July Bite Magazine Vol.3 No.7 by apiong bagares

JULY 2009 VOL.3 NO.07 KILLING THE BOREDOM / DJ RAM / DJ MARVIN EVANGELISTA THE DUELLISTS / ALBUM REVIEW - SUGBUWANON AND AMBASSADORS / CREATIVE JUICE - SEPH MAYOL FETE DE LA MUSIQUE AND MORE...

experience a grand musical event as you help the cancer support groups

One World Of Music & Light in cooperation with

Kahayag Network of Cancer Support Groups, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Wings Travel and Tours and Alcordo Advertising

Keith Martin

Isabella Ticket Prices: Orchestra Prime seats: Orchestra Deluxe seats: Balcony Front sureseats: Balcony free seating:

P1,500 P1,000 P800 P600

Ticket Outlets Ayala Customer Care 231 5342 SM Customer Service Booth Wings Travel & Tours, Ayala 231 7391 Bop Bernie, Banawa 238 8377 Mooon Cafe at The Walk, IT Park PSH-Cebu Cancer Inst. 233 9399 Mae Chong Hua Med Arts Ctr Rm 505-B 255 2408

Benjie Layos Ann Araneta

featuring the creations of:

Jun Escario, ProtaciO, Salvador Malto accessories: Butch Carungay set: Kenneth Cobonpue photos: Jon Unson special participation: Ballet Center Cebu & Citigym outfits:

Guji Lorenzana

July 24 & 25 7PM

Marq Dollentes

musical arrangements by:

Bob Aves, Naldy Rodriguez, Bond Samson Obette Del Rosario & Keith Martin directed by:

Bill Ramos & Marq Dollentes

CENAPRO

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Golden Sun

ONSTAGE Cinema One Ayala Center Cebu

0917 621 0506 for inquiries

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Great Cause with A Great Castâ&#x20AC;?

Investigation &Security Agency

Radha

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BITE is a monthly publication brought to you by

Paradox Motion, for anyone who is familiar with Zeno’s paradox, is impossible. That is because, he argues, an object in motion must reach the half-way point before it gets to its destination. So? Well, a halfway point has its own halfway point. And so on, ad infinitum or, as one soon realizes, ad absurdum. Or, more in our case, at least for the many of us, ad absboredom. Which is a more straightforward, less philosophy-and-all-thatjazz proof for the impossibility of motion.

Roy Lumagbas Text Minder

Yet, Zeno does have a point. July is right around the halfway point to the end of the year. Or, Christmas, the destination of the year for most of us.

David Harris Inspiration Mona Polo Word Factory / Guidance Apiong Bagares Graphic / Photography

So, by Zeno’s reckoning, right around now is the highpoint of motionlessness, brought about, no thanks to him, by boredom.

Diane Leigh Dumadag Sales Executives Marites Abatayo Iris Su Viral Marketing

But boredom has its own paradox unknown to Zeno. Boredom’s motionlessness or even fretfulness can be creativity’s playground, where even a paradox can be given full play.

Pumpkin Property Custodian Paul Dean Editorial Contributors Mona Polo Dexter Sy bakunawa_on_the_loose Chai Fonacier Ian Zafra Monica Alcudia

So, in the memorable words of another Greek philosopher : Just do it. Amen, says our in-house Geek philosopher who has his own word to add: Responsibly.

Archie Uy Photo Contributions Aldo Banaynal Nicko Real Apiong Bagares Ching Villalon

The Front Teeth

HotStuff Freebies June 2009 Winners! 1 Havaianas Flip Float—Velmar Coca, 1 P.i. t-shirt each—Jason Manatad, Marilette Manuel & Valerie Grey, Congratulations! You will be contacted on how to claim the freebies!

Bored

Cover Star DJ Ram Photography by Apiong Bagares Location Smash FM

www.bitemagazine.ph The Foundry Publishing Inc. Tel/Fax: (032) 232-3116 foundrypublishing@gmail.com

Submissions: BITE is privileged to recieve news on out-of-the-ordinary products and events. We also welcome artworks and articles for publication. BITE Magazine retains the rights and the copyright of the concepts and ideas proposed.

JULY 2009 VOL.3 NO.07 KILLING THE BOREDOM / DJ RAM / DJ MARVIN EVANGELISTA THE DUELLIST / ALBUM REVIEW - SUGBUWANON AND AMBASSADORS / CREATIVE JUICES - SEPH MAYOL FETE DELA MUSIQUE AND MORE...

zoomin

They say the devil finds work for idle hands. In reality, though, the likelihood of the dark one possessing your right hand and going on a killing spree is slim to none. Oh, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s craftier than that. Going about his usual endeavors that involve the general downfall of humankind, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feasible heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take a stopover by certain individuals and plant a little seed into their little brains that work their way into their little hands. From the seemingly harmless to the downright scandalous, one can say that the most bizarre events

usually stem out from these little boredom seeds. And who better to entice than the ones with nothing better to do, who seem to constantly find themselves in a state of world-weariness? Ennui, the doldrums, taedium vitae: whatever you decide to call it, it’s known to most of us as pure, unadulterated boredom.

words by Monica Gayle Alcudia

The monotony of routine breeds the boredom that prevails during these days. When you’re getting over the waning first day high, the dullness will eventually set under your skin. Familiarity has its benefits, but like losing that new car smell, it usually gives way to giving everything an uninspiring quality of flatness. Now a tried and tested formula is drawn up, composed of the right balance of time for schoolwork/ work, meetings and snacking. And for your down time? Maybe hit up an internet café and bombard your friends with your knowledge in deftly wielding weaponry in the latest shoot-em-up. Or update your social networking page of choice. Again. Twitter, Tumblr or Flickr through the rest of the day. The ones who’ve taken every Facebook “How well do you know Kurdapya Corazon” quiz, googled their names around 20 times or watched enough Charlie the Unicorn to render their brains useless, take to clicking a few sites their HS nuns would disapprove on. Created due to boredom and perpetuated by the bored. This is the 21st century as we know it, reliance on idiot boxes and wifi to get us through the breaks in between. Not that it’s a complete bane; you get

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instant access to information, something you had to work hard at before. I know I get through most nights with my PC’s comfortably artificial glow. But if you think about it, it’s like spending a great percentage of our supposedly meaningful lives baking in front of a pixilated monitor, clicking away on plastic cubes, reveling in something bordering on information overload, and exponentially raising the size of your ass to the power of 3. At least you’re not out pilfering bobot (yes, they’re still around) from the lowly sari-sari store for kicks or something far more sinister, whispered by the devil himself. However, whiling the time away on every possible social networking site could get pretty counterproductive. Maybe you’ve forgotten that there is more to life than this. Do yourself a favor, get the attitude and open mind needed to breeze through these hours with a sense of action and actual fun hanging in the air. Now let’s sample some methods to successfully slit boredom in its wrist before you do a Juno and make babies for the sheer lack of fun, and on camera at that. An hour of boredom On the premise that you are a relatively diligent person who can produce your required output and etcetera on time, you’re probably left wondering what else could be done between short breaks or your next appointment. Don’t whip out that laptop or makeshift pillow just yet. Do your brain a favor and pull out some solid reading

