Poptimes Magazine

February 2007 Issue

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-13T16:46:01-05:00

Exclusive cover photo by Richard Saguirre

Barbie Almalbis in NYC - The Gig Review

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:51:02-05:00

By Ted Reyes

Barbie Almalbis (Photo by Richard Saguirre)

THE general ambience inside the venue of the Barbie Almalbis concert doesn't necessarily convey a jovial message. In fact, the message it sent was macabre.

For all we know, the Rebel in Midtown Manhattan houses one of the biggest goth rave parties in the east coast -weekly.

The interiors had it all: Red lights, medieval cages that looked like those that gave temporary shelter to heretics during the inquisition, and a mezzanine floor where huge antique mirrors hang over blood-red pin lights.

Well, Barbie is not a goth act. Actually she is a Christian artist, and her love for Jesus and the whole mankind seep through her songs like newly-fermented water flowing into an alabaster jar.

The stark contrast between the artist and the venue was as profound as good and evil.

Anyhow, the venue was cool and the sound was spectacular.

The opening acts were, of course, the first ones to savor the richness of the sound system.

The Kuwagos (Photo by Ronnie Lao)

First up was The Kuwagos. The Bergenfield quartet who recently released their debut album tore down the house with four tracks from their CD: Gusto Mo, Pansinin, Eh Ano Ngayon, and Ikaw Lang.

It was only 6:30 PM when they got off the stage, but the crowd was pumped up to the maximum.

Bleud (Photo by Ronnie Lao)

When Bleud came on, the crowd was still reeling from the excitement of the Kuwagos set, but like in every rock show, excitement is a renewable resource.They played three new songs from their upcoming sophomore album: Ordinary, Out of Control and Swing. They closed their set with their hit song Bye Bye Na. The crowd had it.

Rachel Ann Wolf (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

Next up was the show's host Rachel Ann Wolf, who did a couple of songs from her album as well. Rachel was simmering hot that night and she did very well on her hosting job.

Attaku was the next rock band to grace the stage. Their sound was a heavy mixture of progressive and classic rock. They rocked the place so hard, nobody noticed their their shredding guitarist was blind. Legally blind.

It was an unforgettable set from this amazing band.

Some balladeer followed and mellowed the crowd a bit. It is really hard to mix pop balladeers with rock groups and vice versa. They just don't mix well. Balladeers can snuff out the life force of any rock fan, and in the same way rock artists can overdrive any body who came in for the soothing calm of a love song. In fairness, the singer that night was okay, it just didn't match the event.

S.I.G.H (Photo by Ronnie Lao)

The last hard rocking band to get on stage before Barbie was S.I.G.H.

S.I.G.H hails from New York and they are fronted by a charismatic female singer named Sigh Robes.

Their brand of rock is exactly what it is on the charts right now - emo, nu-metal kind of stuff. The band was tight that night and they successfully kept the crowd in hyper-mode, in spite of the misplaced balladeers in the lineup.

A rap artist from New York, L.A.D, was the final opener before Barbie, who was still stuck in NYC traffic during that time. L.A.D.'s routine was great. His rhymes were eloquent and smart. It may sound a bit strange that a hip hop artist was in a rock gig, but for some reason, rap blended well with rock better than pop ballads. Perhaps the sweaty and sensual beat of hip-hop is more agreeable to rock audiences.

Barbie Almalbis (Photo by Marco Galsim)

When Barbie arrived after a delayed flight and a mad rush to the venue, the anticipation was high.

At last, one of the most famous rock artists in the Philippines was about to hit the stage. The audience was pulsating with excitement and glee as she took the stage and set up her gear. All eyes and ears were at the rock princess as she strums the first chords of her opening song. A collective gasp form the crowd was heard when she uttered the first words to her song -Torpe.

Barbie Almalbis had come.

Barbie Almalbis (Photo by Ronnie Lao)

Barbie's repertoire was a nice mix of old hits, new songs and revivals. From her Hungry Young Poets days to her latest incarnation as a solo performer, she performed almost everything, hit after hit. The audience heard all the songs that they came and paid to hear.

The only qualm about her performance was actually the lack of it.

Barbie, as everyone knows, is on the family way. And that may have played a big part on her performance that night. She didn't stretch her vocal performance enough for the people at the back to hear. She was cautious with her every move, perhaps worried that extensive movements might jeopardize the life inside her. She was economical with her gestures. She exuded a vibe that she didn't want to rock hard.

It was perfectly understandable, given her circumstances. After all, the audience didn't go there to judge but to enjoy. And everyone enjoyed.

Though her set somewhat brought down the energy level set up by the opening acts, it still wasn't enough to match the gloomy and gothic aura of the venue. It was still fun and good.

It is hard enough to produce mega-shows like this that's why it is important to give props to the producers of the show who did a spectacular job in pulling this one off. Dante Opulencia of D' Opulent productions, Glenn Jacinto and the many sponsors deserve cheers for a job well done.

Bleud, The Happy Analogues on ABS-CBN

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:49:20-05:00

Bleud (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

The Happy Analogues (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

JERSEY CITY - Two of the most prominent Fil Am bands in the music scene, Bleud and The Happy Analogues will appear on the ABS-CBN TFC program “Speak Out” on February 25 and March 4, respectively.

The bands, both under the Fil Am independent record label, Soulworks Records, were invited to play their music on the youth oriented talk show which airs every Sunday at 7:30 PM (EST) on the Filipino Channel. The Jersey bands flew to San Francisco to tape the episodes early this month.

Bleud made an impact back in 2005 after releasing their best-selling debut album, ‘Musings of a Caffeine Addict’, which turned out a number of hits, including the original version of the song ‘Bye Bye Na’.

They also became the first independent band from Jersey City to land on the most popular internet music store, Apple’s iTunes Music Store, due to the album’s popularity.

The band is currently recording their sophomore album that is scheduled for a fall 2007 release, and they are also releasing their second music video for the single ‘Animé Girl on March 3, 2007 at Wazzup Café in Bergenfield, NJ.

The band’s first music video was for the single ‘Hello My Friends, Hello’, which was released in the Philippines by Alpha Music Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Happy Analogues has made its way into the competitive music scene via hit singles that they released on two critically-acclaimed compilation albums: Perf De Castro’s ‘Leyte Benefit Album’, which features the Analogues’ song ‘Beautiful Pain’, and Soulworks Records’ summer 2006 hit compilation ‘Rock in the Box', which contains their hit single, ‘Alaala’.

The Analogues are releasing their debut album called ‘Lilacs & Politics this spring.

Visit the bands’ websites for more information:
www.bleud.net; www.myspace.com/bleud;
www.thehappyanalogues. com; www.myspace.com/thehappyanalogues

Introvoys-New Beginnings: The Poptimes Magazine Review

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:47:53-05:00

Title: New Beginnings
Year: 2007
Label: 2heaven Muzik

1. In A Little While
2. Stay
3. Di Na Ako Aasa Pa
4. Just A Dream
5. Calling All Nations
6. However Which Way
7. Desire
8. Tell Me Why
9. Maynila
10. Kaibigan
11. Kailanman
12. Line To Heaven
13. Will I Survive
14. More Than A Friend
15. Living My Life
16. Eroplano
17. The Big Ride
18. Lullabye

THE opening track of the Introvoys' new greatest hits album, 'In a Little While' is not the typical Introvoys sound that most of their fans are accustomed to. It sounds heavier due to its dependence on guitars and independence from the introvoys' trademark instrument - the keyboard.

As most of us know, the band's biggest hits are more often than not graced by JJ Buencamino's instrument.

Think of 'Calling All Nations'' and 'Di Na Ako Aasa Pa'. These songs have sold more piano sheets back in the 90's than Mozart. But during the first moments of the band's new album, the absence of the keyboard is evident.

To avid fans of the band, it is enough to get them off-balanced and ask them where did the band that they have loved for years go.

But that is the whole point of the new greatest hits album: Jonathan, JJ, Paco, Chot and Steve made it a point to make their old songs sound new. And whatever the band was thinking in bringing the guitar upfront more than the black and white keys, I guess they thought right. It works for me.

The great thing, though, is that, altogether, the band did not leave everything like such.

There are key moments in the album that bring the keyboards back in the spotlight,. Moments that would transport every listener to a place where everything is familiar.

'However Which Way' still has that goose-bump inducing piano intro as well as 'Will I Survive'.

'Just a Dream' has that trademark keyboard lick similar to one of my all-time favorite Introvoys number that I wish was on this album - 'White Roses'.

Nevertheless, the album is a gem. It will definitely win the band a new generation of listeners and likewise tickle the memories of life-long fans.

This release further give credence to the truth that that songs are independent of their recordings.

And great songs like the ones that are in New Beginnings can stand independent of any musical arrangement. The band can even do all these songs A Cappella, and still make it work.

It will work because however which way you take these songs, they remain beautiful.

But too tell you frankly, I kinda miss the harmonica/accordion fill on 'Maynila.'

You can purchase this album at
http://www.introvoys.net/new/shop.htm
Poptimes Rating: 4 Pops.

Legend:
- Sell everything and get the CD
- A classic album/Must have
- Buy it if you have extra money
- hmm just burn a copy
- Forget it. Go to a peep show instead.

Noizytoyz: The Sweet Noise of Fil Can Punk!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:47:40-05:00

Noizytoyz

IT took the Toronto-based Filipino-Canadian punk quartet, Noizytoyz almost 16 hours to get to New Jersey to play a gig at Bistro San Miguel last January, but with the intensity of their performance that night, it seemed like they live a block from the venue. IT was high-octane Fil-Can punk at its finest.

The band' s leader and main songwriter, Andy Gutierrez, is a veteran of the music scene way back home in the Philippines. He is a survivor and alumni of the legendary Club Dredd with his band Feet Like Fins in the early 90's. But like most Pinoy rockers, the lure of a better life led him to Toronto. Thus, Noizytoyz was born.

The band is perhaps the most successful Fil Can band in recent years.

They have won numerous recognitions including the prestigious Supernova Battle of the Bands 2004, which earned them an opening slot for the band Lucid and 16 hours of free recording.

They have also been invited by internationally acclaimed Japanese punk group, 'Kamikazee Bombers' to join them in Japan for some shows. It doesn't stop there. Andy even sang the theme of the 2004 Energizer Battery commercial that aired all over Canada.

Completing the lineup for Noizytoyz are: Rikki Hesita on Guitar, Dennis Lauchengo on Guitar and Alvin Santos on Drums.

According to Andy, the band is indebted to their fellow Filipino-Canadian artists and indie labels like Minerva Records and Radio Insect Records, who bonded all together to create a music scene that they can call their own.

Now, the band plans to move across the border and bring their brand of Pinoy punk to the Fil Am music scene.

Their January gig in South Jersey was a fitting kick-off. And once again, in March, they are booked to play yet another date at BSM.

Noizytoyz recently re-released their debut album, ' Biyahe sa Kabilang Mundo', which contains 10 original songs. The album is available on their website - http://www.noizytoyz.com

You can also visit their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/noizytoyzmusic.com

The Kuwagos CD Launch Party

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:47:06-05:00

On January 27, 2007, The Kuwagos launched their debut album at Wuzzup Café and Restaurant in Bergenfield, NJ amidst great expectations from the whole Fil Am music community. It was a successful launch, which also saw great performances from several bands in the scene like Qwadra, Circled Sin, Bleud, P.I., and The Happy Analogues. The show was hosted by the WPOP Deejays, Brijo and Binky, with a special appearance by Animé Girl herself, DJ Microsarah.
(Exclusive Poptimes Photos by Sheryl Garcia)

Qwadra

Circled Sin

Bleud

P.I.

The Happy Analogues

The Kuwagos taking the stage.

The Kuwagos in front of a jam-packed Wuzzup Café.

Mayhem at the mosh pit. Cho of The Kuwagos body surfing.

The Hosts: DJ Brijo, Binky and Microsarah.

Cheers from their peers. L-R(standing): Ronnie of the Happy Analogues, Lloyd of
The Moonbugs, Jojo of P.I., Jerwin of Bleud, Jonas of Circled Sin and Ted of Bleud,
The Happy Analogues and Poptimes Magazine. Seated L-R : Deo of Circled Sin and
Jheasar of P.I.

The Beauties: Charmaine, Mary and Figs.

**Special multimedia slideshow of The Kuwagos album launching party.
Slideshow by Poptimes Magazine, Photos by Lek Manalo, Music by The Kuwagos.
Check our new Poptimes Multimedia Page or click here**

Forever Openers

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:46:48-05:00

THERE is absolutely nothing derogatory about the term 'front-act'.

In fact, it is tantamount to what the Marines believe when they boast on being 'first in the line of battle'.

Marines go in front of any other unit of the military in times of war. They secure beachheads, they clear mountain bases, and they procure enemy-infested villages so that the big wigs, the colonels and generals, can later on pose for photographs when victory is achieved.

Fil Am artists are like the Marines whenever there are big Pinoy artists heading for the States.

Producers rely on the local Fil Am artist to draw the local crowd and set the stage for the big stars to party on. Otherwise, these big stars would only have people watching TFC or recent immigrants for their audience.

That's why it is imperative that producers get local bands that have a sizable draw to secure a successful turnout.

This doesn't take anything away from the big Pinoy artists.

Superbands like Parokya ni Edgar, Rivermaya, whose catalogue of hits have become a part in every Fil Am home can easily fill up any venue in Manhattan.

But in a producer's mind, there's nothing wrong with putting more sardines in a packed sardine can.

In the case of 'not- so- super Pinoy bands/artists', the need for local artists to open their shows become a matter of financial life and death. It could spell the difference between profit and loss, success and failure.

In recent years, the Fil Am music community have seen numerous artists from the Philippines playing shows here in the States and they can't help but notice that the local bands opening up for them rarely change. The reason?

These local Fil Am bands are so good that they bring their followers anywhere they play - including the ones that they play as opening acts.

These great artists like, S.I.G.H, The Kuwagos, Warholsoup, Rubberband, Qwadra, Blue Mellon Pop, Bleud, PI, The Moonbugs, Circled Sin, Piece of Mine, Pedro Gil, The Jumping Jacks, Noizytoyz, Trickbag, The Happy Analogues, Kamandag, Kayumanggi, Ben Paltik, Alfa, Jay Legaspi, Binky Veloria, Jing R.A., The Grudge, Grim Bottle, Aikostar, are headliners in their own right. And to serve a noble cause, they become like the Marines and pave the way for their Pinoy counterparts.

Just how long these great artists will remain openers for Pinoy acts remains a question to this day. But they won't be forever openers for sure.

Time will come that the word opening act would be replaced by the ringing sound of 'back-to-back'.

And like every Marine who trooped to secure beachheads and trenches and survived to became colonels and generals later on , Fil Am bands will get to the see the day when they become co-headliners with Pinoy-based acts, and be certified headliners all over the world.

Crazy Little Thing Called...

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:20:27-05:00

EVEN as a married man and a father of one, love still drives me crazy.

Chris Rock once said that you never really thought of killing a person until you have fallen in love. Spending ETERNITY with my loving wife is enough for me to kill myself.

But all kidding aside, love does make us capable of doing things we normally wouldn't.

In college, I went out with a popular girl in the university. Let's call her Candy Pacanton.

Candy was a biology major. She was pretty, with great hair, and a pair of legs that just won't quit. I'm not a tall guy, and she had a good two to three inches over me. She was so tall that one time I started kissing her from her toes to work myself up to her neck, and by the time I got to her knees I needed two glasses of water to rehydrate myself.

And man, I swaggered in campus like a peacock knowing I was dating, if not the hottest, one of the hottest girls around.

Anyway, a lot of the guys wanted to ask her out and the girls wanted to hang out with her. And for the life of them, they couldn't figure out why Candy was going with me.

I couldn't either.

But later on I would realize that she had affections for me similar to how you would feel drawn to a motherless puppy. I will explain later.

All was going well until a month before the semester ended. I gathered enough guts to tell her that I have a girlfriend of five years waiting for me back home. She flipped. Hard.

On that same evening, her friend came knocking on my door and, in tears, told me that Candy slit her wrists!

So I went to get her and, after yelling a few obscenities at her, rushed her to the university hospital and was treated for minor embarassing cuts.

The next morning, the news of Candy slitting her wrists buzzed around the campus like wild gamugamo over a kalabaw's head. And since she was well liked by people, in one instant I became the scum of the university.

In the weeks during the summer vacation, I was treated to her waiting inside a cab outside my house, received mailed copies of forged prescriptions made to her name for pre-natal stuff, and phone calls at two in the morning telling me to go to hell. It was a very eventful summer.

What compelled her to act like that? Maybe because she knows she could have anybody and could not believe a nobody like me could walk away? Maybe because the reason she hooked up with me was because she felt like reaching out to the unpopular guys in campus, like helping a leper perhaps?

Whatever it may be, no guy is worth all she did. Especially with an a-hole like myself.

How could anybody think that acting like a crazed lunatic will win another person's affection?

Love is an unregulated drug that can either heal or devastate a life. We get high on it and believe all is well in the world. And it's free.

Take it away and you just might lose your mind faster than Pete Dougherty in a buddhist temple in Mongolia. Sometimes we have to keep ourselves in check if our love is harming the very person we are falling in love with. By all means, fall in love, and be ready to get hurt. Because in knowing and expecting to get hurt will we know know that we have completely given ourselves to another person. But it does not give us the right to inflict pain and suffering to ourselves and others. So go crazy, fall in love, get hurt, get back on your feet, and fall in love all over again.

I have been proven wrong a lot of times, this may be one of them.

Crushed

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:10:00-05:00

Back when I was in college, I had developed this crush on a girl that I had known as a friend of a friend.

Every once in a while, I would bump into her at the cafeteria, the student lounge even the gymnasium.

For some silly reason or another, I never even tried to get to know her. She seemed to be nice, She appeared to be popular with the guys. She was ecclectic. She had that 'girl next door' look to her. She was basically everything I thought I was looking for in a girl. But again, I never took the chance to try and get to know her. Purposely.

I’d compare it to having a favorite singer.

So for example, you’re at the supermarket picking up groceries for the week when suddenly on the pa system, a sweet, mellow song begins to play. You find yourself tapping your foot to the beat, listening intently to artist, trying to make out the words that she’s singing. It has a catchy hook, she has a lovely voice and then at the end of the song, you find out the title and the artist. You pick up her album and you listen to it over and over. You end up following her career, developing great admiration for her work. After her sophomore album debuts, you defend her against critics who feel she has no business having any type of airtime. You share in her joy when she finally wins a Grammy feeling that this triumph was way overdue.

And then one day, while you’re standing in line at Starbucks, waiting for your Mocha Frappucino, you realize that she is standing right next to you. You realize that this moment is the perfect opportunity to let her know how her music has inspired you; that it was her music that you related to when you broke up with your girlfriend; that it was her words that spoke exactly how you were feeling; that you understood the pain that she felt.

Now was your chance to tell her exactly how amazing you thought she was. You search your pockets for anything to write with and be written on, gather enough guts to ask for an autograph and that person then says, “I don’t sign napkins”, takes your Mocha Frappucino and walks away.

Your ego is crushed, your heart sinks into the bottom of your socks and your whole image of who was once your favorite artist is now destroyed.

Sigh.

Last night, Bleud had a performance at the Laugh Lounge in New York City and as shocked as I was, my college crush was there. Yes, the same girl that so many years ago, I would bump into at the cafeteria, notice from afar as she walked across the campus courtyard or as she swung her racket during a game of doubles tennis. After a few minutes of deliberation, I had finally talked myself into walking up to her and finally introducing myself, but as I did, as I saw her across the room sitting at the bar, I realized that that was the only way I wanted to see her. I only wanted to remember her as a crush, as a person with absolutely no flaws and as a person whose image would never be shattered.

I just think that some things are best left as just that, especially in the type of world we live in today; where expectations are usually higher than we’d prefer and where most things are a let down. There are some things that you just want to hold onto and never let go. And there is never any question about how things might or could be. You just accept it as it is.

And sure there will always be the argument that she might have been having a bad day and you may have caught her at the wrong time, but still. First impressions really do go a really long way.

If you’re staring up at beautiful moonlit sky or if you’re sitting by the lake with your feet wading in the water, you never ask why. You just appreciate. You don’t disrupt. You just let things be. Just be impressed.

Poptimes Radio Sessions to return in March

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:01:26-05:00

LAST year, Poptimes Radio opened up and launched a show called Poptimes Radio Sessions, which featured live acoustic performances by some of the best Fil-Am artists like, The Kuwagos, Trickbag, Alfa Garcia, Binky Veloria, Warholsoup, Grim Bottle, P.I. , The 3rd Element and The Moonbugs.

This March, after a brief hiatus (off-season), The Radio Sessions will return and will have more live performances from you favorite artists.

If you want to be a guest on the show, email us and send in your electronic press kits/bio.

Also do visit www.poptimesradio.com for further details

The Color of Jazz is Skarlet

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T22:00:15-05:00

She is best known for her spunky stage presence, stylish get-up and signature vocal flair. She astounded audiences everywhere when she hit the local airwaves through the songs ‘Manila Girl’ and “My Boy Lollipop” and as the enigmatic front woman of The Brownbeat Allstars. Now, Myra David-Ruaro re-emerges with a new name to boot, SKARLET.

Like the vivid red color that her name implies, Skarlet’s spunk and spirit resemble her brilliant musical style, edging out other vocalists in the local music scene today. Her powerful vocal prowess and dynamism are showcased in her debut solo album ‘The Powder Room Stories’ under the independent jazz label Candid Philippines. She now joins the roster of it’s artists including London International Jazz Competition Grand Winner Mon David, Mr. Jazzhound Johnny Alegre Affinity and Ms. Mishka Adams.

Backed-up by some of the biggest names in the jazz scene today including Aya Yuson on guitar, Simon Tan on upright bass, Koko Bermejo and Alex Fidel on drums, Joel Galang and Henry Katindig on piano and Ronald Tomas on tenor sax. Others who lend their talents on this much awaited jazz album of the year also includes master percussionist Bo Razon, Freddie Samson, Ronaldo Banaag, Ramon Mancio, Sherwin Valencia, Jekjek Cenidosa, Paul Tadeo, George Abundo, Roxy Modesto, Wynton Magsalin and Mei Tayengco.

Skarlet’s 14- track CD includes 10 original compositions and 4 renditions that epitomize her journey through life and music. The album opens up with the self-titled song, ‘Skarlet’, as she reveals her true self in a spunky 30’s-inspired arrangement followed up by a mid tempo swing version of Iconic punkrocker Debbie Harry’s ‘Call Me’. The highly sentimental ‘Lullaby for Ganei’ was stripped down to Yuson’s guitar masterwork and Edgar Avenir's arrangment of The Brownbeat Allstar's "The way that you do will surely make anybody do the boogie. Hank Hunter / Jack Keller’s ‘One Way Ticket To The Blues’ was rearranged by the mastery of Mr. Noli Aurillo. The album also includes two rarities from the OPM archives, Ani Montano’s ‘Babae Ka’ and Francis Manglapus/ Freddie Kauffman’s ‘Im In Love With A Dream’.

The CD release marks Skarlet’s re-emergence as the NEW Philippine’s Jazz Princess.

February events

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-02-12T21:50:04-05:00

The January 2007 Issue

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-09T08:25:12-05:00

Cover photo by Sheryl A. Garcia

Introducing The Kuwagos

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-07T16:09:23-05:00

When the sound of the garage becomes the sound of your life.

By Ted Reyes

Good artists can come up with great work using whatever is needed.
But great artists can come up with great work with whatever is left.

