December 19, 2011

Truthfully its rare that you find fashion bloggers blogging about hardcore rock gigs. I’m one of those rare ones.

The moment you start to hear music that is strong enough to distort your necks with the sound of their instruments, yes, it isCURBSIDE PH. Congratulations to this Metal Rock Band for tonight they are launching their second Extended Playlist, I just had to purchase myself a copy.

I’ve grown to know each of them through out the year, More I’ve grown close to Chase, their drummer, and I can tell him just about almost anything. To Migs, Chase, Russ, Niko & Brent, congratulations! Watching you guys move so synchronized with your music is just as dynamically amazing. 

I can never find the right words to justify how legit their music is. As always, I stand up front nod my head, scream, jump, and get lost to rock and roll. It’s always such a high form of release. And just like previous Curbside performances, I stand beside my head banging buddy, Ling Lava of Lions & Acrobats. 

LIKE CURBSIDE PH on Facebook.

Photography was done by yours truly, hernameisandie.tumblr.com  

Last December 2010 was the first ever gig I attended, and it was also Curbside’s 1st  EP launch and now Im back here and their music just got even better. Curbside playing live is just so orgasmic to the ears. 

It’s been a long day, been a little stretched due to the ups and downs. Course Card Distribution during the morning, then we had to prepare the 8th floor for our FDM Christmas Party, then we had it till 7 in the evening. Since we didn’t want to end our day so short, Veronica, Ed, Lua & I drove around Malate in the hopes of finding a Comedy Bar. We didn’t find one, even around Roxas Boulevard area, so we just ended up having dinner at Mister Kebab. Then I’m here at Guijo.

This was my last night in Manila and I’m ending this awesome year here at this gig. Glad one of my closest friends, Migs Ferreras, was also there. This night and day has been a bit heavy on a specific aspect due to certain circumstances that led to certain situations. But all is ok now, so thank you everyone for awesome 2011!

December 11, 2011

I know it’s finals week but I just had to be here for Rock The Riles; this is just the coolest idea for a gig because bands will be playing in every station of the EDSA MRT and this only happens once a year!

Can’t believe I’m back here at Buendia Station EDSA MRT for this year’s Rock The Riles! Last year I was also in this exact station waiting for Goodmorning High Fives to Perform with Marco & Kim but this year, we’re performing! 

Hands down to my kids, Jensen Gomez & Archievals for another gig where you guys performed your hearts out. Please don’t LIKE them on facebook! 

Thanks to Charles for arranging this for us! Here’s the set list for this station, CSB bands are up first.

Jensen picked me & Sir Nestor up at Taft as early as 9am. If I recall, I wasn’t in such a good state, something was bothering my mind but I just had to get the hell out and continue on with my day. Thankfully being here loosen up my tension. 

We got our own ID’s which enabled us easy access into the station, and yes, FREE MRT rides for the entire day. How cool is that? 

Rock the Riles is also for a good cause as you can see on this poster. Our station was apparently VS. HIV/AIDS. Our names are right there under Buendia Station. Sadly, our other band, Sleep is The Enemy couldn’t make it for today due to school work such as Fico’s thesis. Understandable, I should infact be at home doing projects, but I can’t at this hour, I’d rather be here. I have enough time later.

LADY RANSOM was up first! These guys really rock out, they always give me that release just by watching them. Guitarists Jake Soriano & Ling Lava are friends of mine as well as lead vocalist, Bryan Dacanay. Please like LADY RANSOM on Facebook! 

ARCHIEVALS

The last time I saw them perform live was at Route 196 about a month ago, back then we had several things to work on with their performance. Sir Nestor and I were very impressed with their performance today; they improved so much on their stage presence. Stage Chemistry between the boys was streaming already and it was infact good to look at them as a whole because not only their music coordinated with one another but they were feeling each other’s presence. Jensen was also impressed as well. They learned from their big brother, great job Archies1 Please LIKE  Archievals on facebook!

It was good having GoGo around. Not only is he such a good bassist but his personality itself was pleasing. He’s one of those people that can calm a scene down just by his presence, he’s so chill and easy to get along with. 

Finally, The JENSEN GOMEZ

People really like to call him the John Mayer of CSB. I can say, he’s also like The Script, lyrics wise talking. But Jensen is Jensen, don’t want to compare him so much to any artist. Maybe he’s called as such because of his ability to sing just about anything he feels. He’s not afraid to sing his heart out about heartbreaks and his vulnerable side, and for me that’s what really matters. Im proud of this kid, really I am. He’s gone a long way with his music ever since the first time I heard his acoustic tracks and now he’s going on full band. He never fails to call the crowd’s attention to listen to his music.

Thank You Mel, Charles & Gogo for sessioning in!

LIKE Jensen Gomez on Facebook.

And here is HARLEQUIN CARNIVALE, another band from CSB. First Time Im hearing them live. I was so curious for their genre, and the moment they started to play, I was in awe. It was solid rock shizz! Hardcore instruments and the vocals were as legit as well. Another band I’m keeping track with. 

Like them on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/harlequincarnivaleband 

LOVE. SAX & MUSIC.  This band really did awesome legit covers of some of our favorites such as Sunday Morning by Maroon5 and how can we all forget when they covered John Mayer’s Gravity? Jensen really stay in tuned for that, it was good music.

So once all our sets were done, we decided to head to AYALA Station where the bigger bands were. Free MRT ride thanks to these ID’s. And why is everyone in grey scale? I guess we all think a like.

Me & My Kids. Im really proud to be called your Mama, once again, as always, the only girl, but I never felt safer. They really made sure I was safe and put me between all of them during the MRT ride. Next time we need a complete photo with Sleep is The Enemy! 

Congratulations to Charles! First time to ride the MRT today! 

