7107 International Music Festival
If I had to name my top music moment of 2014, I'd blurt this one out in a heartbeat. Three months prior, we've been teased about the possibility of big bands coming over to the country for this huge music festival and I was stoked out of my wits. Okay, so the Red Hot Chili Peppers were already a giveaway. Who else? These organizers keep on dropping hints, tweeting Drake and Jay-Z lyrics, so naturally, I'm spazzing out like you wouldn't believe. I love hiphop. This is basically what I've been listening to, purely, for years after my longtime boyband and brief emo phase weaned off. I'm basically tuned in on MTV all day during the weekends or after school on Thursdays to catch MTV Jams on time or make do with Urban MYX. So to say I'm excited is an understatement. And then what finally sealed the deal was when they tweeted something like 'West Coast' so I knew it, deep down in my thug heart that it's Kendrick Lamar. WHO ELSE.
This entire thing was made possible by a friend, Luis (Azcona of Maude), a day before the festival itself. I lost my sanity for a full minute then. I was already sort of entertaining the idea of not going at all, or maybe buying just the Day 2 pass because I was already calculating in my head how long can I survive if I spend what's remaining of my money on a music festival ticket (answer: less than a week). I went to the Terno Inferno gig the night before and then went straight home to get some sleep. Fast forward to the day itself and naturally, I got lost and found myself two towns away from the venue. Miraculously, thanks to the good people of Pampanga, I've managed to get on two more jeepney rides without being ripped off and got to the venue on time - where I first met Nad and Tin. That day was crazy. CRAZY. I didn't know half of who's playing but I didn't mind at all. Not even these two rude girls who just sat right in front of our mat like we reserved that space for them (we just deliberately bumped into them every chance we got until they scooted away). Gabby and I went home after the show (past midnight), from Pampanga to our house in Bulacan. We took a taxi with a couple, with the cab driver having no earthly clue where Bulacan is, so I had to stay awake for the rest of the trip, making sure he takes the right exits (we're on the goddamn expressway). Suffice to say, we got home safely around 3 am.
Second day, February 23 - the eve of my 24th birthday a.k.a THE HOLY GRAIL OF THE 7107 IMF. I came here for Kendrick Lamar and no one, not even Satan himself, can stop me from fangirling the shit out of my soul.
Can I just say he looked at me TWICE. You can ask Gabby. I wasn't hallucinating.
And that's all there is that I'll say to this fan-frickin'-tastic night that I will tell my future kids and grandkids about. Minus the expletives.
If I had to name my top music moment of 2014, I'd blurt this one out in a heartbeat. Three months prior, we've been teased about the possibility of big bands coming over to the country for this huge music festival and I was stoked out of my wits. Okay, so the Red Hot Chili Peppers were already a giveaway. Who else? These organizers keep on dropping hints, tweeting Drake and Jay-Z lyrics, so naturally, I'm spazzing out like you wouldn't believe. I love hiphop. This is basically what I've been listening to, purely, for years after my longtime boyband and brief emo phase weaned off. I'm basically tuned in on MTV all day during the weekends or after school on Thursdays to catch MTV Jams on time or make do with Urban MYX. So to say I'm excited is an understatement. And then what finally sealed the deal was when they tweeted something like 'West Coast' so I knew it, deep down in my thug heart that it's Kendrick Lamar. WHO ELSE.
This entire thing was made possible by a friend, Luis (Azcona of Maude), a day before the festival itself. I lost my sanity for a full minute then. I was already sort of entertaining the idea of not going at all, or maybe buying just the Day 2 pass because I was already calculating in my head how long can I survive if I spend what's remaining of my money on a music festival ticket (answer: less than a week). I went to the Terno Inferno gig the night before and then went straight home to get some sleep. Fast forward to the day itself and naturally, I got lost and found myself two towns away from the venue. Miraculously, thanks to the good people of Pampanga, I've managed to get on two more jeepney rides without being ripped off and got to the venue on time - where I first met Nad and Tin. That day was crazy. CRAZY. I didn't know half of who's playing but I didn't mind at all. Not even these two rude girls who just sat right in front of our mat like we reserved that space for them (we just deliberately bumped into them every chance we got until they scooted away). Gabby and I went home after the show (past midnight), from Pampanga to our house in Bulacan. We took a taxi with a couple, with the cab driver having no earthly clue where Bulacan is, so I had to stay awake for the rest of the trip, making sure he takes the right exits (we're on the goddamn expressway). Suffice to say, we got home safely around 3 am.
