Paalam Pilipinas

Sugarfree

Sugarfree's album launch for Dramachine at the SM North Edsa Food Court is the first band gig I attended. It was in my fourth year in high school that time, year 2005. Prom was in the air so the band really hit the spot. I fell in love with all the songs from Dramachine and just then I decided to follow them. From the mailing list to twitter updates, I've been silently watching. Backtracking, I got myself a copy of Sa Wakas too. Because I truly believed in them, I completed their albums and attended their concerts. I was so down when I lost my favorite but still decided to buy another (repackaged version) for the love of the band.

Ebe Dancel

Their songs have truly touched my heart, thanks to this song writing genius, Ebe Dancel. I have never understood what Burnout meant before. I thought it was insensible but not 'til I matured. Naks! Mariposa, Unang Araw, Kwarto, Kandila, Sinta, KAMNSA, Hay Buhay were just a few of the songs that I would really miss.

 Jal Taguibao

Back in my second year in college, we were tasked for a project in Humanities 2 which I still don't get what. All I remember is that I chose the OPM topic for being an enthusiast. It was the peak of an issue wherein a Filipino band gets publicized to have sort of plagiarized a music from the British. I was hyped enough to get Sir Jal's POV regarding the matter. Right there and then, this man struck me as a very humble person with outmost respect for all the musicians, creative or not. 'nuff said. While interviewing him, the radio went playing Batang-bata Ka Pa's second verse. :D

 Kaka Quisimbing

Mitch Singson

Kaka's takeover to Mitch's playing of the drums was a bit risky, I thought. But it was proven wrong when the band continued on making Tala-Arawan and Mornings and Airports. I remembered my unrestrained self dreamily (and I mean dreamily with watery eyes) saying "Sir, ang galing nyo pong magdrums" to Mitch on an album signing part of the event. It was so out of character just because this person's aura is too powerful.

So this is good bye Sugarfree. Thank you for your songs. You don't have an idea how they really affected us in different and strange ways. God bless. I'm keeping my doors open for a reunion concert in 10 years' time.

*photos are taken in Eastwood Central Plaza 03.01.11 (Tuesday), Paalam Pilipinas: The Farewell Concert