material instead, something that veers away from your usual fare of genres. Into sappy romance novels? Try a page-turning fantasy paperback. Is Edward Cullen the only beautiful vampire you know? Save yourself from disgrace and possible social ostracism and read up on Anne Rice. Read this issue from cover to cover, then backwards. Give your history books a shot and leaf through the pages on the Renaissance or look up who Francis Ferdinand actually is (clue: NOT a Scottish rock band). Pick up a newspaper and instead of skimming directly through the lifestyle and paparazzi photos-riddled section, update yourself on current events. After successfully confusing yourself even more on the prevailing political and economic situations, pick up a pen and work on your vocabulary and logic skills with some crossword puzzles and sudoku. If you’re up to it, write a short vignette or a haiku using aforementioned words from the crossword. If all else fails to fully entertain you, doodle to your heart’s content. Doodling doesn’t require deft skill or talent, just some scratch paper, pencils and time to kill. Think patterns, endless lines, your prospective lover’s name, stickdeath violence, comic panels with comedic timing ala Cyanide and Happiness. Several hours of boredom It happens, especially if you’re still in school, without a boss checking on your productivity level. Schedule conflicts leave you picking a subject with a four-hour gap from your last class. Even I find the prospect of simply reading a book for hours on end to be yawn-inducing. At this point, it is recommended that you get off your behind and locate your posse facing the same time issue since they understand and empathize with the gravity of your boredom. Here’s your chance to put those Physical Education skills of yours to the test. Wherever you happen to be located, I’ll bet two cents that there’s a volleyball/tennis court, grassy field or basketball court. Grab a ball or a Frisbee and see the competitive spirit rise as arms flail around and legs sprint from point A to point B in a few seconds. But what if your crew is riddled with faulty hand eye coordination? Then take the old school route and get in the zone with games like hide and seek and hopscotch. Some may scoff at your “little kiddie games”, but before long, they’ll be screaming “taya!” as they join in on the fun. You’re getting some exercise, reliving favorite games and forgetting the time as you’re having fun. Just as long as you’re not the “flower” of course.

One day - long weekend Now when was the last time you saw your bedroom floor? How old are those stuffed rabbits by your headboard? If your answer is an uneasy shrug, then a good way to kick off the day would be a major clean up for your bedroom. Smooth out the beddings, fold your underwear, stack those shoeboxes, sort Bite magazines from non-Bite magazines, wipe that grimy keyboard, dust off your disturbingly excessive angel figurine collection, give the walls a fresh coat of paint and hang a gratuitous picture of yourself. Sounds easy enough. If you still haven’t run out of elbow grease after rummaging through your own filth, then invade the rest of the house with your new cleaning prowess and fresh citrus scents. Taking up a new hobby is a no-brainer for tackling extra long bouts of boredom. If you’re into sweat and other bodily fluids mixing with dirt and primal satisfaction, try getting acquainted with sports you’ve always wanted to try out, say skateboarding, capoeira, karting or wall climbing. If you’re the type to claim that not a drop of creativity runs through your veins, then grab some paints and work on a landscape. Paint a pretty flower, or your sister’s pretty best friend. If you’re feeling bold, attempt to capture the full range of human emotions on canvas. In the event that you fail to do so, just claim the absence of any meaning. Still can’t call your stickmen “art”? Then get into your musical side and learn a new instrument, like that wooden flute your little sister is constantly waving at your face. There’s a greater probability of your doing a better rendition of “Silent Night” than she will ever achieve in her 10 years of existence. Maybe you’ll decide to take the crafty route instead and get into the DIYODS (Do It Your Own Damn Self) ethic. Arm yourself with knitting or crochet needles, fabric scraps, a sewing machine and the no-fail needle and thread combo. Considering the looming economic crisis, getting into the craft bandwagon is not only creative and pleasantly time-consuming, but practical as well. Learn enough from these new amusements and you could probably set up your own business from them. Online shopping is at an all time high, and your painting with no meaning and avant garde bejeweled Guitar sando could prove to be a keeper for would-be buyers. Imagine that, earning money

from the fruits of your boredom. If spending alone time and getting in touch with your self seems a bit fruity, crash a friend’s house and let the madness ensue. The ideas that are cultivated when a group of bored individuals come together never cease to baffle me. Take the Jackass movies—brainless ideas excellently executed on camera. Watch these along with a few obscure B-movies and indie flicks to get the gang in the right boredom-busting mood. Take a cue from Knoxville and the boys by getting your misadventures on video, except maybe have a nicely edited script and a lesser likelihood of anyone’s genitalia getting bashed. You should also kick those guitar sessions up a notch and actually form a band. Sure, the biggest gig you might ever open for would comprise your friend’s tone deaf boyfriend and his dog, but give yourselves a really kick-ass name and rock out with your newly acquired flute skills anyway. And if daylight is still peeking through, ride shotgun in your friend’s car and take a spontaneous trip to the beach. Or the mountains. Wherever the smog doesn’t completely choke up your system. Crank up the volume on the stereo and sing to your heart’s content with the window rolled down. Get back to the city when the night is still young and hit up an art exhibit or an intimate gig. Revel in the dim, artsy atmosphere while chuckling to yourself on how you actually got there. Oh yeah, all because you were bored. Beats Facebook any day. The devil can take that with him.

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Although the uninitiated fondly call it “togsh-togsh” music for its repetitive bass beats, electronica has more sub-genres than the random person can recall. But with the shackles of profit-making strapped around the wrists of many spinners, all that most will tend to hear is “ugh-togsh-togsh-togsh” with the occasional “eh-eh-ehngk”.”

Spinning On The Offbeat Words by chai fonacier Photos by Apiong Bagares

But local DJ Marvin Evangelista grooves along a slightly different beat – progressive, if we may – gathering interested DJs to spin music well into the night in an empty bar on a Monday. Save for friends and other DJs, Zcrets bar is literally filled with nothing but fresh electronica music to which one can either dance or just bob the head while enjoying a drink or two -- perhaps even better than the kind we hear in bars on weekends, because Mondays are when they don’t give in to other people’s musical appetite; they prepare the menu. Tell us about your DJing experiences – how you got started with it, where you play... I started way back as a percussionist for Jr. Kilat, so I’ve been working with rhythms even before. Then I left for the UK and worked there. In 2005, I finally had the chance to learn how to spin; I’ve always been interested in it, just that the equip-

ment is so hard to get here in the Philippines where these things are really expensive. Then nakabarkada ko’g mga DJ didto...they welcomed me, and sa ila ra pud ko nakakat-on og spin. Nakapalit na pud ko’g akong equipment didto, ug didto na nagsugod. What kind of electronica do you play? Minimal tech house / electronic / break / dub / afro.s Are you part of any group of musicians? I work independently, but in UK there are communities of DJs called Manipulate and Distorted Funk, to which I belong. We put up our own events and we spin for our own events. Aside from those belonging to Manipulate and DF, we also invite other DJs to come and spin with us. So tell me about Msessions. MSessions is short for ‘Monday Sessions’. It started three to four months ago when I talked to DJ Maxie Perez about the idea and he hooked me up with Lito Navarro of Zcrets bar. MSessions came about because I noticed that DJs in Cebu do not exactly have a community – they all work independently as freelance musicians. Ang MSessions para gyud ni mag-ilhanay

