Based on an interview with Paulo Laguilles and Serafin Timog, III and anecdotes from Julius Masbate and Mark Pineda
One of the bands to come out in recent years, four-piece metal band Prey nevertheless presents more than newness to the music scene. They have been part of separate bands playing within and outside Legazpi City for ten years and more, and proof of the rich music-making experiences behind them is hard to miss. For anyone that listens to their songs and watches their performances, they promise only well thought-out pieces, creditable performances, and unquestionable passion.
Becoming Prey
Burf and Serf of Prey
Vocalist Paulo Laguilles (Burf), bassist Julius Masbate (Yapak), and drummer Mark Pineda (Pot) come from a common band, Negative 13th X-Ray. While itself a considerable success with endless gigs in and out of town, a cult following of their own, and original songs that have become familiar with music scene supporters, Negative 13th X-Ray had come to a halt in 2012 when school and work demands took their toll on the members. But even as the band was beginning to slow down, they were already eager for a new chapter. In fact, members of the Negative 13th X-Ray had always challenged themselves, exploring musical terrains that could match their zeal. After trying things out with a few guitar players around town, Serafin Timog III (Serf) seemed like the natural choice for a permanent guitarist. An old hand in the music scene himself that needs a new challenge, Serf was more than interested in the synergy that will become Prey.
Playing metal seemed a natural path for these four home-grown musicians. Burf, Yapak, and Pot had started out playing punk music (Trigger Happy, Story So Far, Morons) in as early as 2004, but over the years had also continually searched for something that was heavier and perhaps for them, more musically challenging. With separate bands and as Negative 13th X-Ray, they had also played metal music, but they had come to a point of simply wanting more to do with it. In fact, Yapak had also started playing bass for other metal bands (Perdition, Jack in the Box, Dark Dungeon) around the same time Prey got together. Similarly with Serf, it was never about swearing to any one genre, his long line of music-making experiences running from involvements with blues to pop and acid rock to metal (Voltes V, Volume, Next Level, Sperm, Angelic Rebellion, Pepsi Paloma Experiment) since his high school days in 1998. And like his band mates in Prey, taking metal seriously was simply due. Prey’s first gig was in October 2013. They have continued playing ever since, and one of their songs is set to be part of Bicol X’s compilation album for release in mid-2015.
Dodging Haters
Prey at Faultline Production’s Metal Induced. Tabaco City
As with any endeavor, plunging into the music scene invites supporters as well as haters. This is true for Prey. While one easily feels the support the bands gets with how people gather in a moshpit or simply bob their heads along as Prey takes over the stage, one also senses some sort of resistance to their presence. In fact, Prey had been questioned of their claim to being a metal band, which Burf explains is on account of how their musical history, lifestyle, and attitudes are apparently “not metal enough.” Prey normally laughs these issues off, but when pressed for comment, they reveal what they see as the irony in such attack. Particularly for Serf, there are a couple of problems with genre purists in the local scene: boxing music into categories in the first place, and self-righteousness over a genre which is actually foreign and thus for which no Filipino will ever be ‘pure’ enough.
Nevertheless, Prey is not out to please everybody; appealing to those with open ears will do. Burf admits though that unfounded criticisms can sometimes invade their time and energy as they try to understand what these haters are really about. For him, it is acceptable for musicians to engage in constructive criticism with each other. Disliking another band’s music is okay, he says, and if you really can’t hold your tongue, you should focus your critique on the music, not the people behind it. Indeed, to critique another band to be unfit for playing a particular sound based on personal circumstances is to hold them against a biased set of qualifying criteria and to claim superiority to be the judge as well. And in the world of music, in the world of art, claiming to have the final say is nothing more than ignorance as it is arrogance.
What It’s Still About: Making Music
Burf, Serf, Mark, and Yapak Practicing at Propaganda Studio Cubao For Metro Breach Gig
To date, Prey has written three songs, Bully, Underdog, and Vengeance, all of which started with guitar riffs from Pot. They are also currently working on one song, The Enemy Needs to Die. Lyrically, they derive inspiration from personal experiences and perspectives on bullying. They acknowledge that bullying is commonly experienced among the youth, and they too have accounts of having been bullied. Burf shares that his most challenging experience was in high school, where it took him a whole school year before he could stand up to a group of upperclassmen that ganged up on him. They stress however that bullying takes place everywhere and happens to everyone. Serf cites bullying in the corporate world in particular, where employees hardly get a say over their work circumstances, being underpaid and overworked the cruel and simple reality for many. Their sentiment on the matter is punctuated by the need of the bullied to stand up for themselves. Musically, they are influenced by bands such as Pantera and groove metal music in general.
Prey intends to record an EP soon, featuring their four songs and possibly a couple more. But their plans as a band are not set in stone just yet, as they have other responsibilities on their hands as well. Given that such situation is the same for most other local bands, one wonders how they manage it differently considering their maturity as musicians. Reflecting on his past bands, Burf admits Prey is more focused as a group of musicians, but is more relaxed as a band. Their rehearsals can be dead serious, each one keen on playing their parts the best they can; but they can be just as self-indulgent when they brainstorm over an original song, learn a cover, or perform onstage. Burf adds that he also knows better now than to expect that things will always go with the band the way he wants them. Working for it one day at a time works better than predicting the band’s future.
For Prey, “passion for music” remains the catchphrase explaining their motivation as a band. Serf elaborates that without music, life just seems incomplete. More than just passion though, Prey has enough experience to teach them that the quality of the music one makes matters equally. Musicians do not exist solely for themselves, and the music they offer must be worth listening to. Reaching for another cliché that happens to be true, Yapak adds three basic things any self-respecting band needs to ensure, regardless of the genre they are associated with or that they identify for themselves: “practice, explore, create.”
About The Author
Weng writes songs and plays the guitar for The Doldrums. She is also among the founders and organizers of Club Molotov. She considers herself a feminist, an atheist, and an academic. She likes well-spiced and fresh seafood, which makes her feel fortunate having Legazpi City as her hometown.
From paintings on canvas to framed doodles to customized crafts to whatever crazy creative idea you have in mind, Djai Tanji can do anything and each artwork of hers screams, “Djai!” What makes up the style of this artist who hails from Albay is sexy whimsical- the trademark of this brand she has given to her pieces, “Djai’s Arts and Doodles,” which was brought forth upon her decision to become a full-time artist early in 2014.
I know not much about this up and coming full-time artist in the Albay scene. Don’t get disappointed just yet though. As the title says it, this article will dish out the details on the lady behind the arts and doodles. It won’t be a novel-like tale. However, it’s just enough to satisfy the lust and reach the orgasm of your interest.
Now, enough with the teasing and let’s unravel what’s behind the sheets… Err… Scenes of Djai’s Arts and Doodles. I’ve been able to hang out with her a couple of times already as I’ve happened to chance upon her in certain events and because of connections with certain people. Although those times I’ve spent with her were just brief, I was able to get a preview of who Djai is: loud, expressive, quirky, and let’s not forget, with much emphasis, sexual. Pardon the cliché I’m about to say but as I’ve noticed, it’s true with Djai that this girl just wants to have fun. She’s always up for the jamming, she’s very sociable, she’ll chat up about anything as she’s very talkative, and she would always be cracking jokes which oftentimes are green-minded.
But before we move on, let’s have a slight transition from the sexual content, for you might mistake this for an FHM article… This is in fact a magazine about Bicol’s roots and radicals. There is one thing I find admirable about this lady that not only artists should look up to and emulate, but also even anyone out there who has a dream they wish to pursue. It’s her great determination and perseverance to achieve her dream to become a full-time artist.
Before becoming a full-time artist, she used to be an IT Service Desk Analyst and also tried a few years in the BPO industry. She was faced with the dilemma of choosing between her office job and her passion, art. It was a tough decision for her because she had to consider some factors. One is salary. In her previous office job, she had a stable salary of which she was sure how much she is going to receive and when; but with being a full-time artist, income is commission based. Another is her family, her especially her four kids, which she has to support financially. There is also the challenge of leaving her comfort zone – she was up for a great change in her career. In the end, it was her passion that prevailed. Though it was a risky choice, it was worth it. And it led her to where she is now and what she has accomplished as a full-time artist.
So that’s what I can say about Djai. You can get to know her even more in this sex and humor ridden Q and A portion below. I didn’t intend it to be that way. It’s just how she answered it that made it that way. Read on and enjoy.
There’s no one like Djai Tanji
Djai Tanji
Marisse: Since when did your passion for art begin?
Djai: I started imitating drawings I liked from books way back in Grade school. I guess it all started there. I was terribly addicted to drawing, doodling, coloring and all that. Eh addictive and obsessive personality ako. With that, my obsession for art got the better of me. My hands grew a brain of its own and were unstoppable from then on.
Marisse: When did you realize that to be an artist is the profession you want to pursue?
Djai: Ever since I started daydreaming, it has been my dream to have a job where I can create whatever I want. Just like in creating a baby, masarap talaga mag-create ng concept into an artwork.
Marisse: Aside from being an artist, did you have any jobs before?
Djai: IT Servicedesk Analyst. Also tried a few years in the BPO industry. Giving up my office job and deciding to go full-time on art was a gamble. But as my artistic journey proves to be as nerve-wracking as it is, it sends off a gratifying convulsion all over my body which keeps me on my peak. As hypothetical as this may sound, such feeling seems to satisfy me more than any man could. It’s like a never-ending multiple orgasm. How can anything compare to that?
Marisse: When did you start your art business?
Djai: Upon the beginning of 2014.
Marisse: When did you decide to be a full-time artist?
Djai: When I felt like I’m already slacking off at the office because I was too preoccupied with the artworks I needed to do. I’d get easily burned out because all I really wanted to do was draw and paint.
Marisse: What kinds of art do you normally do?
Djai: Sexy Whimsical.
Marisse: What was your first artwork that you sold?
Djai: 3 paintings for a client in Virginia USA. (Mayon, flower and owl)
Marisse: What kinds of art are you selling?
Djai: Commissioned paintings and murals.
Marisse: How’s business right now?
Djai: Pretty darn good. I like it when I’m busy. I feel sexy. Ha ha.
Marisse: Do you have regular customers?
Djai: Oh yes, parang G.R.O. lang haha. May regular booking.
Marisse: Is it hard to be an artist?
Djai: Hard na masarap. Lahat ng hard naman talaga ay masarap. Mahirap sa una kasi nga hard, pero ‘pag nakapa mo na, yummy sa pakiramdam. Orgasmic. Toe curling. Rawr.
Marisse: Can you please share your experiences on how you started as an artist and how you became renowned in the art industry?
Djai: Grabe! Hindi pa naman renowned. Marami pa akong kakainin na…hard… para umabot sa ganong level. As an artist kasi first, dapat you have a style of your own. Signature look, kumbaga. Isang tingin pa lang, alam na iyo ang artwork. That’s very important sa mundo ng art at ayun usually ang hinahanap ng art collectors.
Artists and other people in the business would always advise me to pursue this passion and career because I have a style of my own daw so ayun, kinarir ko na. Practice din dapat to the next level ang drama. Walang humpay na praktis. And every painting you create, may madedevelop ka sa skill mo.
Marisse: You’re also an apprentice for Argie Granadillos, since when did you start apprenticing for him and when did you start tattooing?
