Superb Acoustic in WAT UP Mix. Vol 4: Kings in the North

It was an acoustic night to remember as our favorite indie bands performed with their sought-after music with a twist. If you've never heard Kuneho Rock of BennyBunnyBand in acoustic, this gig surely made new things happen. Imagine MilesExperience performing an acoustic set. That is something worth to catch, right? This event was made possible by We are the Underdogs Productions as they held their 4th WAT UP Mix entitled: Kings in the North which took place at Exile on Main St., Katipunan, July 23. Here are some clips of the performers, who are all by the way amazingly wonderful, during the event:

See you on our next gig! We are the Underdogs Productions can't wait to meet you all!

Mister Tililing: (Not Just an) Album Review

Oo, naman! Kilala pa rin namin ang Tanya Markova!

Only Tanya Markova can make THE original payaso music! They are our childhood, youth and the insanely brilliant schizsos within us. Their comedy of sarcasm and parodies never fails.

In one of Tanya Markova's gigs at 70's Bistro, I got the chance to grab a copy of their album 

Mister Tililing.

There is a total of 17 tracks composed of funny, weird, disturbing, 

and satisfyingly good songs and antics. They are as follows:

1. Tililing, Tililing 

2. Bermuda Love Triangle

3. Hello, Hello, Hello

4. Eskeleton

5. Ang Darling Kong Zombie

6. B.U.N.G.O. (Mag-asawang)

7. Metal Hospital

8. Pandemonium

9. Nari Tuna

10. High-end

11. Belated Happy Birthday Song

12. Nakatutok

13. No Eating Below the Belt

14. Lagalag

15. Mr. Tililing & Kuya Dark Contract

16. E.O.W. (End of the World)

17. Liwaliwba

The initial track reminds me of the ringing bells of the Pinoy well-loved dirty ice cream that kids and not-so-old-kids get really excited about, which is followed by some sort of intergalactic voicemail that reminds me of the sarcastic, creepy Night Vale. Mister Tililing is creepy and witty!

I spent a good time laughing and humming along with this album. Sobrang nakaka-LSS! It was more than my money's worth. The signature Pinoy sound is still on track, the strikingly out of the ordinary kind of weird lyrics and feeling are definitely there. It is good-old-Tanya Markova music version 2.0. What do you expect from Tanya Markova? I honestly expected so much and this album is way beyond that expectation.

The satiric take on Pinoy ads, love-struck Pinoys, zombie hype, elitism, senseless extravagance, hypocrisy, a good laugh on Pinoy gullibility and all things uniquely Pinoy, plus those newly-acquired Pinoy color. This is not the hugot you hear almost everywhere, but the reality that hits you hard on the face, and laughs at your shock. They got the not-your-everyday love songs that will surely leave you smiling at the satisfying music and witty lyrics. Forgive me if I will not deal with the specifics of this album because it is better to listen to it without any idea what's in store. But I can definitely assure you that this is a must-have for the collection!

By the way, they are working on their next MV with the directing skills of Sir Jiggy Gregorio.
Here is the teaser for the song, Ang Darling Kong Zombie

#ThrowbackTanyaMarkova

What makes Tanya Markova is what we are as Filipinos:

Our love for romanticism shoved down our throats by Disney, which every Pinoy kid grew up with, is undeniable. Everyone, not only girls, read and watched a fairytale or two. We have always dreamed of that happily ever after when we were kids, and sadly, some people didn't grow out of it. Disney stories are our first book, first movie, and a dream to set foot on when finally we can afford to travel. This is the romantics that we are--- our seemingly inherent attitude of seeing the "rainbow after the rain." Our positivism in everything that even if we've lost so much, we still focus on what we have. Thus, we are labeled one of the happiest people. We can't help a good laugh at everything. The romanticism that fills the Filipino culture translates to the very core of our society: in the arts, religion and even in politics. and so we have a circus of a society now.

Our fascination with photos and the emotions we usually have towards our subjects reflects our Pinoy idealism of beautiful. Ever wonder why we all go gaga over beauty pageants? Other countries don't have the same dedication to win crowns at international beauty contests. It is rooted in our eyes for the aesthetics which is seen in our devotion to images that Catholics even dress them up for occasions. We also patronize the grandeur of celebrations which is seen in festivals all over the country. They may not be practical, but that's culture. I hope our love for the aesthetics would extend to our Original Pinoy Music.

