Ah, For The Love Of Blogging (...and, sige na nga, for the love of Pinkcow :P)

Moi, Marika, harassed author of Trash Radio Manila is NOT in Manila. I am in a semi-secret place north of my Makati crib. Which means...less internet time (since my laptop has long been down and out)...less chance to do blog updates...and still no new playlist, contrary to what I promised you guys.

I need not explain that I am presently working on a borrowed computer, borrowed internet connection, without any Adobe Photoshop, Audacity program, without my portable hard drives. So, bear with this folks.

[Seriously, being away from the internet is actually...nice...:) This is something that internet addicts should really try....there's life way beyond the pixels.^^]

 Paulo singing for The Strayguns

 The Strayguns

The GoSignals 

The tracks of my teeeaaaarrsss ...:) 

And yes...can you all just wait a little more for that Pinkcow playlist? Just, wait for me to get back home in Manila. I promise to make it nice enough to entice you guys to buy their album. Seriously, this is a cool body of work from the boys. Double disc pa.

To make up for my faults (and to profess my affection for the Pinkcow crew, heehee), I am putting up some photos from their March 19 gig over at Hades Bar courtesy of Bisikleta Productions. Sigh, that was fun...though I was low-batt for the most part of the gig. Must be the herbs. :P

The New Trend was there, they were the first band to play, followed by The Strayguns. The subsequent sequence seems like a blur to me now, but I sure remember that The Exenadors, The Sneekers, Steady Movin' Beat, Umble Uno, Crooked Beat, and The GoSignals played.

Steady Movin' Beat

Crooked Beat

Capping the night was the piece de resistance, Pinkcow. Unfortunately I lost consciousness after a couple of songs and found myself lying on MY bed, the sun up and shining bright on my streaked face. Arrgh.

Francis of Pinkcow

The horny back-ups

Some things to watch out for. The GoSignals, I feel, are nearing the completion of their much-awaited album. Try to catch them as frequently as you can to get to here their originals. Really good! Also watch out for Crooked Beat. The kids from Batangas sound truly promising. I am looking forward to see this band in the gigs to come.

How to get hold of a Pinkcow album? Simple. Go to the gigs. Or check them out at Facebook. It will be worth your bucks. See you all at the gigs. ^^ And as for me...I will be back to my homebase soon as well.

This Show Went Off, Indeed! T.S.A. At Hades Bar, February 12, 2011

Back in February of 2010 T.S.A. was in town to play a one-off gig and launch their CD called Back To Kindergarten. As most of you may have already known, this is generally an album of covers, mostly well-loved Pinoy punk and hardcore tunes circa Twisted Red Cross and beyond. T.S.A. paid homage to their punk idols with this outing, and personally I think theirs is one of the best local cover albums in recent history.

Fast forward to 2011.

The Singapore-based T.S.A. had returned for a brief visit, as it is becoming to be their habit every Chinese New Year. The Bulakenyo lads played to a smoldering filled-up venue aptly called Hades Bar at Quezon City (yes yes I know what you guys are thinking, and the answer is yes), supported by some of the very people that they have paid homage to in their recent album.

It is a night replete with booze, ghost scares (LOL!), memorable songs, body slams, and the all-too-familiar old school vibe. I missed the gig last time and so I made sure I attended this one, even enlisting my minute help to Bisikleta Productions' Hilboy just so I will not have any reason to miss out on this event.

Al Dimalanta to a frenzied crowd: you were here, yes? Yes?!

So the story and insights.

Mean mean Jun Idiot

With Hard K

Jun Idiot had two sets, one with  The Imbeciles (hahah :P), the other with Hard K. I have to say that Jun has always been an acquired taste, but for me, and for many people who grew up listening to George Imbecile and The Idiots, and later on, Hard K, Jun Idiot will always be Jun Idiot: brash, loud, can rip the flesh off your bones in his meanest, and yet with a heart. Age may have added to his frame, but the attitude remains, and for that he will always be one of the prominent figures of Pinoy Punk.