Second day, February 23 - the eve of my 24th birthday a.k.a THE HOLY GRAIL OF THE 7107 IMF. I came here for Kendrick Lamar and no one, not even Satan himself, can stop me from fangirling the shit out of my soul.
Can I just say he looked at me TWICE. You can ask Gabby. I wasn't hallucinating.
And that's all there is that I'll say to this fan-frickin'-tastic night that I will tell my future kids and grandkids about. Minus the expletives.
Baths and Washed Out in Manila
This happened just barely a week after the music festival. DIG Radio was giving away a couple of tickets for both the Baths/Washed Out and Caspian/And So I Watch You From Afar shows in Manila. Normally, I don't join promos because I'm lazy and I never win stuff anyway (especially if it involves a lot of effort), but this one's different because you need to write something. So I was all, "Okay, let me try this." This is embarrassing, but since I'm already sharing plenty of things already, here's my entry to the Baths and Washed Out show, answering the question: "What do you think the music of either Washed Out or Baths is best for and why?"
"Washed Out's music goes well with a walk in the sunset. The rich palette of colors that swirls gracefully in the sky blends with the sonics of 'Paracosm' and 'Within and Without': weightless, airy, thoughtful, and ambient. As you walk with the vast orange and hints of plums and blues ahead of you, it feels like you are absorbing all that is good and warm that life can offer. It puts everything else in a trance and even the last glowing rays of the sun seem to move in slow motion. Yet, it makes you feel alive. It's a rapture of the senses caught in the beauty of the sunset and everything it signifies: the end of the day, the promise of a tomorrow, a burst of life in all its grandeur. Simply put, Washed Out makes you fell all shades of happy and content."
I won. *cries*
(Also, can I just say that this is the year I first won things - plural - which makes me believe that there's a cool higher being somewhere who really blesses people with free stuff.)
This happened just barely a week after the music festival. DIG Radio was giving away a couple of tickets for both the Baths/Washed Out and Caspian/And So I Watch You From Afar shows in Manila. Normally, I don't join promos because I'm lazy and I never win stuff anyway (especially if it involves a lot of effort), but this one's different because you need to write something. So I was all, "Okay, let me try this." This is embarrassing, but since I'm already sharing plenty of things already, here's my entry to the Baths and Washed Out show, answering the question: "What do you think the music of either Washed Out or Baths is best for and why?"
"Washed Out's music goes well with a walk in the sunset. The rich palette of colors that swirls gracefully in the sky blends with the sonics of 'Paracosm' and 'Within and Without': weightless, airy, thoughtful, and ambient. As you walk with the vast orange and hints of plums and blues ahead of you, it feels like you are absorbing all that is good and warm that life can offer. It puts everything else in a trance and even the last glowing rays of the sun seem to move in slow motion. Yet, it makes you feel alive. It's a rapture of the senses caught in the beauty of the sunset and everything it signifies: the end of the day, the promise of a tomorrow, a burst of life in all its grandeur. Simply put, Washed Out makes you fell all shades of happy and content."
I won. *cries*
(Also, can I just say that this is the year I first won things - plural - which makes me believe that there's a cool higher being somewhere who really blesses people with free stuff.)
Tricot in Manila
Right at the same time I began listening to tide/edit a few years back, I got acquainted with a smorgasbord of Japanese music, starting with toe. It branched out from there, mostly instrumental rock bands, but all-male ones. So when I learned about this four-piece band tricot - also from Japan - who are 3/4 female, I got on YouTube and about three videos after, I've decided to watch their show in Manila - in 19 East, zip code, dulo ng daigdig (ends of the earth). This band knows how to put one hell of a show. I would not be surprised if they played in a bigger venue and the level of energy and intimacy between the band and the audience would still be the same. It was raucous, amplified, and incredibly invigorating. I decided to include this in my top stories because I love being at shows wherein I know little to nothing about the band/s playing, without predilections - which is literally how it was with me when I started going to gigs in 2012: no idea of what to expect, who's playing, what sound I'm about to hear, just a clueless stranger among the crowd.