Such is the story of The Kuwagos.

The genesis of this Bergenfield, New Jersey quartet made up of vocalist/guitarist & chief songsmith Gatchie Ignacio, lead guitarist Mark Anthony Lopez, bassist Rommel Kabigting, and drummer Marc Dunhill Lacsamana, is the typical 'we met in a Jersey high school' story. Their origin as a band goes along the same lines as their life story here in America.

None of the Kuwagos were born in the US, and all of them still have strong family ties back in the home country.

And unlike most Fil Am bands who can pretty much gear themselves from head to toe, the Kuwagos are regular working class immigrants, who still send money back to the homeland to make their relatives' lives more comfortable. For that reason, most of the Kuwagos' songs were written, played and recorded using borrowed equipment and rented time.

Yet at last, finally, they are releasing their self-titled album. - The Kuwagos.

It is an album done in the middle of double-jobs, diaper changes and hurried remittances - obra de amor. But still, it is an album of enormous quality and promising potential.

When listening to their album, one cannot question the sincerity of the material. It is a CD seething with Filipino reality. The band and the music is as Pinoy as Balut. They are a living, breathing Botong Francisco mural. A walking version of the Sarao Jeepney.

In the album opener ' Gusto Mo', Ignacio relates how he pleases his woman by juggling two jobs and cooking steamed rice for her. It is a song that all Pinoy immigrants could relate to, instantly.

And in the song, 'Tabo', Ignacio supposes that all Filipinos living in America, without a doubt, uses a 'Tabo' - a small dipper used to scoop water for bathing. Filipinos in the homeland use it to effectively clean themselves with minimal water consumption. Undoubtedly, even the Philippine president knows what Ignacio is talking about.

By any means, the Kuwagos debut is not a politically-charged recording. Neither is it a collection of serious patriotic marches. It is a fun rock n' roll record. Think Yano and in New York. It is simply real Fil Am music.

The Kuwagos created perhaps one of the first albums to catalog the real Filipino-American experience in a light yet poignant way.

It is so honest, catchy and great in-spite of the fact that they only wrote and recorded it with whatever is left.

Album released by Soulworks Records

The Kuwagos Album Launch
January 27, 2007
Wazzup Cafe
8 Bedford Ave. Bergenfield, NJ
Doors Open at 6:30 PM

New Beginnings - Introvoys new album

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-07T13:58:50-05:00

By Ted Reyes

Photo by: Chris Buado

NEW YORK - Back in high school, any guy who can play the piano intro of the Introvoys' song ' However Which Way' at a soirée is about 95% sure that he'll get a girl. The 5% probability of not getting any is if the guy doesn't sing and look like the band's front man - Jonathan Buencamino or if the guy doesn't even resemble Paco's shadow.

Back then, the Introvoys was the lady's band. They were a big deal.

Every aspiring musician wanted to be them. Every single they released were hits.

In fact, the famed WLS FM disc jockey Triggerman used his famous line 'The Biggest Band in the Land' for the first time in reference to the Introvoys.

They had bodyguards to shield them from their millions of fans, who chased them like they were chasing, yes, The Beatles.

Now, where does a superband go after such highs, and after some years of inactivity?

The answer is BIGGER. The Introvoys are back and they will be a bigger deal.

On January 19, the band, with some new members, will be launching their album 'New Beginnings' at Hollywood's Knitting Factory. The expectations are high, and the whole Philippine music scene, as well as the Fil Am scene, are abuzz with the thought of the Introvoys' new release.

For those who are dying of itch, 'New Beginnings' is a collection of the band's greatest songs. A greatest hits album? Yes. Old songs? Yes and no.

The new album is unique in such a way that the old songs were given some fresh arrangements to give it a newer and, we might say, grander sound to suit their new fan base.

The hits are all in the new album:

01 - In A Little While
02 - Stay
03 - Di Na Ako Aasa Pa
04 - Just A Dream
05 - Calling All Nations
06 - However Which Way
07 - Desire
08 - Tell Me Why
09 - Maynila
10 - Kaibigan
11 - Kailanman
12 - Line To Heaven
13 - Will I Survive
14 - More Than A Friend
15 - Living My Life
16 - Eroplano
17 - The Big Ride
18 - Lullabye

It's a track list that most bands can only dream of.

The band is made up of original members, Jonathan Buencamino on vocals, JJ Buencamino on Keyboards and Paco Arespacochaga on drums. They are now joined by two new members: Steve Guadiz on guitar and Chot Ulep on bass.

For those who are lucky enough to be a part of the launch on January 19, savor the experience. Buy the album and party hard.

But for the rest of who are miles away, you can only wish that the band would consider playing the east coast this year.

As for me, I just got my copy of the record, which I will review for the February issue. I am enjoying the new versions and I am much thankful that the piano intro of 'However Which Way' is still the same because I kinda know how to play it and there's a soirée coming up very soon.

Barbie Almalbis in New York!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-07T13:57:15-05:00

NEW YORK - One of the most endearing Filipina singer-songwriters in recent memory, Barbie Almalbis, will be playing New York City on February 10, 2007 as part of her American tour.

The show, produced by the new production outfit D' Opulent Productions, will be held at the Rebel Club - 250 West 30th Street between 7th and 8th, and will also feature some of the best local artists: S.I.G.H, The Kuwagos, Bleud and Attaku.

Known for her sweet and honest songs, Barbie Almalbis started her career in Manila back in the late 90's playing clubs like Freedom Bar and Mayrics.

She formed a band called Hungry Young Poets after her solo start, and then released the band's debut album that included the massive hit, 'Torpe'.

Barbie then left Hungry Young Poets and formed Barbie's Cradle, which continued to releases hit songs like , "Tabing Ilog', 'Dear Paul' and 'Goodnyt', to name a few.

After the success of her new band, Barbie decided to return to her original setup as a solo singer-songwriter
and released her first solo album in 2006 called 'Parade'. The solo effort was well received by her fans and critics and landed her the opportunity to tour the States.

Poptimes Magazine interviewed Barbie for the July 2006 Issue, and here's a reprint of the chat:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
BARBIE ALMALBIS: The Poptimes Magazine Interview
Originally came out in the July 2006 issue of Poptimes Magazine

Photo courtesy of Barbie Almalbis

By Sheryl Garcia

NEW YORK – We caught up with newly married Barbie Almalbis. Yes. It’s confirmed. Barbie Almalbis tied the knot with Martin Honasan, son of former senator Gringo Honasan at a very private Christian ceremony held at her house last May 21. Barbie was named Best Female Artist in the Awit Awards, where she also acknowledged for the first time that she’s married. In her acceptance speech she thanked her manager, her recording company, Warner and her husband.
The couple has denied reports of Barbie’s pregnancy. They both felt that it was the right moment that’s why they went a go for it. Martin, 30 and Barbie, 28 are planning a church wedding either at the end of this year or early next year. Here’s how the interview went.

SG: Did you grow up In a musical family?

BA: Yeah, I grew up In Roxas City and my family was very much into music. Everyone on my mom’s side played instruments and some wrote music, so I picked up the guItar at 11 and played a bIt of pIano at 5. I had a few organ lessons during summer and a some sessions for basic guitar, but I mostly learned from my mom and lola. I also sang for my famIly when I was little and performed in school.

SG: Can you tell us briefly about your journey towards becomIng a recordIng artist.
BA: I started writing songs at 14 and played guItar almost everyday. I had a couple of bands from high school and into college, then a bass player named Ricci Gurango and I formed Hungry Young Poets and we got a regular Monday gIg at Freedom bar In Quezon CIty. That’s where Sony MusIc spotted us and signed us up. We released our fIrst and only H.Y.P. album In 1997.

SG: Why did HYP break-up?

BA: At around 1999, we left Sony MusIc and moved to Warner wIth our manager Tommy Tanchanco and drummer Franklin Benitez, but RiccI stayed and formed his new band Mojofly. In 1999, we formed BarbIe’s Cradle and eventually got a new drummer and an additional lead guItar player.

SG: How about Barbie’s Cradle? Why did you break-up?

BA: Around May of last year, I wanted to leave and maybe rest or pursue somethIng else, so I spoke with our then manager, Wyngard Tracy, and then my bandmates. We were all in good personal and musical terms, so it really wasn’t because of anything negatIve that I wanted to leave. It was sad for us and other people, but I was very sure about my decision to leave, though I didn’t yet know exactly what I was gonna do next--more like a step of faIth.
My former bandmates and I stIll see each other around from time to time and they were so kind to record a song wIth me in my Solo album-. It was one of the last songs we were working on as a band. I am now workIng wIth my first manager Tommy T.(now joIned by hIs wife Ynel), former drummer FranklIn BenItez, and bass player, RichIe Ramos. We just released my first album.

SG: Are the other ex-members of Barbie’s Cradle pursuing other musical interests?

I think they still do a few projects together, but they all have gone theIr separate ways too. Wendell GarcIa does a lot of SessIon work and also backs up Pido. Rommel de la Cruz replaced the former bass player of the band Freestyle. Kakoy Legspi plays guitar for his band Salindiwa, which he was a part of even during Barbie’s Cradle days.

SG: Who are the other artists/bands that you started with that are still around?

BA: Well, one of our first big gigs was opening up for the Eraserheads. They’ve disbanded but their singer and songwriter Ely Buendia has a new band called Pupil, and we’re now doing a project collaboratIon for Juicy Fruit.

SG: How was it doIng the Eraserheads song “Overdrive?”

BA: I’ve been a big fan of the Eraserheads since they started...we also got to open for them when our band (Hungry Young Poets) was new and I got so excited...It’s really a treat to be working wIth Ely Buendia’s new band Pupil cause he’s a great songwriter.

SG: You also did a duet with a Filipino-American band The Speaks, how was the experience?
Working wIth The Speaks was also a great experience cause we got to spend time workIng on the song, recording, and doing live and tv gigs. They’re really cool down to earth guysHappy The song became such a hit here too, It was great!

SG: Who are your favorite non-Filipino artists/bands?

BA: P.O.D.

SG: How about Filipino artists/bands?

BA: Rivermaya, Cynthia Alexander, Kitchie, Ugoy-Ugoy, Cambio, Bamboo

SG: What Is your take on pIracy?

BA: Piracy has done much damage to the recording industry and I’m happy that more and more people are turning away from it now.

SG: Have you done shows in the US ? Do you have any future plans?

BA: I only got to play In the states when I was in highschool (In Northeast Bradford HS, PA) and we performed In school events...heheHappy but that doesn’t countHappy...Yeah, We dream of playing there soonHappy

SG: Any message to your Filipino-American fans/listeners?

BA: Hey everyone! Thanks for being a big blessing to us here, and for supportIng the music scene! Enjoy kayo and God bless you all!

A Look Back

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-06T23:04:04-05:00

A NEW year brings forth new beginnings. It brings about afterthoughts and resolutions. Many reminisce of what was, while others anticipate that which will be.

For those who care to seize the moment and live in the present, here are some of what’s going on around us:
The NFL playoffs have started, Congress is now led by the Democratic Party, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is the title of choice of J.K. Rowling’s last installment of the popular literary series and the word “plutoed”, meaning to demote or devalue someone or something, was chosen 2006 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society.

Actually, what I’m really referring to is the little scene that has been brewing since May of 2006- A little website named Poptimes Magazine happened onto cyberspace.
The website was originally designed to provide followers of the Fil-am music scene, an opportunity to find out the latest news on their favorite bands and solo artists. Little did the creators know that what started as just a bi-monthly online newsletter, would blossom into something much more meaningful.

Under the watch of the independent label Soulworks Records, a new online forum was born.
With topics that range from discussions about guitars and equipment to current events and relationships, Poptimes has threads about anything and everything.

It provides an opportunity for an upcoming band to post information about its members, its style of music and to promote any of their upcoming gigs. It serves as a “home” for aspiring artists and fans alike to share their experiences from a recent show, their thoughts of the scene but more importantly, it helps bring artists of different genres and locales together as one unique community.

And bring everything together it did. With an average of 500+ posts a day, the Poptimes Magazine online community just continues to grow. The fan friendly forum houses avid posters from all across the United States and Canada and has even caught the attention of fans overseas as well.
With members from New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Washington State, Washington D.C., Canada and the Philippines, Poptimes continues to help spread the word that the Fil-Am music scene is alive and doing more than just well.

The success of the online forums has even brought about a weekly online radio show with an average of 500 downloads per show. The bi-weekly streaming broadcast features a talk show with various DJ’s, who lead thoughtful and comical discussions on various topics which have included “gadgets you can’t live without”, “love and relationships” and most recently, “thoughts about the holiday season.”

Their main focus is to play music and host live performances of local bands such as The Kuwagos (tagalog for The Owls), Grim Bottle, P.I., and Trickbag as well as solo artists such as Alfa Garcia and Kristin “Binky” Veloria. TheDJ’s also spin music from artists currently unable to physically be a part of the show due to demographic reasons. They include artists such as Coffee Break Island, Leila Florentino, Bagwis and Narda.

The show has also reached out to and has featured Fil-Am groups and organizations, giving the chance for them to speak about their purpose and to hopefully garner more support from the listening audience.

Bands, artists and fans are not the only ones to benefit from the creation of the Poptimes forum. Independent production companies including Soulworks Records and Tambayan Productions and various hot spot venues such as Five Points (formerly known as Teabag) in Chinatown, NY and The Bistro San Miguel in Middletown, NJ have since collaborated to provide audiences with the best in live performances here in the New Jersey/New York area.

Another accomplishment of the Poptimes community was the creation of two very popular compilation albums, the Rock in the Box album (produced by Soulworks Records and Edsun Productions) and the Rocky Yuletide 2 Christmas Album (produced by Soulworks Records).

The first album featured a launch party, that took place at three different locations. The first was held at the Knitting Factory in New York City, The Cutting Room, also in NYC and then at Frazier’s on the Ave in Baltimore, Maryland. The second album launching was held in Middletown, New Jersey and the album was made available to download for free on the Soulworks Record website.

Perhaps the most important accomplishment to date of Poptimes is the bridging of the gap between the Filipino and Fil-Am community. Nowadays, bands such as Jersey City’s own Bleud and New York’s Striving in Greater Hopes (S.I.G.H.) features a mix of Philippine and American born artists that perform both tagalog and english hits.

The scene is flourishing. The community is expanding. The threads are exploding. There are new faces to the scene almost everyday.

Bands such as Trickbag, Then Again and Music Happens are beginning to make their mark.

The Kuwagos, The Happy Analogues, The Introvoys and Blue Mellon Pop are all planning to release their debut albums.

And to think, 2007 has only begun. There is just so much to look forward to.

More bands, more shows, more music, more threads.

Perhaps there should be a re-vote on what the word of the year 2006 was.

My vote would be for Poptimes.

Signs

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-06T20:14:55-05:00

A NEW YEAR brings good business to soothsayers. They get paid lots of moolahs to predict this and predict that.
From politics to fashion trends, these crystal ball users leave no futures unturned.

In terms of Filipino rock music, these new year prophets aren't too kind.

Most of them predict the slide of rock bands in the Philippine music scene.
Bands have recently dominated the airwaves in the Philippines and have pumped new blood into a fading genre.
Bands like Hale, Kamikazee and Itchyworms have re-introduced the greatness of Pinoy rock to a new breed of listeners.
Yet now, at the start of 2007, psychics predict a halt to the band surge. Instead, they 'predict that 2007 will see the return of crooners and divas.

They might be right.

As one puts a finger on the pulse of the Philippine music scene, one doesn't have to be a psychic to see the signs.

Last weekend, no major network variety show featured bands on their guest list.
Pretty telling considering that just months back all major shows, whether it be news, talk or variety shows - even sitcoms, featured bands of many shapes and sizes.

Likewise, record labels are starting to back-off from releasing original music from bands and instead opt for tribute albums and revivals.
Radio programming is changing too. Very seldom will one hear blazing guitars and thumping drums. The playlist is slowly moving towards piano intros and smooth vocal work.

These are clear signs of what is to come. The Philippine media is about to pull the plug on the Pinoy rock life support system and there's nothing we can do.This is not a new thing, though. It happened before. It is a cycle: '73, '83, '93, and 2003.

But whatever happens in the Philippines will only make the Fil Am music scene appreciate more what it has.
While the sun is setting for Pinoy music, it's very much shinning for Fil Am music and no sign of a sunset at all.
Bands are being formed, gigs are being organized, albums are being released and the local Fil Am media is taking notice.

Indeed, this year is the year of Fil Am music.
This is not a prediction. This is a fact.

Important January Gigs

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2007-01-05T13:42:52-05:00

January 9, 2007:
Alfa and Binky at JAMMIN' ASIAN
8:30 PM Laugh Lounge, New York.
151 Essex Street

January 12, 2007:
Nerojoc at The Basement
7:00 PM Gaithersburg, MD

January 14, 2007:
The Moonbugs at Galaxy Hut
9:30 PM Arlington, VA

January 19. 2007:
The Introvoys' CD Launch Party
8 PM The Knitting Factory, Hollywood, CA

January 20, 2007:
New Year, New Music by Tambayan Productions
7:30 PM Bistro San Miguel - 273-275 Hwy 35 North in Middletown, NJ
Featuring: Then Again, Noizy Toyz, Lexicon John and Streets of May.

January 26, 2007
The Five Points Variety Hour
Silk Road Mocha - 30 Mott Street, NYC
Featuring: P.I. , Circled Sin, & The Kuwagos

January 27, 2006:
The Kuwagos' CD Launch Party
6:30 PM @ Wazzup Cafe - 8 Bedford Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ
Featuring: Qwadra, P.I., Circled Sin, Bleud, The Happy Analogues & The Kuwagos

The Holiday Issue!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-12T08:26:14-05:00

The Rocky Yuletide 2 is now available!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-12T07:27:24-05:00

11 artists. 11 holiday songs. One amazing free album.

In an act of thanksgiving to all the Fil Am music fans who have made 2006 a breakthrough year for the whole scene, Soulworks Records offers a free holiday album called Rocky Yuletide 2.

The album is a sequel to last year's free yuletide EP bearing the same name. But instead of just a 4 track EP, this year's version is a full album made up of mostly original songs by some of the best artists around:

Sodapop Suicide - Single sa Pasko
Trickbag - Falalalala
Bleud - This Christmas
The Kuwagos - Ngayong Pasko
Then Again - Great Expectations
Binky Veloria - It's Christmas Time
The Happy Analogues - Light Up a Christmas Tree
Sheryl Mae & The Astrids - Snowflakes Falling
John Limguangco - Pasko
Paul Zurita - Christmas Wish
Anthony Murgola - Christmas Time is Here

The album is available as MP3 downloads complete with digital album cover at www.soulworksrecords.com

Happy Holidays!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-11T22:27:31-05:00

THE holidays are here and the year is about to end.

It is a year that most of the people in the whole Fil Am scene hates to bid goodbye to.

Because 2006 has been the definitive year for the scene as a whole.

The bands from Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Chicago, Seattle, Texas, Georgia have bonded with the NY and NJ scene in the summer courtesy of Rock in the Box.

Meanwhile, the local NY/NJ scene became tight as ever due to the overwhelming camaraderie inside the Poptimes Magazine Live forum/community.

Last but not least, we have finally bridged the gap between the West and East, as California bands received Jersey's very own The Happy Analogues to give remembrance and charity to the victims of the Leyte Tragedy.

As a gift to all who supported the NY/NJ and entire music scene, Soulworks Records has a gift: Rocky Yuletide two.

It will be the NY/NJ artists' tribute to the year that made it all happen - 2006!

From the staff of Poptimes Magazine, the administrators of the Poptimes Live Forum and the people behind Poptimes Radio, our joyful wishes for a great Christmas and a prosperous new year!!

Mabuhay ang Fil-Am music!!!

Barbie Almalbis US Tour!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-11T16:26:14-05:00

The Leyte Benefit Show, Los Angeles

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-11T15:54:23-05:00

Photos by Sheryl Garcia

LAST November 11, 2006 at the Club Romeo in San Pedro, Laguna, Fil Am bands gathered together to play for the victims of the February 2005 tragedy in Leyte, Philippines.

The Leyte Benefit concert, put together by Kapalmuks Productions, Red Garage and Perf De Castro was a great success. It featured bands from Local LA as well as a representative from the NY/NJ scene - The Happy Analogues.

All the acts played their sets with so much fire and spirit that everybody in attendance was in awe of the whole experience. The night was closed by an 'All Star Jam' featuring Perf De Castro on Guitar, Introvoys members Paco on drums, Chot on bass, and Jonathan on vocals. They were also joined by former Teeth vocalist Glenn Jacinto.

The performers

Sugar Chaos

Ritchie Lapaz

Prettier Than Pink

Apartment 92

The Happy Analogues

Tim De Ramos playing drums for The Analogues in a cover version of Bleud's 'Bye Bye Na'

Piece of Mine

Ben Paltik

Perf, Glenn, Chot and Paco (not seen)

Perf De Castro

The All Star band with Jonathan of Introvoys

The Happy Analogues with LA friends: Front (L-R): Annette Ortiz-formerly of Fatal Posporos, Dennis Diaz of X-Syndrome & Stella's Notch, Levan De Guzman. Back (L-R): Owen Singson, Roni Lao, Rich 'Jonze' Saguirre' , Paul Zurita, Tim De Ramos and Ted Reyes.

Ted Reyes and Ben Paltik's front man, Sheldon

The Happy Analogues with Perf De Castro

Ted and Ex-Sugar Hiccup vocalist, now with Stella's Notch, Melody Del Mundo

Sheryl Garcia & Annette Ortiz with Prettier Than Pink

Glenn Jacinto, Paco Arrespacochaga, Ted Reyes and Levan De Guzman

L-R: Tim De Ramos, Jonathan Buencamino, Richard Rosales, Roni Lao, Paco Arrespacochaga, Glenn Jacinto, Ted Reyes, Chot Ulep, Perf De Castro, Sheryl Garcia and show host Adrian.

Piece of Mine

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-11T14:30:49-05:00

Piece of Mine at the Leyte Benefit Concert, LA. (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

Piece of Mine was formed in 1996 and was originally called ' Fifth Element'.

The hard rock band consisted of Jude Javier, Roldan Rasipora, Jay Baldemor, Roland Ruina amd Jay Mangubat. The original members then released their debut album called 'Mystic Woman' the following year, and became one of the most prominent bands in the young Fil Am music scene in Southern California.

After a brief hiatus, the band reformed in 2001 with a new bassist, Julius Espiritu.

In 2005, the band was joined by two amazing vocalists: Richard Rosales and Shiela Paje.

From then on, they have risen to the top of their game and quickly regained their prominence in the scene.

The band's unique brand of pop rock won them a good following and allowed them to play in some of the best venues in California. They have played in the famous Knitting Factory in Hollywood and continues to conquer new places to bring their music to a wider audience.

In the summer of 2005, the band wrote a song for the Leyte tragedy victims in the Philippines and landed on Perf De Castro's milestone Fil Am compilation album, 'Leyte Benefit CD'.

The song, 'Better Days', a mixture of hard rock and heartfelt lyrics, quickly became a favorite in the benefit compilation.

Richard & Sheila with Piece of Mine. (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

You can visit their myspace at www.myspace.com/pieceofmine

Meet Schizo!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-10T17:43:07-05:00

By Ted Reyes

In the great Eraserheads' song ' Balikbayan Box', Ely Buendia uttered some words that at first sounded like Sanskrit chants:

"Walang maintindihan
Dumating sa allen, haro, maida, at levan
Kailangan nang sumahalang
Sandali mag-papahangin lang"

Notice the four individuals in the song: Allen, Haro, Maida at Levan.

