Project 52 2014 (10/52): Sinta

.:Project 52 2014 (10/52): Sinta:.

Pag-ibig ko sa iyo ay tunay at totoo...

Last week, I was fortunate enough to actually find myself watching "Rak Of Aegis" on its gala night, thanks to my old friend, Ren Aguila. I got there, ran into several people like Jazz Nicolas of the Itchyworms, and even a few other big names in the Philippine music scene, such as Ogie Alcasid and Gary Valenciano, who apparently attended a meeting for artists immediately before the play.

But the highlight of the night would have to be the fact that Jose Mari Chan was also in attendance - and it was nowhere near Christmas!

Singtamis ng wine, singtatag ng sunshine...

"Rak Of Aegis" really rocked hard that night, and I couldn't help but resist the urge to sing along to the songs throughout the night, as was requested by the theater voiceover before the play began. Considering that this film was originally just a joke or meme on Facebook before it ended up becoming reality, it's good to know that someone liked the idea enough to really make it happen, because Aegis's discography just lent itself perfectly to a powerful performance all around.

The cast was, in a word, perfect. Every single performer onstage was appropriate for the role they were playing, and it was clear that they were adding little touches here and there to the play as current events that could not possibly have been referenced a month ago when the play's run began made its way into the dialogue, such as "foods" and another recent thing that hit the news just that day, like Enrile's wife or something. I don't want to spoil anything and I don't really want to get into the nitty-gritty of the plot, but it was lighthearted but very heartwarming at the same time.

Tunghayan mo sana ang aking pagsinta...

That night, there were so many ships to be shipped: Tolits x Aileen, Kenny x Aileen, Kiel x Mercy, Kiel x Mary Jane, and maybe even Kenny x Jewel. It was love in the time of Yolanda, as it were, what with the play set in the middle of a lengthy flood afflicting a small town. 

Truth be told, I was surprised by the set PETA ran with, because I didn't expect it to be water-filled. When I initially sat down to watch the play, I thought that I was looking at glass, but it turned out to be water, which added to a kind of theater magic that I have probably never seen before, given my limited experience with the medium.

Langit ng puso ko, oh ang pag-ibig mo, sinta...

Funny and endearing, the play was amazing from top to bottom, and of course, the cast handled themselves exceptionally well as they sang very familiar songs from Aegis, including "Luha," "Sinta," "Basang-Basa Sa Ulan," and even "Christmas Bonus." The songs really shone throughout, with their lyrics being changed here and there to fit the context of each key scene better, and while the conflict and drama within the play took a backseat to the musicality, I don't think I would complain about that when it's supposed to be a feel-good experience in the first place.

But next thing I knew, my eyes seemed to deceive me when I saw there was more after the musical ended. Okay, not really. I knew they were going to be there. But still...

Nananaginip nang gising, nakatulala sa hangin...

Aegis showed up. Aegis!

Pictured: Aegis!

I knew they were going to perform that evening, but it really was a treat to see them in the flesh, and belt out their songs like there was no tomorrow. One would have to admit: there's something unbelievable about the pipes on these ladies, given how difficult it is to sing these songs non-stop, which they've been doing since I don't even know when.

Nagsusumidhing damdamin, kahit halik lang ang akin...

The audience was so appreciative of Aegis, and why not? It doesn't matter how snooty you may be and how much you may despise OPM. It doesn't matter how "bakya" you might think their lyrics are. Aegis has talent. They can sing, and boy, like how!

In fact, it was so raucous already that the theatre people didn't bother stopping anyone from taking videos of the Aegis performance, as nearly every person inside PETA theater felt compelled to bring out their cameras to just capture a piece of these amazing performers, as they gave their all to everyone watching.

Nababaliw ako sa'yo, bawat silakbo ng puso ko...

Aegis was awesome, and so was Rak of Aegis. I heard they're expending the play's run a bit more, and it's good that they did, because this is a musical you really have to experience, and I say this as someone who's not particularly a theater person!

A shame I couldn't find Jose Mari Chan after the show, though. But hey, at least, I ran into Earl Ignacio!

"Rak of Aegis" was a masterpiece. it really was. Here's hoping for a second run sometime in the near future! In the meantime, I will be waiting...

Sa isang sulok na lang, umiibig sa 'yo, sinta...

Song Lyrics: After All This Time, by The Itchyworms

.:After All This Time:.

Everyone knows how much of a fan I am of The Itchyworms, and how I've opened for them a few times before in the past.

After all these years, this is my only picture with the whole band!

Well, recently, they came out with a new song, and it's called "After All This Time." The first thing you will notice about it is that... it's an English song. Surprise, surprise! They're actually bilingual! Well, just kidding. We've heard "Season Of Smiles" before... heh.

The second thing you'll notice is that apparently, Jazz is handling lead vocal duties for this particular song, and it's awesome!

Anyways, if you've been living under a rock filled with nothing but bad OPM, let's change that right now with their official music video...

Sniff. Something got in my eye.

Doesn't the song just hit the spot? It really hit home for me, considering where I am in my life right now, and it's been nearly four years, when I think about it. Still, what a wonderful song, and I can't help but be reminded of how many songs The Itchyworms have had that never fails to really affect me to my very core. To put it in the vernacular, nakaka-antig ang mga kanta nila.

So. I checked online for lyrics and all that. Guess what? There were none! Since I was willing to keep listening to the song on loop anyways, I decided to take matters into my own hands, so with 

all due credit to Jugs, Kel, Chino, and Jazz, here goes nothing...

After All This Time

by The Itchyworms

Walkin’ away

 From what I felt would never end

Lookin’ okay

 But deep inside, I’m lost in time

It’s never over

What I feel for you won’t die

We’re all getting older

But my heart keeps asking why

Refrain:

‘Cause I’ve thrown away my lucky stars

And my wishes don’t come true

I’ve been lookin’ up to heaven

While I’m cryin’ over you

‘Cause I can’t forget the good times

We’ve had when you were mine

I just wonder if you need me still

After all this time

I just wonder if you need me still

After all this time

You turned away

I called you back, but it’s no use

What can I say?

Now I know I’ve got nothing to lose

Sometimes I still miss you

I just wanted you to know

I can’t be without you

‘Cause my heart never stopped, I just had to give up

Repeat Refrain

Bridge:

I wanna know when you stopped tryin’

You’re part of all that I’ve been through

Were all these years of hopin’ for you just a waste of time?

‘Cause whatever I do

(Whatever I do)

It’s no good without you

(Insert rippin’ guitar solo here!!!)

