Saguijo weekends

Have been going to Saguijo for more reasons than the music. last week, thought I’d go see Greyhoundz to shake off anxieties through slam dancing. Its a great thing NA is a rap metal junkie, who thought I’m not in on loud riffs and growling. Its acquired taste really but I’m all for it.

Last night, I dragged my best friend Edgar along to meet Ed, Jac and Eddy and see Up Dharma Down play. Armi and the band delivered a perfect set, good good music. Its a different experience watching every band play. With UDD, everyone is just quiet and bouncy, a little chorus sing along here and there, but mostly we are feeling the music and letting Armi do her magic.

It was also great to see Paramita play,its my first time to see them. Seeing a female lead singer bang the drums, i thought was a thing of the past. Looking at the girl, the thought in my heads goes like “how can she hit the right drum and hit the notes”.

the weekend aint over and there’s still a party I have to get ready for.

Underground heaven

I can’t get over being flabbergasted about the underground scene and being in a room full of straight people. Having been used to having lots of gays around me all the time sorta been the thing, and certainly, partying with the straight crowd (like myself) is like being in a new world.

my kindred spirit ed, invited me to check out Saguijo, a rockers haven my side of Makati (can you believe that?), Cynthia Alexander is playing and there’s no way I’m gonna miss out on her again. It’s been a good six years or so since I saw her play at the UP bandstand. What’s more, Kate Torralba is gonna be on as well and I effing love her style, I remember being blown away seeing her play Alanis’ Your House during the Alanis Morissette tribute concert at the Shangrila Strip in 2005 in time for the promotion of Jagged Little Pill Acoustic. I thought she was on it more for a hobby coz I’ve always known her as a designer. As it turns out, she loves music all that much and its a plus factor that she plays the songs I know and love. 

We got to the venue around 11pm, I could already hear Kate’s passionate piano keyboard playing from the gate and I just wanna jump and pop myself inside. It’s Ed’s first time to see Kate, I have put a good word about her so by then i think Ed is expecting to be blown away. Kate didn’t fail him after delivering her piano driven renditions of songs from Regina Spektor, Tori Amos and Radiohead.

One of the highlights of the night was when Kate mumbled she didn’t have a setlist and we’re welcome to make a request, like an autopilot, I yelled “Your House”, she said “What?” “that’s the Alanis song without music right? and seconds after, she was widowing the notes I suppose she arranged from 3 years back and sang it to us. Electricity flowed through me as if  like butterflies in my stomach,  and I felt Ed shaking, shivers went down his spine and were both cringing, not minding that Kate have already forgotten some words and which lines go where. I thought to myself “not even Alanis can do that song like that”. There goes the part where I wished we got there earlier to hear more of Kate’s heart in sound performance. What I like most about her playing is, she conquers the song and owns it. Its that thing you find in rock that you wont find in RnB or house music.

Once again, there I was singing along to songs from the wicked and extra talented songwriters from the golden age of alternarock 90s, in chorus with people who find relevance in these songs the way i do. Nostalgia is the word, common ground is the place, music is the language!

Kate ended her set and walked up to friends, Ed couldn’t contain his excitement and came up to Kate and thanked her for the music. She’s warm and very welcoming and just sweet. 

Cynthia Alexander took the stage next with her 2-piece acoustic ensemble, multi-instrumentalist Malou and a bongo player plus her on guitar.  She’s just how I remembered her from way way back. She opened with a song I’ve never heard and words I do not understand, but the language of music does the work so all is well.

 

Memories rained on me hearing Cynthia’s songs like Comfort in your Strangeness, Malaya, Insomnia live and straight from the lady herself. About this time, I looked around and saw and heard a whole lot of people humming along. We must be from the same generation and likely the same wavelength.

 

It’s a bit different to hear Kate sing international classic rock ditties to hear Cynthia’s renowned songs. She was never mainstream and is known only to those who dig the whole rock genre and tune in to NU107, therefore, a dot in a humongous circle. Might I add the rock crowd has evolved all too much, they are dressed to the nines as opposed to the old greasy, all black outfitters of the 90s. They are eloquent, reserved and has seemingly disposed the trash talking. Boi have we grown.

Simply sitting in a dark corner of the room listening to Cynthia and Malou gave me a natural high, so high I didn’t even complain the bar is a non-smoking room. A few notes at the start of Malaya and Insomnia ticked my eardrum and sent me to peak at the moment. I’ve heard these songs prolly a million times yet it always sounds new, fresh and continuously growing in me.

Outside, we caught up with Cynthia and Malou talking about the olden days of bandemonium and how bad the local music industry turned out over the years in the hands of who knows who.  Malou, Ed and I went deep into the  conversation discussing the fate of rock legends Eraserheads, Rivermaya=Bamboo Manalac=Rico Blanco=Perf de Castro. I cant believe I have the names and know a bit of history of those acts, more so care enough what became of them, yet I suppose I really do care.

