A Brand New Year!

I have been quite since my last blog about the Cebu Guitar Festival that happened way back November of last year.

Reason being was that I was sooo caught up with my work that even bloggin on this page was out of the question.

Anyway, just to have a short recap of  what has happened so far back in 2009:

- I went to the last Eraserheads reunion concert in Manila.

- I met different kinds of people and stayed in touch with them thru facebook.*Sheesh…I know so not like me. But hey! If you can’t beat them, join them.

- I left my previous company and stayed jobless for a couple of weeks.

- I recorded and produced a couple of songs with some of my bands.

- I produced a demo song for a new band under a friend’s management.

-  I ended up working for a company that has a fixed and relaxed work sked.*Perfect!

- My project band Zafra finally released the Kismet Singles EP album.

- I recorded two new demos for Zafra for our upcoming album.

- The Cebu Guitar Festival ‘09 was a success. Rehearsals was sooo tiring, but it all paid off *Congrads to all the shredmasters for a job well done!

- My former band Pandora finally released their album on which I played drums on all of the tracks.

- Made a side trip to the Durian down under to visit the ‘ma and spend x’mas with her.

Now for 2010’s goals or resolutions, they would have to be:

- To set my gig schedules for the upcoming Sinulog event.

- To organize the Black Coffee Sundae reunion gig happening this month.

- To release the album of my project band Leukemia.

- To write and record songs for the bands Kage and Fragile Muse.

- To play more gigs, events, and concerts.

- To travel around the country and explore the fine beaches.

- To lessen my intake on malt. *Good luck in doing so!

What’s your resolution?

And the string lords has cometh once again..

Once again, the annual guitar festival is upon us.

I’ll be playing with 6 guitarists for this upcoming event which will kick off next week.

These are the band/guitarists sked for Nov 24-28. Note that on thur. to sat., we will be using the deck outside of The Outpost as our stage. The rest of the days, the bands will play inside The Outpost. *I’ve indicated our gig sked, so do check us out as well.

Tuesday Nov. 24

NEW SCHOOL
1. Chris Amores (Donkeys of the Burning Barn)
2. Luis Quibranza (Bethany)
3. Angelo Quibranza (Bethany)
4. Adriane Nellas (Drop Out Club)
5. Archie Uy (Drop Out Club)
6. Ongkii Sayson (Undercover Grasshoppers)
7. Cilee Kuizon (Undercover Grasshoppers)
8. Mark Cortes (Rescue A Hero)
9. Carlo Villarica (Rescue A Hero)
10. Paul Aguilar (The Line Divides)
11. Sergie Taga (The Line Divides)

Wednesday Nov. 25

MID to OLD SCHOOL
1. Rommel Santiago (A2Z)
2. Lito Fajardo (PG 18)
3. Ian Zafra (Sheila And The Iinsects)
4. Bisoy (Sheila And The Iinsects)
5. Philip Muaña (Worry Free TV)
6. Jonas Camomot (Worry Free TV)
7. Blues Bonanza
8. Russel Babatingan (The Ire)

Thursday sked Nov.26:
  

1. Paul Caca        -    8:00-8:25
   2. Jake of Adlib    -    8:25-8:50 3. Joel Oportu       -    8:50-9:15
   4. Scott & Rio       -    9:15-9:40
   5. Prudence Salutillo   -   9:40-10:05
   6. Kathy Fehringer      -   10:05-10:30
   7. Jan-Daryl Bantug    -    10:30-10:55
   8. Tito Quijano            -    10:55-11:20
   9. Jonathan Tejano      -    11:20-11:45

Friday Nov 27:

   1. JimBeam Frontman 2009 (The Ultimate Rockista Search Contest)
   2. The Dark Side Project      -    10:00-11:00
   3. Arciemon World Music Assembly      -    11:00-11:45
   4. Jimmik Sacro/Jam Quijano/Archie Uy SuperGroup      -     11:45-12:30
   *5. Manny Amador/Carlo Borromeo/Jon Vistal Super Group     -     12:30-1:15 am
   6. Benjie Rigor     -     1:15 am onward

Saturday Nov 28:

   1. Sam Codilla/Lloyd Escario/Matie  SuperGroup       -     8:00-8:45
   *2. Lawrence Ostrea/Joy Dindin/Stuart Abella  SuperGroup      -    8:45-9:30
   3. Cattski Espina/Lui Castillo/Cilee Kuizon/Ruth Baracao/Tara Uy/ Alphecca     9:30-10:15 Perpetua SuperGroup
   4. Bass Collective SuperGroup – Jay Young/John Cinco/Christopher Mañuz/Teban Go/Brian Sacro/Garret/Pesodas/ Johnus Verdida/ Jeremie Lim/Czedric/Fernadez//Wesley  Chiongbian      -      10:15-11:00
   5. Jaan Quijano/Dave Gonzales/Josh  Supergroup      -      11:00-11:45
   6. Paul Canada/Franklin Veloso/Randy Pages  SuperGroup       -     11:45-12:30
   7. Noli Aurillo        -      12:30-1:00 am
   8. Dondon Luche/Henry Tradio/Arnold Ang Super Group    -    1:00-1:45 am
   9. All Star Jam    -    1:45 am onward

So don’t miss out on this event….Rock and Roll!

