Mga Dahilan Kung Bakit Kailangan Mong Pumunta sa Gig Nang Mag-isa

11/01/2017 11:59:45 AM

Buhay na buhay ang musika, at ibig sabihin rin nito ay buhay na buhay din talaga ang eskena, lalo na ang mga bar scale gig. Hindi lang kasi panay konsyerto ng mga malalaking musikero at artista ang nagpapanatili ng apoy sa local music scene, kundi ang mga maliliit na mga kaganapan sa mga bar kung saan minsan pa nga ay napupuno pa at tila nagiging sauna pa ang mga gaya ng Mow's, Route 196 at saGuijo.

At nakakatuwa lang kasi pag madalas ako magpromote ng gig ng mga prod na kakilalala ko, ito ang laging bumbungad sa amin, maliban pa sa mga namamahalan sa entrance (which is minsan, understandable naman): pengeng kasama.

Anak ng tokwa. Ang dami ngang tao sa gig (at bibihira nga lang ang mga matutumal) tapos hihirit ka pa ng “pengeng kasama”?

To Oust or Not to Oust?!

11/01/2017 08:13:58 PM

Hindi ko alam sa inyo, ano. Pero sa mga nakalipas na taon, parang nakita natin ang pagbagsak ng Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Kalimutan na ang sandamukal na ad placements sa TV channel, ang pagputok ng isang all-English PBA coverage, at utlimong ang matindihang mga hakbang ng mga PR nila (to the extent na halos tinap na rin yata nila ang mga lifestyle blogger para lang i-promote ang mga laro nila sa alinmang venue sa Kalakhang Maynila).

Puros Kayo Libre!

11/15/2017 01:10:15 AM

Sa kalagitnaan ng ika-31 ASEAN Summit ay maraming mga kaganapan ang dinaraos sa piling mga lugar sa Kalakhang Maynila. After all, kaya nga tayo nagkaroon ng holiday para mai-anticipate ang mala-Gates of Hell na traffic lalo na sa EDSA, 'di ba?

The Rundown Slam: PWR Live Oktoberplex

10/15/2017 11:28:30 PM

It's been half-a-year since the last time I have seen a Philippine Wrestling Revolution show. Obviously, there are new faces and new stories that they are trying to tell everyone. And I may have felt lagged behind by so faraway distance, but at least I'm still trying to keep up with their developments that are barely told and exposed through their social media pages.

And while they have shifted from Pasig back to their home city in Makati – specifically, to the near northern portion of Circuit – it's interesting that PWR has been grasping in new and innovative matches, especially in such manner that they are now providing the Filipino counterpart to what has been the likes of WWE's Survivor Series.

Well, while we will have to wait for another month to witness PWR Vendetta and their “Ubusan Ng Lahi” tag team elimination match (plus any signs of developments prior to that), PWR Live has joined the October-fest bandwagon of event-naming rights when they staged their October edition of PWR Live show titled “Oktoberplex” (with a poster that showed Mike Madrigal and that ass of Chris Panzer).

Any by the looks of it, it is more fun than the name sake: probably more saitsfying than beer.

The Scene Around: Mandiriwa: Joey Ayala at Ang Bagong Lumad (The Concert)

09/17/2017 02:20:33 PM

It was in 1992 when this renowned folk singer-songwriter staged a one-time big-time concert at Music Museum, one of the sophisticated music halls in the Metropolitan. That also paved the way for him to release all of his three albums at once during the special evening.

Fast forward to two decades: It was on mid-July 2017 when music event producer Ian Urrutia (known as the man behind Vandals On The Wall) invited me to their latest concert project to date – yes, after the famous Dama (Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel, Bullet Dumas) and Secrets (Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal). 

Two months later, I stood inside the halls of Music Museum, witnessing Joey Ayala and his famous crew Ang Bagong Lumad graced the stage of this premier performance venue after merely 25 years. And just when I thought of seeing this at the low end of a VOTW and Gabi Na Naman Productions' risky move, I was wrong. 

The Scene Around: saGuijo Presents

09/03/17 11:21:47 AM

It's strange to notice we have two consecutive 'long weekends' staged at the month of August. Well, yes, but it's undeniable that it rolls in our favor because rest... ya know.

While I am supposed to hit down South last August 26, I was offered to partake on a role that I can never (ever!) refuse. Because... why should I?! Is this even a damn valid question?. 

PlayBack: Mayonnaise – For The Rest of My Life

07/23/2017 10:12:12PM

It's a long whole since the last time I hooked up with Monty Macalino and his band that is so famous that you could only recall them more than just a sandwich dressing. Like seriously, when was the last time I heard of them? Barely seven years ago, with that old four-piece lineup. And the first time I had a chance to spot them live was during Docdef Productions' summer-in-November grandeur called In 'D Flow.

That lead me to curiosity of what's up with Mayonnaise – and their 2016 album.

Flick Review: Patay Na Si Hesus

09/03/2017 05:26:20 PM

Patay Na Si Hesus was supposed to poise a tragic movie by the paper. However, the comedy didn't appear like joke here. 

