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.

Guest Playlist No. 1: SevenPlusOne (Expressionist Mix) by Caliph8 ... Because Different Is Good For You

One of the plans that Je and I conjured in the past is to feature playlists from some guest artists and friends in the scene. We thought that it was a nice thing to feature these artists' current (or perennial, as the case may be) tracks of interest, which may not be exactly the same as ours.

We want it that way, of course. Listening to the same stuff is downright boooooorrriiiiingggg!!!! (Shall I say that again? Boring! Boring! Boring!) So, here is the first guest playlist for you.

I finally got to talk, and convince, Caliph8, to lend a playlist for our consumption. For those who do not know him, Caliph8 is, by the words of lay people, a DJ, but I would rather not say such, because he is simply more than an DJ. He is a visionary, initially working on hiphop music before venturing into and incorporating textured sounds derived from funk, soul, psychedelia, acid, bossa...probably every beat that he can lay his hands on. If you are familiar with his works, you can actually glean a bit of a punk influence too. (Yay! Yay!)

His most known accomplishment has got to be the founding of the radical hip-hop group A.M.P.O.N. He is likewise with the band called Drip (yes I am sure you've heard about these guys). Also a graffiti and visual arts purveyor, he has done a lot of collaborations (i.e. live scorings) with the filmspeople. Caliph8 is a lot more, his personality as textured and rich as his works, and probably one of the most adorable and nicest people to talk to in the scene.

Check out his MySpace Site HERE. (Photo also comes from this site.)

Enough now, folks, and do your own research too. The title of the playlist is SevenPlusOne (Expressionist Mix), as done by Caliph8. Tracklist here:

Acutel (intro)
Beats by Numbers - Transcendence
Forms - Arif Mardin
Les Electroniciens - Bruno Spoerri
On the underground road - Santucci Scoppa
Fotomodelle - Pierro Umiliani (Caliph8 Remix)
Man is Not a Bird - Broadcast
Kriminal Theme
Cha Tatch Ka - Bernard Estardy
Bridge - Amon Tobin
On Your Marks - Bonobo
Soul for Sahib - Koop
The O.G. - Goo
Esquetando Os Tambourinos E Cuica
Distortion-Broadcast
Neon Massive - Icarus Remix
Michio - Pu22l3 (Caliph8 Deconstruction)

Thank you very much, Caliph8. Looking forward to more playlist, yes? Hahah!

Updates from last Saturday's gig coming up later. ;)

New Blog: Manila And Beyond

Read HERE.

Soon...Soon...

This one is long overdue. My upcoming endeavour is for my friends who, in one way or the other, have asked me what it is like to be here.

Manila. I love. I hate. But always and forever, my home.

Coming soon...

Almost Alice: Why?

Don't look now. Why am I writing about about a soundtrack here? Smart guesses please.

I got to see Alice In Wonderland yesterday, the musical score for which was written by the prolific Danny Elfman. Almost Alice, the companion soundtrack, is not exactly a soundtrack in its truest sense, but more like "music inspired by the movie...", so no Danny Elfman music in this one.

Really good movie-inspired albums are few and far-between, so I did not put my hopes up high with this album, even if it has The Cure's Robert Smith in the roster. I will just point out some of the album's better virtues, instead.

Not many will share my opinions on this, but you guys can always listen to the album and find out for yourself. It is always good to listen to new things.

Robert Smith's cover of "Very Good Advice" may not be enjoyed by all Robert Smith and The Cure fans, but it still stands out anyway. So sue me, hahah.

Franz Ferdinand's "The Lobster Quadrille" is dark enough to capture the supposed mood of the film.

Wolfmother's "Fell Down A Hole", on the other hand, provides a good contrast to Franz Ferdinand's moody song, complete with guitar distortions that connote the chaos of things, like, well, falling down into a rabbit hole.

And, hmmm, I find this hard to say, but yes, I hate to admit it. It does contain lame lyrics, but Avril Lavigne's "Alice" has got to be the catchiest song in the lot. Bad news?

So, did I like the album or not?