I remember this part from Patti Smith's Just Kids, which I deemed as the exact same feeling I have whenever I step into a strangely familiar place, feeling the oneness with all these people whose common passion I share with.
Right at the same time I began listening to tide/edit a few years back, I got acquainted with a smorgasbord of Japanese music, starting with toe. It branched out from there, mostly instrumental rock bands, but all-male ones. So when I learned about this four-piece band tricot - also from Japan - who are 3/4 female, I got on YouTube and about three videos after, I've decided to watch their show in Manila - in 19 East, zip code, dulo ng daigdig (ends of the earth). This band knows how to put one hell of a show. I would not be surprised if they played in a bigger venue and the level of energy and intimacy between the band and the audience would still be the same. It was raucous, amplified, and incredibly invigorating. I decided to include this in my top stories because I love being at shows wherein I know little to nothing about the band/s playing, without predilections - which is literally how it was with me when I started going to gigs in 2012: no idea of what to expect, who's playing, what sound I'm about to hear, just a clueless stranger among the crowd.
I remember this part from Patti Smith's Just Kids, which I deemed as the exact same feeling I have whenever I step into a strangely familiar place, feeling the oneness with all these people whose common passion I share with.
- Patti Smith
Jack Daniel's Indie Fest
I will never forget this night. Before this, I was a vodka person. Not necessarily because I love the taste (it actually tastes like isopropyl alcohol, looking back), but it's the most tolerable alcoholic drink there is for me. I don't like beer, not a fan of gin, never wanted tequila, and maybe because I prefer Tanduay Ice most of the time. The last time I had whiskey was during my friend's birthday and I cursed her soul ever since. It was a warm glass of whiskey. But anyway, Ian told me about this gig and I said, okay, I'll just meet up with him at his office because god knows I suck at directions (main reason why I don't drive). We got there around seven, right when Peso Movement's about to end their set, and what do you know, free unlimited Jack Daniel's with coke. Okay, so I don't know what it tastes like, but fuck it.
Can I just say that some of the best things that happened in my life usually follows after I decided to just go ahead and 'fuck it'?
Okay, going back---
Man, this is now my favorite drink. I lost count on how many paper cups I crushed that night, but surprisingly, I wasn't feeling tipsy. In fact, I just felt warm. My senses are more acute. The bands are playing and I was just having a great time. It was also that night where I met Glen (Macadaeg of NDFY.me). He and Ian were absorbed in a conversation, so I minded my own business a few steps away, enjoying my nth drink, when this band demanded my full attention: Lions & Acrobats.
I will never forget this night. Before this, I was a vodka person. Not necessarily because I love the taste (it actually tastes like isopropyl alcohol, looking back), but it's the most tolerable alcoholic drink there is for me. I don't like beer, not a fan of gin, never wanted tequila, and maybe because I prefer Tanduay Ice most of the time. The last time I had whiskey was during my friend's birthday and I cursed her soul ever since. It was a warm glass of whiskey. But anyway, Ian told me about this gig and I said, okay, I'll just meet up with him at his office because god knows I suck at directions (main reason why I don't drive). We got there around seven, right when Peso Movement's about to end their set, and what do you know, free unlimited Jack Daniel's with coke. Okay, so I don't know what it tastes like, but fuck it.
Can I just say that some of the best things that happened in my life usually follows after I decided to just go ahead and 'fuck it'?
Okay, going back---
Man, this is now my favorite drink. I lost count on how many paper cups I crushed that night, but surprisingly, I wasn't feeling tipsy. In fact, I just felt warm. My senses are more acute. The bands are playing and I was just having a great time. It was also that night where I met Glen (Macadaeg of NDFY.me). He and Ian were absorbed in a conversation, so I minded my own business a few steps away, enjoying my nth drink, when this band demanded my full attention: Lions & Acrobats.