These people have been immortalized by the song and placed themselves into the pages of EHeads history.

But who are these people?

In a rare opportunity, we have come to meet two of the four names. We have met Haro when he went here with Parokya Ni Edgar for their 2005 US tour, and only last November 11, we met Levan and had the chance to get him for an interview for the article.

Levan is more popularly known in the Fil Am scene is 'Schizo' and he is indeed one of the prime movers of the Filipino music scene in the US.

Levan 'Schizo' De Guzman (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

Levan and his brother Haro are part of what is known as Happy Box productions - a production outfit that brings to the US some of the best Philippine-based rock artists. Apparently, they were the first ones to bring the Eraserheads to the US in the late 90's, hence the intense and intimate connection between the band and the brothers. They have also brought into the Fil Am stage the likes of Rivermaya, Bamboo, Parokya Ni Edgar, Francis M. and more.

Yet even though they have a great reputation for bringing in 'imported' Pinoy acts, they have never stopped supporting the local Fil -Am music scene.

According to Levan, the Fil Am scene in the West Coast started in '91 with merely a handful of bands around. They started supporting local bands by attending small gigs held at parties. Levan added that these bands weren't really 'out there' since no clubs were booking Fil Am alternative groups then.

Then in '94, they heard of a Max's Restaurant in Cerritos, California that had some 'veteran' Pinoy artists in their roster of entertainers. Levan and a couple of his friends went there to meet these ripened rockers.

One of the bands there, 'Pink Table' is now known as 'Ben Paltik'.

With a some bands in their contact lists, Levan and his pals started organizing 'house party gigs' that eventually moved into the clubs in Southern California.

In '97, the small group of bands and supporters released a compilation CD that is sadly out of print now. But Levan asserted that he can be contacted if anyone wants a copy of that classic album.

Two extra 'heads'

Levan and Haro's connection with the greatest Pinoy band of Generation X, the Eraserheads, started in 1997, when they assisted a local producer in accommodating the band when they visited the US for the first time to get their MTV award for the video of 'Ang Huling El Bimbo'.

The heads expressed their desire to tour the US once again, so the De Guzman brothers took it as their cue to make a production company, with Haro as the main man. Thus Happy Box was born and in 1998, the Eheads where touring the United States under the Happy Box outfit. The rest is history.

The scene

Asked what he thinks about the current Fil Am music scene, Levan is very happy with what is happening. For him there are three major epicenters in the whole Fil Am scene: Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

And it is important that players in these scenes should never cease to organize things to make everything happen.

The Dream

For Levan, his dream is to see Filipino bands make it to the mainstream US market.

To achieve this, he advices bands to go for the mainstream market by writing songs in English and have themselves booked in mainstream venues and not rely on local gigs alone. He believes thought, that it is just a matter of time for one Pinoy act to make it big and put Pinoy rock into the global arena.

Levan De Guzman is a legend not only because of the eHeads' song. He is a legend in his own right and will be so, with or without Balikbayan Box.

Mon David at the Fil-Am Jazz Fest In Hollywood

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-12-10T17:35:06-05:00

Local jazz hero Mon David participated at the 2nd Annual Filipino-American Jazz Festival last December 9 & 10. The festival also included other Fil-American musicians including world renowned vocal group "Crescendo", sax player Julius Tolentino who performed with Natalie Cole and prize winning Fil-American pianist now based in Seattle – Mr. Victor Noriega.

Moreover, David released his new album "My One and Only Love" back to back with young singer Enrique Marcos presented by Candid Records Philippines, The Podium Mall, Crossover 105.1 with Contreu Liquor, Remy Martin in cooperation with Astroplus and Hairshaft Salon. The afternoon were also made special as rock icon turned jazz chanteuse Skarlet (former Myra Ruaro of Brownbeat all Stars) joined the stage with Mon David in the romantic rendition of "Alone Together".

After his winning performance at the London International Jazz Competition for Vocalists beating hundreds of participants from all over the globe, Mon David comes home as a "local jazz hero". He also won two Awit Awards (Best Vocal Arrangement and Best Jazz Recording for his original "Let Go") and headlined the recently concluded 3-day Philippine-American Jazz Festival.

Dubbed as "master jazz exponent" Mon David was tapped as one of the guest performers for Ms. Kuh Ledesma"s series of shows at Mandarin Hotel"s Captain"s Bar entitled "Come Rain, Come Shine" and Agot Isidro"s brazilian-bossa album for the track "Waters of March".

"I"m just grateful to The Lord for this "gift of music" particularly the jazz genre where I can be free to create and choose the songs and music I love to perform. I"m also grateful for the encouragement and inspiration that the industry is giving me," David humbly said.

Truly "a world class artist", Mon David delivers his album backed up by some of the finest musicians in the country today including Colby Dela Calzada (bass), Mark Lopez (piano), Koko Bermejo (drums), Mike Guevarra (saxophone) and a multitude of guest performers and musicians including Gerard Salonga, Bituin Escalante, Arthur Manuntag, Mel Villena, Edgar Avenir and premiere sax player Tots Tolentino.

In his latest 12-track masterpiece, "My One and Only Love" includes songs he had rendered at the London Jazz Competition including "Skylark", "Waltz for Debby" and its title track. The album also includes 6 originals including "Abe Mu Ku", "Nasayo", "I listen to you", "Soulitude", Gary Granada"s "I had a dream" and 2006 Awit Awards Best Jazz Recording "Let Go".

"The album signifies a personal journey and a unique taste in music as expressed by the jazz classics like "Skylark" Waltz for Debby" and more evergreens." David explains.

"My One and Only Love" released in a limited special gold disc edition is Mon David"s first "true" jazz album in more than a decade of musical career. "I've always felt that the listeners are more daring now and prepared to listen to jazz music. They are more open and appreciative to the improvisational aspect of jazz. I personally feel there is a certain degree of responsibility as an artist to share the thing that I love doing most - the thing that gives me pure joy and fulfillment."

Meanwhile the UK album edition release next year will include two more additional tracks including "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" and a duet with Eileen Sison of Guarana for "Double Rainbow".

November Cover

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-04T12:16:31-05:00

What we got

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-04T12:15:57-05:00

WHAT we got in our scene is talent. Talent that commands attention, and yes, big talent fees.
We got great artists that deserve the same treatment and fees as their Philippine-based counterparts.

We got more than a handful of amazing artists from New York to LA that are ripe for the big time - only if producers and the powers that be are willing to even consider them.

It is time. It is time for the Fil-Am artist to vacate the 'Opening Act' position and move to the top of the bill.

True, we import popular artists in the Philippines because they are likewise famous here because of TFC and GMA Pinoy TV.

But what if our local Fil-Am artists get the same exposure as these Philippine-based artists get?

What if TFC and GMA PINOY TV show locally (US) produced variety shows that showcase these wealth of talents?

What if our local ethnic papers cover the local artist rather than Dina Bonnevie and her battle for the new 'Mano Po' Movie or the Regine-Ogie alleged breakup?

What if, for once, we show pride and interest in our local Fil-Am artists not only when they succeed, but also when they are struggling?

What if we start looking at our local artists the way they should be looked at - stars, and not as a co-worker, or as a classmate, or a neighbor, or Tito Juan's nephew or cousin.

The time is now.

We will never really know what we got until we lose it. Hence, we should be aware that what we got now are talents that could eclipse any group of artists in the world.

Kitchie Nadal - The Show Review

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-04T12:14:54-05:00

Date: October 28, 2006
Venue: SOL, NYC

IN a cold and windy night in Chelsea, Fil-Am music fans trooped to a club by the piers called Sol to see a concert featuring one of the most popular young artists in Manila: Kitchie Nadal.
The show, part of Kitchie’s US tour, also featured Aiza Seguerra and our very own local artists: Aikostar, S.I.G.H., as well as rapper Mike Swift, who also hosted the show.
The venue was actually a last minute change from the original site. And true enough, the venue, though huge and cozy, was more of a rave-club rather than a swanky Rock N’ Roll joint. But it did work for its purpose.

Openings
A Toronto-based artist-Kate D, with her band, opened the show with some original songs that are included in a compilation CD released by a Fil-Can indie company called Minerva Records.
Kate D’s performance was great and, like most opening acts, it set things up for the next artists and ultimately, Aiza and Kitchie. Kate’s brand of Alternative pop worked well to warm up the crowd.
Next up was S.I.G.H. The Long Island rock group fronted by the cute and fiery Sigh Robes tore down the house with a raunchy acoustic set. The whole band wasn’t there with Sigh Robes, only the band’s bassist- Jay-R Castillo, who was there to play acoustic guitar.
Brooklyn’s best Fil-Am prog-rock group, Aikostar, came up next and rendered an almost ethereal performance. Vero, the band’s Fil-Am front woman, displayed her amazing vocal range that garnered cheers from the crowd.
Vero was joined by Alex and Chris, who both played electric guitar, while Vero played the keyboard while singing.
Aikostar was followed by Mike Swift, who treated the crowd with his rap and stage antics.
The crowd was in a frenzy as soon as Aiza Seguerra’s name was announced. The dimunitive singer-songwriter, who rose to fame at an early age through Eat Bulaga’s Little Miss Philippines contest, came up with her acoustic guitar and played out her songs, most especially her hit number, ‘Sa Pagdating ng Panahon’. She closed her set with a cover of The Eraserheads’ ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’.

The main act
Kitchie Nadal and her group came up right after Aiza’s set and quickly jumped into their repertoire.
One curious event took place when Kitchie received a song request from a member of the audience. Kitchie invited the person who made the request to sing the song with her onstage. It turned out that the person was our very own veteran singer-songwriter Jing Angeles, who is still very active in the club circuit and making a name for herself in the tri-state.
Jing sang the first verse and chorus of Kitchie’s ‘Same Ground’ and almost upstaged the main act herself. She stepped out of the stage after the first chorus. Allegedly after Kitchie’s whispered request.
Kitchie went through her hits, namely: ‘Pag-Ibig’ - her contribution to the newly released APO Hiking Society tribute album, ‘Ligaya’ - her entry to the Eraserheads tribute album, and her original songs ‘Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin, and ‘Bulong’. She also played songs from her debut album and some singles.
The show was great overall, though I am a little dissappointed with the billing. Kitchie, being the ex-frontwoman of Pinoy band, Mojofly, is relatively new in the singer-songwriter arena. Thus her catalog of songs are limited to her debut album and a few singles that made it into the soundtracks of TV shows and movies. Her two hit songs weren’t even written by her. They were written by Danny Javier and Ely Buendia.
It wasn’t like an Eraserheads show or a Rivermaya, or even a Parokya ni Edgar gig that is expected to be ‘hits’ laden, given the outstanding catalog of songs of these bands. It actually felt like the crowd went to the show and waited for Kitchie to sing those four songs and that was it. Good thing Aiza was there, as well our own local artists to at least give the paying people an assurance that their money and effort are worth it.
Kitchie is a talented songwriter and that is without question. It is just her short number of hit songs that made the show a music fest instead of a solo show with her on the top of the bill. Assuming that she will further record songs and come out with albums, Kitchie is on the way to becoming an artist overflowing with hits and whose shows in the future need not any opening acts to keep up with the ticket price.
But as for last Saturday’s show, with her topbilling, her set was rather anti-climactic.

Kitchie Nadal-Pictorial

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-04T11:54:21-05:00

Photos by Richard Saguirre

A long line of people braved the cold late October weather in the hope of getting
warmth from a rock n' roll show.

Toronto-based alternative pop artist, Kate D and her band opening the gig.

Sigh Robes and Jay-R Castillo of the band S.I.G.H. during one of their well-received
numbers.

Chris, Vero and Alex of Aikostar in their unforgettable rendition on The Guardian-
redux.

Wonder-kid Aiza Seguerra showing her guitar prowess and vocal chops to the
outmost satisfaction of the New York/New Jersey audience.

Kitchie Nadal

Kitchie and our very own, Jing R.A.

Invid

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-03T18:13:50-05:00

Now and then, a band emerges with a sound so fresh, yet so familiar, that you can't quite explain what it is that makes them rock. A band with melodies that are as catchy as they are quirky, music borne out of the myriad ideas and influences of five distinct individuals. A band ready to plug in and take over the stage with a remarkable pop sensibility, all while creating an edgy sound that's uniquely their own. That band is INVID.

This wildly talented quintet of young guys has a collective creative energy that fuses together into a seamless ensemble sound. INVID has been rocking out with their own brand of post-modern rock and power pop since the spring of 2001. Armed with impossibly catchy hooks and quirky lyrics potent enough to make knees go weak, the guys have built up a loyal fan base in their native Los Angeles. They have played regular gigs in the L.A. bar and club circuit, gracing the stages of such venues as the Knitting Factory, the Whisky, Viper Room, Rainbow Room, Martini Lounge, and Mr. T's Bowl. INVID is always ready to entertain with a high-octane set that compels everyone in the room to get off their asses and rock out. And finally, after two highly successful, locally distributed EP's, the band is ready to step up, guitars blazing.

"Mustard Coffee" is INVID's debut album. With 10 solid tracks of songs bound together with that distinct INVID sound, rock music get bent and twisted to their will without leaving you behind for even a split second. Melodic, driving riffs, pounding rhythms, aggressive bass, sharp lyrics, and bridges from the depths are written all over the album.

INVID is:

Jonathan W. - vocals
Eric P. - lead guitar
Sal E. - rhythmn guitar
Vincent S. - bass
Mark T. - drums

The Leyte Benefit show - LA

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-03T17:34:30-05:00

The Kuwagos to release debut CD this month

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-03T10:33:29-05:00

THE KUWAGOS.(L_R) Cho, Marc, Rommel and Gatchie

NEW YORK - The debut album of New Jersey's premiere alt-punk-rockers, The Kuwagos is scheduled to be released this month. The self titled album was produced by Gatchie Ignacio and Ted Reyes, and will be distributed by Soulworks Records.
It contains 11 incredible tracks that has cemented the band's reputation as one of the most exciting groups in the scene: Gusto Mo, Matulog Ka, Di Ako Lalayo, Eh Ano Ngayon, Ikaw lang, Jeepney and Maynila to name a few.

The album took almost a year and a half to complete due to some lineup changes and some song re-arrangements. But it is guaranteed to be on your CD players or iPods for a long time.
Most of the songs were penned by guitarist/vocalist Gatchie Ignacio, and most of them are in Filipino.

Ignacio's songs often deal with the trivial realities of relationships like Matulog Ka, Eh Ano Ngayon, and Ikaw Lang. Yet, two of his songs tackle the issue of Filipinos working and living abroad: Maynila and Tabo.
The productions of these two tracks are enough to hook you up to the band. The former has that 'antique' quality, while the former has a tongue and cheek feel and features a heartfelt piano solo by one of Jersey's finest singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists - Binky Veloria.

One song, written mainly by drummer Marc Lacsamana - Jeepney, is posed to be another potential hit in an already hit-laden collection. The song has all the fun and mundane subjects that define the Kuwagos both as a band and as individual personalities.

Hilera Releases Their Self-titled Debut Album with first single DEFINE

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-03T09:45:32-05:00

They are now braced for the success they had craved for since they were hailed as the champions at the Nescafe Soundskool in 2005. Their song, Rhyme Without Reason is on top of NU107’s daily rock radar. And they continue to wow crowds, largely comprising college kids, as HILERA—a new three-piece punk rock band—is releasing their self-titled debut album with their first single Define.

Hilera’s self-titled debut album came out October 30, 2006 under EMI Philippines. Their first serving is what they came up with when vocalist Chris Padilla thought, “Honestly, we just don’t want to expect anything.” Band members Ivan Garcia on guitars and Bobby Padilla on drums heartily agreed.

Hilera strikes a direct hit with their first song, Rhyme Without Reason. The song by their vocalist had given the band the break to rock stardom by quickly hitting NU107’s daily countdown as to have the no. 1 after only three weeks. Chris, the song’s author, defines it as “about being stuck for no reason and you have to conform for no reason.”

The band introduces their first single from the album, Define, as what will define their victory in their first offering with EMI Philippines. “Define is a song about failing,” Chris explained. The band is also coming out with its first music video with Define directed by Slapshock’s bassist, Lee Nadela.

Chris penned all two Tagalog and 10 English songs in the album: Rhyme Without Reason, The Pot of Gold, Pass The Walls, Define, Lies in the Head, Dehado, Up The Heavens, All of This, Pilit, Sungrass, Nothing New, and Smiles and Fades.

Pinoy jazzman nominated for Grammys

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-11-03T03:47:29-05:00

Noel Lorica

PINOY jazz guitarist, Noel Lorica has been listed in the first round of voting for the Grammys. And with his nominations of “Album of the Year” & “Best Instrumental Jazz Album”, two Philippine songs are included.

Noel’s versions of Sarong Bangi & Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit (Kasada ing Takna-a) are featured on his releases. We hope the Phillippine community and the voting Recording Academy members will support his efforts in showing the world the beauty of the Philippine Musicial Arts.
Noel was born in Manila and got his first exposure to music through his mother.
Through high school and early college life his influences were mostly rock, blues and folk music. Late in his collegiate life he got exposed to the music of George Benson, Earl Klugh, Paul Desmond, Stanley Clark, George Duke, Lee Retinour and the modern jazz instrumentalists.
The jazz bug definitely hit him hard and from that time on there was no turning back. He had to put his musical interest on hold to finish a degree in Veterinary medicine during the 80’s. After which he immigrated to the U.S.and started on his professional career in Philadelphia/New York area. His future wife, Dee, finally convinced him to move to South Florida in the late 80’s.
South Florida got his musical juices flowing again and he started doing small gigs, played with a couple of bands, joined ASCAP and started composing “Wayward Jazz” a mixture of different influences accented by the acoustic guitar. His debut album “First Dance” is a memoir of this musical journey and his quest continues as he adds new expressions to Latin and Standard jazz.
Through this, he also hasn’t forgotten his love for animals. It is with this thought in mind that he hopes to raise and donate some of the proceeds from his music to various animal welfare organizations.

The categories Noel Lorica is included in are:

Record of the Year (#338 El Viento, #339 Midnight Dreams, #340 Samba in A & #341 Scent of Cinnamon)

Album of the Year (#288 First Dance)

Best New Artist (#167 Noel Lorica)

Best Jazz Instrumental Solo (#142 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen & #143 My Favorite Things)

Best Jazz Instrumental Album (#117 Christmas Jazz - On the Smooth And Wayward Path)

Best Instrumental Composition (#168 Scent of Cinnamon & #115 Midnight Dreams)

Best Instrumental Arrangement (#45 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)

The October Cover

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-04T23:04:04-04:00

Photo by Ernie Peña

Stella's Notch

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-04T18:51:00-04:00

“Sui generis”

Stella's Notch

Formed in September 2003, Stella's Notch is a dreamy rock band that could take you on a trip, acid-free, yet with just the same effect. Though not as experimental as it may sound, Stella's Notch is an experience you wouldn't want to miss.

Vocalist/guitarist/songwriter, Melody del Mundo, has won numerous nominations & awards including Vocalist of the Year, Best Alternative Vocal Performance and Best New Artist in prestigious award-giving bodies (equivalent to that of the Grammy's) back in her hometown Manila, Philippines during the late 90s. Her haunting voice not only captivates her audience but also entraps and enraptures their souls. Simply put, there's just no escaping!

Her song-writing evokes a variety of emotions and confidently parades a sense of experience and new learned wisdom. Together with talented members, Jeremy Arcinas on bass, Dennis Diaz on keyboards, and Miguel Rodriguez on drums, the band has been performing at local clubs in LA and South Bay, in venues such as The Whisky-a-Go-Go, The El Rey Theatre, The Knitting Factory, and Fil-Am Festivals. Their EP is a caveat of what this band is capable of.

The band has songs that could hit the radio waves big time. Loved Then Go, with its refreshing Tango/Rock touch, only showcases that Stella’s Notch is in a class of its own. The evocative songs Wounded and Blown Away have been known to bring its listeners on the verge of tears. These songs have proven to be addictive to the audience and have never failed to leave them unnerved and disturbed in a good way.

The band is currently recording their first self-produced album and is due to come out by December of this year. It's definitely going to be THE must-have album of the year!

Visit their Myspace

Kami nAPO Muna - The Poptimes Magazine Review

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-04T16:59:44-04:00

By Ted Reyes

COMPILATION tribute albums are big in the Philippines. Since the success of the Eraserheads tribute album, Ultraelectromagnetic Jam, which featured the best Pinoy rock bands singing their versions of a variety of Eheads classics, record companies have put tribute compilations on their top priority of releases.

Recently, I got a hold of a copy of the latest tribute compilation album: Kami nAPO Muna - An album paying tribute to APO Hiking Society, who are perhaps the owners of the best OPM catalog in Philippine music. The artists covering the APO hit songs are not so much different from the Eheads compilation: Barbie Almalbis, Orange and Lemons, Kamikazee, Itchyworms, Boldstar, Imago, Sandwich, The Dawn and Parokya ni Edgar to name a few. The basic idea of these tribute compilations is to sell old, tried-and-tested hits by legendary artists to a new market - in this case, the Pinoy Rock market.

Since bands are hot in the Philippines nowadays, it is reasonable for labels to cash in on these hot bands. And indeed they have. The initial sales and reception of the APO tribute album has put smiles on label executives’ faces and dough on their pockets. Releases like this also curb out the possibility of flops that a brand new-all-original-album might bring. So why risk?

Revival Nation

The Philippines is always known to be the biggest market for revived music. In fact, almost all the top 50 albums in the last decade contain a revival or two. Some albums on the list are even made up of all revivals, like Regine’s Y2K.

Thing is, revivals are cash cows and It’s just a matter of what music trend is hot on the radio to make use of to give new life to old tunes. In this album’s case, it’s the music of APO . I mean, who could go wrong with the APO catalog anyway? Their songs have withstood the times and are forever etched in Filipinos’ souls.

In saying this, I have to say that Kami nAPO muna is a good tribute compilation album. Though not every rendition is memorable, many of the rock artists did give justice and new life to APO’s masterpieces. Among my favorites are: Imago’s take on ‘Ewan’, Kamikazee’s version of ‘Doo Bidoo’, Orange & Lemons’ ‘Yakap sa Dilim’, Parokya’s ‘Pumapatak Na Naman ang Ulan’, and my favorite - The Itchyworm’s cool recording of ‘Awit ng Barkada’.

I have been an APO fan since High School in the early 90’s, which is a time when APO’s best hits are already decades old. Actually, the original APO versions would be enough for me to take to a deserted island and cherish it ‘till the sun says goodbye, but I wouldn’t mind having this supplemental compilation as well.

The Future Of The Past

Question now is: What’s the future of reviving the past? The answer should be - bright. Soon we will see Rey Valera tributes, Rico J. Puno, Sampaguita, Hotdog, Cinderella, Asin, Maria Cafra, another Eheads tribute, and another APO perhaps.

But wait. Didn’t they release these tributes already? I guess yes but that’s the point of it, right?

East Meets West

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-03T23:27:00-04:00

On November 11, 2006. a monumental event will take place that will cause a shift in the Fil-Am music scene: The Leyte Benefit concert at the Club Romeo in San Pedro California.

The show will see the meeting of two scenes - the West Coast Fil-Am scene and the East Coast scene as three bands from New Jersey will fly to California to play the gig: The Kuwagos, The Happy Analogues and Bleud. These Jersey bands will join local California-based artists, Piece of Mine, Ben Paltik, Ice candy, Ritchie Lapaz, Raincrowd, Paco Arespacochaga and Jonathan Buencamino, Glenn Jacinto and the prime mover of the Leyte Benefit, Perf De Castro. The gig will support the sale of the Leyte Benefit compilation album, which was produced by Perf and was released last summer.