Album Review

ang mga DJ, mag jam --- usually, DJs who work in clubs, naa’y music nga di kaayo namo ma-play...so this would be the time nga maka-play gyud mi sa among gusto. What other goals has MSessions achieved so far? Lots of other things: artists are able to share ideas or collaborate with each other; we also get to help artists who are starting out...Daghan pud magkat-on og spin tungod ani...di man pud na nato i-dawo; it’s also a way of contributing to music education because we’re playing something different from the usual; it’s where we don’t have to adhere to what the crowd wants – we can play the stuff that we’ve stashed away to give way to more commercial tunes. Who among the local DJs have played in MSessions? A lot already, among them are Bong Durano, Jason Leyson, Andre Blanco, Mark Guinto, Insik, John Wormsley. Anything you’d like to change with the local scene? It’s getting better here. It’s just that there are some bars that are still not open to playing electronica music – its always hip hop and RnB. Not that I have anything against this kind, but there are a lot of DJs in Cebu that are also interested in electronica and there are not enough places for them to play their own sort of music. Where’s your career headed? I’m not really aiming to be famous. I’m doing well now with underground music; I want to experience music freedom.

Sugbuwanon Neo Tribal Rock Music [Independent]

Though my previous write-ups would have me sounding like I hate tribal (or any variation of it) music, this is not so, my friends. Just today, I got a copy of a CD by one of the suddenly-sprouting-likemushrooms neo-tribal groups from Cebu. As much as I tried to close my mind to it, the music of Sugbuwanon pierced through my thick skull and managed to get a response of approval. Hey, this is actually good stuff! What I like most about it is that guitarist Renan Jamola, intentionally or otherwise, took a modernistic approach to his instrument, but not without fusing smoothly into the rest of the music. Some of the riffs actually sound like something John Frusciante would play with the Peppers. The overall orchestration reminds me of Santana (back in the days when they didn’t suck). Simply put, this is a percussive-apocalyptic gem of an album that does justice to our bad-ass ancestors. What I dislike about the album is that it’s written almost in its entirety in Tagalog, apparently commonplace among the neo-tribal rock groups, and a practice that I just don’t understand. Oh, and the album title could have used a little more thought, too. Text by: Dexter Sy

www.myspace.com/sugbuwanoncebu

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DJ Ram

The man who goes where others fear to tread! interview by

paul dean Photos by Apiong Bagares

How did your involvement in music start and how did you eventually end up as the infamous DJ Ram on Smash? My involvement in music all started in my high school years. I loved to listen to the radio, some good stuff like new wave, slow rock etc. Usually I did this after school. Then around 2003 I meet Marit Remonde, our former Station Manager, and asked her if it was okay for me to be a volunteer on the AM station DYLA (the sister station of 93.1 SMASH FM). She said no and instead, assigned me to Smash. What happened next is history! Maybe you could explain what else is involved in being a DJ, That it’s not just about sitting on your lubot playing CD’s with a bit of chat thrown in. What I’m doing on my program on Smash FM is advocacy to support our own local bands and give them an arena to express their music. I’m also into organizing and hosting events and setting meetings with different social groups, clans, etc. to encourage support for our local music. I don’t want to be labeled with those other radio jocks who almost all sound the same. Go against the flow—that’s my motivation! There is considerable controversy about ‘Bisrock’ and I sometimes feel that many armchair critics don’t really understand what it’s all about. Could you set the record straight and give our readers a true definition? The term Bisrock was first used by Januar Yap, a prominent local newspaper columnist. He used this term to describe the band “Missing Filemon” who play good rock n roll using

the Cebuano language. Bisrock stands for “Bisaya nga Rock”. To me you have done more than any other DJ to support and encourage Bisrock artists and their music, for which you have my utmost respect. What drives this passion and what would you ultimately like to achieve. All I can say is that if you are in the position or have the capacity to help others, then ok go ahead. That’s what I’m doing on my radio program and I love doing it. I am also well aware of the criticism you receive from various quarters about some of the artists and recordings you play on the radio. I do think that many bands here are recording before they are ready and there is no excuse at all for a recording to have out of tune vocals or guitars, but on the other hand it needs DJ’s like you to continually push the boundaries out and invite controversy. It was people like you who made it possible for the likes of Hendrix and the Sex Pistols to be heard. What would you like to say to your critics? I often hear the criticisms you mentioned and yes I accept them, especially the more constructive type of criticism. What I can’t understand is that there are some people who have been very vocal and critical against Bisrock ever since it’s very beginning. Ambot ngano? Maybe they’re just too jealous?

I very much enjoyed my involvement with the ‘Nasud Ko’ album and working with all 11 Bisrock bands. When I listen to the album I can hear 11 different distinctive bands, which was the whole object. I believe it created some new landmarks here musically with regard to songwriting, playing, recording and production. How do you and the others now feel about the album? From what I’ve heard recently, the album and music have now reached all over the Philippines and even around the Globe. It was a great honor to be a part of that project and I still remember that we had a long series of meetings in order to come up with a good message for the album. The NASUD KO album was inspired by the book ‘12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country’ by Atty. Alexander Lacson. Eleven bands volunteered to compose one song each, about a value that each Filipino citizen should wholeheartedly follow for a better and more united nation. Some of the bands who stepped up where Aggressive Audio with “Support your Church,” Assembly Language with “Do not Buy Smuggled Goods, Buy Filipino,” The Agadiers with “Be a Good Parent to Your Child,” Mantequilla with “Pay Your Taxes” and Phylum with “Respect the Authorities.” The album’s eponymous carrier single “Nasud Ko” was composed by Fr. Carmelo Diola and Alan Agadier. I believe your band “What’s The Frequency?” has broken up. Do you miss it? Any future plans to get back into performing at some stage? No, we didn’t break up. What we have right now is a “cool off ” period because most of my bandmates, including me, have been so busy with work and studies over the past few months. One of the biggest criticisms I hear from the public is that so many bands all sound the same, and to a point I would agree that many artists here are ‘too influenced by their influences.’ What do you think? Yes, I agree that many bands all sound the same as their idols and it would be much better if they were to make their own identity and trademark. “It’s better to be imitated rather than to imitate someone else”. There seems to be some antagonistic divisions between musical genres here, and a certain amount of undeserved arrogance by certain artists, so there is not that solid supportive brotherhood that encompasses artists in other parts of the World. Why do you think this is and what needs changing? The main reason why we have this division here is because we have this ‘Crab Mentality’ towards other genres and artists. What I mean by ‘Crab Mentality’

