I've promoted the launch, and I've recapped the event itself. What's the most logical thing to do next?

Write a review, of course.

Travelogue is Bagetsafonik's debut album containing 12 all-original tracks to put on repeat play. The album also includes 2 remixes courtesy of Morse and Silverfilter.

To tell you the truth, I don't get to listen to Bagetsafonik often. I've only been to 2 of their gigs (shameful, I know), and the only songs I was truly familiar with were Automatik (the video of which is available in YouTube), Halogen, Saccharine and Joyride. I've heard Clarity before, while the song was still in its infancy.

That's why my Travelogue experience is a delightful mix of familiar sounds and new surprises. The songs I already know have cool, better arrangements, and the new songs are... err... new to me. Like, duh.

Whether you're a rocker dude, a pop chick, or something in between, you'll enjoy this album. The repertoire is filled with snazzy tunes and soulful melodies, woven with words close to the heart. We've got songs for friends, for lovers, for families. For the loved, the heartbroken; the content and the searching. Read full post...

The collection starts with Fallin' Callin', with Ace soaring through the notes and the rest of the boys rocking it out. If you pop the CD in your car's player, this song is perfect for the start of the drive. Action Jackson and Green Machine comes next as you step on the gas and speed through the highway; Sputnik Sweetheart and Automatik follow right after. I think Sputnik Sweetheart is a fitting title to this song, because when I listen to it, I feel like I'm in a space shuttle zipping through the universe.

Shift to easy driving as you listen to Halogen and the melancholic Diss Song, until Saccharine and Joyride pick up the pace a bit to keep you awake. Song for the Sunlight takes us back to the carefree days of outdoor games, Matchbox, and afternoon snacks and naps... Yep. Nothing like childhood memories to remove the stress on your shoulders.

The ride winds down with the haunting Clarity and groovy Glued to the Groove. The Halogen remix has a 3am on EDSA feel, and the Fallin' Callin' remix takes us to a world tour of music genres.

And you think refreshing music is all you get when you buy this album?

Shyeah, right!

You also get twelve — count 'em, twelve! — postcards with funky artwork on one side and song lyrics on the bottom of the other. (Um...yeah. Congratulations if you figured out that you get one postcard for each song.) Don't believe me? Check out the photo I put in the start of this post.

I love this CD. I think that much is obvious. And it's not just because the vocalist is my brother. Oh, no, absolutely not. Even if he wasn't my brother — heck, even if the members of the band were complete strangers to me — I'd still buy the album.

And I'd still put it on repeat play.

---

Again, the Travelogue track list
1 - Fallin' Callin'
2 - Action Jackson
3 - Green Machine
4 - Sputnik Sweetheart
5 - Automatik
6 - Halogen
7 - Diss Song
8 - Saccharine
9 - Joyride
10 - Song for the Sunlight (Back in the Day)
11 - Clarity
12 - Glued to the Groove
13 - Halogen (3 AM on EDSA Remix)
14 - Fallin' Callin' (Worlds Apart Remix)

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Bagetsafonik launch recap

Last night, my family and I (along with Bossa Resound's Chique) went to the Bagetsafonik launch at Café Saguijo in Makati. Of course, since I went there to support my brother dearest, we got there early to chill. It was my first time to go to Café Saguijo, despite the fact that I hear about it all the time from my brothers and some of my friends. Read full post...

Café Saguijo was named so because it's a café in Guijo street. If you say that in Filipino, it'll be "café sa guijo". Cool, eh?

Anyway, it's a pretty cool to place to hang out. Awesome bands providing the sounds every night, Saguijo is out to be "a proper venue for the music lover". But that ain't all. They've got more goodies in the second floor: The Theo Gallery, presenting contemporary artworkds, and the Baul, a treasure trove of classic and modern clothes, accessories, and watchamacallits. Coolness.

Anyway. Moving on.

Bagets!

Goodness. How awesome is this band? So awesome, I think, that I became a screaming fangirl as if the vocalist wasn't my brother. Harhar. You should've seen his face when I asked him to sign my copy of their CD. Haha!

