Monday, 15 February 2016

You're banned!

02/15/2016 04:44:18 PM 
Interaksyon
See what happens when you mess with a wrong guy? Ask him.
Imagine a sudden decision called out by a top sports official on one of its employee. It's like watching at a scene where one gets fired in such a humiliating manner. Or at the context of sports — with a flavor of entertainment — it's like Vincent Kennedy McMahon or her daughter Stephanie going irate and shouting “YOU'RE FIIIIIRRREEEEDD!” to anyone who dared to stand on their way (but of course, professional wrestling way too different from professional basketball).

It looked like a simple highlight clip on YouTube; for over two minutes, it appeared like a normal temperamental moment on the court. But not until the commissioner has stepped on the court and confronted Ivan Johnson, an reinforcement player for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters last Saturday afternoon at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

And that resulted into the most harshest penalty ever set by the sports league executive — a lifetime band plus a hefty fine of Php 250,000.

So it's like you lost already a lot of money because you haven't even finished a single regular conference game at the country. Not even you reached halftime right there.

Spur-of-the-moment are the best worst words to describe this shenanigan at all. Who in the right frame of mind would do that at all? This republic's ain't Martial Law or an on-the-spot crime scene where citizen arrest is an applicable neutralizer.

Okay, I get it. He had done it a lot of times. From a basketball league in Korea in 2007, to the NBA 2008 (Atlanta Hawks, to be exact). But heck, as much as he garnered accolades, he's still human after all. Perhaps, he may be an underrated version of what has been a guy known as Renaldo Balkman.

And maybe, on his recent bye-bye stint with the Philippines, the import who powered TNT to the '15 Commisioner's Cup title, was figured out onto array of mishaps. He was part of a brawl in a pre-season game at Moro Lorenzo Gym and fined Php 50,000 plus a one-game suspension as a result.

And after years of having series of unbecoming actions towards a player, game official, and even a fan, looks like he messed up big time with a sports executive. No wonder why PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa turned on his “trigger-happy” self by firing him out of the league. Yes, both literally and figuratively.

That's what you get, Ivan. Well, as Kume said (though of course, not by any literal means). Though it may appear like he got entangled on two flagrant fouls—which automatically merits technical fouls at all and contesting them—sent him packing out of sight... and even out of mind.

But the question: is there really a due process about this incident? Not even count as a tough love, brother. Some would even tell the guy should enroll himself on anger management classes.

Perhaps, a 'fuck' word, in his eyes, was barely enough to merit a hellish-slash-just punishment, whatever you believe in.

Though honestly, he deserved the punishment. That was a huge disrespect to the authority, no matter how we think of the current cheiftain.

But certainly, due process wasn't there. It's like an instant basic principle of Newton's Law of Motion but was driven at the fast lane. Like an instant suspension ala special delivery. And to think that Narvasa was involved into array of 'popular and unpopular' decisions to run the PBA, including the banning the notable sports beat journalist Snow Badua out of the league—and even warned all personalities involved that there will be consequences should they talk to the blacklisted reporter.

Also, the sudden confrontation incident with Dondon Hontiveros. How crap is that?

Yes, just like that.

Ain't those impulsive calls an enough basis for him to earn some massive calls on his resignation from the post? 

Saturday, 13 February 2016

Valentine’s Day Na! E Ano Ngayon?! (v. 2016)

2/11/2016 10:22:32 PM

For the nth time, Valentine’s Day na naman. Araw ng mga puson, este, puso. Araw ng mga nagmamahalan. Araw ng mga naglalandian -- ay, nagmamahalan ba? Sorry -- na mga magsyota; habang araw naman ng kabitteran ito sa mga single. Oo, Single Awareness Day daw sa kanila. Ang SAD no?

Eh ano naman ngayon? 2016 na, hindi ka pa rin nagsasawa na magrant bout Valentines Day?! Bitter O’Tampo ka talaga e no? 

Mali, mga tanga lang talaga kayo para manghusga kagad.

