THE CAT SINGS

I’VE NEVER FELT SO . . . WICKED!

2012-01-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

About 7 years ago, I’ve heard about theBroadway musical WICKED and, along with some friends, became somewhat obsessedto it. I blame the brilliant music – itreally got to us. It’s so great that based on it, we knew it’s an amazing storyand an epic production. And it didn’ttake long until WICKED was considered one of Broadway’s biggest hits, if notthe biggest!

Last year, I found out that the Universal Pictures production with anAmerican/Australian cast would visit Singapore for a two-month staging of themusical at the Marina Bay Sands. That’s the same venue where I saw the Disney Production The Lion King, another huge Broadway hit, back in 2011. Of course, I wanted to go back, this time forWICKED. Miraculously, by some amazing maneuverof the universe, I was booked to fly to the Lion City to finally scratch thisitem off my bucket list.

Minutes through Act I, while catching my breath and watching the cast do the firstmusical number ‘No One Mourns The Wicked’,I could already see the reasons why the world calls this “the best” to evercome out of Broadway. Immediately, youcan see that it is a super slick production in every respect. The set, scenery and lighting are simplystunning. And the costumes are particularlydetailed and conceptually innovative.

As you might already know, the plot of thissuperbly polished musical is the backstory to the original book ‘The Wizard of Oz’ written by Americanwriter Frank L. Baum that wasconverted into film starred by JudyGarland in 1939. The original idea for this off-beat, but imaginativeconcept, came from the mind and pen of author Gregory Maguire who wrote the novel WICKED: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West back in1990.

The story of WICKED was served to itsaudience through a wonderful marriage of words and music that was written bythe genius composer & lyricist behind Godspell,Pippin & Children of Eden Stephen Schwartz.

It takes us back to the death of the WickedWitch of the West otherwise known here as Elphabaand how she became the evil piece of work portrayed in the film. It also provides a history of her friendshipwith the Good Witch Glinda and howthe characters of Oz like the Tin Man,Scarecrow & the Lion came to be.

More importantly, Wicked offers a different perspective from the original story andhas presented the character of Elphabaas “good” instead of evil. Butthat is the twist. And I’m not about to divulge why. I’m just going to say thatit is Elphaba’s character that givesthe story depth and substance aside from it being a fantastic musicalextravaganza with peaking production and entertainment values.

Elphaba’s character and her struggles inthe story gives us this opportunity to self-check and to look within. I can’t speak for everyone else but that’swhat happened to me. There’s an Elphaba in me and in everyone who’sdifferent and have, at some point in their lives, experienced being anoutcast. I know how it feels to be consideredstrange, to be ignored and rejected, unfairly criticized and massivelymisunderstood.

And I know how it feels to attempt to defyall of that.

So there, this engrossing wicked musicaltouched a soft spot and has shaken me to the core. I even think that those with the toughest andhardest of hearts will find difficulty in resisting its emotional andpsychological insights as well as its stunning production values. For sure, people will keep going to Oz and ifI’d have a chance, I’d go back too!

"So if you care to find me, look to the western sky!

As someone told me lately

Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly

And if I'm flying solo

At least I'm flying free

To those who'd ground me

Take a message back from me

Tell them how I am

Defying gravity..." - Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West)

MOMENTS: My Year-end Story

2011-12-30T17:53:00.000-08:00

I would’ve wanted to tell you the things I’vedone, the places I’ve gone to, the awesome things I’ve seen and the people I’vemet and worked with. But you can read my previous blog posts for that.

What I really want to tell you are the thingsI’ve achieved. No, they’re not in the form of accolades or fancy recognitionsor grand stuff like reaching the peak of a mountain or losing 20 freakingpounds. I’m talking about the things I’ve achieved within myself.

Call me late bloomer but it was only in 2011that I finally started to understand what living in the moment trulymeans. The wisdom did not occur to mein a snap - it was more like a slow epiphany. The trick was to be truly aware andmindful. You could live in a moment,that’s for sure, but without being truly mindful, the moment could easily passyou by.