We can never deny our endless pursuit of knowing the paranormal world. Remember the stories of exorcism, the spirit of the glass tripping you had with your barkada, the dream of getting a third eye and the ghost stories literally everywhere? I guess this is rooted in the Filipino culture of lower mythology that speaks of the colorful literature and story-telling affinity that Pinoys grew up with and inherited from the firsts of our generation. We are not Pinoy if we do not believe the superstitions, Pinoy monsters, and the spirits that we even honor and remember on one of the most important holidays we have - All Saint's/Souls Day. Hi, Linda Blair, my old friend!

It will always be Pinoy curiosity that is picked when showbiz or the entertainment industry is on the table. Pinoys love TV and the people they frequently see in it. As so the allusion of the biggest stars that we know in this song. This is the fanaticism that we are all very aware of. Now, fanaticism is no longer limited with entertainment since politics started marrying showbiz. The election that relies on popularity vote turned voters into members of fandoms, which I personally think divides the country more. This dedication that we possess towards the people we idolize may be good at some personal points, but when abused (which often happens), is mostly against the common good. Here's a lighter take on that.

Last, but not the least, Pinoys are social media addicts. This is because we value community and relationships more than anything else. With the exodus of Pinoys to work their a** off abroad, there is this dire need for communication to cushion the blow of isolation and homesickness. We love the social media for its capability to keep us connected. Maybe we should soon establish an Idot's Guide in responsible use of it though.

This is my favorite music video. This speaks of Philippines: its poverty, the deepest of our realities behind violence and criminality, the romance we see in the middle of all chaos, the hypocrisy of our perceived social responsibility and the exploitation of the already bereaved society that we have.

Tanya Markova is disturbingly good, a good kind of weirdness, our deep-seated dreams and frustrations, the surreal realities, our youthful imagination, the rich Pinoy culture that we tend to dismiss over foreign musings. Their music is filled with local color which is the foundation of regionalism in literature. From the music to the lyrics, the humor and the wit---their craft will not be fully appreciated without being a Flilipino first. Just as how we differently interpret and remember moments associated with the following words we grew up with:

"sumayaw ng boogie at chacha ng walang musika"
"tumingin sa salamin at kinausap ang sarili"
"nakangangang kumanta sa harap ng bukas na electric fan"
"mapangiti sa jeep ng walang dahilan"
"magsalita mag-isa"
"abakada"
"nanay, tatay, gusto kong tinapay..."
"abrakadabra"

I love Tanya Markova because it is Original Pinoy Music in every sense of those words.
Original. Pinoy. Music.
Proud Pinoy!

WAT UP Mix Vol. 4: Kings in the North

WAT UP Mix Vol. 4: Kings in the North

       Hear ye, hear ye! Kings of the indie music scene will journey to the North to reach out to you! See them live at Exile on Main Street along Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights Quezon City this July 23. Brace yourself for an eargasmic experience with the nobles and royalties as they charm their way to your hearts. Hours of fun music from night till morning is a blast: 9PM-12AM it is! Catch your favorite songs and enjoy the night with the nobility. You can thank We Are The Underdogs Productions later for your ever after. 

Ladies and gents, presenting the Kings:

At the Moment

The Slicks

Carousel Casualties

BennyBunnyBand



Ian Penn



Miles Bondoc of MilesExperience




Burn Mercado of The Putings

Nota Bene:

Php 200 with 1 free beer

What are you waiting for? Click going! 

You are Poetry

You are my favorite poem
With all the ironies that I love
The mood that swings from here to there
And all my senses that you satisfy
With the tone that speaks perspectives
The style that's yours alone to bear
With internal and end rhymes I love to hear
And unmeasured lines of making me fall
As your mystery lies with your symbols
You are my favorite poem
Just let me fall in love with you
And I'll write your verses
more beautiful
than anyone ever could.

Paalam

Hindi ko alam kung ito na ang huling liham ko sa'yo
Hindi rin sigurado kung bukas ay makakatula pa ako
Hindi mo man malaman ang inaawit ng pusong bigo
Hindi ako matatapos sa piniling pag-ibig sa tulad mo.

Ngunit matatapos ang paghihintay ng kulay sa ating kwento
Tutuldukan na ang huling salita na iginuhit ng alaala ko sa'yo
Dahil ang bawat musikang inialay mo at tayutay na tinula ko
Ay mistulang liham na pinaanod sa alon, nawala, naglaho.