I DON'T KNOW HOW ELSE TO EXPLAIN IT. It's like my skin was on fire. This guy's voice shifts from a growl to a tender plea like, it's crazy good. I remember I was just biting my paper cup , hands-free, just so I can keep my mouth closed, or otherwise, it'll remain gaping open the entire time. I cannot even remember how good I felt and utterly blown away since I-don't-know-what-band. I was so ecstatic, kind of like the feeling when I passed the board exam - just cooler. I also had fun during the sets of We Are Imaginary, Autotelic, Curbside (mad crazy, man), Reklamo, Flying Ipis, The Strangeness, and Ang Bandang Shirley.
As soon as I got home, I went online and downloaded Points & Perspectives.
As soon as I got home, I went online and downloaded Points & Perspectives.
tide/edit's Foreign Languages Album Launch
I consider tide/edit as one of the closest bands to my heart. They are also one of the bands that I am most comfortable with, given my painfully awkward state during gigs. When I reviewed their IDEAS EP in 2012, I was impressed with their sound, more so, with their potential to hone and develop it. Their success right now was never a far-fetched concept. I knew it in my gut that they can make it big, and every victory is well-deserved. I will not pass up on the opportunity to miss out on this momentous event for Clarence, Nelson, Noe, and Jawin. I have no sliver of a doubt that these guys will do well and exceed all expectations - and boy, they did. Every time I listen to Foreign Languages, I feel like every bit of my day is cinematic - no such thing as mundane or trivial. Which is why I wasn't surprised when I found out that the album will be released overseas, in Japan, via Friend of Mine Records. I'm eternally proud of you, my dear friends.
I consider tide/edit as one of the closest bands to my heart. They are also one of the bands that I am most comfortable with, given my painfully awkward state during gigs. When I reviewed their IDEAS EP in 2012, I was impressed with their sound, more so, with their potential to hone and develop it. Their success right now was never a far-fetched concept. I knew it in my gut that they can make it big, and every victory is well-deserved. I will not pass up on the opportunity to miss out on this momentous event for Clarence, Nelson, Noe, and Jawin. I have no sliver of a doubt that these guys will do well and exceed all expectations - and boy, they did. Every time I listen to Foreign Languages, I feel like every bit of my day is cinematic - no such thing as mundane or trivial. Which is why I wasn't surprised when I found out that the album will be released overseas, in Japan, via Friend of Mine Records. I'm eternally proud of you, my dear friends.
Did I mention that this is also my favorite album art this year? Just look at it.
Vandals On The Wall's first anniversary gig
I'm not just being biased when I say VOTW gigs are the best. Since the epic website launch last year, we've also teamed up with Green Apple Productions, Revolver, and Indie Manila - curating great lineups each time. One of the best parts would be featuring bands from other regions, exposing music from beyond Manila. But more than that, these gigs always feel like a gathering of friends, where everyone is welcome and nobody is left out. Being a part of VOTW, I'd get messages from Ian about the preparations and other stuff, which of course, involves the lineup. As you can see below, we'll always be fanboy and fangirl at heart.
I'm not just being biased when I say VOTW gigs are the best. Since the epic website launch last year, we've also teamed up with Green Apple Productions, Revolver, and Indie Manila - curating great lineups each time. One of the best parts would be featuring bands from other regions, exposing music from beyond Manila. But more than that, these gigs always feel like a gathering of friends, where everyone is welcome and nobody is left out. Being a part of VOTW, I'd get messages from Ian about the preparations and other stuff, which of course, involves the lineup. As you can see below, we'll always be fanboy and fangirl at heart.
