LIEU ISSUE NO 9
BEST YEAR EVER Who wants some cake?
9
ISSUE NO
LIEU
noun stead; place (esp in the phrases in lieu, in lieu of) Behind LIEU Online Magazine are young people who are passionate about photography, music, literature, film, fashion, travel, graphic design — anything that stirs the soul and inspires expression. By offering LIEU as a space for budding artists to share their craft, we hope to influence more people to get out, get inspired and start creating. WWW.LIEUMAGAZINE.COM @LIEUMAGAZINE | FB.COM/LIEUMAGAZINE
ROLL CALL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aidx Paredes MANAGING EDITOR Janna Moya FEATURES EDITOR Chit Lacson FEATURES WRITER Ramon Erum ONLINE HEAD Mo Jaravelo SOCIAL MEDIA HEAD Amelia Baird CONTRIBUTORS Jake Tadla, JM Santillan Pauline Marie Wong, Sam Sanchez, The Promdi, Xiao Prieto
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Cheekie Albay, Jad Montenegro, Kristine Serrano
ISSUE NO 9
in LIEU
POOF
+ Life of the Party: A Mixtape + The GOOD Man + After-Drink Delight + Elements 2014 + Love Rocks + Style Paradigm
HASHTAG + Rage Against the Dying of The Light + What’s in a Good Time?
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Who Do These Kids Think They Are?!
FILM ROLL
+ 23 December, New Bataan + Xiao Doodles + Adventure Time + ...Of Cocks, “Promdis”, and Roaches
POOF
MIXTAPE
THE LIFE OF THE PARTY Mixtape by Amelia Baird
We soundtrack your typical Saturday night with a playlist featuring dance mixes and original indie tracks by local artists and DJs. Feast your ears on these babies and experience the party scene’s rise and fall in all its glorious twists and turns.
Kwatro Medya, “I Don’t Know” DJ Alf, “EDM 2013” Walk into a bar early and catch the DJ still setting up his equipment. The club is warming up with some upbeat indie music. With your fingers clasping your cold beer, you scan the place, keeping your eyes peeled for your target.
David Puentez, “Lure” (VNCZT Edit)
With your chest thumping along to the bass line, you could easily mistake the heavy notes for your own heartbeat. This remix by Cebu-based beatsmith VNCZT is the calm before the storm.
With this infectious mix of dance floor favorites, give in to the party mood and be one with the swaying crowd.
DJ Jon Game, “Cult of Yoi”
DJ Wacky, “Toffeenut Peppermint Kembot Mix”
The party is winding down, but the night ain’t over yet. Groove on because DJ Wacky knows the perfect set of house tunes to keep the fun vibe going.
As your inebriation hits its peak, lose yourself in this original track by DJ Jon Game. Throw your hands up Your buzz is no more and you in the air and jump wildly into realize you didn’t catch her the dance floor jungle. name, or even get her number. The happily ever after with her will remain only in your alcohol-addled dreams. Until a miracle happens, let this be your hangover anthem.
Tramonto, “Saline”
LISTEN TO THE MIXTAPE AT—
https://www.lieumagazine.com
CLOTHING
THE GOOD MAN Text and Photography by Aidx Paredes
What started out as a DIY project by a 21-year-old from Davao has turned into a brand sought after by members of the city’s underground art community. Jay Umeres is better known in these parts as a graffiti artist—even dubbed a “wall lord” by national monthly ZEE Lifestyle in 2013—but he also wears another hat as the man behind Good Clothing, a line of locally produced T-shirts. The first design he launched under Good Clothing was a simple yet bold signature of
“GOOD” printed on shirts in only three colors: black, white, and green. Three other designs were released after Good Clothing’s first year, all following its flagship product’s minimalist feel. Jay essentially is Good Clothing—he does everything from designing the print, choosing the materials, buying the shirts, silk-screening the design, down to printing the shirts. With a design statement as coolly eye-catching as his, who needs a team?