Against man negotiates with the punks

Against Man are younger than the rest of the bands that supported T.S.A., but their collective mindset belies their age. I have always liked them for their low-key easy-going nature and their musicality. Will an album be ever out?

Always awesome: Tame The Tikbalang

Orgasm donor^^

Russell!!!!!!

Tame The Tikbalang has always been fierce, and the wild response from the audience reaction is always to be expected. Russell Eustaquio has been and will always be cool in my book (goes way back in the university), and this may sound biased and such, but well, the heck. Forever shall be, Russ. ^^

Al and his "men" :P

"Putang-ina, tatlong lalaki na ang humahalik sa akin ngayong gabi!" (Ugh, hahah am not gonna translate this :P)

That's Al Dimalanta shouting over the microphone after one overjoyed punk after another went up to him and gave him a hug and a kiss. The performance of Al Dimalanta, backed up by the boys of T.S.A.and referred to in jest as Al D and the Architects, has got to be one of the highest points of the night. Seems like Al has yet some tricks up his sleeves for us to marvel at this year. You can never put an angrily creative - or creatively angry? - man down, really.

Buddy and Betrayed: Good to see you again

Yes, Betrayed also played. Yes it is so good to see Buddy Trinidad play after all these years. Yes the set is so familiar, having listened to it so many times. Much as I try not to wax sentimental about Betrayed (because I am, more often than not, UNsentimental), some pangs of stinging memories hit me occasionally during their set. How many times did I see them play, practice in recent times? Originals like Ain't Gonna Fight For You, Betrayed By You, Never Meant To Be This Way, and covers like Babylon's Burning, New Rose and Big Deal are the very tunes that I hear being practiced on a bass guitar within hearing distance in the house where I live in, up until now, not so long ago. [And yet it feels like a lightyear away....]

Pleasant surprise: The GoSignals

And, woooh, The GoSignals came over for a surprise visit. Again, the question begs to be answered: when is the album coming out? Or is it out? Mel, out with it, man. :)

Ojie and Bimboi, T.S.A.

Pedro and Ojie, T.S.A.

Ojie, T.S.A.

Then, of course, T.S.A. The star of the night. The level-headed guys who have represented the local punk scene in Asia and beyond on a good number of occasions. Bimboi. Ojie, and Pedro have created a mark of their own in the Pinoy Punk scene, a path that is definitely less taken. The support that was given them by the pillars of Pinoy Punk during this gig, and in their past ones as well, is more than enough proof that T.S.A. has carved their own spot in the sun.

To T.S.A., all my respect, admiration, and support. Til we meet again. (Thanks by the way for the sisig, peanuts and beer and other things, burp. :P)

LOL LOL

See you again at the gigs y'all.

This Show Must Go Off! And A Playlist To Match! Woohoo!

Eto na! Pardon the use of the quintessential Al Dimalanta quote, but this is what my sentiment exactly is, right now. Eto naaaaaaa!

By now you must have known that T.S.A. is doing a one-night off at Hades Bar on February 12. If you don't, then check out this poster, yea? This is brought to you by your reliable friendly neighbourhood Bisikleta Productions, as well as this blog Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks Productions.

This is also the perfect opportunity to update my (heehee) sleeping playlist. All-Pinoy, as usual, with the songs coming from the bands who have a lot to do with the guest artists and the main attraction on February 12.

NOTE: Mixpod Player is fucked up, so I am using the BOX Player temporarily. Just Click play. I will try to remedy the situation asap so that you get your music playing the moment you load the Trash Radio Manila blog site.

1. T.S.A. - "Hoy!"
2. Betrayed - "Ain't Gonna Fight For You"
3. Tame The Tikbalang - "Forever Shall Be"
4. G.I. and The Idiots - "The Flag"
5. Throw - "Walang Hustisya"
6. T.S.A. - "Violent Dispersal"

See you all on Saturday!

Up next: Pinkcow did it!

TSA is back again!!!

Hey guys, no no I am not dead, I am not relocating (yet, heheh), I have not gone crazy or what (as far as I am concerned that is, so by me this statement is not to be disputed :P), nothing much to account for my absence except the usual grind. But, I (meaning, in my capacity as one of the whipping kids behind Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks) have been getting a bit involved lately. I will give you some updates in the days to come.

