constellation

Kjwan 2011 Scorpio Bday Bash

2011-10-29T18:18:00.001+08:00

After so many months, I was finally able to manage keeping a bit of my time for my "after-school dream life". I gigged the night out with some college schoolmates at Saguijo for Kjwan's Scorpio Bday Bash treat. Hooray for Scorpios! Happy Birthday Kelley and Marc!

I enjoyed the night with some cool songs from Mayonnaise and Archipelago. I'm glad that I'm experiencing OPM again after that low point in the industry with all that shutting down of pinoy rock radio stations and disbanding.

Here's Kjwan's setlist:

Love the crowd as they go wild during the last two songs!

It was indeed one great rocking night with Wendell Garcia as the highlight. Hope to see more of him next in Pupil's gigs. Speaking of Pupil, let's greet one Scorpio too a Happy birthday. Happy 41st Bday Ely!

rakenrol

2011-09-25T22:30:00.000+08:00

I miss the Philippine rock scene. It has been a long time since I posted something about OPM rock. And it was even an entry about farewell of one of the rock foundations of the industry. Come to think of it, I haven't seen a gig for almost 4 months already and I am super missing it.

Time to rekindle the passion.

What prompted this post is the the on-going promotion of an indie film entitled Rakenrol. It's a movie directed by Sir Diego Castillo and Quark Henares that revolves around the journey of Irene (Glaiza de Castro) and Odie (Jason Abalos) in putting up a band to initially share their music.

See above embedded trailer for a glimpse of the movie. It's quite an interesting piece with a little touch of love story on the side. I read somewhere that this has been in works for years so it's not surprising that I found the theme to be fitting an earlier point in the industry's timeline. But I'm glad the issue is being documented in this platform.

Currently, the landscape is being challenged by the left and right disbanding and rock stations reformatting. 2011 is really a hard time. Though rock music have moved online (i.e. DIG radio=), I admittedly haven't tuned in a single segment given the annoying sound lags and buffering. I hope they'll make a good fight in 2012.

The Kids Love 'Em Too!

2011-05-12T01:03:00.001+08:00

"All the parents are here and all the kids are at the [insert name of the kid here] concert."

But hey! Can't you see that the kids were the most enthusiastic attendees of the concert? We, the kids, love you and your music too. And we mean REAL music.

And I'll stand as a proof. I've been emailing PG since 2009, requesting the band to come over to the Philippines for a concert. This was long before the boom of concerts in our country. Imagine the desire, given that the creation of “What If” is still unknown to me that time. It’s praying for a seemingly impossible come back from across the borders. I have been lurking around online forums, signing in my name for petitions that might bring them here even with the slightest possibility. I also install applications in my websites which would request the band to play here in Manila, LIVE. Finally, my dream came true. May 10, 2011 (Tuesday) is the date I’ll never, ever forget. And mind you, this post is not about Justin Bieber.

Mr. Big! Thank you so much! You made a 22-year old Filipina’s heart feel more than satisfied. I am so overwhelmed that I cannot even express how grateful I am both online and offline as I temporarily lose my voice from screaming to my heart’s content yesterday.

So I’ll just post few of the pics I took from my new cam (specially bought for this concert above all).

Mr. Big Live in Manila

Paul Gilbert

Pat Torpey

Billy Sheehan

Eric Martin

The Best Band

It has been a pleasure to hear from you guys. Thank you for the screaming guitars, booming bass, thundering drums, and killer vocals. I have always been in love with your kind of melodic rock. You give music meaning. No exaggerations.

"We'll be back sooner than you think (Martin, 2011)." That will surely be anticipated.