Chilled out a bit at the outer lobby of Saguijo while Paramita(*they go by a new name now, cant remember) is playing. Kate, as I was told was getting down and dancey inside. She came out after the rocking wrapped up and caught up with friends at the next table. She invited for us and everybody for kebab in Mr. Kebab all the way in QC, which we had to refuse considering the time and distance. She let us in a little secret, an album will be out in March 2009 and i’ll be there when it hits the racks.

The whole Saguijo experience is like a drug to me, like a vice I ditched and got back to. At the same time, it’s an eye opener, I discovered I’m a true blue rakista. Now, I’m all psyched to go home and dust off my guitar and play music again. Thanks Ed for re-igniting the old fire. I had a blast!

 

Rock On!

 

 

 

roomful of mirrors

Outside the home,where the heart is, is where pieces fall into place. Every place we are immersed in is a mirror, the workplace is where you see reflections of your mind, where you look around and meet minds one way or another. Elsewhere, in the company of friends, makes you see yourself enjoying moments of fun and the comfort of being seen for who you are.

Last weekend, I had the strangest feeling just being in a room where I looked around and saw myself in everyone, listening to songs I know by heart and mind, singing words I’ve known for so long, and hearing it knowing  that people around me love it for all the same reasons I do. What have I been doing all this time, and where have I been going?

I was in the comfort of the strangeness of perfect strangers who share my passion for genuine articles of music. Every beat, every note, every key, every chord with every strum is a familiar one that only re-ignited the fire that used to burn so brightly inside me. I may have embraced the musical revolution, welcomed the infiltration of new media while somehow loathing the scene, not knowing that somewhere in a lazy street not far from where I live, is a heaven underground where the music I know and live for still thrives.

We are who we are, and we are really what we listen to.

 

Lost in Trance- the intergalactic debauchery

The past weekend was a really long one, I prolly pulled off a 48hour debauchery stretch which kicked off with attending a house blessing with my family. Our matured relatives are slowly moving back to the country by fear of graying in the promised land.

 

Episode 1-the chaos begins

 

Saturday started with a conservative lunch and a tour of my tito and titas victorian home in Brittany, having my two elder sisters and my brother in the car is always a chaotic experience. I hate why when it comes to matters with my sibs, I define it to be chaotic. I guess I’m just so used to living by myself and creating my own chaos. Anyhoo, we drove off to white plains to drop my wicked sisters and went back to my pad where I took my sweet time preparing to attend Trance Alliance with Jane and Christian.

Episode 2-Getting Lost In Trance

Night fell as I coordinated with Jane about what time to go. Jane aint so much into house or trance music that I felt there can be a chance, she and Chris will not push. But by all means, I’m ok not to. I have also been pestering Martin and Basol to go and tag along but they dont seem to have a plan. Armin just wrapped a week before and watching gimmick budget is a close call. Lucky for me, I won tix/guest listing from Jayvee Fernandez’ blog abuggedlife (tnx much jayvee), I’m sure next time, he’ll do it in pairs.

Its getting late and its almost time to go, Jane and I agreed to head to A. Venue at 11pm. Soon afterwards, she called it off and offered their tix up, which I was quick to claim for my guys,Martin Carlo and Basol. Now we’re rolling! Got our entrance stamps and Carlo followed. Digital blonde was playing when we got in, we decided to grab drinks at WG Diner to cut on cost and power up with booze. One joke lead to another, and its me! my guard is down tonight but not as much as Martin (ehem!).

                                    

Its 2am and the party is just starting for me and the boys. Back at the venue, the crowd has thickened than when we left, the music is loud but the crowd is not. It’s a totally different story when John Flemming took over for the spin. The parasol of laser lights and strobes beaming over my head is heavenly, like streaks of lightning clouding in my head. I’m lost in trance, drowning in the sound, breathing first and second hand smoke, feeling like Alice in a wonderland of nicotine and all that jazz! 

The crowd waned down as morning dawned, we’re chasing the sun at 5am. Our next stop was at Club Government, once again–I’m the only rose among the thorny roses. Carlo fled the scene from here while I stayed with the company of friends with substance.

Episode 3-Crash Test Dummies

Morning sun found me at my place with my mac open for business, turns out I have a deadline to make, its a case of the flesh is willing but the mind is weak. I had my first taste of morning booze with Martin and Basol, gulping vodka cruiser and my new vodka iced tea concoction, followed by a mix of brandy and iced tea. DJ and Roj soon knocked and joined the party, we had to get another round of booze as the party got bigger.