For now, I've got to tell you this. T.S.A., the hard-working, hard-hitting, hard-playing, and just simply, hard (yay!) Bulakenyos consisting of Bimboi, Pedro, and Ojie, are coming back! They will be doing a one night off gig over at Hades Bar in Quezon City on February 12. The support bands are awesome. Bisikleta Productions is producing, and Trash Radio Manila and Music Speaks are helping out in their miniscule way.

This by far is your best option for your Valentines date and Year of the Metal Rabbit celebration. This one, I am sure, will be a lot of fun! ^^

Holiday Gigs, Plus, What Are Your TOP 5 Albums Of The Year?

The holidays are upon us. Time flies, really. Suddenly I find myself attending one holiday party after another. It is great to see friends, though it can get tiring.

I was recently asked for a list of my TOP 5 Albums of the Year. It was a little hard to decide on this, honestly. Do you have a list in mind? I do, after thinking about it for quite a while.

Will be posting my TOP 5 Albums of the year...do watch out for it.

For today, I mean tonight...and tomorrow, check out these great gigs. Chickoy Pura and The Jerks celebrate their 31st anniversary tonight over at 70's Bistro and to celebrate this is a launch of a book that documents the band's evolution. This book is titled "Any Given Friday", obviously derived from the band's regular play day at 70s Bistro. Coinciding with the launch is Bisikleta Productions' rollicking gig titled kapow...I guiess you know by now how a Bisikleta gig goes. Pure fun. ^^

Tomorrow should be great as well. Juan Isip will be launching a new EP (wow!!!!). This also coincides with the gig called An Acoustic Christmas Featuring Al Dimalanta, Arnold Morales, Mae Ilagan, Albert Ascona, Johnny Tender of Pusakals, and Francis of Pinkcow. Grab a load of these potentially fun times. More details on the posters.

See you guys. :)

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.

Steady Movin' Beat: It's About Time

This Saturday's Rude Maynila will feature Steady Movin' Beat as the main act, on the occasion of the release of the band's first recorded material. Yes. At last.

I was reading Hilboy's blogpost about Steady Movin' Beat (or SMB). As I was doing so, I found myself walking by memory lane.

**********

Somewhere in Kalookan, around six years ago. SMB was a lot different from what it is today. For one, the people doing vocal chores were Hannah and Nikoy. Mateo was playing one of those wind instruments. I think it was Nikoy's birthday, and we were at the rooftop of his house. Nikoy's mother was constantly asking if we have eaten adequately. Je and I, the gourmands that we are, were not complaining. The band plowed through a handful of ska staples, some of which were A Message To You, Rudy and Guns of Navarone. Then Hannah took over, and soon enough strains of a familiar tune came off the keyboard.

The kids just have to cover the song. It was Put3ska's "Absolute", a song that makes me melancholic to this very day. That night, however, "Absolute" was a a joyous ditty, not a bit somber.

It's remarkable how ska has caught the fancy of the kids, I remember telling Je. Of course, the statement was rhetorical. I knew who the suspects are....

**********

It is not a secret that SMB got their name from the lyrics of a Put3ska song. (C'mon, need I tell you what?) I may be wrong though. *guffaws*

SMB gained substantial exposure through Skamax, the so-called younger brother of Clubska Manila. Skamax used to hold gigs at Freedom Bar in Anonas St., Quezon City. At times, it would be at the now-defunct Millenia Bar over at Kamuning. Je and I would try to catch the gigs, but most of the time it would be just Je attending while I languished at work somewhere in Makati. (LOL!)

Kolumn Bar then opened, providing a bigger venue for the rudies. I believe this was the time when SMB was evolving. Their line-up started changing, they were trying to find their groove, their angst. Most of the time they were playing alongside more experienced bands, and they would have their bad hair days. It happens.

As with any up-and-coming bands, I have always believed that all it takes is time, and patience, and perseverance. So one day, Je called me to listen to an mp3 of a quirky, upbeat song about the banal life of being in the office.