The Scene Around: Jeremy Passion One Night Strum

07/16/2017 09:12:29 PM

Everyone probably here knows that: 1.) I am such a sucker for Philippine music; and 2) I am affiliated with Axl Guinto's Blog startup called Star Powerhouse, right?

But I admit: taking this offer from my good friend made me curious about one name called Jeremy Passion. And his One Night Strum gig held at Teatrino at Promenade Greenhills was apparently my baptism of fire; something that probably my friends from the Espasouls may laugh and event castrate me. Sorry, folks! 

Flick Review: Despicable Me 3

09/03/2017 04:53:23 PM

Despicable Me 3 appears to be a forced – or coerced – extension of what should've been an animated show featuring Steve Carell's portrayal of an animated round frontal character and a bunch of show-stealers known as the minions.

The Toycon 2017 Experience

07/16/2017 08:45:33 PM

It probably took me a very long while (and a change of setting and setups) before I hit one of the country's pop culture events after doing so four years ago.

And that said, everyone from the below-average Juan dela Cruzes to those elite fans are probably expecting that high, considering they teamed up with Pop Life. And while the term remains vivid (thanks to the strong brand recall they have built for over the years), the fact remains – that it was formally called “Toycon X Pop Life Fan Experience (FanX for short).”

The Scene Around: March Of The Penguins 40/Stereodeal "New Jersey" Music Video Launch

07/16/2017 11:17:54 PM

March of The Penguins 40 featured the launching of Stereodeal's new music video called “New Jersey,” the band's latest single. And it was an emotional night as their original drummer departed for a concentrating her life in the province.

The Rundown Slam: NXT TakeOver Brooklyn 3

09/01/2017 10:46:13 PM

Just like any big weekend for the World Wrestling Entertainment, their development brand has been a standout show for the weekend. Heck, they even toppled the E's big shows, and that includes the recent edition of WrestleMania.

It doesn't matter if they only have a regular (or even a bit smaller) number of audience inside the arenas. And even if you argue they are almost equal on delivering matches, but given the time frame of their coverage, TakeOver episodes weren't a dragging one to deal with. And they don't need to be stacked on doing so.

The five matches proved how Triple H's babies are the future current best crop of sports entertainment today regardless having less exposure time compared to the ones in the main roster.

The Rundown Slam: WWE SummerSlam 2017

08/28/2017 10:43:45 PM

As part of the World Wrestling Entertainmet's big four, SummerSlam, dubbed as the “biggest party of the Summer” didn't turn out spectacular as they should've been. Just like the past three years, the set-up was nothing but an inch-higher than their usual PPV stages.

And worst: no pyros; probably one of the signs that this promotion has been on a 'cutting cost' phase and that includes axing some of their original WWE network programs. 

Luckily for us in Manila, though, this show falls on a holiday (Monday morning) so a lot actually had a great time on having this wrestling fix on either their respective homes or on that viewing party held at Skinny Mike's in BGC, Taguig City.

The Rundown Slam: WWE Battleground 2017

08/28/2017 09:43:55 PM

SmackDown Live has the last hurrah to keep up with RAW in terms of delivering PPV matches before SummerSlam with WWE Battleground, and the outcome looks like ruined by the ruins instead of seeing the soldiers survive the war with either fists raised up or a flag soaring up high.

The Rundown Slam: WWE Great Balls Of Fire

08/28/2017 08:44:38 PM 

At first, the World Wrestling Entertainment might have made a biggest mistake in recent memory when they go for a pay-per-view title that looke dlike a soundtrack of that 50s hit by Jerry Lee Lewis and made themselves – specifically, the flagship division of Monday Night RAW – a joke.

But frankly, WWE's Great Ball of Fire, the red brand's exclusive PPV held in July, proved how RAW has been regaining back in terms of keeping up with SmackDown Live. 

The Scene Around: #iBlog13 - The 13th Philippine Blogging Summit

09/03/2017 06:14:58 PM

After 13 years, it is not safe to say the Philippine Blogging Summit had just got lucky to made it to the halls of Malcolm Theater once again. But maybe, blessed (or in very colloquial terms, #blesst) is the fitting word.

Almost Breaking the Fourth Wall

09/03/2017 04:35:46 PM

The past two weeks ago saw these two fought fire with fire, garnering a lot of buzz during the airing of Monday Night RAW.



And frankly they are still doing it on a lesser time exposure and a quality that dwindled a bit.

Upcoming: Joey Ayala - Mandiriwa

08/24/2017 10:26:48 PM

The last two decades of the 20th century saw the name Joey Ayala and his band called Ang Bagong Lumad popped out of the list of then then-emerging and popular names in the local music scene. But also, it can't be denied that while he excelled best doing the folk poetry in musical motion, other personalities from the rock, pop, and even hiphop genres emerged and have the most shades under the limelight of OPM. 