Djai: Nung naging crush ko sya, that’s when I started apprenticing. Hitting two birds with a stone eh. Naimprove ko na tattoo skills ko, nakatsansing pa kay Papa Argie. Pero hindi naman kami nadevelop kasi hindi nya siguro ako bet. Na-overwhlem yata sa boobs ko. Wait, are we still talking about tattoos here? Anyway, I started pa-tsamba tattoo back in 2006 I think. Masarap magtattoo eh… at hard. Again, hard na masarap.
Marisse: Are there any artists you idolize whether local or foreign?
Djai: Si Daomingsi lang talaga.
Marisse: What’s your message or advice to aspiring artists?
Djai: Make art like you’re making love. Ilabas mo ang landi mo sa pagpinta. Isagad mo nang paulit-ulit hanggang sa mahanap mo ang G-spot ng creativity mo. At pagsukdulan ka na ng confidence, pag alam mong THIS IS IT pansit, kapag sure kang ‘yan na talaga ang istilo mo, IPUTOK MO! Bukake, kumbaga. Share para mag-spread.
Kusang lalapit din sa iyo mga cliente and big people in the art business kapag nakita nilang you’re really passionate about creating your art. If you have a long term goal and hindi lang ito hobby hobby for you, clients might be willing to invest sa mga creations mo.
Some of Djai’s Artworks
About The Author
Marisse Francia-Santos is a freelance writer currently residing in Camalig, Albay. Her passion for writing was developed when she was recruited to be a writer for Aquinian Herald, the official publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi where she took up AB Communication. There she wrote news, poetry and features and eventually got promoted as features editor. That is how she has grown into this passionate writer she is and until now, still continuously grows as she pursues a career in writing.
In the short time that I have been a part of the “scene” as a musician and a fan of my fellow musicians, I have noticed that the scene may still be small, but it’s got the potential to be one of the respected music scenes in the Philippines. Though the term “small” is a sensitive verb in this matter, it is also an opinionated one.
Subjectively, I have seen great promise from metal bands in Legazpi, namely, Jack in The Box (NU Metal), Cephalovelvic (Brutal Death Metal), Perdition (Metalcore) and Prey (Groove Metal). They never fail to pull people away from their seats and bang their heads with the bands while they play their music.
Incontrovertibly, there are a lot of bands back then that pushed the bands now to keep on playing. And there will be more bands that will come and express themselves. So I say, kudos, to the first ones here and to the ones that will continue to work themselves to the bone to uplift the scene.
Everyone currently involved in the scene are all working to achieve one goal, to uplift the Bicolano music scene, and show the people that we really are uragons in what we do and what we have to offer.
Productions like Bicol X have done a great job in this matter by organizing open-genre events that will allow bands to get together, have fun, and play their music and be heard. Of course, there are themed events like 15-Minute Freedom Production’s all-metal event series Anthems of Rebellion, which will cater to specific musical taste and audience.
Behind the success of these events are sponsors who support and help by the use of their products or services. Radio stations like MOR 93.9 Legazpi provide radio ads to give the listeners a heads up that there are upcoming events in places near them. Clothing lines such as Ezkill, Eleventh Hour, Urag Wear, and Morbid Pumpkin support the scene by getting involved and allowing the organizers to display their products during these events, and of course, giving out freebies!
I still consider myself as a neophyte and I have a lot to learn. And I am glad that the people that I have encountered in the Bicolano music scene have given me that congenial atmosphere so I can freely express and improve myself as a musician and as a person.
Everyone has their own way of contributing in this fight to boost the Bicolano music scene. And no effort will be put in vain because of the love and passion for the art. And that’s enough to keep everyone going. Certainly, the fight to uplift this growing community is far from over. But surely, there will be results. Positive results.
About The Author Romi Verga is a pessimistic optimist that loves to get stuff done with his daily dose of coffee. He is the drummer of Amanda and Layla’s Story. He is also the co-owner and “The Godfather” of Eleventh
Two years ago, in the midst of late night shifts and strategic motherhood shticks, a private message in FB popped up. The dude was initiating a gabfest regarding tattoos and showed a hint of fascination on my artistry. His name I reckoned was familiar yet his intention was quite vague. Little did I know that our riveting short chats would lead to apprenticeship, random night outs, and countless slices of pizza.
Turned out he was the tiny boy Argie I knew way back in elementary. We were actually batchmates in BUCELS and if there would be more spaces on this article, I can possibly write another paragraph or two only to relay a fateful version of our grade school shenanigans filled with pubescent banters and love teams. Yet 15 years after we met again and I almost failed to recognize him. Who would?
From being an awkward school punk he morphed into this unruffled artist with a killer tattooing knack he’s liberally sharing to beginners like me. In fact, one thing I genuinely appreciate and admire about him is his willingness to share the flair he’s hooked up with – body inks.
Without hesitation and much patience he would readily teach me the necessities, techniques, and systematic drills in tattooing which he gruelingly earned and acquired himself. That’s something uncommon among other tattoo artists, mind you.
It didn’t take long for me to figure out that Argie Granadillos is not just some tattooed guy with tattooing skills but he is rather an out-and-out artist who’s trying to master the art behind tattoos. There is a remarkable difference with that, fyi.
Get to know my big crush and you won’t ever wonder again why I chose to be his tattoo apprentice. Ladies and gentlemen, my “master”…
The Master Argie Granadillos
Djai: Hi Master. Missed me?
Argie: Hi, hu u? Haha
Djai: How honest are you? Argie: 98%!? ..not
Djai: Kelan first attempt mo mag-tattoo at sino na-devirginize mo? Argie: First attempt was on my leg, second was on a friend’s arm, mga duwang pulgadang linya. I just gave it a try at first.
Djai: Ano pumasok sa isip mo at bakit mo naisipan? Argie: Naisipan ang arin?
Djai: How did you develop your tattooing skills? Pano mo inaral? Argie: Practice, practice… I learned by watching other artists tattoo their clients, watching videos, build my own tattoo machine. Research and tattoo. Forums (Tattoo Power).
Djai: Nag-apprentice ka ba? Kanino at bakit sa kanya? Argie: Nope, I was self- taught. Pero i did have a regular spot at Inkcentric Recto with Oman Daluz, ako yung regular na laging wala. Hahaha, dun nagbago ang lahat. Mas tumalas, naging matikas, mas naging manyakis ako. Upgrade nga daw sabi ng kuya Oman ko.
Djai: Alam ko maraming katawan na ang natira mo…but do you also draw or paint on canvas/paper? Argie: I used to draw a lot noong college days kasi required. Hehe. Paint when i feel to paint… may mga paintings ako before pero i end up tearing them apart 🙂
Djai: San ka pa magaling? (pwera sa kama) Argie: Ehem.. You ha, don’t me.
Djai: Are you affiliated to any tattoo group? If not, why do you think Selfie works better for you? Argie: I have NO affiliation with any tattoo group/s or whatever they call themselves.
I think it’s better to stand on your own and build yourself than to be in a group that will eventually pull you down.
Djai: Hello po mag-iinquire lang po, how much magpa-tattoo?” What other online inquiries or statement about tattooing pisses you off? Argie: hahahaha. These:
Magkanu po magpa-ink?
Ano po ink gamit nyo?
Masakit po ba magpa-tattoo?
Ano po magandang design?
Ang mahal naman, bakit sa iba 500 lang?
Djai: Maiba tayo. Malapit na Valentines kaya…What is love? Argie: Love is the most powerful thing in the whole wide world. Hahaha.
Djai: What did your family think about you getting into the tattoo business? Argie: Growing up in a family of uniformed men is tough ( potah dapat engles?) hehe, mahirap lalo na nung una kasi they only think that it’ll only lead me to a wrong turn. Mahirap sila i-convince na eto ako, ito ang gusto ko gawin.
Tattoo has a very bad reputation in our society, they always lace tattoos into drugs, crimes, and a lot more, like when one of my uncles saw my tattoos for the first time said, “baka nag da-drugs ka na!?
Djai: Anong trip na trip mo sa pagta-tattoo? Bakit mo sya kinarir? Argie: Tattoo is a never ending process, you never stop learning. Each day you learn something totally new to you. Your client gives you the idea of what he/she would like to have then you do your part in rendering those thoughts into their skin which they’ll have for the rest of their lives. You do your research every time you work on a design/study for your client.
Djai: Anong message mo to someone wishing to get into the tattoo business? Argie: If you’re business minded, quit already.
Djai: So far, may favorite ka ba or tattoo na ginawa you are mostly proud of? Argie: Every single tattoo I did is a favorite. Siguro those tattoos i made to foreign nationals kasi i may not be able to travel or go to places outside of the pacific but at least my artwork does hehe. And those people who remain as my friends even if i got to meet them just for the first time.
Djai: If you could describe your art/style in tattooing, what would it be? Argie: Sa ngayon I got this style that has bold and thin lines (Traditional Americana) that i know will hold longer than those styles around and I apply them whenever I do Japanese, black and gray, or other styles of tattoo.
Djai: Can you share you best practices or techniques in tattooing? Argie: Do your homework.
Djai: Do you want to do this for the rest of your life? Argie: Yes.
Djai: May estimate ka ba kung ilan na mga nabiktima mo? Argie: Wala.
Djai: Ang tattoo… masakit ba na masarap o masarap na masakit? Argie: parang gatas na choco, lasang choco na gatas.
Djai: In your observation, ano ang top 3 body parts na lagi pinapatatuan? Argie: Upper arm, back, wrist.
Djai: Kahit nognog ka, bakit ang cute mo? Argie: Di ba sabi ko walang math equations sa interview?
Djai: Alam mo bang crush kita? Argie: What’s your name again? =P
Some Skin Art From The Master
About The Author
Djai is the toe-curling, nirvana-like orgasm you have failed to experienced with your girlfriend and wives. She’s a chef at noon, errand girl on afternoons, visual artist at night, and whatever you want her to be in between. You can also contact Djai at her Facebook.
A Wickedly Tasteful Delight to the Sight and the other Senses
KRISSA J. RECUENCO
SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
An ordinary night for some but an extraordinary night of art, music. and friendship for others.
With the grand opening night of ATOT FOR A THOUGHT, Fartworks by Jopermeister Red, people experienced a wickedly tasteful delight to the senses.
Atot For A Thought Poster
ATOT FOR A THOUGHT is a collection of artworks by Jopermeister Red. The artist (born Joper John Ofrasio, Legazpi City) coined the term “fartworks” comparing art as ideas/concepts that once let out may have a certain effect on people.
Joper with his fartworks
According to Jopermeister:
“iba’t-iba ang reaksyon na matatanggap mo, may matatawa, may maiinis, may patay malisya, etc. For every action there is a reaction, and with my fartworks, it’s something na sa unang tingin mo e simpleng drawing lang but after seeing them, may something smelling pala sa illustrations that will stir their thoughts.”
The said art exhibit depicts everything about life in general. The fartworks presented themes, which include peace, love, empathy, and enlightenment. Fartworks, according to this multimedia artist, is not a boxed idea, a cornered room, or a solidified law. It is instead an open area that asks the person gazing to stir their thoughts.
Jopermeister Red hopes that through his art, others may silently yet deadly release their own fartworks as well. He is very grateful that his creative works have an impact to the Albay art scene, one he considers a “Sleeping Lion.”
The ATOT FOR A THOUGHT Art Exhibit, displayed at The Thinking Cup (one of the best hangouts for bookworms here in Albay) opened last September 27, 2014. Those who attended the event got the first dibs on the amazing fartworks (which were put up for sale, by the way) and were also treated to chill unplugged music featuring some Bicol X bands namely One Hour Recover, Mic Berdin of College Format, and 32-20 Barrel Blues.