So I’ve thrown away my lucky stars

‘Cause my wishes don’t come true

(Wishes don’t come true)

I’ve been lookin’ up to heaven

While I’m cryin’ over you

(Cryin’ over you)

‘Cause I can’t forget the good times

We’ve had when you were mine

I just wonder if you need me still

(Wonder if you still need me still)

Wonder if you need me still

After all this time

(After all this time)

After all this time

(Time)

After all this time

(Time)

The 10th Anniversary Retrospective: 2011

.:The 10th Anniversary Retrospective: 2011:.

Yeah, I think this was a better year than 2009 and 2010 combined...

Hmm... 2011. A perfectly good mix of a year, in all honesty. It wasn't overtly amazing (Except for the part where I met Kim Chiuuuuuuu!!!), and there were some clunkers along the way, too, and yeah, losing several friends along the way also proved to not exactly be a great experience, for that matter. Despite that, I think 2011 was a turning point for me because that was when I began to learn how to live my life without My Beloved, assuming that I was never going to see her again.

It was the year where I tried to finally open myself up for life beyond her, but the mistaken notion was that a life beyond her needed someone else to fill the void. Maybe that's where I was wrong: because the attempts I had to fill in that void were pretty regrettable looking back, to say the least. There were very few bright spots, and no, a pretend-relationship via mostly Facebook with Lovey Dovey probably wasn't one of them, nor was the mistake I made sometime October. 

Project 52 in 2011 was all about music. I had a song of the week, reflecting my regular lyrics posts in 2003 or so. This time, I managed to put more impact in doing those music-related posts simply because I had to justify why I was sharing each song in question. This is also why I ended up performing for the Itchyworms several times, including their 15th anniversary show, which has to be one of the biggest highlights of my year as a performer.

The amazing thing, though, is, after January, after CamSur, I discovered that making mistakes isn't such a bad thing anymore. I found out that I had the capability of walking away from mistakes now, and I wasn't going to stick by a mistake until it hurt so much that it was doing far more harm than good to me. I opened and capped off my year with Philo-Sophie, and I realized at that point that I was just being used, much in the same way I allowed myself to be used in 2009 by various people.

2011 was a turning point because I learned better than to let anything bad happening to me stain me permanently. It was when I started seeing how I could turn any lemons my way into lemonade. I also started contributing to Filipino Freethinkers this year.

The low points of 2011 came when Sugarfree disbanded, and AJ Matela passed. And probably the horrible April Fool's day joke bloggers received. The less said about that, the better.

Geekfighting, OGM, these things became part of my life this year all the same. I started opening for Mike Unson, culminating in me being part of Rex Navarette's November show in The Fort. Overall, I was trying so many different things to fill in the void, as I attended the weddings of one of my closest friends, as well as someone I almost got involved with romantically. This is why my first blogpost of the year is also probably the one I'm most proud of having written in 2011: the wedding proposal for no one. And yes, it doesn't matter if in 2012, the first thing I did was contradict myself. When I wrote that post back then, it was really something so true and heartfelt.

Winning a second time in the Philippine Blog Awards wasn't too shabby, either. I must say: 2011 really had a lot of good moments, and it all started when I realized that no matter how much my past still matters to me, I can walk away from it all. 

The sweetest or creepiest gesture I ever received in my life. Let's go with creepy.

And really, that's all there is to it: nine years of blogging in 2011, and I finally learned perhaps the most important lesson of my life: I am resilient. And sometimes, though something may mean the world to me, I need to turn my back on it because what good is holding on to a world going down in flames?

Project 52 (35/52): On Whether Or Not OPM Is "Dead" (And Why We're Asking The Wrong Question)

.:Project 52 (35/52): On Whether Or Not OPM Is "Dead" (And Why We're Asking The Wrong Question):.

Well, they're Original, they're Pinoy, they're making Music, and they don't look dead to me, so...

And friends are probably wondering why I'm not writing about Sotto after his latest screed. Yeah, I saw myself on Yahoo because of the issue, but the answer why I'm mostly ignoring him by today is pretty simple: writing about his plagiarism is exactly what he wants at this point, and I'm not going to give him the satisfaction of wasting my time.

But he does have one common thread with this issue I'm talking about, though: he was a part of VST and Co., one of the luminaries of OPM back in the day. If he resigned the Senate and reformed VST instead, he would have all my support.

I know I talked about Philippine radio, often the vehicle for OPM, tolling its death knells in 2010. Strangely, this whole issue brings all that to fore to my mind.

That being said, I know the issue itself is all but dead, but I still feel the need to chew on it some more. Yeah, I did an 8 List that is saying what I'm saying right now, but I want to expound my point further.

First, I think we're having a failure to communicate because when Leloy Claudio and Don Jaucian assert that OPM is dead, they seem to have a specific definition people like Zach Lucero and Jinri Park do not necessarily share.

For those who are outside looking in, commercial success is the standard for whether OPM is alive or dead. I doubt anyone would be deluded enough to say that every talented artist out there is getting a fair shake commercially. You probably can't even say that even during the boom periods of OPM, after all, but that gap seems a lot more obvious at present.

It's why I partially agreed with Leloy on Twitter: correct symptoms, wrong diagnosis. Otherwise, this blog, which hasn't really been a blog designed to make money, has been dead since 2002, and all modesty aside, I'm pretty damned sure that is not true. If I pretty much said that blogging isn't always about money or following, then I'd be a hypocrite to make it the only thing about music, too.

Buuuut... don't we all wish our favorite artists made more money for the beautiful music they make? I know I do. That's why I was agreeing with Leloy on this count. If it's all about the money, then the talented people are not getting enough of it. The capitalist in me agrees with what Leloy had to say, but not his conclusion.

There's also the notion that OPM is "dead" because the elites and the masses aren't singing the same song. Maybe, maybe not. I absolutely love Gloc 9 and I don't think he's a guilty pleasure, and I'm not alone in this among my friends. The masses clearly love him enough to keep him on top of the Myx Charts, too.

Cracked talked about this already: people who think OPM is dead think so because that is their perception, and for the mainstream, perception is reality. I don't think I've ever been to 70's Bistro with Leloy, so that speaks for itself, really.

What is "dead" to the mainstream is not necessarily "dead" to everybody else, but really, what does it mean for OPM to be truly dead?

The great Francis Magalona passed away a few years back, and yet, his music still lives on to this very day. Is his music "dead"? Of course not. The same can be said of any artist who has left their mark in OPM, living or dead. Contrary to Don McLean, there is no day when the music dies. It's an art form. "Killing" an art form utterly is pretty hard to do.

In the 90's, when a certain Senator tried to ban "Alapaap" from the airwaves, do you think our parents felt OPM was alive? I'm willing to bet those with protective parents thought the Eraserheads were polluting our minds, and were nothing compared to the OPM artists of their time who weren't singing about drugs. Like Pepe Smith or something.

Hey! Two straight-edge guys hanging out!

