SKAMAX v.2.012

SKAMAX hits The Spot. There will always be new bands that will continue to hold the banner up for the music we all love. SKAMAX was started in 2003 with the idea of giving them a place to prove their mettle and learn the art of conceptualizing future gigs and events. It has since become a venue where experience meets youngblood, mixing veterans of the scene with upcoming ska bands. This edition welcomes two groups from the birthplace of Philippine Ska, Malabon City. After some time off, SKAMAX is back and will be holding its comeback at The Spot's new location in Monumento.

Shuffle Union will also be giving away some copies of their "Invincible-Live" CD, in addition to different merch that will be available that night.

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.

Manila Skafest a'come

It felt like it was the 3rd Manila Skafest already. It was great to see both new and familiar faces from the scene converge at Get Ready Rocksteady last August 4 at Today X Future. If this is an indication, we could be in for the best Manila Skafest yet, later this year. 

photos: Kat Bernabe

All we can say is, salamat for the great welcome from everyone in attendance that night, and to Steadymovinbeat, Dandimites, and The Monsoons for their top performances. Love and respect to all! the 3rd Manila Skafest a'come! 

Pictures of the gig here and here.

Get Ready Rocksteady!

Shuffle Union hits the Cubao X circuit once again, this time with friends from Steadymovinbeat, Dandimites, and The Monsoons. See you all on August 4, Today X Future at Cubao Expo!

MANILA - BICLOANDIA Skannection (Part 1)

A week ago, I was in Legaspi, sprawled on a black sand shore beach at the foot(?) of Beautiful Mayon (redundant 'noy?), enjoying the clean water, awaiting the feast in a hut nearby.

Sounds like a vacation, partly it was. Manila SKA was in Legaspi City for a gig the day before, August 29th, dubbed "OUT ON THE STREETS Manila to Bicolandia Skannection", slated by Bisikleta Productions, PiliSKApinas, and of course the great ska folks of Legaspi through Ben, Lester, Dominique,and the rest of the gang. The Skafest was held at Bar101, at this building called Bichara Mall, filled with nice murals of old holywood movies.

August 28,
8PM, Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City: Met up with the boys of SMB, and assembled before boarding the bus that would carry us all the way to Bicol.

August 29,
8AM, Naga City: Eating taho looking at Mt. Isarog at the horizon
930 AM: finally we reach Legaspi, with Mayon puffing smoke and ominously standing before us. You can never really feel how big this famous volcano is, until you behold it on site.

I remember the last time I was in Legaspi City, some 6 years back. It was for the Magayon Festival, where now ska icons, Put3Ska, performed at the Kapitolyo for 2 straight nights, I was a spectator/photographer, at that time I already had an inkling of how SKA already had a hold on our brothers from ska band Region 5 Beat, being a close observer of ska bands from the provinces.

But the crowd at Bar 101 that night really impressed me, seeing as how the music that we all love had set a firm foothold on the province, with delegations coming from all over Bicol, some as far as Naga, Guinobatan, Daraga, and of course host city Legaspi. Looking for a gig review yet? for the Manila contingent it was STEADYMOVINBEAT, and SHUFFLE UNION, and for the Bicolandia troop it was PUNK 'O DIE, DAMAGED SIDEWALKS, reggae act MUCHAS GRASSAS, and the best of Bicol ska, SKAMALIG, and STOLEN SHOTS. Exenadors (unapproved leave from work for some members), and Pink Cow (some problems with transportation) were not able to perform.

Shuffle Union had a rehearsal at the venue earlier for the horn section of Skamalig/Stolenshots who jammed with the band later that night, so we had to troop back to the hotel for some preparation. Returning to Bar 101, I was surprised to see, all these attendees dressed up in their best ska gear, and had this feeling that this night would surely be great.

The gig started early because the venue filled-up early (the huge Tanduay gig nearby notwithstanding, as we agreed with the organizers that they will attract a different crowd anyway, but I am still looking for the giant Buko beside the huge Tanduay bottle , Buko RUM!).

More...

(Continued...)

(Photos: (1)Manila-Bicolandia Skannection!, (2)Weary but excited at a stopover in Naga, (3) Mt. Isarog viewed from Naga, (4)Mayon puffing smoke taken by Michael Ubales)
for a related gig review at TRASHRADIOMANILA click here
for photos at Shuffle Union's facebook page click here

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)

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

The INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour returns to 1962 this Saturday

From the two-leg blitz of Los Baños and 9 Mile Bar last week, The INVINCIBLE returns to the freshest haunt of Timog, 1962 Tambayanan this Saturday, July 11, for the penultimate leg of the "Shuffle Union-INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" via "Spirit of '62".

Headlining the night will be SHUFFLE UNION, modernists THE GO SIGNALS, 2-tone specialists STEADYMOVINBEAT, Global City Rudies' pride, ROCKET PUNCH, and Angeles City Ska Mobsters, MARCOS CRONIES. The best and the rarest of Philippine SKA will still be featured from the booth all night!

Entrance is FREE! so why not support the tour and grab yourself a copy of Shuffle Union's INVINCIBLE cd. 1962 Tambayanan is located at Sct. Madriñan cor. Sct. Tobias., South Triangle, Quezon City (see map below). See you there!

The last stop of the " Shuffle Union-INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour" is slated on JULY 25 at CUBAO X, that will feature a gathering of the heavy hitters of SKA to be hosted by the Wooden Canvas Gallery, part of that weekend will be a special contest that will be announced later this week (so keep your ears peeled!)

For tour updates visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

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

The INVINCIBLE Tour continues with SKAMAX !

Maximum SKA is back! as part of the ongoing INVINCIBLE Live Album Tour, PiliSKApinas brings back SKAMAX! at 9 Mile this Saturday, July 4, featuring SKA bands coming from Bulacan, Laguna, and Manila.

Performers include TRICK or TREAT, PULIKATS, STEADYMOVINBEAT, UMBLE UNO, POSERO, TEMPORARY DISCONNECT, and SHUFFLE UNION.

March down to 9 Mile Bar located at Kalayaan Avenue, in Quezon City (beside New City Food House), support the tour and grab yourself a copy of Shuffle Union's "INVINCIBLE Live" cd, Entrance is absolutely FREE!

This is brought to you by PiliSKApinas In cooperation with Jam88.3 FM, Doobie Nights, and Pin-M-Down.


For tour updates visit our Myspace and Facebook pages

INVINCIBLE hits Tambayanan

1962 Tambayanan resembled a place reminiscent of old, when the Philippine Ska scene was young and still on training wheels when the Invincible Tour landed on its wooden decks last Saturday night, if only for the healthy mix of scene regulars and fresh faces in attendance. But the performers that night have long been out of weaning. Sharing the evening with the audience were Pink Cow who were working double time from their Fete dela Musique stint the same night. Their great set was joined in by drummers right off the audience! Up next was Steadymovinbeat who has been steadily (non-pun# 1) improving, it seems, every time I see them live. What was that? "1!-2!".

Last to perform was Shuffle Union, featuring some of the tracks from our latest release, Invincible, mixed with our new songs not heard on any record yet. Salamat to the people who were not too shy to show they liked to Dance With Me (non-pun# 2). :))

A big big thanks to everyone who came, to the bands, to the audience, Trashradiomanila, and to the nice people of 1962. See you at the next stop of Shuffle Union's "Invincible-LIVE Album Tour" at JAVA Avenue,Grove, UPLB on July 2 (Thursday), 7PM.

for more details please check our blog or visit our Myspace and Facebook pages.
* Can't go to the gigs? you can now avail of the "INVINCIBLE" cd online (click on the link at the sidebar)