Sounds good, no? He asked. I nodded promptly.

the song was "Corporate Fool" by Steady Movin' Beat. There it is, I thought. The promise. The only thing needed now is the extra push.

**********

Fast forward , a few years later. Mateo has taken over vocal chores. By this time Steady Movin' Beat is made up of Dennis, Oliver, Janelle, Paulo and Mateo. They performed as often as they can especially on gigs produced by Bisikleta productions. They sound a whole lot tighter and more engaging, never failing to get the crowd skanking whenever they play on stage. Je and I were witnesses to this remarkable evolution. I knew he was impressed. Who wouldn't?

Now that SMB is finally releasing their EP, I can only say: It's about time. Your patience and perseverance paid off handsomely, and it is your time to get the crowd skanking.

Congratulations, lads.

(Photo of old SMB from their MySpace site.)

Post-Election Gigs Gigs Gigs

Two interesting gigs will be held this coming Saturday, and I advise that you guys check them out, as part of your "post-election" to-do chores (haha).

(Of course, that does not mean that you are letting your guard down. Every Filipino's task right now, after having made a choice last Monday - voter or abstainee - is to be vigilant.)

The first gig is the EP launch of The Beauty Of Doubt which will take place at Ten02 Bar. This is a gig worth watching since Boyet Miguel of Tame The Tikbalang and Betrayed will be performing guitar chores for the band, aside from the fact that TBOD has not had a release in a while.

The second gig is Rude Maynila Ikalawang Yugto by second-time balikbayan Hilboy of Bisikleta Productions. This will be held at Sazi's Bar in front of UST. You may catch any one of these gigs, or be present in both ... your call.

Also worth mentioning (although this one will not happen this Saturday, but on Wednesday next week) is a not-so-frequent chance to see Bane live. The gig will take place in Balibago Complex in Santa Rosa, Laguna on May 19. It is strongly suggested to get your asses down South at the first opportunity to see this hard-hitting hardcore group.

See you at the gigs!

(... and please ... when you get to the gig (or anywhere else for that matter), please please bring something to cool you down, like a fan, or mineral water or drink, or a face towel. The summer heat can take a serious toll on one's hydration status, so please, take care of yourselves. Be safe, everyone.)

Isang Pagpupugay Para Sa Bisikleta Productions

Bisikleta Productions celebrated its 4th anniversary by way of a gig entitled "Sweet and Dandy" last Saturday, January 16, 2010.

As a refresher, let me just tell you a bit about Bisikleta Productions.

The birth of Bisikleta Productions is largely credited to the late great Luis "Weslu" Guiang, probably known most for being (arguably) one of the best local drummers of his generation and for his easy-going, funny ways. Weslu formed Bisikleta with some kids from Malabon (his hometown) and Kalookan City. Bisikleta, the bicycle, is their chosen metaphor for the DIY ethos of punk, and was formed to further the cause of the subcultures of punk, ska, mod, rockabilly, hiphop, and dub, among others.

Unfortunately, Weslu met a gruesome road accident on January 2007. It was Hilboy Raymundo, the kid from Kalookan, who almost singlehandedly took over Bisikleta, even though he had to leave for a while for a 6-months job stint in Singapore. Upon his return, the gigs started pouring in. One of these is the monthly The Bing Austria Show.

Ever since the inception of Trash Radio Manila on January 7, 2008 (oo, dalawang taon na ang Trash Radio Manila, pero ipinagpaliban ko ang pagdiriwang, at malamang ay alam naman ninyo kung bakit), Bisikleta has always been supportive of us. Our last team-up was the Louie Louie gig over at Cubao X last January 2009. Bisikleta has been around, coordinating with and supporting Trash Radio Manila, and as such we are more than glad to do the same thing in return.

To Hil, I speak to you now, both as a friend and a co-supporter of the scene: Congratulations ... at padayon!

Some photos from the gig.

Earthlings


The crowd


Bing promoting the second album of his band Juan Pablo Dream


The GoSignals


Stolen Shots, the bubbly Bicol ska band that got the Manileños dancing


The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy

(As always, thanks to my trusty Canon Powershot ;) )

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!