Frederick recites poetry, Serafin Timog accompanies him
Argie Granadillos doing his thing
Topping off the night is the bonfire after party enjoyed by fellow guests and art enthusiasts.
Everyone who came to support the exhibit got more than the visual rollercoaster they were hoping for. They all definitely experienced the tasteful delight brought about by the great works of a passionate Albayano artist, poets and musicians.
ATOT FOR A THOUGHT: Fartworks by Jopermeister Red ran through the whole month of October at The Thinking Cup. We hope this exhibit will jumpstart more art exhibits in support of Albayano artists who deserve to be recognized for their talent and passion.
About The Artist
Jopermeister Red (BORN JOPER JOHN OFRASIO)
“Joper is all about expressing himself. He is a visual artist, individualist, songwriter, punk, art director, production designer, and filmmaker. He also is a member of various bands – XIV, Sardines From Mars, and Jack in the Box. He is one of the brains behind Bicol X and also the sole creative guru of EZKill Clothing. He believes in peace, love, empathy, and enlightenment. For Joper, all it takes to make him happy is cheese, sili, and coffee. Not necessarily in that order.”
About the Author
KRISSA J. RECUENCO aka KELLY works as a radio jock for 94.7 SPIRITFM LEGAZPI. She is an event host, a music enthusiast, freelance online content writer, and an events coordinator. A self-proclaimed mutant (being a Marvel kid) her powers include eating nonstop at Hepa Lane and enjoying days of movie and series marathons. While we’re at the subject, she is an obsessed follower of the TV shows The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and the anime Slamdunk. She loves dolphins, rainbows, Keanu Reeves and crispy isaw. You can contact Krissa at her Facebook.
Editors note: If you’re interested at Joper’s art, feel free to contact Ezkill.
Necrotic – relating to or affected by necrosis; “necrotic tissue.”
Arteries – muscular elastic tubes that form a branching system and that carry blood away from the heart to the cells, tissues, and organs of the body.
When I was first approached by Eric to join Karastahan, I was hesitant. To begin with, my primary creative outlets (or let’s just say punching bags), writing and drawing, were personal, or dare I say, selfish pursuits. I finish a rumination or a story, an image then I leave it be in the confines of my humble shoebox, satisfied. I don’t have this dire need to share what goes on in my grey matter not unless I’m on a mania-driven bender spouting asshole opinions on social networking sites or writing self-amusement slash fiction with all the hard trimmings (pun intended) for teenage girls. So, hesitant I was. However, I was curious of the whole deal because I’d like to witness how Albay’s creative types hone their craft. During the initial meeting, though, I have to actually rack my head for something to contribute. I don’t have Lester Bangs ambitions as well, being that weirdly socialized nut that I still am to this day. But then I thought, why not stage an interview with my friends? Death metal pundits Necrotic Arteries are a hardworking bunch and they have carved themselves a name in the local metal underground by now. Thus, these guys deserve to be heard and included in the annals of this region’s UG history.
The dudes of Necrotic Arteries go way back, from the noobs to the previous members. I have known these guys since the middle of the aughts, during the heydays of crust and grind, that sturm und drang phase between metalheads and punkers in local UG cesspool Guinobatan. NA guitarist Nel and former drummer Lindy were first approached by a mutual friend to join crust/grind outfit Ex-Grenade. Ex-Grenade imploded (pun intended yet again) and Catacombs of Displacer was formed; Harley on bass, Nel as guitarist, Francis as vocalist and Lindy as the drummer. However, internal conflicts would soon follow the group. Somebody got sacked, Rae from Bitchcraft was recruited to carry out low-end duties and the band decided to perform under a new name: Necrotic Arteries. The group played a handful of shows under the NA banner, one of which was a slot in an Infernal Curse gig in Manila. Personal decisions would then again hamper the lineup; Lindy decided to bow out of the group, and Rae followed. Eventually, bassist Paul and drummer Ares turned up to continue what the ladies of the band left off.
Truth be told, I have never seen the new lineup let loose their brand of death metal to the new generation of gung-ho bungo-bungo kids. However, I have respect and faith in NA’s new guys and as I have witnessed years before, the band is here to take part in the rock ‘n’ roll game for the sheer pleasure of well, playing extreme metal tunes they have an acute jones for. They love what they do, that’s why I love them back. And that’s why we’re still good friends churning out kulit and buntili whenever we find the time to hang out. Extreme music was our common denominator, and with that came heaps upon heaps of sweet, tremendously funny and brain-bleach level scene memories.
And that’s why this interview happened. As expected, no stones were left unturned and it’s not even attributed to the lone shot glass being passed around. It’s just Necrotic Arteries being their funny and unapologetic selves. See why these schmucks are, to paraphrase something from American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman, “just a bunch of happy campers, rocking and a rolling.”
A disclaimer though: The band, particularly Francis and Nel are notorious for their constant buntili. Flaming potshots. Raging bara. New drummer Ares is on the quiet and introspective side but don’t be mistaken because like the rest of the boys, he’s funny as well. Unfortunately, bassist Paul was missing in action so we never witnessed his own brand of buntili. Thus, you gotta read between the lines, decipher between the buntili shit, the sarcasm and the serious declarations of admiration (or spite) contributed by the band. Know these fuckers well and how? Read on.
Necrotic Arteries Tabaco City gig, new lineup. Nel on guitar, Francis on vocals, Paul on bass, and Ares on drums.
Necrotic Arteries Legazpi City gig: Fuck Off and Die. Old lineup with Rae on bass and Lindy on drums.
Necrotic Arteries Naga City gig: Metal Knights, old lineup.
The Interview
Eunice:Was Necrotic Arteries the first name you thought of for your band?
Francis: Dae man..
Eunice: Ah, ano inot nindo na naisip?
Francis: Nabuo ang pangaran na Necrotic Arteries dahil sa nagpoon baga kami sa. Catacombs of Displacer. Nag-decide na kami na magbago ki pangaran dahil duman sa sarong tawong ito, iyu ang nagpuon kang pangaran nya, saiya itong pangaran. Nung nag-iribanan na kami, nagturugtugan na haloy na, garo, kami-kami na lang nag-harampangan sa tugtugan, naisipan mi na magbago na sana, ta iyu naman sana. Sadiri ming banda. And pangaran na ito kinua mi sa lyrics kang sarong kanta.
Nel: Actually death metal type ang ano mi kaya duman kami nakakua ning idea kaya naga-stick kami to death metal and then to brutal tas thrash to death.
Francis: Pero sakuya death metal –
Nel: More on death metal.
Francis: Pero and iba, ang paghiling samuya ang tugtugan mi brutal.
Nel: Same way kaya pag nagatugtog sya (referring to Francis), ang pag-vox nya. Although talagang hararumon, kaya minsan napag-anuhan kami brutal. Kaya in-emphasize mi na sana samuya brutal to death metal.
Eunice: How did you guys end up together? Who found who?
Nel: Straight Tabaco. Bale, su scene sa Tabaco, ano na talaga, kumbaga igwa ng scene sa Tabaco kaya nabuo kami.
Francis: Guinobatan to Tabaco.
Nel: Tapos parang gari—
Francis: Nagkabiristohan sa scene, arog kang “muya mo magkanta samo?” Yan na-agda nya ako (referring to Nel) one time nagahanap sya ki makanta, e di sige. Drummer ta si Lindy.
Nel: Previous drummer Lindy. Original drummer yan (referring to Lindy, who was with us during the entirety of this interview).
Francis: Ngonyan si Ares. Tapos sa original man na bahista, si Rae. Ngonyan si Paul.
Eunice: Pano nindo nakua si Ares tapos yung recent nindo na bahista?
Francis: Si Paul? Kinua mi sinda dahil syempre before pa kami magsiriblagan na magkabaranda, nag-ururon kami ta si Rae busy sa trabaho, tapos si Lindy busy sa—
Nel: Farmville.
Francis: Busy sa Farmville, tapos muya man daa magpahingalo syempre bako man kuta pilay gurang ugaring (laughter ensues).
Eunice: Maani yan si Lindy, ma-harvest yan eh.
Francis: Dae, mapahingalo daa, di syempre, sige kauronon mi. Kami man na duwa, as OG members of Necrotic, kaipuhan ming—
Nel: Ma-continue man giraray su banda. So drummer mi sa ngonyan, may mga iba-iba syang banda. Sessionist sya, tropa mi man lang.
Francis: Tabaco.
Nel: Bale su Kalbaryo and then Jesus Cry, pigakua talaga syang drummer.
Francis: Ah ito, ang mga banda na ito, tropa-tropa mi man.
Nel: Nabakante yung drummer ninda kaya nagrani ako saiya na nyako kung ano..
Francis: Tas ang advantage kaini ta puro na kami taga-Tabaco.
Nel: Oo. Saro man si Paul, sessionist man. Dae ko ngani aram kung talagang—
Francis: Kung ma-focus samuya.
Nel: Pero pigkahuron ko sya na nyako, “Men, regular ka sa Necrotic?” Pero dakulon kase saiyang nagkukua. Puro respeto saiya ta dae man ako nag-ano, naghirit na samuya ka lang. Kumbaga at least mabilog lang su Necrotic. Piga-ano ko lang samuya ma-continue—
Francis: So pangaran kang Necrotic.
Nel: Hanggang saen kami makaabot sa underground scene.
Francis: Hanggang may oras pang tumugtog.
Eunice: Okay. That’s it for question number 2. Number 3. What do you gays have in common?
Francis: HA?!
Lindy: What do you guys.
Eunice: (laughing) Yun. What do you guys have in common?
Francis: Parehas sain? Common as in? As in magkabaranda?
Lindy: Friends ngaya, arog kaan..
Nel: Jamming. Buntili.
Francis: Whoa.
Nel: Pag yaon so taga-Ligao, ramog ki buntili.
Francis: Pag yaon man so taga-Legaspi..
Nel: Attitude type!
Francis: Pero puro pirme na ang gana dyan taga-Tabaco.
Nel: Yan!
Francis: Yan pigasabi ko saindo.
Nel: Yan ang pirme ano kaan, attitude type. Tropa, jamming.
Francis: Buntili asahan mo.
Nel: Buntili yaon na an dyan. Kararawan lang. Kumbaga (cue dramatic voice acting skills) “Mapikon ka bahala kaaaaa.”
Eunice: Humibi ka sa gilid.
Nel: Yun lang, yun lang ano ko.
Eunice: What are your individual influences?
Francis: Individual? Une na kay Ares. So drummer mi, ta ini dakol talaga ining influence.
Ares: So Doom buda Kreator. And death metal man. Arch Enemy, melodic death. Naga-tugtog n talaga kami kaito ki death metal kang high school, yun yung inot kung banda na metal kan highschool. Ang pyesa mi kaito is Six Feet Under, Cannibal Corpse. So mga influences ko pala po Eunice: death metal, melodic death metal, black metal, glam metal, progressive metal, thrash metal, instrumental and jazz.
Francis: Bako man kita mga mauragon sa scene. Bako man kita so mga—
Ares: Sakto lang.
Francis: Bako man kita so mga klase ki mga metalon na pigasarabi, na ang iba pag metal, aram gabos, pero kita su aram ta sana. Bako kami elite.
