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!