It's a question of perspective again. Just like James Soriano last year, which happened also, coincidentally, around the time of Buwan ng Wika. Seems to me it's always the older generation who thinks the new one is killing the good ol' days, and our rose-colored glasses refuse to come off.

Damn, it makes me feel old to realize I'm now part of "the older generation."

So yes, OPM is "dead" given a very specific definition that not everybody agrees with. OPM is also "alive", but it isn't optimal. I doubt anyone would deny that the situation could be better for everyone involved, and though piracy, the broken business model, and so many other issues may be to blame, what is not to blame is the lack of local musical talent. They're all there. We just need to look for them, and in the age of the internet, that might really be the secret demand that is expected of us.

Kung hindi mo alam na may magaling tumugtog diyan sa kanto, hindi ibig sabihin walang magaling tumugtog diyan sa kanto.

We expected the performers to change, but not the ways by which we came to know them. What if we were wrong? What if our tastes, the business model, the distribution model, everything about music, both OPM and otherwise, has to change in this new age? What if we're looking at it wrong if we don't change our expectations?

As a mentalist and a comedian, I know how it feels for your art form to be so out of the eyes of the mainstream that the first time they see a mentalism act, or watch Mike Unson or The Comedy Cartel perform, the first reaction after amazement is always, "I never knew mentalism/POV standup comedy even existed in the Philippines!" But was mentalism or comedy dead? Nope. We were always there. People just didn't see us yet. Incognito? Yes. Dead? Obviously not. Do I look like Bruce Willis to you?

No, kid. That was just Cueshe.

Despite the disagreements on both sides of the debate, one thing is clear: neither side wants OPM to "die". I doubt Leloy does. I'm pretty sure Jinri doesn't. We have people having the same desire, that OPM reach the heights it has reached before, if not greater, but with differing perceptions on where we are today. It's time to stop focusing on where they disagree, and to focus on where they actually agree.

That's why I believe the question should not be "is OPM dead or alive?" That's a divisive question that has engendered debate, yes, but there is no consensus to be built afterwards. All we have are flaring tempers, defensive snarkiness, and ad hominems from the outliers to show for it.

I believe the question should be, "should OPM be dead?"

The answer predictably should be, wherever you were on the side of the previous debate, "heck, no!"

Because if you think OPM shouldn't be dead, you find it your responsibility to keep OPM alive in your own way.

The simplest way is to reminisce on the good ol' tunes you used to love. Nobody went and erased your old favorite songs, and someday, even these new songs we think are utter trash will be the good ol' tunes of the next generation. (Justin Bieber will someday be a classic the way the Spice Girls now are... I don't know how to feel about that.)

Then, you can take it further and find new music you like. You have Route 186, '70s Bistro, SaGuijo, and a ton of other venues artists perform. You can even just watch the Myx OPM Countdown. Malay mo, trip mo pala pakinggan si Christian Bautista? We won't judge. Clearly, ignorance is not bliss when it comes to OPM, because those who willfully remain ignorant think OPM is dead and feel bad about it.

Then, if you really like the music, you can buy their album. We complain that our favorite artists don't get paid enough for the music they come out with. The least we can do is buy their albums. Or keep watching their gigs. That works, too.

Then, you can tell your friends about this band you like, and how they totally should give the music a listen. Oh, look. You're now making a notable dent without having to pick a fight with a senator. I know fighting for OPM isn't as glamorous as fighting for (Or against, if you're being silly.) the RH Bill, but there's very little opportunity cost here, so why should that be a problem?

Then maybe you're inspired now, and you realize you can actually write music. And you write a song, borrow a friend's Macbook and Soundforge, a few mics, then record a demo. Or you're a bit more well-off, and you have a friend you're willing to fund to do just that.

So now, you made your very own song. Or at least produced the song of one of your very dear friends. Cool, right?

Well, not always cool, of course.

It's Original. I'm assuming you didn't plagiarize your song from Sarah Pope's blog or something.

Oh, snap!

It's Pinoy. I'm assuming you're Pinoy if you've gotten this far reading this.

Unless you're Ako Si Chris, aka the father of JoePM.

It's Music. I'm assuming you at least have a bit of talent when you make that song.

Unless...

You. Are. Alive.

I think.

Congratulations! You just made sure OPM won't be staying dead!

Leloy Claudio was right: we should complain about the state of arts in the Philippines. The government is too busy granting idiotic lawmakers time to filibuster away our tax money to pay attention to OPM.

But that's why the power lies in us now. Why stop at complaining when you have the power to do much more? If you care about OPM's well-being, it becomes your duty to see to its well-being. You're free to not care, but don't be like the hypocrite who intentionally doesn't vote, then proceed to complain about how bad the government he got is. This isn't a closing of ranks: it's simply a bunch of people who wonder where you were while the deserving acts you say deserve better were languishing with nobody to watch their gigs or buy their albums. Because they were there.

He's also right that: internet + hard work = magic bullet to success is a work of fiction.

But that's why it won't take a single person to create success for any musician. I can't do that. Zach Lucero can't. Leloy Claudio can't. It's up to us as people who care enough about the music to make it succeed. Isn't that what we want? A chance to be a part of something greater than ourselves? The great artists of yesteryear didn't get to where they are today by not having any supporters.

If you think OPM is dead, but believe it shouldn't be, it's time to resurrect it.

If you think OPM isn't dead, and believe it shouldn't be, keep the fire burning.

If you care enough to feel that OPM shouldn't be dead, then it's worth fighting for. Oh, it's true! It's damn true!

I thought it was a microphone, so sue me.

Kay ganda ng ating musika. Ito ay atin, sariling atin.
- Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika, by Hajji Alejandro

I Totally Wanted To Blog About Sotto Or OPM Or Something, But...

... I'm just too tired. Still, I think Leloy Claudio had the right idea of bringing this all full circle.

If Sotto resigned from the Senate and reformed VST, he'd go a long way to really keeping OPM alive/bringing it back to life.

That being said, here's what Fabucelles had to say about Sotto on The POC, and here's what I had to say about the OPM debate.

My ideas about the latter are still not as refined and simplified as I'd want them to. While I agree with Leloy's description of the symptoms, I don't necessarily agree with his diagnosis afterwards.

Why do these nationalistic issues crop up during August? Three years ago, I think we talked about someone whining how Jose Rizal was "just some sensationalistic blogger" while Andres Bonifacio's revolutions "never achieved anything." (Okay. Maybe not. That happened in June.)

Then, last year, we had James Soriano's brouhaha.

Now, we have "OPM is dead." Pretty interesting, really. I'm glad I managed to talk about it at length with Logan and Marf on The Disenchanted Kingdom yesterday, which made for a nice bit of contrast when we ended up talking about "18 Again", the vag tightening cream, this evening. Wow. Topic diversity.

Just Another Magic Monday: The 1thcyworm5!

.:Just Another Magic Monday: The 1thcyworm5!:.