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is best described by the phrase “if i can’t have it, neither can you”. This is because I have noticed that some bands who already have experience in the music scene attempt to “pull down” other newcomers who achieve more success compared to them. This happens maybe because of jealousy or competitive feelings. There is some incredible talent in this region that is not achieving the success it deserves. What do you feel needs to change about the business side of music here in the Philippines? Through music, a person can express one’s idea and emotion. What I have noticed in other artists and bands is that after they have signed up to a record label, they kinda lose their individuality in expressing their own music because some record labels dictate to them and put them under pressure to only do what the record company wants. By doing that, they forget what the artist was originally good at. One concrete example is “Pogi Rock.” I was talking with Ian Zafra recently about local recordings and we both agreed that one main weakness is a lack of real Producers, which is maybe another reason so many artists sound the same. Would you agree? What I would say is that we should just leave it to the bands, whether they want somebody to produce their stuff (or not). About the issue that many of the artists sounds the same, yes, I also notice this, but we should always remember that we all have the freedom of choice and expression, although those artists who want to make a career out of music should give enough thought, time and passion to achieve their goals. Music is fun if you have that certain dedication towards it. Cebu audiences to me are generally the most unresponsive and unsupportive I have come across in the Philippines, unless it’s a major/famous act. The Wolfgang audience was brilliant, but they still didn’t understand that when the performers says

“last number” they will do encores if the audience wants more. Why do you think Cebu audiences are so hard? Yeah, I was there at Paseo last December for the Wolfgang concert. For me Cebuano’s are identified as music lovers and they have this very high set of standards when it comes to music. If you’re an artist or a band on stage in Cebu, be brave, go show them what you got! How does DJ Ram feel about piracy? Blame it on the technology we have right now, that’s the main reason why we have such a big problem. Not only on music piracy, but also in other showbiz areas. Look at the Hayden, Katrina, Maricar sex

Album Review video scandal! Hehehe. What’s your favorite part about being a DJ? Receiving requests and reading greetings on air, because that simply means that many are listening and enjoying what I’m doing on my program. What’s your most embarrassing moment “on air”?’ One time after my ad lib-ing between tracks, I forgot to turn off the mic. I was stunned na lang by the many text messages from the listeners, because I was singing behind the mic! What’s been the highlight of your DJ career so far? Being able to host concerts inside the campus of almost all the schools and universities here in the metropolis, and other towns and cities of Cebu province. Also, my column in Banat News on Wednesdays and Fridays. What do you do to relax and unwind, any other interests outside of music? Spend time with my family and friends, isolate myself sa kwarto para mag soundtrip, go to nice locations such as malls and resorts. Who has been the biggest musical influence on your life so far? Bono of U2 and Mike Hanopol. I like Bono because of his humanitarian works. I find it so amazing how even though he has a very busy life, he still manages to spare so much of his time for the less fortunate. Mike Hanopol is also one of my major influences. He knows that he is a ‘promdi’, but he didn’t limit himself because of it. He managed his way to the top and became one of the pillars of Pinoy rock music. What plans, goals and ambitions do you have for the future? To have my own production company, organize concerts and maybe in particular, manage my own restobar and let bands perform there along with matching cold beer. Hehehe.

Ambassadors Life Goes on

[Sonic Shape Records]

This is a typical band’s life cycle: 1st album, you take another band you really like, twist their music slightly and write your own songs based on that. 2nd album, you twist it some more, to the point of almost sounding original (but, of course, not quite there yet). 3rd album, you either have your own definite, distinct style or you call it quits. Funny how it sounds like the Ambassadors intend to live this cycle in reverse. I always thought the band had their own style, easily distinguishable from the rest of the pop-punk world, and, more importantly, the rest of the Cebu music scene. But with “Life Goes On”, they sound more typically pop-punk and less.. well, less Ambassadors-y. It could be just that Bai Nunez has a more typically pop-punk voice compared to erstwhile frontman Eping. Then again, it could be that the songwriting approach itself was just more typically pop-punk this time around. Whatever it is, it isn’t exactly what I’d have expected from this band. Nonetheless, if you’d always been a fan of the Ambassadors, you’ll find this album to your liking. If you were a fan of Eping, best of luck to you!

Text by: Dexter Sy

www.myspace.com/theambassadors

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What transpired from a lengthy discussion with Alex Lim days after the recent Sonic Boom event in Cebu was a realization of two important things. But before that, I need to touch base a little on the article I wrote for BITE mag’s August 2008 issue, particularly on the 5-year theory. In there, at the end, I asked who the next big thing might be? Vanity at work. But this is necessary, isn’t it? If you ask me, my answer is sometimes yes. So it’s a given. And while I know for a fact that many of our local artists deny the aspiration to become the next big thing, there is no denying that the ambition can be seen and felt in every newly published and/or performed musical work. In the limited circle of friends I know in the music scene, many are becoming more and more serious about their music. Many are becoming more and more open to ideas, options, and solutions. Many are becoming braver about what to do next and how. Action speaks louder than words. Is Cebu’s music scene in the phase - up and ready for a new discovery? Or are we, the music scene people still delusional and in limbo? Sure we have so many talents. Sure our songwriters write so many great songs that you can sing your heart out and deliver that last-song-syndrome sickness. Are we progressing as much? Who is (or are) preserving these great works? Are we really moving up and expanding sideways? But why is it still not moving forward in terms of income and talent fees for musicians and artists? Why are our artists still playing gigs for free? Or even if we are moving up and expanding sideways, who is managing it? Ah yes there it is… the keyword. Music business management.

Moving On: A New Mission

Words by

Which leads me back to Phat Boy Lim, music entrepreneur extraordinaire. (Kaloy Uypuangco was also there). In that talk, there were two important questions I brought to the coffee table. Question #1 was to ask if whether at this point in time, it is still necessary for an artist to get signed under a major record company? Question #2 – is it equally important for an artist to move to Manila? Presuming you are a musician, I suppose the best way to address these important questions is for you to decide yourself. Time and again it has been proven that the music industry structure as we know it won’t work in Cebu. One fact is that we haven’t developed that distinct culture in music just yet. But we’re slowly evolving to get there. Record companies cannot work in Cebu. That is not a speculation but a fact. If it did, Sonic Boom would have been based here. If it did, Alex would’ve persisted here. But it can’t and it won’t. ian zafra

So where do we go from here? Is this where it all ends? Is this how this problem is addressed and solved? Are we going to give up because given the circumstance, it just can’t work? Maybe we’re thinking the wrong way all along. Maybe, just maybe, the question is not on who the next thing should be. Perhaps we as concerned citizens of the music sector just need to realign our line of thinking. Perhaps all we need to do is simply to reevaluate the facts and think out of the box. Perhaps what we need is a different approach. A drastic move that might involve a great of patience and bits of sacrifices. To fulfill the 5-year theory cycle, the question could be WHAT - as in what the next big thing might be. So are we up for this new mission or are we still complacent? Your call. Your choice. Take it one good song at a time.