It’s pretty simple, I think. I’ve learned to just give my very best to themoment at hand and enjoy it without judgment, futuristic worries or theintention of getting something out of it. And these simple moments usually involve people and the process ofrelating to and with them. And by people, I mean friends, co-workers, family orpeople who treat you like family and the strangers I meet every now andthen. You can throw in THE specialsomeone in that list too.

Moments bring a certain joy. I found them in conversations over coffee, stolenglances and sweet smiles, early mornings and the sunbeam, drinks or dessertshared with laughter, and joyride with good music but without the traffic. I found joyful moments in the unexpected impromptubar gig on a weekday ‘cause my friends asked me to turn ‘Open Mic Night’ as ‘MyNight’. And I found so much joy in doingcreative stuff with people who are exquisitely creative.

Moments are people and moments are inpeople. It’s in the sister who used todidn’t understand you or that special someone from the past who still loves youor that new person you’ve met who’s trying so hard not to like you or your bestfriends who pretend to want to visit you when you’re sick with German Measlesor the friends who appreciate you for getting in line to wait for Krispy Kreme toopen so you can bring them a box of donuts.

Moments are in the things you do for peoplewithout expecting anything in return.

Moment is the person in the passenger seat.

Finally, loving is no longer a pursuit.

And oh, this one’s my favorite too. Thatmoment when others’ opinions about you suddenly do not matter anymore ‘causeyou simply know yourself better. That.

And, and, and that really nice moment whenyou realize there is so much fun in making that powerful choice not tosuffer.

Thank you Universe, I’m starting to mastermyself. I am awesome!

AND SO IT BEGINS (iBlogNewAlbum#12)

2011-12-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

Although I’ve been promoting the new album even if I’m still in the process of making it, everything just took asignificant turn when I released the first official e-poster.

Paul Calo of Calography took the awesome photo. The words are part of the first track of thealbum. I’ll be releasing a couple moreimages as we approach the date of release.

But before that, my team from 22 Tango Records will be releasing aguerilla type mini-documentary series of the making of the album – pretty muchmade up of studio footages and some stories about the songwriting process. I think there might be 8 episodes of those5-minute videos to be released before the actual album release.

2012 is going to be a great year for music! Joinme in my journey – from the creating of the music to the point where I set themfree, one song at a time.

Connect to all things CATTSKI: www.cattski.com

Or find me here:

www.faceboook.com/CATTSKI

www.twitter.com/CATTSKI

www.youtube.com/CattskiMusic

THE BOHEMIANS (iBlogNewAlbum#11)

2011-12-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

I have to admit. I shoved off my new albumproject for an entire month to work on TheClockwork Princess. I didn’t feelvery good about that. It felt like Idisregarded a child so to make up for it, I had to make sure I schedulesomething album-related right after the presentation of play.

A COLLABORATION WITH PAUL CALO

I met Paul Calo last September during myalbum cover photoshoot with Shutterfairy Photography. He was brought by chief Photographer MalouPages to the shoot as “the guy perspective” so I’d have a variety of shots withcontrasting styles. After that successful shoot, we met again so he could giveme his photos. That was when I mentioned that I’m looking for collaborators formusic videos and, he expressed that he’s interested.

So I told him about my song “Bohemia” and myconcept for the music video. I actuallyjust wanted something pretty simple - I just want Bohemians in it. I actually don’tcare about the storyline as long as the final material will have individualswith eccentric personalities as the main focus. Let’s just say I want to pay tribute. I have a soft spot for those types of people.

So Paul whipped up a storyboard that had 7 charactersin it including me. My challenge was to look for the actors who will play the 6other characters. Actually, that’s not much of a challenge. Weird eccentricpeople surround me every single day. There’sthat group I have that does Long-form Improvisational Theater (Performing Arts Kolektib), and this otherone that does Performance Poetry (TheReally Bad Poets) – both groups are made up of seriously strange brilliantpeople. I knew I could just ask some of them. The only problem I saw was the scheduling. But I knew somehow it’ll all fall into place.

If you’re wondering what these Bohos did inthe music video, you’re going to have to wait for the release but here’s whatI’ll tell you… They didn’t do much. No major acting or dramatic scenes, nonewhatsoever. They simply had to bethemselves - their strange selves.