Yes! Yes! This pleases me greatly.

I decided to write and do my JAMM's whenever I feel like it, but yeah, don't expect a religious weekly update from yours truly for now.

Anyways, last Friday, the Itchyworms celebrated their 15th anniversary, and I was invited to be a part of it. To say I was honored would be the understatement of the year.

I've been a huge fan of the Itchyworms ever since their first album came out. Whether it was "Happy Birthday" or "Antipara", I was immediately captivated by their music, seeing as they were a great alternative to the kupaw rockers of their era.

The scene of the crime was in Metro Bar. Jampacked to the rafters with fans, friends, and everyone in between, the Itchyworms went in to play fifteen of their songs, and everyone was just hype the whole night! Special guests abounded, including...

... Marcus Adoro, alumnus of the Eraserheads.

And even...

... the man you least expect standing beside the Straight Edge Comedy Magician, Mr. Pepe Smith himself!

I also ran into Ebe Dancel, Ronnie Dizon, Francis Brew, and Chris of "Ako Si Chris" fame. It was star-studded, and every single person out there definitely raised the sheer energy for the night. Conspicuously missing was Lourd De Veyra, though. We were hoping we'd find him doing the spoken word part of "Freak Out Baby" for old time's sake.

Lemme share my moment onstage, though, as they asked me to perform during their rendition of "Antipara"...

I'm blind! Blind as a bat! How blind is a bat?

The challenge was simple: I was going to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded, but the time limit was the song. If I couldn't solve the cube by the time the song ended, I was going to have to get hit upside the head with one of their guitars, and that put a spring in my step, or fingers, if you will.

It was hilarious, because thanks to my sheer terror, I actually finished the cube a full minute before the song ended. I was so nervous that I was solving the cube significantly faster than I expected to, and I misheard the cue for the song, as I mistook the bridge for the ending, which made me finish well before the final chorus of the song actually played.

Nonetheless, I managed to pull it off just fine, and finally, I got to enjoy the rest of the show. It was, without a doubt, one of the best nights to be a Philippine magician with friends in the music industry. You just never know what crazy stuff you could end up collaborating on.

In this picture: two Kels!

It was a great night, and capping it off with some Mr. Kebab immediately afterwards was just icing on the cake, albeit I was very annoyed they didn't have Ox Brain again.

Here's hoping to find myself performing with the bad boys of Pogi rock again in the near future! Congratulations, Jugs, Jazz, Kelvin, and Chino! You guys are just the best!

Project 52 (43/52): Walang Natira - Gloc 9

.:Project 52 (43/52): Walang Natira - Gloc 9:.

The brain drain, in rap form.

Mainstream Pinoy rap has gotten a bad rap for a long while because aside from the late Francis Magalona, who did the country ever have who had a deep message behind the lyrical calisthenics? Andrew E certainly didn't, nor did ::shudders:: Carlos Agassi, so yeah, that was a problem for quite a bit.

Thank heavens for Gloc 9, then, because he has certainly done more than his fair share of uplifting mainstream Pinoy rap to something laudable and not just a plain attempt to ride the gravy train of hip-hop.

This song is one of those songs that really speaks about the Filipino situation, how it seems that this nation has gotten so bad that the best opportunities for Filipinos only ever come outside of the Philippines, and you do end up wondering why this is the case. Third world problems? Maybe. Real problems? Absolutely.

"Walang Natira" bluntly addresses the fact that the best and the brightest among us are more likely to leave this country, and yet, we can't really blame them when they do so, can we? It's a vicious cycle, and though many of us cannot deny the good that globalization can bring upon all of us, few of us can also deny that it is an inconvenient truth that the Philippines itself is not good enough to entice the best and the brightest among us unless a tenuous appeal to a sense of patriotism is used.

Why is it that the only ones left to make this nation better are the very people we really wish were not within five hundred miles of this nation's political institutions? It is what it is, and Gloc 9's lyrical gifts illustrate these questions very handily, and make us ask of ourselves the difficult questions we would otherwise be wary of.

I guess that kind of lyrical genius more than justifies why Gloc 9's song is the one I'm featuring on this week's Project 52.

The Thrilla 4 Matela Thank-You List

.:The Thrilla 4 Matela Thank-You List:.

It was done on such short notice, but as the saying goes, if there's a will, there's a way. Thrilla 4 Matela was a smashing success, and we are more than happy to have had a chance to show our love and support for our dearest AJ and his family in our own little way.

I recognize that the cause for this occasion, while undoubtedly worthy, is also a solemn one. Regardless, we believe that this simple celebration was a heartfelt commemoration in song, laughs, and gasps, of the lifes and times of AJ Matela.

Under normal circumstances, I'd be writing about this show much in the same way I've written about similar cause-oriented events I've organized in the past. However, given the nature of the event, I can't do a recap post the same way I would have done in years past. I believe it would be enough to just thank people individually in this post, and piecing together the event that way.

So that being said, let me thank the following people:

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus, for helping us secure the venue.

Geiser Maclang, for lending us the projector, although we didn't use it during the program.

Poyt, for organizing the events page and helping in publicizing the event.

Joyce and LA, for manning the ticket booth, and LA for actually making the tickets himself (And coming back from limbo! Where have you been, dude?).

Ali, Jordan, and the other people from PinoyTuner and Dig Radio, for their generosity in allowing us to use Shift Bar for this worthy cause.

Vin Dancel, for not only performing his awesome music, but even covering the Sugarfree classic "Burnout", which we also thank Ebe Dancel for.

Nino Avenido, Carlos Castana, Julianne, and Evee Simon, for being amazing musicians who really gave music straight from the heart. It was a very great experience for everyone who was there.

Ade Magnaye and the rest of Lose Your Beer Belly, for bringing your awesome music to the table, and Ade, especially for giving very sound advice behind the scenes as we were trying to produce this show.

Stanley Chi, for sharing some laughs with his unique brand of humor.

Micamyx, for the film showing of "12th of June" which was chock full of awesome blogger cameos.

Mike Unson, for capping off the night in an awesome night. When he started doing those relationship jokes, me and an old friend couldn't help but look and laugh at ourselves because Mike was just dead on. It was hilarious and insanely awkward at the same time, which just showed why Mike Unson is one of the best standup comics in this country, bar none.

Definitely, we can't forget the Itchyworms: Jugs, Jazz, Kel, and Chino, for performing that night. It was pretty surreal catching them perform together, let alone an acoustic set, as I asked only Jazz to do a set for this night. Next thing I knew, the whole band was there. I can't thank Kerwin and Julie enough for their kindness.

To the bloggers and friends who went or even just extended their best intentions for this event, even anonymously donating over the course of the night, thank you so much. This goes a long way to help.