As a documentation of the concert, the set list follows:

1. Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy

2. Take Cover

3. Green-Tinted Sixties Mind

4. Undertow

5. Alive And Kickin

6. Just Take My Heart

7. American Beauty

8. Merciless

9. Paul Gilbert solo

10. Still Ain't Enough

11. As Far as I Can See

12. Price You Gotta Pay

13. Wild World

14. Road To Ruin

15. A Little Too Loose

16. Rock & Roll Over

17. Around the World

18. Billy Sheehan solo

Encore:

19. To Be With You

20. Colorado Bulldog

Encore 2:

21. Smoke on the Water

22. Anything for You

23. Shyboy

Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to see and hear them. :)

Paalam Pilipinas

2011-03-05T18:59:00.002+08:00

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

2011 UP fair

2011-02-19T15:01:00.001+08:00

Well, the crowd's not that hyped enough but it's a good thing nobody seemed to be hurt.

I felt that urge to watch the fair particularly on this day since this was deemed to be sugarfree's last. The bands were given a chance to play 3 songs as usual but things were different for sugarfree's set. They played prom, mariposa, kwarto, overdrive, burnout, hari ng sablay, and tulog na.

I think people were there for them. A lot started to exit the grounds after their stage performance, including me. I would love to stay to hear kjwan but my friends wouldn't keep me company so I darted out as well.

The other artists I enjoyed listening to were imago, pedicab, paraluman, razorback, and giniling festival. Kudos to UPsurge team for keeping the security quite intact.

Cheers to shawarma rice, fishball, scramble, and isaw!

I miss UP.

posted from Bloggeroid

Big, Better, and Definitely Best!

2011-02-09T08:14:00.001+08:00

I've been dreading to have Mr. Big play in the Philippines. Last year, I was doing extreme efforts of encouraging people to click an application, which acts like some sort of a petition, to invite the band play here in our country. I was so obsessed that I even send messages to Paul Gilbert through his official website, requesting for this BIG thing. They have played in Japan anyway.

Last week, I saw Billy Sheehan's post that they'll be touring South East Asia by April. My heart stirred, I knew this is coming, but things are still surreal. What more on the 10th of May? I am so excited. Now, where to get those tickets?

Thanks Lord for making one of my wishes come true. :)

what a way to start the year

2011-01-12T08:16:00.004+08:00

I learned from fb that Ebe will be quitting Sugarfree for still some unknown reasons. The other band members' reaction weren't sought yet but this news quite saddening. It's just a month since I've seen them played together. Ebe was thanking their supporters, kept on saying that they should've made Sugarfree Christmas parties before, and all to that effect, where you wouldn't have any idea that's this is coming to an end.

Not long before this sinks in, I saw from twitter that Bamboo called it quits. Well, it didn't strike me that much since I haven't heard from Bamboo, the band, through the airwaves.

Are they going solo? I don't know. But it's exciting to hear the sounds that these people could produce on their own. Rico Blanco's Your Universe is admittedly good. Ely Buendia's Wanted Bedspacer too has demonstrated progress, not only in the skills of the musician, but also to the whole local music scene. And songs from Ebe Dancel and Bamboo Manalac would be something to look forward to.

I hope they would still pursue doing music. Love and support for OPM!

Sugarfree Christmas Party

2010-12-21T08:37:00.015+08:00

It has been... errr... 10? 11? 12? Ah basta! This band has been there since my high school days. In my freshie years in college, I was even lucky enough to interview sir Jal regarding his viewpoints of OPM for my Hum2 class. Oh yeah! Batang-bata ka pa's second verse even played in the background. Setting? UPM DSS faculty room. Haha! Now I'm part of the working class and they're still alive and hitting not just the radio waves but also our tv screens. GMA's Panata sa Bayan, ABS-CBN's Ako ang Simula, even TV5's Talentadong Pinoy are just some of the proofs.

Last night, the first ever Sugarfree Christmas Party was held for the fans. The only entry ticket was a Sugarfree memorabilia but they're not that strict in implementing it. I, myself, brought with me the album sleeves of Sa Wakas, Dramachine, and the Repackaged album. And since there wasn't any for the Tala-Arawan, I had the whole case with me. Plus, the passport size insert in the Mornings and Airports Album.