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WEDNESDAY

MIDWEEK SESSIONS

For more updates, visit www.midweeksessions.multiply.com Venue: The Outpost Phone: 417 2929 1 SRA: EVER AFTER HALF ASLEEP –WEDNESDAY MALAYSIA

+ INDONESIA PUNK ROCK

Secret handshake tour, with Not following instructions, Pipe bomb land mines, One man down, Twinkle Dudu, and more. Venue: Handuraw Pizza, Lahug / 5pm Phone: 232 6401 3 FRIDAY

FRESHIES NIGHT ’09: FIRST BLOOD Watch all the freshest Cebuano and UPian bands perform, as well as the performances of UP student organizations. FREE entrance to all college freshmen in Cebu. With Guest Bands, Missing Filemon, Cattski, Zarah Smith, CMLC, DOC, Capetown Claims, Docudrama and more... Entrance fee for non – freshmen UPians: P10, for non UPians: P20. Venue: UPVCC Arts and Science Lobby, Lahug, CC Phone: 09205507554

NEW WAVE ATTACK

With The Spirals, Purple Helmets and Idle. Venue: The Outpost / 9pm onwards Phone: 417 2929 4 SATURDAY

BISROCK RESBAK

Bisrock resbak concert, featuring Missing Filemon, The Agadiers, Phylum, Makadawa, Puthaw, Indephums & Wet Slippers. Venue: Kukuk’s Nest Phone: 09274409998 / 231 5180

ONE

Celebrating one great year of Disco Saturday 1 WEDNESDAY Featuring Nikki Taylor, Nish Manogaran, Tip Fucoy, Lyo Lim, Japeth Pacto & Marvin Evangelista. Witness the first ever amateur DJ Spin-Off Venue: Alejandro’s Filipino Resto / 10pm Phone: 253 7921

NU107 PRESENTS: “HISTORY OF ROCK N ROLL” With Worry - Free TV, Donkeys of the Burning Barn, and Cuarenta. Modern rock, new wave, classic rock, and the blues...all in one night. Venue: The Outpost / 9pm onwards Phone: 417 2929

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS @ THE NORTHWING

With the acoustic music of Soulstring Venue: The Northwing, SM City Cebu Phone: 0917 9189953 9 THURSDAY

ACOUSTIC UNPLUGGED @ THE WALK A night of acoustic music with Soulstring Venue: The Walk, IT Park, Lahug Phone: 0917 9189953 10

With the acoustic music of Soulstring Venue: The Northwing, SM City Cebu Phone: 0917 9189953 11

SATURDAY

BLAKSMOK DMZ: THE BAND LAUNCH

Also featuring MNX, Pandora, Kage, and more. Blaksmok t-shirts will be raffled off on the night. Venue: The Outpost / 9pm onwards Phone: 417 2929

INFLUENCE NIGHT

A Cebuhour charismatic experience with Caviar Sweet, Sefyla, Docudrama, August Skyline, Capetown Claims, Foc Fashion, Sadaea, Shepherd's Plaid and more... Venue: Kukuk's Nest / 8pm Phone: 09163792473

ACOUSTIC NIGHT W/ NATURAL EPISODE Venue: Alejandro’s Filipino Resto / 10pm Phone: 253 7921 15

WEDNESDAY

RCTV: TAMBAYAN SA OUTPOST PRESENTS: JUNIOR KILAT Catch the original sigbins of RNB (Reggae Na Bisaya) with a new line-up. Check them out featured in Tambayan Sa Outpost on RCTV, airing daily from July 6 to July 20. Venue: The Outpost / 9pm onwards Phone: 417 2929 17 FRIDAY

GOD ROCK MUSIC PRESENTS STILL

With other Christian rock bands from Cebu. For more info, check out www.godrockcebu.multiply.com. Venue: The Outpost Phone: 417 2929

ONLYVIC: YSTILO SUGBUWANON FASHION The launch of Keith Bitor Bag Exclusive. Venue: Formo / 9pm Phone: 0917 7003842 18

SATURDAY

HOMEGROWN ROCK

With Missing Filemon and some of the best of the Bisrock scene. For updates, check out www.theoutpost.multiply.com or www.facebook.com/theoutpost. Venue: The Outpost Phone: 417 2929 22

WEDNESDAY

CEBU ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS: TAL KRAVITZ Tal is a percussionist that specializes in playing different instruments from different parts of the globe. Free Admission. Venue: Casino Espanol de Cebu / 8pm Phone: 233 0452

BOYZ II MEN: LIVE IN CEBU FRIDAY

ACOUSTIC NIGHT W/ PURPLE HELMETS Venue: Alejandro’s Filipino Resto / 10pm Phone: 253 7921

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS @ THE NORTHWING

The most successful RnB male group of all time will finally be in Cebu this July! Venue: Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Lahug, CC Phone: 232 6888

SATURDAY

“ARTIST KO” LAUNCHING

A collaboration of musicians and people in the music industry in Cebu. Find out what it is all about, catch the official launching of the organization. For updates, www.theoutpost.multiply.com or www.facebook.com/theoutpost. Venue: The Outpost Phone: 417 2929

BASIC Cebu Hour presents - Undercover Grasshoppers, Campbell, Docudrama, One Man Down, Anagram, Capetown Claims, Monoline, False Graveyard Venue: Handuraw Pizza / 9pm onwards Phone: 09163792473 29

WEDNESDAY

ACOUSTIC SESSIONS @ THE NORTHWING With the acoustic music of Soulstring Venue: The Northwing, SM City Cebu Phone: 0917 9189953 31

FRIDAY

SARAH GERONIMO: THE NEXT ONE

Sarah Geronimo concert at the Waterfront. Tickets available at SM, Ayala, Waterfront Lahug. Venue: Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Lahug, CC Phone: 232 6888

BLUES NIGHTS W/ CUARENTA Guesting for the night is Manny Amador (formerly of The Breed) with his new band, MNX. Venue: The Outpost / 9pm onwards Phone: 417 2929

SUNDAY CHILL & REFILL

Take a break, prep for the week ahead with chill out music, good vibes and great cocktails. with happy hour all the way, only on Sundays. Venue: Formo Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700 MONDAYS

OPEN MIC SESSIONS @ HANDURAW With Alex Canete Venue: Handuraw Pizza, Lahug Phone: 232 6401

M SESSIONS (FREEFLOW) House/Tech/Underground DJs get together Venue: Zcrets Resto bar / 9pm Phone: 09153570234

MONDAY CLASS @ FORMO Dj Hans, Jude and Marlon, teach a thing or two about house music. Venue: Formo / 6pm Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700 TUESDAYS

VUDU - OKE TUESDAYS The freedom to sing like no one's listening; the much talked about and anticipated weekly Tuesday habit. To sing your heart out without a care in the world usually with a bottle of ice cold beer or GPS on one hand for some liquid courage. Doors open 6 p.m. for early (song) birds. Venue: VUDU / 6pm Phone: 234 0836 / 236 7700

TUESDAY CLUB CLASSIC @ FORMO

LIVE BANDS ALL WEEK LONG @ JAZZ ‘N BLUZ

Great times are best with the right kind of dance anthems from Djs Jude Flores and Marlon Orellano--dance-floor history at its finest, every Tuesday night Venue: Formo Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700

VUDU HAPPY HOUR

OPEN MIC ROCKY-EOKE @ IAMIK’S

ALL WEEK

Venue: Jazz ‘n Bluz Phone: 232 2698

Local beer starts at 45php. No door fee. Venue: VUDU / 5:30 – 8pm Phone: 234 0836 / 236 7700

Venue: The Outpost / 9pm Phone: 417 2929

FORMO HAPPY HOUR

WILD WAHINE WEDNESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Happy hour from 6pm to 10pm choose fromP45 net on your fave mojito, San Mig Light and other cocktails Smirnoff Twist flavored vodka tonic, 7 or screwdriver at P65 net. Venue: Formo Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700

