Warning: Monster album sighted

http://manilatimes.net/national/2009/sept/15/yehey/life/20090915lif1.html

Archipelago’s Travel Advisory

By Angelique P. Manalad, Contributor

After 72 gigs, two number one singles and two music videos later, super band Archipelago finally launches its debut long-playing album Travel Advisory.

Composed of 14 songs, the CD talks about different kind of weather-the kind of musical storm dauntless music lovers welcome as a fresh breeze.

An amalgam of several highly acclaimed bands-Yan Yuzon and Wendell Garcia from Pupil; Chad Rialp from Liquid Jane and Tempestuous Jone and Pat Tirano from TOI and Monkeyspank-Archipelago fuses grunge, trip-hop, alternative and blues rock genres. Between them, the band members possess enough musical virtuosity and song writing creativity to launch more than a dozen chart toppers and rock classics. That’s exactly what they are poised to do with Travel Advisory.

Archipelago has been thrice nominated in the 2009 Asia Voice Independent Music Awards based in Malaysia. Their first single ÒMRIÓ is nominated for Best Rock Song and Best Moody-Melancholic Masterpiece, while its video became nominated for Most Mind-Blowing Music Video.

Most of the tracks in the album are positively infectious and guarantee a case of LSS (last song syndrome). The opening track and current single “Black Box” premiered not only in Manila but also on Hot 100.7 FM in Athens, Georgia and United States on September 1. It features an intricate musical arrangement that compliments Yuzon’s throaty vocals.

ÒMay1,” the second single of the album, has already reached the top place in local charts. The song talks about different scenarios that unfold in life. “Sa bawat oras mo’y may himala [With one’s every hour, a miracle],” it proclaims. And that’s not they have to preach. The track “Lumapit,” which sounds like the Creator talking one-on-one with listeners, is what Yuzon calls a “gospel song.”

The title track “Travel Advisory,” a song which most of the band members co-written, delivers a message to the rest of the world. “it’s a political message to the governments of the first world countries that issue travel warnings to their citizens against traveling to the Philippines whereas they base such warnings on stuff that goes in a small part of our country and shouldn’t be taken as the overall state of how the country is as a whole,”  Yuzon shared.

Songs written by Rialp-“Engine Breaker” and “One of Three” scream testosterone overload as the former takes you for a ride in the fast lane while the latter is a narrative about a rock star’s lifestyle involving sex, drugs and money.

Gaan explores a vein of irony with “What You Want.” It paints a frightening scenario of the consequences of some things that we desire. In the song “Eternal,” haunting vocals and guitar strumming blend to deliver a smooth hypnotic piece.

Travel Advisory delivers an exhilarating musical journey that assures rockers arrive in better shape.

Peace and love anyone?

http://manilatimes.net/national/2009/july/07/yehey/life/20090707lif2.html

By Angelique Manalad Contributor

With the H1N1 pandemic in full swing, the fall out of the global economic crunch and the Con-Ass debacle, these are alarming times to say the least. Amid these troubles, it is wise to let music do all the healing for our weary souls. Thankfully, this country boasts a lot of musical talents and Pisenlav is one of the many.

Composed of drummer Benmark Favorito and bassist Fernando Se, Pisenlav was born in the campus of the University of Santo Tomas. The duo was playing music in a band since 2000.

The Eraserheads and The Beatles heavily influenced Pisenlav’s repertoire. Favorito and Se described their songs as belonging to the alternative rock genre.

In 2005, they recorded a five tracked independent EP but also experienced the hardships of being an unsigned band with members coming and leaving, going to unpaid gigs or having to sell tickets in order to be able to perform. But not losing hope in pursuing their passion, they contacted Jethro Estacio (Guitarist) and Fernando’s high school classmate, Jinky Golifardo (Guitarist). As a four-piece band they formed Mister Eddie Wagwag with Favorito doing the vocals.

Adding a certain twang for the band, Kate Lozano (Main Vocals) who was Favorito’s high school classmate became the final puzzle piece. Although some members resisted the idea of having a female vocalist, in the end they finally agreed that it was one of the best decisions that they made.