A concert that has bands from both Fil-Am scenes is a rarity, but Perf's call to unify for a noble cause is too hard to resist. Thus the event will really happen. Moreover, the effect of a unifying event like this is even harder to say no to: cell phone numbers will be exchanged, interaction will happen, new friendships will be cast and the geographic gap will cease to exist.

We just hope that the show will be covered by the local FIlipino-American media in the LA area and give the event the importance and attention it deserves. Should we call TFC, or GMA Pinoy TV or the PInoy papers in LA to send their crew to the show and bear witness to this historic event? We definitely should. Events like these are newsworthy.

The hype is there and the expectations are soaring. But can a real bond between the East Coast and West Coast artists really happen? Of course it can. It all depends on the notion that all of us, wherever we are, belong to one scene and one scene alone. Some ego checking will likewise help as most of these East Coast bands have yet to share the stage with Pinoy rock nobility like Perf, Glenn, Paco and Jonathan and are therefore understandably jittery and passive as soon as they see these stars. So, at first, It is up for these famous rockers to welcome the visitors and give them a warm handshake that would make the East Coast bands feel at home. And rest assured, once the ice is broken, brotherhood and unity will take its natural course.

Kitchie Nadal to rock East Coast

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-03T20:38:00-04:00

NEW YORK - Platinum selling recording artist Kitchie Nadal will be doing a series of shows in New York, New Jersey and Maryland this fall as part of her Same Ground U.S. Tour. The winner of two Aliw Awards as the “Most Promising Entertainer” and “Best Female Concert Performer,” Kitchie was also the recipient of the 18th Awit Awards as “Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist” and “Best Ballad for the song she wrote and composed, the compellingly bittersweet, “Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin.”

Kitchie Nadal has conquered the Female OPM niche, paved the way for a number of guitar-wielding alternative rock maidens and has proven that being a talented rock musician need not be translated to sex, drugs and alcohol. And while exhaustingly keeping up with the dogged demands of the success she’s earned, she’s stuck to her main priority and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Education.

Kitchie’s phenomenon, which encompasses all age brackets (She also won a Kid’s Choice Award from the Nickelodeon channel this year), is set to move Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the US as she conquers the US Concert Scene.

The Kitchie Nadal “Same Ground” US tour 2006 is being promoted by Nosaj Entertainment, a New Jersey based Production Company. Her east coast shows will kick off on October 28 at the Avalon in New York City with special guests singer-songwriter Aiza Seguerra, hard rock band S.I.G.H from Long Island, New York, Kate D. and aggressive melodic hard rock group Aikostar from New York City.

The tour then proceeds to Baltimore, Maryland at Frazier’s In The Avenue on October 29. Co-produced by Bionic Leg Music, special guests include Ground 95 (Maryland), Something About Mari (Washington D.C.), metal group Silent Type (Baltimore, Maryland), rock group Circled Sin (Maryland), hard rock band P.I. (Washington D.C.) and indie band The Moonbugs (Maryland).

Kitchie’s series of shows in the east coast will end on November 3 at Tinton Falls Holiday Inn in New Jersey. Joining her are singer-songwriter Alfa from New York City, Frostbyte Band from New Jersey, alternative/punk band Trickbag from Asbury Park, NJ and rock band Bleud from Jersey City, New Jersey.

For inquiries about the tour you can contact Nosaj Entertainment at 800.214.1382, 551.998.6020 or nosajentertainment@yahoo.com.

For more info on Kitchie Nadal: www.kitchienadal.com - www.kitchienadal.net

Filipino-American indie compilation album goes global

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-02T19:01:19-04:00

By Sheryl Garcia

Rock in the Box

NEW YORK - Soulworks Records, the small independent Filipino American record label made another breakthrough: It put the first indie Fil-Am compilation album, Rock in the Box, in the worldwide market by making it available in premiere internet music stores like the billion-song seller, iTunes Music store, Yahoo Music, Rhapsody, Music Now and some 40 more online music stores.

Earlier this year, the label scored its first victory by doing the feat for the first time with Jersey City indie Fil-Am band -Bleud, which benefited immensely both in terms of sales and popularity. The band became one of the most sought after groups in the Fil-Am music scene.

But unlike the Bleud achievement, this compilation album, instead of bringing out one act, has put the spotlight on 14 of the best indie East Coast acts. " It is a great to see these talented Filipino American indie acts become internationally recognized through these popular internet music shops. People from all over the world will get to know that there is indeed a well of talents in our Fil-Am music scene", says Ed Sunico, executive producer of Rock in the Box.

Indeed the benefits from having a Fil-Am indie artist in a global music store are countless, but the most important is having the artist and his/her music available for streaming and eventual sale in almost every home in the world with an internet connection. " It is overwhelming. Now, these striving, and gifted Fil-Am artists has a the amazing chance get into every iPod, and every PC out there. I mean, most of these artists hold day jobs to support their music and they aren't even signed with a mainstream record company that pays big advances, yet still they get global exposure.", adds Sunico.

It is common for mainstream acts and American indie-labels to get their acts into stores like iTunes, but for a small, indie, and Filipino label to do likewise is a cause for celebration.

Rock in the Box was released in August of 2006 and, in less than two months, is now available worldwide. The album contains the music of great Fil-Am talents: Alfa Garcia, The Speaks, Bleud, The Happy Analogues, The Kuwagos, The Moonbugs, The Third Element , Titofelix , Grim Bottle, Jay Legaspi, Sodapop Suicide, Jay Legaspi, Rubberband, Bagwis and Blue Mellon Pop.

To see and hear the album or the songs though these major online music stores, just type the name of the artists in the store's search bar. You can stream their music for a preview, buy the song, or get the whole album.

So what's next for the label?

" A lot", says Ed. "The label will be distributing the albums of some of the artists in the compilation like The Kuwagos in late November or early December, and The Happy Analogues in early 2007. We are also working on the albums of Binky Veloria, Alfa Garcia and Sodapop Suicide."

October shows

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-02T18:29:06-04:00

Reclaim II

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-02T18:19:31-04:00

A night of music, arts, politics and controversy

Thee Happy Analogues, one the performers at Reclaim II
By Sheryl Garcia

NEW YORK CITY- Over 250 Filipino youth, workers and allies from New York and New Jersey united on September 23, 2006 for a night of music and poetry to speak out against oppression, human rights violations and other issues that affect Filipinos in the Philippines and in the United States.

“Reclaim: (Re) Affirming Our Culture of Resistance, Vol. II” was organized by the New York/New Jersey based Filipino youth organization Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Linking the Children of the Motherland).Ugnayan is a grass roots youth organization, whose members include both US born Filipinos and immigrants, aims to bring together Filipino youth and educate them with issues affecting Filipinos in the Philippines and in the US.Reclaim II commemorated the Filipino peoples’ collective resistance against the state of Martial Law that took place during the Ferdinand Marcos regime from 1972-1986.

The fund-raising event started at 8:30 PM and it featured primarily Filipino youth as well as other allied immigrant and youth of color performers and artists: Hip Hop acts Deep Foundation and Spirit Child, acoustic soul singer Taiyo Na, rock bands- Qwadra, The Happy Analogues, and acoustic singer Maui Zafra. Street theatre by Ugnayan and Damayan Migrant Workers Association dramatized the political killings. Visual art/photography pieces were featured by artists Luke Abiol, Kiko Bordeos, Emmy Catedral, Maria Gonzales, Joana Palomar and Soulfire.

The presentations, especially the dramatized political killings were elaborate and at most times, haunting due to its solemnity. A visual presentation further made Ugnayan’s message clearer to the audience, as clips of martial law travesties flashed on a big projection screen while some protest verses were being read. The organization never left a stone unturned.

The event, though serious in tone, was festive in nature until an abrasive St. Mark’s Parish Church Hall employee stormed the stage, interrupted the rap artist Spirit Child and called an end to the program due to time constraints. The resulting fiasco was a result of a failed negotiation deal between the organizers and the St. Mark’s management to extend the time of the use of the Church Hall. As a result, rock bands The Kuwagos and Blue Mellon Pop, and hip hop MC Koba were unable to perform to the disappointment of some members of the audience, who even voiced out their cry for a refund. The organizers charged $10 with a meal stub and a drink ticket.

Yet despite the messy ending, the program was generally a success. As the wide range of artistic expression reflected the diversity of the Filipino community’s experiences, both US-born and immigrant, straight and queer, who came together as a unified identity, consciousness, and fist of defiance against the systemic oppression victimizing the Filipino people throughout history.Local Filipino youth and Reclaim II organizer Chevy Evangelista says, “Reclaim II was a phenomenal event for Filipinos in New York and New Jersey.

The youth, domestic workers, professionals, artists, women, queers, immigrants and second generation youth born and raised in the US all united in one congregation.”Reclaim II served as a prologue to “Pasulong: Our Stories Must Be Told, Our Future Must Be Forged,” which will take place on November 3-5, 2006 at Barnard College in New York City.Pasulong is a youth consultation, also organized by Ugnayan, to address the issues of Filipino youth in the New York and New Jersey area, and will connect local and homefront issues.

This Month On Poptimes Radio

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-02T18:08:25-04:00

Washington D.C.-based Fil-Am rock group PI visited the Poptimes Magazine/ Radio studios and performed an amazing acoustic set.

Alfa

Also coming up on October 15 is the airing of Alfa Garcia's Poptimes Radio Acoustic Session.
For a complete schedule of shows, visit www.poptimesradio.com.

Cueshé returns

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-02T18:06:15-04:00

Cueshé. The name people previously had difficulty to pronounce went on to be in the consciousness of many. Undeniably, it is one of the bands that brought back the energy of the band scene. Aside from being the name given to a group of lads – Jay Justiniani (vocals), Ruben Caballero (vocals and guitars), Mike Manaloto (drums), Jovan Mabini (lead guitars), Fritz Labrado (bass) and Jhunjie Dosdos (keyboards) – it has also become synonymous to success.

The band’s success could not be credited just to luck. Long before Cueshé became the toasts of the music scene came years of struggle and hard work. Like the time back in their hometown of Cebu when they had to compromise their music for gigs. Or the trying times when Jay figured in an accident. To make ends meet, Mike sold cigarettes, Fritz drove a passenger jeepney with Jovan as his assistant. Or the moment they left Cebu and set foot in Manila, living in together in a small apartment thriving on canned goods and noodles. Add the skeptics and detractors who called them a "one hit wonder, a "phony" and mere sell-out.

However, like the simple banana cue which served as their constant companion during their moments of trials, life became sweeter for the band as they remain unmoved and fully concentrated on their music.

And with that everything came into place. Hit singles ("Stay," "Sorry." "Ulan," "Can’t Let You Go" and "24 Hours."), a double platinum album ("Half Empty, Half Full"), accolades (Favorite Artist, Favorite Group and Favorite Song—for the song "Stay" at the 1st MYX Music Awards; SMART Texters’ Choice Hitmaker of the Year at the 2006 MTV Pilipinas Awards; Band of the Year at 2006 SOP PasiklaBand Awards; Best Breakthrough Artist at 2005 SOP Music Awards), sold-out gigs and concerts—all achieved in a span of one year.

Next on their list: a follow-up to their top-selling album entitled "Back To Me." Cueshé goes back where they have left off—then reaching out, mending, seeking relationships, committing, changing perspectives and letting go; making decisions, creative or otherwise, by listening to their hearts. Likewise, it showcases their musical maturity.

"This album is lighter and more laid-back compared to ‘Half Empty, Half Full,’" Fritz said.

In spite of these changes, tracks are undeniably Cueshé, in intensity and feel. It is more spontaneous with less cliché. If in the previous album, Mike did most of the writing chores, this time, members made contributions, each expressing emotions and each with stories to tell. It is headlined by the title track written by Fritz who was inspired by his wife’s text messages during their moments of misunderstanding.

Another one of his masterpiece is "Borrowed Time," a song about forbidden love. However, Fritz wants it to be known that it is not about him.

Relationships still comprise Mike’s contributions--"I Won’t Let You Down," "Today," "Missing You" and "I Do." Ruben proves he can not only belt out tunes but write as well with his two compositions—"All I Want" and "Broken Into Pieces" while Jay penned "If You Need Me." Jovan wrote two Tagalog songs "Bakit?" and "Pasensya Na"—to think he is having difficulty speaking the dialect.

Also featured in the album is their version of the John Lennon song "Jealous Guy." Done in acoustic, the song perfectly captures how passionate Cueshé is.

"We have always been fans of John Lennon and the song describes us because like others we are jealous guys," Ruben said.

Featured gig: Pampagueña Grill, Maryland

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-10-02T00:10:00-04:00

The Poptimes Magazine crew travelled down to Maryland to cover the acoustic gig at the Pampangueña Grill last September 16, 2006. The show featured some of the best Fil-Am artists in the DC/MD/VA Fil-Am music scene, including P.I. The Moonbugs, Circled Sin and a lot more.

The show was organized by Jimmy Almario of INFAMAS. (Photos by Sheryl Garcia)

Circled Sin

P.I.

The Moonbugs

Poptimes Beauties

The Scene

The September Cover

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-02T01:10:41-04:00

Cover Story

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-02T00:08:43-04:00

LOVEGODS
The Moonbugs bring their Headphone Session right into your living rooms

By Ted Reyes

Photo by Sheryl Garcia

IT WAS a hot summer day in Jersey City and Anthony Villardo of The Moonbugs emerged from the back compartment of their Maryland-plated SUV, carrying a medium-sized box with the words fragile printed on its side. "It just came out on time," he said referring to the box containing CDs of their debut release, Headphone Session.

At that moment, his band-mates: Loyd, Aldene and Ryan came out and started handing out their CD to buyers who were already in-line to get a hold it. "I have been waiting for this for months. Now I have it," says a Moonbug fan who traveled with the band to catch their NYC show at The Cutting Room.

Headphone Crazy

The album opens with Pushmalt- a song that according to Anthony is an 'album filler.'

If it is indeed it an album filler, then it is perhaps the best filler since the Eraserheads put 'Fill Her' in Cutterpillow. The bittersweet minor chord cannot be given any better arrangement like that - a driving grove that halts to a grind once the vocal comes in, sweetened by a nice bass line and ethereal guitar stabs. It is a filler worthy to be the track to kick-off the record.

The album has many strong points: great recording, tight performances, superb arrangements and amazing song writing. The most notable tracks are When We Are Cats, Sick and Disgraced, Hanging, Destroyer, Lovegod and Psycho Dilemma. Hell, why not put all of 'em. Add Passion, Beautifull Day and I Wonder.

The band is often labeled as Shoegazer, but upon listening to Headphone Session, there's more to it than that. Traces of The Beatles, Radiohead, The Cure, The Eraserheads and even Weezer can be found in their music, which is perhaps the best well of inspiration any artist can draw on.

Headphone Session is one of the best Filipino-American releases ever. Those may be strong words given that it's a debut album. But it only takes a few listens to be able to grasp the truth that The Moonbugs are not the lunar insects that anyone can swat and step on - they are musical heavyweights capable of dishing out more important works that could, well, swat unbelievers to the pulp.

Headphone Sessions is available for purchase at www.themoonbugs,com

The Moonbugs' Slum Book

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T17:10:09-04:00

Classified

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T17:05:00-04:00

Poptimes Magazine needs freelance writers and photographers. Writers and photographers should be able to cover the Fil-Am music scene in the US. There will be no compensation for your work, but you will be credited and get posted at the Fil-Am music scene's newest and most exciting eMag.
Send articles and photos at editor@poptimesmagazine.com

Reclaim Part Deux!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T17:00:00-04:00

Local Filipino Youth to Commemorate Martial Law; Speak
Out Against Political Killings Through Music and Visual Art

Bem and the rest of Qwadra: One of the featured acts at the Ugnayan event

New York City—On Saturday, September 23, local
Filipino youth musicians, artists and community
activists will come together in New York City to
commemorate the anniversary of the declaration of
Martial Law in the Philippines and to speak out
against the human rights violations and political
killings under the current Arroyo regime. Through
song, spoken word, hip hop, rock music and visual art,
Filipino youth will celebrate their history and
culture of resistance.

The event, called “RECLAIM II: (Re)Affirming Our
Culture of Resistance”, is organized by Ugnayan ng mga
Anak ng Bayan (Linking the Children of the
Motherland). The first “Reclaim” event commemorating
Martial Law was held in 2003.

Though Martial Law has not been formally declared by
Arroyo, the brutal conditions in the Philippines are
ever worsening. As of August 17, the human rights
organization Karapatan has recorded 729 cases of
political killings and 181 forcible disappearances.

“As immigrants or children of immigrants, we are the
products of the problems that force 3,000 Filipinos to
migrate every day. One of those problems is political
repression," said Leah Obias, an Ugnayan organizer.

"Fellow organizers and innocent people in the
Philippines are being killed for fighting for basic
things like the right to a living wage or education,"
said Ree Obaña, another Ugnayan organizer. "But
repression and oppression of the people will be met
with resistance by the people. Reclaim II is not just
a showcase. It is a venue where we as youth come
together creatively, politically and culturally to
rock the mic and tell our community we must continue
this struggle for justice.”

This year’s Reclaim event will raise money and build
momentum for the youth consultation "Pasulong: Our
Stories Must Be Told, Our Future Must Be Forged,"
which will address the challenges Filipino youth face
locally, and link them to the challenges of youth in
the Philippines.

“Reclaim II” will be held on September 23, 2006, from
8 pm – 12 am, at St. Mark’s Church Parish Hall, 131 E.
10th St. at 2nd Ave. Weekly planning meetings for
“Reclaim II” are held Thursdays at 6:30 pm at
Pandayan Center, Ugnayan’s office, 406 W. 40th St, 3rd
Floor, between 9th and 10th Aves.
Featured perforers include: Qwadra, Blue Mellon Pop and The Happy Analogues

“Pasulong” will be held the weekend of November 10-12.
Weekly planning meetings for “Pasulong” are held
Tuesdays at 7 pm at Pandayan Center. For more
information, or to get involved, visit
http://ugnayan.blogspot.com, or email ugnayan_nyc@yahoo.com.

Music-ism

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T16:42:16-04:00

‘ISMS’ are cool as hell. We love most of ‘em.

Romanticism, eroticism, even 'ISM' shoe mart!

Seriously, Isms have shaped human history in so many ways: Communism, Fascism, Capitalism and more. But we have also come to hate a lot of isms - racism, for one and most recently, music-ism.

Well, there is no actual music-ism, we kind of just coined it to connote a form of elitism in music - the discriminating kind.

Some people find other people’s musical tastes as basis to judge whether they’d be saved or damned. To put it in another way, music has become a measuring stick to size up a person’s cultural and social standing.

We hate music-ism. And we hate it more because we ourselves are sometimes guilty of this.

It works like this: If you listen to a certain artist or genre, then you are this type of person. Musical preference has become the newest harbinger of modern stereotypes.

Some common manifestations of music-ism:
1. If your CD player gets a lot of April Boy, Aegis or Renz Verrano, most likely you are person who comes from the southern part of the Philippines, and wears a baseball cap all the time, and always dress up in acid-washed denim jackets and pants with a white, high-cut basketball shoes and, chances are, sports a mullet hairdo - short top- long back.

2. If your iPod is loaded with stuff from Side-A band, Freestyle or MYMP, you fall in the category of the Glorietta-dweller- A person who wears Girbaud or Armani jeans, RL or Lacoste shirts, owns a cool car, speaks in Tag-lish and, chances are, wears mouth braces.

3. If you listen to stuff by Grace Nono, Heber, ASIN, Noel Cabangon and Cynthia Alexander, there is a near 100 percent chance that you are from UP, has an innate hatred for fashion -- therefore prefers to wear plain white shirts and faded unbranded jeans, perhaps a vegetarian, and most likely hates organized religion-except for religions that border on being a ‘way of life’ like Buddhism or Hinduism. Oh, they also despise anyone in government or generally, any person with authority, and at one point in their lives had made out on Luneta.

4. If you listen to music by The Clash, The Dead Kennedy’s The Ramones or The Sex Pistols, then you are a foul-mouthed person, who always wear black-tattered clothes loaded win safety pins, and never hesitates to rob a granny of her pocketbook loaded with her dentures. You may even scare stray pigs and dogs because it is assumed that with a slight glance from your red eyes, you can hypnotize living things and eat them later on for supper. You may also fancy fighting for every right: Animal rights, gay rights, the right to vote, gay rights, the right to party, the right to get high and the right not to have any rights at all. And, oh yes, you are a sex maniac as well.

5. Jazz. If you only listen to all things Jazz, you probably won’t even read this article. Because you think your intellect is way over the required limit and won’t waste time reading a stupid, pretentious article like this one. But if ever you do read this kind of stuff, you do it because you want to read stuff that will boost your ego and make you snicker more at musical low-lifes. You might also believe that improvisation is more than a musical approach. You might think that it also applies to sex, which is good and fashion, which is bad - long-sleeved shirt, shorts and slippers with socks.

6. Classical music listener. You laugh at Jazz fans for trying too hard to be classical, and you would be most likely be reading Jean Benard Leon Focault, Sarte and Kant than wasting your time with this editorial. There is also a 30 percent chance that your sexual preferences hang on a balance and your taste for food ranges from Tajikistan delicatessen to the underground Christian cuisine of Red China.

There are a lot more social stereotypes brought about by music-ism. These are only but the tip of the iceberg. That is why it pays to have a conversation about musical preference nowadays, as it gives you the entire picture all at once.

We have been dumped, kissed, hugged, punched, sensory deprived, interrogated, driven out, loved, spat on, laughed at, praised, promoted, demoted, and spanked all because of the kind of music that we listen to.

Music-ism is rotten.

Launched Box

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T16:11:55-04:00

(Photos by Sheryl Garcia)

The Rock in the Box artists.

WEE-WEE, a Fil-Am rock music fan, made her way out of a jampacked New York City club called The Cutting Room last Saturday, August 12. She just witnessed the concert that celebrated the release of the Fil-Am music compilation album-Rock in the Box.

As she made her way, she was asked what she thought of the show. Wee-Wee, with a copy of the CD in her hand, put the CD to her chest and said, ‘it was magical.’

Perhaps, magical is the only word that would be close enough to describe what happened that night. Twelve Filipino-American bands and artists from all over the US shared the stage and celebrated everything that is great about being a Filipino through music. It was a spectacle to behold.

“There was this undeniable and overwhelming sense of national pride and camaraderie not only among the artists, but also among the audience as well. And the people in the audience who are not Filipino felt it too”, said Lea, a Fil-Am music aficionado like Wee-Wee, who came up from Maryland just to witness the event.

Alfa Garcia, the amazing singer/songwriter from Bergenfield, NJ kicked off the concert with a heartbreaking rendition of her song ‘Better’. She finished her set with her Rock in the box song Meaningless Conversation, which has become a hit in the Asian-Am music circles.

Acoustic-R&B king Jay Legaspi, who came up with a full-band featuring John Violago of House of Straw on bass and Full Recovery’s drummer Matt Pana, followed Alfa.

Then came the ethnic ensemble from Chicago called Bagwis, whose set featured a hybrid of funk, rock, rap all done with conventional and Filipino indigenous instruments. When the band played their album entry Hele, the crowd’s jaw dropped in awe.

Maryland-based rock group The 3rd Element came and gave the night a first taste of Pinoy rock with Save Me, a song that the band submitted for the Leyte Benefit Album and their Rock in the Box number Place.