Nel: Yes, bako kami elite. Once na black metaller ka, parang duman ka na lang.
Eunice: Mala-lump in ka duman.
Nel: Pangit. What I mean is syempre dae ako naglilingaw kang pinunan ko, although naga-sounds akong RnB.
Francis: Naga-wala ka ngane saindo.. Buyungon ang hayup.
Nel: Dae ako naga-deny kaan kase music is for the people.
Francis: The future depends on you.
(everybody laughs)
Nel: Nagpuon ako 1st year college ako. Sounds akong Altar, Deicide. Duman na ako nagka-influence kaiyan. True death metal.
Eunice: Sisay naka-impluwensya kaan saimo?
Nel: Jamming, pero kang nagkaigwa kaya kaito dyan sa… ano baya ito, Royal?
Francis: Sa Bichara?
Nel: Royal ito men. Nagkaigwa dyan ki mga underground, mga CDs, sounds, gabos. Parang duman kami nag-explore ki music. Although hardcore kami dati, since high school.
Francis: Ikaw lang. Dae man ako nag-hardcore.
Nel: Mga Victory Records, Earth Crisis, dae ko na yan ipadaog. The best para sakuya an Earth Crisis. Hanggang nahiling ko itong sa Royal, so Deicide, iyu na ito inexplore ko, so sounds ninda hanggang nag-stock ako ki mga underground scene na sounds.
Francis: Metalon ang hayup.
Nel: Be professional lang.
Francis: Ako pig-aapod na latebloomer, ang primero ko kaitong na-sounds na magabat na metal—
Nel: Cueshe.
(laughter ensues)
Francis: Trip ko kaito su Amorphis, The Karelian Isthmus, dae ko ito malingawan. Ang kasabay kang pagsubli ko kang tape na an Savage Garden. Mauragon baga itong lineup kang duwa.
(this elicits more laughter from the group, because hey, it was unexpected)
Francis: Dae, pakadangog ko kaito (Amorphis), nyako masabi, syempre aki pa gustong sabihon paarastigan. Maski dae mo nasabutan, maski dae mo naappreciate, syempre, mauragon.
Eunice: Pero nagustuhan mo man? Eventually?
Francis: Dae pa kaito. Dae pa. Nagka-tape ako kaito sinublian hanggang sa sunod-sunod na. Nagpuon na so paghuruhabas ki tape ta dae man pambakal…
(more laughter)
Eunice: Bako yan off the record ha!
Francis: Nauso baga kaito so harabasan tape.
Eunice: Iyo, erestafahan!
Francis: Iyo masubli ka dae mo na ulion. So Tribute to Euronymous, nagkaigwa man ako kaan. Pili lang mga muya kong kanta duman.
Eunice: Puro ata sya BM e.
Francis: Maluya man ako sa black metal. E di nagpili lang ako mga kanta duman tas duman na ako nagpoon magsounds, nagsunod mga Carcass etc.
Nel: Basta ang banda nya kaito Black Forest e. Cake gayud ito.
Eunice: Hahaha!
Nel: Nahiling mo ito so mga pigairimprintang Black Forest pero maurag ini pag mina-growl.
Francis: Cake ito, sa FC. Duman ako nagpoon hanggang sa nagderecho na. Sa ngana ang sounds ko mga country, oldies. Yan pipatugtog ko sa aki ko.
Nel: Glam.
Francis: Yan, glam. Ballads. Yan mga sounds ko ngonyan ta makulog na sa talinga ang maribukon.
Eunice: Why are you guys in a band? Do you do it for fun, money, as a creative outlet, or for chicks?
Francis: Ako? Diputa, elementary pa sana ako, iyu na talaga gusto ko, magkabanda. Saro sa pangarap ko magkabanda.
Lindy: All of the above, hahaha!
Ares: Daeng tapok.
Nel: Na-build-up na, okay na!
Francis: Iyo talaga muya ko man magka-banda. Talagang bako lang sa magka-perak ta syempre ta kung magkaperak man sana haloy ko nang hinabuan ta dae man ako nagkakaperak sa banda.
Eunice: Tama ka.
Nel: Kumbaga, samuya passion lang talaga.
Francis: Passion. Iyo man talaga hilig mi. As in “p” ha. P! Bako “f”.
Nel: Trip ang ano, dae kami.. Dagit kami sa pay-to-play, ah.
Francis: Pay-Per-View. Garo boxing na hayup.
Nel: Ang ano mi lang, ma-expose lang.
Francis: Nis, ining drummer ko. Ta syempre gurang kita digdi, aki pa ini, high school, influence na kaini metal. Naimpluwensyahan mi na ini buda tropa mi na nagabirisyo baga, na-impluwensyahan naman sya. Kasabay na yan.
Nel: Solo minsan! So hayup…
Francis: Ta bistado ko ini nahiling ko sya, high school.
Ares: Sakuya elementary pakadangog ko kang, ang impluwensya ko talaga si kuya, so tugang ko.
Francis: Ka-batch ko dati ito.
Nel: Sos, gusguson ka na palan men.
Eunice and Lindy: Hahaha!
Francis: Isu, garo man pira ang edad kang hayup.
Lindy: Hahahaha!
Nel: Sweet 27…
Francis: So mga former member dae mo aputon? Ta iba sounds kaini. Nagpuon sinda sa Bitchcraft.
Eunice: Lindz! Since yaon ka OG member.
Nel: Respeto, respeto man giraray sa original.
Eunice: (to Lindy) Ano yung pagbanda mo, outlet?
Lindy: All of the above…
Francis: Pati palan chicks nang-chi-chicks ka na!
Nel: Pero si Lindy.. Si Lindy the best iyan…
Francis: Ang hayup pag yaon digdi lilibak-libak mong hayup.
Nel: UY, BUA-BUA KA. Dae lamang akong tinaram kay Lindy. Bako an sa pagkahipokrito talaga. The best an si Lindy. Sabot gabos. Kaya minsan, sya lugod nagngungurob-ngurob sakuya ta minsan ako ang dae nakakasabot. May time kase na ako man, sobra pano pagpadaba ni Lindy, mabooton pano na tawo.
Francis: Garo na tribute na hayup sa gadan.
Nel: Bako man… bako man..
Francis: Muya ko isabay sina Lindy ta original member sinda. Si Rae.
Eunice: Sayang ngani wara si Rae.
Francis: Ta kung may oras sinda, hanggang ngayon kabanda mi sinda. Hanggang ngonyan naga-arampangan pa.
Lindy: Passion..
Nel: Iyu, passion.
Lindy: And outlet.
Eunice: Di ba Ex-Grenade ka dati? Kamo?
Nel: Yah, duman ako nakalaog. Kinua ako ni Harley.
Eunice: Ika ang nagbabaho?
Nel: Dae gitarista na ako.
Eunice: Ang nagbabaho si Kharl?
Nel: Iyo si Kharl. Duman ko namidbidan si Lindy.
Eunice: Dyan kita nagjaramming baya, nag-irinuman. Now I remember…
Francis: Tas duman ako kinua ni ano. Nagtaram si Modesto—
Nel: Basta ang pig-iinsist ninda sako kaito, pigapasounds akong Linkin Park. Dae joke lang yun. Mga banatan mi kaito, mga crust-grind.
Eunice: Okay next question. How would you describe your sound?
Francis: DEATH METAL!!
Nel: YEEAAH…
Francis: Iyo man sana. Next question.
Nel: We are a death metal band…
Francis: Ang saro sa mga habo ko, ang i-compare kami sa ibang banda. Yes, death metal lang talaga. Boto lang talaga.
Nel: Fuck shit ang racist.
Francis: Si Nel man, bad tumalsik ang pustiso..
Nel: Bago yan, tanga. Bago yan kaya baga pirme ako naka-smile. Bago an.
Francis: Kaya palan dae mo na nasasabi ang “s”.
Nel: Naka-retainer ako sa baba. Kaya medyo ang S ko, shangaw.
Eunice: Gabos ko yan i-include mga yaon dyan.
Francis: Okay lang! Sige lang.
Nel: Attitude!
Francis: ACHItude!
Eunice: Pirang words yan!
Francis: A-C-H-I!
Nel: May retainer ako yo, sa baba.
Francis: (shouts) ACHICHUDE!
Nel: (tries to talk by way of a lisp) A-chi-chuude.
(by now we’re all over the floor laughing)
Francis: Sige, next question.
Nel: DAE MAN KI VIDEO PAKYUTON KA…
Francis: Nag-sipilyo ka?
Nel: Sige, halat…
Francis: Habo na gayod kang brush..
Eunice: Who are the local/homegrown bands you admire?
Francis: Local? As in local na, taga-Bicol? Ako, gusto ko… kras ko…
Eunice: Sisay? Hahaha!
Nel: Ano, su, ano yan…
Ares: Local band.
Eunice: Digdi lang, digdi lang.
Francis: Ah okay.. .Ako inot. Ang muya ko saro sa mga natangadan ko na mga banda, Dark Dungeon, na tigasabi ninda mainstream daa pero diputa dae ko man tinuring—
Eunice: Mainstream sinda?
Francis: Dae, sa ibang mga nage-elite-elite-an.
Ares: Mga discriminators.
Nel: Discriminators…
Francis: Ano, Dark Dungeon saro sa mga nahiling ko, dae pa akong banda nahihiling ko na sindang magturugtog. And Ironclad, mga tropa. Tapos yan, Bitchcraft ta yan so mga tropa ko, alright? Yan, Kalbaryo, Jesus Cry mga tropa ko. Syempre i-idol mo mga tropa mo.
Nel: Ako naman… natropa ko kaito talaga so, parang nabistadohan ko man sana dahil duman sa sarong tawong ito, nabistadohan ko so Kamposton. Kampo Santo.
Francis: Kampo Santo, yan.
Eunice: Na-confuse ako nun hahaha!
Francis: Sabi pano ni bossing.
Nel: Si Jay na Kampo Santo, nabistadohan ko sya, magayonon so naging influence kang laog kang UG sakuya. Kaya duman ako namulat,. So uto ngani na pigtaram ni Buboy, so ano yan, Dark Dungeon.
Francis: Tinangadan.
Nel: Yaon na kami duman, Saludo kami kaiyan kase—
Francis: Sa ibang banda ngonyan na hayup. Pag-huna sinda na ang mauragon.
Nel: Kamposton, slash Kampo Santo, Dark Dungeon duman kami nagatangad sainda. Kaya yaon kami ngonyan, nakakasabay mi magtugtog. Maurag talaga. Maurag.
Ares:Krear Bathala. Pero primero Dark Dungeon. Tapos igwa pa, Catacombs.
Nel: Ah so Catombs.
Francis: Sisay na bokalista duman?
Eunice: Ah naabutan mo yung Catacombs?
Francis: Oo, naabutan nya. May banda na sya.
Nel: Aki pa ini.
Francis: High school ngani sya nagpuon.
Ares: May tsupon pa..
Nel: Anong event ito? Punkfest.
Francis: Mga taga-Lucena—
Nel: Cabuyao, Libmanan.
Francis: Laguna.
Ares: Gari na mga kondukto
Nel: Saigot, Bariis, Mauyong!
Ares: May saro pa palan, su pinaka… Jesus Cry.
Francis: Ah, saro pa yan, Jesus Cry, tropa kaya. Mako-confuse ka sa Kalbaryo, Jesus Cry, pero mga tropa mi yan.
