Happy New Year! S!K!A! Welcome 2013!

It was a great half year since we played again :) , and we would like to thank everyone who shared their love and respect to the music we all love along the way. Here's to more in 2013! Happy New Year! S!-K!-A!


(vid: Kingston Rudieska x Shuffle Union x Cebu hornsmen)


Watermelon SKA line

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)

Philippine National Ska Holiday

Oct 18 - Philippine Ska Holiday @ Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen, Quezon City

Oct 19 - PiliSkapinas presents: SKAMAX, The Spot, Caloocan City, Manila

Oct 20 - Mall of Asia Ska and Reggae Fest, Manila

Oct 20 - Skanky Vibes: SKA NITE, Bob Marlin Resto, Mandaue, Cebu 

Oct 20 - Enjoy Yourself @ Punchbowl, CDO City

Moonhop Gig Review, and the great October Ska-Reggae Weekend!

Moonhop!

Our friends over at the PiliSkapinas blog, has this to say about last month's Moonhop! Snubnose reunion, which we ably supported. The return of Philippine skinhead reggae pioneers, Snubnose on stage.. was that the last time we'll ever hear from them? or are the boys up to something? Read all about it in the full article here. Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!  

The Weekend That Was

I haven't pieced together the materials for the gig review of last thursday's Snubnose reunion at Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen via Piliskapinas' Moonhop. But here's a summary of the weekend that was. Moonhop was Snubnose's first ever performance after disbanding over ten years ago, and for most attendees, it was the first time they saw the band play live. Since being reprogrammed, Skarlet's Jazz Kitchen has become the venue of choice for music listeners in the whole of  the Timog-Morato area.   

Snubnose at Moonhop

Friday night was Bisikleta Production's return after a few months off with Rude Maynila Sessions holding court at The Spot in Monumento. The Spot, a newly-opened/moved art and music venue is fast creating a following and its not be far-off to say that they could become one of the more illustrious local venues in the line of Mayric's and 70's Bistro.

Kit of SMB at Rude Maynila 

Finally, this weekend marked the end of the Philippine National Football Team's 99 year wait for an international title. Saturday's fixture was between The Azkals and Chinese Taipei, two of the best teams in the recently concluded Philippine Peace Cup, with the NT needing only a draw, while the Taipei squad needed a win to cop the title. The Azkals were merciless, opening their account a little over 10' from the start, ending the first half 3-nil and conceding only a single goal, the only one for the whole tournament, for a 3-1 rout. Denis Wolf, the Fil-German striker who bagged a hat trick last Thursday against Macau took home the Golden Boot and MVP award.   

The Azkals showing some love to their "rabid" supporters

So there you have it folks, the weekend that was. A proper Moonhop review will be posted soon.

Mabuhay Pilipinas!

Moonhop! Snubnose Reunion, Sept. 27!

Snubnose was one of the pioneering bands of the then Clubska Manila. The first time I watched them live was when they fronted for Put3Ska at the 70’s Bistro. It was at the same time that we were forming our own ska band that was to be Shuffle Union.  

At their peak, Snubnose was the ruffest skinhead reggae band around whose staple set also included tight renditions of 2Tone classics. Snubnose proved that Ska could be played with the same energy and drive at a time when most local Ska bands sported full brass sections. Snubnose was influential to me for both sharp wear and music.  Their stint at Clubska was highlighted by their original songs, “Don’t Fool Around”, “Down On My Knees”, and “Highway 54”, that reflected their influences. Unfortunately, these songs never found their way in a record, would have been collector's gems!

And on September 27, PiliSkapinas will bring you back in time with MoonHop! A one night only reunion of these Philippine skinhead reggae pioneers. It’s a great feeling to share the stage with them once again! MoonHop!  With original Angono rudeboys Neighbors, local ska stalwarts Shuffle Union, Earthlings, The Monsoons, and Pink Cow, at Skarlet’s Jazz Kitchen, Sct Ybardolaza corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City. 

 

Maximum SKA at The Spot!

Someone once said that rain is perfect Ska weather, and I never really realized that until last Saturday at SKAMAX’s return outing at The Spot in Monumento. There was a sudden heavy downpour as we headed to Caloocan, but despite the crazy rain, a big crowd was already outside the venue when we arrived. After some catch up with friends and members of other bands penned to perform that night it was time to get it on!