Martin is beaming with happiness with the tons of text messages he’s reading, and then–another one walks in completing the cast of half-naked gays hanging around me lol. Something went balistic, Martin had tears in his eyes and it didnt stop flowing until the afternoon before we departed just before 30 past 4.

Episode 4- Lost in Space

Took a shower and felt I can start working, two scripts on the line, I felt like fainting. I Stole some winks and fell deep into sleep. And boom, my sister is standing over my shoulder at 5pm, talk about sleep deprivation. I faced the mac and did what i had to do, ran out to send an email while my fingers kept busy locating Jay, whom I saw at the event before the lights went out.

Exerted effort eating dinner and finally got a hold of Jay a couple of hours before midnight. Ed is prepping the place for a supposed Alanis appreciation night party at Virra 1, the stars aren’t aligned so I guess, party number 2 is up. At 2am on Sunday morning, Martin and Basol had an epiphany, they had to find Jay. Ed and I on the other hand are officiating a baptism, a coming of age for a guy who has been under a rock but nevertheless open minded and has natural good vibrations.We witnessed the melting of inhibitions. Party on Mike!

For as the mac got me working, it was Ed’s mac we drove like a vessel throught he black holes and the bounds of infinity. I look back now and laugh at myself, I was a fairly good captain that even Captain Hook will envy.

We stepped out to the balcony and caught the breeze of the first night of December, we watched the glimmering lights of makati skyline, watching intently as the glare from each lamp post locked in our vision. We gazed at the stars shimmering like silver dust scattered in the night sky and waited till the clouds zoomed in floating like cotton in the field.

Episode 5- Crash and Burn

Morning broke but the party aint over, music pumped the minute Basol, Martin and Alden walked in. Monday morning booze is yet to flood! We drank and laughed until smoke caught Martin’s eyes and river flowed. His flight ceased to take off yet again. My eyes gave up and shut, woke up alone in the room, still under a blanket of smoke, Ed is up. 9pm, dinner time! Off we go to  North Park, washing down alcohol with soup and lotsa food we cannot possibly finish.

Whatta weekend!

 

A State of Trance with the lost boys

I cant believe how many club parties i’ve attended in these latter months, what a late bloomer! lol

Friday night was my trip to the state… of trance with Armin Van Buuren held at the World Trade Center. This is probably my most expensive dance party but I just couldn’t pass it up; glad i didn’t. After all, I’ve been planning for this a since seeing Chicane. Too bad NA couldn’t make it cuz of some shit. 

I stepped in the venue slightly drunk from the 2 bottles of beer Carlo and I had at dinner. This is the only event where I entered the floor with the gang–there’s me and Carlo, Basol joined later on, the glimmering and bronzed beauty of Martin came into view, followed by the boot clad Jane and Christian. 

Blake Jarell is on and he’s playing it good, pretty mind blowing and were loving it. He really pumped up the party that had almost everybody go wild and free. And for his finale, he did Chasing Cars and a GV mix of Around the World. We can’t help but notice how synched the light direction is with the music progression. This early in the show, I reckoned this is gonna be a dream party. To top it all, he’s quite cute too.

The great Armin Van Buuren jumped in and continued to bring pulse to the prancing zombies. He’s a bit dramatic with his transitions, strangely enough, if not for the low nano seconds in between mixes, the music never piped down even to the last beat. I was drowning in trance and fancied by the lights when something so familiar came on–came back to my senses hearing Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit. I thought that would close his set, but he kept on. The crowd thinned by this time but party animals still lingered. Basol came to pick me and Carlo up, turns out he and Martin were already outside waiting. 

Its already 5am and were chasing the sun, this is the latest (or the earliest) we stayed for a BigFish event. This show kills the rest I’ve been to, indeed the best party this year, a dream set for everyone in a state of trance. 

I stayed a while with the company of Martin, Basol, DJ and the rest of the lost boys till the sun hurts. I unlocked my apartment door surprised my sister ain’t there as previously planned. Counted sheep and fell asleep and woke up in time to sleep, but I figured I’ll do my weekend grocery shopping. I lost a day! guess I’m the lost girl. I was prolly awake for only 5 hours on Saturday. 

I had a full week, I deserved a full weekend of great music, friends, alcohol and why and what not?

70,000 strong-Chris Brown and Rihanna- Live in Taguig

I found myself among a crowd of 70,000 RnB enthusiasts at the Fort Bonifacio open field last Sunday. I dont know Chris Brown much or follow his work so his set was a bit a drag for me. One of the rants of seeing RnB acts live is that it’s like watching it on TV, they have commercials! show intermissions and frills that does’nt thrill anymore specially when you’ve standing up, but that’s how it is.