The launch was fantastic. Silverfilter kicked it off with several of his...techie gadget thingies. Ha. Made me look like a tech illiterate. I was never one for techno dugg's-dugg's music, but watching this guy do it live made me have a new appreciation for their art. I still have a long way before I turn into a fan, but hey, 's all good, eh? ^_^

The Chillitees were up next. The band rocks. 'Nuff said.

Next played the Itchyworms. Amazing band. Hilarious, too. They have so much fun on stage, and we have so much fun watching them that anybody watching us watching them would have fun, too. Haha! That was my first time to watch them live, and... they're amazing. Did I say amazing? Oh, I did. Okay.

By midnight, everyone was still widely awake and totally energized. And, finally, the main band of the night got on stage.

Bagetsafonik played 10 songs (I think), playing almost the whole album for our listening pleasure. And, Wow. You gotta be there to know what I'm talking about.

WOW.

If you haven't seen this band perform, jump on over to the Bagetsafonik e-group and check their gig schedule.

Some of the Bagets were actually supposed to be guests at the launch, and Francis M wanted to jam to Song for the Sunlight, but, sadly, the schedule didn't work out.

The Ronnies closed the night, getting the audience dancing to nostalgic 80s songs we all know and love (yep, we love 'em even though we didn't 20 years ago). I SO love their version of Kung Fu Fighting. Haha!

Wrapping up: saying that the launch was a success would be an understatement. The albums got sold fast, the bands rocked it out, and the audience had a blast under the disco ball. What more can I ask for?

Hm... A mall tour, maybe. Haha!

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Bagetsafonik's Travelogue, ready for take-off!

Finally, after months of waiting and waiting, and more waiting, it's here!!!

And man, oh, man, it'll be well worth the wait.

Bagetsafonik's "Travelogue" album launch is set to happen on August 4, Saturday @ Cafe Saguijo, Makati, 9:30pm. With special guests Arbie Won, Morse, Silverfilter, Itchyworms, Chillitees, and The Ronnies.

Discohan na!

Travelogue includes 12 tracks (plus two more as a bonus!), including Automatik (watch video here), Saccharine, Halogen, and Joyride.

Bagetsafonik is an independent band grooving since 2004, mixing sounds from new wave, rock and electronica to conjure up catchy riffs, bewitching tunes and bittersweet lyrics. As Pedicab vocalist Diego Mapa wrote, “A Bagetsafonik experience is the first taste of soda after having too many beers. Finally: sugar water…it’s totally refreshing.”

Bagetsafonik are
Ace Cada (and his very red guitar hehe) weilding the guitars and taking the lead vocals
Paolo Francisco playing with guitars and effects
Marcus Nada, master of the synths and analog samplers
Doi Lagos striking the drums, percussions
Tom Barba handling the bass line

The Travelogue launch pulls through with help from Ninja Kiss, Pulp, Burn, Myxmag, Vineyard Chord, and Lockeddown.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

promoting my friendly friends

Aheeheehee... June has been rather eventful for family and friends, there's good news and congratulations everywhere, and you can rarely see me without a proud grin on my face.

Well, except, of course, when I'm feeling sick with all the work and stress and all that, but that's not the point.

Abbi Asistio
Abbi had her first "real" gig late May in the Room Upstairs. I've never really been into R&B — I mean, it's cool, yeah, but I kind of like Jazz and Alternative Rock better — but Abbi is just so freakin' cool. Plus she's a friend, so of course I'm a fan. Haha! She's recording her album, too, so watch out for that.
Andi Manzano
On Saturday, Andi was awarded to be the next MTV VJ! Yeyyyyy~ Wow... Whenever I see her (and kids her age) doing amazing things, it kind of makes me feel old.
...Wait. Did I just call her a kid?! Noooooo~!!! You're not that older than her, Sarah, you are NOT. Heeheehee. I'm suddenly reminded of this funny story that happened when I went to meet her in her high school... Err... Never mind.