Kismet sets free….

The artwork cover

I’m pretty much excited with the whole concept about this project album I did with Zafra ( Ian Zafra’s project band) that I can’t wait for the launching of The “Kismet” singles this coming November 21 at Handuraw. *Details about the album can be viewed here: http://cattski.blogspot.com/2009/10/this-cat-just-gave-birth-to-kismet.html and also here http: //myfavoritesins.blogspot.com/2009/10/kismet-singles.html

Anyway, I’m proud of this project especially the Kismet single itself.

You see, back in early 2007, when me, Ian, and Jay Young started talking about collaborating on a project band over bottles of beer and pizza at Handuraw, we talked about various styles on writing our own music.

We never thought that out of the 4 songs Ian wrote and recorded over at Jay’s house, Kismet would stand out among the rest. *The other songs were okay, but we fell in love with Kismet first.

Anyway, when we first started choosing which of Ian’s songs to work on, I immediately told him we should do Kismet first, even though he wasn’t really too keen on working on it during that time. *I guess he thought it was too poppy for his taste. But what the hell! I fell in love with the song and  he finally gave in hehehehe.

Fastward 2 years later, Cattski heard us rehearsing the song.  

And just like us, she too fell in love with the song.

Later on, we recorded our version at Backyard Studios.

Then, Ian and Cattski collaborated and recorded their version of the song.

Some months later, they came out with another version of the song, this time with Jude Gitamondoc handling the piano keys. *I heard this version on one of their gigs at The Outpost and I was impressed.

Now, I was surprised to learn that we will be launching the song with 3 different versions, plus one song written by Cattski.

I can’t help but smile because this song is starting to gain some recognition.

Ian wrote a beautiful piece of work and I am proud of how the song came together in the end.

We will be rehearsing nextweek for the launch.  

I can’t wait…..

* Thanks to Ian Zafra and Jay Young for their ideas and musical input in creating this beautiful piece.

October Blabber

October’s here. Get those beers chuggin up.

That said, I guess I should be unwinding once in a while. Been pretty busy these days with my work.

The 24/7 company didn’t worked well with me. Call it a brief fling if you will.

I’m currently connected with a company that doesn’t take calls 24/7.

I verify calls by listening to each recorded call, edit them if necessary, submit them afterwards and move on to the next one. Simple as that.

Recording and playing with my other bands has also kept my calendar days filled.  Not that I’m complaining mind you.

I’m hoping some of those materials will air on some radio stations here in the metro.

I already submitted some. The rest of the other projects will follow suit.

Next week I’ll be in the studio finishing up some vocal tracks for Beverage.

Also,  I’ll be producing Acid Burn’s debut album which we hope will see light of day early next year. These guys have good stuff on their music. I’m excited to produce their album.

For now, I need some time off to energize. Ciao!

Happy Natal Day Lito….

September 28 1956 - February 24 2008

Today would have been my father’s day. He would have turned 53.

Well, he’s up there celebrating with the rock gods I suppose.

I just wanna say thank you for the memories pa.

For your influences.

For teaching me what rock and roll was all about.

For believing in me when I started to doubt myself.

Most of all, for cranking those Sunday afternoon tapes and cds….I would have never discovered my calling for music if it wasn’t for you….

Thank you…and… I love you……. 

I still miss you pa……

A Roland’s King

The “King” of Electronic Drums

Last March 27 I found myself sitting down at SM’s Mosaic area (That’s at the 3rd flr. folks!) right infront of Perfect Pitch.

The event? A showcase of Roland’s newest products: ROLAND V-Drums and HandSonic.

* I received this information a couple of days ago, when my esteemed “wingman” and legen* wait for it….* dary! guitarist/badass I.T. guy Stuart handed me an invite courtesy from Perfect Pitch. Not one to miss on such an event I decided to check it out myself on that day.