Naiwan na lamang ay mga tilamsik ng alaala at ulan
Sa makulimlim na umaga at hanging sumisilip, dumaraan
Kulimlim na tumataklub sa lahat ng tubig na nag-aabang
Sa paghalik ng liwanag para sa bahagharing mamamaalam

May mga bagay na sapat nang pinapanaginipan na lamang
Dagling iniiwan sa ilalim ng unan, kinukumutan sa higaan
Sa gabi at dilim na lamang muling babalikan at hahalikan
Dahil ang panaginip na lang ang 'di nawawalan ng kailanman.

Love Somewhere

Love isn't love if we haven't gone somewhere:
A place where two hearts choose to burn
From a spark that ignited warmth and
A possibility of endless emotions

by the sea

below sea level

into the waves

across shores

inside comfy cottages

beneath the covers

between the curtains

against pillows

beside each other

in each other's arms

with a book

between lines of poetry

in between rhythm and melody

over coffee

in the middle of the night

under the stars

with appreciation

alongside understanding

together with motivation

with a little less expectations

with more inspiration

into the deepest of feelings

above all else

towards a future of uncertainties

amidst all odds

throughout our lives

of simple things we call love

And now I'm going back where we found our lost selves first.
Then realized love isn't there.

An Open Letter to You Who Never Knew You Were Enough

Pablo Picasso's Girl Before a Mirror

Dear You,

Just like most people, I know the feeling when people leave. It is not just the cutting of relationship strings that make us feel bad about it, but the rejection that is the aftermath. The questions that bother us why we weren't enough, or why it didn't work. We feel that whatever good in us are left unappreciated and all our faults were brought under the spotlight. That is the rejection we face after separation, but do not let it eat you whole. Yes, we experience rejection all through our life, and we could never deny that the most painful is from the one we love most. We can't change that. People leave and we just become part of their past because that is life. We keep on finding the person who could love us the way we want to be loved. And so people leave when they can't have the love they think they deserve. Don't fret. It's nobody's fault. You just have different standards for love. Her standards may not qualify you, while your standards qualify her. Or vice versa. Or when lucky, you get the same standards met by each other. Of course, people don't usually come perfect with the standards other expect, and so whoever can adjust and live with compromise usually take the relationship to the next level and make it more meaningful to last.

Just remember that:

You are not a toy that has to be assembled.
You are not a doll to be dressed.
You are not a "mecha" to be customized.
You are a unique collectible that is perfect in its original packaging,
that your value goes up when your seal isn't tampered.
Your demand increases as you become the rarest of your kind.
And you are rare, because everyone comes with their unique qualities.
No one is the same as you.
People who fail to see how great you are do not deserve to be with you at your greatest.
People who deserve you preserve the great in you, take care of you until you become the best.

The people who love you would see your best and your flaws, and love you just the same. The imperfections make you who you are, thus making it impossible for them to love another. You will always be perfect to those who love you. If you are not, then you are not loved. Because you are enough, and will always be.

Some people don't understand that you can't be fixed. Instead, your weaknesses should be supported with another's strength to help you stand sturdier than before. People who love you will see your flaws as opportunities to love you more, and they make things better for the two of you.

The person to love is the one who will say, "You are beautiful. Because and in spite of who you are, you are beautiful. All that you could offer, it will do. You are enough and you are mine."

Believe that you deserve that kind of love and it will come.

Yours always,
Me who see that you're just perfect

Hindi Mo Alam Kung Paano

Hindi mo alam kung paano malungkot kung ang lagi mong sinasabi ay "okey lang 'yan."
Huwag mong sabihing naiintindihan mo dahil hindi.
Dahil kahit ako, hindi ko malaman.
Napapagod na akong magpaliwanag sa mga nagtatanong kung bakit.
Hindi ko rin kasi alam.
Napapagod na akong makinig sa mga haka-haka nilang dahilan.
Pagod na rin akong tumango sa lahat ng sinasabi nilang dapat gawing paraan.
Hindi mo naiintindihang hindi ko rin naiintindihan.

Ang alam ko lang
mag-isa ako, sa gitna ng kwartong walang tao
at sa gitna ng mga taong may kanya-kanyang kwarto
Nakikita ko sila gaya ng nakikita ko ang nasa paligid ko
Nakikita nila ako at ang sanlibong mukhang gamit ko
Mga mukhang pinagpapalit-palit ko
sa kunwari'y tapat sa kung ano'ng dapat
Mga ngiting nakapinta para sa bawat pagkikita

Ang alam ko lang
kaya kong magpalipas ng maghapon na walang tumatakbo sa isipan
Na ang kawalan ng nararamdaman ang pilit kong pinaglalabanan
Na ang dilim ng paligid ay tila, kahit ng umaga, hindi maiibsan
Sa dilim magkasiping ang nawawalang damdamin at kaisipan

Hindi mo alam kung bakit ko sinasaktan ang sarili ko
Dahil hindi ko rin maipaliwanag ang pakiramdam na dulot nito
Hindi mo alam dahil hindi ka naniniwalang kaya ko
Ngunit alam mo bang hindi ko rin naman ito ginusto?