Combining different influences, Pisenlav gave birth to distinct chill-out sound blended with pop rock, alternative and reggae. Their songs, while being thematically linked to love, transports you to a place that bears the ambiance of a seaside escape where you can relax on a swaying hammock.

The band collaborates in writing their songs and hopes to finish their first independent album by this year with Lozano’s hypnotic voice in each track promising nothing but sweet serenity for those who will lend their ears.

Today Pisenlav is busy making it through the barriers having their song “Fill You Up,” debut last week at RJ 105.9 Underground Radio’s Daily Demo Delivery. The band also got to play their music for a good cause when they performed for the World Health Organization during the “World No Tobacco Day” held at the Rajah Sulayman Park, Roxas Boulevard.

According to the band, they are currently seeking ways to connect to a wider audience. “We launched the beta version of the official band website at www.pisenlav.tk,” Estacio shared. “It’s not yet fully launched as we will be adding more stuff soon. Like the official band blog, wherein we write about the life and times of an indie band in the Philippines. Also, we are planning launch a contest on the website wherein winners will win a free copy of the album.”

Thankfully, there’s still enough Pisenlav to go around.

Flashin’ for all to see

(unedited copy- Fudge magazine, April- May 2009 issue)

Who among you have watched the movie Step up 2? Raise your hand. Well, if you can still remember that scene where they suddenly danced in the train and received different reactions from their fellow passengers, brace yourselves for it won’t be long until that same scenario happens on MRT or LRT as the flash mob craze finally arrives in the country.

So, what is flash mob? (No, it’s not indecent public flashing okay?) It is a rapidly growing international phenomenon, flash mob performers assemble in a public place, display a unique action – much like in the famed Grand Central freeze where 200 people suddenly froze in place for 5 minutes— and finally disperse leaving the audience amazed by the performance.

As Tang introduces their new line of thirst quenchers which is the Tang Fruit Teaz, they also came up with the first ever user-generated youth online show in the country dubbed as Teazperiments hosted by top young celebrities Ketchup Eusebio and Andi Manzano.

The show gathers students from different school organizations to form their own renditions of original flash mob performances. “What’s nice about the show is students can get involved with these by expressing their creativity and kung ano yung trip na pwepwede nila gawin. Trip lang ‘to e! Kumbaga yung nag-eenjoy lang kayo and then kinakuhanan nyo lang video then upload it on the web. What’s nice about it is this is a competition so you will win something out of it.” Ketchup animatedly shares. We know Ketchup as one of the renowned young actors as he started gracing the limelight since he was 15 years old appearing on different shows such as Berks, It’s A Guy Thing and the recent indie film Ploning.

“It squeezes out the creativity in the students and it challenges the students even more especially we know that the students are very gifted nowadays. This is one way of letting them know and to show off how creative they really are.” Andi added, who is also a model, Magic 89.9 DJ and MTV VJ.

“Teens naturally want to explore things around them, hoping to discover something fun and interesting that would cure their boredom,” says Cindy Abella, Brand manager for Tang Fruit Teaz.  “Through Teazperiments, we thought this natural curiosity can be geared towards creative and exciting outputs.”

Abella further explains that the best part about this show is that the teens themselves can judge who created the most fun and creative flash mob presentation.  They vote online by logging on to www.teazperiments.com.

Although the first wave of competition only includes 7 school organization which were UP Theater Council, Ateneo De Manila University’s Dulaang Sibol and Tanghalang Ateneo, San Sebastian Theater Arts Guild, La Consolacion College Manila’s Arté.Comm and FEU-FERN Theater Society which will end by the end of March, Teazperiment will have another round of competition where anyone, all ages, shapes and sizes can join and brew up those creative juices. Go and log on to the site and see for yourselves if you and you’re friends can beat others in the flash mob craze

THE LUCK OF THE RAW

(unedited version: Fudge magazine, June-July 2009 Issue)
After winning the 2006 Nescafe Soundskool, Hilera take a crack at creating their own sound. Hilera comes out with their new album entitled Nuthouse which they are proud of as it literally spells blood, sweat and tears for the band.