It was in 1992 when Ayala stepped on the floors of Music Museum, home to one of the famous stages in the Metro Manila concert scene. The now-61 year old musician performed tracks and launched his three debut records "Panganay Ng Umaga," "Magkabilaan," and "Mga Awit ng Tanod-lupa."

But after a long 25-year wait, Ayala is set to perform once again in his major concert at the site that is part of the heart of Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan. Joining him on stage will be Bayang Barrios, Dong Abay, Bullet Dumas, Gloc-9, Juan Miguel Severo, and Ang Bagong Lumad. 

The Scene Around: The 1st National Swap Meet: For Collectors, By Collectors

09/02/2017 09:41:55 PM

It was the near-tailend of a long weekend, and while we have another extra-period break to savor during that month of August, a lot of toy collectors and swappers flocked the halls of SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier Mall in Taguig City for the first ever National Meet Meet event For Collectors, By Collectors.

Upcoming: The 13th Philippine Blogging Summit

09/01/2017 06:04:58 PM

Photo fcrom iBlog's website

It's that time of the year again where bloggers from the different corners of the archipelago reunite for a day of learning and networking for the 13th staging of the Philippine Blogging Summit – more known as #iBlog13.

Run n' Eat

08/28/2017 03:54:55 PM

Babala: ang susunod na post ay rated XPG. As in eXtreme Patay Gutom. Mangyari na may eXtreme Patnubay sa mga Gago ang kailangan.

Hanggang saan aabout ang walong piso/eight pesos/otso pesos mo?

Isang sachet ng shampoo? O pati ng maliliit na chichirya? Pamasahe ba sa isang ordinaryong trip ng tricycle? Pamasahe sa jeep na hindi lalagpas sa limang kilometro ang byahe?

At makikipagpatayan ka ba sa ganito?

Upcoming: The 1st National Swap Meet: For Collectors, By Collectors

08/26/2017 05:02:22 PM

This weekend will be the biggest gathering of the year for collectors of all kind as the 1st National Swap Meet is taking place at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City, from August 25-27, 2017.

The Pre-take: WWE SummerSlam 2017 (Part 3)

08/20/2017 09:55:25 PM

Photo credit: WhatCultureWrestling

We may have been hours away from witnessing the second's biggest WWE pay-per-view event, the one they called “the biggest party of the summer,” and coinciding with an all-heavy music fetsival in the Philippines.

The 31st edition of SummerSlam is poised to take off on Sunday evening at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (Monday morning Philippine time), their third-straight tiume in staging the event at the said venue.  And for over the decade, SummerSlam were only situated in two venues: Barclays Center and Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Pre-take: WWE SummerSlam 2017 (Part 2)

08/20/17 09:55:25 PM

Photo credit: WhatCultureWrestling

We may have been hours away from witnessing the second's biggest WWE pay-per-view event, the one they called “the biggest party of the summer,” and coinciding with an all-heavy music fetsival in the Philippines.

The 31st edition of SummerSlam is poised to take off on Sunday evening at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (Monday morning Philippine time), their third-straight tiume in staging the event at the said venue.  And for over the decade, SummerSlam were only situated in two venues: Barclays Center and Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Pre-take: WWE SummerSlam 2017 (Part 1)

08/20/2017 09:55:25 PM

Photo credits: WhatCultureWrestling

We may have been hours away from witnessing the second's biggest WWE pay-per-view event, the one they called “the biggest party of the summer,” and coinciding with an all-heavy music fetsival in the Philippines.

The 31st edition of SummerSlam is poised to take off on Sunday evening at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (Monday morning Philippine time), their third-straight tiume in staging the event at the said venue.  And for over the decade, SummerSlam were only situated in two venues: Barclay Center and Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The Year of the SmackDown (Well, it WAS)

08/16/2017 11:25:47 PM

SmackDown logo obtained thru YouTube

I probably should've wrote this piece long time ago (last month would've been more relevant), just the same way since I have been catching up late with Great Balls of Fire and Battleground. But since SumemrSlam is just around the corner, time to pull the trigger in my mind and finger and be at my poor wrestling fan self again. Anyway...

The year-long stretch from July 2016 to July 2017 was the Year of The SmackDown. I mean, this is how the Blue show called SmackDown Live dominated their counterpart, the flagship Monday Night RAW among the competition between two long-time WWE programs that has been airing since the 90s. All that despite seeing more of sentai-like graphics, and a less-resonating soundtrack.

Stalking the "Stalker"

08/08/2017 10:14:11 PM

screengrab from the movie Kita Kita, obtained from ABS-CBN News

Sa dinami-rami ng mga dapat pag-usapan nitong mga nakaraang araw, bakit nga ba tayo nauwi sa mga pagtatalo na may kinalaman sa pelikulang ito? Ang pinagbidahan nila Empoy at Alessandra de Rossi na Kita Kita, na maliban sa kumita sa takilya ay pinag-usapan nang seryoso ng mayorya?

At higit sa lahat, sa isang anggulo na diumano'y stalker si Tonyo (na ginampanan ni Julius Marquez)?