Chris Brown is one hell of a dancer, he should have done a dance concert instead, than a concert with more vocals on playback than live sung. Rihanna is a darling, she talks and smiles to the crowd and even did a portion of BEPs Bebot ( Filipino!). It turns out she is friends with lots of Filipinos, she looked happy to perform to the Philippine audience.

The first part of her set is quite slow though and both their performances run short on energy and luster, blame the sound system–layers of instruments are missing, or so i thought but the lights are pretty. The energy started to pick up in the middle of her set, its sad cuz people were more energetic during Chris’ set which was really a drag.

Unfortunately, we had to wait until the show producers rework the stage with hydraulics and staircase for Rihanna. Flips are such fabulous people, producers felt the need to put on a pyrotechnics show to keep us entertained while waiting. 

Rihanna started with Disturbia which disturbingly didn’t hype audience, the audio was poor during that one. the show hightlight was when she did Unfaithful, where everyone sort of sang before her and sure enuff, Umbrella where Chris jumped in singing Cinderella. 

Such a nightmare to exit Fort Bonifacio in that magnitude of people walking, cars crowding and cabs unabiding. We had to kill time and find somewhere to rest our tired feet and collapsing knee caps. It would have been nice to find a cozy corner to chill out. But were hungry, thirsty and out of cigarettes and all ATMs are cashless–already, I’m so angsty and sleepy. Thank god, Diane’s dad arrived and we hitched a ride out of the Fort.

I just realized, i ranted the whole blog through, i did enjoy the concert except for the many things i wrote above. It was a freaking Sunday and I have work the morning after, so rant.

Not As We

 

This song leaked mid last year when Alanis performed it at the CD launch of the Tom Morellos Nightwatchman, she had just been out of a relationship and the words fit right what i imagine someone would feel after a break up from a long committed relationship. i say imagine only coz i don’t necessarily have to relate. i send this out to friends fresh from a bad break up, whom i like to emotionally torture ( my bad!)

When Music Mattered

thru the passing of time and the changing of tunes, so much has evolved yet not all are for the better. 

Music for instance meant so much more not too long ago, listeners and music enthusiasts looked thru words and hears more than melodies, we heard flowing emotions and connected with them in a way that we take songs as our own.

Artists are taken seriously, respected, adulated for their talent, for the deeper power of their voices. Now, artists are plain entertainment, they are no more just people who commoners pick out on to get pass their own frills and thrills. No more do they write and speak their minds out, the paparazzi and the idioteque celebrity news shows does that. it doesnt matter if the songs they write and perform are audible enough, they just have to be in the happening places and flash their firecrotches–Here is a star. Yeah! 

And sell outs—Madonna is the queen of queens, hands down.. but she can get away with it and I love her. And Mariah — if only she were a man, She’d be the king. I don’t even wanna get started on these two, only because having nothing for and nothing against Mariah voids my objectivity. Her earlier work against the later ones after butterfly is soul baring trash yet people still buy it. 

Every now and then, there will be artists and performers that will earn the ears of the people, there will be good breakouts that will be coated with recognitions, objectivity and art expression that later proves to be bubblegum that we chew and spit. The Black Eyed Peas gave us a socially relevant song that both opened eyes and entertained, we can even dance to it, and along came My Humps- a chronicle of men feasting on breasts and derrieres that parents cheer on their little girls to sing and dance to. You just have to ask, what is wrong with the world momma?

I happen not to find anything sexy about Justin Timberlake, or was that Timberflake? Sexy back? c’mon! What defines sexy these days? long tanned legs, puffing cleavages, shirtless buckled black men and skinny bitches who talk shit and thinks they can save the world in 4 minutes? who can save the music world in 40 years? if the kind of sexy he’s talking about is the one where sensitivity, intelligence, confidence and integrity is on, i’ll be all over him.It doesn’t seem like it though, just go for the grind, flake. 

Thank God for Coldplay and maybe Maroon 5, a bit of the genre I grew up with scratched even if only an inch. Where have all the crop of artists who formed the music movement in the 90’s gone?  the answer is, they are what they are…true to their music and playing it to people who appreciate them. They’ve not sold out to go where the masses will welcome them. Their art lies where their heart is. Its not the music that changed, its the people who listen to them.

All hail Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, Chris Novaselic and Nirvana, Kirk Hammet and the rest of Metallica, Stone Temple Pilots, Radiohead,Soundgarden, Alanis Morissette, Dolores O’ Riordan and the Cranberries, Shirley Manson and Garbage, Butch Vig, Fiona Apple. Billy Corgan, Billy Joe Armstrong, Sheryl Crow, Natalie Merchant and 10,000 maniacs, Dishwalla, Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20, Stephan Jenkins and 3EB, the “Jewel” i know, En Vogue, the Braxtons, Toni Braxton and yes even the Spice Girls, your bubblegum can still be popped.