Let's put it this way. Have I made changes on the music in the player today? 'Nuff said.

*****

Did I like the film? Find out HERE.

For Words, Against Words (Pour Les Mots, Contre Les Mots)

My comeback playlist, it seems like it. I would have done "Love Is Dead Part 2" (allusions to this post here), but you guys know that the topic of love is so passe, and the playlist that I initially created for that theme ... sucked big time.

I think this playlist is a bit better, and more appropriate.

Pour les mots, contre les mots. For words, against words.

Words can be as nourishing as manna falling from the sky, or as deadly as daggers thrown at your direction before you could even see and dodge.

Never say anything that you might later regret having said.

The wound that you might create with words may never heal, even with time.

Tracklist:

1. Talk With Jesus - The Jones Sisters
2. Never Talking To You Again - Husker Du
3. Someone To Talk To - The Screaming Blue Messiahs
4. Good As My Word - All
5. Four Letter Word - Echobelly
6. Mess Of Words - That Petrol Emotion
7. For Want Of - Rites Of Spring

I, I believed memory might mirror no reflections on me,
I, I believed that in forgetting I might set myself free.
But I woke up this morning with a piece of past caught in my throat,
And then I choked....
And I woke up this morning with the present in splinters on the ground,
And then I drowned.... (Rites Of Spring)

Updates on this month's gigs coming up later.

Full Moon (A Little Break, Again)

Forgive me for the momentary lapse of reason and willpower.


['Tis the season of madness...]

See you all really soon.

Mamayang Gabi Sa Sazi's Bar!!!

Kitakits!

T.S.A.'s Back To Kindergarten: Paying Homage To The Pioneers

T.S.A., obviously influenced by the people who started the mayhem that is called Pinoy Punk, is coming out with an album called "Back To Kindergarten".

It is finally done, yep, as I am quite aware that the boys have been working on this for quite sometime. (First heard this from them around two years ago. Could be more. That long ago.)

T.S.A. will be back to perform on February 20, 2010 at Sazi's Bar in Espana. The new album will be sold at the gates. I received some tracks from the benevolent bounty of Ojie, T.S.A.'s ferocious drummer, and I am playing them now. The tracklist below:

1. Violent Dispersal (originally by R.D.A.) - T.S.A.
2. Hoy!!!!! (originally by Urban Bandits) - T.S.A.
3. Flush The Attitude (originally by Dead Ends) - T.S.A.

Doing covers is both fun and dangerous. To cover a song demands both the right intentions and the right treatment, and most bands. while having the noblest of intentions, fall short of injecting their creativity and flavour. I have yet to hear the entire album, but so far, it seems that T.S.A. is on the right track. Find out more when you guys get hold of the album.

BELIEVE: Throw's Third Album Launch (Saturday, 23 January 2010)

If you were present during the launching of the previous album, Unwavering, you may have probably noticed that last Saturday's affair at the Leprechaun Bar was more sober. It is not a bad thing to be one, though. There may be some reasons for it.

Perhaps, one of those reasons is that January 23 also happens to be the birthday of the late Jay Dimalanta, brother to Throw vocalist/guitarist Al and bassist to the legendary punk band Dead Ends. Or maybe the people were just a little tired and spent from the week's travails. Or maybe, wala lang, I think too much, haha.

Sobriety, however, renders little consequence to the sound of Throw's newest album. Believe is not sober, and Throw is definitely a non-complacent band. Al, together with his crew is, and will always, bite, so to say. Their songs hit the midsection always, and takes a constant, painful stab at politics and the society. The album is dedicated to the memory of three local punk luminaries who have passed on to hardcore nirvana: Jay Dimalanta, of course, Luis "Weslu" Guiang, and Je Bautista. Believe, like the other Throw albums, is, contrary to popular thought, a team effort: Spyk co-wrote Choose and Believe (a very strong track), Dennis was credited for penning Eleksyon and Borrowed with Al, and Albert of course wrote Six and co-wrote Warlord and the Zappa-inspired Screw Yourself.