In The End...

07/25/2017 10:51:08 PM

Photo credits: Linkin Park via Twitter

Honestly, I don't know why I should write this piece. First and foremost, I'm not even a fan (though I don't hate them either). They are probably one of the fewest names which my elders would tell that I should refrain from patronizing to. Because in their eyes, the then-hit thing called “rock music” is nothing but mere disturbing noise.

PlayBack: Jensen and The Flips – Honeymoon (album)

07/26/2017 12:40:01 AM

I've been dying to do this album review since this month last year since July actually marked the formal launching of this record that has probably set them in the stratosphere of the current independent music scene.

'Romantic' Niyo Mukha Niyo!

07/25/2017 04:58:28 AM

Photo obtained via Scout Mag

So. tinannggihan na pala siya na magkape matapos makinig sa kanyang mga malalapit na tao sa kanya, Tapos nito, tapos na dapat ang kwento na to, di ba? Kaso... ano na?

StopOver: Aloha Bar and Grill

07/22/2017 11:55:32 PM

In the outskirts of San Antonio, Makati near the PNR line and just in front of a police station, the words “The Collective” would always ring a bell, but the infamous B-Side would topple them the most. Unless you are a frequent visitor of PADRE, Wingman, and the now-closed Ukulele Philippines.

But apart from the mentioned, there are lot of stalls that comprised The Collective, and one of them is named as if there's Hawaiian vibe that exists in this archipelago.

Make no mistake about it: Aloha Bar and Grill may have installed that sunny-like atmosphere and be relatively small just like those known music bars. But they are one of the underrated nightout spots in the Metro, located at the farthest (and hottest) corner of TC.

The Scene Around: Carousel Casualties Madison EP Tour

07/07/2017 02:04:18 AM

It was the mid-May when Carousel Casualties launched their EP titled Madison wherein close to a hundred people – young and not-so-young – were be able to witness the madness in unison brught by the indie rock quartet of Emmie Villegas, Pau Villanueva, Jot Nicanor, and Xavier Lucente.

Snappy Rebuttals to Stupid Taxi Driver's Excuses

07/18/2017 11:16:52 PM

Photo credits: Rappler

Since time immemorial na lang yata naglipana ang isa sa mga pinakamalalalng problema sa larangan ng transportasyon sa lipunan – ang tahasang pagtanggi ng mga taxi. Siguro karamihan naman sa atin ay minsan nang nagkaroon ng engkwentro na ganito. 

Nah, ako nga tinanggihan ng halos 20 taxi nung may isang araw na kailangan kong pumunta sa BGC para mag-cover nun sa isang event bilang blogger. At hindi lang ito nangyari sa iisang lugar. Sa dalawa pa nga eh.

Yung iba, nuknukan ng pagiging arogante pa kung tumanggina as if isa na siyang demigod at deity ng katrapikan sa Metro Manila. Yung ilan napakabayolente. Yung iba naman, dinaan na lang sa bait para hindi halata ang pagdi-diva nila.

Sa sobrang kakupalan ng ganitong aktibidades, sarap tuloy gawin ulit yung biglang baba ka na lang ng taxi – at hindi mo isasara ang mga pinto nito. (Oo, 'ulit' kasi nagawa na namin yun dati at walang halong pagsisisi yun. Tangina niya eh.)

Ito lang ha? Pare-pareho lang naman tayo nagkukumahog na kumita sa araw-araw. Pero kailangan mo ba talagang manlamang ng kapwa mo at hihirit ka pa ng “keso ano naman gawin ko? Magnakaw?!” (sabay labas ng crowbar o katana). Mga tsong, hindi dahilan yan. 

At please lang, kung gusto niyo na pagkatiwalaan kayo ng publiko sa halip na patulan namin ang mga TNVS, huwag na huwag kayong tumanggi ng pasahero, at baka mabara lang namin kayo sa alinmang isasambit ng mga gaya nito:

Ride No More?!

07/17/2017 09:35:22 PM

Isa sa mga pinakamahalagang bagay sa isang bansa ay ang pagkakaroon ng isang sistema para sa transportasyon ng tao. As in mass transportation ba.

At para sa mga nag-aaral/nagtatrabaho/naggagala sa Kalakhang Maynila, malinaw na isa ito sa  mga pinakamalalang problema na may karugtong pa na sakit na ulo – ang trapiko. Imagine mo no? Mahirap na ngang sumakay, naiipit ka pa sa lugar na iyong kinatatayuan.

At dahil lagi na lang puno ang mga jeepney, bus, at ultimo mga tren – sinamahan mo pa ng maraming maaarte na taxi driver, talaga nga namang ang mag gaya ng carpool at TNVS na lanmang ang nakikitang solusyon rito. Kaya nariyan ang mga gaya ng Uber, Grab, at ultimo ang Angkas.