Curious on the invitation, I went online to try get some information about this event. http://www.yupangco.com/services/aboutus/newsroom/2009/02/02240-rolandclinic/

This is what I found on the net:

“Get up close and personal with one of the drumming’s best as demonstrator and clinician of ROLAND V-Drums and HandSonic. MASAKING, shows you new technicques using the latest gear from ROLAND Electronic Drums and Percussion. Get acquainted and talk with the man himself… It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience we surely wouldn’t want you to miss.”

After filing half day from work, and with my cousins texting me here and there to meet them at SM, I hurriedly went over there bringing with me my invitation pass. ( Luckily, my cousins decided to go window shopping which left me free to see the event.)

Arriving at the place, I quickly scanned the stage setup. Displayed before my eyes were 3 electronic drum kits and one electronic percussion pad (I learned later on it was called the ROLAND HPD-10 HANDSONIC 10 )

Finding a seat infront of the stage, I quickly found out I sat next to some familiar faces in the form of Budoy of Jr. Kilat/ PBB fame and Dexter The Fly of NU107  station.

The show started a bit later later.  Nevertheless, being a somewhat sucker for drum clinics and product launchings of any percussion instruments, I waited like some fan waiting for a movie star.

The event started with the host telling us about their new products from Roland and some dude will try out each of their electronic drums.

With Masaking’s introduction, drew cheers and applause from the crowd. Then, like a robot programmed to work, he went directly to one of the V-Drums and started delivering some unique sounds.

First, he programmed his choice of sounds with some buttons on the side of the V-Drums. (The whole demonstration was broadcasted using a camera on a huge screen, so that others can see at the back.) Then, Masaking started pounding on the set, dishing out various drum exercises and techniques.

Each time he plays a different drum lick, he’d make sure to change the sound of the V-Drums.

Now, if I remembered it right, he was playing around with various drum effects from the 40’s, metal, rock and roll, bebop, jazz, techno, and house music.

I was amazed on his mastery of such sounds.

Then, he went to the other V-Drums and started pounding on it, all the while programming new different sets of sounds.

After going through all 3 V-Drums, we were treated to another display of Masaking’s mastery of electronic drumming. He played the ROLAND HPD-10 HANDSONIC 10 percussion pad, dishing out various sounds and some very unique concept of latin percussions and awesome effects.

Even Budoy was shaking his head wondering how such a percussion pad can produced sounds such as conggas, timbales, and even kahon.

The demonstration ended with Masaking dishing out two songs.

One song which surprised us all was his version of  The Super Mario Bros. Themesong.

Yup, the dude played drums along with the song, including adding various sound effects from the hit computer game.

His last piece showcased his ability to sing and drum as well. Unfortunately, he sang in Japanase so we were left wondering what the heck his song was about.

After his demonstration, Masaking thanked all of us in broken English for taking time to watch his performance.

I went towards him after he got off the stage and shook his hand, telling him how impressive he was with his mastery over the percussions.

He gave me a nod and said “Arigato.”

I told him ”No Masaking, Arigato!”

How To Moonwalk your @#$# On Stage.

I was browsing and researching on some new topics about what to write when I came across this fansite (http://www.allmichaeljackson.com) dedicated to MJ.

Now, the hoopla about MJ’s death has started to die down as we speak. But, what really got me interested in browsing this site, was the fact that it featured an article about one of MJ’s famous dance moves – The Moonwalk.

Now, being a frustrated dancer such as myself, I couldn’t resist reading and posting the detail steps on how to perform this particular move.

Here is an excerpt from that website regarding “The Moonwalk Saga.”

The Moonwalk was a factor in what set Michael apart and clearly in a league of his own in the realm of superstardom. Michael did not invent the move, but perfected it and made it his own.

First shown to the world at the Motown 25th Annviverary in a performance of “Billie Jean”.  Although to the viewing world the performance fantastic, Michael himself was not happy with it, being the perfectionist he is.

Nevertheless the performance at Motown 25, especially the performance of “Billie Jean” which featured the Moonwalk, will always be remembered as a magic moment in the history of music entertainment.

The moonwalk is a kind of an illusion and takes alot of practice. Below are the best Moonwalk instructions I could find so why not have some fun and give it a try .

* Article taken from :  www.allmichaeljackson.com/dance-moves.html

Step 1. Find a pair of low grip shoes you could try to do it in your socks to start off with.

Step 2. Make sure that the ground you use to practise to moonwalk on is also not too grippy, try and find a polished floor.

Step 3. Stand with both feet close to each other, left foot slightly ahead of the right (toes of right should be in line with half the left foot)

Step 4. Now raise the heel of the right foot so that you are standing on the front of the right foot as if you are taking a step. The left foot must stay where it is (take care not to move it).