*ahem*

Focusing back on Andi... Lemme just say that finally the big break came. She deserves this, don't you think so, too? ^^

Luis Katigbak
So yeah. One of his short stories is adapted for the stage. You can read about it in Kristine and Luis are Listening, from where I most mercilessly snatched this image:
Like, wow. I wonder what it feels like to have one of my works rendered. Given, of course, that due credits are given. I don't wanna be plagiarized or anything.

...

But if I'm plagiarized, doesn't that mean I'm a good writer? Haha! Kidding.



Sitti Navarro
The other day, I turned the TV on (a miracle, yes, I know) because MJ kept reminding me that Sitti was competing in IKON Philippines. I hope she wins the solo artist category. Hehe. Although, of course, Grace Nono is, like, awesome, too, I think she's already a very VERY established artist, and she's already practically a legend. So... Um... Give others a chance? Hehe.


Ace Cada and the rest of Bagetsafonik
And, last but most definitely not the least, my very own brother and his very red guitar! Wahooo!
Bagetsafonik's sound is already blasting through the airwaves, and, soon, in your CD players as well! Yey! Their CD, Travelogue, is already done, and we're just waiting for the launch. It will be, as it has been for the last year, soon. Hehe. Peace tayo, Kuya.

But, seriously, it's really REALLY soon. I even think it's next week. At Saguijo. I think. I have to check with brother dear.


So...yeah. Congrats to everyone! And, wow, all that in one month! So cool...

I wonder who's going to release their album next... Tim Cada and Chique Arcyilla of Bossa Resound, maybe? Haha! I hope so!

Friday, June 08, 2007

guilty beauty love

Today, I celebrate the birthday of one of my favorite male voice actors of all time, Mamoru Miyano. (Or Miyano Mamoru for all you Japanese name order loyalists like me.)

Mamo was born in Saitama, Japan in June 8, 1983. His famous roles include Riku of Kingdom Hearts (2002), Kiba from Wolf's Rain (2003), Noda-sensei from Alice Academy (2004), and Riku of the hilarious Tokimeki Memorial Only Love (2006). He acts live, too in the Prince of Tennis Musicals (2003) and, later, the Prince of Tennis film (2006).

I think he's most known, though, for his role as Light Yagami for Death Note (2006) and, my personal favorite, Tamaki Suou *insert screaming fangirls in the background* of Ouran High School Host Club (2006).

Although he may be forever branded in my mind to be Tamaki, I think Mamoru is one versatile guy, despite what some people out there think. I mean, just look at his roster of roles! I don't see two characters that are similar, and he pulled each one off nicely.

Although, I watched Tokimeki right after marathoning Ouran, so I had a hard time not thinking of Tamaki whenever I heard Riku talking. Heeheehee.

And, I mean, seriously, how many gorgeous voices actually have gorgeous faces to go with them? Not too many, that much I can say. (Mamoru is, in my opinion, a total bishounen.)

So, yeah. Looking for a cool voice to listen to? Go and look for a copy of the ever-so-narcissistic "Guilty Beauty Love", which Mamoru sang as part of the Ouran High's OST. And while you're at it, go and check out Ouran High in youtube or something. It's hilarious, I swear. ^_____^

Friday, November 24, 2006

Sitting it out with Sitti

OK. I really have no energy to write about this. I guess my mind was more active last night when I got back home, but my body wasn't, since I haven't had sleep in 48 hours at that time... and conting

So I shall make this sort of a photoblog.

Chique, Sitti, the sleepless me, and my mom. It was an all-white party, if you'll notice. (Sitti's exempted because she's the celebrant) That's why I didn't get any sleep. From work, mama and I met up in SM to get clothes.


Mama and Papa... Ang dalawang makulit.


Jigs, Juls, Kuya Tim, Chique and me.


Mama and Papa with Sitti. God, I love the lighting in that room!


Kuya Tim, Chique and me. The "I love Sitti" pins are from the fan club. MJ and Patch were there, too, though we didn't get any pictures with them.


Chique and moi! Mehehehehe~

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Starstruck

Tonight we went to CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) for the AGOS (Artists' Guild of Sta. Maria) exhibit. My mom's friend from high school was one of the artists, and Kuya Ace had been asked to sing. So we went. Even though Kuya Ace felt sick, he sounded good when he performed. Hehe. I'm so proud of my brother.