Nel: Sa scene, sa tugtugan, puro tropa na lang pano ang naga-arampangan. Kaya dae man na… ano yan… Off the record ito ha.
(everybody laughs)
Eunice: O eto, ano yung difference between sa lumang eksena, su kaito, and sa ngana?
Nel: Sakuya nag-boom. Nabistaduhan kami. Bistaduhon si Buboy.
Francis: Hayup…
Nel: Iyo, maski sain sa Naga bistaduhon si Buboy.
Eunice: Puta, metal god, hahaha!
Nel: Dae man, jamming, maurag makisama. (in a teasing tone). Ang dae lang mahali na kikulit-kulit ako kung ano ang pangaran ko, kung sisay pangaran ning gitarista mo?
Francis: Ang hayup!
Nel: Minsan, kikulit ako, agadon ko ngaya su number kang gitarista mo.
Francis: Taramon mo kay Ghie.
Nel: Dae taken na ako mahiling mo sa Facebook taken na ako, engaged. Makapalag ka pa kaan?
Eunice: Magre-report ka pa sa watcher mo.
Francis: (to Ares) Ika, kumpara sa kaito.
Eunice: Oo, su kaito kumpara sa ngana.
Nel: Aw iyu ta nahiling mo na baga kami kang inot. Nasa garapon ka pa e.
Francis: Hahahaha!
Eunice: Fetus? Hahahaha..
Nel: Pipalakaw-lakaw.
Ares: Catacombs nahiling ko na kamo kaito. Idol ko si Nel.
Nel: OOOH!
Francis: Uli na pade!
Eunice: Magkua na kamo kwarto!
Ares: Tapos syempre si Boy.
Francis: Ah, tropa.
Ares: Sa tugtugan, su primero, Kalbaryo. Tropa na, tugang mi na. Sa death metal and thrash death metal kami nag kaka-sorundo nira Nel tsaka Buboy.
Nel: Na-explore. Na-explore talaga.
Francis: Buda dakol syang scene na naduman.
Ares: Kumbaga habang naga-aloy ka gare naga-improve ang skill set mo.
Francis: Matibay ng dati, sabihon ta.
Nel: (in a joking tone) Matibay ng dati nagtitibay-tibayan man giraray ngunyan.
Eunice: Di ba kaito wara pang deathcore?
Ares: Oo.
Francis: Dae man kami naka-deathcore kaito.
Eunice: Tapos ngana igwa na kaan. Yan, iyo, ano masasabi nyo sa mga arog kaan na genre na nagluluwas sa metal ngana?
Nel: Ang ano pano, experimental na tigtaram. Kumbaga, dae man kaming comment sainda. Trip ninda yan e. Kanya-kanyang trip.
Francis: Showbizun ang simbag kang hayup!
Nel: Actually… walang basagan ng trip.
Francis: Ingaton sa pigsasabi nya.
Nel: Sabi ngani kaito nung naka-engkwentro ko sa Bluecore, para nag-apot ako, ansabi, “daeng basagan brad ki trip!” Aw, di iyu lugod! Dae man, dae na lugod ako makiaram kaan.
Eunice: Sisay yan?
Ares: Blind item.
Francis: Blind item yan.
Nel: Yaon ka duman!
Ares: Off the record.
Eunice: Hahaha! Ano ang goal ning banda ninyo? Wara na ako maisip na apot.
Francis: Goal?
Nel: Para sa banda mi lang, dae man kami nagseryoso totally, ang ano mi lang, jamming, tropa. Hangga’t yaon ang tropa. Dae man kami totally nagpapasiring duman sa goal na kakarirun mi, may kanya-kanya man na priorities.
Francis: Buda dae mi man an kakarirun ta dae mi man an mapeperakan, iyo?
Nel: Sabi ngani kaitong Wow anu man daw ito Buboy tugtog LCC? Maribukon, may babayi man kutang kanta para su lalaki ribukon gasod LCC! Kaya dae man kami ki ano kaiyan. Trip lang. Wara man kaming goal.
Francis: Su mga muya mi lang tugtugon, su mga muya ming kanta.
Eunice: Wara kamo balak mag-gibo ki demo ngaya. Original kompo?
Nel: Dae natutuloy.
Francis: Paratalon.
Nel: Dae natutuloy.
Francis: Sa ngonyan igwa. May ginibo akong mp3.
Ares: Sa ngonyan igwa, processing.
Nel: Processing ang demo ngonyan. Kaya lang kakasounds mi ki arog kaini—
Francis: Mapili na naman kakantahon, natripan ninda. Masipra na naman.
Nel: Masounds kami ning paborito ming banda, pag-once na nagsipra na ako iyan, gari, kumbaga na-set aside so demo na piga-ano mi.
Eunice: Ta igwa na naman may bagong ideya o impluwensya na malaog.
Nel: Iyo ang sala mi. Although dakol ang nagtataram na “puta, men, ano demo na kamo!” Arog kaiyan, pero parang, ang ano mi kaya, wara lang. Sabay kami sa eksena pero dae man kami mataram na poser, ang pigaano mi lang kaito, wara, jamming. Jamming lang.
Francis: Kung gusto mi ngani tugtugon, tutugtugon mi.
Ares: Pero magkakaigwa.
Nel: Mawo-workout kaiyan ang demo.
Eunice: So may demo talaga.
Francis: Igwa na.
Nel: Igwa na totally kaya lang bako pa malinig.
Eunice: Nakapira na kamong OG na kompo?
Francis: Actually wara pa.
Ares: May saro na.
Nel: May saro na sya, pero—
Francis: Dae kaya matapos-tapos.
Ares: I-improve pa.
Nel: I-improve lang. Wara man kaya so mga time so, arog sakuya—
Francis: Manager.
Nel: Bako man.. Taga-kulit lang ako kang costumer na pasaway na habo magbayad. Naaayos ko man syempre ma-depend ang mga kabanda ko sakuya. Yaon sakuya ang riffs e, ang anu yan, bagsakan or ano. Kaya dae man totally na-aano sakuya ta pagkabanggi, irinuman—
Francis: Babayi.
Ares: Alak ang tigsisipra.
Nel: Dae man na babayi, ano lang, straight edge lang sa inom.
Francis: Straight edge lang daa sa inom na hayup.
Eunice: Straight edge.. One to sawa, inistraight.
Nel: Yan, straight talaga. Aram an. So dati kong drummer aram an. Ta pigahapot ko pa iyan, Lindz, kaya mo pa? Dae, hanggang duman lang. Inom, puro inom.
Francis: Puro inom.
Nel: Pagkatapos lugaw, uli, turog. Yun lang ito. (referring to Ghie) Naka-headset yan, Dae nya nadadangog.
Francis and Ares: (speaking with a lisp) Headshet.
Nel: May retainer ngani ako. Ano ba…
Eunice: Paki-alish na nga ng retainer mo.
Nel: Isa lang ang retainer ko kung up and down kaya treinta mil. Kaya kinse lang. Next time na so sa taas.
Eunice: May work ka naman para maka-afford ka ng bagong retainer.
Nel: Hinde eh, nag-iipon tayo.
Eunice: Okay next. Ano ang dream gig nindo?
Francis: Alright, dream gig. Ako ta dae pa man akong pigaisip na arog kaan—
Eunice: Dae man, pantasya lang brad.
Ares: Pantasya lang.
Nel: Para sakuya, gusto ko makaline-up sa Killing Fields.
Francis: Yan, lineup.
Nel: Kase true death metal kami to brutal, trip mi ang tugtugan ninda—
Francis: Oo yan, su lineup duman. Bako man so sadiri ming ano, lineup lang.
Nel: Gusto kong maka-lineup duman sa Killing Fields, na dae man kami na-aware masyado ta ining si Buboy makalwagon, ta parang kinulit so—
Francis: Buntili dyan, buntili duman…
Nel: So ano baga—
Francis: Oho, pigparabuntili..
Nel: Pigparabuntili kang hayup, tinangkas sa lineup.
Francis: Ta sereryosohon mga tawo duman.
Nel: (again, in full joke mode) Sireryosohon ang tama kang mga hayop..
Francis: Puros baga ako karaw, nasa lineup na kuta, ka-buntili buntili buntili hinali sa lineup!
Nel: Sabay usip “padi, hinali kita kang organizer”.
Francis: Pero iyu man, pag nagahirilinagn iribanan man giraray.
Nel: Pero ngonyan, dae man (referring to the gig).
Francis: Nagiulok na lang ako sa pangyayaring ito.
Nel: Hinali kami sa line up. Pero dae man ako nag-ano kaiyan. Walang kaso na yun.
Francis: Saro man kami sa original lineup kang gig.
Nel: Pinaano kami kang event pero original lineup pa yan.
Ares: Sa Metalookalikes, yaon baga kita.
Francis and Nel: Ah yan, yaon kami.
Francis: Ah, laog-laogon ko duman ang organizer.
Nel: Iyo ito, ang point ko duman, gusto ko maka-ano duman sa Maximum Carnage na production.
Francis: Ako dae, maski ano.
Nel: Kase, na-ano ako duman kang Human Mastication, nakalineup mga Down From the Wound, mga pinoy baga. Maurag, nagruluwas na.
Francis: So mga idol mo kaya, saro sa mga muya mo. Muya mo man makasabay. Maski bago arog kaito na production, event. Maka-lineup ta lang sinda.
Nel: Sabi ngani so ano lang, maka-lineup lang.
Eunice: Foreign ngaya.
Francis: Yan! Mas lalo na.
Eunice: Sisay pag foreign?
Francis: One Direction!
Nel: Yan!
Eunice: Hahahaha!
Nel: Ang piga-ano ko man kung puwedeng makalineup ki Enrique Iglesias…
(of course this reply prompted everybody to roll with laughter)
Francis: Puta si Enrique Iglesias baga nagpahali na ki nunal.
Eunice: Hahaha iyo man nanggad? Iyo?
Francis: Nagpahali naman nanggad. On the record yan ah. On the record.
Nel: Naka-lineup naman kami through Manila, kaya lang nasabak kami sa thrash. Although tugtugan mi parang—
Francis: Black baya ito?
Nel: Black thrash. Ang tugtugan harayuon kami. Death metal type kami e.
Eunice: Ano na ngani mga banda duman?
Francis: Infernal Curse.
Nel: Tenebrion—
Francis: Kaya sa foreign may nakasabay na kita.
Nel: Nakasabay man kami sa lineup.
Francis: Saro man ito sa mga na-achieve mi na event.
Nel: Na-achieve man. Ang pinakagusto ko talaga su, syempre, ka-ano mo, ka-genre, iyan na so Maximum Carnage.
Francis: Yung category nindo, yaon kamo duman. So mga halangkaw na banda duman—
Eunice: Makakasabayan nindo.
Francis: Muya mi man mahiling ang urag mi.
Nel: Ang gusto ko na maexperience duman kung ano duman so—
Francis: Papalarin..
Nel: Yan.
Francis: Pagpalarin ng Diyos. Next song?
Nel: (using a creepy voice) May ihahapot ka pa?
Francis: Inday Badiday.. Dae, Inday Garutay.
Eunice: Okay lang saindo na halo ang lineup?
Nel: Daeng problema.
Francis: Okay lang, pero ako nagdedepende na ako ngonyan.
Nel: Oo, depends on.
Francis: Kung gurang ang mahiriling dae kami ma-ano.
Nel: Yah.