Hindi mo alam kung paano malungkot kung ang lahat ng luha mo ay may dahilan
Dahil ang sa aki'y dumadaloy sa kawalan, sa kawalan ng nararamdaman
Hindi malaman ang katuturan ng lahat ng tumatakbo sa isipan
Paikot-ikot, masalimuot, kinukurot and bawat himay ng aking katauhan

Hindi mo alam kung paano malungkot
Kaya wala kang karapatang
Sabihing ito'y wala lang
o "magiging okey rin 'yan"

Hindi mo alam.
Hindi mo alam.

Oda Para Sa 'yo

Sa bawat pagsisid, ikaw ang hanging baon ko
Pinapawalan ng dahan-dahan, iniingatang mawala ng tuluyan
Pumupuno sa aking dibdib, nagpapatibok ng aking puso
Ibinabaon sa muling paglubog, paglisan, matapos sa ibabaw ay balikan

Ikaw ang baon kong buhay sa gitna ng tubig na yumayakap
Salungat man sa mga alon, mahapdi man ang alat ng dagat
Nagpapaanod sa damdaming sa kailaliman hinahanap
Sumisikad pa rin pabalik sa iyong hininga sa kagyat na pag-angat

Ikaw rin ang tubig na niyayakap ng aking kabuuan
Humihigit sa hininga habang pinapatid ang aking uhaw
Kailangan ko lamang lumubog at ako'y sa iyo na nang tuluyan
Patuloy akong lumulutang sa ilalim ng ating pag-uulayaw

Dalangin ko lamang na ito'y magtagal, magpatuloy
Sa kabila ng paglulunoy sa tubig, nang mata'y nakapikit
Pumapadyak sa kawalan, kumakampay, lumalangoy
Hinahawi ang tubig, hinahati ang dagat, sa alon kumakapit

Ngunit lalanguyin ko lamang ang lalim na kaya kong pangatawanan
ang lalim na kaya kong languyin, lisanin, balikan
ang lalim na hindi dudurog sa aking puso at katawan
ang lalim na hindi magpapalubog, lulunod sa akin nang tuluyan

Ikaw ang ulan sa bawat taglamig na dumarating at lumilisan
Sa bawat patak mo, ako'y nililinis, binabasa, pinapaliguan
Gumagapang ang iyong patak mula noo hanggang hangganan
Tinutulay, ginagalugad ang bawat himay ng aking katawan

Mata ko'y pumipikit at nananaginip na ika'y hinahagkan
Sa ilalim ng malakas na tikatik at bugso ng nagngangalit na ulan
Hayaan mong abutin ko ang iyong kamay upang aking maramdaman
Ang init sa gitna ng lamig, ang basa sa gitna ng lupang tigang

Ngunit mababasa lamang ako sa ilalim ng iyong mga patak
Sa panahong pipiliin kong itapon ang aking payong
Sa panahong ang tubig ay aagos sa puso kong bitak-bitak
Sa panahong 'di malulunod, 'di maghahangad ng pag-ahon

Ikaw ang tahanan na kung nasaan ay hindi ko pa nahahanap
Binabagtas ang kalsada, ang bayan, hanap ang haligi at bubungan
Umiikot sa mga kantong nagsasanga at palatandaang 'di mahagilap
Naliligaw sa mga eskinitang malabo at madilim ang lagusan

Ikaw ang marka ng pagpapahinga para sa puso kong pagod na
Magbubukas ng pinto bago pa man ako magsimulang magsalita
Sisilip sa bintana na nakukubli ng mga nagluluksang kurtina
Magpapatuloy sa patuloy na umaasang ako'y kukupkupin mo na

Subalit ang aking pagkakatunton sa'yo ay hindi inaasahan
Hindi ko alam kung makababalik pa kung ako'y lilisan
Kaya naman hangad kong manatili sa piling mo kailanman
At ipinid na ang pinto ng tahanang aangkinin ko nang lubusan