PlayBack: Stereodeal - New Jersey

07/07/2017 06:15:58 PM

Mid-June turned out to be the very first time I encounter the stompboxer's band called Stereodeal and it was just in time for the launch of the music video of a song that is so emotional in the part of the singer-songwriter-guitarist.

The Scene Around: Vic Viper (2016)

07/07/2017 02:06:48 AM

A lot of gamers would obviously know what this band really offers. Vic Viper,  known for covering lots of game sounds and scores, was in the country late last year. And they hit PADRE inside the Collective on the rainy night in December as part of their Philippine leg tour.

PlayBack: TheSunManager – Worth (album)

05/14/2017 10:10:15 PM

After four years, the solo project has found its way to a full-length album. 

The Scene Around: Carousel Casualties Madison EP Launch

06/08/2017 06:06:05 PM

It was a madness in unison last 19 May 2017 as the indie rock band Carousel Casualties launched their 6-track album titled Madison at saGuijo in Makati City.

PlayBack: Banna Harbera - Sorrys & Goodbyes (music video)

07/07/2017 05:38:52 PM

It's a rainy day on a raining soul like yours, and probably the playlist will go on pouring like the water from up there and the ones from your eyes and glands. Just when you thought that music can be deceiving by making sad lyrics danceable like pop, some soulful blends will make you cry and remind of how demise of a relationship can be so bad that you have to look at the brighter side. 

Just like this music video that may look partly-colorless and too slow-paced for most of the time. However, they are just showing the exact figurative displays on their emotions. 

SAWFT?!

07/07/2017 02:21:54 AM

It's been two weeks since this happened on WWE's flagship program Monday Night RAW. And this might sound like a double cross candidate since the SHIELD in the 2014. But somehow, there's something beneath the lack of execution and its aftermath.



However, this made me think for a second: Big Cass and Enzo split up? This might look not well in the overall picture. Did this happen too early or too soon?

PlayBack: MilesExperience – Sunshine

07/07/2017 04:53:22 PM

It was a ruckus-and-rockin' 2016 for this soul-jazz-blues band known as MilesExperience; from launching two Filipino songs and music videos into their debut album. And the surprises just kept on pouring as MCA Music signed them as part of the flourishing roster of bands from the independent music scene.

And probably we all wonder: what's actually next for Miles Bondoc, Tim Dadivas, Justin Teano, Ian Diaz, and Guido Hizon? Now they are signed and more exposed, where this quintet will go? 

Challenges of making new music are always present, and probably this is just the first of the series of results: walking their happy trail with Sunshine.

The Fête de la Musique 2017 Experience

06/28/2017 03:32:42 PM

Two years ago, I attended my first ever World Music Day – commonly known as its French originator Fête de la Musique. And it was an astonishing memory as I too part of the indie stage as part of the organizing groups wherein almost 20 bands performed in front of more than 1,000 attendants inside the 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub at Century City Mall, Makati City. 

But it was in 2017 when I went back to this worldwide phenomenon again – this time, as a fan who roamed around various places in Makati City only to hear a whole lot of variety.

The Rundown Slam: WWE Money in the Bank 2017

06/28/2017 05:07:34 PM

Photo credits: Sportkeeda

A few months ago, me and one of my elder buddies in the music scene (who's also a wrestling fan) that goes by the name of Cris Ramos debated that Money in the Bank should've been a non-exclusive pay-per-view (PPV) event. But of course, it's not gonna happen at all as SmackDown live, home to the WWE Champion, is the house of their alternate-to-the-first biggest individual prize. That said, the blue brand is the home of Money in the Bank. 

The Rundown Slam: WWE Extreme Rules 2017

06/30/17 03:43:54 AM

Photo credits: WWE, Bleacher Report

We get it. Braun's (then) out, so that prospect match with Roman Reigns was shelved, and probably we have expected that to be carried on by the likes of Dean Ambrose and The Miz. And by the first look, Exterme Rules wouldn't have been salvaged if: (1) the former Intercontinental Champ wasn't sent to RAW as part of the Superstar Shake-up; and (2) the Hardy Boyz surprise return. 

The Rundown Slam: WWE Backlash 2017

06/30/2017 12:40:04 AM

Photo credits: WWE

It seemingly WWE Backlash came too early, with barely eight months since their laatest staging on September 2016, with the coronation of AJ Styles as the WWE Champion; thus, saving themselves from already the unstable-than-supposedly-unstable development of their previous kingpin Dean Ambrose. 

The Scene Around: ÄRT MÖD FAIR 2017

06/28/2017 04:13:16 PM

The very first ÄRT MÖD FAIR took place at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City just in time for the Independence Day-related long weekend.

Newsletter: Acer Philippines Connects with G-Shock, Launches #TimeForUs Campaign

06/28/2017 01:03:38 AM

Author's note: For the past few years, we have seen the rampant and evident signs of generation gap, and there are lots of names and brands from various sectors of society that attempted to create a bridge to remedy this sort of problem that looms between millennials and their older counterparts, as well as to connect each and everyone regardless of age differences.

