Happy 8th birthday, Up Dharma Down!

It’s amazing to know that the band who I have been following for 7 years turns 8 today. And it’s not all about being a fan since it’s also about friendship, taste, and trust.

I’ve met some of my best friends through this band. I have found and lost love through them, too. It’s just a wonderful feeling to know these people for so long and I definitely have no regrets in terms of anything.

The teenage takas-to-gigs, the sermons I got from my Mom for staying out late, all the money I’ve spent for gig entrances – these are actually nothing compared to what I’ve earned which are good music, friendship, and happiness!

Two more years to a decade! Thank you and I love you, UDD!

In Behalf Of January

Since I am not able to post as much as I want in this blog, I have decided to work on this entry basically consisting of special events I’ve encountered this month.

January has been good to me and I guess that this month pretty much worked my way. There were a handful of stress, of course, but I suppose they’re all fine now. My heart has been still too so I’m happily in a calm track. Here are some January highlights I would like to share.

One number in my bucket list consists of having my photograph published in a ‘real publication.’ And yes, it happened big thanks to UNO Magazine! How? Denise Mallabo, UNO’s Managing Editor asked for my photos from the A Week in Metro Manila: Up Dharma Down screening and I gladly sent her some. I wasn’t really expecting to see them in the magazine but voila, here’s a photo of my work in the said publication. And my, they did publish it well!

My photographs of The Charmes and Up Dharma Down published in UNO Magazine. YAY!

If you’re crazy about concerts like me, then you probably have heard of the sudden gush of international acts coming in Asia during the first quarter of the year! Just so you know, there’s Laneway Singapore on Feb. 12,

Look at that beautiful line-up!

Toro Y Moi live in Manila on Feb. 15 and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart also coming on the 29th,

Foo Fighters in Singapore this March 2,

Death Cab for Cutie in Manila on March 5,

and TOE in Manila this coming March 20!

All these foreign artists coming at our shores and in neighboring country Singapore makes me crazy! I know I can’t really afford going to all of these but I won’t let myself miss! I’ll be going to Laneway Singapore and TOE in Manila for my fair share of international acts. I really don’t mind missing Toro Y Moi and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart here since they’ll be in Laneway SG, too. I don’t mind missing DCFC either because I’m not a big fan (hehe), but missing Foo Fighters? That breaks my heart! I was actually planning to cancel my Laneway Singapore trip for the Foo Fighters but geez, re-booking your flight is double the price of your actual plane ticket. So I’m hoping that these guys will visit Asia again soon. Dave Grohl – *sigh*

Speaking of Laneway, all is set now! I’m just waiting for my passport to arrive and I’m done! I’ve paid my hostel charges and Laneway ticket already so see you Singapore in the next two weeks!

Another highlight: went to Terno Inferno last Saturday not only to watch awesome Terno bands but also to fulfill a mission! Well, fine, I sound stupid because it was more of a connivance. Haha. As you know, 3/4 of Up Dharma Down celebrated their birthday this month and because Carlos (UDD’s guitarist) and I are such sweet specks of the universe, we’ve decided to surprise Armi, Ean, and Pol with cupcakes during their 3:30am set in Inferno.

Here are some photos from the night (thanks, Jason and Jon!) plus I linked the surprise’s video and the whole story as told in my Tumblr account.

With ze girls! Kris, Armi and Bel.

So I guess those are the highlights of my January. Work has still been great and my family’s doing well so I’m currently at ease. I’ve also started working on my illustrations and music so I hope I’ll be able to put some in public once I’ve fully worked out on them.

Here’s to more awesome months! Cheers!

Happy Birthday, Armi!

World Citizen She

I could be so horrible at birthday posts sometimes but I wouldn’t let the 2nd of January pass without this!

To the sister I never had, the one who gives me advice - either by words or by songs that she creates – as if she has gone through them,  to the one I would love to keep as a friend for lifetime, happy birthday Armi! Lots of love and hugs!

Cat people! <3

So far, so good

The Christmas Season is starting to grow on me. Cold nights, crazy streets on a week day, rat packed malls and of course, parties here and there – with these happening, my self is definitely getting on to the Christmas spirit.

And now, I present you my schedule for the rest of this month. Ho ho ho! Things are quite hectic, yes!

Dec. 9: Whilst We Wait Exhibit at the Lomography Manila HQ

Whilst We Wait: A Project On Waiting

I think you should know that I’m still at the office (yes at 2:30am) preparing for this exhibit tomorrow (and yeah, writing this blog, heh). We’re all excited! And you are ALL invited to go! Mount Analogue will be playing an acoustic set so as The Strangeness, Slow Hello, Hannah+Gabi and Outerhope. See event here.

Dec. 11: Rock the Riles Year 7 

Rock for Human Rights!

As usual, I’ll be volunteering at the Ayala Station where Terno bands will play. See full line-up here.

Dec. 15: N/WSK: Number Line Records x Fete dela WSK

Number Line Records x Fete dela WSK

Fete dela WSK is bigger than ever! This event is just one of a dozen they have. Good job! And oh, Similar Objects will be releasing an EP! See event here.

Dec. 16: Meiday HO HO HOE LET’S GO!

Meiday Xmas Party before we end the year!

Awesome awesome Meiday line-up as usual! See event here.

Dec. 17: Terno Recordings Christmas Party and rummage sale!

Terno Partyyyyy!

Terno Infernos NEVER FAIL to be fun! And this one? For sure it’s gonna be epic! Music and shopping (and beer! He he he!) will make this night a bang! See event here.

Dec. 23: Lomography Manila Christmas Party aka offset then buffet and drinks!

Dec. 25: Jesus’ birth, of course <3

Gaaah. Thinking of these events makes me tired already. But nah, it’s all good fun and parties like these only happen once a year. So why complain?

Anyway, I’ve got to go back to my cutting and installing of photos. It’s almost 2:45am and I need some sleep when I get home for the loooooong day ahead!

Enjoy the rest of the month, friends! Stay merry!

M.O. + UDD

Watched Musical O and Up Dharma Down in San Mig Pub Alabang last Saturday for Terno night! Two of my favorite local bands, in one stage just 10mins away from home – plus me in front with a glass of rhum coke in hand… How could I ask for more?

Musical O

Here’s M.O. with Matt Warren of Ephesus subbing for Chino Soliman on bass. They only played four songs that night (Blind, Liger, Hey Sandy and Alive. Hey, I can remember!) since those were the only songs they could play with Matt. Sobrang bitin if you ask me. Hay nako Chino, umuwi ka na!

Had a great time chatting Marco. He's going to be a Dad in two months!

Also had a lovely time that night thanks to Mr. Abesamis right here

Here's Armi looking pretty!

Up Dharma Down

The M.O. boys had to leave a few minutes before UDD’s set ended (haha) since they are all basically from the north. Had a good chat with Armi after the gig and comforted her with some Nerds candy. Haha. Evil condo rules, won’t let her cat, Meowmits, in.

But all in all, it was a great night for all of us! Terno just won’t let me down. <3

EDIT: Just can’t get this out of my head… While I was watching M.O., there were these two guys beside me who were such fanboys of the band! Haha. They were so cute singing along “Hey Sandy” and “Alive”. They were even screaming and requesting for “Ocean”. Then, when Marco said that they’ll be playing their last song, the both of them were like “‘Awwww. Bakit last song na?’” Hahaha!

Isn’t that cute? Also, what a great feeling for me since I’ve been a fan of M.O. for like almost four years now – and we know that their audience is not that big. But see, people like that, those who appreciate the same music as you do is definitely candy in a pot of luck. Hard to find but very very sweet