Lastly, and most importantly, thank you, AJ. This show came together as our way of showing our gratitude to you for having been an indelible part of our lives. Thanks for the memories, thanks for the friendship, and thanks for simply having been a human being who lived a life well lived. This one's for you, AJ!

Project 52 (36/52): Antukin - Rico Blanco

.:Project 52 (36/52): Antukin - Rico Blanco:.

If there's a will, there's a way.

It has been a while since this song came out, and I must say, it is definitely one of the truest songs I have ever heard. But what brought this reminiscence about Rico Blanco's instant classic, you ask?

Here's an obvious hint.

So yes, I met e man last Friday in Capone's, while performing onstage with Mike Unson. Needless to say, it was an awesome time, and seeing how we're doing a show in Capone's every Friday night and on this Saturday, we will be performing in Conspiracy, so you totally should drop in on us, but anyways.

This song is one of my favorite songs of all time because it really underscores a basic truth in life and love: if you don't want it, you find excuses. If you want it, you find ways. Ultimately, it's the realization of that fact that allows a person to understand how life works, especially when it comes to relationships. We overanalyze every little thing thanks to the mind games men and women play on each other, but ultimately, it boils down to whether or not both of you really want it.

This is admittedly a short analysis of a really great song, but it's hard to type out a full entry on my iPad. Despite that, I do believe that this song really just hits the spot, especially when I need to remind myself that while I can want something with all my heart, if she doesn't want it herself, then clearly, it isn't going to work out.

If there's one line that stood out from the Titanic that neither Jack nor Rose said, it must be the line "I make my own luck." The Phantom uttered these words, obviously, and it was so true, and ultimately, because everyone has that capacity, if someone really likes you, any faux pas would get glossed over, but if someone doesn't, well, then it's pretty obvious that they will take any excuse to drop you like a hot potato.

With Rico Blanco working on a new album soon, I can't wait for the next classic from him, definitely.

Geekfighting + Itchyworms, Oh My!

.:Monday Night: A Very Special Geekfight!:.

No ifs, ands, ors, but a lot of butts...

Last Monday, my team, the Explorers of Uranus, came together to deliver Classic Geekfight in lieu of Paolo, who was enjoying himself in Bangkok since it was, after all, a long weekend. A total of six teams showed up, and after eight rounds of non-stop action plus a special round filled with butt-related stuff that Lolita Complex actually managed to win, it was Waado that was victorious, having also won back-to-back Geekfights much in the same way that the Explorers did.

I'm mighty happy about how well-received my Fighting Game round was, by the way, and much gratitude to my comedian friends like Richie, Noel, GB, Raffy, Chino, and Jeps for making it to B-Side to take part in the Geekfight, even if they heckled the Hades out of me, and made a running joke out of West Sudan.

We are such professionals...

Needless to say, everyone from the Explorers was overjoyed at how successful our first foray into running a Geekfight was, and we actually hope to do it again, as we discussed amongst ourselves over a late but well-deserved dinner at Sinangag Express.

We will do this again soon. Rest assured.

.:Tuesday Night: A Decade Of Little Monsters Under Your Bed:.

It's peering into your soul.

Tuesday night was punctuated by an awesome night spent in 70's Bistro, as I caught the Itchyworms as they played their first major label album in its entirety, which made me realize how awesome their English songs actually are, despite the fact that their next two albums were almost exclusively in Filipino.

It was really an awesome time all around, and I even saw some Japanese fans of the 'Worms, which took me by surprise because they didn't seem to even so much as know a single Filipino word, yet they took to the music like bees to honey. I should've tried striking up conversation with them after the show, but alas, they left too soon.

This was a great night of music, not to mention everyone was laughing their heads off when Moymoy Palaboy took the stage for a bit. That was epic as well.

It's a bit amusing for me to note that despite having known the band for about two years or so already, I still have yet to have a picture with all four of Jugs, Chino, Jazz, and Kel. I think I should remedy that soon.

Here's to the 10th Anniversary of "Noontime Show" in 2016! I'm counting on you guys!

Itchyworms + Mike Unson = Double Route!!!

.:The Itchyworms Wedding Of The Year Video Launch!:.

Sorry, the video isn't officially out yet...

The Itchyworms launched their new music video for "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal" last Monday, and they spared no expense to let people know about it, including having a full press release for it. I found it hilarious that I had to be referred to as "Magikel" to avoid being confused with Kel Yu, the band's bassist...

Feeling sikat ang lola niyo!

That being said, I was very honored at the prospect of opening for the Itchyworms, since everyone knows they're my favorite band, and I'm a huge fan of their music. I got to Route 196 that night ahead of everybody with my brother, just so I could set up properly.

That night was filled with awesome performers and regret over the fact that my camera phone sucks. I would've wanted to have pictures taken with Philia and Tanya Markova, but noooo, the chance never presented itself. Still, at least I finally got to talk to the awesome people from Tanya Markova, who I am really impressed with.

When it was my turn to hit the stage, I performed some of my favorite routines that night, and managed to prove that despite the fact that Route 196 is known as a haven for bands, there was room for topnotch comic mentalism and magic that night there.

Bondage. Always a killer.


What did I say about bondage again?


Being a magician has its perks.


I was pretty starstruck, yo.

While performing, I was pretty amused to find out that the lady for my infamous rope routine turned out to be the lovely wife of none other than Ako Si Chris, the YouTube sensation, founder of JoePM. He's pure American, but just totally loves to sing OPM tunes, and has developed quite a following over the years because of his musical talent and earnestness.

After the opening acts got the crowd pumped and ready, came the main event, as we were treated to a masterful music video featuring the Itchyworms and several guest stars, under the direction of Mr. King Palisoc. Everyone was marking out like crazy as the video was funny but charming at the same time, and I was definitely impressed by the way everything came together.

We loved the video so much that we demanded to see it twice, shortly after the Worms finished doing an awesome, awesome live set for everyone. They thankfully obliged us, and after the whole thing, we managed to stay on and have a lot of interesting conversations before heading out.

Although... I did totally find it awesome that I had these shirts to show for that night.

That'd look good on the bedroom floor of a groupie. Oh, wait. That works for bands, not magicians.

By the way, if you want to see the music video, type in: MYX REQUEST Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal send to 2366! I'd be happy to see that video go all the way to number 1!


.:TNT Night!:.

Within 24 hours, I ended up right back in Route 196 again, this time performing with Tetas and the Tw**, Mistress, Lee Grane, and of course, Mike Unson. This was a pretty awesome night, because a lot of the people here have never seen me before, and it was an opportunity to really turn some heads.

I opened the show, and did very well, pretty much keeping the people in the audience plain stupefied over the whole thing. Mike Unson does his set, and then we were taken to a pretty awesome musical journey that included the ending theme of Voltes V.

This was quite a run, really. Performing on hallowed ground like Route 196, to me, is quite an achievement.