Ebe kept on thanking the crowd for making them survive in the industry. Well you know what? It's a mutual relationship. We should also thank you guys for the music you've imparted. They're pretty much part of our lives as well.

Sugarfree did a great job last night doing some covers like Rivermaya's Umaaraw, Umuulan and Oasis' Stand by Me. Kudos to kuya bodjie! They sang their originals with no line-up in my mind. Jam lang nang jam!

In-between songs, some personal stuff were being raffled. These include shades, demos, drumsticks, bag, chucks, even a political science book, and the ultimate wall clock! Last one was sponsored by Coke.

By the way, I heard sir Jal was victimized by the basag-kotse gang. :( Cheer up, let's just think that whenever something disappears, something better might appear.

I left early so I don't know if Mitch was able to catch up. Mitch is Sugarfree's former drummer, replaced by Kaka Quisimbing. He is responsible for the beats in Sa Wakas an Dramachine. Actually, he's my favorite drummer (next to sir Raimund Marasigan).

I remembered, my first gig was that of Sugarfree's in SM North Edsa back in 2003-2005. I actually had the courage then to tell Mitch, "Sir, ang galing nyo po." And Mitch replied with a smile, "Thank you." Oh the memories. :D

Ely Buendia at XL

2010-11-23T20:39:00.020+08:00

The contest just ended so I had to replace what I've posted here for my security. Haha.

Congrats to the winners! I did not manage to have an invite so I'm quite sad but relieved at some point as I have to attend a Christening of a relative somewhere in the North. The concert will be held at Republiq New Resorts World, Pasay City so it would be troublesome for me to travel across the Metro. The concert will start at 7pm tomorrow, Nov. 27. Articles over the net say it will be named as "Ely Buendia XL - Xtra Live at 40".

For people who weren't able to get an invite, you can watch it on GMA's SNBO, Dec. 12.

I'm so excited! According to Ms. Nina Sandejas, Raimund Marasigan will be performing with him. Dope Militia and Hilera will also be there, I guess to play some songs from ILAW. I also saw pics of Francis Brew Reyes and Wendell Garcia. It will be a rocking night indeed. Good luck to all the performers!

And, Happy Birthday again Mr. Ely Buendia! You look younger than 40. :)

nu107 on ustream

2010-11-16T21:44:00.005+08:00

NU's alive and back. This time they're on Ustream! I've been reading tweets these past few days and have learned that they'll be hosting a channel over the net to continue with the NU's legacy. Today, they are making a test broadcast straight from Mr. Francis Brew Reyes's home with the jocks' and their friends' effort.

I dropped by the webpage and found the same old feel of nu107fm.com . The music's a bit choppy though and the video's quite lagging. I don't know if the problem's on my end but chatters did have the same feedback. Well, let's see how this goes in the coming weeks. I'm excited to get NU back.

Click here to view them.

This was the Home of NU Rock

2010-11-08T01:45:00.005+08:00

NU107 is DWNU FM at 107 dot 5 megahertz in Pasig, once the loudest and proudest member of KBP. This has been NU107, the Philippines' one and only Home of NU Rock. This is NU107. We are signing off.

Those were NU's last words. They signed off on 11.07.10 after 23 years of existence and 17 rock awards.

I wasn't able to go at the Emerald Ave. since I don't have someone to accompany me. Anyway, I did log in to the live access to take a glimpse of the station. There were 4,666 viewers on live access before the chatters got disconnected.

The jocks bid goodbye and played their last song choice one by one. I was wishing earlier that the finale song would be something from the Juan dela Cruz Band, Ang Himig Natin or Kahit Anong Mangyari could be perfect. Those songs are like foundations of the industry for me. But at the back of my mind, I was also hoping that a song from the Eraserheads could end the show. I actually even requested it through txt yesterday. I badly need the song to be heard for the final time on NU's Remote Control Weekend. I stayed up for hours last night waiting for my song to be played. But I lose hope, thinking that the txt line might be flooded, and that DJ Shannen might not be able play it for me. But hello NU! You really don't disappoint me. Thank you for making Ang Huling El Bimbo the Finale song, very fitting, as always.