LIKE GOOD CLOTHING ON FACEBOOK
—
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Clothing/387108338032747
FOOD
AFTER-DRINK DELIGHT Text and Photography by Ramon Erum
In Davao City, last call for alcoholic drinks is at 12:30 a.m, and liquor ban starts at 1 a.m.— which means there’s plenty of time to chow down after a night of drinking. Lucky for the liquor-happy, Davao is home to many late-night joints that serve a variety of food, whether you’re looking to satisfy your alcohol-induced cravings or just plain sober up. Here, LIEU presents a list of places that are ready to serve you.
BULCACHONG Home of the legendary bulcachong or beef pochero soup, this place has long been a safe haven for people who try to achieve a state of sobriety after a long night of indulgence. Bulcachong is located at Illustre St. and is open 24 hours except on Sundays. TAPS With their varied combinations of sinangag, egg, and a viand of your choosing, come to Taps to gorge on a breakfast meal even in the wee hours of the morning. Taps has branches at Matina Town Square, Palma Gil St., Illustre St., and Rizal St. that are open 24 hours, except on Sundays when they close at 11 p.m.
(Photos from left to right, top to bottom— Bulcachong, Taps, Isawan and Probenan, Bankerohan, Yurushi, and Barbeque-han sa Bankerohan)
ISAWAN AND PROBENAN Looking for tasty treats that won’t burn a hole in your pocket? Carts selling isaw and proben are scattered all around Davao, and the ones at Sta. Ana fry until 4 a.m. BANKEROHAN Behind Bankerohan’s fruit market is a row of eateries that serve Filipino favorites such as bulalo, balbacua, batchoy, lechon kawali, and bangus. The location may be a bit unglamorous, but the flavors are topnotch.
YURUSHI Yurushi is a two-floor joint that serves its own versions of Japanese favorites such as katsudon, gyudon, and more. Head here after happy hour to munch on filling Japanese concoctions before the place closes for the night. Yurushi is located near the corner of Suazo St. and Ramon Magsaysay Ave. and is open daily until 11 p.m. BARBEQUE-HAN SA BANKEROHAN If you’re craving isaw, tocino, lechon manok, or other grilled delights, this is the place for you. With a number of barbeque stalls that are open till late, all you have to do is point at what your stomach desires and wait for it to be served freshly cooked to you.
EVENTS
ELEMENTS 2014
After producing the monster hit Carte Blanche, last year’s party of parties, Manic Nightnings Productions has been busy rolling out the carpet for even more fun. With a solid partnership with SM Lanang Premier, they released Elements: The Sonic Escalation Party last February 1, 2014. It featured local DJs, DJ Wacky and DJ Torch, and flew in one of the country’s best, DJ Ace Ramos. Photos c/o Manic Nightbings Productions
LOVE ROCKS
Love Rocks at SM Lanang Premier was a rockin’ alternative to your usual, gushy Valentine’s Day celebration. Local indie acts lucas, Boutique All, and Thea Pitogo opened the event before Urbandub, one of the country’s most formidable rock bands, capped off the night. Photography by JM Santillan and Sam Ortiz
EVENTS
EVENTS
STYLE PARADIGMS
Last February 14, Abreeza Mall staged Style Paradigms, which included the Juxta:Pose Fashion Runway Preview featuring pieces by local garment and accessory designers. Here are our top picks from Egay Ayag, Aztec Barba, Popoy Barba, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan, and Emi Englis of the Davao Elite Fashion Group; and accessory designers Carmaela Alcantara of Crystal Seas, Shiela Marie Damalerio, Fumiko Kuroda, and Yvette Celi Punzalan of Yvette’s. Photography by Jake Tadla
HASHTAG
RAGE AGAINST THE DYING OF THE LIGHT Text by Cheekie Albay / Interview by Amelia Baird / Photography by Sam Ortiz
While they burst into the local gig circuit only in the past few months, you’d be surprised to know that alternative rock band Tramonto has actually been around since 2005. But with frontman Jay Lu based in Manila for most of the band’s existence, Tramonto’s music had to be put on hold. Fast-forward to 2014. Jay and bandmates Pol Marcos, Ian Ancla, Jonathan Gameng, and Jonas Leano may be nearly a decade older, they may have day jobs, and they may have families to look after, but they are complete. And even though their band name means “sunset” in Italian, these men prove that they’re not about to go down anytime soon, rocking out with the fury of all those missed years.