Being an indie band from 2007 to 2008 due to some corporate matters, they decided to build their own recording studio in their house named Raw Chord as music remains to be their top passion and hunger for that certain high that only delivering music can give. Even though they didn’t have a single idea of what to do, and sometime result to consult with videos over Youtube or ask for some instructions with professionals they worked with they successfully recorded every tracks in the album (except one which is Ded, ded, ded).

“Nagsimula kasi kami like from scratch…inano namin kung ano bang mga praktikal na dapat gawin so naisip namin ‘mag-start kaya tayo ng recording studio?’ talagang wala kaming idea like kung pano simulan yung studio. So, talagang nung nagsimula kami ng album, talagang nagsimula muna kami ng studio, habang sinusulat naming yung mga kanta pinagaaralan naming yung recording process na sobrang frustrating…Super D-I-Y to the max!” Ivan Garcia, the band’s bassist, disclosed. Though they encountered some difficulties such as having to come up with all the right equipments little by little, trying not to disturb the neighbors too much and lacking sleep, the group is happy to announce that they can now serve their end product.

Nuthouse may be an offensive term pertained to our country by John Lennon after their 1966 visit in Manila (blame it to you-know-who), but taking it as an inspiration Hilera named their second album Nuthouse to attest that this so-called nuthouse can produce music at its best.

Hilera came to the music scene after winning the Nescafe Soundskool representing Kalayaan College three years ago; where the band emerged as the champion even though they weren’t selected during the first eliminations, but as a chosen wildcard among the other participants they were able to compete again and overcome the battle, talk about sheer luck. But it was not all luck; they won and conquered the music scene even after the interschool competition after releasing their self-titled debut album which includes the hits “Define” and “Rhyme without reason” proving that the trio has the musical talents worthy for all to hear.

With their latest offer, Chris Padilla (vocals), Ivan and Bobby Padilla (drums) experimented with new instruments giving new flavors to their music that we’re used to. “May mga dinagdag kaming mga instrumento; brass section, trumpet, saxophone, baritone tractor, may keyboard…tapos halos kalahati ng mga kanta ginamitan ng upright bass.” Chris shares. Exploration of growth in their musicality was a great journey and challenge for the group, even their song writing changed, as they need to conform to the new instruments they wanted to use. “Ang hirap tugtugin, ang hirap dalhin, ang hirap patunugin,” they said with a laugh but are happy with the final sound.

As for the song writing, Ivan being the chief lyricist is used to short poetry like haikus even back in highschool. Adapting the style, their compositions are short and are left for the listeners to interpret at times. The melody comes first for the band. Almost each song in the album is written in English but this isn’t to say that they don’t like to use their native tongues but just to be able to be understood by a wider audience.

Nuthouse is composed of 16 songs where Radical being the carrier single being played over the airwaves as of press time. “Gusto kasi namin na yung first naming na ilabas na single medyo mabigat e, yung radical tungkol yun sa dinedeny mo yung sarili mo pero hindi ka makatanggi sa sarili mong will.” Chris explained. “Expression din ng banda pagdating sa struggle sa sarili.” Ivan added. They hope to inspire anyone who will lend their ears and inspire other aspiring bands to take that leap as they did. Hilera may be one of the young bands in the country but they clearly showed that when it comes to making music, nothing is too hard to do if you would just put your mind and heart to it.

the power of words

By Angelique Manalad
(unedited version of articles in Fudge magazine Feb-March 2009 issue p.71)