That said, one computer brand and a popular name in the watch-making business teamed up to join a variety which has the same advocacy. In fact, this campaign was launched a week ago where certain icons from past and present were in attendance to witness the becoming of Acer and G-Shock's #TimeForUs. See more of the project in this press release.

Screwjob?!

06/21/2017 12:32:33 PM

I know  I shouldn't make a comment about this match since I have yet to see the entire thing called Money in the Bank. As far as my commonly-known observers are concerned (from Smark Henry to the Sporting Guy), this MITB has been so far the worse gig for the SmackDown Live brand.

What? Another replica of the Women's MITB Ladder Match? And that will take place just 10 days from Sunday the 18th? But why?

The Rundown Slam: NXT TakeOver Chicago

06/08/2017 06:50:06 PM

It was a pleasant surprise to see an  NXT TakeOver staged outside of their usual Florida stages (unless part of the UK Tour) just almost two months since WrestleMania weekend. Refreshing, in fact, considering it happened before the SmackDown-exclusive pay per view called Backlash.

Pandemonium

06/21/2017 02:11:33 PM

The past week saw Brock Lesnar and Samoa Joe has been engaged in a monstrous brawl that has sent almost everyone to pacify the situation.

Hmmm, interesting eh?

PlayBack: The Ransom Collective – Traces (Album)

06/08/2017 10:13:32 AM

This band has always been living to their promises with the sound of their kind of folk and pop. The six-piece crew called The Ransom Collective has been the solid (if not one of) example of the indie, and they had done it literally and figuratively, from being just a bunch of merry-making kids to being one of the underrated bands in the overall outlook of the country's music scene.

Tough Times

06/08/2017 05:47:29 PM

The last week of May (and also, the first week of June) turned out to be a series of very rough times for the people around the world. We have seen people acting like killer crabs by attempting to terrorize the surroundings from a concert to an ordinary day at the city. No one was spared from these man-made catastrophes that left a lot, especially at the crime sites, in traumatic state of mind.

The Scene Around: Revolver Beast

05/24/2017 07:25:54 AM

Mastaplann, one of the Philippines' finest rap groups, just had a lot of gigs as part of their anniversary celebration, and being part of a Revolver Productions' event at 19 East in Muntinlupa City is just one of their stops; proving not just the preference of the producers, but giving everyone the does of their nostalgic medicine.

Filipino Ka

06/08/2017 02:33:56 PM

Filipino ka. 

The Scene Around: saGujio 13th Anniversary

06/08/17 01:48:00 PM

It was a rainy Saturday night to remember in the latter part of May as one of the metropolitan's best live music venues celebrated their 13 years of existence, and it was red hot as devilish fuck.

How Do You Fix Roman Reigns?

06/08/17 12:55:56 PM

How do you fix Roman Reigns? How to fix the Big Dog?

Photo from WWE

Honestly, I don't know. And probably, we will all end up with nothing regardless of reading the entirety of this post or not. After all: it was the guy from the top who decides what's best for business his wet dreams, and certainly not us.

Wait a second: is the movement really forced, or are we just that unappreciative of the product? But anyway...

This guy, despite working very solid on his matches with other wrestlers in the WWE, has been a 'lackluster' in the eyes of the general wrestling fan community. And frankly, the way he has been booked since the implosion of his old faction (The SHIELD) showed how Vince's preference of a 'heir apparent' at present.

For the First Time in Forever...

06/08/2017 05:09:28 PM

At first, maybe we would thought that stories like this would happen only in those imaginary-made stories in real life; as if we romanticized such event as an equivalent of forever, or a living testament of the saying “true love waits.”

PlayBack: Carousel Casualties – Madison (EP)

06/08/2017 11:06:51 AM

After months of major retrofitting, it seems that pop rock band Carousel Casualties has attained the success they once craved for. They released four songs since September and just this past month, the band released their six-track EP titled “Madison.”

The Scene Around: Revolver Pop-up Show #2

05/24/2017 07:08:22 AM

It's funny how Cris Ramos and Chuckie Balbuena uses a lot of things like their wrestling fandom to make connections in making music gigs like this. Well, we used to talk a lot of that stuff.

The Scene Around: Get Music Indie-Go

06/05/2017 06:45:36 AM

It was a blockbuster Saturday evening wherein events are like “here, there, and everywhere”; making the nightlife and music scene alive and vibrant after a while (Who says our local music died in the first place?!). 

And amidst the controversial surrounding the word usage and ticket prices during their preparation phase, MCA Music was still able to stage the event called Get Music Indie-Go at the Mall of Asia arena. Yes, despite the delay of time schedule, lack of needed hype, and watching attendance spanning around hundreds of people.

Upcoming: Free Gig for EveryBunny

06/06/2017 09:34:44 PM

BennyBunnyBand, one of the most energetic and loudest bands in the music scene today is offering an offer that is most likely (if not all) hard to refuse and definitely a must-go.

