PHILIPPINE SCENE REPORT
Okay some of my contacts are asking me for a Philippine Scene report but to tell you the truth I don’t know much about the scene back here as of now so I guess this will be short ?
Last November 2004, 2 typhoons came to the Philippines and the effect of illegal logging in the provinces of Quezon, Aurora and Nueva Ecija took thousands of lives cause of heavy flooding, landslide and soil erosion. As of now the people from those provinces are trying to get back from their regular lives while few greedy capitalist earn billions of Peso from illegal logging. The issue of expanded value tax (VAT) which already approved by the government the 12% increase from the previous 10% is an escape goat of the government from the budget deficit which is obviously will be past to Juan dela Cruz (Filipino Citizens) and in the recent years the government only collects 20% of taxes while 80% goes to corruption (Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs and Department of Public Works and Highways). The North Luzon Express Way (NLEX) is already owned by a private sector and the recent increases of crude oil in the world market hardly affected the Philippines causes fare hike on jeepney’s and buses and now the toll fee from NLEX is way too expensive and most of the commuters depend on this route coming from the provinces of Central and Northern Luzon going to Manila (delivering vegetables from Baguio City for example) Of course it is an easy access and convenient but problem is the government wouldn’t want to spend money for infrastructures like the NLEX and I do believe they can but the only problem is corruption.
Okay about the Scene, let’s start from the City of Pines, Baguio City. DEFIANT is first in mind they recently released their debut album under Laguna’s RAIL ROAD Records entitled "Devastation" and last time I saw them they had 2 dual vocalists so expect something from these guys and I don’t know if the split Cd with LIMIT BREAK is out ? Visit their website www.defiantcore.com email : jiandefiant@lycos.com.
PRAYER FROM ENDURANCE is another band from the city of Pines they miss the SOL tour in Pampanga and I still don’t know what these guys could offer so try to contact the guys of DEFIANT on their whereabouts ?
LIMIT BREAK ala NyC style hardcore band with 3 dual vocalists and they recently released a Cd Ep under RAIL ROAD Records.
SPACE FLOWER is a Ska combo and they have a special VCd concert released by Bulacans SHAMELESS Records.
Let’s go to the Province of Pangasinan, in the area of Urdaneta you’ll find the KIDS ARE DRUNK with a new line up and Nul told me that they are planning to release their debut cassette tape soon. Nul Rosario / Brgy. Catablan 2428 Urdaneta City, Pangasinan or email : fatnul@yahoo.com.
And Nul is currently supporting this hardcore band FREE ADMISSION but sadly they didn’t play in Pampanga last February 26 for the SOL tour.
In Tarlac City and remember the violent dispersal of police and military personnel to sugar mill plantation workers of Hacienda Luisita were in 3 plantation workers died and I think justice will be sour to the family of the victims while resurrecting from the grave.
ASP had released their debut Cd-r entitled "Echoes of the Septic Tank" and this band in my opinion has matured compared to the old line up and damn they didn’t include a lyric sheet in the Cd. L email : braindead_1993@yahoo.com.
KONTRA KLASSE released a Cd-r "They Lie We Die" but I don’t know with the circulation (at least for the Tarlac Scene) ; I only got a copy on cassette tape and I hope people from there could somehow release this record and I haven’t heard from them since years ? Busy with their personal lives I guess ?
While BOOTLEGGERS are getting a lot of attention here in Pampanga whenever they play J fronted by Wally (RED CORPSE).
I don’t know if BLINDSIDED (crust) and THE DULL (punk/ska) already had a demo for the up and coming compilation under ALL IN ONE distro and Jason is still looking for Central and Northern Luzon punk/hardcore bands to join the said project and I encourage you to send 2 to 3 songs with lyrics and your beautiful photos to ALL IN ONE, email : skampit@yahoo.com
This new band called FALSE PROPHETS is into Cali Punk.
In Angeles city (Province of Pampanga), gigs are held with the help of this Ska combo, THE MARCOS CRONIES, they are shaping up for their debut album and SKAMELESS Records produced their Cd-r Ep "Skaciety" and they recently joined a Philippine Ska compilation and I guess the new compilation under SHAMELESS is out by the time you read this. (Emil Pangilinan / 12-25 Chester St., Villa Leoncia 2009 Angeles City or email : marcoscronies@yahoo.com).