Oo, Valentine’s Day na nga. 2016 na nga! E panay kalandian/”pagmamahal” pa rin yang inaatupag mo samantalang nananatiling wapakels ka pa rin sa mga nangyayari sa bansa. Hindi mo ba napapansin na baka nililigawan na rin yang jowa mo ng pulitikong tumatakbo ngayong eleksyon? Aba, kung gusto niyong bumuo ng future ng jowa niyo, aba magseryoso din kayo sa pagmamahal sa bayan, ano po?!

Valentine’s Day Na! E Ano Ngayon?

Maliban sa talamak ang bentahan ng mga bulaklak, tsokolate at ultimo ang condom at pills, good luck na lang kasi sigurado -- kung bihira -- na walang bagsakang presyo ang magaganap dyan. Malamang, dyan papasok ang komersyalismo. 

At yan ang problema sa araw na yan. Nadadala ang iba sa ganyang klaseng konsepto. Hindi ka ba nagtataka kung bakit kadalasan ay puno ang mga lugar gaya ng magagarang hotel, motel, restaurant, at ultimong mga sinehan, bar at mall? 

Pero espesyal ang valentine’s day e. Talaga lang ha? Para sa mga taong nagmamahalan, bawat araw ay espesyal. Punyeta. Kalokohan. Ginawan niyo lang ng titulo ang araw na parang ang dating ay pag ordinaryong araw ay ang hindi niyo tinatrato ang mga syota/asawa niyo ng mas espesyal? E paano yung mga minanamahal nilang anak, o magulang, o kaibigan, o dili naman kaya’s malalapit na kamag-anak?

Parang unfair naman ata. Hindi yata kayo nanood ng mga gaya ng All You Need is Pag-ibig eh. Hindi lang naman romatiko ang iisang kahulugan ng pagmamahal at relasyon.

Besides, kung para sa ilan ay Valentine’s Day ang panahon para makipagtalik sa kanilang iniirog, ‘nyeta. Parang hindi niyo ginagawa yan sa panahong nag-iinit kayo ah, o noong nagha-noneymoon kayo. Ahh, dahil espesyal daw. Asus, mas espesyal pa nga yata yung panahon na nakabuo kayo sa isang random steamy night kesa naman sa V-day mismo na kaya niyo lang ginagawa yan dahil uso. At baka nga nase-stress pa kayo dahil sa pilang naghihintay na makapag-check in.

Umayos nga kayo, ‘oy.

Maiintindihan ko pa kung ang espesyal na kaganapan sa araw na ito ay yug mga konsyerto e. Lalo na kung isang metal na banda na tutugtog ng mga love songs na para bang hindi nila yun istilo ng tunog. E kung panay mga balladero at balladera lang naman ang kakanta na para bang nililigawan kayo. 

Hindi na bago yan e. Maiba naman, please? 

Besides, ang Valentine’s Day ngayon ay papatak ng araw ng linggo. Kaya kung relihiyoso ka, magsimba ka naman. Magdasal kahit saglit lang. Oo, unahin mo muna ang Dakilang Maylikha kesa sa makamundong pagnanasa mo sa kasintahan mo. Bawas-bawas din ng kasalanan pag may time.

At kung hindi ka naman relihiyoso, suhestiyon ko sa’yo ay wag kang magdrama kung single ka at dateless. Potek, sa isang araw lang ba tayo dapat makaranas ng feeling special? Na dapat ay maide-date tayo E pucha pwede mo naman gawin sa kahit anong araw yan e. Anak ng tipaklong naman oh.

At ang Valentine’s Day ay parang araw na ordinaryo man, ssadyang may titulo, o napaka-espesyal lang... Lilipas din yan. Kaya tangina, tigil-tigilan mo ang kadramahan na ganyan. 

Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, huwag mag-Valentine’s Day kung ikaw ay sadyang nakikiuso lang. Magkakalat lang ang basura sa paligid. Baka nga yang bulaklak na inalay mo sa kanya ay malalanta lang din kinabukasan na para bang bagong hain na pagkain -- napapanis din.

Valentine’s Day Na! E Ano Ngayon?!

Tangina. 

Tigil-tiglan mo nga pagiging Breezy. Mag-aral ka nga... Na umbig nang tama at hindi ang umibig nang tanga. Punyeta, kaya hindi umuunlad ang Pilipinas e!

