Lourd De Veyra: Kapitan Wasak

 "Kapitan Wasak"

Lourd de Veyra
02.11.1975

Most of us now know Lourd as a journalist, TV host, broadcast personality for TV5. He is a musician as well for the longest time and currently Guitarist/Vox for the Sludge band "Kapitan Kulam"

I First knew Lourd when he joined local punk legends Dead Ends in 1995 as Second Guitarist, that boasted an even more awesome of an already amazing front line of Al and Jay Dimalanta - adding Lourd to the mix.
By this time Dead Ends music shifted to more of trash-crossover sound that boasted angst ridden riffs and intricate guitar solos, on the band's final album "Namatay Sa Ingay", it was such a great "second coming" of the band, on the changing times in the scene, coming off from years absence.

When Dead Ends disbanded, Lourd fronted the Jazz rock band Radioactive Sago Project. which i was so excited about. When I first heard the "Sus loving" song "Gusto Ko Ng Baboy" , I was excited to hear Frank Zappa, Post DK Jello Biafra and John Zorn influences on a local record and creating something out of old but definitely something new.

* Incidentally around early 2000s I heard somewhere that "Throw" was initially a project that supposed to be another collaboration with Al Dimalanta.

Not long after, Lourd would embark on a new career path as Broadcast Journalist /Host for TV 5.

Lourd still plays music despite his demanding schedule .he currently fronts a Sludge band "Kapitan Kulam" which just released their debut album "Blunt Instrument"
I had the joy of seeing the band multiple times. Last was July last year, On one of their album launch.

Lourd is also an artist, Who do a lot of impression paintings which he also share on his social media accounts.

Lastly and interestingly
Lourd has published three books of poetry: Subterranean Thought Parade, Shadowboxing in Headphones and Insectissimo.
This is a Crazy Planets is a collection of essays
SuperPanalo Sounds! - his first novel.
And a compilation of his speeches entitled Lourd de Veyra's Little Book of Speeches

Photo: (c) Janlor Encarnacion

Multifaceted Jack : Nomer Delos Santos

Multifaceted Jack

Nomer Delos Santos

Born Jan.5th in Malabon City. Is a multi-intstrumentalist who boasts a pretty impressive resume of playing with bands such as Corrupt Insanity and The Mighty Contras (as guitarist) and played keyboards with Ska heavyweights such as Shuffle Union, Put3Ska and currently Easy Sunday .

Nomer is one of the few musicians out there that can play different instruments at a high level. The guy can play trash and Shred guitar,  play Bass (on some occassions for Put3Ska) and gets you in a groove. and of course manning the keyboards as most of us know him.

Nomer is also a go to  guy, someone you would ring to play on a short notice and could do the job with flying colors

..saw the guy provide keyboards for The Republicats (album and few dates) and played Guitar for Australian Ska band Funaddicts . He did an amazing job on the guitar covering for indisposed Funaddicts guitar player when the band played here I believe Dec 2018.

However i knew the guy as a drummer.. 

And we go way back as far as 1997.. met him through a common friend McCoy "The Anarchy Boy"  when I was trying to put up NKF (New Kulangot Foundation) after my band PH went on hiatus,  and was looking for a drummer.. 

And dang!!! Nomer was an instant adrenaline switch and at that moment I realized,  I didn't just found a drummer, I found a f*** amazing drummer . And Through a short period of time I was more impressed when i realized that he can play guitar as well and is an even far better guitar player than me... 

Unfortunately the band was short lived as I started to get busy as well and need to finish college.

.... It was great reconnecting with him sometime in 2009 and was happy to see him Shuffling the keys with Shuffle Union.. and now looking how far he'd gone since, now with Easy Sunday 

I know it was just all a matter of time..

A man of few words.

But can get any job done.

Nothing but mad respect brother

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..

Mel Maniego : "Time"

 "Time"

Melchiades "Mel" J.Maniego In Memoriam

(Dec.23,1964 - November 22, 2021)

 

Mel Maniego, was a Songwriter Guitarist for the legendary local Rockabilly band , Private Stock, which came to prominence in the 80's. And The Mod Revival Band The Go Signals in the 2010s. 

He was also a part of folk country inspired supergroup, Vagabonds

Private Stock was originally formed back in 1983 and the following years have seen the band carve out their own distinctive niche in the Filipino music scene since. They made their mark in the Filipino punk history when they performed at the legendary Brave New World 5 concert in Manila, Philippines. During that time they launched their first original composition written which is Future Generation.

