Life Is Good, Yes! As Long As You Give It A Relentless Punch On The Kisser, Life Will Eagerly Lick Your Ass Like A Dog Would

Oh, that was a trifle long title, wasn't it? Heheh.

Heya people, hello again. So many things racing in my mind these past days that I actually forgot to bring batteries for my camera last night. Isn't that stupid? A good number of gigs took place last night, and I was at Sazi's Bar for the regular Rude Maynila Sessions. (The photos here are old ones, har har)

Everybody happy?

Here are some discoveries, nuggets of thoughts, and situations answerable by "yes definitely", yes, maybe", or "yes, hindi ko naintindihan":

1. It was the last performance of Tolonguez Death Squad ... and a new punk group is to rise from the ashes.

Must be true. Towards the last song, the ever-energetic Odel announced, "Last song na namin, last gig (or something to the effect)". I really enjoy watching Tolonguez and their frenzied style. Will be watching for the new band to arise.

2. Hilboy of Bisikleta Productions will be out of the country for 2 years.

It's true. He will be in Vietnam for an employment gig. But Bisikleta activities will go on, according to him, which is good news because this is proof that the scene, just like life, is a series of young blood taking over while the the more senior members of the society move on to higher endeavours.

3. Pink Cow will be having an album soon.
Can't wait. These boys have the chops and the attitude. And they do deserve a write-up. Really soon. Just give me time. :)

4. The Outcome is from the ashes of T.R.A.

The Outcome performed, doing originals and, hm, The Ramones. Great going, lads.

5. I was given a free copy of SMB EP.

Salamat ng marami sa SMB. I am proud of you guys. For those who have not gotten a copy of the EP yet, it's as simple as attending any Rude Maynila event or pestering one of the SMB guys. A copy is worth a measly PHP120.

SMB: Happiness in black and white

Plus, meetings with great friends, a little chit-chat here and there. Which then brings me to the 6th item.

6. Trash Radio Manila's future ... remains unwritten...

...but doesn't everyone's future remain unwritten? I think I owe it to my readers to explain that, much as really want to update the blog on a regular basis (and I really try my darn best), sometimes I could not really make it. In these instances, I ask for your patience and understanding.

It's been more than 2 1/2 years since Je and I started Trash Radio Manila, and it amazes me to this very day how the blog somehow manages to gain regular readership and patronage. Writing "Thank You" is not enough, and I always have this in mind. Just the same, "Thank You", friends, and keep the passion burning.

We dance to the death.

Free The 43 Gig Last March 31, And A Sneak Peak from Music Speaks' Event Last April 6

Before I give you a rundown of what happened last March 31 at Ten02 Bar, let me just show you a photo from Music Speaks' event last April 6 at Route 196.

It is not too often that one gets to see Al Dimalanta of Throw and Lourd de Veyra of The Radioactive Sago Project together onstage. It should be remembered that Lourd played guitars in Dead Ends' 4th album, Mamatay Sa Ingay.

(To those who did not know, Lourd is also a fierce guitarist, though he admits to not having touched the guitar for quite sometime. About time, Lourd? *hint, hint*)

More on Music Speaks later. In the meantime ...

*****

Band-Aid 43, the benefit gig for the Morong 43 group, was a well-attended affair. I initially cursed myself for coming in late and missing Bobby Balingit's set, but on the whole all the bands gave a spirited performance, the most notable of which came from Anak Ni Aling Juana and Tolonguez Death Squad. Nuklus, pinoy rock veterans from way back 80s, likewise delivered an inspired set.

The event was emceed by Nato and Odel of Tolonguez Death Squad. Here are some more photos and a slideshow from the said gig.

Nycti Nasty

Nuklus

Anak Ni Aling Juana

t.R.A.

I have to thank a friend, Mavie, for taking care of me (hahah!) during the entire gig. It's been ages, my dear friend, and always, it is music that provides the venue for us to see each other. Thank you very much.

The cause of the Morong 43 should not be left to oblivion, moreso now that the presidential election is looming. I will provide you with updates as they come.

(But wait, there's more...)

The Bing Austria Show Last March 20, Plus Some Words On The Morong 43

Before Hilboy flew to Vietnam for a short business stay, he pulled off his usual "Master Showman" antics and delivered The Bing Austria Show last Saturday, 20 March 2010, at Sazi's Restobar along España Avenue, Manila.

As always, like any other Bisikleta event, the gig was FUN.It was my first time to see The Strayguns (as in the local Cassanova George Estregan), whose members come from Pinkcow, Steady Movin' Beat, and Umble Uno. While Goodleaf was not able to perform, Bad Omen came in for an ambush set. Poisonous Mushrooms (whose new name I had a hard time catching, sorry I forgot to clean my ears) played some originals and powerpop covers. Sadly, their cover of Echobelly's "Great Things" was not to my liking, but hey, everyone has got to start somewhere, yes? As for Steady Movin' Beat ... wow, this band has really gone a long, long way. It makes me smile to think about how the boys have progressed through the years. Nakakatuwa. People were skanking the whole time and some were excitedly reaching out for the mic. Fun, fun indeed. Now all that SMB really need to do is record an album. (Hint, hint.)

Photos for your consumption are in the slideshow. Go check them out.



Outside the bar, I also did a little catching up. I scored Goodleaf's album (I will feature them soon), gobbled up a plateful of cheesesticks, and picked up a copy of the primer on the fate of Morong 43. This is one national issue that I talk about whenever the proper opportunity rises, and I think NOW is a good time to do this.

