From The Gathering Of Friends

June 27. Saturday. Leprechaun Bar. A Gathering Of Friends. Below is a gathering of (my) thoughts. Want Guinness? Heard one say. Yes, get me one, says another. Oh, hi! Hey! Haven't seen you in ages! Uy, pare. Coffee Break Island came first. Good set as usual. Gotta rush to Xavierville. Francis in Samar. Pink Cow just as jolly and quirky. A lot of personality. Loads of nice T-shirts. I like Spyk's. "The Loudest and Fastest Hour On Radio." Blast from the past, nearly made me cry...(old school, new school, out-of-school punk, and everything in between...aawww!) Bad Omen next. Veteran punks. Very much deserving of a place in the Pinoy Punk firmament. Segued into two Music Front songs, then segued further into Tsunami Tsunami set. Was distracted, a very very good friend was downstairs. (He said Dave Dictor is a good man, and I believed him, because I know that for a fact, and I am not effing kidding. My friend's stories very much worth my attention.) AMPON next. Almost missed them and almost bashed my head for this. Pity that someone had to say "We've been invaded by hiphop"... as far as I know, AMPON is fantastic! [Sorry dude-who-said-we've-been-invaded, we're into this for the music above everything else, so eff it.] Shuffle Union. Buy their cool CD. Seriously, and objectively. You know how, yes? The Mighty Contras. Adorable Ahmad. Want to see more of them. Drove home and nearly ran over a cat. Driving = steep learning curve. Sunday, past 3 o'clock in the morning. Good morning world ... tell it to me once again what Antoine de St Exupery said.

"On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux."

Mr. Antoine, you are very dear to me ... situated beside this beautiful quote of yours, all other words are empty bullet shells .... Thank you friends for your presence, and for remembering a very good man.

Thank you Jan for the Tsunami photo.

A Playlist From Left Field

On the occasion of Je's 40th day death anniversary (that's today, May 13), I have uploaded this rather special playlist.

1. Put3ska - ABSOLUTE
2. Betrayed - NEVER MEANT TO BE THIS WAY
3. Music Front - BORED WITH BOREDOM
4. Beatdown Boombox - THE HARDER THEY COME

As many of you may know, ABSOLUTE is originally by Absolute Zero, Je's band before he joined Betrayed. Absolute Zero was short-lived but has the distinction of being one of the bands that played in the early Brave New World Series. It should also be noted that Je eventually managed Put3ska and ABSOLUTE was included in the band's phenomenal first album.

Then there's Betrayed, probably Je's best known involvement as a bassist. This version of NEVER MEANT TO BE THIS WAY was captured live at the NU 2001 Rock Awards. If I remember right, 2001 was the 25th year of punk, and the late Howlin' Dave, whose voice represented the generation of punk rock pioneers (and the rest of the pinoy rock musicians as well), was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Betrayed is one of Pinoy Punk's most popular and enduring bands, continuing to play to this very day.

When Music Front, Arnold Morales' band which he formed after Urban Bandits, was reformed in January 2008, Je came in to fill up bass-playing duties. This version of BORED WITH BOREDOM was recorded live at Club Dredd last April 2008 when Music Front played back to back with The Runaway Boys.

Beatdown Boombox is a project of both Je and The Beauty of Doubt/Bad Omen/Throw/Music Front (and 700 more bands) guitarist Albert Ascona. The two were starting to experiment on sounds and playing with dubs, and were highly influenced by Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros. They first played late last year, and this is essentially Je's last band. At the time of Je's demise, the band already has a number of originals, though this song in the playlist is a Jimmy Cliff cover.

There are many more songs that I would have wanted to throw in the playlist, but this should be it. Je will always be known in the scene as Pinoy punk's left-handed bassist, a mean producer, Trash Radio Manila's musical programmer, a passionate music lover.

*****

A mass will be held this afternoon, 5pm, at the Sto Nino Parish Church at Bago Bantay, Quezon City. You can look up the directions here. I know, 40 days came so fast, and personally, I am not over it yet. But such is life, and the end of it. Reality hits from left field, much like this playlist. See you guys, and have a good day.

What If Punk Never Happened?

Hi all, the post you are to read below is written by the "friend" half of the Marika and Friends signature that I affix every time I write an entry in Trash Radio Manila. You see, Je should be doing this more often, being the far more talented writer that he is than I am. But you know how precious things are....

Je writes about a part of The King Blues' latest release, which contains "What If Punk Never Happened?", and how this piece struck him and inspired him to produce the mix that you are hearing on our player. Here goes.

