The Gigs: Where To Catch Your Favorite OPM Bands (v. 2024, Part 2 of 2)

03/30/2024 04:15:43 PM

I first wrote The Gigs as part of the music issue of the Philippine Panorama (Yes, the Sunday magazine of Manila Bulletin) back in February 2018, wherein I featured some of the places which houses live music scene. Add to that is how and why online is also the place to be if one looks for sources of new music.

Fast-forward to 2024: It has been two years since the time the Manila gig scene resurfaced for good. The months of February and March were the times when music events had its full-blown resurrection for good after being halted by another wave of community quarantine at the start of the year 2022. Some of us have to understand that this was an era of a convergence of the new normal and returning norms as some of our beloved venues closed, a bunch of personalities we know passed away (be it due to COVID or not), and everything noisy has mostly been made virtually. As we know it, the shutdown has put us in uncertainty; but eventually, we found our way back to hum tunes with our voices and instruments. 

In 2022, we may have been walloping over the closure of Upperhouse, Conspiracy Garden Cafe and Route 196 (along with other shops and restaurants in various business fields that we didn't have chances to bade farewell), but new houses emerged to serve live music and all the merrymaking we barely missed that two-year stretch, and that was something we discussed a while ago.

For more of The Gigs, we shed the spotlight on the other names which probably rang the bell, also made their respective returns – although, in different locations. Add to that are the reopening of the venues that remained alive and kicking up to this day.

The Scene Around: JLE Music LIVE #2

05/27/2019 12:16:38 AM

It sucks that I rarely wrote about gigs in my blog anymore. Well, actually, it's terrible that I wasn't able to post something new here at The SlickMaster's Files.

StopOver: Mow's Bar

01/07/2019 07:18:15 PM

There's always a reason why Quezon City was called The City of The Stars, and we don't talk celebrities and their home networks situated within this area. The place has a lot of entertainment districts to offer – with some of them making lights by the dimmed hours of the night. QC has been the home to some of best gig venues in the metro such as Route 196, Sessions, and the iconic '70s Bistro.

However, one of the fast-rising (and evolving) music and hangout places in the metro is also situated at Quezon City – just nearby the popular Maginhawa eat strip. In fact, it's on the basement floor of the classic Kowloon House restaurant.

The Scene Around: Prelude To 28

01/06/2019 11:25:40 PM

One of the surprising plot twists that took place in the past year was pulling off (FINALLY!!!) a birthday gig. Yes, it took place after being stuck on the shelf for three years.

I initially made thoughts about organizing a birthday party in my own way in 2015 but to no avail. A year later, I was this close to booking bands and venue – until I realized that I don't have the budget to execute everything, I withdrew everything. The same thing occurred in 2017. 

On a random night in August 2018, I was approached by one of the newest young peeps in the prod scene. Karen, who manages At The Back MNL, offered a deal that I almost refused – to organize the much-wanted birthday party of my life. 

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 Scene Around: General Miss A's Birthday Gig

04/09/2017 02:05:24 PM

In a night where all the nightout spots were seemingly packed to the doors with artists that promises to bring awesome music and entertain people in the process, rare are the gigs wherein a good-sized lineup fares well with them with the aid of intimacy atmosphere.

The Scene Around: Super Shadow Moses Turbo Launch

03/22/2017 08:06:51 AM

It was a Saturday night that served as the final third of a week/weekend packed of launches. While we have seen a some of our favorite bands launched their respective music videos, as well as a punk rock band and a hip-hop quartet doing their respective album launches in one night, someone up north was up for a party in a similar cause.

And that's the nerdcore rap trio Shadow Moses who just launched their geekery-inspired Super16 track album called Super Shadow Moses Turbo.

Upcoming: Luna's Para Sa'Yo

02/23/2017 08:11:16 PM

Are you stressed? Feeling down or broken? Or just fed up with anything in life right now? Hey, don't fret kiddos, as MamaMo Productions will kick off 2017 with an album launch that might sound a remedy for all your post-day shenanigans. 

Upcoming: At The Moment “Home” Music Video Launch

08/03/2016 11:35:31 AM

It's time to experience At The Moment as the indie/garage rock band will launch the music video of their track Home on Saturday, 6 August 2015, at Mow's Bar in Quezon City.

Francis Lorenzo Visco directed the much awaiting feature which stars Vince Agcaoli, Maricar Tionloc, Joachim Bondoc, and Cathy Bondoc.

Upcoming: Rubicon II

07/04/2016 04:08:15 PM

Talk about reunion. Seismo, in partnership with Continent Records had made its way to reunite three bands for a one-night only show, and it's called Rubicon II with a pun intended for your favorite chocolate bar. 

Upcoming: The Modern Playground "It's All Right With Me" Single + Video Launch

4/3/2016 4:55:38 PM

Right before hitting overseas later this year, the uprising jazz band The Modern Playground will have a launching night for “It’s All Right With Me.” this coming April.

The Scene Around: Silakbo MV Launch

1/17/2016 1:14:10 PM

There are so many gigs during Saturday, 16 January 2015. You have the rescheduled Rakrakan Festival at Circuit Makati, Terno Inferno at the famous SaGuijo, and a cover night that served as a prelude for an upcoming concert by the trio of Bullet Dumas, Ebe Dancel, and Johnoy Danao.

And also, there’s a music video launch for the upriser called MilesExperience, and it was held at Mow’s bar in Quezon City.

The Scene Around: Kaleidoscope

12/27/2015 11:45:49 PM

Barely three months ago, after watching Heneral Luna at a mall in Manila, I decided to jump to another coast after seeing a poster containing some of my favorite bands in one night: Jensen and the Flips, The Ransom Collective, Cheats and even Anj Florendo. The event was situated at Mow’s bar, just at the basement of the famed Kowloon House branch at Matalino Street, Quezon City.

The Scene Around: Mind Money Circuit EP Launch

12/19/2015 11:08:07 PM

I first remember Gab Palanca when they played at Docdef 93 last August 1 at SaGuijo in Makati City. Heck, he even played for Anj Florendo’s band a night before. 

And just prior to attending, I was then-not quite sure if I will attend an event considering I’m facing a circumstance where I have to deal with priorities. (Adult duties, you know?)

And four months after, they had their EP launch at Mow’s bar in Quezon City.