I remember Taken By Cars was unable to perform that night and Library Kids filled the spot. You see, Library Kids held their farewell gig just a week prior since Ridge (Tan) is leaving for China. The last time (also the first) I've watched the duo was a year ago, during the VOTW website launch. During the show, I met Ahmad (Tanji, We Are Imaginary) whom I've talked to for some time online and finally met him in person that night. It was also surprising that Ridge recognized me (I don't know how). These guys are just amazing. And this is what I was precisely talking about. Gigs like these make me feel as if the possibilities are endless. There are no stringent, obtrusive lines between fans and musicians (although of course except those cases when fans overstep clear boundaries when it comes to personal matters and privacy). Neither is superior nor inferior to the other. I appreciate these kinds of people, regardless of what they do in life. It's also very humbling at the same time. You can feel that harmony in the air. I mean it.
Also worth noting is the 'A Gentle Kind Of Sadness', which VOTW co-produced with Green Apple Productions.
Also worth noting is the 'A Gentle Kind Of Sadness', which VOTW co-produced with Green Apple Productions.
THIS WAS AN EPIC GIG. Just looking at that lineup makes me want to cry. It was my first time watching everyone (except for BP Valenzuela and Three.!). It was also around the time after I've fully absorbed Halang (a.k.a my album of the year) by The Purplechickens so imagine my excitement hearing the songs performed live. Same with The Strange Creatures, especially Jon, whom I've bumped into a couple of times before I've watched his band perform. I was not entirely familiar with both The Ransom Collective and Basement Lung before that night, but sobrang nakakagigil yung set nila sa ganda. Of course, we were all excited for the three bands from Cebu: Luxxx, Foc Fashion, and Sunday Sunday. All congenial, swell guys to begin with. It's just so amazing, the wealth of music down south, heard live and ultimately experienced during that night.
Interview with Ely Buendia (Pupil)
September. To be honest, I don't remember much about this month. I'm pretty sure it was uneventful right before I got a Facebook message from Ian. This happened days after Esquire's Eraserheads issue was released. Reading the conversation below right now makes me laugh and smile, as I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I'll meet - let alone exclusively interview - Ely Buendia. ELY BUENDIA, PEOPLE.
Sorry (not really) Ian, I'm sharing this.
September. To be honest, I don't remember much about this month. I'm pretty sure it was uneventful right before I got a Facebook message from Ian. This happened days after Esquire's Eraserheads issue was released. Reading the conversation below right now makes me laugh and smile, as I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I'll meet - let alone exclusively interview - Ely Buendia. ELY BUENDIA, PEOPLE.
Sorry (not really) Ian, I'm sharing this.
Yep.
These are my favorite parts of the interview:
Here's the link of what went down that night.
These are my favorite parts of the interview:
- The food - I remember it's mechado - was great. Ms. Day Cabuhat (Ely's manager) said it was Ely's sister who cooked it.
- They were recording the drum tracks of the album not in a traditional recording studio, but a photography studio, where the band improvised to record their fourth album. Talk about punk.
- We were listening to this slow track (the only one from the album) with Ely's rough vocals in it. It sounded so ardently sensual, with the keys complementing the brooding bass lines. Ian and I had to say something. Ely asked what we think of it (let me process that statement for a minute because there I was, awkward me, being asked by Ely Buendia what I think of their song. I'm sure Ian felt the same way.) I personally liked the keys, but it turns out, it was just a guide. We told Ely the keys sounded good and he said if everything sounded right, then he might keep it. WHAAAATTTTTT *faints*
- I asked what sort of music he listens to during his songwriting process for the album. He said he tries to keep up with the new releases. Jack White, etc. And hiphop. MY EYES LIT UP. Hiphop? This is a game-changer. So I asked him who he listens to. He said mostly the electronic-infused hiphop. Like Phantogram. And Iggy Azalea, YES. I-G-G-Y.
- Best of all, Ely's a very candid, but warm person. I truly expected that my brain will just hung up on me every ten seconds because of intimidation and being starstruck. But once the shock of meeting him in person wore off, he's actually fun to talk to. Most of the questions I prepared were not used, but mostly I got by with spontaneous ones because I can tell he's not really looking for a standard, boring interview. Which I sincerely hoped he didn't feel.
- I asked Ian if we can take a picture with him, BECAUSE. Normally, I don't ask for pictures because I can't even ask properly in the first place, but this has to be documented.