It was in late 2004 that Carren Cecilia “Kooky” Tuason started putting into motion her vision of instilling confidence to everybody by means of creative self-expression, specifically through spoken words. A shy child herself, she wanted to be able to encourage people to come out of their safety zones and embrace the glory and satisfaction that artistic talents can give.
Spoken word, as defined by Kooky, is basically performance poetry. It doesn’t essentially pertain to poetry that is written or taught in school. It’s like storytelling and doesn’t stick to the certain parameters set in poetry. Spoken word aims to be able to get the message across and touch hearts of people. “It’s about being real, it’s about being you. It’s about exposing yourself.”
Early 2005, Kooky’s first album “Romancing Venus” came out. It became a good instrument of introducing spoken poetry to Pinoys especially the Filipinas. The album features Kooky’s poems of love spoken by her friends who gladly gave their support and lend their voices. Some of the women in the first album were TV personalities Angel Aquino, Iza Calzado, Cindy Kurleto; musicians Barbie Almalbis, Wawi Navarroza; journalist Kara David; and designer Kate Torralba.
Although Kooky never took formal education when it comes to poetry, she always had a passion for writing and a poet by heart. “Yung pagsusulat ko kasi, it’s my way of healing myself. Kasi madami akong dinaan na things in my past…ang tingin ko kasi kakampi ko yung pen and paper…Nakikita ko kasi yung poetry is healing e, so, I know that it can also heal others.”

Receiving positive feedbacks, Romancing Venus gave birth to a new movement adopting the name with an advocacy of healing through art, music and literature. They set themselves to empower those who were victims of abuse, give workshops and seminars and perform. “It feels great because in expressing ourselves, the Venuses would also like to encourage other people–young women especially to speak their truths and say what is on their mind. There is so much power in that.” columnist Karen Kunawicz, who is a part of the movement, said This also paved way to a second volume of the album the following year, which evolves to a wider range of life-themed poems and the background music also differs from the first one.
Since everyone in the movement are females, hence the name Venus, some people saw them as a sisterhood of some sort.

But as Buchi Emecheta, a Nigerian novelist, said that a writer is a writer and writing is sexless. Kooky soon called up some of her guy friends who also have the same beliefs and aspirations. She crossed paths with Juddha Paolo, who is not known to many writes poems himself but a little hesitant to call himself as a poet.

Juddha had been to spoken word for quite awhile even before he met Kooky, “I did my first poem in States, back in 1997. When I first got into ABS, I was doing spoken word in 2003, it’s something I’ve been doing even in the States. In 1998 the movie, Slum, came out with Saul Williams. I was able to meet Saul William in Los Angeles that was like the baptizing of me into the spoken poetry movement that was 1998, that was 10 years ago… I actually been into spoken word for quite awhile, it’s more of rap. I’m a hip hopper so it’s like rapping; I’ve always been doing that.” Along with Juddha, some guys also involved in Romancing Venus are writer Moki Villegas, photographer Erving Go and many others.

Kooky is brewing up a new group that will finally make both male and female feel equally welcomed which would be called “word weavers”. Another evidence of the success of spoken word penetrating the main stream was the radio show which was offered to Kooky as the station manager was really a supporter of the two albums released. “Nung una sobrang daming ano kasi nga mahiyain ako diba? I can perform on stage but mag-tuloy-tuloy ka na magdaldal e hindi nga ako nagdadaldal. Mas nagsusulat ako e, it’s a big challenge for me. Pero dahil naniwala sila sa akin tapos dahil maraming taong nagtiwala sa ginagawa ko tuloy-tuloy na sya.”

The third album was entitled “Bigkas Pilipinas” taken from her radio show’s title. The show features spoken poetry from other countries, guests who are closet poets who finally get to be heard and celebrities who read their favorite poems. As of today, Bigkas Pilipinas is the only spoken word show in the country airing for more than a year.

The impact of the show and spoken word still amazes Kooky even today, she had this listener who was a detainee in a jail and now releases his own album. Even though it was a struggle at first, Kooky and the rest of the movement is reaping the reward of finally being able to erase the boring connotation of poetry and awaking the minds and creativity of a lot of people.