*****

On 6 February 2010, 43 health workers (thus the monicker "Morong 43") were rounded up by member of the Philippine Army and the Rizal Provincial Police while doing their health training at Morong, Rizal. Two of them were doctors, one was a registered nurse, two more were midwives, and the rest were volunteer health workers. The training is that of the Community First Responders' Health Training sponsored by the Community Medicine Development Foundation (COMMED) and the Council for Health and Development (CHD), essentially aimed at teaching community health workers solutions to various and relatively simple health problems.

In our country where the majority of the population have very little or no access to health care, the role of the community health workers is near invaluable.

The health workers were accused of being bombmakers and members of the left-wing armed group New People's Army. Then again, even if they are, the lack of warrant of arrest, denial of right to counsel, physical and psychological torture sustained by the detainees are not called for. These acts are, in fact, deplorable.

I wrote about my sentiments on the Morong 43 issue from a health worker's point of view in my other blog; please click HERE.

Trash Radio Manila supports the endeavours to increase the awareness of the Morong 43 issue. Our community doctors and health workers are our unsung heroes: they have sacrificed so much for a very noble vision. It is but proper to support their cause even in the littlest ways that we know.

On 31 March 2010, a gig called Band Aid 43 will be held at the Ten02 Bar along Sct. Ybardolaza St., Timog Ave., Quezon City. Take a look at the poster and you will agree that this is one interesting line-up. Gig starts at 7pm. More details on the poster. Your attendance is strongly encouraged if you would like to support or even find out more about the Morong 43.

*****

Is it really Holy Week? So many things happening ... more to come.

The More The Merrier: Scenes from The Bing Austria Show, November 14, 2009

After quite a period of absence from the gig circuit, I found myself at Sazi's Restobar last Saturday. The November installment of the monthly Bing Austria show was ongoing, and proponents Hil and Bing were at the entrance.

Substantial crowd, food, beer, pleasantries. I was asked about this blog and was subsequently prodded. "Update mo na ang Trash Radio, sige ka, we'll make our own playlist in another blog," came the friendly banter (something to that effect). To which I replied, why not, go ahead, the more the merrier.

[I mean it. The more blogs with a common goal to play good music and support the bands in the scene, the better. To these blogs, both existing and up-and-coming, I have always thrown in my whole-hearted support. We definitely need people with this singular vision during these trying times.]

Back to the gig. Earlier an audition hour was held, and I have been told that this is likely to go on in the months to follow. When I arrived at the venue, The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy was playing. (For those of you who might be asking, this is The Marcos Cronies with a new frontman.) Prior to that, Tolonguez Death Squad played, as well as The Young Instigators (if I am not mistaken, Bing did a few numbers with them), and The GoSignals.

The Cronies were followed by surf enthusiasts Tango Bitoy (really cool guitar playing by Rod Mijares). Bad Omen did a surprise appearance right after. Rocket Punch played, initially with Mae of Shuffle Union doing the vox and dubs, then succeeded by Usual Suspects veteran Marlon. Barrio Morning Glory I believe was the last band to play that night.Apparently, the accessory of the night was HATS. (When will it ever be trenchcoats? Hahaha!) Below are some photos from the gig.

Bing Austria


The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy


Tango Bitoy


Bad Omen


Mae of Shuffle Union fronting Rocket Punch


Marlon of Usual Suspects singing for Rocket Punch


Barrio Morning Glory

I think I have already gotten my present computer running. (Thanks to Adobe Photoshop! Yay!) Glad to be blogging once again. Now it is not exactly my habit to promote my current indulgences, but I have two things to tell you, and I am quite excited:

1. I am starting another blog really soon, tentatively titled "Manila and Beyond."

2. Some queer changes in the playlist may be coming up, again, really soon, when my heart permits it. (Of course, I have a very permissive heart. Hahah!)

See you guys. Biiiizzzz!

Scenes From Shit Me Not, And A Plate Of Irish Beef Stew

This should have better read "...and a bottle of Guinness". From the ashes of Purple Haze Bar in Tomas Morato St. in Quezon City rose a bar called Leprechaun, which I was told was owned by an Irish. Leprechaun Bar, like Sazi's, should be a welcome addition to the list of potentially reliable venues for gigs in the future. It was the venue of Shit Me Not, a collaborative effort of Bisikleta Productions, Dirty Shoes Collective, and Tae Productions, held last Saturday, May 23, 2009.

The bands that played, in order of appearance: Tolonguez Death Squad, Clockwork Spiral, Pusakal, Shuffle Union, Umble Uno, Tartarz, Earthlings, t.R.A., Disband, and Pink Cow.

Photos from the gig can be found below. As always, some random thoughts here:

1. I missed the performance of Tolonguez Death Squad, the first band to play that night. Sorry to Odel and company, but I was so hungry when I arrived, and when I am hungry, I am one possessed being. (And obviously, I had Irish beef stew. Sorry, no Guinness at the bar yet.)

2. All the bands were ok (even Tolonguez sounded ok from where I was, which was at the first floor). No band particularly stood out, probably because it was meant to be a light-hearted, fun gig, which is good. Sing when you want, dance when you want appeared to be the dictum of the night.

3. Interesting that Tartarz did a cover of Urban Bandits' "Modern Fishballs"; I actually did a double take.

4. It was a relief to see people dancing without getting unruly to the point of violence. I did not see anybody deliberately destroy things. Leprechaun folks (i.e., waiters) should get used to these gigs. *wink*

5. I just have to say though that the downer of the night was the erratic microphone. I saw frustration written on the faces of most vocalists.

This is the second (I think) collaboration of Bisikleta, Dirty Shoes, and Tae, and I am guessing this is not going to be the last. Good for us. Here's waiting for more gigs from the team.

Clockwork Spiral

Pusakal

Shuffle Union

Umble Uno sing-along

Tartarz

Earthlings

Carl Simonon of t.R.A.

Disband

Pink Cow's sing-along crowd