Francis: Iyo talaga. Ta syempre sisay man samo ang ma-appreciate, ma-muda lamang kami.
Nel: Saro pa, saro pa ang pinakahabuon ko pa, pay to play. Puta man, pay to play na pigtataram. Mabayad ka, puta. Inimbitaran mo na ngani ako—
Francis: Panigarilyo ngani kaini dae nakabakal.
Nel: Iyo na ngani puro na sana pambuburaot.
Francis: Uragan mo an.
Nel: Kumbaga, ang piga-ano ko man lang, yaon na ngani so presensya ko, pabayadon mo pa ako.. Habo ko kaiyan, saro pa an. Duman kami naga-depend kang haralo-halong genre.
Francis: Saro pa sa habo ko ang igagamit ang pangaran kang banda ko kang sarong production gibuhon na negosyo.
Nel: Pangit yan, habo ko kaiyan.
Francis: Kung gusto magkapirak kang production, tawan man ninda ako ki pirak. Haha, joke lang.
Nel: Yan.
Francis: Iyo talaga. Pangit ang pay to play.
Nel: Iyo iyan ang saro sa mga habo kang Necro kaya habo mi magplay sa mga arog kaiyan.. Sige, banat lang, turugtogan kita. Depende na lang, halimbawa may tropa kami na nag-birthday, o ano pa man, sige. Pero kung arog ngani kaito, pay to play? Maski ngani pay to fuck habo ko kaiyan. Liluyahon na ako mabayad pa ako saimo? Basta pangit. Habo mi kaiyan.
Eunice: Puwede na. Ano, any parting words sa mga followers ninyo? Sa mga gusto magbanda.
Francis: Ano yan?
Eunice: Last words, public service announcement ngaya, relationship advice, bago matapos ining interview.
Francis: Sa mga followers? Igwa na kita kaan?
Nel: Dae man. Ang matataram ko lang dyan, kung talagang desidido ka maging metal, talagang desideran mo. Pangit man panong maging hipokrito, o posero, galling-galingan. Parang, puta haen ka? Mas maray man giraray so talagang pigpupuntok mo so duman ka, talagang UG scene ka, focusan mo lang ito. Pero ang pinakapunto duman, pangit man so discrimination na pigaapod.
Ares: Pero parte yan kaan.
Nel: Tama yan.
Francis: Pag nag-uurag ka, may haters ka.
Eunice: Normal na yan.
Lindy: Maski sain ka magduman, igwa kaan.
Nel: Iyo, yan na ang pinaka-da best na mai-advice. Tas pag nakalaog ka na sa underground scene, dae magdakula ang alimantak mo. Kung ano ka, iyo ka lang. Tamile dakula ka na, na bistado ka na, duminakula so alimantak mo, kanser an. Chemotherapy ang kaipuhan kaan.
Francis: Para sakuya, pag nahiling nindo ako, dae nindo ako i-consider na… ang iba baga, “ay metal ngaya ining hayup.” Rakenrol lang. Mas maurag man giraray ang rakenrol kesa metal.
Lindy: That is the whole point.
Eunice: Yeah, we’re just a buncha happy campers, rocking and a rolling!
Francis: Iyo, rakenrol lang kita.
Nel: Yeah.
Francis: Pero ang banda ko piga-consider ninda na metal, pero pag nahiling ninda ako, ang apod ngani ninda sako sa scene, Necrotic. May mahapot sakuya, titanguan ko lang. Ki-consider nindang, oh metal ngaya. Pero para sakuya dae ninda ako pag-apudon na metal. Rakenrol lang kita.
Ares: Sakuya, simple lang. Simple, sakto lang.
Francis: (referring to Ares) Ining hayup na ini, maurag ini. Malawak ang pagisip kaini sa music.
Ares: So kaya mo gibuhon mo lang. Do your best, simple lang.
Francis: Parehas kang, sa mga dati ming kabanda. Sara Lindy, sa Rae. Itong bahista mi ngonyan, malawag man ang pagisip kaito pagabot sa music.
Nel: Almost 6 years so dati kong drummer buda bahista kaya respeto. May kanya-kanya sindang obligasyon na titaram. Pero itong paaram na ito bako lang sa banda ito. So tropa, yaon man giraray.
Francis: Pag nahiling man baga nindo sa profile pic kang Necrotic, so lineup duman hanggang ngonyan, mahiling nindo yaon sinda sa lineup. Si Rae, si Lindy. Enclosed in parenthesis, on vacation nilaag ko. Ta anytime na may time sinda.
Nel: Dae man kami naghali ki dating drummer tas bahista, yaon ito.
Francis: Kasabay na duman sa ginibo kong page, may ginibo akong description duman. Mga logo, designs, sinarabay ko na, idea ko. Pinagurunan mi man.
Ares: I-endorse mo man sponsor mo.
Francis: Basta sa page mi yaon duman.
Eunice: Aram na ninda kung saen sinda maduman. Okay, iyo na.. Tapos na.
Nel: (doing one of his notorious dramatic voice-acting abilities) Ngonyan, ang hapot ko saimo. Gusto mo man magbanda?
Eunice: Habo. Ahahaha!
About The Author
Eunice M.G believes she gives off Jay Byrne El Creepo-levels vibes. Current artists on rotation include Totalitar, His Hero is Gone, Jack or Jive, Linea Aspera, Napalm Death, Agnostic Front and Imminent Starvation. In the world of prose, she loves anything by Dennis Cooper, Del Shannon, William Gibson, Patrick Califia, Alex Cometbus, James Clavell, Cecilia Chan and the writer formerly known as Poppy Z. Brite. Aside from picking petty, mean-spirited fights about how much she hates your favorite anime series, she’s into collecting Grove Press and Suspect Thoughts Press books fresh from those wonders called Booksale and the bowels of Cartimar, Recto. Eunice has secret ambitions to be a shibari master but fuck that because she haven’t even earned her Girl Scout Badge for tying knots anyway. You can contact Eunice at her Facebook.
Dark Dungeon 2014 @ Metal Induced By Frontline Productions
The metal scene in Bicol in the early 90s until the beginning of the 21st century was way more acceptable compared to the scene today, no doubt. For instance, in Tabaco City, home to some of the scene’s pioneers and where the metal music scene was considered as one of the best in Albay, the metal scene back then was genuine. It didn’t matter what you wore to a gig; nobody cared about fame; and people slammed their asses out in complete chaos. But the best part is that there were hardly any posers: only pure metal scene shit.
As the years passed, a new generation was born, and then the scene wasn’t the same anymore. The metal scene today is trashed; filled with youngsters claiming to know everything about the scene but the truth is they have insufficient or no knowledge about it at all, wearing band shirts without a single clue in their “metal” heads about the band, and standing in front of the performing band during a show, which they consider “slamming”, only to show off their oh-so-metal get up. But regardless of the sudden change, there are still a few legit bands present in the local music scene. This includes the band that seems to have no plans of letting their name die, a name that existed even before I did: Dark Dungeon.
Dark Dungeon at Rock Tabak, 23 June 2014
Dark Dungeon is a metal band from Tabaco City, one that doesn’t want to let their burning passion for playing metal music die out. They make the past 17 years seem as if they went by like the wind. They’ve been on hiatus for three years, but Dark Dungeon is now back in the local music scene with the replacement of some of its members to keep the band alive.
Band members of two other ’90s Tabaco-based metal bands Pantheon and Kulto already had plans of merging their bands. But it was when they discovered Uban’s vocal skills one night after Pantheon’s gig in Sorsogon that they decided to go on with their plan of joining forces. They started playing as Dark Dungeon since then.
“Hindi sya ganon ka’dali i-merge kasi sobra na sa members, pero hindi din sya ganon katagal i-merge. Yung parang bawat napaguusapan or napagdesisyunan maganda ang output. Hindi sya nagbibigay ng conflicts. Yun na nga sabi ko, like si Pad, kailangan nya i’give up yung position nya kasi sobra na sa members. Ako, kinailangan kong i’give up yung pag’gitara kasi ako lang naman yung may alam ng konti sa keyboard kaya from guitar, lipat ako sa keyboard, si Leo drums to rhythm guitar, Remar from Bass to Vocals, Siodian from Vocals to Bass. Timing nung pinaplano namin yung magiging setup, nadiscover namin yung vocal skills ni Uban so pag uwi parang “Ok na tayo. Nakuha na natin yung magiging lead vox natin para sa Cradle of Filth cover.” — Chong.
The merge was made possible by Fernando Cordovales a.k.a. Pad – he was the one who handled the band. Pad was their Roadie, Manager, Motivator, Overall Tech, and their Inventor of the improvised and makeshift equipment needed by the band.
Dark Dungeon Circa 90s, Original Lineup
Dark Dungeon Circa 1997
Dark Dungeon’s 1st lineup at Bacacay, Albay (late 90s) Dark Dungeon 90s
Dark Dungeon 90s
Siodian Uy, original member
The band’s original members were Remar Martirez, Jessel “Uban” Basanta, & Laarni Gonzales (vocals), Benito Obed (lead guitar), Leo Mier (rhythm guitar), Alvin “Chong” Matias, (keyboard), Siodian Uy (bass), and Ryan Buitizon (drums). They were influenced by Slayer, Sepultura, Carcass, Beherit, Early Tiamat, Immortal, Moonspell, Cradle of Filth and Type O Negative. It was Edward Bañez who introduced them to Black Metal. They also got their cassette tapes from his independent obscure label, “Cruel Art Production.”
This lineup raped the crowd’s ears with black fucking metal back in their days – wearing corpse paint, and an inverted cross. It would be awesome though if they brought a fresh and bloody goat head to one of their shows.
Benito Obed III, original member
Ryan Buitizon, original member
Dark Dungeon 90s
Dark Dungeon 90s
Many years have passed and there came the time when they had their own jobs and families, making some of them leave the band to prioritize other things in life. Not wanting to abandon what they have started, Pad motivated everyone to get their shit together and start playing again, and so they did. The band’s lineup after the hiatus consisted of Alvin “Chong” Matias (lead guitar), Emil “Nayr” Deprisa (rhythm guitar), Fernando “Pad” Cordovales (vocals), Elton Philip San Pablo (drums), Cherry Magallon (keyboard), and Christian Magallon (bass). This group was more on Progressive and Melodic Death metal though, but they still kicked ass. But when Elton decided to leave the band to study again, Alvin also ended up with the decision to give himself a break from the band and focus on his job instead.
It wasn’t the end of the band though. They eventually got back together because of an event organized by the Faultine Productions, Higher Ground. They were reunited, performed again onstage, and left the crowd wanting for more.
The band’s current members are Fernando “Pad” Cordovales (lead vocals), Siodian Uy (vocals), Alvin “Chong” Matias (lead guitar), Emil Deprisa (rhythm guitar), Paul Brutas (drums), and Waquin “Waxx” Ko (bass). Playing Melodic Death, Thrash and Death Metal, they were influenced by Cradle of Filth, Slayer, Sepultura, Carcass and Dream Theater, Symphony X, Nevermore, Arch Enemy and Kreator.
They don’t usually stick to one genre of music when choosing a song to cover but they always had the passion to play Melodic Death. After more than ten years of covering songs, the band had their first original composition written by Philam Odonio in 2009 entitled “Soundness,” followed by their 2nd composition, “Cosmic Man” in 2011. Dark Dungeon is part of three music organizations, The Faultine Productions, Icebox Productions, and Hopeless Culture Productions. Although they have good exposure, ultimately plays music for expression and for sharing with other music enthusiasts. Playing for fame comes secondary if at all.