Much thanks to Katt Torres and to Mike Unson for having me last night!

Project 52 (24/52): Pag-Ibig - APO Hiking Society

.:Project 52 (24/52): Pag-Ibig - APO Hiking Society:.

So sue me, but I love the APO Hiking Society, and I'm a sucker for the Nestle commercial that was inspired by this song. Thanks to that commercial, I can't even listen to this song anymore without getting all misty-eyed, and with good reason. APO Hiking Society is just that damned good.

I mean, it's no secret that I am a huge fan, considering I've seen their farewell Valentine's concert, Jim Paredes was my teacher, and I normally sing "When I Met You" during videoke sessions, but I must admit that I overlooked this song for a long time until the Nestle 100 Commercials came along. It's such a beautiful song about love, in all its many splendid forms.

Listening to this song just really takes me back, in all honesty. It's such a great, memorable tune, and all things considered, it's downright criminal that this doesn't get played during weddings more often, because it's just so appropriate, perhaps even the best song among the countless gems in the discography of the APO Hiking Society.

After everything has been said and done, though, I don't think I've heard a single cover except perhaps by Noel Cabangon that even remotely does justice to this song. Aren't we all grateful that the original is always just there for us to listen to and enjoy? I know I am.

Backblogging But It's Worth It!

.:DK Hilarity:.

All things considered, this week has been a watershed week for the Disenchanted Kingdom, from gaining about three thousand or more viewers on the website to Marf’s very interesting disappearing act for most of the past week, there are a lot of things inquiring minds would like to know.

Couple that with finally getting a chance to do some comedy again after a month-long layoff by doing open mic in Tomato Kick, and you can tell that things are nothing short of insanely building up to better things for the wacky crew.

Of course, last Thursday was filled with amusing craziness, too, because while on air, the gang decided to hype up the lie that I actually had some crazy nude photos of certain celebrities like Angel Locsin or Ellen Adarna or Kim Chiu and even those of a couple of friends of mine who shall remain unnamed in my new iPad. I played along, and when we uploaded the pictures on the DK website, well, here's what they saw...

Too hot to handle, apparently.

.:Itching For Some Itchyworms:.

And then there was darkness, like five seconds afterwards…

About a week ago, I actually caught a pretty fun show in 70’s Bistro with the Itchyworms. It was a great time to catch up with my favourite band, as they performed some of their best hits, besting even an untimely power outage with excellent music and showmanship.

Talking to them after the show was even more amusing, what with this particular person who insisted on singing us a song or two and then promptly shying away afterwards. True, she probably wasn’t all there and everything, but that doesn’t stop it from being quite strange to me. I also finally got to meet the great Dong Abay during the same night, so there’s that, too.

The night was just fun overall, but what really made it was the fact that after the whole thing, Kel (As in the band member, not yours truly.) told me the next day that he got jealous because I stole the Jazz and Kel duo from underneath his nose. That’s what I get for having the same nickname. LOL.

That's okay, though. Seeing as how I was applying in JAM 88.3 before, the fact that Kel is on that station means I'm not gonna end up in JAM anytime soon, since they already have their own Kel. He gets JAM, I get Jazz.

Project 52 (14/52): Porque - Maldita

.:Project 52 (14/52): Porque – Maldita:.

It’s funny how I don’t actually understand the lyrics of the song since I don’t speak Chavacano, but just by listening to how they sing the song, you know that it’s a song about heartbreak.

Of course, I took the time out to discover what the lyrics actually meant, and it tells the story of someone who gave their heart and all to somebody only to be left behind, hoping things would change, hoping for a miracle of sorts to happen and turn things around. There’s just something about the song that sounds so ethereal that you can’t help but fall into a trance. It’s a very good tune and I’m really glad that the song has allowed them to break into the local music market, because I can only hope for even better music from Maldita.

I don’t know why, but even before I understood the lyrics, the music and vocals really just tugged at my hearstrings and got me all misty-eyed. You could hear the sheer despair in their voices as they sang, and you could feel their despair become your despair. It was a masterful combination of different factors that just brought about a song I can’t help but really like.

To be honest, if it weren’t for Maro, I wouldn’t even know what the song was called. From there, I just listened to the song, and appreciated it more and more.

I am officially a fan of Maldita, and I look forward to hearing more of their music. “Porque” really is a rare gem of a song that transcends the language barrier by reaching out to the very core of your being and touching you with its own soul. If only for that, I have to say that this song is quite special.

Project 52 (11/52): Overdrive - Eraserheads

.:Project 52 (11/52): Overdrive – The Eraserheads:.

Had my second ever stint behind the wheel last Sunday as my cousin, Nino, tried to teach me how to drive around a small area in Tierra Pura, where I had to maneuver myself around a short stretch of road, shift gears rapidly, and make sure I don’t go too fast when hitting humps. It was a pretty interesting driving course to try out, and I’m just glad I’m still alive to tell the tale. Thankfully, the lesson has made a true-blue defensive driver out of me. Maybe a bit too defensive, if anything. At one point, I even went on Congressional Road to see how fast I can go while shifting gears and not looking at the stick at all. I got up to fourth gear before the speed made me a wee bit uncomfortable.

Having said that, what better song could come to my mind than that ditty by the deified Eraserheads called “Overdrive?” One of the best songs from their best album ever, the song definitely feels like a great song to listen to while behind the wheel, and is even the proud recipient of a backmasking rumor that doesn’t sound like much when you actually bother to listen to it.

If I'm not mistaken, Overdrive was the first single off of Cutterpillow, and it set the tone for the band to gain legendary status. They were already popular since their debut, but they just kept on getting better, and personally, I don't think they ever managed to top their output in this third album, whether as a whole or even within their individual projects.

I’m a fan of the Eraserheads, but certainly not one of their biggest fans. Having said that, I definitely liked Overdrive, and last Sunday’s driving excursion conjured up pretty fond memories of that song, which I am now carrying with me for the rest of this week. Man, just listen to that song. Doesn't it just make you want to go behind the wheel and take a road trip for the rest of the day?

I have to say this much, though: that remake of Overdrive by Barbie Almalbis was terrible.

Sugarfree: Ito Ang Unang Araw Na Wala Ka Na...

.:Sugarfree: Ito Ang Unang Araw Na Wala Ka Na:.

The bright lights belie the gentle beckoning of the darkness.

In the middle of that cold, rainy night, a few Americans were walking around Eastwood, looking to have a great time, but not at all oblivious to the massive crowd gathered in the central plaza,even though they didn't have the foggiest idea what was going on. You see, everyone else in Eastwood were expecting to catch one of the greatest bands of the last decade, Sugarfree. This was the night that they will perform their final set before they ride off into the sunset, head held up high thanks to one of the most inspiring and amazing send-off’s a band cold ever ask for since the inevitable send-off the Eraserheads got immediately after their second reunion concert.