When we got to Ayala Station, the gig was a bit delayed. Finally decided to hear mass at Greenbelt like I’d usually do on sundays. Thank You Archies for accompanying me and hearing mass as well. Gave me a good bonding time with Migo, Mitch, Mike & Justin. We got to talk and right after mass, Migo treated us to Gelatismo for the awesome performance. Thanks again guys! 

Once again, this was a good sunday. Thank You Jensen, Sir Nestor, Migo, Justin and everyone else! This made me feel a whole lot better. 

November 14, 2011

I’d like to thank Sir Paul Amerigo once again for inviting us here at Route 196. Tonight’s the first gig that Jensen Gomez, Archievals & Sleep is the Enemy, will be playing together since Sir Nestor & I officially formed BTS Productions for these bands.

For bookings with these bands, feel free to visit their facebook pages, or email me at andie.javelosa@fashionintern.ph

SLEEP IS THE ENEMY

The band was formerly known as “To The Rescue” with their hit, “Next Time Around”. Now they’re back on the scene. Vocalist Fico Reloj is a good friend of mine and I still am looking forward in getting to know the rest of the band members since we’ll all be working with each other. 

LIKE Sleep is the Enemy PH on FACEBOOK

Hear their music; Sleep is the Enemy PH on REVERBNATION.

ARCHIEVALS

Vocalist, Migo Matas, also happens to be Fico’s batchmate back in Reedley High School, so it wasn’t difficult in getting these bands together. He’s also been getting along well with Jensen. Like the previous band, Im still looking forward in getting to know the rest of these guys. 

LIKE Archievals on FACEBOOK

Hear their music; Archievals on REVERBNATION.

JENSEN GOMEZ

I’ve been working with Jensen for about six months already, and I can see how far he has improved. I’m proud of him, I can see how passionate he is about his music. Tonight’s gig, he played his heart out. 

LIKE Jensen Gomez on FACEBOOK

Hear his music; Jensen Gomez on REVERBNATION.

While I did the photography, I asked Earl to take the videos. Thank you Earlie! :)

SLEEP IS THE ENEMY Boys; Migs Garcia, Fico Reloj & Andrai Antonio. I love seeing this trio!

Jensen’s bright red shoes.

And here’s everyone; well almost. Papa Bear/ Sir Nestor isn’t here though.

These are my kids, and I’ll do whatever I can as long as I can to help them and their music. And I joined the group photo, only girl once again. I’ve been multitasking with my Fashion Majors, and co-managing these artists. Goodluck to me.

Till next gig!

September 12, 2010

Sonic Logo TV presents JUMPSTART; music gig hosted by Paloma Esmeria   at Route 196 Katipunan.

Bands playing tonight: 

Jensen Gomez, Mad Hatter Day, Neon Holidays, Stereideal, FZero, 3TC, Archievals, Fiction Scene & Rehab Acoustic.

Thank You once again to Sir Paul Amerigo for inviting us here. 

The term just started, and we’re jump starting it with a gig! This really reminds me of the first gig I had with Jensen and the band, which also took place here at Route 196 last term. Funny how time flies.

JENSEN GOMEZ

I’d like to give special mention to Earl Limjoco, Jensen’s guitarist, for tonight will be his last gig with the band for he will be focusing on his solo EP. Goodluck with that Earl! I will really miss having you around during gigs, you’ve been such a good supportive friend. And thank you again to Matt Santos Viola, bassist of Athome , for sessioning in for bass tonight.

I couldn’t wait for the recent single, Runaway. It’s literally everyone’s new favorite, following Unsaid.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jensen-Gomez-OFFICIAL

MAD HATTER DAY

Here’s the second time Im hearing this 110 band live. Since the first time I heard them, I frequently play on loop their single called “Finding Atlantis” from their Sound Cloud account. It’s something I literally sing along to, the genre & lyrics is definitely me. These guys, their so warm, especially with Mewa, Pat & Andrew. They never fail to call my name and say hi every time I pass by Ministop. And belated Happy Birthday to Paco Santos! He’s the band’s bassist, thanks for the pizza that night!

https://www.facebook.com/madhatterdaymusic

FICTION SCENE

This band was formerly know as To The Rescue. Lead Singer is a good friend of mine, Fico Reloj, he’s such an awesome song writer and artist. He’s an animation Major at school, yet he’s in a band. I also know the guitarist, Migs Garcia. This is actually the first time I am hearing them play live. The first glimpse I got of this band was through their music video called “Next Time Around”, I automatically just fell in love with the everything about that song; from the lyrics, the instruments and to how the video was edited. Hands down to Andrai Antonio, Fico’s best friend, for producing such amazing videos. I enjoyed sitting beside Andrai the whole time the band was performing; he filled me in the stories behind the lyrics(which was interesting because it involved a close friend of mine. oh wow) and his funny side comments for Fico’s performance. 

You can hear and watch this band at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvtVQZOPfXM

September 10, 2011

“ONEIROS”, Greek word for DREAM, which also happens to be the name of a college pop-punk band from the south. The lead singer, Bianca Yuzon, is a friend of mine. She was my blockmate until she shifted course to Arts Management. Anyway, they’re the second band to disband this week; following to Good Morning High Five’s disband last September 5. This will be the first and last time for me to hear this band. 

Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/oneirosrock

So straight from Tagaytay; after having dinner at Bon Chon, Chanel & I attended the gig at 121 Bar along Pasong Tamo. I met her good friend, Liz, during that night too. Figured we needed good music, and it was quite depressing for us to stay home just after all that fun in Tagaytay. 

JENSEN GOMEZ

And Jensen was playing tonight. The set play was amazing. I’d like to specifically mention his new song, Runaway, which was the majority’s favorite that night. The instruments were catchy, it was the chill kind of jam. Hoping there’s an mp3 copy soon, its really good. And thanks to Matt Santos-Viola for sessioning in for Roland, the bassist. 