A lot has happened since you started out. How does music fit into your lives now? JAY: We’re all working now and music has become a third space where we can all escape from some aspects of life. It’s a magical place and whenever you’re in that spot, you can drown yourself in it and make things happen. How did the hiatus help the growth of the band? J: When it all started out, it was just me and an acoustic guitar. I was working in Manila around the time in 2005 and the first few chords of “Citta Del” happened. Once I finished that song, I realized that
MUSIC
I needed to start a band. I rounded up Pol since we played together way back when, and the other members, Jonathan Gameng and Ian Ancla. When I came back to Davao for a short vacation a few years later, the rest of the band took the song to an entirely different level. Being away helped the entire creative process, allowing for the songs to be given a generous amount of attention before any release.
So we’re aware that the band has 13 songs already, that is enough for a full length album. What do you plan on doing with all those songs? J: The band is still processing the possibilities of an album, but we do have plans to produce an EP this year, perhaps during the summer. We already have a couple of tracks recorded, we just need to make a couple of adjustments, such as in the volume and other mastering.
LISTEN TO TRAMONTO — https://soundcloud.com/tramonto-ph
NIGHTLIFE
WHAT’S INSIDE A GOOD TIME Text by Cheekie Albay / Photography by Sam Ortiz
Since the launch of its regular weekend production Prohibition Saturdays in August last year, Apo View Hotel’s gastropub, Blue Room, has been roping in the right crowds—from nightlife-hungry college kids to liquor-happy yuppies to throwback-seeking thirty-somethings. The combination of great live acts, great drinks, and great chow are obvious factors in Blue Room’s rise as a hot Davao nightspot, but there are other elements that come into play, too. Here, we list down what make this hued hangout a must-visit on your weekend bender.
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1. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE The stage plays host to both local and national acts who play everything from rock to folk, from acoustic to electronic.
6. SPECIAL TREATMENT A menu board advertising the night’s specials lets customers know what grub and gulps they can get a good deal on.
2. HEY MR. DJ The house DJ spins beats that go from cutting edge to cheeky. Don’t be surprised to hear Spandau Ballet in between Top 40 anthems and indie hits.
7. PRIVATE PARTS A room partitioned off by sliding glass doors gives chill-seeking customers a quieter time.
3. WONDERWALL The trademark blue light that seeps out from the walls gives the place—and the people in it—a cool glow.
8. BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE The cozy corner tucked in the back of the room brings out drunken shenanigans from any group lucky enough to snag this prime spot.
4. BAR INFLUENCE The long, always crowded bar plays witness to many great conversations (and flirtations).
9. COYOTE PRETTY Who wouldn’t enjoy being served by sharply-dressed stunners who know how to mix a good drink?
5. PICK YOUR POISON Well-stocked shelves keep thirsty souls sufficiently nourished for a whole night of fun.
10. TOILET HUMOR The little boys’ and little girls’ rooms face each other in a short, tight hallway that easily invites small talk. Blue Room is located at the ground floor of Apo View Hotel, 150 J. Camus Street, Davao City.
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
IN A YEAR, LIEU... LIEU ISSUE NO 9
BEST YEAR EVER Who wants some cake?
PUBLISHED NINE AND A HALF ISSUES HOSTED
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WHO DO THESE KIDS THINK THEY ARE?!
Text by Cheekie Albay / Photography by JM Santillan / Cake by Cake Galerie
We’ll be honest: we started LIEU with only the barest idea of what it should be. But over coffee shop chats, music bar meetings, and merciless editing sessions, the idea gradually began to take on a more distinct shape in our heads: LIEU would be a publication that would give voice to a unique subculture of Davao youth that celebrates art, novelty, and individuality. As we put out issue after issue with this goal in mind, we made new learnings, made as many mistakes, and were both praised and patronized for our audacity to start such a project, given our age and lack of experience. But we soldiered on regardless, our eyes on the prize: a new breed of young Davaoeños who are not afraid to go down the proverbial path less travelled. But what do the people we seek to reach really think of our cultural project? Do they understand our vision, or do they think we’re just a bunch of kids with too much time on our hands? We gathered thoughts shared by some people we look up to in local creative circles, all movers and shakers in their own right, all of whom we consider our partners-in-arms in heralding that bold, new, long-overdue breed of young Davaoeños.