HAPPY HOUR @ THE OUTPOST

20% off on ALL beers, cocktails, and your favorite Outpost Pizzas. Everyday from 5PM to 9PM (except Mondays, closed) Venue: The Outpost / 5pm – 9pm Phone: 417 2929 SUNDAYS

LAID-BACK SUNDAYS W/ WORLD MUSIC

Relax, loosen up, and settle down or play the Game of the Generals while listening to The Outpost’s World Music Playlist, just what you need for a Sunday night out. Venue: The Outpost / 8pm Phone: 417 2929

With DJ Errol, Island Rude Bwoy & guest bands Venue: Handuraw Pizza, Lahug Phone: 232 6401

RYAN MAX @ NUMERO DOCE DJ Ryan Max dishes out the best of sexy rhythm and blues at an early time and caps it up with sexy house music 'til we close shop. Venue: Numero Doce, Mango Square Mall Phone: 516 1795

FEMME WEDNESDAY Vudu promoters’ night: Want your own Vudu party? Interested in being a party promoter? Let Vudu be your playground. Host it. Promote it. Own it. Venue: VUDU / 6pm Phone: 234 0836 / 236 7700

OPEN MIC ROCKY-EOKE @ IAMIK’S Venue: Iamik’s, Chicken & Beer Phone: 238 2366 / 0922 8426457

We take every care to ensure thet the information we publish is accurate. Yet, we are not responsible for any changes to event and consequently for any information that have been forwarded to us of those changes. Do make use of the phone numbers provided.

bookmark ACOUSTIC NIGHTS & POWERED – DOWN WEDNESDAY @ THE OUTPOST Chill out on the midweek, have a couple of bottles of your favorite beer and listen to relaxing music by Cebu’s very own local bands as they power down for an acoustic night. Free Admission! Venue: The Outpost / 8pm Phone: 417 2929

WEDNESDAY RHYTHMS Baileys for the ladies and your fave Y101 Djs. The rhythm crew plays your requests live every week. Brought to you by Baileys, simply irresistible. Venue: Formo Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700 THURSDAYS

OPEN MIC & SONGWRITER’S NIGHT It’s your chance to jam! Take the stage or sing along with Lui Castillo this month. Venue: The Outpost / 9pm Phone: 417 2929

OPEN MIC ROCKY-EOKE @ IAMIK’S Venue: Iamik’s, Chicken & Beer Phone: 238 2366 / 0922 8426457

ANDY CALOPE & FRIENDS @ HANDURAW A weekly acoustic singer-songwriters gig happening every Thursday at 9pm. Venue: Handuraw Pizza, Lahug Phone: 0918 6040775 / 232 6401

RNB NITE W/ DJ LYO & NISH Venue: AK&7, The Gallery Phone: 233 3328 / 232 4285

VUDULICIOUS FRIDAYS

With Resident RnB Dj Kutlyfe and power house Djs Maxie Perez and Marlon Orellano. Doors open at 6 pm. No door fee till 10 p.m. Venue: VUDU Phone: 234 0836 / 236 7700

FRIDAY NIGHT RAPTURE

A clubber’s haven with Djs Hans, Jude & Marlon bring you their essential mixes, for the week's end! Drink and Play with Johnnie Walker Man-days, get special freebies when you avail JW bottle. Friday Nights only. Venue Formo Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700

NUMERO DOCE FRIDAYS

Come in your funkiest attire and party with the hottest mixes of hip hop and r n' b with Groove DJs at Numero Doce. Venue: Numero Doce, Mango Square Mall Phone: 516 1795

TREFF REWIND @ WATERFRONT

Dance to the best of the 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s at the city’s hottest spot on weekends with DJ Bong Zoo and his beats. Venue: Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City Phone: 232 6888 (loc. 8200 / 8201) FRIDAYS - SATURDAYS

80’s & 90’s @ AK&7 Venue: AK&7, The Gallery Phone: 233 3328 / 232 4285

THE LOFT WEEKENDS

Enjoy your weekends with family and friends while listening and dancing to the beat of The Loft’s resident DJs. Venue: The Loft Phone: 231 3284

ALL ACOUSTIC @ ALEJANDRO’S Open Mic with Anton Mansueto Venue: Alejandro’s Filipino Resto Phone: 253 7921

SATURDAYS

DE JA VUDU with DJ Marlon Orellano & Maxie Perez | 80s & 90s mixes and UK LILY: The Band Night edition old school style. Bring back memories from your well loved 80s / 90s hits. Think Depeche Mode, Sting, U2, Dave Matthews, The Cure, Coldplay and more! Venue: VUDU / 5:30pm Phone: 234 0836 / 236 7700

THURSDAY SOUL With Bob Sellner playing 60’s and 70’s music. No cover charge. Venue Formo / 9pm Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700

Venue: Iamik’s, Chicken & Beer Phone: 238 2366 / 0922 8426457

JACK STONE @ NUMERO DOCE

DJ Jack Stone fills up the floor with the hottest dance anthems every weekend. The set starts with dance floor filler hits and progresses into electro vocal house. Venue: Numero Doce, Mango Square Mall Phone: 516 1795

CENTERFOLD & THE PURPLE NOTES BAND Venue: Jazz ‘n Bluz Phone: 232 2698

80’s & 90’s @ AK&7

VUDU EVOLUTION SATURDAYS

Venue: AK&7, The Gallery Phone: 233 3328 / 232 4285 FRIDAYS

ACOUSTIC FRIDAYS

Venue: Iamik’s, Chicken & Beer Phone: 238 2366 / 0922 8426457

WEEKENDS @ F&B BAR With stand up comedian MYRA and a sing-along session. Venue: F&B bar Phone: 262 7631

JAMMING SATURDAYS @ IAMIK’S

Vudu brings you The Return of House Music to the Main room featuring powerhouse Djs Marlon Orellano and Maxie Perez. .Bear witness to the return of house music where it belongs – the Main Room at Vudu. because our house is your house. VUDU Resident RnB DJ Kutlyfe at Prive Lounge. Venue: VUDU Phone: 234 0836 / 236 7700

HOUSE – TECH W/ DJ MARVIN EVANGELISTA Venue: AK&7, The Gallery Phone: 233 3328 / 232 4285

DISCO DE LUXE With Gap Mobile's Gilbert Go and Smirnoff Twist. at the only party venue that offers the best, sophisticated, stylish, glam 80s party in town Venue Formo Phone: 416 1990 / 236 7700 1-12

FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

With Ross Capili. Venue: Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, Mactan, Cebu Phone: 0922 8779059 / 0917 3295626

3-31

CEBU: PEOPLE, PLACES & FACES

A group art exhibit by ArtistscebueX, with exhibiting artists, Billy Pomida, Gabriel Abellana, Benji Goyha, Maxcel Migallos, Jobril Villaver, Audie Estrellada. Celso Duado Pepito, Fe Madrid Pepito, Jose “Kimsoy” Yap, Jr., Cesar Castillo. Venue: 2nd Level, Banilad Town Center / 6pm Phone: 0915 7568365 4-31