Another band from the city of angels who’s heavily influence by AT THE DRIVE IN is called THE DISCREPANCIES, building an exposure and I hope this band could release a demo soon. Alvin Condes / Narra corner Malipajo st., L & S Subdivision 2009 Angeles City or email : cond_s@yahoo.com.
Last April 2 in Moonlight Café, Marcos Cronies organize a gig entitled "Punk Up the Volume" and the police stopped the gig because of a stupid fight outside the venue and we didn’t see the band FPOOR and LOS MUERTOS played that night because of the incident and it is sad because it’s hard to find a decent venue here in Pampanga and Moonlight Café is already a thumbs up venue for small gigs (second home) but the April 2 date is the first and definitely the last ?
In the City of San Fernando, punk with a touch of emo band SPIT END released a 5 songs demo and is gaining attention from local capampangans and they’ll be releasing their debut album soonest. Gerald (SPIT END) and Kevin (CROSS THE LINE) have a project band called DIY NOT EMI and I already heard their demo and I hope this girl fronted hardcore band will release an album soon. Gerald Miranda / # 476 Ph. 2 Brgy. Maimpis City of San Fernando 2000 Pampanga or email : ghe_88@yahoo.com.
CROSS THE LINE will be featured on compilation such as All In One distro (Tarlac) and their 2003 Demo is out with 8 songs of melodic punk rock. Kevin Salina / # 457 A. Bonifacio St., Ph.2 Brgy. Maimpis San Fernando 2000 Pampanga.
COLD REBOOT recently changed their name to SFS (Struggle for Survival), it is another punk band that recently played on the SOL tour in Pampanga and I am expecting a demo from them, they already have 7 songs so you might as well record them guys. Alfred James Sadeste / Gordon st., Ph.2 St. Jude Village City of San Fernando 2000 Pampanga or email : Alfred_james16@yahoo.com.
THE ISTUKAS OVER DISNEYLAND’s 2nd album will be released under CAT FOOD MONEY including a cover of DEAD END’s "Won’t Fool me Again" that will also be included on the Tribute to TRC (Twisted Red Cross) under MFP. LFH distro will be distributing records from exotic scene so just look for us on gigs. Francis Jordann L. David / Blk.6 Lot.21 Ph.1 St. Jude Village San Fernando 2000 Pampanga or email : infoi_notorious@yahoo.com.
Some more recent bands include THE BUMS (Punk) and I am encouraging this band to record a demo because their songs are interesting. Yay Marcelo / 1074 Camia St., Villa Corazon Subdivision, City of San Fernando 2000 Pampanga, as well as CHOSEN REJECTS (Punk/Ska) care of Bernard Tolentino / 879 Purok 3 San Jose, City of San Fernando 2000 Pampanga.
In the province of Zambales, in Olongapo City a club called Club Edge is the breeding ground of some punk and metal bands (near the former Subic Naval Base). DISSIMULATE (dissimulate_kastigo@yahoo.com) are a metal band and they have a split Cd-r (2 songs each) with DOWN FROM THE WOUND (Randyl_DFTW@yahoo.com) entitled "Durog Na Mundo".
BEER BREAK is a crust punk band and they already have a demo entitled "Brutality of the Kill" and these guys are responsible for the 1st ever-DIY gig in San Marcelino last March 05. Anthony is also the editor of Chronic Core fanzine and I think does the only exist paper back in Zambales ? Anthony Sison / #159 Osmena St., Central, San Marcelino, Zambales or email : an2guilty4@yahoo.com.
Another band from Iba is DEPTH CHARGE, I read they already release a demo, email them at angelfrog@yahoo.com. Some of the band I know from there are NO GOOD FOR YOU, SUBLIMINAL LEVEL and DRASTIC INTENT.
And in the city of Balanga, Bataan where I took my 1st year in college, this hardcore band NO PRESSURE are the main unit of this historic province. They already released their demo 2001 including a cover of "Violent dispersal" by RDA. And I think they wanted to re-record their songs in a decent studio. Jojo Santiago / # 77 Sta. Rosa Pilar, Bataan or email : joefsanti@yahoo.com.