The exhibit was cool. All the pieces were great, and there were about three that really really really awed me. Two of those were by Ed Garbes (I hope I got the name right). Hehe. Not a renowned artist yet, but I think he's gonna make it big pretty soon. Most of the artists were pretty young... I mean I think they were at most 5 years older than me (except for my mom's friend and a few others, of course).

Cocktails were served, and about an hour into the exhibit, Kuya JB, his girlfriend and I were standing by one of the tall, small tables (what do call those?) they had. Then, suddenly, this old guy in a barong (like most of the other guys and artists there) comes and stands beside me, puts his plate on our table, and starts eating. In my mind, I went, "Uh...Who're you?" seeing that there were other tables he could have used. But of course I said nothing out loud. Then another guy comes, and goes, "Sir, here's the list."

The old guy goes, "Ah, yes, yes... How much is the piece again?"

"15,000, sir."

Without hesitation, the old guy whips out a check and writes on it. Homhayghulay. P15,000. Fifteen thousand!

So many zeroes... @_@

After the transaction ended, the old guy continues eating. I ate my delicious barbecue in peace while Kuya JB and Ate Steph go back to the food table for seconds (there were a lot of food). That time that I stood beside this old guy in a barong, I couldn't help but wonder who he was. There was something about him that told me that he was someone important, even if you take away the fact that he was rich. It was funny because he didn't talk like a powerful man or anything... In fact, he was a bit laid back (reminds me of a surfer for some reason), and he keeps bumping his elbow on me. After a few hits, he laughingly apologized, and finally inched away a bit so he wouldn't hit me again. But even after all this, there was still that nagging feeling that he was someone I should know.

The whole thing was simply weird.

He turns to me again, saying, "May may-ari ba nito?" pertaining to the almost full glass of iced tea on the table.

"Uh...Opo," I answer. "Sa nanay ko po..."

"Ah, gano'n ba? O, sige."

"Gusto n'yo pong ikuha ko po kayo?"

"Ah, hindi na, hija. Salamat."

By this time, Kuya JB had returned, and the old guy finished eating.

"Sige," he says, "enjoy the exhibit."

"Sige po," I say, smiling, just before he turned around and walked away. Because of his comment, I wondered if he was one of the organizers or something.

My mom had returned to the table at this point.

"Ma, do you know who that artist was?" I asked as I lifted my glass to drink.

My mom smiled, and her answer nearly made me choke on my iced tea.


"Napoleon Abueva."


"..."


GAH!!!!!!


I turned towards the direction he walked off to so fast you'd think my neck would break. And there he was, casually looking at some artwork. I wanted to go on over and talk to him, but I suddenly realized that I wouldn't know what to say. I mean, sure, I appreciate art, but I'm not really an enthusiast or anything. I know practically nothing about paint and sculpture and art history... I knew NADA that can carry me through an intelligent conversation with him. I had considered just striking a not-so-intelligent conversation (no point in pretending, right?) but I didn't know how to do it, though. And every time I gather my guts and stop myself from being starstruck, someone else beats me to it and talks to him.

I just shared a table with a National Artist, and I didn't even know it.

And so the night went on and I thought I had lost my chance to talk to a man of brilliance. So I resigned to just scrutinizing and studying each artwork. I was appreciating this piece done with Pastel on felt paper when yet another guy in a barong stands beside it, and says, "Uh...miss, can you excuse us? Magpapapicture lang kami."

I realized at once that this was the artist of the piece I was looking at, so I smiled and said, "Sure," as I turned to see who he was going to have a photo taken with.

Napoleon Abueva.

Again.

He goes, "Excuse, a."

I just smiled like an idiot and managed a weak "Opo..." as I stepped back and out of the shot.

And, argh. My PR powers couldn't handle the greatness. I slinked back to our table, mentally kicking myself.