ECCE HOMO

18 - 19

1st TSINELAS MUSIC VIDEO WORKSHOP Topics: Orientation on the tools needed, Fundamentals of planning, shooting & editing, Basic work flow and techniques, Common problems and how to avoid them, Exploring alternative technology. Registration: P2, 500 -- 30% discount for students (inclusive of meals, snacks, workshop kit, certificate, souvenir items, giveaways) Facilitator: Ruel Antipuesto, an award-winning photographer and filmmaker. Email Insoymada@gmail.com for updates and more info. Venue: Sentro sa Katilingban Bldg., Saint Theresa's College, Cebu City Phone: 0922 8243800 / 0926 7325355 30 -31

MINI – MBA ON BUSINESS MANAGEMENT An interactive workshop that develops a firm, self – grounding on business and strengthens the foundation as well as the latest ideas and trends in business strategy. Contact LEAD Career mover for more information. Venue: Cebu Parklane Hotel / 8am – 5pm Phone: 253 9726 / 412 4310

1st MIND MAPPING WORKSHOP

Developed by creativity expert Tony Buzon, Mind Mapping is a simple, fun technique that can help us into thinking and analyzing more efficiently and become more creative in our expression of ideas and concepts. Learn more about how this in the “Power Speaking Using Mind Mapping” workshop with international speaker, coach & author, Raju Mandhyan. Venue: Cebu Parklane Hotel / 8am – 5pm Phone: 253 9726 / 412 4310 10

ZEITGEIST movie + ZEITGEIST addendum Free screening to be followed by Sigbinhaus Soundsystem Crew Venue: Kukuk’s Nest, Gorordo / 9PM Contact: ilagang.pawt@yahoo.com or 231 5180 28-31

An exhibit of fine art prints by Radel Paredes. Venue: Gallery Q Phone: 345 6916 ALL MONTH

CAPOEIRA

Capoeira Cebu Academy offers classes with award winning Capoeira instructor Jensen Go Chow. Venue: Luan Bldg./ Regency Crest / Ballet Centre – Ayala Phone: 412 4076 / www.capoeira.ph 18

C.O.A.T. CLUB ORIENTATION

Cebu Outdoor Adventure Team Club Meeting and Orientation. Newbies and other outdoor enthusiasts are welcome, no reg. fee! Venue: Kan-anan ni Mergies, Jasmin St., Capitol Site, Cebu City Phone: 0922 4230085 4 - 5/11 - 12

SATURDAY / SUNDAY

STARS AND STRIPES FOOD FESTIVAL AT TIDES Lunch buffet 12nn-2:30pm, and dinner buffet at 6pm-10pm Venue: Shangri La Resort and Spa, Mactan, CC Phone: 231 8224 9 -11 THURSDAY - SATURDAY

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY

13th Industrial Machinery, Factory Automation, Hardware Products, Materials Handling, Welding Technology & Accessories Exhibition. 200 booths showing the latest products, free technical seminars and product presentations. Raffles, special prizes, discounts and more! Visit www.globallinkph.com or www.globallinkmp.com. Venue: Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Lahug, CC Phone: 750 8588 25

SATURDAY

SAKURA: BLOSSOMING FASHION & STYLE With cocktails and fashion show featuring the collections of Lotte Delima – Edwards & Ana Liew. Venue: Mogambo Springs at Plantation Bay Phone: 340 5000 (loc. 1027)

JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL July 28: Always – Sunset on Third Street July 29: The Milkwoman July 30: Turn Over July 31: Tony Takitani Venue: Cinema 4, Ayala Center Cebu Phone: 415 5488 / 415 8489

FOOD EXPO

Come one, come all! See all units at a Bargain sale cost, plus a lot of free items! Venue: Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Lahug, Cebu CityPhone: 346 7010

creative juice

SEPHisM: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inig click, mulih

On Life, Web Designing, Flash Animation and Experime Words by

bakunawa_on_the_loose Photos by Apiong Bagares

huk.”

entation

I’m having trouble wrapping my head around Seph’s persona. At the risk of this article sounding like a psychological profile, I’m going to attempt to thresh out my first impression of Seph. Nobody seems to know who Seph is and what he does exactly except for those in the design community, not even his friends. But he does have a core group of friends who are also artists who also served as his support group when he most needed it. Seph is not a loud character and he prefers to blend in, but he still manages to be independent, even if it’s baffling, what others

creative juice

NOTE: Seph’s full name is JOSEPH T. MAYOL. He claims there are three people in Mandaue City named JOSEPH MAYOL, hence the nickname SEPH.

think of him. He’s someone who easily gets along with people but doesn’t like crowds. He’s a self-made, self-taught man. He looks like a pampered boy who has some growing up to do. He’s unassuming but he’s a master of his craft, having worked on projects based in the US and in Europe, and his advice is trusted by his clients. But the most interesting aspect about Seph – and the thing which has really given him the edge – is he never stops learning and he’s still obviously into his chosen medium so much he has been labeled a Flash addict. As when video killed the radio star, Seph says that there might be a possibility that Web might replace video. He continually updates himself and keeps in touch with a robust on-line sharing community. But there is another thing, aside from his skill in animation, which has brought him to where he is now. His clients obviously like the way he animates the web-

site projects given to him since they keep coming for more and recommend him to others. For him to have reached a relatively stable niche as a web designer, Seph’s resiliency (and creativity) has done him good in helping him transact with his clients. It was evident in his speech that he articulates well and has a willingness to accept challenging projects (which may daunt other designers) despite tight deadlines. It’s interesting (and it seems like he’s one of the luckiest guys I know) how Seph learned how to animate. One thing just led to another, and before he knew it, he was amazed when he first successfully made a button change colors. This was about ten years ago, when websites were static. After that, he was hooked and there was no turning back. He came to the attention of his clients via word of mouth when he became a juror in the Philippine Web Awards.

But before you conclude that Seph must be the golden boy of web designing in Cebu, it was not an easy circumstance which led him down this path. He had to stop school to help his parents when his dad was diagnosed with cancer (and later died). He was seventeen when he started working. He has been through a lot and what he has now did not come without a lot of hard work and risk-taking. Despite all the success that he’s enjoying, he honestly wants to be a doctor or at least someone you can count on in times of emergencies. He feels like he will be completely useless in an emergency situation – that’s why he’s trying to learn First Aid from a cousin.

Look him up:

www.sephm.com seph@sephm.com

spotlight

The Duellists

text by kerwin go photos: screen grabs from the movie Eskrimadors

For the Chinese martial art of Kung-Fu, it is the Shongshan mountain range in Henan Province where the Shaolin monastery was built. For Japanese Karate, it is the Ryuku islands of the Okinawa Prefecture. For the Filipino fighting art of Eskrima / Kali / Arnis, it is Cebu in the Visayan Islands. Although Eskrima is commonly perceived as a stickfighting art, it is a complete fighting system encompassing punching (suntukan), kicking (sikaran), locks and submissions (dumog), and the use of a variety of impact and bladed weapons. Eskrima knife fighting techniques are considered the best in the world.