Newsletter: An Independence Day Weekend At ÄRT MÖD Fair 2017

06/05/2017 07:56:41 AM

Author's sidenote: Looking for an artsy kind of this long, getaway weekend? Here's one of your prospect choices as several visual artists are featured in the first ever ÄRT MÖD Fair 2017 to be held just a weekend before the country celebrates their 129th Independence Day. More details in this post.

An Independence Day Weekend At ÄRT MÖD Fair 2017

The first ÄRT MÖD Fair 2017 is opening its doors on Independence Day weekend from 10 AM - 7 PM on Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11, 2017 at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Upcoming: WorldEx Presents Sweater Weather

06/05/2017 07:14:30 AM

As the month of June passes by, so does Rainy Season. But that doens't mean the madness of our local music scene explosion stops by the time the heat of summer cools down. Here's WorldEx's offering this  June.

StopOver: 19 East

04/15/2017 07:55:10 PM

Undeniably one of the best night out spots in the nation's capitol, 19 East isn't been placed there for nothing. 

The Scene Around: REVOLVER Aftermath: The Post-Valentine Bash!

05/24/2017 06:30:02 AM

Just because Valentine's season passed by during that mid-Februrary doesn't mean we will not be indulge on live music the romantic way possible. (Wait a minute, I mean, not the romance you all know.)

Upcoming: saGuijo 13th Anniversary

05/26/2017 10:30:03 PM

One of the metro's hottest live music venue turns lucky 13, and they are promising to deliver a Saturday night party that is HELLuva good.

The Scene Around: Raccoon Turns 1 Part 3

05/14/2017 09:14:49 PM

They kicked off their first year anniversary with a band and clearly ended it with a much louder one.

The Scene Around: Where in the World is Johnny Panic?

05/24/2017 06:00:11 AM

It was start of 2017, and we ask two questions: Where in the world is Johnyy Panic?; And still, for me: Who the Helen of Troy is this anonymous online diva anyway?

The Scene Around: Neighborhood Sessions

05/14/2017 10:18:48 PM

It was a Thursday night again at Cow & Chicken Grill in Kapitoloyo, Pasig City, and of course it's time once again for another episode of Neighborhood Sessions.

He Just Made The List!

05/15/2017 11:56:25 PM

Photo credits: Inquistr

As I stumbled upon Fozzy's new hit Judas, I can't help but to check out how Chris Jericho (temporarily, and not kayfabe) bade goodbye to his WWE run for now. God, Judas seemingly was a picture pefrect of Y2J's story in his heel run in 2016-2017.

The Scene Around: Higadamit

05/14/2017 08:20:47 PM

It was barely two months ago, when Bel, road manager of a band called the Itchyworms approached me and gave us an invitation to drop by at Route 196 for her biggest organized gig recently. And we're not talking about any of IndieManila's Subdues and Elusive Silence outings here.

The Scene Around: Raccoon Turns 1 Part 2

05/14/17 08:56:03 PM

Four months ago, Racc/oon Productions celebrated their first year of existence in the indie music scene with a three-gig series, and its second leg was staged on a underground bar located just at the basement floor of Kowloon House in Quezon City.

The Fall and Rise of Mad Cat Midnight

05/15/2017 11:18:30 PM

I know: it's been two weeks since the last time we have seen a sudden turn of events. And the thing is: it's such a good thing that this talk show was on the roll once again since last week. We barely need a variety of programs that caters to more daring yet intellectual stuff than just hearing the drama of life stories, love problems, and even dating encounters.

While obviously, AM radio owns up to a lot of informative shiznit and FM radio boasts a majority portion of romance and sex, few are the programs like Mad Cat Midnight wherein they live up to their tagline: that is having interesting people talk about interesting stories. That's also apart from having Heard on Thursdays and (sometimes) Boys Night Out.

And probably this hasn't been much of a talked-about news on FM broadcasting in late April, but it was a sudden announcement that triggered a wildfire for some listeners like yours truly: the talk show format was suspended until then-further notice (and turns out, it end up like a title of that romcom move: Two-weeks notice).

Still, it drew the ire. But what could be the factor in such?

PlayBack: Paranoid City – Metropolitan (album)

05/14/2017 06:44:23 PM

It's probably a challenge for a band, especially if you aren't the typical guitar-drum-bass setup, to make music. And moreover, to spend two years in making new music and six to finally produce it on canned recording, much to clamor of everyone who's a been part of their following regardless of the varying level of closeness.

Flick Review: The Fast and the Furious 8

05/14/2017 02:44:50 PM

Just when you thought this film franchise has already reached its abrupt ending because of a sudden death (literally) of a main character 3 ½ years ago,  we were wrong. Life goes on even after filming the missing piece of Fast and Furious 7 in 2015.

Upcoming: Carousel Casualties "Madison" EP Launch

05/14/2017 07:50:08 PM

Almost seven months after their reformation and re-baptism in the scene, rock-turned-pop band Carousel Casualties will launch their EP titled Madison.

Heir Apparent?!