They looked around gingerly, and found me, drenched under the rain, singing along heartily as Sugarfree was playing one of the last few songs in their set, “Unang Araw.” It was poignant, really.

One of them turned to me and asked, “Hey, are these guys any good?”

I was a bit flabbergasted. They just revealed that they were among the few who were not in Eastwood to share in a bittersweet moment in Philippine music history. Not that I can blame them, of course. I doubt I would feel any affinity for singers in a language I can’t even begin to understand, no matter how good they really are, unless they were cute and Korean.

What was I supposed to tell them?

Was I going to tell them that Sugarfree was one of my top three favourite bands of all time? Was I going to tell them how much I loved Sugarfree from the moment they came out with “Sa Wakas,” and while a lot of other people were still focused on Parokya Ni Edgar and Rivermaya, I was already singing along non-stop to “Mariposa?” That in 2004, only that song and Matchbox Twenty’s “Unwell” became my two yearlong LSS’s?

Was I going to tell them that I have been to Route 196, saGuijo, Cubao X, Mag:Net, countless RX 93.1 parties, countless gig venues, big and small, just so I could catch a glimpse of the band and sing my heart out to their music that seemed to touch the very core of my being? About how I would find myself hopelessly trying to hit the high notes Ebe Dancel effortlessly hits when he sings, and how I, along with tens of millions of other people felt that we were the titular “Hari Ng Sablay?”

Was I going to tell them that I believe that what made Sugarfree work as a group for the past twelve years wasn’t just the fact that they wrote amazing (if melodramatic) songs, but simply the fact that their songs have transcended being merely songs, instead becoming anthems for a generation of hopeless romantics like myself? It’s a crazy feeling, really: whether it be about heartbreak or about loving someone no matter the odds, Sugarfree wrote songs about it just like everybody else, but they made you see yourself in the world of the music like few other musicians could do. It wasn’t just a talent, but a gift that I’m hard-pressed to find in majority of the local bands that came after them.

Was I going to tell them that another major band, Bamboo, also recently disbanded, and a part of me feels that there will be more of these to come, especially since JAM 88.3 still has a long way to go before becoming the new haven for good rock music the way the legendary NU 107 once was to these very same artists now bereft of a sanctuary? Was I going to point an accusing finger at the proliferation of masa stations as one of the main catalysts for the decline of quantity in quality OPM in the past decade?

Really, how would I even begin to explain to these people how I felt about this moment, as much as I wanted to communicate to a bunch of complete outsiders exactly why this is a big deal? They had to have been there to understand it. From the growing pains of Sugarfree from when people were ignoring them in favour of other bands we don’t even hear from anymore now, or to the way they kept themselves down to earth despite having been massively successful all over the country, still being every bit as approachable before and after their sets in those hole-in-a-wall bars who manage to get bands you can’t begin to imagine them affording considering how small their venue is and how affordable their food happens to be.

Would they understand how I felt when I was there in Music Museum for Sugarfree’s “Dekada” concert, where they were flanked by a full-blown orchestra, giving a unique and almost ethereal feel to their music that I still can’t quite fully put into words until this very moment? About how there was nary a dry eye in the audience as Ebe soulfully belted out “Hangover” that night, despite majority of the audience hearing that song only for the very first time ever? I couldn’t help but feel that something special happened that night, and I think about how sad it is that when Ebe joked about inviting us to their second “Dekada” concert, hindsight would tell us that his joke really was half-meant: there would only ever be one Dekada concert, because there won't be a second Dekada to speak of.


And even now, I don’t know how to feel. There were no hints of a disband coming when we saw them in Route 196 last January, where Sugarfree actually opened for Peryodiko, as most of the audience in attendance were actually Dancel family members from the United States who just wanted to see what the big deal about their family members fronting two of the most well-known bands in the Philippines was all about. The very next day,they announced that Ebe was leaving the band. As the weeks went by, it then looked like Sugarfree wasn't going to carry on and find a new lead vocalist and outright disband altogether, as well.

I didn’t know how to approach Ebe when I saw him along Serendra a couple of days after they confirmed that they were disbanding, and I wanted to ask him if maybe, just maybe, he was just moving to Bamboo (Making it Bambebe.) and Bamboo would just move to Sugarfree (Making it Sugarcane.). That would be silly, really. These Americans didn’t need to know about it.

Nor do they need to know how many Sugarfree songs I memorized from the heart, nor would they understand how big a deal it is for me to be there in Eastwood, right smack dab in the middle of the crowd, just feeling numb that I don’t know if I would ever see Ebe, Jal, and Kaka together on the same stage again. Neither did they have to know that this night, Sugarfree played every single one of their songs that I liked - except for "Hintay," which I'm assuming wasn't nearly as big a hit for them as most of their other songs.

What do you tell them, really, other than the fact that they missed half their life by being here in Eastwood without appreciating the historic moment in front of them?

“Are they any good?”

What kind of a question is that? Sir, you are completely surrounded by thousands of Filipinos standing in the middle of the rain, hanging onto every song, every note, every word that Sugarfree is playing for the very last time, and you're asking if they're any good?!? Would so many people go and risk catching the flu for anything less than one of the best of all time? I certainly hope not, Justin Bieber’s Manila concert being in an open air venue be damned.

I smiled at them and nodded. “Yup. They’re not just good. They’re great. And this is their last set ever.”

They smiled back at me and thanked me and went on their merry way, looking for someplace to get a drink or two in, blissfully ignorant about just how big that moment meant to every other person standing under the rain, in the middle of Eastwood that night.

That’s fine. It doesn’t take anything away from the fact that Sugarfree, in its twelve years of existence, has become a part of so many Filipinos. They have become the standard bearer for those of us who believe in love and heartbreak and the power both possess - an indelible part of the soundtrack of the lives and hearts they have touched. And now, they’re gone. It still hasn’t sunk in, but the realization is quite relentless...

Ito ang unang araw na wala ka na.

I don’t know what lies ahead for the band, but I will continue to support them in their endeavours. They are great people, and they are too good to just ever disappear from the OPM industry just like that. I have full confidence that when these gentlemen come back in whatever form, they will still blaze the trail that only an Ebe, Jal, Kaka, and even Mitch, could ever do.

When the last chords of Burnout played, all I could feel was that indeed, o kay tagal kong minahal ang bandang ito. And I will continue to love them for everything they've done. I wouldn't be ashamed to admit that I shed a tear for them. That night, even the heavens did.

Thank you for the music. And godspeed to you.

Project 52 (9/52): Let The Pain Remain - Side A

.:Project 52 (9/52): Let The Pain Remain – Side A:.