- Ely said I had to be in the middle of the picture because "sasabog kami," - referring to his and Ian's matching polo shirts. HAHAHAHAHA
Here's the link of what went down that night.
True Faith Tribute Night
Admittedly, I only know two to three True Faith songs. I was very young when they cemented their status in the industry and even as I grew up, I was practically an MTV kid, so I was not really exposed to local music at a young age. This gig, however, was special, because this was dedicated to Bel's mom, who passed away last year. They were both huge fans of the band. I recalled a conversation with Bel last year, when she was just planning this event. From the get-go, she wanted to celebrate True Faith's music and her mom's memory.
We were extremely happy with all the renditions. I'm particularly over the moon with Farewell Fair Weather and Johnoy Danao's sets. That night was heartbreakingly beautiful and we were just so happy to share that evening with friends and great music, for a beautiful cause.
Also, I finally met Weng (Cahiles) that night!
Admittedly, I only know two to three True Faith songs. I was very young when they cemented their status in the industry and even as I grew up, I was practically an MTV kid, so I was not really exposed to local music at a young age. This gig, however, was special, because this was dedicated to Bel's mom, who passed away last year. They were both huge fans of the band. I recalled a conversation with Bel last year, when she was just planning this event. From the get-go, she wanted to celebrate True Faith's music and her mom's memory.
We were extremely happy with all the renditions. I'm particularly over the moon with Farewell Fair Weather and Johnoy Danao's sets. That night was heartbreakingly beautiful and we were just so happy to share that evening with friends and great music, for a beautiful cause.
Also, I finally met Weng (Cahiles) that night!
Five-night straight gig week of December
I swear on the gods of Westeros or whoever, I didn't plan this. I don't even know how I pulled this off. I got a last-minute pass from BP Valenzuela to the MAD FEST event at Mall of Asia in Pasay, zip code: non-existent, just in time to watch Sandwich's set. It was flipping amazing, because it felt like even though I got lost (I was just by myself) a couple of times, I was able to enjoy all the sets, especially Kimbra's, even with just knowing her from the Gotye song (I had no time to brush up on her discography because it's already late and my work load that week was monstrous).
The following Monday, I was initially planning to attend the Paskuhan in UST but it was cancelled due to the typhoon and I had to stay put at home because I have absolutely no plans on being stranded in Manila again.
Tuesday - SaGuijo, Makati:
The weather has considerably improved and I already planned on going to the DocDef gig that night with Eli because the lineup was sick. I was really gunning for Sud's set because I have this month-long hangover with this band's music. Like honestly, if you've watched them, you'll understand. Also pretty dope thing that happened was that I got to watch RHXanders. I recognized him from Chocolate Grass's set in MAD Fest, and prior to that, his music video with Skarm - "The Schoolhouse of Funk" that VOTW featured a few months back. Also, Fools and Foes and Paolo Mallari were my instant favorites that night.
Wednesday - 12 Monkeys, Makati:
Supposedly, this was my one night off. It's also Mama's birthday so I kind of wanted to just go home, have a decent meal, and get some sleep. Although I wanted to go to this stripped-down gig because I haven't watched Ephesus live, and of course, I wanted to watch Lions & Acrobats and Autotelic, and it'll also be my first time to watch Tonight We Sleep. I've already conditioned myself on not going and told Bel that I might just sleep the night off instead. During the afternoon, however, I saw this post on Facebook that Lions & Acrobats played their song "If" from their Without Delay EP, which I loved to death because that thing sounded so fragile and sad. I feel like it's going to break anytime - and me along with it. You know those songs that make you feel emotional even when you think you're completely fine and you don't care about anything - not even in a passive-aggressive way? Yeah. So imagine my excitement on the possibility of them playing it on the A Space Manila acoustic night, where they're also playing, and where I promised Bel I'll attend. So I tweeted that I'm gonna fucking cry if they played it. Icoy (Rapadas) of Lions & Acrobats replied, saying that they will play the song if I go. And it will be dedicated to me. I FROZE. My mind was swept blank and I forgot what I was editing for work that moment. Okay. This might sound excessive, but it's a great deal to me. First of all, nobody has dedicated a song to me ('Happy birthday' does not count). Second of all, I LOVE THAT SONG - I think, has already been established. WTF?! But honestly, I really appreciate and treasure these random acts and/or gestures that for some, might amount little to nothing, but mean a lot to me. I even thought Ma would've wanted ME to enjoy on her birthday. Because the weekend before that, I was emotionally drained. Just crying my heart out and feeling silly because, you know, heartbreak. But even with me being okay or not, that night would still be as special as it is.
