Celebrating 50 Years of Jamaica Ska

August 23 was a great night to be celebrating 50 years of Jamaica Ska. It was PiliSkapinas' first foray after an extended hiatus from organizing gigs.

Jamaica Cincuenta!

Mark your calendars! in celebration of 50 years of Jamaican Ska and beyond, PiliSKApinas brings you JAMAICA SINGKWENTA! on August 23, 9PM, at Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen, Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

The gathering will be headlined by NEIGHBORS, who are celebrating their 17th Anniversary this month, and Philippine Ska stalwarts SHUFFLE UNION, COFFEEBREAK ISLAND, STEADYMOVINBEAT, and THE MONSOONS.

SMX Convention Center: Arts and Music Fest

Thank you for joining Shuffle Union last night at the 3rd day of the 6th Arts and Music Festival over at the SMX Convention Center. Great performances from ska stalwarts Coffee Break Island, Neighbors, and soul group Flippin Soul Stompers as well. Salamat to our friends for trooping down to the Mall of Asia. It was a great night of music! 

Photos: Oliver Mercado Bantigue

Video here: courtesy of Nick Pascual: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150938447276674&set=o.140685802652554&type=3&theater

More photos here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shuffle-Union/75115433619

Arts and Music Fest @ SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia

Here's a weekend treat of ska, reggae, and soul. The 3-day Arts and Music Fest over at SMX Convention Center will feature 

Today (July 14) - Dandimites / 5:30PM

Tomorrow (July 15)

Neighbors / 6:30PM

Coffee Break Island / 7:45PM

Shuffle Union / 8:15PM

Flippinsoul Stompers / 8:45 PM

Collie Herb / 9PM

see you!  

This Thursday! 07.05.2012!

The 1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL (Part 1)

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.

Our unending gratitude to everyone who made this historic night possible, from WOODEN CANVAS, to PiliSKApinas, to Jam 88.3, to HOPSKATCH, STEADYMOVINBEAT, ROCKET PUNCH, PINK COW, MARCOS CRONIES, JEEPNEY JOYRIDE, COFFEE BREAK ISLAND, and to my bandmates from SHUFFLE UNION. But most specially, big cheers to everyone and all, to the audience, and to you! Yes you! See you at the next MANILA SKA FESTIVAL, we promise it will be a bigger and better one! This is for everyone who SKA and beyond!

*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)

One Week Ago at Big Sky Mind

This is a long overdue review of the gig that was at Big Sky Mind last July 24. It was TRIBUTES, the 2nd thanksgiving night for the 1st issue of SPROUT Magazine. The night featured SHUFFLE UNION , COFFEEBREAK ISLAND, LADY-I , DREADKNOT USED, and JEEPNEY JOYRIDE. After rehearsals, in preparation for the 1st Manila Skafest the following night, we went straight to that quaint but famous venue of E.Rodriguez, and found that people had already gathered enough to fill the venue and the attached sidewalk that held familiar faces.

The Final stop of the "INVINCIBLE Tour"

The Final stop of the "INVINCIBLE Tour" is the "1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL"
to be held at CUBAO X, and hosted by the Wooden Canvas Gallery.
July 25 - 3PM Onwards (Photo contest / exhibit)
7PM Onwards : Skafest concert
Performers include:
SHUFFLE UNION
COFFEE BREAK ISLAND
JEEPNEY JOYRIDE
and jam session with Noel of SKABECHE
Marcos Cronies, Steadymovinbeat, Rocket Punch
Pulikats, Pink Cow, Hopskatch, and more! (we'll keep you posted)
MORE DETAILS TO BE POSTED

**DOWNLOAD the mechanics for the photo contest and photo gallery here

The INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour's Penultimate Stop

A GREAT night! is all I can say about last Saturday. If the penultimate stop of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" held at 1962 Tambayanan is a prelude of the event that will happen on July 25th then the "1st Manila SKA Festival" is one gathering to look out for.

The crowd, a mix of regulars, and old and new faces, had already gathered when we arrived at 1962 a little after 10, and you can feel the anticipation right on. From the original 5 bands on the bill, the line-up was expanded to 7. Youngbloods, The NUDOLLS, started the night, (sporting members who literally grew-up with the Ska City United gigs at the old Kolumn Bar..you guys remember Smee right?). Following them was 2-tone spirited STEADYMOVINBEAT, who did a solid set that was a great starter! Coming next was ROCKET PUNCH, dishing out dirty reggae Global City style! Kaloy of SMB donned the vocal chores on a few songs. Both bands did great and the floor started to shudder as the dancing commenced during their sets. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI followed, performing a few songs including the Arnold Morales penned "Good Morning."

Up next were the night's hosts, SHUFFLE UNION, who had been touring since May to promote their recent cd release "INVINCIBLE," with a full roster, SU's set consisted of their originals, with a pinch of old SKA favorites in honor of the attendees who have supported the SKA scene all these years.


From the Bisikleta gig that same night, The GO SIGNALS were next! Mel, Dennis, and Spike were in their element with a very soulful set (and the crowd seemed unfazed by the fact that its past 2am!). Also from the Bisikleta gig were The MARCOS CRONIES the Pampanga ska mobsters were the perfect finishers of a very great night. Time: past 3AM! The crowd still stayed on for more dancing, and not a few tireless souls stayed well past that. A big thank you is also extended to COFFEE BREAK ISLAND, who joined in on the celebration.

Big big cheers to everyone who came that night, to the bands who lent their support, and to the tireless efforts of the faces from all over the scene who were present. 고마워! Terima Kasih! ありがとうございました! , 感谢! SALAMAT po! See you on JULY 25 at the "1st MANILA SKA FESTIVAL", to be hosted by the WOODEN CANVAS GALLERY, at CUBAO X.