Much of what is known about the origins of the art are shrouded in mystery. Unlike Kung-Fu and Karate which were originated and practiced by monks and nobility, Eskrima was a peasant art. Its practitioners lacked the scholarly education to create written records and relied on oral traditions. In the early days, each tribe or clan practiced its own system of Eskrima. These were closely guarded secrets which were passed on from one generation to the next. Practice sessions were often held at night. These techniques would be brought out into the open when the community was under threat from rival clans, piratical raids, and foreign invaders. Eskrima techniques were developed to fight opponents who possessed superior weaponry and numbers, such as during the fight for independence from the Spanish, the Americans, and later the Japanese. Under these conditions, Eskrima would develop into one of the deadliest and most practical fighting systems in the world. When there were no wars to fight or conflicts to settle, Eskrima masters would often engage in Juego Todo

matches. Juego Todo (to gamble all- in Spanish) were no-holds-barred, full-contact matches which often resulted in severe injuries or even death for its participants. Filipino migrant workers brought this dueling tradition with them to the plantations of Hawaii and California in the 1920’s. Juego Todo gained particular notoriety in the early 1950’s to 1960’s, in what was called “The Golden Age” of Eskrima. Rival clubs such as the Doce Pares and Balintawak, pitted their best fighters against each other in Juego Todo. Names such as Cacoy Canete, Anciong Bacon, Inting Carin, and Delfin Lopez rose to prominence as the most feared duelists of their era. In the late 70’s to 80’s, Eskrima emerged into the consciousness of the martial arts world when Bruce Lee and Filipino-American Dan Inosanto promoted the art through movies and seminars. Interest soon brought Doce Pares members to the United States to conduct a series of demonstrations. That initial foray by Cebuano martial artists soon opened the floodgates, and Cebu became known as the Mecca of Eskrima / Kali / Arnis. ESKRIMADORS, an upcoming independently produced documentary film provides us with a glimpse into the rich and fascinating world of the Filipino Martial Arts. The film traces the development of the fighting art from its tribal warfare roots, its use in repelling foreign invaders, as an art of duellists, and its transformation into a sport practiced in over 25 countries. The film features the legendary Eskrima Grandmasters of Cebu such as Ciriaco “Cacoy” Canete, GM Dionisio Canete, and GM Undo Caburnay. Groups such as Doce Pares, Lapunti Arnis de Abanico, Teovel’s Balintawak, Nickelstick Balintawak, and Liborio Heyrosa Decuerdas, allow us a sneak peek into the deadly techniques which have made Cebuano Eskrima renowned the world over. ESKRIMADORS is produced by Cebuano production company Pointsource Films. It is currently in post-production and slated for release during the 4th quarter of 2009. Teaser trailers of the film may be viewed on www. eskrimadorsdocu.com.

funkytown

review

SUCKS

TRY AGAIN

OKEY

GOOD

HOORAY

text by Dexter sy

Apparently, I’d won free French lessons in last year’s Fete de la Musique, but I couldn’t claim my prize since I’d gone home early. So when I heard that Fete would be having its 2nd production in Cebu this month, I had to go and see if my luck hadn’t run out. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I needed to actually drop in an entry to qualify for the raffle. Oh well. On to the point. Years ago, I remember having to listen to all the radio plugs for Fete de la Musique in Manila, and slowly dying inside knowing that with my tight student’s budget, I could never be a part of it. Now that it’s all happening in our town (albeit on a much smaller scale for now), life’s pretty damn peachy. This year’s edition showcased some of the more radio-friendly acts like Natasha, Zarah Smith, Urbal, and Sheila and the Insects, and oddly, almost no repeat performances from last year’s cast. On paper, this year’s lineup looked a little pale compared to last year’s. Then again, with all the relatively unknown names in the list, chances were everyone was in for a lot of revelations. And a night

of revelations it turned out to be, as several bands of varying genres took the stage and owned it.

Performance: 4.5

In spite of myself being just slightly closedminded when it comes to the music I listen to, something about a worldwide musical festival just compels you to break down barriers and have a good time. All prejudice aside, the evening was just bitching with some of the best music I’ve heard in recent times. The show started out on a slow, beautiful note, with Joel Oporto haunting earlybirds with ominous classical pieces on his nylon strings. The Peace Philharmonic Philippine Ensemble kept the mood going with powerful (if a little bit off-sync) renditions of Bach and Vivaldi masterpieces. Natasha charmed the crowd with her versions of jazz and “standards” classics while the 560th Airbase Wing Command

Band, arguably the most unique act (that mattered) in the show, proceeded with marching-band takes on such classics as APO Hiking Society’s “Doo Bi Doo”. As the sky developed into a festive deep blue, Prudence Salutillo serenaded diners with prodigious acoustic guitarwork reminiscent of Andy McKee. From about that point, the party got kicking with Sugbuwanon, an neo-tribal rock group way better than any other neo-tribal rock group (or whatever you prefer to call them) I’ve heard or reviewed lately. As the night progressed, the bands grew even more danceworthy - with veterans like Urbal, Juress, Zarah Smith, and CDMC getting the crowd (well, the less shy members of the crowd at least) on their feet and dancing. Even scene newbies God Save Me managed to pull off a solid set, despite having messed up the intro to a Mighty Mighty Bosstones classic. Smooth Friction, a band I absolutely love but haven’t seen in years, fancied it up further with a couple of blues numbers and one of my favorite songs from their debut album, “Maria”. Cuarenta aptly responded with their take on classic rock tracks from Clapton and Springsteen. The only thing that could’ve made my experience better was if I had caught The Line Divides (for reasons unstated, I couldn’t). The less than perfect rating I’m giving the performances is courtesy of the Capoeira number. Unimpressive.

Audience Impact: 2

The worst part of holding a show at the Terraces is that you’re bound to end up as a sideshow. In theory, people are at a mall to shop, dine, or do a combination thereof, so holding a concert there almost guarantees an uninterested crowd. Hell, even the people who appeared to be there

for the show looked pretty uninterested to me. Well, what can you expect from the notoriously “hard to please” (or just typically shy) Cebu crowd?

Venue: 4

Never mind the uninterested audience though, half of them wouldn’t know good music if it were labeled with a huge sticker that said “AWESOME”. I insist that holding a gig at the Terraces was a good idea and something that more organizers with money to burn should consider. I had my doubts at first, but the large open spaces gave it a real “Woodstock” feel (minus the drugs). And with three al fresco floors virtually serving the purpose of bleachers, I managed to grab dinner and get a few beers without having to miss a second of the show. Very convenient.

Attendance: 2.5

First of all, how do you count attendance at a mall gig? Do you count people on the al fresco restaurants and people just passing through to get to their parking space? Or do you count just the people who’re actually paying attention? That aside though, it looked like a bleak turnout compared to last year, when an unbelievable 5,000 to 6,000-strong army showed up (according to published statistics). By all known logic, I could’ve easily concluded last year’s event was all about hype, but god forbid that should be true. This is honest-to-goodness one of the best things to happen to Cebu music. We’ll just have to wait and see how the scene responds at next year’s take. All in all, the show, despite a less starstudded lineup, was definitely at par with last year’s event. I’ll even push it a bit and say that this year was better than the last. Never mind that they left out metal, punk, and the rest of the louder genres from the list. Never mind that a lot of the people watching couldn’t care less about the difference between “jazz” and “blues”. I had a good time just feeling the vibes of an entire planet joining hands to celebrate music. With performances like that, it wasn’t difficult to get into the spirit. By the end of the show, I could even let go of the fact that I did not win free French lessons. But congratulations to the dudes who did!

To download and view photos of the event visit www.bitemegazine.muliply.com

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