SPAM (Punk/Ska) recently released their "Expired and rotten" demo and I think they are included in the third volume of "Shame and skandal". Visit their website www.geocities.com/spam_kids/index.html.
I am really waiting for this band, MASON, to release a demo in the future and what would you expect from this 3-fronted vocalist ? Crust as it is J. Dino Pabustan / 38 Banzon st., Ibayo, Balanga 2100 Bataan.
I was so impress when the Bulacan Crew attended the Sol tour in Pampanga and with them a huge following of the DIY scene and Dyey Punk (SHAMELESS Records) will soon be releasing the 3rd volume of "Shame and Skandal" (already out by the time you read this) and expect more Ska albums and compilation from this guy. Dyey Punk / B2 L13 Lapids Ville Subdivision Longos, Malolos City 3000.
FINGER BOARDER is a project of Hippie and responsible for bulacancorerecords / bulacancorereview, which co-produce "In the Name of Revolution" (if I am not mistaken ?) email : zernando@hotmail.com or www.geocities.com/bulacancorerecords.
TARTARS are an Oi ! Band they have an Ep called "Liborio Kids" and I already saw this band here last February 26 and sure a lot of Punk/Oi !lListeners will like them. Email : mighty_tartars@yahoo.com or www.geocities.com/painside.
PLAY is an old school band, they rock and there is a VCd by MAIM so you can catch this band on video and hope a demo will follow soon. Pidol / 188 Everlasting St., Alido Heights Subdivision Malolos City 3000 Bulacan.
I don’t think Emman of Resist to Exist will ever release a new issue of his fanzine ? But you could check out some cassette tapes and Cd’s he is currently distributing and the SOL Phil. Tour was a success.
Some of the bands like JOY JUNKTION (Punk/Ska), BIG MAMMA FORTUNE (Ska) and certainly there are a lot bands in Bulacan but I don’t have any idea about their information and hey a fanzine will be out by this guy from Malolos ?
Okay let’s move to imperial Manila, whenever you pass by Recto, in Cartimar there are two shops you can visit like Radiation Area, runned by Darwin Koh (CO-ARSE) and I think the demo they’ve released will be used for a split album with an Austrian band under a Malaysian label. Darwin Koh / PO Box 3299/1099 Manila. Check out his shop full of Cd’s, t-shirts, patches, fanzines and you will find most of the kids hanging out there.
Another one is Punk, Skate Co. owned by Jon Fishbone (BAD OMEN) and MFP releases are now available on Cd-r so check them out and I don’t know when will be the next album of BAD OMEN come out ? I heard some of their new songs and I guess the Tribute to TRC (Twisted Red Cross) will soon be out ? You can check out various design of t-shirts and Cd’s, fanzine, patches there.
THE BEAUTY OF DOUBT "The Nothing" is already out with a cover of DEAD END’s "Dreamer" and contains a video of the band & I have to say they spent a lot of effort on this release. info@thebeautyofdoubt.com or www.thebeautyofdoubt.com and these guys are responsible with the collective called MAIM (Manila Independent Music Collectives) who are putting up gigs and a VCd is already circulating of a gig held in NPC last November or December.
BETRAYED recently released a 2 song demo with a new version of "Never again".
THROW’s debut album is still out as well as STRAP ON’s seven Inch and I don’t know if these guys are still around ? Same goes for FREE FOR ALL.
BY STORM (Manila - email : danglecores@hotmail.com) and SAUNA (Batangas)’s split Cd is out under Take 4 Collective, these guys are now serious in releasing pro-albums and FEUD’s "Battling bastards of freedom" is still available while The conspiracy zine will be out soon so send in your thoughts, scene report, promos and check their Take 4 Pirata distro with loads of Punk/Hc stuffs to choose : Take 4 / PO Box 3900 CPO Manila 10000 or email : getintouchxxx@yahoo.com, visit www.takefourcollective.cjb.net. And last minute news from Take 4, they’ll be releasing a 3 way split of HALF THE BATTLE, FEUD and PLAY from Malolos, Bulacan.