Sadly, there’s no Basil Valdez video available on YouTube, but I must say, while riding with Carlos, Judd, Erika, and Ms. Beng from our weekend excursion in Nagsasa, and we spent a good chunk of our road trip just singing classic OPM hits, including this one.

Isn’t it a bit fitting that Basil Valdez has the most powerful anthem about finding love (Ngayon at Kailanman) and losing it (Let The Pain Remain)? I think it’s rather poignant, and a testament to the legendary crooner’s immense talent.

I tend to look to this song with a kind of knowing recognition because “Let The Pain Remain” is sage, albeit masochistic advice to remind one’s self of the only thing that remains to be true about a love lost. When all the good memories have faded away as she finds comfort in the arms of another while you have nothing of the sort, the song reminds you in a heart-wrenching manner that every throb of pain is one more moment you could steal away from what you once had, the very textbook definition of a bittersweet memory.

I chose this song mainly because I ended up reminiscing about the song when we sang it last night en route to Manila. It’s quite an interesting song to listen to, and something I recall very fondly every now and then.

But then again, maybe having a sad song hit too closely to home doesn’t do too well for one’s well-being.

Project 52 (8/52): Hangover - Sugarfree

.:Project 52 (8/52): Hangover – Sugarfree:.

One of my favourite OPM bands of all time, Sugarfree, is disbanding. Now, I know I’ve written about this before, but I guess devoting today to commemorate Ebe Dancel and the rest of the boys is a poignant moment for me, to say the least.

So sue me, I’m not as big a fan of Bamboo, so that particular news doesn’t hit me the way Sugarfree does.

I still remember it like it was yesterday: 2004 was the year where I was singing only two songs all day long: Unwell, by Matchbox Twenty, and Mariposa, by Sugarfree. There was something so real, so desperate about Mariposa that just resonated with me. Unwell elicited the same feelings, and everytime I’m alone, I sometimes think how strange it would feel to be the only person who would walk into Mariposa on my own. It’s a mystery I will probably end up answering at some point. And yes, I plan to do that by walking into Mariposa on my own.

There’s something so true about their forlorn lyrics: emo before the word even existed. They knew how to tug at the hearstrings, and Ebe’s vocals were marvellous, and I would go as far as to say that if I closed my eyes, Ebe’s voice could easily draw comparisons from me to Ely Buendia, which is a huge testament to how great Sugarfree’s lead vocalist was, but there’s also something to be said about the guitar riffs that are unmistakably Sugarfree’s from the moment they begin. Not all bands can have a sound so true and distinct that just hearing their guitar riffs would automatically remind you of the band and not just the song. Sugarfree is one of those few exceptions.

“Hangover” is one of my favourite songs from this group. Just listening to the song really makes you feel how it is to be so hopelessly into someone, drowning in memories, and realizing that what you need is love, and that love can only be from her. Only from her. The fact that the song neatly dovetails with “Buwan” by the Itchyworms also helps make the song doubly impactful. Try playing both songs one after the other. You’ll get what I mean.

Anyways, I’m using this week to really say “thank you” to Sugarfree for a great run of music and memories. If your music will continue your separate ways, rest assured I will continue to support you guys in your individual endeavours.

Project 52 (7/52): Happy Valentine's Day - Trina Belamide

.:Project 52 (7/52): Happy Valentine’s Day – Trina Belamide:.

One of my favourite OPM songs of all time, Trina Belamide’s masterpiece is a haunting melody of heartaches and heartbreaks, reminding people that “Happy Valentine’s Day” is only happy when you have someone to share it with. Otherwise, how do you even begin to try greeting someone? You just end up making the pain run even deeper than it already does.

“Happy Valentine’s Day” is one of those rare songs that just hits hard and hits fast not only because it spells out a situation we’re all too familiar with, but even makes you live through the eyes of those experiences through well-crafted verses and a very heart-rending callback line: to a ______ heart, how does one say, “Happy Valentine’s Day?”

Trina is definitely one of the best songwriters of our time, and I can’t help but wish that more people heard about this particular song, because from the first time I heard it, to every single time I hear it yet again, it just really strikes a chord in me. And really now, that’s the mark of a great song, isn’t it? The minute a lot of people can relate to it, and can’t help but feel themselves immersed in your music, then you know you’ve done a great job with your song.

So on February 14, if you’re a lonely heart, a broken heart, or a grieving heart, this song is the perfect way of saying, “Happy” Valentine’s Day.

Jampacked!

.:Today’s WTFery...:.

I’ll have you know that I actually like listening to Church songs. Having been a Bosconian for a significant chunk of my life and a member of the choir in high school, I have to say that I really like good Christian songs, and don’t mind even if they can sometimes get a bit heavy-handed with the witnessing. I mean, hey, if you truly believe in saving souls and you feel obliged to save other people’s souls through song, I guess it sorta makes sense that you’d be dropping some anvils in your lyrical stylings. It comes with the territory, and so long as the music’s catchy enough and people willingly listen to it, that can’t be bad at all, right?

This is not one of those songs.

Do I even need to say anything else about how awesome this video is? It’s so bad, it’s good!

.:February 18 And 19 Couldn’t Come Sooner!:.

Forget all those other concerts happening this month! Resorts World is where it’s at, as they take one of the most awesome acts of all time to the Philippines!

Better than Fra Lippo Lippi? Yes! Better than Justin Bieber? Definitely! Better than Taylor Effin’ Swift? Absolutely!

Get ready as Resorts World presents to you...

The Chippendales!

What more could you ask for, right?

.:Sugarfree’s Last Few Dances:.

You know, I tried taking a picture of Sugarfree in saGuijo last night (It was actually my first time there!), but the place was so jampacked that I couldn’t even get inside the door and had to satisfy my craving for Ebe and the boys by listening to them outside, where every single audience member was singing along to every song Sugarfree played that night.

It’s actually sad, because the more they talk, it actually doesn’t sound like Sugarfree will continue on after Ebe departs. They’ve been referring to Sugarfree as though the band were really disbanding at the end of the month, and I guess that might really be the case.

Having said that, I caught Duster early on in the evening, and of course, Jonas Diego and I were very appreciative of the musical stylings of the band, fronted by my batchmate, Ms. Katwo Librando-Puertollano (That’s a rich-sounding family name, if there ever was one. Heh.). While there, we ran into Karla Redor and Sha, who really were rocking that night as well.

After Duster, in came Peryodiko, and I keep learning to appreciate that group more and more. Originally, all I thought of them was “that band with Ebe’s brother in it,” but now? Man, I really love “Bakasyon.” It gets catchier each time I hear it.

Sugarfree predictably brought the house down when they performed. I don’t think there was any doubt that they would be the highlight of the night, and from “Hay Buhay” to “Telepono,” they performed like there was no tomorrow, and the absolutely jampacked saGuijo just went nuts in appreciation for the band.