Thursday - Route 196, QC:
FINALLY! So I took a leave from work to be able to stay home for Mama's birthday and also to prepare for the rest of the gig marathon. It's the first of the two nights Loop and Womb are playing together for Green Apple, the other also with VOTW. Let me just laud Route 196 for the fantastic job they've done, adorning the facade with nice lightbulbs. I am confident that everyone had fun that night. The high-octane energy brought by Cheats, Autotelic, Tom's Story, Tandems'91, along with the smooth, laidback sets from Womb (Cebu) and Three.! were more than the right mix one can ask for. And of course, there was Loop (Iligan), What can I say? All the fanfare? People flocked Katipunan on a work night and didn't mind that it was past 3 am when it finally ended. So yeah, it was so worth it.
Friday - A Space Manila, Makati:
Bel already mentioned this gig to me a month prior and I promised her that I'll go, especially when she revealed the lineup to me. Sud, Lions & Acrobats, and Farewell Fair Weather twice in one week? I'm so going. When I learned Loop's also playing, I flipped out. I've been meaning to drop by at Bel's office and she's been inviting me for the longest time so I thought this would be the most perfect time. But then the monstrous traffic happened, no thanks to payday + Christmas + Friday rush that made everyone on the road sit on their behinds all at the same time. So I missed Loop's and Sud's set, but got in time for Farewell Fair Weather's and Lions and Acrobats'. My most favorite part of the night though was after the party, where we basically just talked about the most random things. I was also finally introduced to Mic-Mic (Manalo of Farewell Fair Weather) and the rest of Sud's band. I was such in great company (and I went loony on the candy bar station) that I was in no hurry to get home and gave zero fucks about the traffic.
Saturday - SaGuijo, Makati:
This gig is the perfect culmination of the best week of my life - so far. All of my favorite people in the world were there and I had no single bad moment that night. How could I? It's like I've woken up from a very long sleep. It's like I'm swimming in a galaxy of stars that night. I'm just so happy. From the start right until the end. I can look back at that night and frame every moment of it. It's so beautiful that I'm moved to tears. This is what made me ultimately decide to share all of these stories with all of you. Even though I love stories, I rarely tell mine in public. But I feel like my gratitude should reach the people who made my year. If you were there that night, or any of those nights that week - thank you.
I swear on the gods of Westeros or whoever, I didn't plan this. I don't even know how I pulled this off. I got a last-minute pass from BP Valenzuela to the MAD FEST event at Mall of Asia in Pasay, zip code: non-existent, just in time to watch Sandwich's set. It was flipping amazing, because it felt like even though I got lost (I was just by myself) a couple of times, I was able to enjoy all the sets, especially Kimbra's, even with just knowing her from the Gotye song (I had no time to brush up on her discography because it's already late and my work load that week was monstrous).
The following Monday, I was initially planning to attend the Paskuhan in UST but it was cancelled due to the typhoon and I had to stay put at home because I have absolutely no plans on being stranded in Manila again.
Tuesday - SaGuijo, Makati:
The weather has considerably improved and I already planned on going to the DocDef gig that night with Eli because the lineup was sick. I was really gunning for Sud's set because I have this month-long hangover with this band's music. Like honestly, if you've watched them, you'll understand. Also pretty dope thing that happened was that I got to watch RHXanders. I recognized him from Chocolate Grass's set in MAD Fest, and prior to that, his music video with Skarm - "The Schoolhouse of Funk" that VOTW featured a few months back. Also, Fools and Foes and Paolo Mallari were my instant favorites that night.