The Crowd, photo: Katrizzia Bernabe

Bokyo of Rude Diments, photo: Katrizzia Bernabe

I was very keen to see the Malabon-based SKAMAX debutants, Rude Diments, and Nyte In Tunesia, and I was not disappointed.  First up was Rude Diments, a promising group that will go a long way. 

Jan (Shuffle Union)

As the “eldest”, Shuffle Union played support act for SKAMAX’s main draw of younger bands and played second. It was a special night for us as it served as our new sax player Marcy David’s debut. Dennis delos Santos, of former CS band Snubnose (who are having a one night reunion on Sept 27), played a few songs with Shuffle Union as well. 

Marcy David Jr. on Saxophone for Shuffle Union, with Mae (vocals), Melvin (Trumpet), and Marlon(Trombone),
photo: Katrizzia Bernabe 

Mike Ubales (Shuffle Union),  photo: Katrizzia Bernabe

Marlon (Shuffle Union)

Marcy Jr. (Shuffle Union)

Pinkcow performed next with the stage energy that has became their trademark, followed by Skamax veterans Steadymovinbeat (SMB) whose growth as a band since their early days I’ve followed through the years.

The Dandimites,  photo: Katrizzia Bernabe

Bok Sanchez (Dandimites),  photo: Katrizzia Bernabe 

The third Skamax debut band was the Dandimites who have steadily grown as a tight rocksteady/reggae outfit. Front man Nick Pascual’s The Monsoons were next, their neo-trad ska stylings perfectly complemented this night where the audience were treated to the complete spectrum of Philippine Ska applications. We might as well have a new “sub-genre” called “applied ska.” I’m looking forward to hearing more of them soon. 

The Monsoons

Nick Pascual (vocals, The Monsoons),  photos: Katrizzia Bernabe 

Closing the night was the other Malabon-based group, Nyte In Tunesia. A tight outfit that, similar to their neighbors from Rude Diments will surely be a fixture in future SKA events. The rainy night was indeed perfect for a night of maximum ska. Great work from Janelle Bernardo, head organizer of SKAMAX v2.012. Big cheers are also in order for Eddy and The Spot in Monumento for being gracious hosts. 

See you on Sept.27 at PiliSkapinas presents: Moonhop! 

Check out other pics here.

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.

Sept 06 - Wake Up The Nation: Teach the Children Well

On September 06, B-Side in Makati hosts, Wake Up The Nation: Teach the Children Well. The concert features Community Spin Jam & Flow Art Video Projections by Flow Arts Philippines, Hoop Nation & Planet Zip. Wake Up The Nation also packs live performances from Shuffle Union, Dandimites, The Young Instigators, Stella Mariz, Dayuhan, Disco Ball, The Whoa ho Whoas, Science + Romance, and Sans Saboteur, with Acapulco Wong and Papamod. This is a free event, so what better way to spend a Thursday 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.

Wake Up The Nation sa B-Side, Makati

Jan, Nomer, Mike

Dante, Eldie, Nomer 

Walang tigil ang ulan! subalit di pa rin nagpapigil ang mga dumalo sa Wake Up The Nation kagabi sa B-Side, Makati. Isang masayang pagtitipon ng mga banda mula sa iba't-ibang hanay ng musika. Isa ring masayang pagkikita-kita ng mga magkakaibigan at magkaka-sama sa "music scene" ng Manila. Sa pag-dako sa pag-tanghal ng Shuffle Union ay di ramdam ng banda ang ma-ulan na gabi. Salamat sa mainit na pagtanggap sa sayawan sa "dance floor"! gayun din sa mga kaibigang Dante (trombone), Eldie (trumpet) sa pakikibahagi sa tugtog ng Shuffle Union, at kay Bing Austria sa imbitasyon. Hanggang sa muling pagkikita-kita sa B-Side!

mga larawan dito

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!

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!  

Wake Up The Nation at B-Side / July 11

Maraming salamat to everyone who came out last  night. It was the first time in a long time! And we were very happy to see both new and familiar faces. Love and respect to all! 

Up next is at B-Side, on July 11. With lots of great bands, artists, and DJs. See you!

Meanwhile you can still download Shuffle Union songs from the sidebar or at:

http://soundcloud.com/user5424609

This Thursday! 07.05.2012!