The PHILIPPINE SKA FESTIVAL!

By this time, you already know that PiliSkapinas has announced the PHILIPPINE SKA FESTIVAL  and the concerts in Manila, Cebu, and Mandaue that are part of the celebrations. Giving the festival international flavor is Kingston Rudieska, Korea's No. 1 Ska band, who will be performing in all dates.

The Manila Ska Festival

The 1st Manila SKA Festival

It was a time when the local Ska and Reggae scene was burgeoning with great music, Ska and reggae gigs were on almost every week, and the scene's veteran guards were playing together with young talents while new bands were bolstering the ranks.  

Holding one night that would put together these bands was the stage that the 1st Manila Ska Festival hoped to achieve. The July 25, 2009 festival was PiliSkapinas' first major production, and it was such a hit that plans to make it a truly annual event were laid as the 1st Manila Ska Festival was closed. (do you want to look back at PiliSkapinas' review and photos of the 1st Manila Ska Festival? click here)

Shuffle Union November Gigs

In late October, Shuffle Union had a series of gigs as a lead up to the Manila Ska Festival. It was a packed affair at Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen, followed by a  Nov 09 party at The Spot. By the way, if you haven't heard yet, the venue formerly known as Ten02, and Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen is now known as The Hydra, heard that they're upgrading the sound system there too (nice!)

We had some special guests, including long-time Shuffle Union drummer Ferdie surprising everyone by jamming with the band again after a few years, and Bronzefist Records' Hideki Takasaki was also in attendance.

Shuffle Union October Gigs

At the heels of the Philippine National Ska Holiday (PNSH), PiliSkapinas has announced the PHILIPPINE SKA FESTIVAL happening this December 2012. Meanwhile here are some images and excerpts from our October-November gigs.

Augie of Rocket Punch and Nomer (photo:Mark Cristino)

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.