Had time to catch up with people outside. This is Mike Gemina, he’s Kuwago’s wicked, awesome,hard core drummer. 

And that’s Pedro, Lions & Acrobat’s drummer and our very own Charles, Jensen’s drummer. For short, I was with drummers right here. There was so much drum language!

My fashion friends were here too, that’s KC at the center and my good friend, Charisse on the right.

Mel & Kaye. It’s another couple that I admire.

It’s Mama’s boys! Can I just say that Im proud of the three of you; Charles, Earl & Jensen. You guys give endless sacrifices to go for the things you believe in and love doing. 

LIONS & ACROBATS

And Paolo Tabuena surprisingly came up in the middle of the gig and joined in the screaming part of Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing. That was really one intense performance. 

As always, when Lions & Acrobats perform, they give their all and they never fail to play their hearts out. That was another great set.

ONEIRUS

It’s undeniable that Bianca’s got a really charming, dreamy and good voice. More so it was mixed with punk music; it was a perfect combination of balance and variety. Though I wish this wouldn’t have been the last time these guys are playing, I was already getting the hang of their music. I’d specifically mention the last song they played; it was overwhelming when the crowd stood up and sang along with the lyrics. 

Anyway, you guys can still listen to Oneiros, click to see their Like Page: https://www.facebook.com/oneirosrock

Charisse & Jensen. Cha used to be in one of Jensen’s music video two terms ago. That’s how these two met. Their good friends, which is awesome. The two were impeccably trying their best to annoy me. 

Zoe was also here. I like this photo of me and her. Check out her blog: http://thebandaiddiaries.blogspot.com/ they do interesting write ups on music, lifestyle, and almost anything. Check it out!

SO there you go, this is my last blog post under my term break. This was one good ride. Thank You to all those people who were a part of it. Till next term break? :)

Sept 8, 2011

It was surprising enough when I found out just a few days before this that one of my favorite CSB Bands will be saying goodbye. I didn’t know how to react when Nicole, their manager, randomly mentioned it to me on our way to ministop that Sept 8 will be their last gig. For a short span, I refused to believe it. After all, Good Morning High Fives is the first ever band I came to knew way back during my Frosh Years. It was because of their former Guitarist, Marco De Vera, that I got to know about this band. 

I’ll be writting extra on this blog post, allow me to express my thoughts and emotions on this disbanding because GMH5 has grown on me, even way before I started to attend CSB’s music scenes such as gigs. It means a lot to me, more so when it comes to Marco, who I used to be extremely close to. I miss you. And I’ll forever miss seeing Good Morning High Fives play live and the energy you guys bring. I won’t forget how it feels listening to your music. You have moved me and a thousand others.

To June, Joe an my Spiky Turtle; Luis, you guys will definitely be missed. 

Before all else, here are some of the bands that played before the curtains closed.
Photos by Andrea Javelosa & Nicole Sarmiento.

Lions & Acrobats

I never get tired of hearing them play. I know they’ve most likely played “Hanging on A Cliff Named IV Drip” ever since their first ever gig, but I never got tired of hearing this every gig. It’s in fact the first song I really look forward to hear every time they perform. They just keep playing it better and better every time they do so. The energy is still so alive. 

One of their latest  songs is called, “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”, and I got goosebumps the first ever time I heard this song. Icoy will be doing some screams in this song and when I witnessed that first time, I was just blown away. It was surprising, something I didn’t expect from the Lions but it was Spectacular. Here’s my new favorite.

CURBSIDE

When Curbside performed, I really stood in the front row beside Pat from Mad Hatter Day and Ling from Lions & Acrobats. I didn’t mind being one of the boys there, it was such another good form of energy & tension release for me. I just had to bang my head more than the usual because Curbside playing live is just so orgasmic to the ears. And watching them move so dynamically is just as amazing. 

NINO AVENIDO

Nino, he’s the one who went to Bacolod with GMH5 to session in for Kevin. Nino’s a cool guy, despite his age he still gets along so well with us kids. He’s like an older brother to these guys already who they can look up to for some guidance. 

While we were watching Nino Avenido play, I sat beside Chase, Curbside’s drummer who’s one of my closest people here. I didn’t know he was so vain when it came to photographs on their band performing. He frequently has to check how he looks, and I jokingly said that its anyway rare for him to have photos because he is always the one being less photographed. Well he admitted it was true, because he’s most likely being covered by Migs, their vocalist. Oh Chase, I couldn’t stop laughing at him, because I enjoy teasing or frustrating him. 

PITIK

First time I ever heard this band play. The moment they started playing their instruments I found the intro a bit familar. When it got to the part where the vocals come it, I was right when I thought it was Taking Back Sunday’s Faith(When I Let You Down), and it really was. Brought me this wisp of breeze when I heard it. Such a good cover done by the band.

And btw, it was only this night I found out that Nicole’s(the band manager of GMH5, LAA & Curbside)  boyfriend was the vocalist of PITIK. Okay, random “showbiz” talk, just a fact I found cool.  

Monica & Humphrey. During the break between bands, I sat with Monica & Humphrey frequently outside. They’re such a sweet, cool and amazing couple and I mean it truthfully. You can see so much love in them even just by the way they tease each other with jokes. It’s a relationship I admire. Monica is just so sweet, kind and warm. She’s one of the nicest persons I know.

I met Humphrey during the same time I met Marco, GMH5’s former guitarist. It was way back in 2009 during my Frosh year and it was their 2nd year already. It was for Natural Science Class. I can still remember how we all looked, or how the classroom felt during those days. Im nostalgic now. And ever since then, Ive grown so close to the both of them. It came to a point when I’d hang down south with these two and others. 