STAND FAST have a live demo and Dada told me that they’ll record their songs in a decent recording studio and hope Shammir of LIFE ON THE EDGE Records (Malaysia) will release their debut album soon.
Dirty Shoes 2nd installment "Down with Imperialism" is out with ADA, Scarred for Life, Eskapo and check out his distro of Filipino-American bands Eskapo, Flat bush and Kadena. Email : keyos15@hotmail.com.
I don’t know if NSA already had a new album to follow up their recent split cassette tape with ADA and I think they still have to reach their 9th album as to what they have said ? Noise Scream and Angst Records / Blk.1 Lot.16 Pleasant Vill, Manggahan Pasig City or email : rheetyard_nsa@yahoo.com.
NOT 4 SALE "A decade of autonomous noise and resistance" (1994-2004) Cd is out. Joel Dabuna / 743 Torsillo St., Dagat-dagatan, Caloocan City 1400 or email : n4skolektiv@lycos.com.
Certainly there are a lot of Punk/Hardcore bands in Manila but right now I don’t have any information on their whereabouts and releases J.
In Rizal Province, Jay is doing Gran Piligro fanzine. I do believe there are some bands in Rizal but as of now I don’t have info about them ?
Going to the South, I don’t know if ADA (Aggressive Dog Attack) will release a new album ? The recent split album with NSA is still out and I don’t know if the split album with Sedition materialized ? And also their non-violent civic action group Dare to Care ? Well good luck to Boi for his decision. Boi Piodos / PO Box 064 Pacita Complex 1, San Pedro, Laguna 4023 or email : Boibaboi@yahoo.com.
RAIL ROAD Records is operated by Howell of PILE DRIVER (Cd-Ep is out but I don’t know when will the full length of their band come out). Recently I saw an independent release by GALAXY Records with the band together with LEFT OF CENTER and THE AMBASSADORS and I think a Sampler of RAIL ROAD records is out with bands from Cebu (SHRAPNEL, MEA CULPA and MXIMUM TOLERANCE) and the much awaited tribute to BIOFEEDBACK.
And the split Cd of DEFIANT and LIMIT BREAK came out last year and this July the Cd-Ep of PRAYER OF ENDURANCE is schedule to be released. Howell A. Casacop / B3 L35 Ambrocia Village Sta. Rosa, Laguna 4026.
Some of the bands that recently released an album are VALLEY OF CHROME (I saw them in a primetime television show), RIA and TYPECAST.
The Province of Cavite is the home of the band FEUD, whose "Battling Bastard of Freedom" is available with 17 songs including BIOFEEDBACK, G.I. AND THE IDIOTS and Nations on Fire covers, and they reformed recently (well they really love to play their music in my opinion) and expect another album from this guys ! Michael Nuestro / 19 Sunday St., Addas Village 1 San Nicolas, Bacoor Cavite 4102 or email : xstepforwardx@yahoo.com.
On their hiatus stage, some members formed YFC and HALF THE BATTLE.
"This is Cavite not LA" compilation is a stunning one but with limited copies only containing 5 Cavite Hardcore bands under Take 4 Collective.
FRIENDSHIP 7 "Many happy returns of the day" Cd is out : Alexander G. Garingo / 7 Flores St., Brgy ; Espelata 11 Bayang Pag-asa Subdivision, Imus Cavite 4103 or email : Agaringo@yahoo.com.
I don’t know if Richard Collier split Cd with another cool band is out ? Their "Bid time return" is still out and so is the demo of DANCE OF DECLINE ?
Okay the Batangas Scene produced good bands from the likes of FORGIVENESS DENIED (who reformed recently) and their "Welcome to the Harsh Reality" (6 song Cd) is a good Ep. Former F.D. vocalist (Felix) now with his new band SAUNA have a split Cd with BY STORM under Take 4 Collective : saunalabyrinth@yahoo.com or visit www.geocities.com/saunalabyrinth.
SETTLE DOWN is also from Batangas but I haven’t heard their demo yet.