“LIEU Magazine is fantastic! Hands down to the hardworking and very resourceful team for never disappointing the readers in giving real insights on local life, music, fashion, and art. Every issue is a timely and worthwhile read. Happy anniversary, LIEU Magazine. More power!” — KAT DALISAY Proprietor and visionary, Manic Nightnings Productions
“LIEU Magazine is a voice that the city didn’t know it needed. A refreshing project from DC’s energetic, creative youth, LIEU is bound to redefine boundaries. No speed limits. No curfews.” — YAS OCAMPO Writer/wanderer, Mindanao Times
“I look at every issue and I am constantly amazed by the variety of materials they have to offer. Some may say it’s all over the place, but I think that isn’t the point. These are young people revelling in their independence and the fact that they can create, and share these creations. LIEU is what you get when you put the fresh, hip, and creatives together. These aren’t just a bunch of stupid kids. You can ignore them, hate them, or pretend to hate them—they won’t care. They mean business.” — JESSICA MADRAZO Founder, Davao Music Nation
“There are two things we like about LIEU. One is that it’s created by (mostly) young individuals, the other is it originated from Davao City, so those are things Shmek’m and LIEU have in common (yes, we are young). LIEU still has room to improve, but each issue is a learning process, so that’s alright. LIEU started something new and we need these kinds of stuff in the city. Keep it up, LIEU!” — LEO JEORGE BAUTISTA AND RALPH OLIVER DIVINAGRACIA Shmek’m
“LIEU is the shot in the arm that the Davao art community needed. Rise and shine, Davao artists.” — MACKY PAMINTUAN Illustrator
FOOD TRIP! Whether it’s something infectiously sweet, deliciously salty, or mouth-wateringly good, these tried-and-tested delights are sure to fill you up nicely. Let’s take a food trip with this list of local establishments that we’ve featured before.
ALLEYCAT The Site, Jacinto Ext.
CLAUDE’S Rizal St., Davao City
CAKE GALERIE
1st Ave Tulip Drive, Juna Su
bd., Matina
Background image from skyscrapercity.com
DESDEMONA
71727
es/1160811685 emonas-Cupcak
om/pages/Desd
book.c https://www.face
HOLLYWOOD BURGERS Gaisano Mall of Davao
GREENE DARE Dare Instagram: @TheGreene
HANOI Abreeza Mall
SEA GREEN
Circumferential Road, Do
na Vicenta Subd.
TASTE OF HOME Matina Town Square
TSURU
Abreeza Mall
FILM ROLL
#THEDAVAOWESEE
23 DECEMBER, NEW BATAAN Analog Photography by Sam Sanchez
#THEDAVAOWESEE
#THEDAVAOWESEE
#THEDAVAOWESEE
DIGITAL ART
XIAO DOODLES Digital Art by Xiao Prieto http://xiaoness.tumblr.com/
DIGITAL ART
DIGITAL ART
ADVENTURE TIME Digital Art by Pauline Marie Wong http://kasugaxxx.deviantart.com/
DIGITAL ART
FICTION
Artwork by Doniaquixote
...Of Cocks, “Promdis”, and Roaches The Promdi
There were over thousands of those creepy crawly cockroaches that flew out of that old unopened cabinet during that hot summer afternoon in Manila. People ran, it was as if we were being lain siege by these things but the truth was they were more afraid of us than we were of them. Of course, most of the people in that “far-flung” patch of urbanized area were not used to things that came out from nature. “Promdi”, with a sense of condescension, is what they called me in my visit to our big capital city but during those few seconds where I saw all those city-people freak the fuck out; I was winning and winning to the tune of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” except they were cockroaches. It was utter turmoil; where people in the streets were randomly greeted by groups in the hundreds, flying in formation and swirling in the air like grains of six-legged, winged sand. In that moment, I once again sank into contemplation. In my head, I realized they’re just afraid because they’re not used to these things. Manila, where there were more cars compared to the blades of grass growing out of their hot concrete pavements, needed more cockroaches to remind them how far they are from what’s supposed to be natural and familiar. Maybe the fear that roaches instilled was to remind the city-folk how a life close to nature isn’t all that bad.
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