The MD rockers were followed by the electronic-rock quartet from Wycoff, NJ, Sodapop Suicide, whose lead vocalist Val Guevarra brought the house down with his Snake Dance that went along with their hit song Sana Naman.

The mood then turned into Psychedelia, as Jersey City mod band The Happy Analogues took the over flowing crowd to a trip via their two songs: Beautiful Pain and Alaala -- the band’s Rock in the Box song.

The audience was then taken back to earth as Bergenfield punk rockers The Kuwagos played their trademark, stripped-down-garage music with a twist: Front man Gatchie Ignacio played grand piano in their song about Fil-Am expats, Tabo. Ignacio’s Elton John-esque performance on the keyboard was one of the many highlights of the magical night.

Just as the Kuwagos brought the crowd back to sea level, the 2nd group to represent Maryland came up and carried everyone back up to psychedelic realm. The Moonbugs played a memorable pair of songs including their Rock in the Box single, When We Are Cats.

Another highlight of the night was Bleud’s performance. The band played their latest single Every Other Day, and ended with their trademark hit Bye Bye Na, which resulted in a mad house. People began climbing up the stage, danced and sang along with the band, while the crowed began to create a mosh pit of spinning bodies loaded with adrenaline and alcohol.

Two more bands followed Bleud’s lead: Queens’ Blue Mellon Pop, who added fuel to the already fired-up crowd with their songs Heal and I’m Sorry; Staten Island’s legendary Pinoy rock combo – Rubberband, whose Rock in the Box track Wordpad has become a sort of anthem of Myspace and Friendster addicts.

Another legendary group closed the show: Jersey City’s very own Grim Bottle. The band made sure that the crowd would not go home unhappy. So when it came to the band’s rendition of As I Am, the crowd could not ask for anything more. They were blown away.

It may take quite a while to be able to repeat an event as magical as the launching of Rock in the Box. However, the important thing about it all is that the event had broken new ground for other events like such to tread upon. The foundation had been laid. The standard had been set.

It also showed that in the Filipino community, music would always bridge gaps no matter how big, no matter how far.

The album can now be purchased at www.soulworksrecords.com. All major credit cards accepted.

Poptimes Radio stands on its own

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T15:18:09-04:00

It started as a small on-site music player for the Fil-Am music community members at the Poptimes Magazine forum playing selected mp3s from Fil-Am artists.

Now, after merely 3 and a half months, the small media player has become a major player.

Introducing: www.poptimesradio.com

Due to incessant demands, the powers that be have decided to move the humble little music player to its own domain and stay there for as long as it can. There, it can broadcast exclusive Fil-Am tracks, live-in-studio- acoustic performances by the best of Fil-Am artists, radio talk shows and more.

This month on Poptimes Radio

1. Poptimes Radio Sessions featuring a live in-studio performance
by The Moonbugs on September 3.
2. Poptimes Radio Sessions featuring a live in-studio performance
by Binky Veloria - September 17
3 Episodes 4 and 5 of Downtown with Brijo and Microsarah
4. Episodes 3, 4 and 5 of What's Your Problem with Dj Friendly Tito Tan

New hit from Sessionroad

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T14:44:13-04:00

Sessionroad

One of the most requested songs we hear on the radio nowadays is the song from the talented band Sessionroad. It is entitled Blanko which is also the carrier for their latest album under Alpha Music.

"Blanko" is about the empty sentiment we feel whenever there's too much thought in one's mind. The duality of the idea is noteworthy since a blank mind can only be achieved by filtering out the noise and nonsense that invades our everyday thinking; or by simply ignoring actuality, being inattentive, and being lost in thought completely. The song attempts lyrically to personify a certain fleeting emotion, whether it's something universal like love and rapture or something mundane, like boredom and despair. The verses address on how people become easily impassioned by something that they feel is all consuming.

"Blanko" is meditative, wishful, apologetic, and giving to all emotional conquests. It is a song that attempts to sway people into a mood which is reflective, a testament on how they treat their lives accordingly. It shares the power of dreaming and suggests a little of making amends: atonement, a warm embrace, and safeguarding beautiful memories. "Blanko" shares to listeners a straight-out musing to all who wants to be in touch with a consciousness which is suitable and attuned to our ever changing world.

A music video follows closely the success of Blanko. Conceptualized by the band and their video director Milos Curameng and chiefly supported by their major label, the technical requisites of the video were shot within the compounds of Alpha Music.

The nature of the song was complimented by the band's performance, as the overall feel of the video was that of defining deep-seated spaces and impassive shades between the opposites of backdrops. The band uses theatrical works and some illustrative depictions under the vivid projections of black and white, all for the purpose of reiterating the song's theme. The video features tricky perspectives as well to impart the ironies and allegorical equivalents of its lyrics.

The plot introduces a plaintive man standing amidst the trappings of his mind, as interpreted by the incorporation of dire and relentless portraits through the use of a blooded knife, a snake, a discarded television, and grimed streets. These all metaphorically amount to the turmoil an individual suffers as he struggles to find stillness and harmony, as delineated by the tranquil flight of a bird in the video's parting shots.

"Blanko" is also one of the most applauded songs in Sessionroad's series of mall show which started last July. The audience's response were so overwhelming which made the group doubly elated in promoting their latest Alpha album The album is the much awaited follow-up to their previous "Suntok Sa Buwan" album which spawned numerous hits like "Eager Angels," "Cool-Off" and the carrier track Suntok Sa Buwan."

The album "Bakit Hindi?" from which the song Blanko was included is expected to surpass or if not equal the success of their Suntok Sa Buwan album. It is now available in CD format nationwide.

Rock in the Box tour ships to Baltimore!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T14:35:58-04:00

The box cannot be stopped.
After a successful launch at the Cutting Room NYC, the Rock in the Box artists will proceed to Maryland for the first leg of the Rock in the Box tour: ROCK IN THE BOX- The Baltimore Launch.

With performances by: Alfa, Jay Legaspi, The Moonbugs, The 3rd Element, Grim Bottle, The Kuwagos, Bleud, The Happy Analogues, Sodapop Suicide and special guests- Circled Sin and P.I.

Incidentally, you can now purchase a copy of Rock in the Box using your major credit cards.

Log on to the Soulworks Records website or click here

Pinoy Rock Fest in Asbury Park

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T14:31:53-04:00

Pinoy Rock Fest in Asbury Park's legendary venue, The Stone Pony.

October, 22 2006 at Philippine Music Fest at the STONE PONY
913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712

With performances by: Bleud, Moxie, Trickbag and more

Kitchie Nadal US Tour

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-09-01T14:21:46-04:00

Kitchie Nadal, the sultry singer-songwriter from Manila will visit the US this October for some shows.
The East Coast leg will be on October 28 in New York City and on October 29 in Baltimore.

Kitchie Nadal 'Same Ground'
Halloween show
with:
Aiza Seguerra
SIGH
Aikostar

Saturday, Oct 28
6pm

Avalon 247 west 20th st. NYC

$40 General Admission
$45 Balcony
$50 Limited VIP Lounge (with own bar and bathroom)

The Baltimore show will be graced by Circled Sin, The Moonbugs and more courtesy of Bionic Leg Productions.

The Cover

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-08-02T01:52:29-04:00

Rock in the Box Issue

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-08-02T01:51:47-04:00

This Month, Poptimes Magazine will devote the entire issue to commemorate an important event in Fil-Am music: the Release of Rock in the Box - A 14-track compilation album by 14 of the best independent artists and bands in the East Coast of the United States.

Even Poptimes Magazine Radio will hold a special week-long stream of the whole album, after the album's launch. Soulworks Records also bared plans for a nationwide tour to promote the album.

The Pre-Launch

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-08-02T01:27:07-04:00

The Launch

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-08-02T01:25:33-04:00

The Artists Inside The Box

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-08-01T09:16:50-04:00

According to the Smithsonian Institute, Filipino-Americans constitute the 2nd largest Asian-American group in the United States. So important this fact is, the Institute declared 2006 as the Filipino-American Centennial Celebration year, in commemoration of the first batch of Filipino overseas workers that landed in Hawaii in 1906.

While major organizations are gearing up for major festivities, Filipino-Americans involved in the music scene have gathered to be a part of this historic year. These artists came up with an equally important contribution this years celebration–a compilation album called Rock in the Box.

Released by an independent Fil-Am label – Soulworks Records, Rock in the Box consists of 14 all-original songs by Fil-Am bands and solo artists, who have made their marks in the Filipino-American music landscape.

The Album will be launched on August 12, 2006; 7:00 – 10:00 PM at the Cutting Room in New York City. The show is produced by Philippine Pearl Productions, Edsun Entertainment and Soulworks Records.

Titofelix - Formed in Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2000, the alternative-rock quartet of Marc Cordon, PJ Sobremonte, Baby Jay Opalia and Robeen Dey have become one of the Fil-Am music scene's prominent indie bands. With two full-length albums under their belt: The debut, FAUX PAS and their sophomore outing-CHARACTER FLAW, Titofelix are without a doubt spearheading the surge of Filipino-American rock music in Atlanta.

Photo by Lek Manalo

The Moonbugs - Formed by the Villardo brothers: Anthony, Ryan, Aldene and their friend Loyd Babay, this Germantown, Maryland band is one of the most important groups in the MD/VA/DC Fil-Am scene. Their brand of Shoegazer-Psychedelic rock has made an enormous impact in the ears of Fil-Am music fans from all over the US. Although heavily influenced by British rock, the music of The Moonbugs stands on its own.

Bleud - When this Jersey City band released their debut album in November 2005, things conspired and made the four-member rock group of Brian Joseph Miguel, Ted Reyes, Arnold Derama, and Jerwin Glorioso as perhaps one of the most prominent Fil-Am band to date.

Their best-selling album Musings of a Caffeine Addict churned out four singles that became hit singles both here and in the Philippines: Hello My Friends, Hello - released by Alpha Music Philippines, Bye Bye Na - released by Star Records, Field Trip- currently making waves in Manila through Perf De Castro's Leyte Benefit Album, and their latest single - Animé Girl.

Bleud also became the first independent Fil-Am rock band to sell their album on Apple's iTunes Music Store, which gave the band unprecedented media coverage: They were featured on ABS-CBN's Balitang America and countless newspapers like the Manila Times, The Manila Bulletin, The Philippines Star, and Fil-Am Papers like The Filipino Express, Balita, as well as internet sites like the online resource for OPM - www.titikpilipino.com and ABS-CBN interactive.

The Kuwagos - Formerly known as INU, the Kuwagos have managed to reinvent their sound alongside some member changes in 2006; from straight alternative rock to a hybrid of 'OPM-Garage-Punk'. The Bergenfield, NJ-based quartet of singer-songwriter Gatchie Ignacio, bassist Rommel Kabigting, guitarist Cho Lopez and drummer Marc Lacsamana have injected a fresh-new sound to the blossoming Fil-Am music scene - brutally-funny and honest lyrics with unforgettable melodies are the qualities that make their songs a favorite among Fil-Am music lovers and fellow artists as well.

Alfa Garcia - Alfa Garcia is an NYU student who hovers around the New York and New Jersey singer-songwriter scene with her classically bred musicality and musicianship. So good her music is, that she has gathered a steady fan base, which carry her through her shows like ants carrying a single grain of cooked white rice. And of course, she is Filipino – American. Her songs touch on the sensitive issues of her young life like relationships, friendships and family-life. She is one of the few Fil-Am singer/songwriters who can actually play her instruments with sophistication and relative ease -a joy to watch and a pleasure to hear.

Sodapop Suicide - The Fil-Am music scene's electro-alternative group is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Valter Guevarra, whose brand of Ely Buendia meets Thom Yorke songs have placed the band in the forefront of a Fil-Am music genre that they alone occupy. Sampling some of their tunes on Myspace.com, one would get the feeling of listening to some down to earth lyrics accompanied by high-brow electronic-rock sound designs. Songs like, Kalawakan and Style Mo Bulok incorporate indie-rock arrangements with space out effects and stabs.
The rest of Sodapop Suicide are: Mark Lopez on guitars, Juan Miranda on bass and Seph Felix on drums.

The Speaks - A young, talented, and charismatic five-piece band from the Washington DC area, The Speaks are completely redefining the global image of rock music - shattering stereotypes, making believers out of naysayers, destroying everything in their path, and acquiring legions of new fans every single step along the way. From winning every major music competition they’ve entered, to rocking crowds of 25,000+ people, to gaining major support from DC101 (one of the most influential radio stations in the country) -- The Speaks are easily shaping up to be one of the most exciting, talked about rock bands to hit the music scene in years.

Rubberband - This preeminent band from Staten Island is nothing short of legendary. Having been in the Fil-Am music scene for over a decade now, Rubberband has maintained their integrity and penchant for writing songs that matter to the Pinoy heart. From their User Friendly album songs to their soon to be released Puppet Monster album, the band have etched themselves alongside the Fil-Am music scene itself - There will be no mentioning Fil-Am rock without any referrence to this great band. The four-piece Pinoy rock band is composed of front man and chief songwriter Gino Inocentes, bassist Mark lamar, guitarist Warren Daya and drummer Germain Lopez.

Jay Legaspi - Born Jay Leonard Nadres Legaspi but known to most simply by the monosyllabic portion of his first name or "That guy", Jay ("That Guy") has been doing the proverbial thang thang for roughly 2 years and counting. Starting songwriting his sophmore year of college, "That Guy" enjoys the tradition of using the acoustic guitar as his primary pallette of choice but also enjoys adding subtle undertones of Hip Hop, R&B, and other fun elements into this, his American Songwriting Adobo. Jay's influences run the gamut from John Mayer and Jason Mraz to Aesop Rock and Jay-Z.

Bagwis - is a collective of filipino cultural workers, activists, and musicians who began writing and performing original music in 1998 as a contribution to the first annual Kultural Night of Resistance celebrating the centennial year of Philippine Independance. Since then, Bagwis has composed several dozen pro-people songs and participates in community building for our youth and migrante workers. BAGWIS music believes in THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE, in seeking genuine freedom and democracy in the Philippines and in upholding human rights. In creating & performing this kind of music, BAGWIS hopes that it is contributing its humble share and effort in the overall struggle for justice and social change. Bagwis is made up of: Mike Querubin - Guitars, Rich Querubin - Bass, Ginger Cacnio - Vocals, Ed Vergara - Percussion and Vocals, Randolph Maguigad - Percussion and Vocals, Raven Guerrero - Piano and Guitars, Demetrio Maguigad - Percussion and Drums. The band is based in Chicago, IL.

Blue Mellon Pop - Representing Queens, New York is a band that blends the classic bluesy stylings of Led Zeppelin with the naked arrangements and lyrics of Pinoy rock to come up with a sound distinctly their own - Blue Mellon Pop.
The band had undergone some major personnel changes through the years, but the zeal and passion for music remained - their song remained the same.

Blue Mellon Pop is fronted by Weelberg Mercado, whose rhythm section of Serafin Tinapunan on guitars, Kiko Bordeos on bass and Jeffrey Almonte provide the umph required to give justice and flesh to their amazing music.

Grim Bottle - One of the pioneers of the Jersey Fil-Am rock scene, Grim Bottle never fails to disappoint their followers with their brand of Pinoy rock. Their prominence started and grew within the confines of Bottlefest - a music festival that the band founded, and holds once or twice a year featuring the band along with the best of local Jersey and New York bands. Many bands in the scene started their musical journeys with Bottlefest.

The 3rd Element - 2006 has been the band's breakout year. Two of their songs landed in two high-profile Fil-Am music compilation albums: Perf De Castro's Leyte Benefit CD, with their song Save Me, and Rock in the box, which contains 3rd Element's hit single- Place. The band is powered by four young men, whose music is destined for greater heights: Marco Galsim, the band's chief songwriter, Andy Ramos, Jing Eugenio and Vincent Pineda. The 3rd Element is the 3rd band representing the Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC region.

The Happy Analogues - Perhaps the newest band in the lineup is this Jersey-based Britpop-obsessed-Weezer-Beetlebums called The Happy Analogues. Formed in the summer of 2005, the Analogues went full blast this year releasing a 2-sided single called Minimum Memory Required featuring their songs Beautiful Pain, which was picked up by Perf De Castro for his Leyte Benefit Compilation Album, and Crazy Girl For You. The 'happy' men who make up the Happy Analogues are: Roni Lao on bass and vocals, Paul Zurita on guitars and vocals, Ted Reyes on guitars and vocals and Rich 'Jonze' Saguirre on drums and percussion.

The Music Inside The Box

1. Fall Away – Titofelix
2. When We Are Cats – The Moonbugs
3. Every Other Day – Bleud
4. Eh Ano Ngayon (So What Now) – The Kuwagos
5. Meaningless Conversations – Alfa Garcia
6. Sana Naman (Hopefully) – Sodapop Suicide
7. High – The Speaks
8. Wordpad – Rubberband
9. Said Unheard – Jay Legaspi
10. Hele (Lullabye) – Bagwis
11. I’m Sorry – Blue Mellon Pop
12. As I Am – Grim Bottle
13. Place - The 3rd Element
14. Ala-ala (Memory) - The Happy Analogues

Cover

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-13T01:49:34-04:00

Aikostar

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-13T01:39:31-04:00

The Album Review

"Look at my shadow now! Look at my shadow now!", screams Aikostar's enigmatic front-woman, Vero in the outro of the track The Guardian, which assaulted my ears with such beautiful, yet confusing sensation - kind of like the androgyny of the whole Aikostar thing: Dark, heavy, manly, off-meter songs engulfed by a delicately angry female voice.
Such is Aikostar's charm - simply, unclassifiable.
And their debut album accurately portrays them as such.

True, I could hear musical references to Evanescence, S.O.A.D., and Tool, but the whole oriental vibe of Vero's voice has put them at a distance from these references.
Again in the song The Guardian, which for me is the best song in the 11-track debut, there's a part where Vero, in a heavily EQ'd and Compressed vocal track, mumbles some scat-like phrases, alongside shifting rhythmic patterns that sounded very Asian - perhaps like the sound of a woman, fighting her battles during the Boxer Revolution in China. It's is hard to explain, but it's all there. And all throughout the album, this east meets west vibe never lets go.

Aikostar is one of the most important Filipino-American fronted bands in New York, and their debut album is highly-anticipated.
In fact, the expectations are so big on Aikostar to come up with a superb debut after the hype they generated over the years, that it must have taken its toll on the band. The band just came up after a brief period of rest and uncertainty.
Now upon hearing the whole album, did it live up to the hyped-up expectations?

Let's examine the record.
As I said, the track The Guardian is a key track in the album, and I have this nagging thought that it should have been the album opener.
Nevertheless, the song established pretty much what the band is all about - Virtuosity.

Another key moment in the album is brought in by the song For Charon - a song that highlights the musical virtuosity of the members due to its complexity. Compared to these two songs, the others seem 'mellow', yet still capable of dislocating one's ears with sublime sonic attack. Not to mention, brilliant tracks in their own right.
Lyrically, the songs live up to the promise of its accompanying music - dark yet translucent and very precise with the emotions they want to convey.

As for any album with this type of music, it is a performance record. It is one album that one would cherish because of the mind boggling performance and the intricate arrangements. It is not a record where you can find a sing-a-long chorus or a sticky hook. It is not one's source of groovy beats that would make one rhyme. It is a record that pounds one's senses with brutal sweetness, and fills one's soul with the need to absorb itself.

Verdict: An amazing record that lives up to all expectations.

visit them at www.aikostarmusic.com

Their debut album available this August at major retailers

Track list:
Dromidary
Sfumato
Omni
Over
The Guardian
Glass Ball
Lotus Eater
La Mort De Schroeder
Over The Edge
Koi-San
For Charon
Aikostar

The Moonbugs: The Poptimes Magazine Interview

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-10T18:05:48-04:00

By Ted Reyes

BUGS FROM THE MOON. (L-R) Anthony. Lloyd, Ryan and Aldene

NEW YORK - The Moonbugs have been one of the central figures of the East Coast Fil-Am music scene with their trademark shoegazer-type sounds and adorable 'choirboy looks', as one fan puts it.
They have been playing in and around the Maryland-DC-NY circuit for years now, starting when they were still called the Cutterpillows. And finally, after years of honing their craft and mastering their act, the band will be releasing their debut album this month - Headphone Session.

Two weekends ago, Poptimes Magazine was given a chance to interview the band when they visited New York to meet up with fellow Poptimes Magazine Community members during the Bite the Big Apple show at CBGB's lounge in Manhattan.

Here's the complete interview with the band made up of three brothers: Ryan-who plays guitar and is the lead vocalist, Aldene - the bass player, Anthony - the drummer, and their pal Loyd, who also does the guitar work.

 How did the band start?
 Anthony: The band started after the vocalist of our previous band decided to leave. So to be able to continue what we continue love to do, we went on and recruited Aldene as our new bassist and put Ryan on the vocals.
  Were you guys members of other bands when
you formed the Moonbugs?
 Anthony: Ryan, Loyd and I were members of the same band before we formed the moonbugs.  Ryan: Yes we’ve been playing together for almost five years now.
 How does the Moonbugs differ from your previous bands?
 Anthony: The moonbugs is more independent and more serious in creating music.  Ryan: We’re a bit experimental as compared to our previous bands which are more mainstream 
Who writes the songs?
 Anthony: We all contributed songs for the album.  Aldene – luckily enough we all have the talent to write poetic lyrics, some nice riffs and melodies.  Ryan – Each of us wrote at least 2-3 songs for the album.  Loyd: All of us.

Who are your influences?(FIlipino or Foreign)
 Anthony: Beatles, bread, carpenters. I grew up listening to my father’s cassette tape collections. Also, eraserheads, nirvana, radiohead, stp, G n’ R.  Aldene – Beatles Oasis and Incubus  Ryan – The Beatles, Oasis, Radiohead, STP, GnR  Loyd: The Beatles, Eraserheads, Radiohead, The Dawn, Francis M.,The Cure and Oasis.
 Do you have any favorite local bands?
 Anthony: earplug, coz they are weird. And a lot more bands. I’m currently listening to bleud’s album.  Ryan – earplug!!! Woohoo!!  Loyd: Earplug, P.I., Third Element, Circled Sin, and Nerojoc.

How would you describe your music?
 Anthony: when we first started, we really didn’t know what kind of music we were playing. After listening to people’s feedbacks and comments, we discovered that our style fell on indie-rock / shoegaze / psychedelic genre.  Ryan – Yeah that’s what I hear from people I meet at gigs…
  Do you guys write music with a particular style in
mind, or just write songs and worry about the style later on?
 Anthony: we really didn’t worry about the style when we started writing the songs. It just happened that all the songs that we individually wrote falls within the range of the styles lwe mentioned Ryan - Notice how our songs have a variety of styles but however falls in the same range. We influence each other.
 