Spoken poetry is receiving popularity in many parts of the world and it’s light is shining bright in our country as well. “I think, by and by, people would start understanding the power of the word. They would understand that they do have capability to control their environment. It’s growing, slowly but surely. And the more people would understand it, the more people see the magic of it, the more beautiful this world would be. Everything begins with the word.” Juddha stated.
Some of the other Venuses are musicians Anabel Bosch, Charms Tianzon, Aimee Marcos, Maegan Aguilar, Nityalila; writer Ginny Mata; and photographers Honey Cruz and Romina Diaz.
The movement has regular gigs which can be checked out at Kooky’s site at http://kookycrackers.multiply.com

All you need is love

By Angelique Manalad

(Fudge Magazine Feb-March 2009 issue, p.61)

“Madaming issues.” Guitarist Ean Aguila declares with a telling laugh that only someone who survived all the bull*ts can. Drummer Zig Zabara and keyboardist Heidi confirms how pathetic the whole situation became. The two were referring to guitarist Joe Fontanilla’s schedule at the callcenter he worked at. Priorities came into question. Someone left the group, the band says without pointing out who. It got so bad they say that at one point vocalist Owel Alvero and Zig had to play a gig by themselves. That was in 2003, the band has since gotten over their “issues,” and now fully commit to making it work.

This meant getting a few more like-minded souls to the gold. Fortuitous circumstances led to vocalist Selena Salang singing tracks that required a female voice, and Jing Gaddi doing bass for the now fully armed Ang Bandang Shirley, whose name is taken from the an Eraserhead song called “Shirley.”

The making of their debut album, Themesongs, is of course not without its stories. Created in the appropriately named Love One Another studio owned by Joey Santos, (appropriate because the 11-track album is all about love), the recording process was fun and easy. Band manager Kathy Gener shares, “Sobrang masaya kasi don. Ang ganda nung atmosphere, parang ‘di professional studio pero professional sya. Pero yung vibe na parang laid back tapos they’d let you do kung ano man gusto mo. Saka malapit sya sa masasarap na kainan, mga food establishments. Sobrang malaking part yun. Kaya nag-enjoy kami.”

“Food! Importante yun.” Zig and the rest of the band said in unison. They bond over food and they take things lightly, which is a good way to handle the not so positive reaction from their work. While getting exposure with their song “Sa madaling salita” being included in the soundtrack of the indie movie Endo, the band also opened themselves up for harsh criticism. Selena explains, “May nababaduyan sa video pero okay lang naman…kasi ganon naman, you can’t please everybody. Ang pinakaimportante naman dyan yung sarili namin, sobrang saya namin. We’ll just keep on doing what we want to do.”

But along with the disapproval comes the adoration. From the appreciation they get at their live performances to album sales. Ang Bandang Shirley is being rewarded with oodles of love. Zig opens up “Sobrang nakakataba ng puso, saka yung fact na may naka-relate sa music namin e nakaka-flatter. Tapos mabenta daw yung album sa mga stores sabi ng mga tindera chinichika namen sila e. Nakakatawa rin yun kasi may sumusuporta.”

Selena adds, “We generally like each other as people. Pero feeling ko swak kasi kami like intellectually, (we have a similar) sense of humor wise. We all get along.” Though still busy with different day jobs, the band promotes their album in the market and tours all over the country in different malls and venues. Material-wise they feel that a second album is just around the corner, as they have numerous songs that are ready to be recorded. So all you Shirley fans, get ready for some loving from the band. You know you want it.

My Myx, Your Myx, Everybody Myx!

By Angelique Manalad

(Fudge Magazine Feb-March 2009 issue p.66)

The annual event presented by Myx dubbed as Myx Mo, was a night of good music, sweat, shouts, possible brawl and everything you could ask for in a rockin’ big concert. But it’s a different world backstage. A night of bonding, catching up and that nerve-wracking feeling of performing in front of that crowd who will either love you or hate you.

More than 50 artists and bands performed for the night in SM Mall of Asia’s concert grounds, newbies and legends sharing the same stage—strictly, OPM at its best. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, celebrating his 25^th year in the business, wowed the crowd with his singing prowess and dance moves that proves that with age comes greatness.

Yeng Constantino was excited as she is invited for the first time to perform with other artists she looks up to and really live that dream. “This year natuwa ako kasi nakasama ko, kasi nagkaroon ako ng chance makasama yung mga paborito ko ring mga artists like Sandwich, si Kuya Raimund Marasigan, specifically sya sobrang idol ko kasi yun. Ang saya kasi parte ako nito. Isang gabing puno ng musika.”