Wednesday - 12 Monkeys, Makati:
Supposedly, this was my one night off. It's also Mama's birthday so I kind of wanted to just go home, have a decent meal, and get some sleep. Although I wanted to go to this stripped-down gig because I haven't watched Ephesus live, and of course, I wanted to watch Lions & Acrobats and Autotelic, and it'll also be my first time to watch Tonight We Sleep. I've already conditioned myself on not going and told Bel that I might just sleep the night off instead. During the afternoon, however, I saw this post on Facebook that Lions & Acrobats played their song "If" from their Without Delay EP, which I loved to death because that thing sounded so fragile and sad. I feel like it's going to break anytime - and me along with it. You know those songs that make you feel emotional even when you think you're completely fine and you don't care about anything - not even in a passive-aggressive way? Yeah. So imagine my excitement on the possibility of them playing it on the A Space Manila acoustic night, where they're also playing, and where I promised Bel I'll attend. So I tweeted that I'm gonna fucking cry if they played it. Icoy (Rapadas) of Lions & Acrobats replied, saying that they will play the song if I go. And it will be dedicated to me. I FROZE. My mind was swept blank and I forgot what I was editing for work that moment. Okay. This might sound excessive, but it's a great deal to me. First of all, nobody has dedicated a song to me ('Happy birthday' does not count). Second of all, I LOVE THAT SONG - I think, has already been established. WTF?! But honestly, I really appreciate and treasure these random acts and/or gestures that for some, might amount little to nothing, but mean a lot to me. I even thought Ma would've wanted ME to enjoy on her birthday. Because the weekend before that, I was emotionally drained. Just crying my heart out and feeling silly because, you know, heartbreak. But even with me being okay or not, that night would still be as special as it is.
Thursday - Route 196, QC:
FINALLY! So I took a leave from work to be able to stay home for Mama's birthday and also to prepare for the rest of the gig marathon. It's the first of the two nights Loop and Womb are playing together for Green Apple, the other also with VOTW. Let me just laud Route 196 for the fantastic job they've done, adorning the facade with nice lightbulbs. I am confident that everyone had fun that night. The high-octane energy brought by Cheats, Autotelic, Tom's Story, Tandems'91, along with the smooth, laidback sets from Womb (Cebu) and Three.! were more than the right mix one can ask for. And of course, there was Loop (Iligan), What can I say? All the fanfare? People flocked Katipunan on a work night and didn't mind that it was past 3 am when it finally ended. So yeah, it was so worth it.
Friday - A Space Manila, Makati:
Bel already mentioned this gig to me a month prior and I promised her that I'll go, especially when she revealed the lineup to me. Sud, Lions & Acrobats, and Farewell Fair Weather twice in one week? I'm so going. When I learned Loop's also playing, I flipped out. I've been meaning to drop by at Bel's office and she's been inviting me for the longest time so I thought this would be the most perfect time. But then the monstrous traffic happened, no thanks to payday + Christmas + Friday rush that made everyone on the road sit on their behinds all at the same time. So I missed Loop's and Sud's set, but got in time for Farewell Fair Weather's and Lions and Acrobats'. My most favorite part of the night though was after the party, where we basically just talked about the most random things. I was also finally introduced to Mic-Mic (Manalo of Farewell Fair Weather) and the rest of Sud's band. I was such in great company (and I went loony on the candy bar station) that I was in no hurry to get home and gave zero fucks about the traffic.
Saturday - SaGuijo, Makati:
This gig is the perfect culmination of the best week of my life - so far. All of my favorite people in the world were there and I had no single bad moment that night. How could I? It's like I've woken up from a very long sleep. It's like I'm swimming in a galaxy of stars that night. I'm just so happy. From the start right until the end. I can look back at that night and frame every moment of it. It's so beautiful that I'm moved to tears. This is what made me ultimately decide to share all of these stories with all of you. Even though I love stories, I rarely tell mine in public. But I feel like my gratitude should reach the people who made my year. If you were there that night, or any of those nights that week - thank you.