Katrina's in Mabini, Manila became their home club. They became regular performers there and honed their music skills. Around that time they still do the regular punk/ mod shows. They also released a cassette of their debut and only album Hype's Cool. They also contributed songs to Tommy Tanchangco's Twisted Red Cross compilation albums sunch as the early version of "Future Generation" on The First "Rescue Ladders and Human Barricade" compilation . Strange Boy (In the Secret Service) and the song Hype's Cool came out and was included in the RL&HB part 3: The Third Bombardment,  And some live tracks for the Katrina's :Tamana Away live album compilation.

After taking a long hiatus started in 1988, Private Stock would briefly reform in the 90s, with Fred Dator and Mel Maniego spearheading writing for new Materials for the second album, sadly it never saw the light of day.and then another long hiatus

Mel would be encouraged to write again and the result was the Formation of an all family affair  "The Go Signals" which features Dennis Maniego on Bass and a Young Spike Maniego on drums.

and released the album "Secrets and Lies" in 2011.

The Go Signals channelled the power and the riffage of The Jam and the Clash with the melodic appeal of the The Jam, The Kinks and The Beatles.

The Go Signals would play incessantly for years before taking a halt in 2018 due to Mel's health condition

In between TGS gigs Mel would throw himself on an all star band "The Vagabonds" which also feature Mally Paraguya (of POT/TTT), and Albert Ascona (Bad Omen) and Jerome "Johnny Tender" Macaraeg (Pusakal /Kamote Chunks) plays folk /country songs which also bore an album "Suburban Serenade"

Mel was one of the most passionate artist I ever seen, a great conversationalist

and more importantly a great human being. and it's been a privilage and proud to be friend to a person who once upon a time, i can only watch and admire from a distance.

Story collated from different source and personal story

Paul Puti-An: Prolific And Gifted

Prolific and Gifted

 Paul Puti-An

Once i caught a glimpse of this guy, i had this profound admiration for his work instantly . 

Paul , The  prolific songwriter who fronts Coffee Break Islands, The Borrachos and Co-Fronts Todo Pasa.. 

has this unmistakable soulful husk/growl voice , 

and offers a music that is captivating , and exciting.. (something familiar yet something new.) Onstage, always such a great sight visually,  artistically..

When i got liberated from the prisoning demands of the Mfg Companies, some 12 years ago.. Of course going back to music was one of my first "I need to go to"s  and Coffee Break Islands and Shuffle Union gigs have became frequent for a period of time.. thanks to some ska friends to tagged me along while i try to find my way back on the scene,  and it felt great seing old and new people around.. one thing never changed though, the vibes and the excitement that emanates form Ska music..

And throug time.. his music has earned a permanent spot on my always active music library.. 

Brutus Lacano : He's Got The Rhythm

 He's Got The Rhythm

Brutus Lacano

"Papang  Brutus" as he is fondly called, is  an amazing Drummer and a human being, Played behind the kit for some high profile local bands,  such as The Brownbeat Allstar, Put3ska , Indio I, Coco Jam, Moyg, The Jerks, Advent Call, Escolta 3am,  People's Music and Bembol Rockers just to name a few. 

 Brutus' passion for the music, especially Ska and Reggae emanates on his steady moving beat, 

It's amazing how he locks in a solid regga beat and how he throw swing rudiments, which earned him admiration and respect among his peers, and fans of the genre.

Looking at the man's resume.. I can easily say i Have  been constantly listening to his music for more than 2 decades, since i first heard him , locking the jive for The Brownbeat Allstars when they first came out, and jumping to everybands that i also listened to.

Rick Olivares: A Modern Day Renaissance Man

 A Modern Day Renaissance Man 

Rick Olivares

If the name is unmistakably familiar, its because it is. the man is just literally everywhere unless you were living under the rocks with Fred and Barney

Sir Rick has more than 2 decades experience in media as a newspaper reporter, columnist , broadcast journalist, and recently more as an independent Blogger.

He has also written for notable Print medias conpanies such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, , Philstar, FHM, Maxim, Philippines Free Press, football Philippines among others and currently writes for Philstar.com and a regular columnist at ABS-CBN News and Business Mirror

He also did some Television works for ABS CBN , Solar Sports and Sports 5 and reporting for DZRH.

And not to forget sharing his thoughts eloquently on his blogsite, Bleachers Brew which remains active since 2006

  It's admirable and rare you get to know a guy who is into a lot of things and is so deeply knowledgable on its every subject matter.

Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Boxing, Tennis, Baseball, Mixed Martial Arts, Chess and just about any sports that there is.

Also a big Movie/ TV series enthusiast, a huge Comics , Books and Music (Vinyl/CD/Cassette) collector and i need to say i was really amazed with  his profound music vocabulary. From mainstream music to Alternative, to Jazz down to the underground scene of Hardcore, Punk and ska and to the alternate universe of indie, ethereal, shoegaze   or even some obscure bands that were not even aware even existed that proves his eclectic taste for music,  and perhaps anything in between. Its amazing to read bits of history and especially his personal journey and  stories behind it . 