05/14/2017 05:08:46 PM

Isa sa mga pinakamainit na headliens (at hindi ito pekeng balita) ay ang pag-appoint ni Pangulong Rodirgo Duterte sa... babaeng ito.

Photo from Bandera

Teka. Tapos ang ang April Fools ah?! Sabagay, ang pulitika sa bansa na ito ay isang malaking sarswela o moro-moro.

Well, love her or hate her, siya na yata ang pinakakontrobersyal na personalidad sa kasalukuyang takbo ng pulitika sa Pilipinas. At take note: hindi kailangang mag-aral ng may kinalaman sa politics para maging eksperto o ni aficionado rito. Ang kailangan mo lang ay social media at kakayahan na idisplay ang alinmang taboo sa mata ng tipikal na mamamayang Pilipino, lalo na ang sex.

Pero mula sa pagiging sex guru ay naging isa sa mga pinaka-vocal na supporter ni Duterte si Uson. Halata naman noong 2016, 'di ba? Aniya, sa mata ang mga ka-DDS, siya ay “tulay ng mga OFW.” 

Yun nga lang, maliban sa ganito, ano nga ba ang nagiging teorya, mga  kwento at hakbang kung bakit napunta sa gobyerno si Uson?

On-Air: Mad Cat Midnight with TTS

05/14/2017 06:01:24 PM

It's funny that John Joe told us that he got a hate message in the Facebook page of his radio show in Jam 88.3; like “wait, for real?!”

PlayBack: FOZZY - Judas

05/14/2017 03:13:59 PM

The past two years has been great run for this guy right there. But apparently, this was not the first time I got immersed in any of the songs from Chris Jericho's ayatollah crew called Fozzy. It was during SummerSlam 2014 when the song “Lights Go Out” become one of their theme songs (though not really used much).

The Scene Around: Pinoytuner Night (Nov. 2016)

01/25/2017 08:49:40 PM 

Pinoytuner had their usual Monday night gigs at Craft Bar and Grill in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and the last week of November took no exemption on the cool weather to keep everyone chill as it was light nights to kick off the week with Aldus Santos and Ian Penn.

The Rundown Slam: WWE Payback 2017

05/10/2017 08:19:18 AM

The World Wrestling Entertainment staged a lot of twists since WrestleMania, which all lead to what is a supposedly-RAW exclusive pay-per-view into sort of complications. But nonetheless, it turned out to be a very solid show for most of the time.

The Scene Around: Never Me

05/06/2017 11:01:14 PM

Move Forward Productions staged a post-Valentines party that highlighted a comeback of one of the bands which could be the the resemblances or equivalent of the term 'emo' in the past. And we don't really mean black and punk-ish, by the way.

PlayBack: We Are Imaginary – A Good Kind Of Sad (music video)

04/14/2017 08:41:12 PM

It was a different concept, apart from what this pop band's music video more known of – full of imagery, lighted by humor.

The Rundown Slam: PWR Wrevolution X 2017

05/07/2017 12:24:33 AM

This Sunday saw the Philippine wrestling scene is alive (and kicking, in fact!) no matter how tough the road they have taken the past year, and a show called Wrevolution X was the icing on the cake.

And we're not talking about community of fandom here. While everyone may have been talking about how shitty the WWE has been writing as of late, plus TV5 getting the rights to air SmackDown Live episodes, we have a packed house in the central area of the metropolitan which staged the banner show of Philippine Wrestling Revolution. 

Earth Day Running Trash

05/06/2017 05:53:19 PM

Isa sa sa mga kadalasang nangyayari sa atin ang magkaroon ng katambak na basura matapos ang isang malakihang pangyayari o event. Madalas na yan sa mga pulitika, relihiyon, pang-aliw (as in entertainment) at ultimong simpleng piknik party lang ng komunidad kung minsan. At hindi exempted dito ang mga running event.

Lalo na kung usapang “Earth Day” pa. Taun-taon ginaganap ang Earth Day run, di ba?

Photo obtained from The Pandora's Box Facebook Page

Pero dapat ba taun-taon rin ang mga ganitong pangyayari?

The Scene Around: WAT UP Mix Vol. 10

01/28/2017 08:45:02 PM

WAT UP Mix Vol. 10 proved to be one of the most crowded gigs so far from this production. With around 200 people in attendance, the event has sent SaGuijo into full house on a Friday night. The performances from seven bands – plus an artistic magical stint from Magic Manila – has kept everyone glued in their grounds.

Na-bobo si "Ano"

05/03/2017 10:32:19 PM

BOBOSEN. Pag bobo mode na naman si Titosen.

As in “na naman,” kasi panigurado na pang-ilang beses na naman siya nag-screw up sa kanyang tanang-panahon sa pamumulitika. 

PlayBack: MilesExperience - Anggulo (Music Video)

03/21/2017 10:29:12 PM

Every single time I have seen Jiggy Gregorio's music videos with either MilesExperience or Tanya Markova, he has this certain technique that has something to do with utilization of other songs, which can be right in certain ways as long as it relates to the project.