Step 5. As you lower the heel of the right foot, lean all your weight on the right foot, and drag back the left foot to so that its toes are in line with the heel of the right foot. The left foot’s heel must be slightly off the ground at this stage. As you drag back, do not push down on the left foot at all or it will not glide. Make sure as you lower the heel of the right foot (slowly) the left moves at an equal speed. This will need lots of practice to master the right speed.

Step 6. Keep practicing up to the above steps until you can make the movement subconsciously without any difficulty.

Step 7. Once you have mastered that, “kick” outwards with the left foot, but although not quite touching the ground, make it look as if it is touching. Move it out a foot-size’s worth away from the toes of the right. No part of the left foot should be raised higher than another.

Step 8. After you make your left foot move so it is at the starting position, lift up the heel once more of the right foot. Make sure the left leg is bent at the knee. Now repeat step 5. Keep practicing until you have the whole thing figured out, and it has been verified by others, and you feel quite comfortable with it. You should eventually get that gravity-defying effect and you’ll MoonWalk like the pro.

Step 9. Once you’ve figured it out for the right leg bending, switch legs, and try the same with the other foot. Lift heel of left, lower left as you glide right back. Left still on the ground, throw out right foot, lift up heel of left foot, and once again drag right foot back as left heel is lowered.

So what are you waiting for folks? Got your dancing shoes and follow these simple steps.

Who knows? You could be the next MJ sensation in the making..

Thank you and Goodbye Tita Cory..

I just want to say thank you Madam President for giving faith back to our people during our darkest hour.

You will be remembered forever.

Cory Aquino

(January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009)

May you rest in peace……..

Up Dharma Down in the South!

Just stopping by.. amidst my sooo ever “busy” sked if you will to post this nugget.  My project band Ian Zafra is included on the bill, along  with other great bands from Cebu. Do check out this event and support your local artists.  See you there!

Up Dharma Down in the South

A moonwalker’s exit.

Yeah, I’m sure that people are still talking about the passing of the “King of Pop” even as I’m blogging right now.

No,  I am not a MJ hater if that’s what you’re trying to imply.

I am a huge fan of MJ.

I’m not blogging about him because of the overwhelming tributes and media hooplas that have been circulating almost everyday around the world.

When news of his death reached me on the wee hours of  June 25, I decided against blogging about it, since I knew that time people are going to be talking about it non stop on the net.

I decided to blog about him today, since I wanted to pay sort of a tribute to the man who inspired me.

You see,  I grew up watching MJ back when he was still with the The Jackson 5.  Little mikey was belting out songs like “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, and “I’ll Be There.”

Then, when his album “Thriller” came out back in the 80’s, I went nuts and practically begged  my grandparents to rent a betamax tape about the making of the “Thriller” movie.

There, I saw how MJ choreographed the entire zombie dance scene, to being applied cosmetic make up for the wolf scene.  It also featured interviews with the director, as well as comments from the other cast members of that MTV.

Anyway, looking at the documentary made me realized how MJ was really passionate about his craft and music.

From that day on, I never stopped listening to his music.

I even tried imitating some of his famous moves.

Over the years, MJ released several albums which boosted several hit singles and broke several record sales.

Even when he decided to alter his appearance by bleaching his skin white, or that several issues  of child molestations began to come out, I never stopped listening to his music.

In true form, I was a silent and huge supporter of MJ.

Whatever that I read in the news I let it be. I never believed in that anyway.

What mattered the most for me was that he was a man, who was still dedicated to his music. His passion for coming up with those mind boggling dance moves still amazes me to this very day.

Last week, I saw the MJ memorial tribute on tv. People like Mariah Carey, Usher, Stevie Wonder, and even brother Jermaine Jackson all rendered heart performing numbers to the late “King of Pop.” Various eulogies from people closest to his heart were also heard.

I sat there teary eyed the whole time and reminicing my whole childhood. I couldn’t believe that he is gone.

It’s like a part of my musical influence died with him as well.

Now, all these people are coming out saying good things about MJ and how he was this and that.

Bull$%^!

These are the very people who were pointing fingers at MJ during the time he was charged with several cases.  And now they have the balls to come and saying praises about the moonwalker? That’s just crap!

Brother Marlon Jackson said it best for us all:

“Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone.”

And with those words in mind, I knew the moonwalker is on his way to a better place where people do not judge other people for what they are.

So, MJ, I’d like to thank you for influencing me with your music.

Your craft, your dedication, your sense of style in writing music can never be duplicated.

There will be other pretenders to the throne after you.

But there can only be one moonwalker.

And you’re up there among the stars, dancing along with several of the great ones that have gone before you.

Thank you for the music. The world will never be the same without you.

Long live the King!

The Moonwalker has left the building

(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)