From the Backstage: One Entity. Republika ng Musika Year Ender Gig for 2007
Posted by Master Diwa on Dec 18, 2007
No cellphone and no internet (for 3 days already). It was quite a challenge living off on analog communication but I had no choice. So I did something unusual and went to Mag:net Bar as early as 8:30 PM. It was the last gig event of Republika ng Musika for 2007.
I didn’t want to cause any hassle to my bandmates by coming in late and having no means of mobile communication. As I arrived, I spotted members of Lakbay Lahi and Kadangyan already there waiting for the gig to start. I was the only member of Makiling so far but guests and bandmembers alike were all starting to arrive in tiers. Eventually Wed came, followed by David and Evan. Members of Syalam and Talahib were also already at the bar.
I was very excited to play already. Everyone knows that this will be a very special night. I can all see it in their eyes, which is why I was a bit saddened when I learned Kadangyan won’t be playing tonight because their bassist left town for a medical emergency. I wanted Republika to be in complete full form as we greet the New Year. But the rest of Kadangyan still came to show support. Read on! »
From the Backstage: The Three and a Half Piece Band
Posted by Master Diwa on Dec 12, 2007
It was Jam night Tuesdays at Xaymaca Bar. Slated for the night was Dirty Kitchen back to back with Makiling. Our other percussionist Otto was still somewhere in Tunisia, but the show must go on even if there were only four of us in the band. Oh wait, Wed showed us his left wrist wrapped in bandages, the doctor said it was a sprain. In short, he only had one arm working for the performance… oh great the band is now down to three and a half! But Wed said “Kaya yan!” but I myself was a bit nervous about playing.
Anyway, Dirty Kitchen played first. It was the first time I’ve seen them perform again since 2003 I think. And I must say they’ve really matured as a band. Their rhythm is more solid than ever and vocalist Chris shows more confidence in his singing. They played some of their new songs reminiscent of the emo songs you hear on radio today. And they even played my request which was my all-time fave “Longganisa Blues”, an original.
After playing their set, we’re on next. We took our time in soundchecking our instruments and we made extra sure that Wed’s cajon was thumping the way we want it, especially now that he will exert double extra effort doing all percussion parts with a crippled left arm. Evan joked over the mic “Kami po ang Makiling, three and a half lang po kami tonight.” We already accepted that we’ll be doing a “Deff Lepard” tonight (their drummer has only one arm) with Wed’s situation, but when we started our set, it seems like some unexpected turn of events happened.
Wed was playing at full capacity, but sometimes it looks like his bandaged arm might fly off. Hahaha! But nevertheless, the set was good. Sound system was ok for the night and the audience was very appreciative. I was happy with the sound despite the situation. But Wed definitely has to give a long rest to that arm until our next gig on the 13th of December at One Luv bar in Sucat.