Author: slickaster | (c) 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Upcoming: Pour Out What's Special

02/11/2016 12:37:51 PM

Author's note: From the small-scaled gigs to the big-time concerts, indie music firm Docdef Productions seemed they had done it all, (if not almost all) eh? Well, perhaps we should think again as the 2015 Jack Daniels On Stage Philippine Prod of the Year awardee is up for another night to remember—and a romantic one—as Valentines' Day approaches nearby. And it's not just a night of lovely music, but for wine and arts, too!

Attached in this post is the official press release of an event called Pour Out What's Special.

Love is in the air this February and it’s high time to find the perfect spot to celebrate. From the makers of the Philippine’s No. 1 wine, Novellino Wines, and the producers of Tagaytay Art Beat and In D’Flow, Docdef Productions, in cooperation with Fringe Manila, proudly brings you “Pour Out What’s Special”, a pre-Valentines experience, a perfect alternative date for couples and a hot spot for singles. Join us as we dress to impress for an evening of music, fine wines and tantalizing visual arts.

The stage will be set this February 13, 2016 in the beautiful Novellino winery, Bel Mondo Italia. At present, Novellino Wines has international reach, spanning from Northern California to Vietnam and Dubai, an instant hit anywhere there is a conglomeration of Filipinos. But nothing beats having success at home, where Novellino Wines is now actively taking part in supporting the local arts and music scene. No romantic night on the town would be complete without wine and good conversation. Novellino Wines will amp up the glitz with tastings of their entire lineup of wine. Music, art, a glorious ambiance and fine wine; a complete recipe for romance and enjoyment.

Pour Out What’s Special will have an array of musical performances for you to enjoy. On the main stage, you will be romanced by an amazing line up of Manila’s best Indie music acts: From headline-ready favorites (Farewell Fair Weather, The Ransom Collective) to sensual jazz-soul crooners (Jensen and the Flips, Sud, Miles Experience and Banna Harbera), from accomplished young singer-songwriters (Reese Lansangan, Coeli San Luis, The Benjamins TheSunManager and Alasmedya) to indie upstarts (Fools and Foes, Tom’s Story and The Modern Playground). Also gracing the intimate garden stage will be acoustic artists: Neala Medina, Paolo Mallari, MCO, Gideon, JR of Alasmedya, and more. Pour Out What’s Special gives you a full-fledged quality music experience that goes beyond form and style, completing the quota of a romantic serenade.

Pour Out What’s Special will also expose you to different genres of art ranging from Classical to Realism, Romanticism and Expressionism styles. What can be more romantic than experiencing bourgeoisie art as well as LIVE contemporary Graffiti by Cinos and Doom and chalk art by Kate Quebrar and Gnarly Dork!

DOCDEF Productions is known for its initiative to champion the diversity of independent local music. Pour Out What’s Special is their third out of town production, an experience you, your friends and your significant other wouldn’t want to miss. The Bel Mondo Italia Winery is one of the largest, if not the largest wine-producing facility in ASIA. It is located at Progress Avenue, Carmelray, Industrial Park 1, Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna.

Pour Out What’s Special starts at around 2:00 PM on February 13, 2016. Ticket prices are at Php 600 per piece but you can get a special discount if you get the couple-package for only Php 1000. Aside from getting access to the whole event, everyone will get 2 glass of wine for FREE as you enjoy the concert! TICKETS ARE LIMITED so we highly encourage everyone to buy tickets in advance to ensure entrance to the event.

For the latest updates visit Novellinowines.com. Tag us using #PourOutWhatsSpecial

---

Author's Note #2: In addition to this, the organizers Novellino Windes and Docdef Productions had a pre-show at the Brewery at the Palace three weeks ago. Coeli San Luis, The Benjamins, Dearest, , MCO, The Modern Playground and MilesExperience graced the night of what has been a teaser of what will be happening this coming Saturday.

And that being said, another one will be take place tonight at the same venue, with Banna Harbera, Jensen and The Flips, MCO, Reese Lansangan, SUD, and Tom's Story playing.

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Tuesday, 9 February 2016

No! No! No!!!

