morning. They were also game masters as they had some drinking games (both for the ladies and the gents) all courtesy of event sponsor Bavaria.  

The Hostest with Mostest - DJ Lambert Cruz and DJ Mighty Mike of Jam 88.3 

There were also a lot of messages of love and hope that was given out by the artists for our brothers and sisters who were victims of super typhoon Yolanda. Not only where there just messages for the victims but there was also concrete action on the part of the organizers of the event because there was a booth from Caritas Manila that was set up and was accepting donations. Just ask Paul since he had to haul bags of clothes of food which were our donations. :) 

Caritas Manila booth set up at the entrance of Greenlight Music Fest

It was the ultimate Flashback Friday for True Faith vocalist Medwin who kept on making jokes and references on the obvious age gap that they shared with the audience but that didn't stop the good vibes and the great music. 

Urbandub: ESOTERIC: Album Review

When I heard that Urbandub would be coming out with a new album I was very excited and determined to get a copy to add to my current OPM CDs at home.  after all they are a band that Paul and I really like. Back in College we were so crazy about First of Summer - so crazy that Paul wanted to use it as music for their AVP for graduation. Yeah he's #medyobadboy like that. Unfortunately the First of Summer AVP didn't materialize, I don't think the nuns would have approved anyways. 


We were also lucky enough to see them perform (and might I say get good photos of them) during the opening of the Flavors food market in Araneta you can see the blog post and photos here. 

Esoteric is Urbandub's 6th album following their The Apparition album in 2009.

Esoteric was first made avilable for pre-order on iTunes you can click here to download the album on iTunes. 

Esoteric was released last August 19 on iTunes and last August 26 in record stores nationwide. It was even number 1 in iTunes Asia - good job Dubistas and for everyone who chose to support the band by ordering it on iTunes. :) 

While I am proud of my iTunes that has over 1,703 songs I still prefer purchasing the physical album (I'm kind of old fashioned that way) synching that in my iTunes and keeping the album who knows I might the chance to have the band sign it right? :3 I still have yet to have a photo taken with Gab since security literally swooped down on him and carried him away when we saw them, I was able to get a snapshot with Lalay and John :P 

When I read on Twitter that the album was also available in Sonic Boom and I had some extra cash I went on right away to get a copy - for only P300.00! :) 

When I first got my copy of the album - let's say that I listened to it for like 3 straight days and I love it! 

At first listen I thought that it was a toned down album compared to their old hard hitting songs, however upon further listening to it and really taking the album in, I realized it was not a toned down but an evolution in their music as you can hear the new experiments that they added to both the vocals and the instruments that they used. 

Grand Launch: FLAVORS Food Market in Araneta

HAPPY TUMMY indeed! Scrumptious delicacies during the FLAVORS - food market - grand launch.  

For someone who works in a Call Center, it's always hard to find food in the early morning. There have been many times when office mates and I would spend so long debating where to have lunch (don't freak out because our lunch is at 1AM). That is why I am always gleeful when there is a new food market open. There are a lot of times when we end up having to eat fast food and these are a lot of times so a different and healthier alternative is always welcome! 

Promotional Poster for the FLAVORS grand launch. 

What is a food market? Well can I just say that I just pity you if you have not been to a food market, you are really missing out on a lot! Basically a food market is like a tyange where you have all sorts of different kind of food instead of shoes, clothes, bags, accessories, you have food! All sort of food from pasta, pizza, Japanese food, ihaw-ihaw, shawarma, cakes, pastries, if I type in every sort of food in a food market this blog post will never end. 

So we were invited to the grand launch of FLAVORS - the newest food market in the Metro (check out the blog post here). While food has always been a welcome incentive to go anywhere, the grand launch of FLAVORS was made extra special because Urbandub will be performing! Wohoooo! Paul and I really love Urbandub, they are one of our favorite OPM acts so seeing them while stuffing ourselves with food was an easy equation to a happy tummy and eargasm. 

Unfortunately Paul had work until 9PM and the event would start at 6PM which meant I would have to go there alone, bring the camera (Paul calls it an armada, because it's a lot and it's heavy) and take photos. Even if Paul has been teaching me to take photos, I'm still apprehensive when I have to be the one behind the lens. Most of the photos here were taken by me. :P Paul was able to catch up, he made it during the last 2 songs of Urbandub's set. 

Lilibeth Garcia -2nd runner up in the 2012 Karaoke World Championship, performing during the grand launch of FLAVORS.  

X-Factor alumnus Mark Mabasa during the launch of FLAVORS. 

Flavors: Newest Outdoor Food Market

Who doesn't love a good Food Market?! No one because well let's face it everyone just loves to eat and for someone like me who thrives and lives on fast food, any Food Market is very much welcome and there is a new one opening tomorrow! 

Flavors is being dubbed as Quezon City's Newest Outdoor Food Market! Wohooooo!!! Everyone loves a good food market ~it's practically the best kind of tyange to shop in! 

Flavors promises a Wide Variety of food made up of Fresh Ingredients, Gourmet Quality and at Affordable Prices (can I just say that you had me at hello...) 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! 

Urabandub will be performing at the Grand Opening of Flavors. (Huzaaaaaaaah!)