Alfredo "Chickoy" Pura Jr. : "Pillar" ( Haligi)

"Pillar" ( Haligi)

 Alfredo "Chickoy" Pura Jr.

From his humble start as folk singer
to one of the earliest Punk stalwarts, The Jerks
to the amalgamation of local greats in Lokal Brown
And for contniously serving as an inspiration as musician in spanning 4 decades of continous music...
Mad respect and admiration for the man.

The Jerks, formed in 1979, were the first local band to heed the punk Rock calling, And would play an important role in the early development of local punk rock scene
Though the band had released Two original songs from The Jerks’ debut seven-inch single--“Romantic Kill” and “Big Deal”--and their punk cover of the Beatles’ “Day Tripper” in 1982 , which received extensive airplay over DZRJ’s “Pinoy Rock & Rhythm” program. the songs remain in obscurity ( and didn't find the light of day until this year) .
Unbelievably The band wont release released their debut record until 1994 which was: The Jerks Live" , released under Gary Granada's Backdoor Records. It was recorded live at the legendary Mayric's bar . The record cached the essence of a Jerks live show. raw and passionate.
The Jerks finally would released a self-titled album in the late '90s.
under a Major label record, capturing a broader and wider audience, this also paved way to the gaining recognition such as the 1998 NU Rock Award for Best Album and the 1998 Katha Award for Best Rock Song, "Reklamo ng Reklamo". And later enshrined as NU Hall of famer in 2004

Asked on why they were never the chance to record an album or a song for Tommy Tanchangco's "Twisted Red Cross" Pura said they were older and way ahead of the bands that was featured on the TRC and even predating TRC..
Adding that they were full time musicians and need their regular income..
But nevertheless still The Jerks was able to play in some Punk Concerts and is regarded as one of Punks founding fathers

Chickoy for throughout the years , continue to perform at such a high level on the stage, uncompromised on what he stands for,
his level of showmanship is unparalleled and there's no sign of waning down after decades and countless dates of performing.

Mad respect and Admiration Ser Chickoy

We wish you the best of health and more music
And May God bless you

- infos ctto

Dominic "Papa Dom" Gamboa In Memoriam: "Ala-Ala"

 "Ala Ala"

Dominic "Papa Dom" Gamboa In Memoriam
(Absolut Zero /Betrayed /Skavengers/Lokal Brown/ Tropical Depression)
12.19.1965 - 12.18.2013

Wether you knew him as a young rad punk vox wearing a discharge jacket that made you jump like a pogo
Or a Big Cool dude made you sway on some Reggae music...

Music has made us kin to him
But Lucky for those who were able to be a part of this great soul's life

Celebrating the man's legacy... sharing my 5 Favorite PapaDom songs and the memories and the inspiration that goes behind it

1.Never Meant To Be This Way
- Katrina's live version
For someone who was totally clueless when this whole punk scene was happening (i was under 10 years old).. it is essential to me to have this piece of history... how The young Dominic Gamboa was , for me was a combination of other people'story and my inagination... thats why i treasure this live album so much, because its the only channel i can atleast hear a glimpse of The early Betrayed, Not to take away from the current Betrayed (which is essentially the same -minus Domnic) is still formidable and awesome. Of course the Dominic Gamboa years is special in many ways

2. Kapayapaan
Dominic's (as Papa Dom) other side, if i may put it.. in perfect contrast to his image to his Betrayed years
- "Lupang Uhaw sa Pag-Ibig, Naghihintay sa halik Langit" . Darn great lyrics
Great uplifting tune and a great positive lyrics

3. Caught In The Cross Fire
- An image of Dominic in a Discharge Jacket Growling "Never meant to be this way"
(it was Robert Javier Alluding to The man's legacy I read from his article ".22 Caliber Shoots)
It became an image I would always depict Domeng. As the man already became a legend even before I heard his songs...

A retaped cassette with a label "Betrayed" given by a punk friend sometime in late '94
Finally ... I got to hear the man
This would be one of my earliest fave Betrayed song.

4.Hoy Juan
Prior to fronting the reggae legend Tropical Depression, after his departure from Betrayed , Papa Dom Fronted perhaps the first Known local Ska band Skavengers and penned this anthemic song

5."Bilog Na Naman Ang Buwan"
- Perhaps this simple vocal toast was the second coming of Dominic Gamboa, now known as Papa Dom.. as Trop Dep Etched its mark on the local mainstream, which i believe at that point was some kinda the best feat for a local Reggae band

Still Alive : Jay Dimalanta

 Still Alive

Joshua "Jay" Dimalanta In Memoriam
Dead Ends/Bass
(Jan 23, 1966 - November 25,1996)

Celebrating the life and work of a great musician, whose works are considered one of the finest, and influential...
-Jay's style of playing made me appreciate more of the instrument, (Bass guitar), and inspired me to pick up the instrument

Jay wrote some of the best intricative, melodic and perhaps one if the most complex bass lines in the local scene ever regardless of genre..

His works are transcending if that is the right term... that captivated not a few budding musicians to not only appreciate the role of a bass player in a band, but influenced shifting to playing the Bass... and i was one of them...
Jay is one of my Biggest Hero.

Jay's musicianship is one of the local music landmark as he helped his Kuya Al Dimalanta write 4 Awesome Albums for seminal Hardcore /Punk band Dead Ends in the 80s and 90s

Other close and dear to him... would have tons of stories can tell of Jay, as a brother, a friend, and a companion... and i can only attentively listen to their recollection and memories of this fine young lad who left us far too soon....

You and your music will always be remembered Jay..