As the event’s title suggested it’s everyone’s mix of music. Opening the night’s grand show is our pride Charice Pempengco who sang our national anthem with her diva voice praised by Celine Dion herself. Smiling at everyone, Cherisse finishes her song and as she made her exit in the side, triumphantly saying “Tapos na!” Then off to cater to the rest of media eager to ask her questions and take her picture. For some, it’s their first night out in such a big crowd once again, “It’s a nice feeling. I’ve been away for some time; it’s great to see the fans again and the music bands.” Rico Blanco shares. While, Ely Buendia with his band Pupil, performed in tiptop shape.

The backstage is full of buzz among artists, press people, die-hard fans who scored the SVIP passes, sponsors and of course Myx staffers. While the crowd outside is busy waiting for the next performer, the musicians are busy waiting for their turn in the constraints of their own conversations with other artists. “It’s always nice to be a part ng Myx Mo kasi para syang family reunion ng lahat ng artists. Napaka-rare, siguro mga twice or thrice a year lang magkaroon ng event na ganito na lahat ng artist sama-sama; hanging out backstage, trying to find a quiet spot kung saan pwede mag-bond, tumahimik at mag-enjoy lang.” Parokya ni Edgar’s Chito Miranda shares.

Presenting their new song, Kjwan was excited and happy to perform and be a part of the line-up for the night. “Myx Mo is different. The crowd that this thing draws is different. It’s good to play with these musicians. I mean there’s not just one kind of music, it’s all kind of music. It’s OPM at its prime. It’s always an honor to perform here.” Vocalist Marc Abaya imparts.

Wendell Ramos of Pupil and Archipelago, who also lend his skill to Spongecola for the event, is in awe with the young bands he witnessed amid the physical exhaustion of playing the drums for three bands during the occasion. “Sobrang proud ako. Ang daming magaling na musikero sa’tin talaga. Yung mga batang banda kanina, sobrang todo at ang gagaling. Hopefully, sana walang masaktan ngayon. Wala pa kong tulog, pero for the love of music kahit may sakit ako, tutugtog ako.”

With such high energy and the spirit of brotherhood among fellow musicians and music lovers, the event was declared a success. No mixed feelings about that.

Gram rock

By Angelique Manalad

(Fudge Magazine Feb-March Issue, p.3)

Diamonds are purely made of carbon and the hardest mineral in earth. But that’s not enough for man. We simply must determine its worth by means of a price tag, and thus, the 4Cs: carat, clarity, color and cut. “Finding the best diamond for your money is a delicate balancing act among the 4Cs. For example, you may have to choose a lower Carat weight in order to find a diamond with better Clarity for the budget you’ve set. Or you may decide to trade a slightly lower Color grade in order to get a stone with a better Cut and so on,” says Tricie Mojica, general manager of Just Jewels.

Well, they would know, right? So for Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion that calls for that added sparkle, one would do well to splurge on jewelry—a sound investment in this day and age. But oh the burden of buying is one that we can never take lightly. Thankfully, Just Jewels offers the hardworking man a solution.

Pioneering the “by the gram” concept of selling jewelry here in the country. In this kind of trade, the jewelry is weighted in order to determine its price. Adapted from the famous jewelry stores in New York’s 47^th Street, this customer-friendly set-up makes fine jewels practically more accessible , and giving these high-value items as a gift or token of your intention becomes a little less trauma indeed. Now the hard part begins—setting the stage to pop the question. That’s up to you, boy.