Burger Machine at 2:30 in the morning with Earl. I had this strong feeling that I was feeling hungry and what a relief when I heard that Earl was going to get some Burger Machine. I just had to come with! I lover Burger Machine! 

GOOD MORNING HIGH FIVES T SHIRT that Ling was wearing.

THE RED NINJA FAMILY. This must have been such a significant moment in all these guys, especially to Nicole who manages these four very amazing and solid bands( LAA, GMH5, CURBSIDE & MAD HATTER DAY. This will be the last time these guys will be complete before GMH5 disbands. I can’t imagine how proud and happy these guys feel, must have been so amazing. From the 107’s of Curbside down to the 110’s of Mad Hatter Day; music lives!

The video presentation…

So they played those very memorable video clips that date way back. It was really nostalgic, though I haven’t known the band that long, you could still feel every bit of emotion of what everything was before. It was moving to see these videos that were once in real life and now their nothing but memories recorded on camera. 

They included videos of the band while they were on tour, such as those late night pranks they did around hotel rooms or Joe downing a bottle of vodka and then ending up dancing intensely. It was really funny, and those were really one of days that marked such significant moments. 

It was also touching to hear inspiring goodbye messages from different significant people. Most especially Marco’s; I got teary eyed the moment I saw his face and heard him talk on the video…I miss him so much…I really find it a tragedy that I never saw Marco play live with the band, not even once. I still remember how he called me up saying he quit last December 2010. I’ve grew really close to Marco, he was already a brother to me.

So that’s everyone paying attention to the video presentation. I obviously don’t have a copy of any of it, but anyway, here’s my trip down memory lane with Good Morning High Fives. They have marked moments in my existence too. They’re music has moved me and the friendship with them has been an awesome ride too.

April 2011, my photo with Luis, Joe & June. Took this right after we finished our interview for them for SDA Talent. Where is the article? Sadly, the tape we used to record this, fucked up. It was really devastating…But anyway, we’re still planning on something… It would have been such a full and entertaining video because these guys were really talking so well; it was probably the most enriching interview we did. The flow of words just went so well.

The Bacolod Gig. How can we ever forget about this night? This was when Lions & Acrobats along with GMH5 visited Bacolod last March 2011. It was really such a lively gig, the crowd was super active and welcoming. I myself felt the rush of energy and life that went through all of us that night. It was overwhelming. Here’s the blog post of it btw: http://hernameisandie.tumblr.com/post/4132973271/lions-acrobats-and-goodmorning-high-fives-im-in

The morning after the gig. This was the first time I met Nicole, their band manager. I used to be scared of her, I thought she was terrifying and strict, well she still is, but when you get to know her, she’s easy to get along with also. 

It was a bit surreal also, I used to hear the band name frequent before, I knew they were really good because a lot of people recognized them for their talent. And now I find it pretty awesome that im actually friends with them. It’s an honor to be around you guys. 

Luis a.k.a my Spiky Turtle.

He’s the closest to me from the band. I will never forget the first time I met Luis. Well, it was in the elevator and he had this backpack with really cool spikes, similar to this one:

So anyway, I was being the usual stubborn me; I didn’t know Luis, yet I was playing and poking backpack. I found it so entertaining and that is why I call him Spiky Turtle and he calls me Penguin. We were formally introduced by Jang, my Bacolod friend. Luis really has this very warm, friendly and interesting personality. I love you Turtle!!

So anyway, here is the Music video of SOUND by Good Morning High Fives.

Please do watch it, it is very pleasing to the ears and the eyes. Video editing was done so well, and as always, June, you looked so fabulous and attractive. I really love your style. Hands down to Ryan Cua for directing this along with his team.

Good Morning High Fives - Sound from hkNiu on Vimeo.

So for the very last time, let’s give it up for Good Morning High Fives.

This will be the last time I will be photographing this band. So I had to absorb everything I could during this night, it was their last and I will surely miss hearing them at gigs. I didn’t want to go out tonight, I just wanted to stay home but then again this was the LAST, I just had to go. They played so well, and I will always remember what it feels like to listen to their music.

To June, Joe, Kevin and my Spiky Turtle; Luis, you guys will definitely be missed.Thank you for bringing us everything that your music could.

August 9, 2011

It’s a busy night for Jensen and the boys because we’ve got two gigs or performances to do tonight. First stop was at UR FaceRadio at Makati Ave, we played live, so I pretty much had to text everyone to stay in tuned for the live stream at http://urfaceradio.com/. I pretty much had good time to talk with my anak, Jensen during the car ride. It was one of those mother-son talks people need once in a while. 

Anyway, how did we get to play for UR Faceradio? Simple, it was because of Nicole( if you have read my previous blog posts with her in them, http://neekelita.tumblr.com, yeah and that’s her on the photo above) She got Jensen to play on this tuesday along with another band, Sandata. She was the co-host for every tuesday for the entire month of august. So it will be Red Ninja(her production) Bands playing every tuesday. Curbside, Lions & Acrobats are also part of this production. Thank You Nicole for getting us this gig!

Photos by Andrea Javelosa

Oh and I would like to thank Mappy Quintos for sessioning in for Roland, our missing bassist. 

Nice face Earl :)) Well that’s how music roles on musicians, it’s their outlet of expression. 

And thanks Jensen, for giving special  mention on air to me as a source of inspiration. Mama is proud of you!

Round 2 Gig: Guijo

Right after UR Face Radio, we went straight to Guijo for the second gig of the night. Thank You to Sir Paul Amerigo for inviting us once more to play for you! Right before the gig started, the boys and I had diner at the cafe across Guijo. That gave us all the perfect time to talk and catch up and special mention to Charles, the drummer:) Your secret is safe with me! :) 

MAD HATTER DAY

So, I’ve heard about this 110 Band, called Mad Hatter Day. I’ve never heard any of their songs yet or at least had a little bit of an idea what their genre was and so tonight was my first experience with this band and THEY BLEW MY MIND.