Recently he played a significant part in making The Jerks EP (c.early 80s) finally seeing the light of day and further emphasizing the band's place  and importance in the local Rock scene.

So much admiration for trully a  Modern day Renaissance man.

Alay at isang Pagpupugay Kay Bobby Balingit

 Alay at isang Pagpupugay Kay Juan Isip

Bobby Balingit
Ipinanganak Nobyembre 13
Mangaawit at Gitarista ng isang haligi ng industriya ng Musika, ang Bandang Wuds.
Isang Tinitingalang manunulat,
Kilala si Sir Bob sa kanyang makabuluhang mga letra at mapanghamong musika.
Na nagpasimula pa noong dekada 80, bilang isa sa mga Pioneer ng Pinoy Punk scene, nagapatuloy hanggang dekada 90 bilang isa sa mga respetadong banda sa pagusbong ng Alternatibong musika at nananatiling nagpapatuloy hanggang sa ngayon.
Bukod sa pagiging manunulat ng musika,
Si Sir Bob ay isa ring Guitar Coach, Painter, theater actor, art installation artist,.vegetarian Chef at Novelist


Maligayang Kaarawan Sir Bob!
Alay ko ang tula para sa iyo.
Isang Pagpupugay Sir Bob

Isang mapagpalayang musika ang pumukaw sa mura kong isipan..
Di ko man hinahanap, Ngunit aking nasumpungan
Sumisigaw, nanggigising sa tulog na kamalayan,
Mga dating bagay na nakikita ngunit di nauunawaan
Sa pagbabago ng mata ng kaisipan aking namasdan

Sa mga panulat mo nakita ko ang pangit sa mundo
Malungkot, di maganda, masakit pero totoo.
Sa pagyaon sa buhay mabuti naman ang hanap ng tao
Dangan lamang di lahat nananatili dito

Sa bawat sigaw at ingay ng instrumento
Natutong mangarap ng marubdob na pagbabago
Kasamaan, kasakiman, mga institusyon at pulitikong gunagawa ng Pangagago
Masasanay na lang ba tayong lunukin lahat ito?

Maliit na tinig, yan ang papel ko sa isip ko
Hindi man lahat tayo ay tulad Nelsom Mandela o Lean Alejandro
Pero tulad nila pinagalab ng puso magsalita
Wag magpagamit sa mali, at huwag. magsawalang kibo at bahala

Sa mga taong ito ako natuto
Na ang kultura ng pangk ay higit sa pananamit at istilo
Di man ako nagmohawk at di man nakatikim ng DMs ang paa ko
Nakuha ko naman ang esensya nito

-Pilosopong Peledik

Forever Will Be Lois Lane

 Forever Will Be Lois Lane

Margot Kidder In Memoriam

17.Oct.1948 - 13 May 2018

Magot Kidder was a Canadian Born Actress, who had a spanning 5 decade carreer that includes over hundreds of film and television credits..

Her Iconic role as Lois Lane opposite Christoper Reeves made her a household name (or household face at least), mainstream recognition and further memorable films like the Blockbuster Horror film "The Amityville Horror" .

As a kid growing up in the 80's , we have a very limited access to Foreign TV shows,  mostly already ran but was popular in America Like The Knight Rider, Perfect Stranger, McGyver, The A Team, The Greates American Hero, 21 Jumpstreet, the couple of years delay WWF TV and a bunch more.. as for films , most of which that would make our shores are either anticipated blockbuster films or Bunch of horror shows.. But yeah basically reflecting what was happening in Hollywood.

Superman would be one of them, The Christopher Reeves starrer was a presage of the mainstream popularity of Hollywood's Superhero films , way before MArvel and DC universe were doing their thing today.. 

Superhero film was a big thing, and with the improvement in film making, especially with the technology, at that point was groundbreaking, relatively It was the most expensive film made at that time and as a kid that had grew up with Cartoon version of Superman and The Justice league.. Superman in flesh was a must.

The Film was successful in many ways. It was deemed to be a success with Richard Donner and Mario Puzo (yes of the Godfather fame) at the helm.  Film music by the ever reliable John Williams and Supported by high profile actors such as Gene Hackman and Marlon Brando. , Margot Kidder was the Cherry on Top

Margot would become to be one of Hollywood's most recognizable face, and even for some time that i didn't get her name, she was my earliest biggest crushes... 

Though her role wasnt Grammy worthy, however it was iconic enough, how it touched a lot of lives, i guess was as much as rewarding.. 

Her role,  her face was forever imprinted in my(our) memory .(well talking bout my generation.)