Just Jewels has branches at SM Megamall, Glorietta 4, Festival Supermall, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Manila. SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and Ayala Cebu. Visit their website at www.justjewels.com.ph

bloomfields (christmas album review)

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/dec/23/yehey/life/20081223lif3.html There’s something blooming this Christmas

‘Pasko Natin ‘To’ by the Bloomfields

By Angelique P. Manalad, Contributor Wanting to deliver a more Filipino-flavored Christmas album, The Bloomfields offers their second album “Pasko Natin ‘To” as their gift for everyone this Yuletide season. With 10 tracks to ensure everyone a warm feeling to share the band gives it with their signature happy melodies. Composed of Jay Jay Lozano, Louie Poco, Pepe Lozano, Lakan Hila and Rocky Collado; Bloomfields released a self-titled album in 2007. They were encouraged to do a Christmas compilation as they all love the season and really aim to continue making merry tunes for everyone. Their album title and carrier song as well Pasko Natin ‘To is an original composition of Jay Jay Lozano which he wrote for an ex-girlfriend. Nonetheless it’s guaranteed that everyone can relate to it. Talk about spreading the cheers to everybody and longing for togetherness. The band starts and ends the album with an a cappella of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with remakes from The Beach Boys’ Santa’s Beard, Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder and Perry Como’s It’s beginning to look like Christmas. They also included their own versions of local Christmas classics like Tuloy na Tuloy ang Pasko and Apo Hiking Society’s Himig Pasko. Although two songs which are Ikaw ang Musika and Put a Smile on your Face were not Christmas themed, they’ve added it all the same as it is still gives that fluttery happy feeling that you wouldn’t even notice it. The band is proud to say how they’ve accomplished the album in a short period of time. They’ve enjoyed doing it and hope that everyone will enjoy it as well. Bloomfields hopes that you’d accept their treat this season for you and for your family for all those gatherings that we Filipinos surely love during Christmas.

Checkin’ out Check

By Angelique Manalad

(unedited copy of the article from FUDGE Magazines Dec-Jan ‘09 issue)

Four childhood friends, Jim Pangan (vocals), Cheiy Alanes (guitars), Roy Ordonio (guitars) and Ode Tolato (bass) decided to experiment on music on 2003, as one member left, they found their buddy Jarwin Javier (drums) to complete the missing piece and finally, they are ready, all set and ready to conquer the music scene.

They first decided to call themselves as Check Experiment as the name itself describes what the five friends were doing, mainly checking and experimenting their musical prowess. But they settled to drop the experiment and went for the more catchy and easy to remember Check.

Admittedly the band was used to playing pure funk music, but as they wanted to expand their musical horizon and cater to a larger audience, they decided to infuse alternative pop rock to their music. Like most of the bands today, they are heavily influenced by Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Incubus, The Script, Dashboard Confessional and other artists both local and foreign who sing right from their heart.

In a country where talented bands are born almost everyday, Check struggled like the rest who started in the underground arena, where unsigned bands are huddled together in their quest to be heard. They’ve experienced those grueling hours of waiting to perform but it will be just them and the other last bands as the crowd themselves, the unpaid gigs that they attend to just because they love doing it and those hours of contemplating if they will ever be able to make it big.

Lucky for Check, they scored Angee Rozul to produce their album, have Joel Ellorin as manager; same guy behind Kjwan, and have a record deal with Sony BMG. What more can a band ask for right? But it’s not all pure luck, the band worked hard to showcase and prove their worth to get all these big names and people to listen and give them a chance.

This year, Check came out with their debut and self-titled album containing 10 tracks mostly penned by Jim who said, “Gusto naming iparating sa kanila (listeners) na yung music namin hindi rin kaiba dun sa mga mahal nilang banda ngayon sa industriya. Gusto lang naming sabihin sa kanila na marami pang bagong bandang sisikat na magugustuhan nyo din tulad namin. Yun yung message nung album namin.”

As their manager puts it, a band should possess three qualities for them to survive in the industry: discipline, compromise and hard work. And so far, the group didn’t fail to check each of these traits. They see their ability to adapt to their listeners’ wants is an asset for the band, as music is a communication other than expression. Their strong friendship also makes them unbreakable when problems arise for the band and facing it like a normal barkada will do, laugh at it and then think of a way to solve it.

Right now, Check is busy with pushing their album through radio tours and performing in events like the 2008 MTV Music Summit but never fails to still have a good time and even squeeze in between that DOTA addiction and basketball games. As children they dreamed, and now they’ve made it real.