Check them out: https://www.facebook.com/madhatterdaymusic

The moment these guys started playing their instruments, I was automatically inlove with their music. There was no other band that captured my emotions that fast aside from Mad Hatter Day. I was so impressed with this band a batch younger than us. They played their music with so much energy and unity that it just brought me to this high-kind of state. When I went home, I automatically had to search for them on facebook. It was great meeting you guys; Mewa, Andrew, Pat and the rest. I’d be on the watch for you guys, another band for SDA TALENT! (http://sdatalent.tumblr.com) Sorry I’ve got no photos! 

I swear, they are so good to a point that they already sound like an international band. Similar to Paramore. Listen to their song, Finding Atlantis; 

http://soundcloud.com/mad-hatter-day/finding-atlantis#play

Yeah and afterwards, we just chilled outside. The Lions Boys came along with the Curbside Peeps, it was good catching up with everyone. I’ve been quite absent with gigs lately and these past few days obviously just threw me back up on them. It felt so good. Music is Magic.

August 5, 2011

After Nico’s 20th birthday around Greenhills area, Jake, Mike & I went back to Makati. Guijo was the perfect venue for this album launch that I and everyone else has been waiting for months and months! And finally tonight, KUWAGO releases it’s album, Break Your Relics. This launch got postponed so many times but it was worth the wait because Kuwago just left me and the crowd speechless. The music was so intense, I didn’t know where I was anymore. I was most likely transmitted to a place between fantasy and reality. Yes that is the power of music. 

Kuwago’s band members consist of Pao Racho on the vocals, Enzo Cabayan & Lex Formoso  on Guitars, Joma Fenandez on Bass and Mike Gemina on drums.

check out Kuwago on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuwagomusic and don’t forget to Like! They’ve reached 2,500 likes already and that was why the launch was for free! 

Photos by Andrea Javelosa.

oh yes, I would like to give special mention to Enzo’s new hair! It’s short now! Never really imagined he’d ever chop down the long length but hey it suits him well. 

I was beside Earl, and beside us was this dude with long ass hair. He kept nodding his head, it was more like throwing it up and down to a point that his long locks kept bouncing on Earl’s face. that was funny. 

I talked to Mike, the drumer, before they played. He was a bit nervous for the whole thing since they will be playing ten(or twelve) songs straight. That’s hella exhausting. But hands down, it was really intensely electrifying.  

The MOSH PIT.

First and foremost, what is Moshing? According to Wikipedia…

Moshing is a dance in which participants push and/or slam into each other. They also flail their limbs to breakdowns of hardcore punkand its sub-genres. It is most associated with aggressive music genres, such as hardcore punk and heavy metal. It is primarily done to live music.

Well there you go! Wiki explained it clearly already, so its now my turn to show you how the Mosh Pit at the launch went; it was WILD! People kept falling and all… And yes, girls are forbidden to join, but I can imagine the release of tension this pit gives. 

By the looks of these photos, you’d probably think were crazy addicts, the ones your parents tell you to avoid hanging out with. But you’ll never understand what we mean unless you try and accept Underground Filipino Rock Music. Yeah, these photos are hella scary to some of you who aren’t used to this kind of rock culture, but to us, this is life, and this is real music. 

Words will never be enough for me to explain how or even why I love these gigs. And I’d like to correct the notion that most conservative people say about musicians that they are crazy, mental, dangerous addicts or so, you’re wrong. Well not for these guys. They’re absolutely warm, welcoming, funny and genuinely kind. 

One of the highlights of the show was when Migs Palispis, lead vocals of Curbside PH ,joined in singing one of Kuwago’s best hits, VERBOSE. It was so intensely good that it gave me goosebumps. Here’s a link to Verbose, which I am listening to right now to set me in that state. http://splintr.com/newreleases/mp3/Kuwago_-_Verbose.mp3

I stayed inside throughout the entire time Kuwago was playing and the place was so packed with people, even the outside of the place was full. That’s how amazing Kuwago is. People, including I, never stopped nodding our heads to the music.

Towards the end of the launch, I just had to stand on top of this unused amp to capture the energy the place had. I didn’t mind, everyone else was too busy and caught up with savoring the music.

To Enzo, Mike, Pau and the rest of the band, congratulations for that launch was a big success! More power to Kuwago! 

And yes thanks for using my photo:

https://www.facebook.com/kuwagomusic

http://splintr.com/newreleases/mp3/Kuwago_-_Verbose.mp3

June 27, 2011

Route 196, Katipunan

So as Road Manager of Jensen Gomez, I am entitled to attend the gigs and be the responsible Mother I must be to all my babies.

We left Taft at 8pm, drove to Katipunan via ESDA, which was hella traffic but it was the perfect time for us to really talk in the car.

I met Natz, we were the only girls in the Charles’s car along with Oteph and Earl. So, apparently she’s already a mom and this was surprising at first but I learned so much from her. Her strength and perspective though life inspired me. This was my first time to actually talk with someone who became a parent early and hearing Natz’ experiencen first hand was pretty much strenthening.

We pretty much clicked. Aside from me taking so much interest on her pregnancy stories, we talked about a lot of other issues.

Hi Oteph! Roland couldn’t make it tonight, so Oteph, from Lions & Acrobats sessioned in for Bass. Thank You Tephi! And how can I forget to thank Nicole Sarmiento for lending us one of your babies. :) Well, he’s also my cub anyway, Im Mama Lion after all, along with Papa Lion, Tim de La Rama. Funny.

So great having Oteph with us tonight. I always enjoy his pressence. He’s so nice!