“We do not seek fame. Makatugtog lang, okay na. May mga regular jobs na kami. Pag nagpa’gig, okay nang umabsent sa trabaho maka’tugtog lang. Ok lang.” – Chong
The band shares that their music-making process is exhausting. For instance, they are unable to rehearse even with just one band member missing. But despite encountering such difficulties, they are still always able to pull off powerful and skillful performances.
Alvin “Chong” Matias Jr.
With so much experience at being in a band, Chong, Pad, and Paul each gave their advice for the newbies in the local music scene:
“Kung ano trip mo, yun ang sundin mo. Dae ka magpadara kung napipiritan ka. Invest skill. Enjoy. Rock on!” – Chong
“Deretsuhon mo sana ang pagtugtog. Ta kung dae mo dineretso, mawawara ka sa scene.” – Pad
“Enjoy lang sa tggigibo mo. Basta nage-enjoy ka.” – Paul
So what’s the difference between becoming history and making history? Take it from Dark Dungeon: a mix of embracing your passion for music, working hard to improve your musicianship, and supporting the Bicol music scene.
Fernando “Pad” Cordovales
“Enjoy lang sa tiggigibo mo. Basta nag-eenjoy ka.” – Paul
Paul Brutas.
Words From Dark Dungeon
What’s the origin of your band’s name? Have you changed it before? Why? Chong: Dark Dungeon is composed of two bands; Pantheon and Kulto. We decided to bring the two bands as one. No, we did not change the name.
How did the band form? Chong: We merged the two bands.
Who are the other band members and what respective instruments do they play? Chong: Me on Lead Guitars, Pad on Lead Vocals, Paul on Drums, Emil on Rhythm Guitar, Waxx on Bass, and Siodian Uy on Vocals.
What’s your band’s genre? Who are your major influences? Chong: Melodic Death (present) Thrash ( 1996; day 1 before merging)
Pad: Cradle of Filth. Slayer. Sepultura. Carcass. Dream Theater.
When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together? Chong: 1997. Pad: Kaka’sounds ng Dream Theater at sa iba pang influences, nakagawa kami ng sarili naming composition, and because of the skills we have.
Do you have original recordings? Are you a member of music organizations? Chong: Wala pa. Yes, Faultine Productions, Icebox Productions, and The Gathering Prod.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Chong: Everyone contributes. Pad: Our main topic in our songs is Tragedy. He wants to kill his lover (Soundness 2009), and a Powerful Being ( Cosmic Man 2011)
Why did you stick to that certain topic in writing lyrics? Chong: Nilapat lang sa music.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process? Chong: Mapagalon. Di kami makatugtog kung wala ang isa.
Describe your gigs, visually and musically. Chong: Visually: wasak, powerful. Musically: heavy, skilled.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Do you seek fame and fortune? Chong: To make a new compo and record it but with a different bagsak. We do not seek fame. Makatugtog lang, okay na. At may mga regular jobs na kami. Pag nagpa’gig, okay nang umabsent sa trabaho, maka’tugtog lang. Ok lang.
What pieces of advice can you give to bands that just recently emerged from the local music scene? Chong: Kung ano trip mo, ‘yun ang sundin mo. Dae ka magpadara kung napipiritan ka. Invest on skill. Enjoy. Rock on! Pad: Deretsuhon mo sana ang pagtugtog. Ta kung dae mo dineretso, mawawara ka sa scene. Paul: Enjoy lang sa tiggigibo mo. Basta nage-enjoy ka.
Have you played shows with a renowned artist? Chong: Yes, with Parokya ni Edgar at Albay Astrodome way back in 1998.
How do you differ from the other bands? Chong: We are more guitar-based. And we like progression.
Dark Dungeon Original lineup
Benito ( lead guitar ), Leo ( rhythm ), Laarni ( vocals ), Chong ( keyboard ), Siodian ( bass ), Uban ( vocals), reymar ( vocals ), ryan ( drums )
2nd lineup
Chong ( lead guitar ), emil ( rhythm ), pad ( vocals ), Elton ( drums ), che ( keyboard ), Christian ( bass )
3rd lineup
Chong ( lead guitar ), emil ( rhythm ), pad ( vocals ), paul ( drums ), waxx ( bass )
Photo Credits: Dark Dungeon Original Lineup Photos, Benito Obed III
About The Author
Alanis Sanchez is a Journalism student of Bicol University. This friendly asshole from Tabaco City loves listening to metal music (and teaches herself how to play the drums while she’s at it), enjoys breaking rules and making trouble. If something’s prohibited or illegal, she’d probably still do it anyway. Other than being a noisy and reckless pain in the ass, she spends some of her time chilling; reading novels, drinking coffee, and finding more trouble. You can also message her at Facebook.
From Entablado to Tinampo, Defining Unconventional Theater Spaces
Sari Saysay
For an independent theater group, the absence of their own physical structure that can house rehearsals and performances – something like a small room at the least or an arts center or auditorium at the most – can be a big problem. Not having enough money to rent one during production season can be a serious limitation too. But not for Sining Banwa. These home-grown artists really know how to claim the space their art requires.
Sining Banwa is a three-year old Albay-based cultural group with sections on drama, music and dance. Their members are volunteer artists from different sectors of the community. They are often tagged as a ‘guerilla’ group as they don’t have a permanent rehearsal and performance venue.
“We do our meetings at members’ houses, sometimes at the park, [and] even at the boulevard,” explained Julyses Belga Jr., a junior artist of Sining Banwa, during an interview. “We ask permission from the church to use their facility when we need to rehearse indoors.”
For Lent of this year, instead of doing the traditional Senakulo in the conventional manner, they performed in front of the Daraga and Legazpi public markets.
“[Our approach to space] is in line with our objective of bringing performances closer to the masses. The ordinary palengke-goers will not, or very seldom will go to a conventional theater to watch plays. Aside from the fact that we don’t have money to rent auditorium, we do performances for a more noble cause. We want to involve the common people,” Belga added.
The group performs at barangay basketball courts, elementary school plazas, parks, rotundas, and downtown streets, among others.
Site Specific Performance
“The principle is this, if you don’t have a space, you must create it.”
Community Gathering
Community Performance
No matter where they perform, Sining Banwa considers each performance as equally important. For them, every performance is a community gathering – a convergence of hearts and minds.
“We don’t just want to appeal to the heart, the emotions. We want to start a discussion. We want to strike the mind. We want to the community to keep thinking, to be critical,” Belga added. “What good is a performance that has no issue at hand?”
“Every performance is a community gathering. This has to be fruitful, productive. We don’t just gather to relax, we gather to strengthen our capacity as a community.”
Sining Banwa is particularly disinclined with how the government spends millions of pesos during festivals, with celebrations held by almost every local government unit, to boost tourism.
Political Art
“Festivals are community gatherings, too. Good. We also participate in its cultural shows. What we are not up to is the millions being spent for enjoyment alone. We lack the very purpose of community gatherings – to address our issues as a people.”
Protest Art
Protest Art Pieces
Creating unconventional theater spaces gives the group a certain degree of freedom to create unconventional performance pieces. In September 2014, during the commemoration of Martial Law declaration, Sining Banwa artists walked around Old Albay and Downtown Legazpi areas – all in chains, blindfold and blood. Each one carried a placard that said, ‘Never Again to Martial Law.’
Street Performance
“The idea of protest art is to make [things] simple. What is important is to make the message come across,” Kathrine Taopo, another junior artist, stated.
The group also makes many other protest art pieces ranging from estatwas, libreng hula booth, tulaan sa kalye, and various others.
“Sa totoo, we don’t lack in performance venues. We may not always be able to rent indoor theater spaces, pero kadakol an palengke, dakulaon an park, halabaon an tinampo. Performing outside the conventional space gives us the feeling that we truly belong to the people – we are bringing their issues and concerns through our creative platforms, and our platforms must always be closer to them.”
Sining Banwa Artists
Editors Note: Videos below are from Aquinas University of Legazpi’s STAGE or Sama-Samang Tinig Ng Mga Aktor Na Gumaganap Sa Entablado. They are posted to give idea how Sining Banwa performs.
There is a popular Filipino saying that, “Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay.” (“If somebody throws a rock at you, throw bread back at them”). In Bicol X’s case, they threw a gig.
When there are likers, there may also come haters, especially with fame. As Bicol X has become a renowned music production for holding the most rocking gigs and showcasing the most “oragon” bands, amidst their success, creeps some haters. That is why for Bicol X’s Bicol X Music 5, they had a subtle approach to haters in their theme, which was “Bicol X Strikes Back”, held last Oct 17, 2014 at JD’s Point Restaurant and Bar.
Bicol X had been lying low for some time though, not having any gig for two months since July. Usually they have some gigs every month, which, aside from their counteraction, is the main reason why their theme is so. It is their grand return after a period of rest. And they rocked that gig so hard as if it was their lover they haven’t seen for quite a while.
“Our gigs are not about the haters. I don’t compare our scene to others. It just became our counteraction to the haters. But it really is not for the haters,” said Noel Addison Agnote, one of the co-founders of Bicol X, brushing them haters off and just continuing with what they do best.
Bicol X Strikes Back was a pre-launch party that was to showcase 14 bands whom are some of the most talented acts in the local music scene such as: Bicolano Rappers Organization, Scars for Maria, College Format, Naturalismo, The Doldrums, Code of Chivalry, Muchass Grassas, Jack in the Box, Krear Bathala, One Hour Recover, Pennies4Jane, Prey, Indigo, and Perdition. They were the chosen ones to be part of the Bicol X Compilation Album to be released next year; a nifty concoction Bicol X is cooking up, that’s something to look forward to.
Alongside the gig was also the release of such ingenious creations of shirts from four Bicolano clothing lines namely, Eleventh Hour Clothing, Ezkill, Morbid Pumpkin, and Urag Wear. Besides these shirts’ awesome designs, the fact that they’re Albay made makes it totally “oragon” and something that we Bicolanos could be proud of. Bicol X merchandise were also sold with discounts on some selected items. They were some pretty fair deals on some sweet items.
Tickets were sold for the affordable price of P 80, pre-sale and P 100, at the gate. I can say that it was worth the price for it came with a free beer, and it’s one hella good gig as what Bicol X usually brings; an event where in you can enjoy great music and booze-up.
Unfortunately, two bands, Pennies4Jane and Krear Bathala weren’t able to show up for some reason. But in their absence, two bands, Red Buttons and 32-20 Barrel Blues joined in to substitute and opened the gig.
First up was garage punk band, Red Buttons with a performance bursting with energy. It’s amazing how so much energy exuded from a band that’s composed of only two members. The venue came alive. They played their original compositions, “Run Forrest Run”, which is about being LATE- being late at work, love, etc. It was influenced by the movie Forrest Gump; “Adventure Time”, which is just about the cartoon Adventure Time; and “Dream Sequence”, which is all about fragments of a dream and remembering them during day time. The words are randomly written just like in a dream. The inspirations for their compositions come from random things.
Red Buttons
Then there was a change of mood as it turned more toned down and relaxed as 32-20 Barrel Bluesfollowed with covers of “Gimme One Reason” by Tracy Chapman, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by George Harrison, and “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin, that made the audience dance and sing along in their seats as they were feeling the music.
