The 2nd MANILA SKA FESTIVAL

Shuffle Union - INVINCIBLE / Best Live Album

From Mr. Erwin Romulo's column "The Outsider" / Philippine Star :

"Best Live Album: Shuffle Union

Recorded at a tribute gig to the late Luis “Weslu” Guiang in Cubao, this is certainly a testament to the spirit of the statement of its producer, Betrayed’s Je Bautista, that “ska is reggae on beer.” It proves that a genre like ska thrives in environments wherein the equipment sounds as if it’s only held together with tape but where the interaction with the audience is never distant. In this case, only the music proves to be above the street and, in its most inebriated moments, reach glorious heights."

We would like to thank everyone who supported Shuffle Union this past year. Everyone deserves to be credited, from the teams who made the "Invincible Tour" and the "Manila-Bicolandia" happen, to all the point men, the bands, and supporters, big cheers to all of us ! and here's to a bigger 2010!

for the full article click here and another article about it from our friends from Bisikleta Productions here.

Right 2 VOTE @ 1962 Tambayanan

This December 22 at 1962 Tambayanan...

Honor rites for a fallen soldier

"A farewell gig for a dear friend"
2009 has not been the kindest of years that passed in recent memory.

(almost 2010). This was the year that saw the pack of typhoons that hit the country in the last quarter that deluged most parts of Luzon, that killed hundreds and affected thousands including our friends and families, underscoring the effects of climate change and environmental exploitation. This was the year that demonstrated the glaring disrespect of a powerful few to the rule of law. The verb is "demonstrated" since this has been going on for decades, but has only been brought to national view by the appalling "Maguindanao Massacre". This was the year that we witnessed the sickening apathy of our supposed leaders in their never ending political fandango and grandstanding in preparation for the coming national and local polls.

And this was the year that close friends and comrades in music fell. Early in 2009, a dear friend and mentor, Je Bautista left this world and passed on to the eternal performance stage, leaving behind his contributions to music, largely unheralded because of his preference of working behind the scenes. And recently, another friend, Juan Ronaldo Ragos, known as "Juan" and "Dokito" or "doks" to his friends joined Je, and many others who left us this year. And his friends have prepared a last farewell for him this Sunday, December 20th at Freedom Bar. A sentimental venue, since this was where I first shared the stage with Juan. You have come full circle little john!

December 8th

Why is John Lennon on this blog?

John Lennon, the other half of the most brilliant songwriting team in the history of music, died 29 years ago today in New York city. Expect worldwide tributes today for this extraordinary man, and this is my small contribution.

I practically grew up listening to his creations, and developed an appreciation that would later manifest in my musical inclinations. The artists/bands that emulate his music, or that of his group called The Beatles, continually grow, testament to his timeless appeal. People liked his style during his post-beatle new york days, as this writer. But the John Lennon of post-war Britain Liverpewl (pool) of The Beatles, Mimi's hellraiser, and the odd kid that didn't seem to fit, is the John Lennon that I would like to remember him to be. Youth, as with prominent YCGs (youth-cult groups) of England, was his potential, and the events that later led him to cross paths with Paul and George were the catalyst he needed to unleash a force in music unequaled until now. Literature on The Beatles and the groups they influenced is voluminous and accessible in almost any for of media now, and I don't need to expound on it here.

But that fateful event saved us from contenting ourselves with the mindless drivel associated with uninspired, or just plainly put, intellectually insulting music that is prevalent today. As Filipinos proud of our talent in music, let us drive ourselves to improve understanding of the music that we play. It doesn't matter where the music you play originated, what matters is you do your best to share it, and what matters most is that you do your contribution by writing your own music! Let us not "go with the flow", because the "flow" is headed downstream, let us instead go upstream, because the hardest path is the path worth taking.

(picture above) John Lennon, the best there ever will be.

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)