What I had for dinner when we stopped at Kitaro, White Plains; Ebi Tempura Maki. For a Japanese fast food restaurant; this was pretty excellent. It was so full of flavor and it was definitely delightful to eat.

I’m pretty amazed with myself for knowing and giving the directions to Katipunan. Im usually bad at directions. Simple way: EDSA, make a right to white plains, and straight to Katipunan via c5. wow

We finally got to Katipunan, and this was the board outside and wow looks so famed. It was exciting to see Jensen’s name on it.

The place was directly beside Katipunan Ave, we were so near the road and cars but it didn’t feel so poluted and stressful unlike Taft Ave.

Barbie’s here, I’d love to see her. After all, we have been singing her songs back in high school. Can’t forget Torette, our favorite.

We were supposed to start playing at 10:30 but since the other band wasn’t there yet, we played ahead.

Pretty much juggling my self again with taking photos and videos. I had to get a live band footage and yes, used my new HD Canon Vixia. Lovely.

And here we go; Denise & Jen. Behold the girl behind the inspiration of the song, “Unsaid” by Jensen Gomez; that’s Denise. She’s such a pretty, delightful girl. I love her aura, its so light and she’s definitely very gentle.

I got myself my favorite; Tequila Rose. I really wait for it to dilute a bit in ice to minimize the Alcohol Taste. I love it cold and sweet; just like milk shake. yum

Charles and Earl enjoying that plate of french fries. yum

This was funny; Sir Nestor; Jensen’s manager arrived. On our way here we were talking about me being Mama Lion and Tim being Papa Lion. I just had to say I was a single-mom with being Mama Jensen and Oteph had to add that Papa Jensen is Sir Nestor. OH WOW! So funny.

I ran into Fico! He’s also a musician, the first time I heard him sing with his band was really spectacular. I was really amazed with his voice and the music; sounded so sweet. He dropped by the gig because the place was actually very near his house. He’s such an interesting person to talk to; we talked about almost anything especially music.

You can listen to his band here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvtVQZOPfXM

Barbie Almabis started to play!: She had such an awesome band members; they were hella talented with the instruments! I was awed, my jaw just dropped.

I absolutely enjoyed this vintage poster in the bathroom, there was such humor in it. I really enjoyed how Route 196 designed the interior of their bar. Its got this artsy-vintage-downtown-music theme designed in their place. I also adored the door knobs because they used Skateboard wheels!

Mel and Kei, i tried going Paparazi, they were so sweet!

Now everyone turned fan-girls and boys when it came to Barbie. They purchased her album and had it signed. They were so thrilled and over-joyed!

This is what you call Big Babies; Jensen & Earl:)

Ear & Jill.They’re just friends, Baby Earl is still single, girls:)

Our Little Family Picture by the Board outside. It was indeed a good night with everyone:) You guys did such a good job, congrats:)

This is sweet; Jensen & Denise. I can’t get over the both of them, I was pretty thrilled talking with them in the car. Jensen was so sweet to her that all she did was smile silently at him. Awwww! *kilig butterflies. My baby is all grown up. And when I woke up the next day, I got a message from Jensen saying that Denise finally said yes! Awww! Double kilig factor. I think he’s really serious this time, he seems really happy when he talks about her. :)

Anyway home at 2:30 in the morning. Dude, I have 8am class :/ goodluck to me!

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25th May, 2011

So my short holiday a.k.a. Holy Week is now over, and I’m flying back to Manila to finish my finals.

Quick Trivia: the whole week in Bacolod, I was assuming my flight back would be on Monday, but it was only Sunday afternoon when I found out that it will actually still be on Tuesday! Panic mode, we couldn’t buy tickets online anymore, so we rushed to the ticket office. And crap, my one way back to Manila cost twice my original back and forth. No choice, it was either that or retake and fail at least two of my subjects(which I had final exams and exibits on Monday).

After the whole day of non-stop concerns of exhibits, interviews and other things, Jen & I decided we’d go to Rockwell and waste time there since there was nothing else to do in Taft(not until 10pm for KUWAGO’s gig.) How can you not love Rockwell? It’s our haven where no one can tell us we are too overdressed.

As predicted, the first placed Jenica & I would rush to when were at Rockwell is the Archelology section where you can find independent and unique clothing stores (most are online stores too). What instantly caught our attention were the shoes by SOULE PHENOMENON( http://gladztolove.multiply.com, a shoe line by my friend from Bacolod too, Jan Nicole Puentevella)which can be found at GRAXIE.

These were Jen’s pick, they were black booties, made of suede if I’m correct. Killer too, simple but they had a unique touch on the sole.

These are shoes designed by Jan Nicole herself, gorgeous aren’t they? They were to die for, I really had to have these.

Even the details at the back were stunning. They totally create statements. Jen also fell in love with a pair, but this was my pick.

Froyo keeps us energized and relaxed, especially when its topped with fresh cold fruits. It was my treat at Pancake House, Jen has been such an amazing friend to me. We spent the last few minutes there before heading out to Guijo for the gig. We’re rock and roll fashion enthusiasts. It’s rare you find girls like us screaming at rock gigs. Were hard core mahn.

KUWAGO.

Their our next band to feature at SDATalent(http://sdatalent.tumblr.com), they’re insanely amazing. I swear, I could attend their gigs over and over and still not get hell of tired of them. There’s just so much energy and life to their music and its 100x even better when they are playing live. You can feel the energy creeping up to your veins and there’s not a KUWAGO gig which I haven’t screamed out to.