Over the week, the jocks have been discussing their fondest moments of NU, things that they'll miss and such. Pontri was asking earlier of the listeners' povs so I thought about listing mine here.

Musicians perform live >> my basis for buying the band's album
Stairway to Seven >> kept me up to date
Monica's and Kim's voices >> made me want to be nu's dj.
In the raw >> inspired me to continue rocking
Zach and Joey in the Morning >> "pampagising" in the LRT while on my way to school
Countdown 107 >> our superproxy for firecrackers
Remote Control Weekend >> opportunity to backtrack
RockEd Radio >> very informative and funny
NU Live Streaming >> revealed the faces behind their voices
NU Rock Awards >> my drug

These are just a few of the many things which I'll be missing.

Sure, Pinoy Rock and Roll will not end just because one of its pillars had given up. However, I believe it will be a hard time for musicians. It is only here where you can easily have the djs play your song for the whole world to hear. But let us not lose hope. Eraserheads did have a hard time starting anyway. Good luck rock and rollers! Long live Pinoy Rock! Thank you again NU.

17th NU rock awards winners

2010-10-30T22:36:00.004+08:00

It's sad to know that I was able to get RA tix at a time where the show's just about to end. I had to be contented with the radio's bad reception for me to hear what's up over the NBC tent. I know the jocks were really sad, it surfaced despite being drunk and overwhelmed. But let's not talk about the fact that NU's ending. It was a gathering of the bests in the rock music scene after all.

The first half, I believe, was conquered by Tanya Markova, winning Best Music Video for Disney, Best Live Act (not surprising), and Best New Artist. But tables turned for the second half, where the major awards were presented. Franco bagged 4 awards, being the Listener's Choice and Artist of the Year. They also won the Album and Song of the Year Award. Cheers to them!

The Brewrats hosted the event with Ramon Bautista being MIA. Tama! Performers and former djs were nostalgic yesterday as they were trying to get through the event like Myrene, who shared her experience during the 1st rock awards, Ebe sang Burnout as an Intro: "NU, oh kay tagal kitang minahal", and I assume it was Francis Brew to whom I should attribute this quote saying that "sometimes love and passion are not enough."

So... this is the end. I even dreamt of being a NU Rock Jock someday. Sadly, it's now improbable.
Check out the list of winners here

NU ROCK to NO ROCK

2010-10-29T22:54:00.004+08:00

Just as when RockEd Radio, Brewrats, and the like came back to the Home of NU Rock, here's a story goin' around the net: "News Goose's Final Report: NU107 is Closing Down".

It was October 25 when I first read about this from the Wolfgang's fb fan page. Then, I hurried to browsing over twitter to confirm about this from other artists and djs. No one's declaring it but I felt that there's more between the lines (tweets for this case).

Just now, I saw from somewhere that it'll be on November 7 that the station closes down. I searched again and found MB's article. Well, there are no confirmations yet but I think it would push through anyway.

This is so depressing. Goodbye to 23 years of rocking the airwaves. Goodbye to Rock Awards... Which reminds me! The last rock awards is being held right now at the NBC tent. Gah! And I'm here thinking of what's happening and who's winning there. I'll just try to get some news from my friends later.

Tanduay Rhum Rock Fest

2010-10-16T21:24:00.010+08:00

The Tanduay Rhum Rock Fest was indeed fun and a lot better when seen from the backstage. Special thanks to Chrissie and the LTG Mediacom group for the all access passes.