(Photo credits: The King Blues from their MySpace site, Music Front from their MySpace site.)

Hello All,

I do not usually write for blogs. Editing and writing for other people being my main source of livelihood, I somehow find it difficult to write what’s in my own mind. However, things sometimes come from way out left field that they almost knock you down.

Special thanks are due Bisikleta Productions for knocking me down and bowling me over today. The guy behind the production outfit sent me an MP3 late this afternoon. It was a copy of The King Blues’ “What If Punk Never Happened” off of their latest release “Save The World. Get The Girl”. (Please get the album if you can.) To say my life has been changed again is an understatement. But the email made me remember many things. Many many things.

My first reaction to the song was that I had to get the lyrics. In the process of looking for them across the Net, I also stumbled upon a general invite from the band to remix the song.

It is past midnight now, and I have just come out from the studio. (Ok, it’s just the other room in my flat where I have my stereo. I merely hooked up my laptop to an interface in the stereo so that I can “remix” the song.) My bandmates do not know it yet, but I have mixed in one of our songs, “Let’s Dance”, to the spoken word version of “What If Punk Never Happened” and we now have “What If Punk Never Happened? Let’s Dance”, a cross-continental unauthorized collaboration between The King Blues and Music Front.

If The King Blues ask me to take it down, I will ask Marika to take it down. If my bandmates ask me to take it down, I will ask Marika to take it down. If they don’t, then well and good for all of us. We will keep the remix uploaded here on Trash Radio Manila for a week so download as you may.

“So shine your light so bright that all can see,

Take pride in being whoever the fuck you want to be,

Throw your fist in the air in solidarity,

And shout, ‘Viva la punk, just one life, anarchy’”

Be brave and wise,

Keep the faith,

Je

(Download mix here.)

We're Taking Over

It has been a roller-coaster ride for us, in more ways than one. So many things to keep us busy and, occasionally, stressed out. At times we feel like 10 years older, as the song goes. But we go on doing the things we like to do for as long as we can, and we hope you share this sentiment with us. And, like I always say, see you at the gig.

DEADLINE - "We're Taking Over"
MUSIC FRONT - "Let's Dance" (Version)
JOE JACKSON - "Beat Crazy"
THE SOULSTEPPERS - "Reggae Fiend"
AUDIOWEB - "Bankrobber"
FARSIDE - "Hero"
SUGAR - "If I Can't Change Your Mind" (Demo)
SR-71 - "Politically Correct"

Photos from http://www.myspace.com/deadlineuk and http://www.myspace.com/sugarfans

Scenes From Mash It Up! last September 19

First things first. Glitches are life's necessary evils. If we want to totally do away with them, then we're better off dead.

Bisikleta Productions' Mash It Up! last Friday, September 19 was not spared from glitches. For one, there was the heavy downpour during the early evening, though in spite of this, Bela Bar was filled up. Then there was technical hassle. As you very well know, Trash Radio Manila did not get to spin, no thanks to that guy whose mind has a semblance of that of a cretin's. And, in the heat of a band's set, a commotion stirred, which was promptly quelled.

But, fortunately for us in attendance, these glitches did not take away the fact that Mash It Up! had been a very enjoyable affair. Some points are in order:

1. The final line-up, aside from the four major acts (The GoSignals, Shuffle Union, Music Front, and Contras), consisted of T.R.A., King Kong Wasabi, Pink Cow, and Steady Movin' Beat.

2. I made the horrid mistake of typing Hong Kong Wasabi (instead of King Kong Wasabi) in my past post. To the band, I am sorry. For those who know me better, you would very well know that this error is, well, Freudian.

3. I have seen T.R.A. on a few occasions, and I find their demeanor onstage delightful, and their choice of covers good.

4. Contras - as far as I am concerned - gave the nastiest performance of the night. Cheers, lads!

5. All things taken, Hilboy scores once again. Congratulations!

Photos here.

T.R.A


King Kong Wasabi


Pink Cow


Music Front


The GoSignals


Contras


Shuffle Union


Steady Movin' Beat

Mash It Up! On Friday

Bisikleta Productions strikes back with Mash It Up!, a gig that promises to give you massive (must I say lethal?!) doses of punk rock, power pop, ska, and oi. On Friday, September 16, 2008 at Bela Bar at P. Guevarra St. in Greenhills, catch Music Front, The GoSignals, Contras, and Shuffle Union (and match the band with the genre, if you so desire). Plus, bands like Pulikats, Earthlings, Steady Movin'Beat, Pink Cow and Hong Kong Wasabi will be providing support. Sounds fun, yes?