According to Luis(a.k.a my Spiky Turtle, who calls me “Penguin”), if you need a stress reliever, just go to a KUWAGO gig. True enough, it does more than stress relieving on me. My favorite is VERBOSE, I

Aside from that, the band is really nice; they are not as violent when you see them perform as you think they are. As much as a rockstar he is, Enzo the guitarist is really friendly and approachable. Mike, the drummer has a really warm personality that he makes you feel comfortable when your with them. Pao, the lead singer, he’s insane on stage like WILD. But in person, he’s also as kind and friendly though I’ve only had a few conversations with him, I don’t really know him as much as Mike & Enzo. The interview would be a good opportunity to get to know the band more.

Listen to KUWAGO (http://reverbnation.com/kuwagomusic) and don’t forget to like the on Facebook!

April 13, 2010

d to submit our homework at our 6pm class. No question, I rushed here.

A night of pure ecstasy High Voltage battle of the bands was a night where rock ruled and music was pleasure for the ears. Every beat of the drums and voices of the vocalists was in sync with the heart beats of the audience as guitar and bass riffs fill the theater as they battle it out for the win. The event took place on the SDA Theater, April 13, 2010, 6:30pm.

ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY YOURS TRULLY.

Heres an inspiring photo I took of Good Morning High Fives & Nicole as they prayed before they open the show.  We got back stage access, thanks to Nicole. We almost got thrown out if it weren’t for her and the rest of the band. Being backstage with everyone just made me feel the rush and nerves of the event, but it was good.

A photo of chewy I took, he looks adorable here and he’s hosting the show. He’s always got this enthusiastic vibe in him. I took a lot of photos of the bands, but I can’t flood them all up here, just check my Behance.net or Facebook.

This one here is June, lead singer of GMH5. She’s such a sweet girl with a very pleasing personality. Her voice is just heavenly. I like this candid shot of her.

Here’s Joe, a good friend of mine, guitarist of GMH5. He’s exceptionally nice, such a good person I can always have good conversations with. They’re also one of my favorites, they’ve got this unique sound to their music. (http://www.myspace.com/goodmorninghighfives)

Its my Spiky Turtle! A.k.a Luis, drummer of GMH5. I imiss his backpack with the soft spikes, I used to play with them in the elevator, even back when we werent friends yet. He started the whole “Penguin” thing on me, now half of the guys call me Penguin now. I don’t mind, Penguins are cute. :)

BALANDRA. It was the first time I saw this band perform, they were hardcore, lots of screaming and the instruments were intense but it was good. The lights were flickering like lightning as they performed. It just matched.

I really am amazed with both of these shots, especially with the first one, you can see the energy.

LIONS & ACROBATS. NO doubt, they’re also my favorite, not just because of the fact that I’m good friends with them, but their music is just spectacular and atmospheric that when they play, I just feel like closing my eyes and let their music drift me away. (http://reverbnation.com/lionsandacrobats)

That first photo is Icoy, the lead singer, I love how the light falls on him, it intensified the environment. And that’s Jim on guitars, who won best guitarist that night.

It was great, they played my favorite, “Hanging on A Cliff Named IV Drip”. For their cover song, they played a song by Minus the Bear. The photo on the left is Ling, the newest member of the band, such a good person, it wasn’t hard for us to get along because he had such a friendly personality. I can’t seem to find anything negative in him. The entire band is awesome.

DIVINE SACRED ORDER

The band name says it all because they’ve got “Jesus” playing guitars in the band. Kidding, but yeah that’s Amrit on the left, Chewy’s introduction was similar to what I just said. I don’t mean anything mean here. Anyway the first photo that’s Paolo, the lead singer. I met him a few months ago and we smoked at his place, got to know him & I can conclude that he’s very expressive when it comes to music. I haven’t met someone who can shift his voice from screamo, to punk, to r&b; he can sing almost anything! amazing.

(http://www.reverbnation.com/DivineSacredOrder)

KUWAGO

Or “KUWAGSIDE” for that night. Curbside couldn’t make it because vocalist, Migs, was sick. So Kuwago played instead, but three members(Bret, Russ & Chase) from Curbside sessioned for the members of Kuwago who couldn’t make it.

This is what I love about these guys, though they come from different bands, they’re all still capable of helping out one another.

Thats Russ sessioning in for Guitars, then on the left that’s vocalist Pao & Chase sessioning in for Mike.

                          Here’s a video I compiled for SDA Talent’s article on High Voltage (http://sdatalent.tumblr.com/post/4691099070/high-voltage-battle-of-the-bands). It’s just a quick one but you can see the intensity of how each band played. CHECK IT OUT! It’s less than a couple of minutes.

I’m writing about this on a more personal level now, since I’m not blogging for that site.

The night wasn’t done yet……..

So this was our little after-party, we drove to Harbor Square. Musicians do enjoy and love their coffee as much as music, especially when its Starbucks. This was uncalled for, I have projects to finish  yet I am here. Oh well. damn.

Grei took this photo, thats me beside Chase. I just lost to him, I failed to guess his shampoo so yeah, I owed him coffee the next day. damn it. He has this weird hair-fettish; last saturday someone grabs my hair and sniffs it and yeah it was him and guessed my shampoo right. 

Oh Luis Alcantara. We bullied you, sorry. We sneakily planned and threw balls of tissue at him. :)

That’s Mike, Kuwago’s drummer who followed afterwards and that’s Mikee behind him, with his mischevous smile.

This night was filled with mind-tangling games which kept us all entertained. We stayed till one in the morning and by that time I was too tired and weary to do homework. damn.

The boys, as usual up to their crazy games. This kept us up til 1am. By the time I got home, I was dead on the bed. Great night, but stress to wake up to in the morning. oh well. 

No words or amount of photographs can even dare to explain how insanely awesome last night’s gig was. The band played so amazing, as always. Lions & Acrobats’ EP was SOLD OUT, and everyone else was also asking if GMH5 had EP’s with them. It was beyond overwhelming to see people accepting and enjoying the music so fast to a point where they also had autographs and photos with the band. It was insane; something we’d all remember.