32-20 Barrel Blues
The bluesy feel shifted to a head bobbing moment as the unique bunch among the lineup, Bicolano Rappers Organization took the stage with their original compositions, “Entablado” by Thrilla deKalibre, Silverbone, and Chunkee; “Fly High” by Chunkee; “Paskong Wala ka” by Thrilla deKalibre feat. Mikidee and Breezy Jane; “Tara Na Sa Albay” by Oragon Departamento of Bicolano Rappers Org. Personal experiences are what their songs talk about. In composing their songs, they make use of poetry and influences from other genres. Their genre sets them apart as they’re the only ones who does rap, thus bringing a different flavor.
Bicolano Rappers Organization
For the next band, not scars, but screams were what they got as alternative rock band, Scars for Maria got some ever loyal fans cheering. They played two of their original compositions, “Para Satin to’” and “Puppet’s Diary”. Usually, the songs that they write are about experience and emotion. They also played a Mad Hatter Day Cover entitled, “Finding Atlantis”. The crowd obviously loved their performance.
Scars for Maria
College Format did two Goo Goo Dolls covers, “Slide” and “Name” then it was followed by “So Many Times” which is one of their original songs. This college rock band’s songs are inspired by movies, and for them, their songs come from the heart and are powered by emotion.
Mic Of College Format
It all just came naturally like a group of 5 friends creating good music together for reggae band Naturalismo. They played rock reggae versions of Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and The Youth’s “Mukang Pera”, and their original composition, “Albay Ayahay”. Naturalismo is all about creating music that is very natural and they’re naturally good at it; already making waves despite that they’re new to the scene only having joined this 2014.
Naturalismo
The next band, The Doldrums performed their original compositions, “Love Song”, which is about how love transcends incompatibility; “Idiot”, which expresses rage at how females can be discriminated against, in the music scene and otherwise; and “Don’t Comfort”, where in the (female) narrator speaks about her capacity to be hedonistic, too, sexually and otherwise, in defiance of society’s assumption that females are naturally or supposed to always be “well-behaved” and “self-sacrificing.” Their songs are so deep as what the band’s name says, itself. According to their drummer, Thonz Abrera, doldrums mean the most calm yet the deepest area in the sea. But their performance was nothing calm. It was so lively as they made audience dance and sing along with them.
Doldrums
But right after, was when the crowd went nuts as they moshed like crazy to performances of the real riot starting bands, Code of Chivalry, Muchass Grassas, Jack in the Box, One Hour Recover, Prey, Indigo, and last but not the least, Perdition. Although I don’t know if it’s just that the alcohol already kicked in but even so, those bands were kickin’!
The knights of post grunge/progressive metal, Code of Chivalry rocked with their power to protect the weak and defenseless through their songs and melody. An interesting trivia about this band is that their name was taken from, “Code of Chivalry”, a world known moral and honorable system w/c states that all knights should protect others who cannot protect themselves and be of service to others. A Greyhoundz cover, “Taya” was played by the band, and two original compositions, “Fight” which is about battling daily challenges igniting inner flame and winning and “Reborn” which is about personal reform the need to rise from ashes.
Code of Chivalry
Reggae band, Muchass Grassas gave a performance that brought the audiences to Zion with covers of “Piso Pisong Panaginip” by Tropical Depression, “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley, and “Collie Herb Ma”n by Katchafire. They also performed their original compositions such as “Legalize It”, “Maryjane”, and “Under the Influence,” which made the audience high. Most of their songs are based on true stories and experiences.
Muchass Grassas
As usual, Jack in the Box gave a hyper performance as what they’re known for. They did two Soulfly covers, “Bleed” and “Downstroy”. They also played their original composition, “Lies,” which deals all about the corruption ensued in the Philippine government. Current events are what this NU metal/groove metal/progressive metal band’s compositions tackle.
Jack In The Box
A fusion of punk rock, grunge, and alternative took over the place as that’s what sums up One Hour Recover as their music is a combination of each other’s influences, and their music’s main ingredient is collaboration. “Cassettes and Cigarettes”, “Poison in Disguise”, “Sandali”, and “Seven to Surf” were some of their original compositions they played. Most of their songs are about life and their personal experiences. They also played a Rancid cover of “Roots Radicals”.
One Hour Recover
Groove metal band, Prey who has become a voice for the bullied, performed their original compositions, “Bullied” and “Vengeance” both all about bullies which is mostly what their songs are all about. They also played a cover of Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell”.
Prey
Not even distance could keep the next band from performing. They are electronica/post hardcore band, Indigo who travelled all the way from Daet, Camarines Norte to Legazpi just to play their original compositions such as “Endless Tears,” which is about love and hatred, but in the story of the song the love of the boy overpowers the hate he feels towards his girl; “We Are, What We Are!”, which is about teenagers and bands who want to change the world through music. No wars and negativity, just music and love; and “Haters, Cute Monsters and Aphrodite”, which is a story about those who are musically inclined, who still carry on with their passion even if there are many people against them (haters) and then meets some people who are being pretentious after all just so they could use bands for their own sake (cute monsters) and the beauty of the world, music, and the talent God has blessed us with (symbolized by aphrodite). This band really loves music and making music. And it seems that the crowd really love their music as well.
Indigo
Raw and Passionate is what I can say for the last band, Perdition. This metalcore band isn’t exactly sugar, spice, and everything nice. Perdition is all about hate and rebellion but they don’t write those kinds of songs just for the fact that they’re a heavy metal band. As said by their vocalist, Tim Florece, “We wrote these songs because it is coming from a real place, a real dark place, and as cliché as it sounds, if you’re succumbed in darkness, in order to see things once again, you’ll have to find the light. I think that it is the essence of our songs, a warning, a gentle tap to the shoulder, telling us that things are not as beautiful as we see it now. We all have to be vigilant.” They played their original compositions, “Forever Your Assailant”, “Solitary Confinement”, “Prophets of the New Disease”, and “Blue are the Skies of an Opening Day”. They rocked their guts out as usual and made a blast of a finale, as they are, according to Florece, “Like a predator, salivating as it stalks its prey, we are as well hungry for our songs to be heard by many.”
Perdition
Overall, to put it in one word, it was: epic. A group of extreme Bicolano bands that all came together to share their talent and some of their original music, joined by extreme clothing lines with original designs that originated in Bicol in an extreme event that everyone enjoyed.
They are two things to be proud of in the Bicol scene, musicians that, although already renowned and accomplished still remain humble and amidst adversaries, stay strong and carry on with their passion, which is what is admirable about them, and clothing lines that are products of skilled fellow Bicolanos.
About the author Marisse is a freelance writer currently residing in Camalig, Albay. Her passion for writing was developed when she was recruited to be a writer for Aquinian Herald, the official publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi where she took up AB Communication. There she wrote news, poetry and features and eventually got promoted as features editor. That is how she has grown into this passionate writer she is and until now, still continuously grows as she pursues a career in writing. You can message Marisse at her Facebook account
There is something unsatisfying about the term “music scene” whenever I think about what is happening in Albay. Think about it. “Music scene” just gives a sense of detachment to music as an experience. Being a “scene,” one relates to music in this way as a spectator of some sort. “Music scene” just sounds like a bubble with a life of its own, determined by select key players, and ordinary people placed in the scheme of things as outsiders looking in.
If there is one thing I know about Albay, though, it is that people never want to just be outsiders looking in. They want to be – and are always – involved. You have people watching gigs especially because they are friends with the band playing; you see college students volunteering to organize gigs; you find musicians helping other musicians form a band or fill in for a band’s missing member; you find organizers marrying musical events with other forms of art; you find people excited at posting pictures of themselves during gigs or wearing promotional merchandise; and you even hear of parents taking their children’s band to the local recording studio. Everybody wants to be – and are always – part of the “music scene,” one way or another. Can you call still that just a “scene?”
Ecstatic Crowd at Bicol X Strikes Back
I prefer the term “music community,” now that I have come to learn more about Albay. At the risk of sounding romantic, I think this captures the experience more accurately. It invites images of people owning the music scene and of breaking down any division between who is and is not part of it: what Albay has is a do-it-yourself music scene, thus, a community.
There are three points at being a community that I would like to elaborate on: first is a shared sense of identity, second is common sense camaraderie, and third is inclusive openness.
The first point is most apparent with how musicians appeal to the broader public through their songs and with how organizers conceptualize projects and events. How many local songs have we heard singing about being an Albayano or Bicolano? You’ve probably heard Buckyard Boyz claim, “I’m from, we’re from, you’re from Albay! We represent the city of smile,” or Mind of Clay challenge listeners in one of their songs, “Uragon ka baga!” Some of the more prominent groups and production outfits also have our cultural identity at the heart of their conception: “Albay Rappers Club,” “Bicol Boys and Bicol Girls,” and of course, “Bicol X.” Countless gigs have also revolved around some sense of shared identity: the compilation album “Tanog Tabaco,” is one example; the recent “Bicol Electric Fest” is another.
The second point is this common sense camaraderie, which I term so for how it does not require dramatic relationships, but a basic sense of sensitivity about what could benefit not only oneself but others. Over the years, the need for local musicians to be heard is constant, but the responses have fortunately built up on each other. The continuous effort at recording songs is one prime site for this. Once, we only had bands recording their own songs individually in their homes or home studios. I remember Pepsi Paloma Experiment and Mudflow to be among the first ones to produce their EPs. Then, with acknowledgment that other bands have songs worthy of recording but don’t have the equipment or skills to record them, Club Molotov set itself up to the challenge of coming up with a compilation album of Albayano bands – by bringing these bands to Naga City, the nearest place you could find a recording studio that time. Today, learning of how costly it can be to bring bands to another province for recording, and with a long-term vision of sustaining the potential of producing original local songs, Bicol X sets up a recording studio in Legazpi City. Believe me when I say that these are no coincidences; for the people behind these distinguishable points in time are more or less the same people, they who are conscious about what the community needs – because they themselves are part of it.
Thirdly, there is an increasing force of inclusive openness. Music here is diverse at best: you have punk, reggae, metal, hip-hop, blues, alternative, pop, and so on. The fact that there is diversity does not only indicate the array of talents here; it also indicates the space bands feel there is for different sounds to flourish. The same goes with bands’ hometowns. It is harder to generalize now where bands come from; more are just coming up from all over Albay and its nearby provinces. Organizers themselves consciously support this diversity, as they often underscore the different genres of the bands they feature for gigs as well as the different towns and even provinces they came from. And I shall not neglect to mention that more women than before are involved at different levels in the music community: you see them organizing events, you notice them on the dance floor or the moshpit, you hear them hosting gigs, you learn of them doing artwork for projects and events, and you witness them headlining music fests.
Of course, like all communities, ours is far from perfect. There are always rough patches here and there. You have misunderstandings between groups, conflicts between bands and organizers, struggles with radio stations, difficulty with venue owners, and so on. The challenge for musicians to write more and better songs remains too, as well as improving their skills. But perhaps, it is these challenges that propel the music community through time. They remind us to appreciate what we still need to work at, prompting us to look back at what we might have done right and what we might do better. And so we do them, together.
We are a music community, after all
Lost In Bliss
About The Author
Weng writes songs and plays the guitar for The Doldrums. She is also among the founders and organizers of Club Molotov. She considers herself a feminist, an atheist, and an academic. She likes well-spiced and fresh seafood, which makes her feel fortunate having Legazpi City as her hometown.
Karastahan 