2/9/2016 7:44:34 PM

I first saw him at the very first show by the time I get back to the profession wrestling scene, WrestleMania 28. He was then the World Heavyweight Champion and acting as AJ Lee’s girlfriend. And after a sealed kiss, and 18 seconds, he lost his gold to the brogue kick of the Celtic Warrior named Sheamus.

And just like that, it was the shortest wrestling match I had ever seen. Holy... Oh, wait. It was Holy Tuesday evening when I watched WM28 on Studio 23, so I should shut my mouth.

Look, I am not a fan of this guy. But I can’t help but to share my sentiment (at least, a bit) upon his sudden decision to hang up sneakers and not take part of the squared circle anymore. 

Is this an angle, as The Fanboy SEO sees it? We wish. But the fact that everyone in the roster gave their short tributes to Bryan Danielson seems very serious. (Yes, kayfabe was officially stripped at this point.)

Look, I only managed to catch Daniel Bryan’s last few years with the WWE. And even if I started my not give me new religion habit of following WWE stories -- (the Authority era), it did not give me a guarantee spot that I knew everything. Heck, I didn’t even know he teamed up with Kane until I watched The SHIELD’s debut match in TLC event on 2012.

The only thing I knew about this guy is that from “Hell No,” he transformed the WWE into another landscape, and wrote another chapter for the Authority -- that is the “YES!” movement. 

All I also knew is that SummerSlam 2013 was supposed to be his highlight reel when he defeated John Cena at the evening’s main event to win the WWE championship. That until Randy Orton stole the belt from him in an instant. Somehow, looking at one side, face-vs.-face at the main event? Come on! Sure, people may hate WWE for doing a screwjob there; but looking at the bigger picture, this is just the beginning of Daniel Bryans rocky road to supremacy.

His rivalry with Orton went on for months, until thee product hit a sudden swerve -- unifying the WWE and World Heavyweight titles, and The Wyatt Family’s emergence as one of the heel factions. Bryan’s feud with Bray Wyatt worked so well, that it was perhaps an almost perfect timing to put him back at the title picture (while obviously, carrying the much-younger Wyatt over).

It appeared another botch as Batista thwarted an emerging Roman Reigns out of the way to become the winner of the 2014 Royal Rumble. Perhaps, unconsciously hitting a proverbial wall on how do they put Bryan as what he was supposed to.

But along the way, the then-upcoming turn of events became an interesting pieces of the picture on how DB got back into the frame. Certainly, it looked like the finished didn’t turned well in favor of the people at the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber; but WrestleMania XXX became his pinnacle of success. 


Imagine this guy wrestled on two matches -- and not just against two, but three guys -- in a single evening? Perhaps the timing gave both Bryan and Triple H a much needed breather, fatigue-wise speaking considering WrestleMania runs or four hours annually. 

That being said, I picked his PPV participation as my favorite Daniel Bryan moment. Imagine turning the Super Bowl of sports entertainment into his own Yes-tlemania for that fateful evening of 6 April 2014, at the 75,167-attended Mercedes Benz Superdowme in New Orleans.



However, it was quite unfortunate that his post-WM XXX era was not the fitting sequel to everything he had fought for. Sure, he won the Intercontinental championship the next year. But it’s quite obvious of a sign of aging. 

Perhaps, 16 years at the business was a very long run. And to think that this sport -- though may have its planned plot -- is still a dangerous one in anyone’s eyes. It’s no joke to jump high, do those action star-like stunts, and take massive bumps; while getting injuries along your body in the process.

Sadly, the Yes! Movement may have come to an end, but definitely it and served well in every recent wrestling fan’s memory. It left a mark to everyone whose been following WWE during those years. I don’t think Vince McMahon is to blame here. Nobody wants to get hurt but also having his show screwed. Give him a break, people.

That being said, I am raising my two pointing fingers as my salute. YES! YES! YES!

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Friday, 5 February 2016

Weeknights to Remember: SlickMaster’s Memorable Gigs of 2015 (Part 4)

12/31/2015 3:00:36 PM


The post was supposed to be named Fridays and Saturday Nights to Remember only to realized a few things: first, gigs are happening every single weeknight; second, most of them aren’t even planned by yours truly to attend; and third, I have been to almost 70 gigs for 2015.