(But hey, why don't you just pick up a copy of the album? I am meaning to write about the gig.)


I got in just in time to see Talk Sick, the Malolos-based hardcore outfit. (Sorry po, Against Man, I like you guys, pero na-late lang ako, di ko kayo napanood.) Talk Sick does not just rip through their set, the band actually groove, if one listens close enough. I made a mental note to play Talk Sick in the playlist sometime soon. They were then followed by Staid, the hardcore band whose members come from groups such as Half The Battle and Choke Cocoi. I personally admire the efforts of these two bands, as well as the rest of those who endeavour to go outside their homebases to play, and the same thing goes to the audience who support the bands wherever they are. It is the best that one can offer to bands who do not, and will likely never, get the support of popular media.

Spyk's young band SDK (with Dennis Maniego as proxy bassist) followed. Not long ago, Spyk was a gangly teener who just smiled as he banged the drumkit. He still smiles, as if playing the drums is a breeze, but he is definitely getting more and more formidable, and is fast turning into a...heartthrob! (Sounds funny? Wait till you see the giggly girls at the sideline whenever he plays.)

Tame The Tikbalang is one band that I really love for its consistency and competence and I am happy that they are still around and continue to play like demons. No obvious signs of aging so far.

It is good that The GoSignals finally started to play their originals on a regular basis. I am paying a close watch on the band's first album release.

Goo played too. It was a blast to see them cover some Descendents. I saw the crowd liven up and sing along, including, of course, Throw guitarist and unabashed Descendents fan Albert Ascona.

Then it was Throw's turn.

What can I say?

If I talk further, it will be my heart talking...

A somewhat sober night indeed, but still great. My heartfelt congratulations to Spyk, Dennis, Albert, and Al.

And the best way to end the launch? Nekbu!

Till the next album launch! Yay! Yay!

Throw's Third Album Launching This Saturday! Yay! Yay!

Ninety percent of the time, I am the usual observer, the one to make comments, the person who is never too impressionable. Not exactly jaded, just not wont to rave quickly over matters and people.

Thus, it is unlikely that I resort to lick-ass (pardon the dirty term) tactics just to earn the good graces of people that I respect or admire. This I say as a general rule.

Sometimes, however, I turn into a little fangirl (still without the ass-lick predisposition, please note) ... like right now. It cannot be helped. To fully appreciate a craft such as a beautiful song or an iridescent voice, one has to listen, not only with his ears, but with his heart, mind, and soul.

It is therefore with my heart, mind, and soul that I appreciate the artistry of Al Dimalanta, and the people who make up Throw, as well the people who were once part of Dead Ends.

Which is why I am very excited about Throw's 3rd album launching this coming Saturday, January 22. It's been more than a year since Throw launched their second album (we wrote about it here) Unwavering. The featured song is Choose, a song written by Al and emerging wonder drummer boy Spyk Maniego. Do come over to Leprechaun Bar tomorrow, see Throw live (check out the poster for details), and pick up their CD. I should stop blabbering now and let the song speak for itself, yes? See you at the gig.

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 ;) )

Rilkean Heart, Rilkean Reality (This Is...)

Do you guys like Cocteau Twins? I do, I do. I simply love them: the dreamy songs, the beautiful lyrics, Elizabeth Fraser's otherworldly vocals.

It seems that a friend of mine loves them too. Xtin, my favorite foodie (the real deal, forget about the self-proclaimed foodies duh!), sent me a link to a video after having seen my Facebook status (Yes I have a Facebook account *blush* *blush* haha) quoting my favorite stanza from one of the poems of the great Ranier Maria Rilke. Yes, I love Rilke and his poetry, too. This is my favorite poem by him:

I live my life in widening rings
which spread over earth and sky.
I may not ever complete the last one,
but that is what I will try.

I circle around God, the primordial tower,
and I circle ten thousand years long;
and I still don't know if I'm a falcon, a storm,
or an unfinished song.