Do you cover songs?
 Ryan – Yes but not that often. We’d rather play originals.
  Can you tell us something about the debut album?
 Anthony: The title of the album is “Headphone Session”. We named it such because we always practice using headphones so we can do it late nights without disturbing our neighbors and people inside the house.
  Who produced it?
 Anthony: The Moonbugs produced the album.
  How many songs?
 Anthony: The album contains 10 original tracks.
  Where did you record it?
 Anthony: We recorded the entire album at the eastcoasts bands studio in Washington, D.C. It was recorded, engineered and mixed by Keny Ruyter. Keny is a very professional guy with a lot of knowledge in recording music and he knows what he was doing. This was our first time to record in a professional studio. We just wanted to make our debut album sound professionally right.  Ryan – Yeah that guy is great! He did a great job recording our album.
  How was the experience recording the debut album?
 Aldene- For me it was a quick one, so maybe the other guys might have a more in-depth answer  Anthony: Due to work, school and music time conflicts, we finished recording the album in six months. But the whole process was exciting, fun and educational for me. I learned lots of things about producing an album. It is not that easy. You will need a lot of patience and I’ve used a lot of it during the 6 months process. We spent a lot of our time and money, but it was sure all worth it.  Ryan: Good times…  Loyd: like Anthony said it’s fun, exciting and educational.
  Are you planning to tour?
 Anthony: yes. Just check our website for show schedules and infos. www.themoonbugs.com  Ryan: Maybe some time next year.  Loyd: yes, maybe late this year or early next year
  How do you view the current Fil-Am music scene?
 Anthony: The Fil-Am music scene is growing. More bands and artists are appearing, more shows, albums, CD compilations, Fil-Am music websites/magazines and more fans. Most of the bands are uniting to make everything happen.   Ryan: You can check out the inFAMAS website (www.infamas.com) for updates about the Fil-Am Music scene in the tri-state area.   Loyd: It’s growing fast, especially here in D.C. metroarea.
  What's your take on Piracy? File-Sharing?

 Aldene – Just do what you have to do, as long as you keep it to a minimal ayos lang yan!  Ryan – I think it’s a good way to advertise your product. It’s unfairly productive.

  Do you have any messages for Fil-Am music fans?  Aldene – For our fans, salamat sa support, we greatly appreciate it, we’ll keep doing what we’re doing as long as you guys still enjoy it! Rock n’ Roll tayong lahat!  Thanks.   Anthony: keep supporting fil-am music. Buy their cd and come to their shows. Fans are important part of the scene too. Without them nobody would listen to us. We will try to keep your ears and souls satisfied in our shows and in our albums. Thank you.   Ryan: Let us all rock n’ roll, yah?   Loyd: thanks for listening and supporting. MABUHAY ANG NOYPI!!!!!!

Poptimes TV

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-10T17:09:12-04:00

Poptimes Magazine TV is now on air.
Broadcasting the best of Fil-Am music gigs, interviews and more.
This month's featured clips are the live webcast of the July 2, w006 CBGBs Lounge gig.
Just visit the Poptimes TV page to access the videos.

It's a wonderful time

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-09T15:05:26-04:00

IT'S a wonderful time to be in a Fil-Am band nowadays.
There are tons of gigs, projects and album releases that would further take the Fil-Am music scene towards heights it has never reached since.

There has never been any kind of movement like this since perhaps the mid 90's when Fil-Ams started bands taking cue from the big band explosion in Manila.

Lately, the resurgence has been marked by the formation of new bands, the opening of new venues, and the continuous networking of artists through various Fil-Am websites like the Poptimes Magzine Community, Tekarats.com, Happybox, and Astig.Us.
Not to forget the two important Fil-Am music albums that have been made: Perf De Castro's Leyte Benefit CD and the soon to be released Rock in the Box compilation album, which will be launched on August 12 at New York City's big time venue - The Cutting Room.

There may have been setbacks lately like the relocation of Jersey City's rock joint Dampa, and the recent misunderstandings between some brothers in the west coast. But these dips should not take the scene away from its common goal of pushing Fil-Am music to the American consciousness. And though these setbacks may appear to slowdown the scene's surge, it is safe to say that soon it will all fall in to place and everyone will be happy.

Editor's Note* There will be more in store for this moth's issue, including and exclusive interview with Germantown, Maryland's pride and joy - The Moonbugs, plus a review of AIKOSTAR's debut album. Likewise, the cover for this month will be hoisted up this week alongside these additional exclusives. Stay Tuned.

Poptimes Radio Sessions

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-09T11:33:52-04:00

For Two Sundays of every month, Poptimes Magazine Radio will be streaming a live acoustic set of your favorite Fil-Am artists. The set will also include exclusive interviews and more.

For our pilot broadcast. last July 9, Poptimes Radio Sessions featured NJ's The Kuwagos.

The show was an hour's worth of the patented Kuwagos music, and in insightful peak at one of the most promising upcoming bands in the east coast.
For thos of you who missed the broadcast, we will be compiling all the performances at the end of the year and make it available for Poptimes Magazine community members.

The next broadcast will feature - Neptune, NJ's TRICKBAG

Dampa leaves Jersey City

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-09T11:20:06-04:00

THE LAST FRIDAY. Members of various Jersey Fil-Am bands gather one last Friday night, June
23 at Jersey City's Dampa. From left to right, Roni of The Happy Analogues, Mac of Trickbag,
Rommel of The Kuwagos, and brothers Chet and Kurdt from Trickbag. (Photo by Rich Saguirre)

JERSEY CITY - In an unexpected turn of events, Dampa, the local home of Fil-Am bands, packed its bags and decided to bid 'Au Revoir' to Jersey City.
The less-than a year old restaurant, which housed some of the best Fil-Am bands in Jersey and New York vacated their Westside Ave. spot last June 28, and headed for suburban Staten Island.
According to the restaurant's head chef and owner Ricky, they were having problems acquiring a liquor license for the establishment due to a Jersey City ordinance, which they overlooked when they first put up the restaurant.

"We will move the restaurant in Staten Island but it will still be the home of Fil-Am bands because we will continue to have band nights to promote our very own", Ricky added.

Dampa will be best remembered not only for it's grilled squid and high-end Filipino fare, but for it's undying support for Fil-Am artists. In fact, its last ever activity as a restaurant was not to feed its throng of hungry clientele but to provide a spot for Jersey City band Bleud to shoot its new music video - Animé Girl. The video shoot was sponsored by Dampa, which fed all the cast and crew with their famous dishes.

Dampa's involvment with Fil-Am bands started with the alliance of the restaurant's owners with local Fil-Am rock impresario, and Grim Bottle front man Jason Purino.
Jason started a Friday night-band night, which brought in some of the best-known acts in the metro: The Grudge, Grim Bottle, Warholsoup, Bleud, The Happy Analogues, The Kuwagos, Rubberband, Earplay, Binky, Trickbag and more.

Then, other productions took place as well, like the Intrusion mini-band fest series and the Saturday show band nights, which further established the venue's credibility of being the home of Fil-Am bands.

Bite the Big Apple

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-09T10:20:52-04:00

Rubberband rocking the CBGBs lounge. (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

POPTIMERS MEET @ CBGBs. Front row (L-R): Rommel, Marc, Cho (kneeling) of the Kuwagos
and Ritchie of MD -based hard rock group Circled Sin. Back row (L-R): Poptimes Magzine Forum
Admin Ivan, Bleud's Brijo. Nina, Poptimes Magzine forum admin and photographer Sheryl,
Maryland-based Poptimers Leah and Mary, Trickbag's Kurdt, and paul of The Happy Analogues

NEW YORK - One of the last remaining Fil-Am gigs at the historic venue was brought to possibility by Renrick Pascual, known in the music scene as Kapitan Inggo, and Gino Inocentes of Rubberband and Gomasoul Productions.

11 bands and a singer/songwriter took the stage and pumped adrenaline to an otherwise lazy Sunday: Trickbag, the feedback masters from Middletown, NJ, Bergenfield, NJ's favorite garage rockers-The Kuwagos; Queens' resident headbangers - Quadra and Blue Mellon Pop, Baltimore, MD's Third Element, Staten Island's pop combo - Rubberband, Chicago's Fil-Am metalheads - Madrhymes, Jersey City's singer/songwriter - Binky; Sect of Fate, which traveled all the way from Houston, TX, Jersey groups - Bleud and Sodapop Suicide, and the R&B act 85 and 1/2 from NY.

The soon-to be closed,legendary venue was full to the brim with rock heads, who came and witnessed the tightness of the Filipino-American Music scene. From 7PM to 3 AM, the place was in another world - away from the punishing heat of a New York City summer, and verything and everyone was cool - even the hot girls were cool.

Of course the multitude of Poptimers (www.poptimesmagazine.com) were there to show their support. Some of them even came from Maryland just to show support and meet up with all the members of the fastest growing community of Fil-Am music artists and fans. It was like a grand convention of Poptimes Magazine forum entities, which made the event a lot cooler.

Events like such provide air conditioning to annoying sticky summer days. So the obvious question to from sweat hogs is when's the next cool-off?
The answer has to be the weekend of August 11 and 12. The shows that will further galvanize the blossoming scene: the Quadruple header show at Bistro San Miguel in Middletown, NewJjersey and the launching show of the highly-anticipated Fil-Am music compilation album - Rock in the Box at the Cutting Room in NYC the following day, Saturday. Long live Fil-Am music!

Lovi Gives The Best Of Her Heart

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-07-09T09:30:01-04:00

Lovi Poe

If you ask a typical teenage girl, she would enumerate shopping, studying, boys, fashion and others in her list of
concerns.

Not Lovi. Aside from her studies that she considers her main priority, her showbiz commitments keep her busy. But she is not complaining. After all, not all teenagers were given a chance to experience the same opportunities she had. Being part of a popular variety show and a recording artist—all achieved at the tender age of sixteen.

Lovi which is short for her name Lourdes Virginia, started her singing career in top-rating variety show SOP, where she sang a duet with no less than Ogie Alcasid. Since then, more guestings followed in various TV shows until she became a semi-regular of the said variety show. Her youthful charisma and sweet soothing voice grabbed the attention of Sony BMG executives prompting them to sign her up in their stable of artists which includes Lea Salonga and Sharon Cuneta.

"We found promise in Lovi the moment we heard her sing," said Sony BMG A&R Director Vic Valenciano.

Long before her debut album was released, her first single "I Love You" went to #1 in the RX93.1 Weekly Charts for two weeks—a feat for a new and solo artist like Lovi.

Now blossoming as a young woman at 17, Lovi releases her much anticipated 13 track debut album "The Best Of My Heart." She is pleased with the result of the album. New single "I Never Knew Love," a song about discovering new love, is currently enjoying heavy airplay and rotation in various radio stations and music channels.

"I've always sung, ever since I could talk." said Lovi. "In this album, I gave my all... heart and soul."

What kind of music can fans expect from Lovi on 'The Best Of My Heart? A chameleon-like variety of changing moods, from the romantic ballads to the pop title track "The Best Of My Heart." From her take on the original Selena single "Dreaming Of You" to the upbeat "Everything You Wanted."

Lovi considers "You're Still Here" a song she especially dedicated to her late father, very dear to her heart.

"The song touched me so much, I couldn't help but cry after recording the song." said Lovi.

The 13 pop songs on "The Best Of My Heart" were produced, arranged, written and mixed by the very best in the business. The album's behind-the-scenes-talent includes Raymund Ryan (MYMP, Ariel Rivera, Kyla, Carol Banawa); Ferdie Marquez (Brownman Revival, Cueshe); Jonathan Ong (Orange & Lemons, Sharon Cuneta); Edwin Marollano; Viktoria, Ogie Alcasid who wrote the song "Ikaw Na Nga Kaya?"; plus compositions from international composers.

If that is not enough, this Colegio de San Agustin high school senior was personally handpicked by foreign group SAME SAME (Clint and Bob of The Moffats) for a duet in their song "Without You" which will be released internationally. She beat a number of female Asian singers for the much-coveted collaboration.

Indeed, some girls have all the luck.

"The Best Of My Heart" is now out in CDs at your favorite record stores under Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
Back to article

Basti quits Locomotiv

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-28T08:47:42-04:00

Orange County, CA-- After a year and a half as vocalist of rising hard rock band LOKOMOTIV, Basti Artadi has parted ways with the band and is retiring from the music industry. LOKOMOTIV released this announcement today: "We know this might come as shocking news but it was an amicable and inevitable farewell", says manager Ron Davis.

LOKOMOTIV reassures their fans that they and their management team are not breaking up. Exciting things are brewing behind the scenes and Lokoheads can look forward to great things to come. Meanwhile, guitarist David Aguirre, bassist Danny Gonzalez and drummer Wolf Gemora are concentrating on writing new material and are focused on keeping the momentum going.

"We want to assure YOU, our fans and friends that we will continue to be LOKOMOTIV and will move on with a strong frontman when the band is good and ready. We humbly ask for your continued support for our music and our cause.", says Wolf.

Check out the LOKOMOTIV website periodically for news
and updates.

Barbie Almalbis: The Poptimes Magazine Interview

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-23T09:54:25-04:00

Photo courtesy of Barbie Almalbis

By Sheryl Garcia

NEW YORK – We caught up with newly married Barbie Almalbis. Yes. It’s confirmed. Barbie Almalbis tied the knot with Martin Honasan, son of former senator Gringo Honasan at a very private Christian ceremony held at her house last May 21. Barbie was named Best Female Artist in the Awit Awards, where she also acknowledged for the first time that she’s married. In her acceptance speech she thanked her manager, her recording company, Warner and her husband.
The couple has denied reports of Barbie’s pregnancy. They both felt that it was the right moment that’s why they went a go for it. Martin, 30 and Barbie, 28 are planning a church wedding either at the end of this year or early next year. Here’s how the interview went.

SG: Did you grow up In a musical family?

BA: Yeah, I grew up In Roxas City and my family was very much into music. Everyone on my mom’s side played instruments and some wrote music, so I picked up the guItar at 11 and played a bIt of pIano at 5. I had a few organ lessons during summer and a some sessions for basic guitar, but I mostly learned from my mom and lola. I also sang for my famIly when I was little and performed in school.

SG: Can you tell us briefly about your journey towards becomIng a recordIng artist.
BA: I started writing songs at 14 and played guItar almost everyday. I had a couple of bands from high school and into college, then a bass player named Ricci Gurango and I formed Hungry Young Poets and we got a regular Monday gIg at Freedom bar In Quezon CIty. That’s where Sony MusIc spotted us and signed us up. We released our fIrst and only H.Y.P. album In 1997.

SG: Why did HYP break-up?

BA: At around 1999, we left Sony MusIc and moved to Warner wIth our manager Tommy Tanchanco and drummer Franklin Benitez, but RiccI stayed and formed his new band Mojofly. In 1999, we formed BarbIe’s Cradle and eventually got a new drummer and an additional lead guItar player.

SG: How about Barbie’s Cradle? Why did you break-up?

BA: Around May of last year, I wanted to leave and maybe rest or pursue somethIng else, so I spoke with our then manager, Wyngard Tracy, and then my bandmates. We were all in good personal and musical terms, so it really wasn’t because of anything negatIve that I wanted to leave. It was sad for us and other people, but I was very sure about my decision to leave, though I didn’t yet know exactly what I was gonna do next--more like a step of faIth.
My former bandmates and I stIll see each other around from time to time and they were so kind to record a song wIth me in my Solo album-. It was one of the last songs we were working on as a band. I am now workIng wIth my first manager Tommy T.(now joIned by hIs wife Ynel), former drummer FranklIn BenItez, and bass player, RichIe Ramos. We just released my first album.

SG: Are the other ex-members of Barbie’s Cradle pursuing other musical interests?

I think they still do a few projects together, but they all have gone theIr separate ways too. Wendell GarcIa does a lot of SessIon work and also backs up Pido. Rommel de la Cruz replaced the former bass player of the band Freestyle. Kakoy Legspi plays guitar for his band Salindiwa, which he was a part of even during Barbie’s Cradle days.

SG: Who are the other artists/bands that you started with that are still around?

BA: Well, one of our first big gigs was opening up for the Eraserheads. They’ve disbanded but their singer and songwriter Ely Buendia has a new band called Pupil, and we’re now doing a project collaboratIon for Juicy Fruit.

SG: How was it doIng the Eraserheads song “Overdrive?”

BA: I’ve been a big fan of the Eraserheads since they started...we also got to open for them when our band (Hungry Young Poets) was new and I got so excited...It’s really a treat to be working wIth Ely Buendia’s new band Pupil cause he’s a great songwriter.

SG: You also did a duet with a Filipino-American band The Speaks, how was the experience?
Working wIth The Speaks was also a great experience cause we got to spend time workIng on the song, recording, and doing live and tv gigs. They’re really cool down to earth guys:) The song became such a hit here too, It was great!

SG: Who are your favorite non-Filipino artists/bands?

BA: P.O.D.

SG: How about Filipino artists/bands?

BA: Rivermaya, Cynthia Alexander, Kitchie, Ugoy-Ugoy, Cambio, Bamboo

SG: What Is your take on pIracy?

BA: Piracy has done much damage to the recording industry and I’m happy that more and more people are turning away from it now.

SG: Have you done shows in the US ? Do you have any future plans?

BA: I only got to play In the states when I was in highschool (In Northeast Bradford HS, PA) and we performed In school events...hehe:) but that doesn’t count:)...Yeah, We dream of playing there soon:)

SG: Any message to your Filipino-American fans/listeners?

BA: Hey everyone! Thanks for being a big blessing to us here, and for supportIng the music scene! Enjoy kayo and God bless you all!!

Cherish Ignacio: Catwalk Dreams

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-16T18:00:12-04:00

Cherish Ignacio (Photo by Sheryl Garcia)

Gracing our first ever swimsuit edition is 19-year old model Cherish Ignacio.
She is the cousin of The Kuwagos' drummer Marc Lacsamana and a full-time Occupational Therapy student at New York Institute of Technology.

Cherish, who hails from Yonkers, is also an aspiring fashion model, She squeezes in some modeling gigs in between home works, and is keen on making it big on the catwalk someday.
She listens to a lot of underground music, particularly Asian, mainly due to her Chinese-American boyfriend, who, according to her, is very supportive of her goals while being protective all at the same time.

The life of a model is not always paved with red roses, and Cherish knows it well. Given the recent controversies involving top models like Kate Moss, it is still one of the most glamorous and prestigious gigs out there.

Cherish has what it takes to live her dream: Stunning looks, an amazing body and supreme intelligence. And it is just a matter of time before we see her grace every cover of every fashion magazine on every news stand all over the world.

Download the Complete Swimsuit Spread Including the Cover!
Poptimes Swimsuit Spread
All Photos by Sheryl Garcia ©sherylgarciaphotos 2006

Leyte CD: Now Available

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-12T16:27:13-04:00

By Ted Reyes

On the 17th day of February 2006, a thunderous rumbling noise startled the residents of the small towns of St. Bernard and Guinsaugon, in the province of Leyte, Philippines – it was the last sound that most of them will ever hear. For on that fateful day, the two towns were buried and completely erased from the surface of the earth, as tons of rock and mud engulfed homes, even a small public elementary school, killing more than two thousand people in one of the most deadly mudslides in recent history. A tragedy that buried everything except the pain and grief of the ones who survived

THE VISION

A few weeks after the Leyte tragedy, a Filipino music genius living in California, heard a different sound: The Sound of a Helping Hand. Perf De Castro (www.perfdecastro.com), one of the most respected guitarists and producers in Philippine music history decided to call upon fellow Filipino musicians, composers and singers living in the US to donate songs for a compilation album that will directly benefit the victims.

“Upon hearing the news, I threw out the idea of a benefit CD to my fellow musicians and artists here in the US and they responded enthusiastically. Transplanted Pinoys (slang for Filipinos) and Filipino-Americans from across the US sent in their donations in form of their songs and eventually I received enough to put together this album. Some are written with the benefit in mind and some are works that have been pulled out of their treasure chests so they could at last be heard for a noble cause. These songs represent our hands reaching across the world to help our fellow Filipinos in need,” says De Castro.

This feat of coming up with a benefit CD is not an easy thing to pull off – rallying up artists from all over the US and constantly communicating with them is no picnic. But in this age of e-mail, Perf could not hope for a better response. Perf posted the invite open for all Fil-Am (Filipino-American) artists at a FilAmMusic and PinoyRockUSA e-mail group some months ago, and the enthusiasm he got from the willing artists was overwhelming. In fact, what was amazing was that Perf maintained all his communications with the artists in the project mostly via e-mail and the Internet. Perhaps, a cause of this magnitude will indeed break any walls that come in between.

THE ALBUM

Released June 5, 2005, “LEYTE: The Benefit CD” is a compilation of songs from Filipino and Filipino-American artists aimed at helping the victims of the tragic disaster. Net proceeds will go to relief organizations in the Philippines, such as the Philippine National Red Cross and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to fund their relief efforts to the people affected by the Leyte mudslide disaster.

The album contains 14 tracks from some of the best Fil-Am and Filipino artists in the United States:

“Field Trip” by BLEUD
“Manila” by RAINCROWD
“Better Days“ by PIECE OF MINE
“Devil’s Eyes“ by BEATRICE GOMEZ
“Karma“ by ZIGBIN
“I Think I’ll Try“ by RITCHIE LAPAZ
“Goodbye Rye“ by BASTI ARTADI and PERF DE CASTRO
“Beautiful World“ by BEN PALTIK
“Armageddon Man“ by RUBBERBAND
“Nothing Left To Say“ by A.D.D.
“Beautiful Pain“ by THE HAPPY ANALOGUES
“Di Ako Lalayo“ by THE KUWAGOS
“Save Me“ by THE THIRD ELEMENT
“New Day“ by PERF DE CASTRO

BUY HERE

Listen to the Whole CD at the Poptimes Magazine Radio page

Single of the Issue

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-09T19:18:32-04:00

TROPA
(By Grim Bottle)

In this issue's free single we feature one of the stalwarts of the Jersey Fil-Am rock scene - Grim Bottle.
The quintet of Jason, Choi, Jan, Emil and Jed have been playing some of the best rock in roll through the years. And armed with a line up of great original materials like "As I Am", "Maghihintay", "Image" and the free single "Tropa", the band is assured of a spot on the list of all time great Fil-Am rock bands.

Tropa
Click Title to Download

©Grimbottlemusic 2006

Fil-Am Jazz Singer Makes NYC Debut

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-09T19:12:48-04:00

By Sheryl Garcia

Charmaine Clamor

NEW YORK-Charmaine Clamor, the first Filipina jazz singer to find success on mainstream American radio, will be making her New York City debut on June 25, 2006 as her record company Freeham Records holds the release of her CD, "Searching for the Soul." The event will be held at the famed Iridium Jazz Club in Broadway and 51st Street.

Charmaine's album, "Searching for the Soul," was launched in November 29, 2005 at the world famous Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. It has been heard on more than 100 stations around America, and peaked at #1 on the CMJ jazz charts in several markets. Critics has described her CD as "an eclectic collection of musical pieces," (George Harris, All About Jazz) and her sultry alto voice has been likened to legendary vocalists like Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, and Cassandra Wilson.

A longtime member of the renowned vocal harmony ensemble CRESCENDO, Charmaine has also headlined the First International Jazz & Ethnic Arts Festival in Manila, Phillipines on January 21-23, 2006 performing alongside international artists such as Kevyn Lettau, Russell Ferrante, Jerry Watts & Mike Shapiro. The Filipino audience was awed with her forceful but romantic style. New York City will soon bear witness to her elegant jazz chops.

More on Charmaine Clamor

Originally from the provincial town of Subic-Zambales, Charmaine Clamor began her singing career at age 3, entertaining passengers (whether they liked it or not!) in the back of buses traveling to Manila. As she grew, she began providing piano accompaniment while her mother sang kundiman (Filipino torch songs) and English language classics. From these early memories comes her love of the Great American Songbook.

Charmaine migrated to the United States in 1988 and has since performed in legendary clubs and venues such as House of Blues, The Hop, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles Convention Center, Glendale Civic Auditorium and Cerritos Performing Arts Center, among others. Often described as "mesmerizing, captivating, sublime and powerful," Charmaine has worked with numerous well-known mainstream artists, including Jeffery Osborne and James Ingram, and legendary Filipino artists, including Gary Valenciano, Banig, and Timmy Cruz.