A few minutes later, Abueva was slowly making his way to the exit, and I thought that I was about to curse my occasional cowardice. But then, I got an idea. One that was so freaking simple, I couldn't believe I didn't think of it earlier. I went to my mom and whispered: "Ma, ask Tita Bing to ask Napoleon Abueva if he can have a photo taken with us." And so she did, and he did.

Wheeeee! I not only shared a table with Napoleon Abueva, but I had talked to him (no matter how unimportant the "conversation" was), and had a photo taken with him! And he shook my hand (he had a good grip, too)!

^______________^

Lessons learned for the night:
1.) Muster up your guts in the presence of greatness. Great people are still people. You can have a conversation with them even without trying to be knowledgeable in their field.
2.) Great things can come in humble packages.
3.) Art exhibits are FUN!

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

ultraelectromagneticjam craziness

For yet another night, I was a screaming fangirl.

But this time it was different, because I had a VIP pass around my neck, and I was up front and center.

Tonight was...just...AMAZING. I mean, sure, it had a pretty...weird...ending, but it was amazing nonetheless. The whole night, I was thankful that I had taken up writing as a hobby. Immensely thankful.

ARGH! The euphoria still hasn't worn off. Not that I'm complaining.

OK. I shall start from the very beginning.

My day was packed. I mean, I was in demand. From work (that was unexpectedly draining) from 9-12, I ran over to the Jam station to get my prizes: tickets, a CD and a VIP pass. From there I went straight to Pisay for them kiddies I'm mentoring. I got to leave at 6pm... way, WAY behind schedule.

I met with Beth at the theater, and we got on line. And since we had 9 tickets, which was two tickets too many, I decided to sell the extra tickets I got earlier today to Beth's brother, who was smart enough to look at the back of the tickets. Y'know what was stamped there?

FRONT ROW SEATS.

GAH!!!!

And since it turns out that he wasn't going to watch, after all (long story), he goes and SELLS them FRONT ROW SEAT TICKETS. He got a good value for that, yeah, but still.

ARGH!!!

I can NOT believe I did not check that. I was like "ARGH!"-ing for thirty solid minutes. So, instead of us using the five front row seat tickets, we only got to use three.

ARGH!

Anyway. There was a LOT of comedy that happened once we were inside, and, us being the clever little girls we are, we found a way to tweak things. And what happened was the FOUR of us (Sara, Beth Lori and I) watched up front and center. HAH! Loraine's so clever, really.

For a more detailed, possibly organized account, just ask one of us in person or on the phone.

On to the bands. Every single artist was SO nice! I mean, like... they didn't even give me a chance to be starstruck because everyone acted like they were just...well... normal. Which, of course, they were. Everyone not only signed my CD and posed for my camera, they also gave a minute or two of their time to chat with me. They didn't mind at all that I was bugging them in the dressing room. By the way they talked with me, I would've fogotten that there was a concert at all, if I wasn't so excited about it. Weeeee~ Meloves the local music industry.

As or their performances, every one of them was awesome... Well...almost. I mean, there were a couple of performances that were, in my humble opinion, sort of mediocre (or maybe I just never really like the artist very much), but the other bands were so worship-worthy that it just compensated for the whole thing. The ones that really stood out (for me) were Imago, 6 Cycle Mind, Sugarfree, Paolo Santos & Marcus Adoro, Sago, and Orange and Lemons. Awesome, AWESOME artists.

But of course, Eheads dabest pa rin.

....

I now realize that this post is not a typical Snowflake, nor is it a coherent post. Hah. My mind is still in a jumble due to the exitement. Maybe I'll write another comprehensive review about the night. For now, I'll let the a few of the photos speak for themselves. The other 60+ photos shall be uploaded in my yahoophotos over the weekend. And, yes, I had photos with the female artists, too. Just in case you're wondering.

Me + Raimund and Marcus XD


Me + Paolo. The earliest artist of 'em all.
Dilaw ang 'yong buhok at...suot mo'y green... Teka! Baliktad, pare!


Me + Chuck (6 Cycle Mind)


Me + Ebe, ang Hari ng Panday-- este, Sablay pala.


Me + Leon. Yey for Jam 88.3! I love that station.