Ikaw ang lutong-bahay na palagi kong inaabangan
Nagpapabango sa kusina, nagpapasabik sa bawat hapunan
Nanunuot sa ilong ang amoy ng ginisa, ng sinangag, ng bawang
Kinukurot ng asim at tamis ang sikmurang walang laman

Ikaw ang lutong-bahay na madalang kong matikman
Bihirang makasama sa tuwing manananghalian
Hinahanap-hanap ang lasang lubusan nang kinasanayan
Dahil sa sangkap mo, pagmamahal yata, 'di ko alam

Ikaw ang tsinelas matapos ang maghapong pagod sa paglakad
Simple, maginhawa, mapagmahal sa mga pagal kong mga paa
Gaano man kamahal ang mga sapatos, saan man ako mapadpad
Ang tangi kong pahinga, sa iisang pares lamang makukuha

Pinapasan mo man madalas ang pagod ko sa lahat ng dinaanan
Hindi ka bumibitiw, di napipigtas, di ako binibigo
Kailangan mo mang yakapin ang lahat ng alikabok na tangan
Walang alinlangan, ako'y hinahagkan, marahan at masuyo

Ikaw ang unan sa pagitan ng lahat ng mga panaginip
Mga pangarap at hinahangad sa paghimbing at sa pagbangon
Nasa iyo na ang mga takot at pag-asang nakapinid
Pati kakaibang pangarap sa pagtulog na sa iyo'y nakabaon

Ikaw ang malambot na dantayan sa lamig ng gabi
ang aking niyayakap upang sa panaginip ay kapiling
ang kumakanlong sa aking mga pisngi at mga labi
sa init ng silid, sa gitna ng nag-aagawang liwanag at dilim

Ikaw ay libro na nagtatago ng lahat ng aking pag-ibig at pagkabuyo
Nasa pahina mo lamang ang aking mga kwento ng pagsuyo
Maging ang mga basang pahina, naninilaw at nilukot ng pagkabigo
Ikaw ang bawat kabanata, pahina, salita at tula ng aking puso

Masuyo kong hinahaplos ang bawat papel ng ating kwento
Itinuturo ng daliri ang mapagpalaya at masidhing salita para sa'yo
Inililipat ang mga pahinang saksi sa bawat paghanga, maging ng paglayo
At muling pagbalik sa nag-iisang balangkas, kasukdulang tanging iyo

Ikaw ang musika na paulit-ulit kong dinadama
ang bawat ritmo, bawat hagod, bawat salita
ang mga letra at nota na magkasiping sa paglaya
ng mga damdaming humuhulagpos, kumakawala

Ikaw ang tula na nabubuo ng pag-ibig at musika
Nagtatampisaw sa laro ng salita, ritmo, at tugma
Nagpapaabot ng mga damdaming nakahain, nakatala
Maging pag-ayaw sa pagsayaw sa saliw ng ibang musika

Ikaw lahat ng 'yan at marami pang ibang bagay na magaganda.
Dahil, mahal ko, ikaw lang naman talaga.
Wala nang iba.
Wala nang iba.

5-10

(based on BennyBunnyBand's song, 5-10)

Under the summer sky and all things fun

your smile is as vibrant as the sun

and your laughter sinks through my heart

with every chuckle, with every sound an art

music that rings the morning good mood swings

and rhythm that beats the repeat of feelings

Under the promises of never saying goodbye

I hold your hand, warmly kiss them every night

And every time I do that, you close your eyes

It's the most beautiful to stare at under the moonlight

Under the rain, I am drowning with you

Near the verge of emotions that I swim through

Every day, every moment, every second of you

Is a shower and surge of dreams coming true

Under the sheets, entangled feet, lips are one

Under the warmth offered by each other's arms

Cozier than a cup of coffee under the midnight sun

And you, my blanket, all wrapped around me till dawn

Under the stars we trace the map of our fate

Wishing in every point comes the heaven's gate

Or at least a door that would open to see your face

Of promises of heavens, among millions of stars lace

It was perfect when we began, and so I thought it wouldn't end,

but it was just a dream, for I am a five and you are a ten.

I have dragged you under a lot of times

Yet still, I can't reach you, and call you mine

Why can't the universe be just kind

And extend my hand to you, so fine

Your perfection sealed my heart's whines

But I am never the one who get beyond the lines

I'm sorry, allow me

That I am for you

Only for you

But you don't deserve me.

Sometimes kisses fly and find their way to you

but most of the time, they miss you as much as I do

Soon, my love, I'll be seeing you.

With love, and kisses, and all of me, to You.