When I've arrived at the concert grounds, it was Rivermaya on stage playing Awit ng Kabataan. They also played Elesi and Kisapmata. I figured that the bands were asked to play 3 songs each. I can't remember the line up but I'm pretty sure that Siakol, Markus Highway, Tanya Markova, Protein Shake, The Dawn, Rico Blanco, Franco, Bamboo, Pedicab, Razorback, 6 Cycle Mind, Wolfgang, Kamikazee, PNE and Chicosci played after. General Luna and Hilera were also there though I wasn't able to hear them play.

Here are some pictures we took with the rock stars.

Darius Semana Parokya ni Edgar

Basti Artadi Wolfgang

Dindin Moreno Parokya ni Edgar

Jay Contreras Kamikazee

I was so overwhelmed with 36 straight hours of no sleep, an empty stomach, and 4 glasses of cossack vodka that I wasn't able to enjoy the music. But I enjoyed the company of stars and friends. Congrats team for making the event possible amidst all issues.

nura10

2010-10-13T03:16:00.001+08:00

It's the time of the year, where you get to vote your favorite rock artists for a chance of winning the prestigious awards in the rock music scene. Ugh, not true enough as the votes have already been casted. I was eager to vote for my fave rock band when the site prompted that I'm already done voting. What? Is this a case of a flying voter? Nah. My theory is that the counters were not reset immediately after the 2009 polls. I was about to report that when I figured that it's already of no use.

All that I could do now is pasting the set of nominees for your reference.

Artist of the Year
•Franco
•Francis M / Ely Buendia
•Urbandub
•Tanya Markova
•Archipelago

Album of the Year
•Franco - Franco
•Fly Black Hearts- Chicosci
•In Love and War- Francis M & Ely Buendia
•Apparition - Urbandub
•Tanya Markova - Tanya Markova
•Travel Advisory - Archipelago

Vocalist of the Year
•Franco Reyes - Franco
•Gabby Alipe - Urbandub
•Nicole Asensio - General Luna
•Kat Agarrado - Sinosikat
•Ria Bautista - Paramita
•Ma. Jeanette "Jing" Jorge - Sugar Hiccup

Guitarist of the Year
•Gabby Alipe, Paolo Toleran, Franco Reyes - Franco
•Mong Alcaraz, Ariel Lumanlan - Chicosci
•Gabby Alipe, John Dinopol - Urbandub
•EJ Guevarra, Florante Sabas, JB Borbajo - Tanya Markova
•Peavy "Sideshow" Nicolas, Fran Lorenzo - Sleepwalk Circus
•Marco de Leon - Paramita

Bassist of the Year
•Buwi Meneses - Franco
•Lalay Lim - Urbandub
•Carlos "Calde" Calderon - Chicosci
•Alexis Montemayor - General Luna
•Alsey Cortez - Paramita
•Rommel dela Cruz - Ozawa

Drummer of the Year
•Janjan Mendoza - Franco/Urbandub
•Bea Lao - General Luna
•Macoy Estacio -Chicosci
•Wendell Garcia - Archipelago
•Ria Bautista - Paramita
•Otep Concepcion - Ozawa / In Love and War

Song of the Year
•This Gathering - Franco
•Higante - Francis M. & Ely Buendia
•Picture picture - Tanya Markova
•A call to Arms - Urbandub
•Hang-over - Sugarfree
•Bakasyon - Peryodiko
•Gaan - Archipelago
•Suplado ka Pala sa Personal - Itchyworms

Best New Artist
•Franco
•Tanya Markova
•Archipelago
•Mr. Bones & The Boneyard Circus
•Sleepwalk Circus

In The Raw Award
•Big Boy Bakulaw
•Ivan Theory
•Reese and Vica
•Pale Yellow Light
•Good Morning High Fives
•Sunflower Day Camp
•Urduja
•The Flying Ipis
•Maya's Anklet
•The Butchercons
•September Issue
•Jov Kalinga Project
•Eureka
•Army of One
•Bluewish
•Glorious Masai Mara
•Pitik Flicker Fusion
•Pasok Mga Buwitre
•Halik ni Gringo