MORE PHOTOS TO BE POSTED TODAY (JULY 15)

For tour updates / more photos visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

Leprechaun Friday !

The weekend that was, started out on a rainy note, but it did not dampen the craving to just relax and have a good time. Last friday, Shuffle Union, Coffee Break Island, and the Earthlings did just that at the Leprechaun Bar in Tomas Morato.

Fortunately the downpour stopped just a little after 11PM, and made way for better weather. Some members of Shuffle Union, and Earthlings were in absentia (our drummer and keyboardist were sick). The night started with the Earthlings, who were later joined by Jun of CBI on the latter part of their set.

Up next was Shuffle Union. We did a number of acoustic renditions of our songs, and later on Jun and Raffy of CBI also jammed with us (cheers guys!). Following SU was Coffee Break Island, that made way for more dancing on the floor, we later returned the favor and jammed with CBI on a few songs. Last(?) to perform (?) was JR of Shuffle Union, and Paul of CBI, playing a few songs from The Jam.










The night appeared more like an intimate gathering rather than a concert, and saw a free exchange of music between bands. A rare night indeed, the author, in between gulps of "Kabayo" thought he was somewhere in Anonas one Saturday of 2000..haha cheers!

*Photo credits (Trashradiomanila)

For a related article and more pictures of other performers that night, check out the gig review at TRASHRADIOMANILA

For tour updates / more photos visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

SKAMAX returns! / INVINCIBLE Tour hits 9 Mile

SKAMAX is back, and plans are already set for it to hold a monthly run.
( A little background)

Skamax was set-up in 2003 to cater to the growing number of SKA bands that time. The show held its 1st event at Freedom Bar that year, and on to different venues through the years including Kolumn Bar, and most recently (2007) at Hellacious Bar, before going dormant. A unique feature of the event was that bands took turns in hosting the event, giving them an opportunity to experience organizing the show, from inviting performers to advertising, and inviting patrons.

9 Mile is perfect for SKAMAX, I'm sure those of you who attended the Skamax gigs at Hellacious Bar in 2007 agree, it's meant to be an intimate gathering of both performer and audience. Last Saturday, as part of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE-Live Album Tour", PiliSKApinas hosted Skamax.

First to play was TEMPORARY DISCONNECT, all the way from Laguna, their set was reminiscent of the energy early Skamax bands had that this writer witnessed in 2003. I enjoyed watching their set with a keen eye. Up next, PULIKATS, the ska rockers hailing from Pulilan, treated the attendees to a great set of a potent mix of punk and ska. Both groups have the qualities Skamax bands possessed through the years. Attitude? these boys have it!

SHUFFLE UNION came next, and we tried our very best to keep up with the energy TD and Pulikats had. (I believe we did good keep up..haha), thanks guys for joining in with the dancing during our set. And we had some help! Melvin of Jeepney Joyride joined us once again, straight from their QC gig the same night, and Jun of Coffee Break Island played drums on a couple of SU's songs.

Was the gig finished? nah, there were a few surprises that night. The MIGHTY CONTRAS played, they are a sharp lot, they can just plug in and play on a whim. But there was another guest(?)band! (those in attendance uttered a few name suggestions..haha).

Actually it was an impromptu set from Paul and Jun of Coffee Break Island, and JR of Shuffle Union, the set included The Clash songs thrown in for good measure. And the morning ended with a beer, a chat, and a cup of coffee at New City Food House at 6:30 AM. Thanks to everyone who came! to all the bands, the audience, and our surprise guests.

See you at 1962 Tambayanan this Saturday (JULY 11) for the continuation of The INVINCIBLE Tour! but before that you can catch Coffee Break Island and Shuffle Union at The Leprechaun for a Friday night playdate (JULY 10)

For tour updates / more photos from last Saturday's SKAMAX visit our Myspace and Facebook pages
More photos here

Shuffle Union July Schedule at a glance

Be sure to catch SHUFFLE UNION as we go around for the rest of July. Here is a list of our gig schedules at a glance, support Shuffle Union and grab yourself a copy of the "INVINCIBLE Live" cd (that comes with a free limited 1" Invincible pin button), that will be available at the gigs.

*JULY 10 - @ Leprechaun Bar with Coffee Break Island
*JULY 11 - "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" @ 1962 Tambayanan with: The Go Signals, Steadymovinbeat, Rocket Punch, and Marcos Cronies.

*JULY 22 - @ Sazi's (Mayrics) with Coffee Break Island.

*JULY 24 - Sprout Magazine Launch @ Big Sky Mind with CBI and other bands.
*JULY 25 - "INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" hosted by Wooden Canvas Gallery @ CUBAO X
with: CBI, Jeepney Joyride, Rocket Punch, Steadymovinbeat, Pulikats, Marcos Cronies, Pink Cow and more!

*JULY 31 - UP Diliman (details to be posted soon)

Updates and photos! from the Los Baños, and SKAMAX stops of the tour to be posted soon!

For tour updates visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

Saturday night on your boombox...

This June 27, a Saturday night, will see a gathering of friends at Leprechaun Bar (formerly Purple Haze) located at Tomas Morato cor. E. Rodriguez Ave. Might as well troop down to the gig, a gathering like this comes only once in a while.

The line-up, in order of performance, includes:

Tolonguez Death Squad, Nekbu, Pink Cow, Mighty Contras, Bad Omen, Coffee Break Island, Shuffle Union, A.M.P.O.N., The Go Signals, Tsunami Tsunami.

Gig starts at 8PM and 50bucks gets you in.