In 1999, she joined the jazz harmony quintet, Crescendo. The group released a 15-track CD in 2004 showcasing romantic jazz standards. Charmaine provided the alto voice in the group and her rendition of the song "I'm In The Mood For Love" was exceptional.

Charmaine is proud to be a Filipina and has not forgotten her Filipino roots. She is proud to have performed at numerous events that celebrate the Filipino culture, including the First Anniversary of the founding of historic Filipino Town in Los Angeles. She is also one of the founding members of Jazzphil-USA, a nonprofit organization which promotes Filipino-American Jazz Artists in the United States.

Catch her perform on June 25, 2006 at the Iridium Jazz Club at 1650 Broadway (51st st.) New York, NY. Tickets sell at $25.00. For more information go to www.iridiumjazzclub.com.

Aikostar Returns

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-09T19:08:35-04:00

By Ted Reyes

SYLVIA Jimenez, a mother of three was barely up from a short nap inside her bungalow in west Jersey City, Sunday night, when she felt a subtle rumbling emanating from her sheet rock walls. She got up and traced the origin of the inexplicable vibration, and like a Cheetah sniffing for its prey, Sylvia reached ground zero – her daughter’s room.
It turned out that the rumble came from some music playing on her 18 –year old daughter’s boom box – For Charon by Aikostar.
Apparently, her daughter, Maggie, came in from the Philippine Independence Day parade that afternoon and she got herself a copy of a sampler of the band’s upcoming debut album being handed out by Aikostar’s Fil-Am singer Vero. It was perhaps the heaviest music Sylvia ever heard, The music was so heavy; Sylvia had to hold on to a framed high school diploma hanging on Maggie’s wall to prevent it from crashing down.

The return

Aikostar, perhaps the most recognizable Fil-Am fronted progressive-metal band in New York, is back with a BANG after a brief period of hibernation.
Their triumphant return is heralded by the release of their debut album:‘ The Gun Album’, which is destined to shake more walls and propel the quartet to greater heights.
Many Fil-Am music insiders have been baffled on why the band decided to sneak out from the scene and disappear for months.
When asked about their short disappearance, Vero said that the band, at that point, needed rest afterbreaking its back for some time all over the New York music scene. The break, again according to Vero, gave them time to reflect on the band’s internal workings and carefully plan their future moves – a plan that includes the release of the much-awaited debut album.

The album

Aikostar’s debut album, conveniently called by the band as “The Gun Album” not because it is title – the album is actually untitled, but because of the album art: A revolver.
The CD is filled with 11 tracks pulsating with heavy progressive metal:

1. Dromidary
2. Sfumato
3. Omni
4. Over
5. The Guardian
6. Glass Ball
7. Lotus Eater
8. La Mort De Schroeder
9. Over the Edge
10. Koi-San
11. For Charon.

The record was produced by one of Trent Reznor’s pals - Joe Peretore, and is released independently by the band.
In describing their music, the band, on their myspace page says: “ Aikostar music - Incorporating the melodic architecture of Mahler with the delicacy of the Royal Court music of East Asia, the modern rock band Aikostar presents one of the most impressive visual and musical shows of our time.” And “Estrogen mixed with testosterone and formaldehyde.”
The combination of Mahler and the Royal Court Music of China soaked in Estrogen, Testosterone and Formaldehyde is indeed music you don’t get to hear everyday - Perhaps in one’s dreams and nightmares and in all the homes and clubs that Aikostar had conquered – including Sylvia’s.

Aikostar is composed of four amazing instrumentalists: Alex Kirzhner, Vero, Clifton Aird Hyde and Kevin Garcia.
You can all check on the band’s websites – www.aikostarmusic.com and www.myspace.com/aikostar

The Dawn Celebrates 20 Rockin’ Years

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-06-09T19:06:07-04:00

L-R: Francis Reyes, Jet Pangan, Junboy Leonor, Buddy Zabala

And gracefully, the group widely regarded as “the most gorgeous enduring rock band in the Philippines” with rock hits “Enveloped Ideas,” “Salamat,” “Iisang Bangka,” “Alam N’yo, Alam Ko,” “Tulad Ng Dati,” among others, celebrates 20 years with a year-long nationwide tour, a Cinemalaya biopic film, two new albums and a new band member – Buddy Zabala, formerly of Erasherheads.

“We’re getting better for sure and what we’ve become is a treat for those who keep on patronizing us, after 20 years. It’s no joke to last this long,” says The Dawn’s lead vocalist and spokesperson Jett Pangan.

The 20th anniversary kick-off concerts were recently held in Boracay.

Why Boracay?

“It’s the place to start our anniversary. Those who’ve followed us have grown to be fulfilled professionals, executives and businessmen. Many have raised a family of their own. They know how to have a good time at the right place and time. They’re in Boracay,” says Jett. “Our sets were about, of course, our originals, and a lot of ‘pang-beach’ rock.”

Hoards of beach bums flocked at Boracay’s Juice Bar and Summer Place, and more people showed up at the kick-off gigs at La Carmela, El Toro, Red Coconut and Aria. “All shows were full-packed. They were record-breaking shows!” exclaims Jett.

The Dawn released its 10th album, “Harapin,” under Warner Music Philippines in 2005 but by the next few months, the group will be releasing its 20th anniversary CD. They will have new songs plus their classic hits re-recorded and re-arranged. Expect 20 or more songs in this new collector’s item that has yet to have a title.

Come June, the band will continue their nationwide tour for the promotion of their 20th anniversary album. In August, under the banner of the highly prestigious 2nd Cinemalaya Film Festival, The Dawn will participate with their two-hour biopic titled, “Tulad Ng Dati,” which is taken from the eponymous carrier single of the album “Harapin.”

Jett explains, “We planned it for almost a year. The film will be half-fiction and half-documentary about The Dawn. It tells our story, our struggles. It’s about self-rediscovery. Our good friend Mike Sandejas wrote and directed it, of course, with lots of inputs from us. There will be lots of guest stars. It’s going to be extremely exciting – a special treat for our fans and ourselves as well.”

In October, a tribute album will be released by Warner Music, participated in by major music artists of today.

November and December will also have lots of concerts and gimmicks.

Amid all these, The Dawn reinvigorated with the addition of bass player Buddy Zabala, another rock royalty who had played for the defunct Eraserheads, and still with Cambio. Buddy started jamming with The Dawn in October last year, replacing Mon Legaspi (formerly of Wolfgang). Pioneering bass player, Carlos “Caloy” Balcells, got married last year and naturally became busier with family life. Caloy is based in Talisay, where he once served as town councilor.

The addition of Buddy strengthens The Dawn’s solid new-wave rock foundation. “Buddy has new inputs. He spearheads the songwriting for our new album. He can think faster than we can act. He’s the best choice,” says Jett.

Buddy joins the present line-up consisting of pioneering members Jett and JB “Junboy” Leonor (drums). Francis Reyes (lead guitar) joined the group in the late 1980s, from his former band, AfterImage.

The Dawn had endured several changes in their members’ line-up. They had Clay Luna (bassist from 1985-1986), who had to immigrate to the US. There was the late Teddy Diaz (vocals and lead guitar until 1988), who was senselessly stabbed to death by a deranged drug addict in front of his girlfriend’s house. Trivia addicts may want to know that the songs “I Stand With You” and “Salamat” were inspired by Diaz’s tragic death.

Keyboard player Dodo Fernandez also jammed with them in special shows. Japanese guitarist Atsushi Matsuura came in and out, twice in 1988 and in 1999 to 2000.

The Dawn also had a hiatus in 1995, each band member traversing his own chosen endeavor. Jett worked as a record company executive, ventured as a solo artist before forming The Jett Pangan Group. He also made a name for himself as a theater actor in local Broadway and Off-Broadway musical productions. Francis became “Francis Brew,” a sensible disc jockey at NU107 FM. Junboy started a family and his own business venture.

They reunited in 1999, with a new album called “Prodigal Sun,” which, like the parable “Prodigal Son,” symbolized their return to the music scene.

Despite these changes, the most gorgeous rock band remained true to their music and 20 more years to their name will be more than possible. Call them “The Rolling Stones of the Philippines” or “The U2 of Southeast Asia” for such endurance. Whatever labels are incurred to them by fans and the press, The Dawn is just glad they’re still around.

Rivermaya bags MTV-Asia Awards

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-14T15:11:13-04:00

BREAKING NEWS

Rico Blanco and Rivermaya

MTV Asia Awards 2006 honours the best from west and east with revolutionary duets and world debut performances. Rivermaya wins Favorite Artist – Philippines award and rocks Bangkok with a smashing performance.

The Siam Paragon in Bangkok was illuminated with international and Asian stars celebrating the fifth spectacular MTV Asia Awards 2006 on Saturday May 6. Hosted by the multi-talented Kelly Rowland and Asian heartthrob Wang Leehom, this year’s MTV Asia Awards featured many exciting performances and celebrity guests from all over, to celebrate the biggest music luminaries both in Asia and in the international scene.

Pan regional winners included Green Day (Favourite Rock Act), Ricky Martin (Favourite Male), Kelly Clarkson (Favourite Female), The Backstreet Boys (Favourite Pop Act), KOßN’s “Twisted Transistor” (Favourite Video), Simon Webbe (Favourite Breakthrough Artist), Jolin Tsai (The Style Award), Destiny’s Child (Special Achievement In Popular Music), Bird Thongchai McIntyre (Inspiration Award) and TERIYAKI BOYZ (Breakthrough Collaboration Japan).

The local MTV territory Favourite Artist category winners are Rivermaya (Philippines), Vicki Zhao (China), Twins (Hong Kong), Jal (India), Peterpan (Indonesia), Se7en (Korea), Mawi (Malaysia), Taufik Batisah (Singapore), Wang Leehom (Taiwan), and Tata Young (Thailand).

Rock heavyweights KOßN opened the show with a blazing rendition of their latest single “Twisted Transistor” before a 4,600-capacity crowd at the Siam Paragon. Other performances were by sexy Taiwanese favorite Jolin Tsai on “Dancing Diva,” US chart-topper Daniel Powter, who sang a live version of his hit single “Had A Bad Day,” and Japan’s award-winning TERIYAKI BOYZ on their first performance outside of their country. Rivermaya and Hoobastank were returning favorite performers from the previous year.

The star-studded performances also included onstage fusions between Eastern and Western idols like Simon Webbe, who performed with Thai hip-hop group Thaitanium on “No Worries,” Lee Ryan of Blue performed alongside Thai pop goddess Tata Young on the classic ballad “Endless Love,” and the event’s hosts on a rousing medley of Wang’s “Heroes on Earth” and Rowland’s “Gotsa Go.” The show closed with a bang, as Korea’s Kangta joined forces with Taiwan’s Vanness Wu for a searing duet performance of the heart-pumping “2nd Scandal.”

Rivermaya rocked the stage as they rendered a gripping performance of their hit single, “You’ll Be Safe Here.” The performance only punctuated the honor they had been bestowed as winners of the Favorite Artist – Philippines category just moments prior.

Winners were determined by MTV viewers throughout Asia, who voted online and via SMS. Rivermaya was nominated for the Favorite Artist – Philippines award alongside Bamboo, Hale, Kitchie Nadal, and Orange and Lemons.

Presenters at the event included Vicki Zhao, Maggie Q, Same Same, Taufik, Too Phat, Lukkade Metinee, Sean Roh, The Veronicas, Ahli Fiqir, Peter Corp, Marsha, Jal, and Chang Chen. The Siam Paragon and red carpet arrivals event prior to the MTV Asia Awards were flooded with music, film and television stars from around the world, all converging upon Bangkok to celebrate one of the biggest music events in Asia.

In a special presentation during the show, MTV Asia Awards host Kelly Rowland accepted the Special Achievement in Music Award on behalf of Destiny’s Child – the multi-platinum trio consisting of Rowland, Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams. With more than 40 million records sold and a countless string of hits to their credit, Destiny’s Child were honoured for their contribution to the music world and their immeasurable impact on pop culture.

Official Partner Sponsors for the MTV Asia Awards 2006 are Haier Electrical Appliances, Toyota Motor Corporation, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited with Siam Paragon, World Class Shopping Phenomenon, as a Sponsor. Powered by MSN. Official Media Partners in the Philippines are Magic 89.9 and 99.5 RT.

Catch the 2006 MTV Asia Awards on May 7, Sunday at 10 pm, with replays on May 10, Wednesday at 12:30 pm, May 13, Saturday at 4 pm, and on May 29, Monday at 4:30 pm.

The 2006 MTV Asia Awards will be available to over 400 million households via 43 channels as well as through syndication worldwide. Updates on the MTV Asia Awards 2006 can be found on the official website at http://www.mtvasiaawards.com. MTV’s viewers can visit the MTV Asia web sites for more information on Awards related contests and events.

MTV Philippines is on Channel 41 for free TV or non-cable subscribers and Channel 22 for Sky Cable subscribers. You can also ask your cable operator for channel designation. For ultra-hot MTV downloads for your mobile phone, text MTV to 688 (for Smart subscribers).

Master Class

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-05T21:36:50-04:00

Guitar Deity Perf De Castro Talks to Poptimes Magazine
By Ted Reyes

One of the few remaining guitar gods in Pinoy Music - Perf de Castro

THERE are many great Filipino guitarists, but only a handful can be rightfully enshrined into pedestals and be called gods. Among the shortlist populated by the names: RJ Jacinto, Resty Fabunan, Teddy Diaz is the name PERF DE CASTRO.

The Master

Perf, learned classical guitar at an early age of 13. Naturally, due to his age, he dabbled on other musical styles and thereby mastering blues, rock and jazz guitar. In the early 90's he joined a band and began recording the album that bears the name of the band that will sky rocket to the Philippine music scene - Rivermaya.

Surprisingly after storming the charts with hit songs like Ulan, 214, and Awit ng Kabataan - where one of the most famous guitar solos in Philippine recorded music history can be heard, Perf was out of the band's lineup by the time their sophomore album came out. He then formed a power trio called Triaxis, and later on became the most sought after session guitarists in the industry.

Now Perf lives in California and is a full-time classical guitarist. He has toured major cities in the US, showcasing his unique flamenco/classical prowess using an odd 10-string classical guitar. I am very fortunate to have chatted with him and bear witness to a real genius.

TR:: Are you in a rock band now? If yes. If not, do you miss in being in one?

PDC: Nope, I’m playing classical guitar full time now. I still take out the electric guitar once in a while and just play over stuff: backing tracks, MIDI stuff. It’s a fun break from the rigors of classical training. I miss playing in great bands, especially when the members really click musically, but I don’t miss the drama part of it all.

TR: We have heard rumors about the dynamics of Rivermaya. People always leave. You left, Bamboo left, Nathan left, and Kakoy left. Could you, once and for all, tell us how was it being in Rivermaya and tell us why you left the group?

PDC: People still ask me about Rivermaya…to the point where it feels like I never left the band! Hehehe I guess “musical differences” as an excuse is hard to believe! But that’s exactly it. The band was moving towards a direction I didn’t like and it caused so much tension within the group, it became a “me vs. them” type of thing and it sucks to be in that situation.

TR: So you left?

PDC: They claim they fired me, I say I quit but it doesn’t matter now. I’m no longer in that situation. However, it was fun playing those tunes and touring the country and meeting all those people. I’m glad to have been part of that.

TR: Perf, what's your view on file-sharing, downloading and piracy?

PDC: Piracy is bad. It’s a shame that it’s up to a point where it actually affects the industry.

TR: So, What's your ideal model for music retail? The per song model like Apple's iTunes, or the monthly subscription service like rhapsody, musicnet, or traditional hard copy CDs.

PDC: I welcome everything! It’s great that all these options are now available, now there’s something for every preference. I believe each avenue has their own merit and their own share of the market.

TR: Bands are hot again in Manila. And so far, novelty music is in the background.
What do you think caused Pinoy Rock's resurgence in the mainstream?

PDC: It all ties in with global taste. The US and UK have their share of new rock bands as well, so this genre is marketable again around the world.

TR: Do you agree with how variety shows feature rock bands - pair the band with one of the hosts to sing along with the band's hit single. Do you think it makes a mockery of the band's existence as bankable artists?

PDC: I used to get pissed off at the concept. But then I realized it’s just another means of widening your audience. If it gets your music out to more people, then it’s probably a good thing, isn’t it? What usually backfires is when the bands themselves act “cool” and flip off the show… the viewers just won’t get it. Then they mock themselves. Suck it up and do your job properly.

TR: When people think of Perf De Castro they usually think of electric guitar virtuosity. The rock guitar god. Steve Vai, Malmsteen or Satriani. But it seems you have decided to concentrate more on your classical training. Would you rather want people to think of you in the same vein as Tarrega, Segovia, Williams or Bream rather than the rock guitar deities? Or both?

PDC: I think I’d prefer to be thought of as a good guitarist and musician, regardless which genre. Honestly speaking, I feel like I’ve done all I could on rock guitar and that I’ve taken it as far as I want it to go, technique and music-wise. Classical guitar, and to a certain extent Flamenco, is uncharted territory for me and that challenges me to develop further and makes me want to delve into the music and the instrument more.

TR: But who influenced most of your guitar playing?

PDC: I’m influenced by everybody; I can’t really trace my playing style to just one source. Steve Vai, Richie Kotzen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Paul Gilbert, Pepe Romero, Wally Gonzales, Mike Hanopol, Teddy Diaz, Satriani, Vinnie Moore, Michael Hedges, Poison, Gn’R, Van Halen, Led Zep, Hendrix, Grand Funk, Jose Valdez, Andres Segovia, Marc Whitfield, Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, John Williams, RHCP, Narciso Yepes, Paco De Lucia, The Police, Beatles, Allan Holdsworth, Sabicas, Jeff Beck, Joaquin Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, Metallica, Testament, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang, Raul Midon…….egads ang dami pang iba!!!!
It helps to keep an open mind and listen to everything.

TR: You play a 10-string classical guitar. How does it work? How do you tune it?

PDC: The top 6 strings are tuned like a regular guitar; the bottom 4 strings are added basses. The extra strings extend the range of the instrument so I am able to play low notes even when I am playing higher up on the neck.

TR: Tell us about the Kasilag Guitar Quartet?

PDC: It’s comprised of my colleagues from the Philippine Women’s University. Something similar to string quartet but we all play classical guitars. We named ourselves after Dr. Lucrecia Kasilag, Philippine National Artist for Music, in honor of her musical achievements mainly the fusion of Philippine Ethnic music with Western Music forms and theory. Our repertoire is a mix of Filipino art and ethnic music, standard Classical fare and contemporary and modern compositions.

We released a CD a few months before I left for the US and it has garnered critical acclaim around the World. More info at: http://www.perfdecastro.com/kasilag
http://www.cdbaby.com/kasilaggq

TR: Do you write classical music for the guitar? If so, have you recorded any or released any?

PDC: I have a composition for classical guitar quartet, which is included in the Kasilag Guitar Quartet CD. The title is “Amianan” and it’s written in the contemporary ethnic style. The guitars are made to mimic the sounds of the Northern Philippine Instruments (bungkaka, kubing, gangsa solibaw, tongatong)
I also have some sketches for 10 string guitar, which I hope to finish writing in time to record for a solo CD.

TR: We have come to know about your Leyte Relief project Album. Tell us about it.

PDC: A few years back I was part of an international benefit CD called “Will Play Guitar for Food” http://www.willplayguitar4food.com Players from all over the world were part of that and the CD sales went to this Non Profit Organization called the Heifer Project. They provide solutions for hunger in the neediest places in the world. When the Leyte disaster happened, I got an email from the Heifer CD producer suggested I do something to help out. So I threw the idea of a benefit CD out to the Fil-Am community and thankfully got enough interest and response to put together a whole disc. It’s a great mix of artists; both East and West Coasts are represented.

TR: How will it work?

PDC: Each artist lends, not donates, their song to this CD. For this reason, the LEYTE: Benefit CD will be a limited run of only 1000 copies. The wholesale proceeds will go to the Philippine Red Cross to help fund their relief efforts in the affected area in Leyte.

TR: Can you tell us about your gear? Guitars and Studio gear.

PDC: I’m stripped down gear-wise, right now. The apartment is cramped as it is! I’ll acquire more gear when the family moves into a bigger living space.

Guitars:

- 1973 Jose Ramirez 1A 10 string Classical Guitar
- Lucida Picado Flamenco Guitar

Miscellaneous gear:

- MXL 90 condenser mic
- Shure SM58
- Nady CM 80 condenser mic
- Line 6 Spider 15w amp
- Behringer GX210 amp
- Assorted guitar pedals

Coming soon:

- Line 6 Variax modeling guitar
- POD XT Live multifx

TR: Do you use Protools? Cubase? DP4? Logic? What's your computer setup?
Or are you an analog loyalist? what tape machine are you using if you are.

PDC: I’m a PC guy: M-Audio FW410 interface into Cakewalk Sonar and/or Sony Vegas. I prefer the digital domain for efficiency and flexibility.

TR: Any shows or future projects aside for the Leyte CD?

PDC: I just got back from a concert in Portland, OR. I’ll be giving a concert in Long Beach, CA sometime in August. And later in the year I’ll be recording my first solo 10 string guitar CD. Basti (of Lokomotiv) and I are passing song ideas back and forth so maybe a CD will come out of that collaboration. I’ll be doing more touring next year. I will announce details of this and other stuff on my website’s News page

http://www.perfdecastro.com/news

TR: Do you have any messages to Filipino and Fil-Am music fans and fellow artists.

PDC: Music fans:

Thanks for your support for us artists. Without you, the audience, to share our music with, making music isn’t as fun and as purposeful as it should be.

Fellow Artists:

Keep on keepin’ on!

TR: Thanks.

PDC: And mucho salamats to you as well, Ted!

Our Community

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-05T21:31:25-04:00

THIS issue, we formally open the Poptimes Magazine Forum.

The publisher, reporters, webmaster and everyone involved in this small Fil-Am music publication are excited, yet apprehensive in introducing the forum to our website.

Excited in a sense that there will be a live online forum dedicated to all people interested in the Filipino and Filipino-American music scene, which includes artists, bands, promoters, manager and most especially – the fans. Apprehensive in such a way that we might encounter cold shoulders from Fil-Am music scene players, who have been around helping the scene to become one that is as healthy as it is today. Fortunately, we haven’t received any of those chilled shoulders – yet.

We have tried to do a test run of the forum a couple of days ago, and noticed that the first people to register and come aboard are genuine fans, who know their music and their artists very well. These are the people who buy the tickets and watch for gigs – rain or shine. These are the ones who but the records and populate cyberspace with their allegiance to their favorite bands branded on their smooth and shiny foreheads. These are the ones who spread the word about the greatness of Filipino music and tirelessly convert their friends from being Yankee-music freaks to Pinoy rockers, gangstas and popers. These are the ones who make every artist feel that it is nice to be a working musician. These ones will make the world bustle with Filipino pride.

In this humble endeavor of putting up an online magazine and live forum, we also hope to bridge the geographical gap between the 2 Fil-Am music scenes – East Coast and West Coast.

Yes, like the infamous American Hip-Hop divide, we Pinoys have it too.

We here in the East Coast have nothing but admiration for the scene players and movers in the West Coast. From Tekarats, to Astig to Red Garage, to Happybox, to Ellenwood and to Hookmusic; likewise, to all the great bands there from Stella’s Notch, to Locomotiv to Pedro Gil, to X-Syndrome, and many others from Northern to Southern California.