2015 has been a heck of a good year for me as I discovered Philippine music anew -- and it broods at the place where minority of people knows -- the independent scene. Over the course of time, I attended about 50 events starting from a random night out that happened 24 January 2015 at Route 196. I was then supposed to watch my college friend whose already a musician.

And since then, the Philippine independent music scene became another world conquered by yours truly. I became part of a production group; I was posting anything about gigs for most of the time; and indie music also served as a venue for me to grow as opportunities came from out of nowhere -- be it writing or anything else like photography and videography.

Fast-forward to the year-end, despite attending the last one or two music events of this year from small-time gigs to the big or concert-level ones, I can say I had a lot of memorable evenings. 

Between Archery and Olympics
Between Archery and Olympics Album Launch (24 June 2015 / Route 196 / Project Collab Manila)

My buddy Lih sent me to this gig to cover on his behalf. Yes, for an evening, all I did was taking videos of the event. Specifically, band shots. But moreover, I discovered more artists I shouldhave been listening right now. And BAO was one of them. It’s not surprising that their album launch proved their success at the scene so well.

Franco
Jacktember (5 September 2015 / Buddha Bar / Jack Daniel’s Philippines)

So, it was Jack Daniel’s birthday, and the top three bands from the recent JD On Stage stormed the stage as we joined the entire world in celebrating the success of the popular whiskey brand. Plus Franco also rocked the night away. It was the first I heard them live; and frankly that blew my mind away. 

SUD, on screen and on stage.
Tagaytay Art Beat Hangover (1 October 2015 / Brewery at the Palace / Docdef Productions, Museo Orlina, Brewery at the Palace) 

Fresh from the overwhelming success of Tagaytay Art Beat, Docdef Productions followed it up for everyone who still can’t get over from what has been the indie music’s outside-the-metro show of the year for 2015.

Nico and Vinz
Jack TV Mad Fest 2015 (7 November 2015 / Globe Circuit Events Center / SOLAR Entertainment)

Too bad, I missed the indie music part. But nevertheless, watching MAD FEST was another piece of memorable. Looks like they covered almost all sides from indie to mainstream, plus DJs setting the party vibe for the rest of the evening, especially after the main act Nico and Vinz graced the stage for an hour-long concert,

Paranoid City w/ their manager and Revolver Productions head Cris Ramos
The Last Revolver Gig (29 August 2015 / Saguijo /Revolver Productions)

I once attended a Revolver gig, and it was a tie-up with Docdef Productions last May. And upon researching I found out they are calling it an evening at SaGuijo last 29 August 2015. Never would I thought that after 11 years, Revolver will call it right there. Though I managed to catch few performers during the night, Paranoid City formally gave its curtain call. And for few minutes of my life, I was stunned with musicians from different bands joining the stage one motherfucking last time to make some noise. Perhaps, a farewell one.



The Rest is Noise Year-end (19 December 2015 / Route 196 / Vandals on the Wall)

Ian and MC’s success from Vandals on the Wall proved they are capable of organizing gigs too. They’re not just a media doing lots of reviews and interviews. And true enough, their ninth The Rest is Noise installment left me a mark on the nearend of 2015. Like from 7pm -4am they got 14 artists on the lineup. And despite a not-so-good weather, almost 300 people flocked Route 196. Damn.
Author: slickmaster | ©2015, 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

Weeknights to Remember: SlickMaster’s Memorable Gigs of 2015 (Part 3)

12/31/2015 3:00:36 PM



The post was supposed to be named "Fridays and Saturday Nights to Remember" only to realized a few things: first, gigs are happening every single weeknight; second, most of them aren’t even planned by yours truly to attend; and third, I have been to almost 70 gigs for 2015.

2015 has been a heck of a good year for me as I discovered Philippine music anew -- and it broods at the place where minority of people knows -- the independent scene. Over the course of time, I attended about 50 events starting from a random night out that happened 24 January 2015 at Route 196. I was then supposed to watch my college friend whose already a musician.