(Ranier Maria Rilke, 1875-1926)

Cocteau Twins sings out of inspiration from the German poet. The title of the song is "Rilkean Heart", and randomly selected lines from the song go a little something like this:

Rilkean heart, I looked for you to give me transcendent experiences
to transport me out of self and aloneness and alienation
into a sense of oneness and connection ecstatic and magical.
I became a junkie for it. I came looking for the next high

I'm sorry I've been putting the search on the wrong place.
I understand that you're confused, feeling overwhelmed.
Well that's a feeling state from then, the reality.

One entity on the planet, becoming truly self reliant
and become connected with something beyond me.
That is where I have to go.

Now tell me: How the hell can anyone go wrong with lyrics like these?



A similar post appears at The Last Song Syndrome.

Upcoming posts: Dum dee dum ... new playlist, weekend gigs, the usual. Stay posted. Why don't you guys tell me what you want?

(Youtube video courtesy of TIMOL69.)

Tonight, Like It Is Starting To Become A Habit

The gig in honor of drummer extraordinaire Luis "Weslu" Guiang's third death anniversary will be tonight, 8pm at Sazi's Restobar (formerly Mayric's).

The line-up is formidable, as it includes the bands for which Weslu has pounded the skins (G.I. and the Idiots, and for a short time, The GoSignals) as well as friends like Throw, Nekbu, and Against Man.

This seems to me more like a celebration of life and times of (rather than a tribute for) the man who will always be remembered for his amazing sense of humor, his mania behind the drumkit (Skanking while hitting the skins? Almost unbelievable!), and his enduring courage, especially manifested during his last hours. As such, I am not too hesitant to promote the gig.

It would be banal of me to say that I miss Louie, but it is the plain truth. Everybody misses Weslu. Everybody will miss him. I will not be amazed if Weslu's death anniversary will be celebrated in the (many many) years to come.

Happy New Year, Happy New Decade

Kamusta na kayo?

The year 2010 appears to be personally promising. The past year has been difficult for most (both on a personal and global scale) that it is not too hard to look forward to this new year, and new decade, with hope in our hearts.

Siya siya. I do not wish to further distract your attention with useless words. Here's the first playlist of the year. All-Pinoy! With new songs from Bad Omen, The GoSignals, a fresh cut from Tsunami Tsunami, a couple of songs from the Deadly Rhythms compilation, and an old favorite.


Tracklist:

1. DEAD ENDS - New Life
Always, always, my favorite. I literally grew up to this song. Great memories. Al Dimalanta is fantastic in my book, and I say this not just because he is my friend.

2. ISTUKAS OVER DISNEYLAND - Fairy Tale In The Philippines
One of the two tracks from the Deadly Rhythms From The Production Line compilation. This San Fernando, Pampanga-based band has been gigging for more than 10 years.

3. GARY GRANADA - San Simon
Gary Granada apparently announced in his site that the album Basurero Ng Luneta, from which this track was lifted, will be his last. Not exactly good news for me.

4. KILLRATIO - The Parade
Fierce music. very competent band. The other track off the Deadly Rhythms compi.

5. THE GOSIGNALS - Neverending Cries
Mel Maniego and the rest of his crew take a stab at the never-ending crisis at Mindanao.

6. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI - You Are So Irresistable
Uhm, yup, spelled as is. Arnold Morales is really a gifted songwriter with obvious pop sensibilities. Hints of mod and a very light shade of punk, from which he came from anyway.

7. BAD OMEN - Thanks A Lot, Je
I must admit that it took me a long time to decide on whether to play this song on the blog or not. It is a song dedicated to the late Je Bautista, who would have turned 44 last January 1.
You guys know that Je was the musical programmer of Trash Radio Manila and has carved a niche of his own in the underground scene. He is a dear friend to many, a fierce adversary to some, and more than a dear friend to this author. To put a song dedicated to him in this blog would seem to be self-serving, to say to the least. However, I thought, it is a great song, Bad Omen did a good job. This song deserves a listen somehow. (Being self-serving be damned, and I don't care: I stand by every decision I make on TRM.)

Do enjoy the first playlist of the year. Here's to a fantastic year to all.