This is Poptimes Magazine. This is our eMagazine. This is our community.

Downloads - 'Blue'

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-05T14:41:01-04:00

BLUE MELLON POP. L-R: Jun, Kix, Beng and Jeff
Blue
(Weeberg Mercado/Arranged and Performed by Blue Mellon Pop - ©Weebergmercado2006)
Click title to listen/download

Visit their Myspace for more info: Click here

Barbie Almalbis-Parade

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-05T11:58:26-04:00

Artist: Barbie Almalbis
Album: Parade
Release Date: 2006
Label: 12 Stone Records/Warner Music Philippines
Producer: Jack Rufo

PARADE by Barbie Almalbis

IT is hard see the dividing line that separates Barbie’s career as a solo artist and as a member of a band, because in a Barbie world, ‘the sound remains the same’.

Barbie Almalbis started her career as a solo artist doing Jewel covers and a vast array of her own brilliant tunes. When a major label spotted her and decided to break her out, Barbie came out with a band – Hungry Young Poets.

The band, without question, brought the cute, sassy, singer-songwriter to the public eye. But her second band, Barbie’s Cradle made her a household name.

Now, Barbie is alone, once again. This time, she made an album on her own: Parade.

Having been tasked by my editor to write this review, I couldn’t help but listen to the entire Barbie Almalbis discography to draw some comparisons. The result? As I have said above, ‘the sound remains the same’.

Barbie’s Music is her music. Not the Hungry Young Poets’ or her Cradle. It is Barbie’s music. That’s why her new record sounds very much like so – ‘Barbi-esque.’

But what is ‘Barbi-esque’? It is cool, folk-pop.

But in her debut album as a solo singer, something has changed - 'Barbi-esque' with more oomph!
Unlike past efforts, this time, Barbie made sure that her message of love for Jesus has to come across.

Parade kicks off with ‘Dahilan’ – A Tagalog number where Barbie tries to go into a straightforward love song in the tradition of ‘Torpe’.

Perhaps, the most overtly spiritual among the songs are ‘Give yourself Away’, ‘Little Miss Spider’, which for me is the best track in the album with its Erin McKeown vibe, and ‘For the World’. Barbie does good with these songs – breaking the message out without being preachy and pretentious.

Other tracks deal are of the same vein but particularly deals with redemption.

In ‘Damsel’, she talks about being in dress and asks the special someone to take notice and save her if he could. In ‘Parading’, she offers the life line that saved her once and mended her somewhat broken existence.

It can be speculated that Barbie’s departure from the Cradle has a lot to do with her spirituality. Barbie's Cradle was labeled too secular, and that would surely pose a problem for her to introduce such deep religious materials.

Although her former Cradle-mates played in some tracks in this 12-track set, it is clear that Barbie is enjoying the freedom of not being confined to a box where there’s no place for praise and worship.

Personally, it doesn’t bother me, at all – being reminded of God’s grace and all that. I like the songs. Great driving, make out stuff.

Locomotiv Video at MYX

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-05T11:50:12-04:00

LOCOMOTIV. L-R: Wolf, Danny, Basti and Dave

MYX Music channel in the Philippines announced today that it will begin running the Ad campaign to introduce the long-awaited and anticipated video for the Rock Supergroup LOKOMOTIV whose members consist of Philippine Rock Music Icons Basti Artadi, Wolf Gemora(Wolfgang), David Aguirre(Razorback) and L.A Indie Rock Bassist Danny Gonzalez. MYX Music says that they will introduce the video on May 3, 2006. LOKOMOTIV is also to be the vanguard act to introduce MYX Music when it debuts this summer as a 24 hour music channel on U.S cable networks. LOKOMOTIV is looking to tour the Philippines at the end of the year to give their fans a proper introduction to their new album in arenas all over the country as well as a tour of Northern America and Europe. The brand new album” Rock N’ Roll Death Toll” is available at ABS/CBN’s Starry Starry Store www.starrystarry.com.
Band website: www.lokomotivrocks.com
Fans can write to the band at lokomotiv_rocks@yahoo.com

For more info please contact:
Press Inquiries
Email: lokomotivpr@gmail.com
The Outfit Artist Management
Email: theoutfit.rd2@gmail.com
Promoters/Sponsors Please send inquiries to:
Email: theoutfit.tourmanagement@gmail.com

Slapshock!

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-05-05T11:43:10-04:00

Slapshock

SILENCE may not be a word that comes to mind when one thinks of Slapshock, but the pioneering rap-metal band returns with a 13-track album entitled SILENCE featuring the first single DIRECTION.

And SILENCE could be the moment of reinvention for the band.

Slapshock's trademark of music includes the hunger for screams to more complex sounds, but surely they are unwilling to give up melody. "We have traded our screams to melodies", Slapshock's frontman Jamir Garcia shared as they bring out their fifth (in studio) effort released by EMI Philippines. While the guitars on the first single DIRECTION sound like stumbling through an empty house, DIRECTION delves out of the silence as they make this career move for Slapshock. They have grown professionally and became tame, nevertheless, the Slapshock trademark remains heavy.

Visually, the band retains the grungy look and rebellious attitude shooting their video for DIRECTION in an abandoned warehouse in Cainta, Rizal. It now airs on various music channels nationwide and has scaled the charts.

SILENCE was produced by the band members themselves. It was recorded at the Backyard Studio in Cebu, where they also recorded tracks from the album NOVENA released in 2004. Backyard Studio is famous from recording underground rock movements in the south.

Jamir, the band's vocalist wrote all 13 tracks of the album, two of which are in Tagalog. The band shines throughout the album's less-lyrics-more-musicality experiment as it dishes out this something hard, heavy and sing-able offering. Giving life to Jamir's works are the other members of the band Jerry Basco (guitarist), Lean Ansing (guitarist), Lee Nadala (bassist),Chi Evora (drummer).

EMI Philippines signed the band in 1998, when rapmetal acts were popular. Eight years into the business, it can be safely said that Slapshock is no flash in the pan. They are the only band amongst those signed during rapmetal boom that is still visible and active. While most acts have gone back underground, Slapshock now has five major albums to its name, and this sixth effort, SILENCE, gives another package that features peculiar arrangements from this chugging rockers of OPM.

Slapshock's had previously released 4th Degree Burn (1999); Head Trip (2001); Project 11/41 (2002); Back to the 2 inch (2003); Novena (2004) under EMI Philippines.

Slapshock had also joined EMI's roster of artist management. After being signed with EMI and have released numerous albums which made us enjoy the ride, we're confident enough to say that EMI knows what we really want. EMI artist management includes rock bands like Hale and Sugarfree.

SILENCE includes heavy riffs and haunting melodies with song titles like Under Your Skin, Sleepless Blvd., Pagtila, Waiting, Back Home, Divine, What We Are, Adios, Walk Away, Last Ride, and Stranded.

Get the newest from SLAPSHOCK called SILENCE available in stores on April 20, 2006. The album is released by EMI Philippines and brought to you impart by Dickies USA and Red Horse Beer. Visit their website at http://www.slapshock.com

Fil-Am Band Scores a First

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-29T00:06:42-04:00

Group becomes the first Fil-Am indie rock band to be
marketed at Apple’s iTunes Music Store

iBLEUD. Arnold Jerwin, Brian and Ted go digital (Photo by Sheryl A. Garcia)

NEW YORK – The biggest and most popular digital music store in the world, with over1 billion songs sold – Apple’s iTunes Music Store, added a new album in their vast inventory last Tuesday, April 17: ‘Musings of a Caffeine Addict’ by the band BLEUD.
It appears to be just routine work for the people at Apple to add a new album into their catalogue, but for the Filipino community, the news has sent shockwaves across the nation – Bleud is an independent Filipino Rock band, and in being so, becomes the first to achieve the feat.

Bleud is NOT the only Filipino-American band, at the famed music store. Moonpools and Caterpillars, a California-based band is also selling their debut album recorded in 1995 called ‘Lucky Dumpling’. The difference between the two Fil-Am releases is that a major American label, Eastwest/Electra Records, released ‘Lucky Dumpling’. Bleud’s debut, on the other hand, is as indie as it can get. It was recorded with a very small budget and promoted guerrilla-style. ‘ We play everywhere just to let the word out and sell our music, from church gigs with nuns and priests to NYC’s Cutting Room, CBGB’s lounge, the Teabag, and Rutgers U in Newark. It is indie-rock at its most basic’, says Ted Reyes, the band’s bassist, vocalist and producer of the debut album.

The iTunes Store, the acclaimed pioneer of digital Music retail online, reserves the right to select new releases from major record companies and small, independent record companies. Therefore, it is no guarantee that any new releases will automatically be sold at the music retail giant. Bleud’s label, Soulworks Records is one of those small, but hardworking, labels.

The road to iTunes

Bleud burst into prominence in late 2004 in the New York-New Jersey Fil-Am Rock scene. Their debut album, the one being sold at the Itunes Music Store, spewed two hit singles in the local scene, as well as the music scene in the Philippines: ‘Hello my Friends, Hello’, which became part of Alpha Music Philippines 2005 Rock Compilation ‘Silver Shiny Jeepney’, and ‘Bye Bye Na’.
The band recently released a 2-sided single from the album: ‘Field Trip’, a Filipino Song, and ‘Animé Girl’, and English number. Both of which, are being offered as free downloads in the band’s website: www.bleud.net.

The band’s relentless assault on college gigs and clubs in New York and Jersey has created enough buzz to generate a steady following. Their songs are currently being rotated heavily around Asian-American radio stations and campus stations around the area.

In being featured at iTunes, the band is as surprised as anyone.
‘It is amazing to see and preview Filipino-made songs, English or Tagalog in iTunes Music Store. It just brings a rush of Pinoy pride to anyone who sees it. Imagine a Tagalog indie-rock song at iTunes! Unbelievable’, adds Bleud lead guitarist Arnold. Derama. More than Pinoy pride, Bleud’s remarkable achievement is a ray of hope for small bands and record labels alike. They are the living examples of ‘anything is possible’.

The Jersey-City based quartet is composed of Ted Reyes, Arnold Derama , Brian Joseph Miguel on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Jerwin Glorioso on drums.
The much-talked about album is also available in CDs at major music shops like Tower Records, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, and Target.com.
To buy their songs through iTunes, simply launch the application and search Bleud in the store browser. The entire digital album costs $9.99 and $0.99 per song.

Downloads

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-29T00:01:21-04:00

The Kuwagos: Mark, Gatchie and Rommel (Photo by Sheryl A. Garcia)

This issue's free single is The Kuwagos' 'GUSTO MO'.
A track penned by frontman/guitarist Gatchie Ignacio.
Click the title below to download.
Gusto Mo
© Gatchieignacio2006

Barbie goes solo-again

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-29T00:00:04-04:00

Barbie Almalbis

In 1997, Yvette Barbara Almalbis started off as a solo singer/songwriter frequenting clubs like Freedom Bar in Anonas, QC and similar joints. But she came to prominence as the lead singer, songwriter and guitar player of Hungry Young Poets. Three years after, she formed Barbie's Cradle.

Finally in July 2005, after fronting these two popular bands, Barbie decided that it's time to pursue new direction... a path that many has seen coming - to go solo.

After signing up with 12 Stone Records, which also handles premier artists Kitchie Nadal and Rocksteddy, the multi-talented singer, painter and writer released Barbie: The Singles. The 18 – track collection includes Barbie's most intimate and well-known compositions: "Torpe", "Firewoman", "Tabing Ilog", "The Dance", and "Goodnyt".

And now, in just a span of eight months, Barbie's solo career has expanded exponentially.

In August 2005, Barbie's refreshing Close-Up jingle with a lilting tune, "Just A Smile" took the airwaves by a storm. The Song, which accompanies the Close-Up series of TV commercials, marks Barbie's career take off. "Just A Smile" became number one in the Mobile Myx Top Picks for 5 weeks.

In September 2004, Barbie was the Myx celebrity VJ and MTV local artist of the month.

The talented solo performer is also nominated as the Best Female Artist of the year for 2006 Awit Awards.

Barely 9 months in her solo career, Barbie has made strings of number one hits, namely, "High", the Eraserheads original "Overdrive", and her career single "Dahilan". All are currently number one in radio request charts.

In March 2006, Barbie's "Summer Day" won the bid for Sunsilk's summer campaign, which is also number in the airplay. The Barbie fever has indeed caught the music industry.

Never in the history of the recording industry that all for number one hits are one album.

And now to launch her new album under 12 Stone Records and Warner Music Philippines, which is sure to be sensation, Barbie Almalbis - Parade.

Who Owns What?

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-28T23:58:36-04:00

Pirates, sharers, and real money

ANNIE X, a 30 year-old Fil-Am, drops her shoulder bag on the faded, grey carpet of her Manhattan apartment and goes straight to her computer desk, where her iMac G4 is busy calculating and saving files the whole day. She sits on the chair, folds her long-sleeved office shirt, and toggles the white computer mouse.

As the screensaver slowly fades out, a program window reveals itself; it is the program window of a ‘file-sharing’ software called ‘Limewire’. It turns out Annie has left her computer running the whole day to download two ‘No Doubt’ albums and three Full-DVD ripped movies: ‘The Matrix’, ‘Legally Blonde 2’, and, ‘Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind’.

Aside from the successfully downloaded music and movies, her Mac is also on cue to get a complete, $1,000-worth video editing software complete with its license code. Likewise, Annie’s computer shares some files to other computer users in the world who uses the same software that she uses - A kind-of a give and take operation.

Annie X, a lawyer, is an operative known in the cyber world as a ‘pirate’- a person who illegally obtains copyrighted files and shares them to the world using a peer-to-peer software like Limewire. By all definitions, she is a criminal.

Annie, being an educated person, must know the consequences of her deeds. Yet, why still do it? She offers her defense. “ I don’t share what I have downloaded from the network. I share what I own. And if sharing what you own is a crime, I don’t know what isn’t. Piracy involves selling things that you don’t own. I am simply sharing that I paid for. I am sharing what is mine”

She sounds correct, but digital media has a different take on it. In digital media, even though you paid the retail price, you DON’T own the materials contained. What you bought is not the song, the movie, or the program. What you paid for is just the ‘license’ to listen to the songs, watch the movie and use the program.

The author of the songs, the makers of the movie and the designer or company that made the programs retains ownership of the product, even though you paid top dollar for them.

This product, especially software, contains a license agreement that a purchaser is required to agree on. It states that actions contrary to the agreement, like sharing, copying etc., would invalidate the license to use the software, which will result in the termination of the right to use the program with no refund.

Music and movies has a scarier FBI warning to go with it; telling the buyer that copying, re-selling, public performance, and broadcasting of the materials contained is against the law and is punishable by years of imprisonment.

The crackdown

In 2005, the music industry suffered another setback in sales. Their sales figures had dropped to an alarming rate in spite of the popularity of ‘per-song’ legal downloading online stores like Apple’s iTunes Music Store.

The same is true with Hollywood. The box-office revenues plunged so low last year, the Academy awards even used its award night to remind the viewers to get back into the ‘theater-watching’ ways. Software companies also reported that due to software piracy, which gave the industry billions of dollars of losses, they have resorted to extreme measures to track down these ‘pirates’, including email tracking and forcing net providers to disclose account info on suspected software pirates

A few unlucky pirates’ have fallen down to these tactics, but there is still no sign of a piracy slowdown. In fact, the more these companies tighten the belt, the more pirates become convinced that piracy is right.

Distinguishing pirates

The entertainment companies and software companies has to distinguish between ‘pirates’ and ‘file sharers’. Anne is a file–sharer: She buys music, DVDs and software. She makes copies of them and shares them with her peers. Yes, she does download things that are on the Internet, but she does it assuming that the files she’s getting for free belongs to people who also bought these files.

The person who sells make-shift copies of CDs and movies in Canal Street, is a pirate. The young boy who rips his John Mayer CD and copies it for a friend next door is a file-sharer. Pirates don’t own what they sell. File-sharers believe they own what they share. Pirates are criminals. File-sharers are not.

So far, there is no clear distinction between the two, and sadly, some ‘file-sharers’ have fallen into the hands of the law and has been branded as criminals.

The freedom to share

Like Annie, millions of people use these ‘peer to peer’ programs to obtain and share digital files all over the world for the same reason that she has. It is not acceptable that people shell out $20 for a DVD and get to be told they do not own the product.

Likewise, spending $1,199 for Adobe CS2 and not have the liberty to make a copy of it to share it with a family member is just as outrageous. Who is comfortable with the idea of not owning what you buy?

Besides, the money people use to purchase these things is real currency and not a ‘mere’ license’ to use the real money. Real money should equal real ownership. And what you own, you can always share. No to Piracy, yes to file-sharing.

Rock in the Box: Sealed and Ready to be Opened

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-28T23:52:44-04:00

THE box is sealed. The load is intact. The opening is imminent.
Finally, the most talked-about Fil-Am rock compilation CD has been wrapped and ready for a Summer '06 release -ROCK IN THE BOX.

12 of the best East Coast Fil-Am bands and solo artists come together for this monumental release that is guaranteed to be 'one of a kind'.
'It's a daunting task, selecting and compiling songs for a various artist release. Aside from the initial difficulty of selecting acts, the selection of songs is even more difficult, give the talent of these artists, but the work well worth every sweat and tears' , says J.G. Antiporda, EVP of the record label that will release the album - Soulworks Records. Indeed, the label received almost 200 demo submissions for the album, including the demos sent to the label's Manila HQ.

According to a Manila-based Major Label A&R, the project is the first of its kind because never has there been a compilation CD featuring Filipino-American artists released in the in the US, more so in the Philippines.
The album will be distributed in the Philippines right after the American launch.

Likewise, a tour is in the drawing board to promote the CD in the entire US. " We are talking with these bands and singer-songwriters who made it into the compilation to help the label organize shows in their respective States to promote the album.', adds J.G.

The lineup of the compilation is yet to be made public, but an industry insider revealed the the roster includes major Fil-Am bands who released singles and made splashes both in Manila and in the US. Other acts are already house-hold names in the Asian-American music circuit, as well as the East Coast college culture.

This is one exciting album that will definitely put Fil-Ams in the forefront of Asian-Music in the American scene, and launch a greater awareness in the Philippines of talented Fil-Ams in the US.

Beautiful Machines

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-28T23:52:34-04:00

Artwork by Val Guevarra

Album: Beautiful Machines
Artist: Pupil
Sony BMG Philippines 2005

LIKE dogs waiting for crumbs falling from the master’s dining table, fans of disbanded super groups are left to pick up the pieces of what once was.

Often, these pieces hardly resemble the glory days of these bands that used to rule the airwaves, and commanded astronomical talent fees for their shows. But for their staunch supporters, these are better than nothing at all.

The Eraserheads is perhaps the best example.

Since their disintegration in 2001, Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Raimund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala – the Fab Four of Pinoy rock, have tried other things that they hoped would continue, or even surpass the ‘greatest circus in Pinoy music history’.

After Ely left, the three remaining members tried to go on with Kris Gorra, the female singer and guitarist of Fatal Posporos, but the ominous signs of a sinking ship began to unravel. When Marcus left for the Northern Philippines to pursue a ‘surfing career’, the Eraserheads were no more.

Drummer Raimund started several bands; most successful of them is Sandwich, who managed to generate a hype that resulted in a multitude of followers. Respected and loved as Sandwich had become, it never got close to his former band.

Buddy Zabala, joined some underground acts like ‘Twisted Halo’, but his most noteworthy move was when he joined legendary group ‘The Dawn’ a couple of years ago.

Ely Buendia, the eHeads’ front man and chief tunesmith, formed ‘The Mongols’ and even released an album, which sadly, stalled and was proclaimed D.O.A.

When things did not work out with ‘The Mongols’, the music landscape has changed dramatically. Bands are back in style, and major labels signed rock groups left and right to catch up with the increasing demand.

In this scenario, Ely formed ‘Pupil’.

Sony BMG, the Eraserheads’ home record company, patched things up with their prodigal son and signed the group for some albums. And after months of production, Ely Buendia, Yan Yuzon, Dok Sergio and Boks Jugo debut record came out: ‘Beautiful Machines.’

As I juiced up my iPod to listen to the songs, I could not help but wonder why Ely hasn’t come up with any significant material since the eHeads album ‘Sticker Happy’. Has he really lost the gift? I am not in any way asking for Ehead-like material from Ely, just great tunes from a composer, who everyone knows can do much better.

His songs with the Mongols, were quite forgettable and self-indulgent to tell you the truth, but I can’t help but ask, will it be the same for this ‘Pupil’ debut? I guess there’s only one way to find out. Hence, after repeated playbacks, here’s my take: 14 tracks. Good album, but nothing out of this world, yet.

Beautiful Machines could be Carbon Monoxide volume three, with The Mongols album as its second installment.

It is undeniable that there are moments in Beautiful Machines that give the listeners a peek at Ely’s genius. But come on now, we have seen the full view years ago, haven’t we? Mere peeks won’t be acceptable anymore.

‘Different Worlds’ perhaps is the best track here, followed by ‘Blow Your House Down’ and the ‘Smashing Pumpkinesque’ – ‘She Talks to Trees’.

The Filipino tracks did not quite take off. They were more like the band’s ‘other English songs translated to Tagalog for mass appeal.’ Except maybe for the Rivermaya-like ‘Dulo ng Dila’, which will probably be embraced by the general listening public. But aside from that, even the carrier single, ‘Nasan Ka Na’, fell short considering Ely’s knack for writing sticky material.

It is really tough for ex-members of super bands to rise up from the shadows of the past. Paul McCartney made ‘Wings’ take off, but this feat is more of the exception than the general rule.

Moreover, it is tremendously hard for the new band mates of these ex-members of super groups, like Ely, to avoid being compared to his old pals. And to write material for an album with probably one of the most successful songwriters in recent OPM history is yet another wall to climb.

Five years after the Eraserhead cookie crumbled, we are still licking the crumbs scattered under the master’s table.

So far, the best tasting crumb yet is the one that turned out to be a ‘Sandwich’.

Fil-Am R&B Group Releases 2nd Album

editor@poptimesmagazine.com — 2006-04-28T13:03:04-04:00

IMMIJ

By Sheryl A. Garcia

SAN FRANCISCO- After much anticipation, California based Pop/R&B female group, Immij, releases their sophomore album, Fearless. Cutting the ties, breaking the boundaries and creating an original sound is what puts the new album in a distinctive genre of its own.

Immij, (pronounced “image”) is a four part R&B/pop female singing group which consist of two sisters, Doris and Kris, and two cousins, Lyn and Mei. All of them have known each other since childhood. They first met at a children's choir in church and have been inseparable ever since.

They released their first album, Destined, in June of 2003 under their own independent record label, Immij Ladies. Composed of fifteen tracks, the album was received greatly not only by Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, but by other locals in the bay area as well. Their performances expanded from local schools and functions to large scale festivals, major college shows and leading hotel/casino productions

Immij's second venture, Fearless promises to be another exciting album from the group. The foursome wrote all the songs; a blend of various pop, hip-hop and R&B beats. Doris, Kris, Lyn and Mei also oversaw the production of the album. They made sure that the instruments and sounds perfectly convey the image they wanted to project.

With Immij’s involvement of their album, the ladies have been able to creatively express how each song should make an impact, not just to a person’s tastes and preferences, but right down to a person’s emotion. “We want people to know who we are and we hope to represent that group of artists who believe in positive music and positive actions” Mei relates.

With a promotional tour under wraps, a dedicated fan base and an artistically grown outlook, Immij is definitely bringing their music to the next level.

For more information on Immij, visit their website at http://www.immijladies.com/.