And though this team of geeks running this blogsite has spinned in many occasions in the past (my favorite gig happens to be the one at Freedom bar some 3 years ago, which was cut short because the place was practically shaking with sonic energy emanating from the bands), this is the first time that we will be spinning as Trash Radio Manila. We are certainly looking forward to this event, for we do plan to play a good bulk of our personal favorites. Surprise, surprise. Just show up, will you? Entrance will set you back at P50 and it comes with a drink. Hey, ho, lezgooow!!! :)))

More details on the bands can be found here.

More On The Truth Fest

Most of you may still be at a loss as to what bands will be playing tomorrow at The Truth Fest. The truth of the matter is, no one's really sure what the final band line-up will be. But to many who will be in attendance tomorrow, would this really matter? There are many more activities such as inter-faith rituals, talks from resource speakers, food booths, and a session devoted to the litany of untruths. Read about it here.

We have been told, however, that some of the artists who be participating are The WUDS, Coffee Break Island, The Jerks, Datu's Tribe, Music Front, and Ms. Grace Nono. Do check out this event tomorrow. And before I forget, do keep in mind that there will be no alcoholic drinks during The Truth Fest. Be warned, you.

Kodak moment: The Jerks (Nitoy Adriano, Chikoy Pura, Edwin Aguilar), 70s Bistro, sometime March 2008

Scenes From Throw's Second Album Launch

Unwavering.

This happens to be the title of Throw's second album which was launched last July 12, 2008 at Center For Arts. And what a launch it was! It was an event meant to make everyone ecstatic. Amazing bands. Accessible location. Awesome sound system. A highly receptive crowd. Assorted merch for sale. Most of all, there was Al Dimalanta, who happens to be (as if you do not know by now) Throw's founder/vocalist/guitarist.

Time and again I would find myself raving about the works of this very talented man: his music, his photography, his writings. And the second album is testament to the fact that maturity has not slowed him a bit, and definitely, his well of creativity is full and far from drying up.

The bands:

The GoSignals played first, performing tight covers of The Who and The Jam, plus Private Stock's Future Generation. Mod galore!
Choke Cocoi came next. The first word that entered my mind: earnest. These ladies mean business.

The Beauty of Doubt finally resumes gigging. This band has been missed. Good to see them live once again.

Ronald and Albert of The Beauty Of Doubt: amusement written all over their faces.

Arnold Morales of Music Front hollered "This is the news of the world!" Apt, indeed.

Tame The Tikbalang actually played after Throw. Consistently fierce. The best part of their set? ANGST!Throw played a fantastic set of all-new songs. What can I say?
The crowd:To Spyk, Albert, Dennis and Al, congratulations!

ETO NAAAAAAA!!! Throw Album Launch Tonight!

We've waited a long time for this. Now the time has come.

Head over tonight to Center For Arts at Timog Avenue, Quezon City to be with Throw as they launch their second full-length album in a gig called Keeping The Faith! There is absolutely no reason for you to miss out on this. We have given you a preview of some of the tracks included in their spanking new album in the past playlist. The album is made up of one fierce track after another, so better bring some cash and buy their album, which, according to the band, should not cost you more than php200.

Throw will be supported by some of the most amazing bands to exist this part of the music world. Must I say (gasp) azteeeeeeg?! But they are heavyweights indeed: Go-Signals, Choke Cocoi, The Beauty Of Doubt, Music Front and Tame The Tikbalang!

We are temporarily setting aside the airing of the Joe Strummer tribute to give way to this event. And, before I forget...

See you at the gig.

Awooooooooooooo

Postscript: Akkk! Mabuti na lang may mga editor ;) Gracias!

Keeping The Faith!

Again, updates on the upcoming album launching of Throw. This just in.

July 12, 2008 (Saturday) @ 8pm
Center For Arts
Timog Avenue Quezon City (near GMA7)
Gate: Php 50

(The line-up has changed, so take note.)

The bands:

Tame The Tikbalang
The GoSignals
Music Front
The Beauty Of DoubtChoke Cocoi
... and the star of the night!!!

Throw
(Al Dimalanta shows who's the boss!)

Maraming salamat sa aking BFF, my Canon PowerShotA520. Pic of TBOD from their MySpace. Pic of Choke Cocoi from Daddy Ojie. Cheers!