043 Newsletter is being done by AS / Banaba West, Batangas City 9200.
Let’s take the bus and hit the road to one of the farthest cities of Southern Luzon, Quezon Province and in Lucena City where Punk/Hardcore gigs are being held : CATALEPSIS (crust/grind) have a Cd-Ep out while their guitarist also plays with CHOKOCOCOI (all female punk band) and I am expecting a demo from this band.
Lustily Distro is operated by Neil (ex-UNFORCE) with loads of Punk/Hardcore stuffs and I don’t know if Far South Resistance Chronicles has a new issue out ? Erickson Acyatan / 113 Jasmin St., Zaballero Subdivision Lucena City 4301 or email : farsouth_resistance@hotmail.com.
Make your own Distro still distributes Profane Existence and Slug and Lettuce here in the Phillys but lately I don’t have any exchange letter from them and I think they’re busy with their work and their baby.
In Bicol Region, Agree to Differ in the only Punk zine there and I haven’t read it and I don’t know if there’s any new issues out ? Mike Cepe / 88 Cresolita St., San Nicolas, Iriga City 4431.
I also saw a pro-Cd released by the band HEMP who are from Naga City (if I am not mistaken ?), haven’t heard the Cd yet.
In the Visayas Island, Metro Cebu is the home of SRA (Struggle for Radical Action) and the most active scene in the Southern part of Philly’s. SRA (also a record label) recently released a Cd compilation entitled "Eight and counting" with participating bands from Luzon Islands. Visit their website www.sra-radical.i.p.com from there you’ll find new releases from HARD FECES (drunk punk), RAPTURE (Christian punk ?) and PIPEBOMBLANDMINES (ala Rancid).
THE AMBASSADORS toured Manila last December 2004 and they recently released their sophomore album "Simple changes".
There are a lot of Punk/Hardcore bands in the queen city of the south and releases like the split Cd of MEA CULPA (Hc) and MAXIMUM TOLERANCE (Hc).
I don’t know if the band SHRAPNEL will go to release their 3rd album ? I’ve been in contact with Weigner last year through text messages. Email : weignershrapnel@yahoo.com.
MINORITY BLOCKS’ "We the minorities" is a stunning release and I am expecting a 2nd album from these guys and they are also included on the compilation album "In the name of revolution". Email : bernadale@yahoo.com.
Plug’n’Play is the only one existing fanzine over there (correct me if I am wrong) and Maricar helped and accompanied SOL for their 1st leg tour in the Philippines.
As of now I don’t have any contacts in Davao City, located on the island of Mindanao where the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) are fighting for a separate Islamic state.
FALSE ALARM’s (punk/ska) "11 days on 11th stair" Cd is released under SHAMELESS Records. Email : falsealarmfalsealarm@yahoo.com.
I remember this guy named John who’s about to release a fanzine but I haven’t write him back and I don’t know if Void fanzine is out ? I guess you could write him on what’s currently going on in Davao. John Paul Unabia / 68-2 D. Ponce St., Davao City 8000. And the guys from SOL told me that their tour in Davao was excellent.
THE SCUM BUGS (Punk/Ska) are also included on the 2nd volume of "Shame and skandal" (SHAMELESS Records).
I recommend you to visit www.geocities.com/davaocrust for more information about D.A.P.P. (Davao Anarcho Peace Punks) and D.A.R.M. (Davao Anarchists Resistance Movement).
My friend told me that in Iligan City, there is an existing movement or scene over there in the upper part of Mindanao and what about Cagayan De Oro ? Well I should up date myself about it instead. Anyway you might notice that a lot of people concentrated in releasing records not unlike in the early to mid-90’s, a lot of people pressing fanzines so I guess that is the reason why I stop doing my fanzine (Notorious) and gave a look in releasing records. Well I hope I’ve informed you about our scene here in the Philly’s and the good news is Tiger and Air Asia Airlines offers a low fare trip to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu so now bands from the Philippines will have the chance to tour our neighboring country, Malaysia as well as Malay Punk/Hardcore bands will be able to plan a tour here in the Philly’s. Well we’ll see.
Okay take care guys and have fun J Francis Jordann L. David (infoi_notorious@yahoo.com)