And since then, the Philippine independent music scene became another world conquered by yours truly. I became part of a production group; I was posting anything about gigs for most of the time; and indie music also served as a venue for me to grow as opportunities came from out of nowhere -- be it writing or anything else like photography and videography.

Fast-forward to the year-end, despite attending the last one or two music events of this year from small-time gigs to the big or concert-level ones, I can say I had a lot of memorable evenings.


EDGES (21 February 2015 / Route 196 / Docdef Productions, FRINGE MNL)

Music and arts converged at the time of celebrating another holiday known as the Chinese New Year as photograph exhibitions were slated at Route 196’s Jack Room. Plus selected art pieces were also for sale, and live digital art was made during the sets of Tom’s Story and Autotelic. Truly a night to remember from a collaborative effort from Docdef Productions and FRINGE MNL.

Coeli San Luis
Elements Jam Night (4 May 2015 / Route 196 / Elements)

Two members of Alasmedya invited me to attend the jam night of the country’s leading songwriting camp. Explored the likes of The Benjamins, Coeli San Luis and Mic Llave right there. It might be an almost-stripped-down vibe Monday, but we all need this sometimes. Where you hear musicians jammed the night away with their peers. Thus saying, OPM is really alive in the process -- as artists showed their camaraderie to each other in terms of craft-making and having fun.

Mind Money Circuit
A Not-So-Silent Night: Mind Money Circuit EP Launch (19 December 2015 / Mow’s Bar / Docdef Productions)

Second time I have encountered this band. Perhaps that’s courtesy of Gab Palanca, whom once I crossed paths at SaGuijo, Route 196, and even SM City Marikina. And their EP launch proved they can offer more, and Math Rock is a genre rarely people would know.

Fools and Foes
Underneath The Roots: Fools and Foes EP Launch (4 December 2015 / SaGuijo / Docdef Productions, Revolver, The Rest is Noise)

I admit: I only knew two three songs right before their EP launch. Turns out they got five. And what makes it an evening to remember for me is that I was one of the people who manned their EP sales during the evening. Yes, I did so after attending iBlog11 up north and right before attending its second day. Totally busy, right? 

John Ray Reodique of Alasmedya
Stripped (2 December 2015 / Route 196 / Route 196, Docdef Productions)

The first time I hit an all feel-good vibe gig at Route 196, with no hosts around, just organizers, musicians, and friends around. Stripped showcased the “other side” of each performer where they performed some of their band hits, personally-made covers, originals, or even seasonal tracks.

And since it happened on Christmas month, it’s quite obivous: each musician performed Christmas song. Now that’s a chillax way to greet everyone a “Merry Christmas!”

Kai Honasan w/ Josh Villena
Coffee Barn Session 2 (10 October 2015 / Coffee Barn / Gabi Na Naman Productions)

The first Coffee Barn Session happened on July was very successful. So, why not have a second coming, right? With popular guys like Kai Honasan, Aia De Leon, and Glaiza Castro headlining the all-acoustic night while you sip a coffee or bear on a full-house Coffee Barn at South Triangle, it was another notable Saturday night for your truly.

PART 2 | PART 4

Author: slickmaster | ©2015, 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Monday, 1 February 2016

Inside the Pages: Stupid is Forevermore

12/31/2015 9:30:09 AM

Photo credits: Rappler
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is back with more thoughts on her mind. And I mean literally because it seemed her first book in recent years Stupid is Forever wasn’t quite enough in her fanbase.

It seems the lady from Iloilo was quite effective to influence a least a sector of this society, right?

The second book called Stupid is ForeverMORE appeared like not just a sequel but also using a pop culture reference -- first, the popular teleserye Forevermore and the never-ending heated discussion about the existence of “forever.”

Well, this book may have almost the same number of several humorous epigrams but more speeches. Now that’s a MORE good thing. Aside from publishing pick-up conversations and one-liners, we need to see what’s inside the mind of the senator; considering her political plans should she won the seat of presidency at the national elections next year.

So if you can’t get enough of her wits and seriousness, this book is definitely a must-read for you.

Author: slickmaster | © 2015 september twenty-eight productions