Trash Radio Manila Episode 16 Part 1: Look to the Light and Play it Loud

We're back, people. Thought we've lost track of our episodes, after being gone for about a week or so? This, my friends, is Part 1 of Episode 16, and we've got some new stuff for you.

Our playlist:

1. CONCERNED ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES - "Halina"
2. THROW - "Fly"
3. MUSIC FRONT - "Let's Version (Dante Remix)"
4. ESKAPO - "The Fall of the I-Hotel"
5. THROW - "Throw Them All Away"

The first song is "Halina", written by Jess Santiago; this version is performed by the Concerned Artists Of The Philippines . You can find the lyrics to this song and other relevant stuff here.

We have here Throw, whose much-anticipated second album will be launched on July 12 at the Center for Arts along Timog Avenue, Quezon City, courtesy of MAIM and Row4 productions. This, my preciousssss, is one event that you should not miss. The line-up is powerhouse: bands throwing in (pardon the pun) their support are Betrayed, Music Front, The GoSignals, Tame The Tikbalang, and The Beauty of Doubt. Heard some tunes from their newest album and I must say the wait has been well worth it. We're giving you a sneak peak of sorts by including two new tracks off Throw's newest album, "Fly" and "Throw Them All Away".

Finally, Music Front has a decent demo recording. Well, almost. From what we've heard, the vocals have yet to be actually laid in, and what we are hearing are sampled sound bytes from Arnold. Capping off the segment is a track off the latest album from Eskapo titled "Wind Of Hell".

Yes, preciousssss, we are back. Go play it loud, and keep looking at the light.

Images courtesy of the artists' sites, all clickable. So click away.

Sweat, Spike, and Alcohol: April 18, 2008, Dayo Bar

As expected, I was late for last Friday's gig at Dayo Bar called Pin-oi Punk or Else. Arrived at around past ten at Betty Go-Belmonte St. and saw a little bit of everything outside the bar: punks, skins, hc, crusts, etc. Got inside and felt a sudden urge to kick myself for my tardiness. The act Nekbu (fronted by Bunek, a lady who can belt out one Descendents song after another effortlessly) was playing their last song that time, and I wanted to see them live but I missed them. Maybe next gig.

(I know. I missed so many bands. I'm listing the few bands that I have seen that night. :( )

Grabbed a bottle of beer in time for the next act, The GoSignals. The band is made up of ex-Private Stock Mel Maniego, his brother, Throw's bassist Dennis, and Spyk, Bunek's son, a young man showing tremendous promise as a ferocious drummer. The GoSignals gave a pretty solid performance as they played covers of The Jam, The Clash, and Private Stock's Future Generation. Against Man, a band that derives its contituents from the Malabon-Navotas area, followed suit, again stirring up restless souls on the mosh pit.

The GoSignals: Dennis, Spyk, Mel

Against Man!

It must be the combination of the summer heat and the alcohol that was giving me migraine, but heck. Throw was already onstage. Al Dimalanta and the rest of the band have always been consistent. Spyk, who was rivalling Albert Ascona for the most number of bands playing that night, was once again pounding the drumkit to the delight of the punks...and the punkettes ;)

Throw's Al Dimalanta

Up next was Tame The Tikbalang. What can I say. This band is awesome, though I wish they would write more materials. Maybe there lies the charm of Tame The Tikbalang: you know they are around, but you will never know what they are up to, or when they will be making one of their rare but anticipated appearances. Tame's drummer, John Persius Carpio, is arguably one of the best drummers of his generation.

Tame The Tikbalang: Russell, Aries, Boyet

John Persius Carpio

Music Front is just as enigmatic. Sightings at the most unexpected places have been reported: Club Dredd, Dayo, Liwasang Bonifacio. The lads are getting tighter as a unit. They sang an original, some Sex Pistols, and some Urban Bandits, including "News Of The World" the words to which was recited for the most part by Hard K's Jun Idiot. It was frenzy. Hard K played next, this time with Jun Idiot on the mic. By this time I had lost most semblance of physical wellness. No amount of ice cubes can soothe my throbbing temples, and my gait was swinging aimlessly despite having had only a few bottles. I simply remember being brought to a hospital called Sausage (oh, it's not a hospital then?) before losing track of what happened for the rest of the night. Fun night, fun night, on the whole. I must not forget to bring a bottle of Avamigran next time though. See you in the next gig.

Music Front: Je, Arnold

Jun Idiot