Daddy & Mommy Lion. Yes, Tim and I decided to call ourselves that since Bacolod is our home court and yes we are babysitting six lion “cubs” during this weekend. Yes, we have different surnames because we are divorced parents already, but we just acted civil for the kids. aawww. we don’t even remember the relationship happening. whoa. 

It was pretty exciting to have our friends all the way from Manila to be actually here with us in Bacolod. It was quite unbelievable at first seeing them here, instead of Ministop SDA. It was sooo cool mahn. It was their first outside gig from Manila. Despite the stupid problem with the sound system, the music was still euphoric. They were instant celebrities after that night, newly found fans kept coming up to them asking for autographs and pictures. It was so uplifting. Something we didn’t get to see everyday. Probably because everyone back in  Manila was so used to seeing them play, but here in Bacolod; they’re obviously foreign and something people havent seen.

A few people have already heard of GMh5 before the gig. I remember Kat telling me that she saw this die-hard fan of you guys tearing up in disbelief because she couldn’t believe that you guys were actually playing right in front of her. What was more epic was how every guy started to ran to the stage when they saw June getting up to perform. I can still remember how every eye was glued to every move she made. I was telling the Lions who were right beside me that it looks like June will be needing a lot of body guards after the gig! It was insane, there was a random guy running up to the stage and giving her a flower. WHOA. The crowd just kept on screaming and banging their head to the music. It was amazing.

This seriously calls for a celebration. It was a success. Though it rained, we didn’t really care, we were too happy and high to care about it. Im really glad you guys visited even for just 24hours or even less! But Im 100% sure you guys will be returning soon, Bacolod loved you. See you guys in Manila! How cool is that?

Manila in Bacolod. It was AMAZING. Hope you guys had a blast, though I already know you guys had a really good time. Please come back soon! Lets do that Fund Raiser Gig to Bring Ministop SDA to Bacolod! :)

Lions & Acrobats
Good Morning High Fives

KUWAGO at Guijo last night. I came pretty late, missed Eman & DSO, but I’m glad I made it just in time for these guys. Rock my socks, I was already pretty buzzed but shit, the sounds were intense, just let them run through my intoxicated veins and get me lost in space even for just a minute. I needed this. Just hearing every inch of screaming voices and the loud bang of the instruments creep its way into my ears was good enough to give me this breath of life enough to sustain my dying soul for a little longer. 

Noise, yes to the ears of a forty-old woman, but to me this is MUSIC. Its quite unexplainable for me to describe how much life all of this gives me. Don’t you just feel that wave of static and energy that runs through your chest when you hear a live band play? It just gives you enough reasons to scream out all your frustrations without anyone looking at you like youre crazy. Music is all I have. Its more than just hearing a song. It’s life to me. Because when everything else fails, music and rock will always be there. If you can relate, welcome to my world. If you can’t, don’t bother reading this.

  Kuwago is my new favorite. Their music is really my kind of music. I don’t know, maybe it was because of the way they played their music with so much life and energy. It just made me want to scream out my frustrated fears and at the same time transport me into this world where nothing else existed except for music, the band, and the people around me who shared the same sentiment I had at that moment. There was this certain moment I just found myself frozen, while everything and everyone around me just moved in slow motion. And I’m sure it wasn’t the alcohol, it was more of the undefined but strong emotions that made its way in my mind. I just felt so much anger and hurt that hearing the intensity of rock didn’t really matter. It was more of a drug that kept me sane for a while.

I think Gigs are my new addiction, my new kind of drug. It’s a real world, where artists and musicians are there to express not impress. And somehow, they also express the things I feel, and for that, I don’t feel so alone; knowing that there are people out there who share the same sentiment I have.

See how wild the crowd went? I told you, music is such a great release of energy. If I were a guy, I think I would have joined all the jumping, and brutal pushing they always do during gigs. It looks hella fun.

Candid shot of Eman & Veron. Then Luis & June from Goodmorning High Fives. I call Luis, Spiky Turtle because of his trademark back pack with spikes. And last night, he just gave me a new nickname, “Penguin”. I don’t know why and how I became a penguin. Oh well!

I’m glad I exposed myself to this side of culture in CSB. I met hella lot of great people who inspire me to do what I love.

Lions & Acrobats, minus Icoy who Isn’t here. I don’t know what they’re trying to pull off with this look; boxers revealed. I love these boys, never seen a group more Kenkoy and makulit than them. Brings me all the way back to first year, third term last year where I met them. They’re still the same funny and noisy boys. I found it quite awesome when I knew they had a band, and until now, they still amaze me every time they play.

I had a picture with Michael, Kuwago’s drummer. I think this was my only picture for the night. haha. He’s really a fun a guy, not to mention, he also did a scene for my music video earlier this week. Thanks for helping me get a 3.5!

No one really understands why I go to gigs; thinking I’m not the “type” of girl to be even enjoying something so hardcore. They’d rather see me in four-inch heels dancing to Taio Cruz’ songs in a club, thinking one of those superficial girls. Truth is, there’s a greater portion of a rocker-kid inside of me than the girl people see from the outside.

Luigi Alcaltara, also call him, “wolverine”. He’s the man of the night, the genius behind this gig. Can’t wait for your 4/20 gig! That should be epic.

Never Die. This is the part where they all started to take their shirts off. I don’t really know what thay was for. But hey, they still play good music.

I wish I came earlier so I had heard all the bands play. It was pretty bitin. I needed tonight, needed the release. Music is life, I know I keep repeating this, but that’s how I really feel. I don’t know how the world would exist without music. I think we’d just bottle up all our frustrations inside of us. Music says and expresses the things we can not say. And so far, i just want to keep my head banging to every beat. I feel both numb and alive. And I’m still trying to find out how that is possible.