URock College Band of the Year
•Good Morning High Fives of CSB & Ateneo
•Milagro of Ateneo, CSB, and UST
•Ivan Theory of UP Diliman, PWU, Ateneo, & Kalayaan College
•Reese & Vica of Ateneo
•Leonecast of Ateneo

Wee! I really hope Kiko and Ely would win the artist of the year award. It'll be historic! But it's a good year for Archipelago and Tanya Markova. And my current favorite, General Luna, was nominated! This is quite interisting.

eheads box set review

2010-10-12T07:22:00.017+08:00

It's just now that I was able to blog about my eheads box set experience in detail. My box set is a month year old now as I bought it last 9/11 at the Greenwich restaurant, Megamall Branch. I purchased the set for Php 2,500.00 and since then, I've never regret having it (uhm.. except for a piece that I'll discuss later in this post).

Inside the box are the following stuff: a cool shirt, a magazine, 10 original eheads cds, and a documentary in dvd format. The set comes with a Greenwich Overload Pizza, 2 Spaghettis, 2 Chickens, and a pitcher of a softdrink. Not bad at all for a big fan eh?

So let's discuss the items one by one.

Shirt

On the right is the shirt's design. As you see, an inverted is formed by a collage with the band member's faces with it. For me, it's so cool that I could always wear it in gigs or concerts. However, the size for me is too big. A bit more and it would make me look like a hiphop rapper.

Magazine

I haven't fully read the magazine yet. But I browsed over it and come into a conclusion that the book contains the Heads' history, some testimonials from the fans and people behind the scenes, pictures, and lyrics of the ten albums they made. It would be a little helpful for some fans if they've also included accurate guitar tabs or chords. Or it's too much to ask? Moving on...

10 cds

*There are 11 in this picture as one of them is the dvd documentary.

Here comes the soul of the whole set, the music that is being paid for. Whenever I get lonely or just plain tired, I'll lock the door, turn on the boom box, maximize the volume, grab my guitar, and sing with the tune of my all time favorites. They never fail to give me that certain kind of feeling, like that of an addict. The sounds make me feel euphoric, as if endorphins are being released by the pituitary gland, immediately distributing them evenly in all parts of my body. Ok, 'nuff said. Here's the list of the CDs (digitally-remastered) inside the box set:

1. Dirty Little Treasures
2. UltraElectroMagneticPop! (1993)
3. Circus (1994)
4. Cutterpillow (1995)
5. Fruitcake (1996)
6. Bananatype EP (1997)
7. Stickerhappy (1997)
8. Aloha Milkyway (1998)
9. Natin 99 (1999)
10. Carbonstereoxide (2001)

Still, there's this tunog-lata effect when you listen to them. But that's an essential ingredient to their music.

Pop-U-Mentary

This one? Fail. They could've just thrown in Pop-U! instead of making a lengthy slideshow. It even appeared as a powerpoint presentation with plain photos and videos in it. No offense but I really think a fourth grader could make something like this given a basic knowledge of the windows media player. Transitions were too slow, you could hit the fast forward without missing a thing. It could be appreciated if a compilation of the myxposed episodes were there since it has already been removed in youtube. Sayang.

But overall, it's a good deal. I read somewhere in twitter that the promo will end this October. Try to grab your own box now.
:)

imagine peace

2010-10-09T00:56:00.008+08:00

For quite a time, I've been drowning with all the unimportant stuff deemed to be classified as necessary by the society. And when my desired rest finally came, I still can't help but worry about things my future might bring. I even go and argue that I'm not that kind of person at all. But for a time, i.e. today, rather yesterday, I reflected and saw that even the short-term purpose wasn't even being at reach.

This post is a tribute for John Lennon for reminding us to imagine peace despite of all these things going around us. This would've been your 70th birthday. Thanks for inspiring. Thanks for the music.

the star

1988-10-26T00:00:00.021+08:00

Stella Marie de Sagun

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