It was the final stop of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour", a series of shows promoting Shuffle Union's latest release, "INVINCIBLE", and PiliSKApinas decided it was time to give tribute to the people who love ska...... the 1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL!It was gathering not only for the festival's performers, but it was a night specially dedicated to the followers and listeners, both old and new of the music we all love. And the night rekindled for the old the love that was introduced to the new set.
JC and Diana of Wooden Canvas were on hand for the festival's side event, the special treat for all that was the photo gallery inside Wooden Canvas, displayed photos of the performers from different points in time (did you hear yourself say, "Ako yun ah!" while peeking at one of the photos?).
As the crowd swelled, HOPSKATCH warmed up with a few songs, and then proceeded with their set, Katong and his group, has definitely come a long way and their set was the first of the long list of performers. the 1st half of the festival appeared as though a reunion of SKAMAX bands when STEADYMOVINBEAT took the stage and gave the crowd a glimpse of things to come on the dancefloor. I personally enjoyed their original songs, specially "Corporate Fool," which are getting better and better; I hope to see a feature release of them very soon.
Up next was PINK COW, who played sans Francis as Life Without Francis with the UMBLE UNO Horny horns, they greeted the crowd with the demeanor characteristic of the band, as they played covers and originals to teh delight of the crowd. Afterwards, soaked in sweat, the people braced themselves for more dancing for the subsequent bands.Oh by the way, Hil of Bisikleta Productions helped in the hosting duties, he was paired with a reluctant host wearing bennies and white shoes. Well placed was ROCKET PUNCH's set, in-between the SKAMAX and Clubska alumni, the Global City Rudies really hit the people on the spot, with crowd favorites being part of their repertoire. Participating on a few of their songs were Renz , and suddenly it was OUT 4 LUNCH!, and Kaloy of SMB who sang "Banana."
The rain started to pour, but it wasn't enough to douse the heat that was coming from the aggregate of warm bodies already stationed on the dancefloor. Up next, MARCOS CRONIES, these guys can be considered as one of the more "senior" bands of the scene, and all the way from San Fernando, they delivered! These guys are great and are not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
"Are you tired yet?" not by a longshot! The night was relatively young, and it was time for the night's hosts, SHUFFLE UNION to energize the dancefloor. In anticipation of the dancefest that was coming, the crowd that was there from the 1st band did not leave the dancefloor (im going to be using this noun for a couple more times before this review is through). Shuffle Union's set were part old and part new, playing song's from INVINCIBLE, and old originals that are characteristic of the band.
After a few songs, Noel of SKABECHE, and Melvin of Jeepney Joyride, joined in for a jam session that made for more dancing. Our thanks to Noel for coming down all the way from ska hotbed Bulacan that night. Mae and Jan, led the way when Mae exclaimed "Ang kantang ito ay ginawa para sa inyo" (This song was made for all of you), during the introduction, as the opening riff of "Dance With Me" played on, in recognition of the support.
Flashes of old? Maybe for the "older" segment of the performers, and the audience. Not to alienize the younger set, but I couldn't help but remember those old times, when my contemporares were young. Then JEEPNEY JOYRIDE took to the stage. Norman has a way with the audience, and this I have come to know a long time ago. Their original song, "Ayoko Na Sa Iyo," has a strong appeal. Biased? Yes I am, its a personal favorite.
COFFEE BREAK ISLAND was on hand, and came next. A hardworking lot, CBI provided more fuel for the dancefloor, and played with fervor behind Paul's characteristic voice. Joining them later was Nomer (Shuffle Union) who donned the keyboards on the latter part of their set that featured a heavy dose of 2-tone favorites.News was that bars and restaurants of CUBAO X ran out of beer and alcoholic drinks after 1AM? As this writer found out when I was trying to get some brews at Mogwai. Fuel for the dance maybe. Cheers! Fortunately a few enterprising souls prepped some mixed drinks for a minimal amount near the table where the INVINCIBLE cds were being sold.
*photo credits: Erick Cusa , for more of his photographs from the 1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL click here
*MORE photos
facebook here: Bea Wong, Augie Punch
multiply here: Hannah Margarita, Mark Cristino
*Related review here : TRASHRADIOMANILA
*To view a video of Shuffle Union's "HE'S MINE" performed live at the 1st Manila SKA Festival click here (courtesy of Chikoi)
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