THE BOHEMIAN LINE UP

Planning for the Bohemia video shoot happenedsometime end-November. The key part ofthe planning is to really just get the confirmation of the actors and somehowmanage to get the shooting date squeezed into their schedules.

After a few communication maneuvers and someminor bullying, I finally got my ‘strange people’ line up. As expected, three of them were part of thecast and crew of The Clockwork Princess - I had no time to look elsewhere. I guess you can say I opted for those whowere just right under my nose.

Pami Estalila – is theCo-writer of the story of The Clockwork Princess. She’s also part of the ensemble and she alsoco-designed the wardrobe. She performswith the Performing Arts Kolektib occasionally. She’s a full-blown thespian, a choirgirl and a Steampunk enthusiast.

Jessica McYorker – is alsoCo-writer of The Clockwork Princess and part of the ensemble. She is a budding singer-songwriter and is inthe process of producing her debut album. She sings soprano in a chorale dubbed Voices of Praise not because sheloves God but she loves to sing (which should be a form of god-loving butshe’ll slap me in the face for saying that though).

Peewee Rodney Senining – AwardWinning Fashion Designer, one of the best in Cebu. He designed and created some costumes for TheClockwork Princess and styled the whole ensemble, as well. He is the “mother” of radical styling andrecently caught the Steampunk bug, thanks to The Clockwork Princess influence.

Phil Bawasanta & Ozzie Ouano – they are the founders ofRed Habagat - a group of young short film enthusiasts. They do skits, parodies and experimentalstuff. I dig their guerrilla-typefearless film making, they’re carefree and they never run out of ideas. They both have acted as my imaginary“stalkers” together with the rest of Red Habagat for one of my music videosback in 2010.

Shoot day came and we did what we had todo. The Bohemians didn’t really need asmuch direction. Paul just asked them todo this and that and they did such and just like that shoot day was done. Although I knew we weren’t accurate to thestoryboard anymore since we had to adjust, I think we’re still spot on in termsof the concept. More importantly, it’s prettyconsistent with how I want to present the song Bohemia to the world.

I feelso grateful and honored to have worked with Paul Calo one last time before hemoves to Malaysia first thing January 2011. And to my AWESOME Bohemians, thank you guys for doing this with me! You guys rock!

THE CLOCKWORK PRINCESS: THE PERFORMANCE

2011-12-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

So finally the day came that we were going to do somemagic. Maybe that’s quite anexaggeration but, actually, one of the songs of the musical was “Magic To Do” (takenfrom the musical Pippin) which gives my statement some truth. But I will not discount the fact that magichappened that night. I felt it. Magic was all over the place.

THE STORY

Read this.

So the Princess sent an SOSsignal on the eve of her birthday, the last day of her life, in hopes thatsomeone might be able to help her find the KEY that is supposed to give herhuman life. And enter the Tinkerer, whocaught the signal, found the Princess, and just like in the fairy tales, fell inlove with her in just a matter of seconds and promised to save her life.

Well, you know therest. A guy saved a Princess. Again.

Okay, since I like thestory, I’m not going feminist on this. Normally I would.

The process of keeping thePrincess alive didn’t come without drama, of course! The Princess died firstright after the Tinkerer installed the substitute key. Apparently, it did not work. In the script,the Tinkerer was supposed to kiss the deactivated Princess and the Princess issupposed to breathe a few seconds after that, kind of like, the kiss made itall happen – a la Disney stories.

In the performance, theTinkerer forgot to kiss the Princess. Soin a sense, nobody knows how she came back to life. What’s important is, she did. Let’s just say it was magic and you simplycan’t argue with that.

THE NOBLES

As I have mentioned in myprevious blogs, the Musical was made exclusively for the 120 members and guestsof the Chaine Des Rotisseurs Society. It was actually a fine dining event of 7 courses and the musical wassupposed to be “just” the entertainment.

The story was divided into 6parts or acts that has a duration of about 4-5 minutes each and these partswere interspersed in the dinner courses – the acts were performed in the beginningand in-between. The 7 courses were Appetizer,Soup, Fish, Sorbet, Meat, Cheese and Dessert. The climax of the story, which was the Princess coming back to life, happenedduring the Cheese part (the Princess and the Tinkerer had cheesy scenes, getit?) while the Finale happened during Dessert.

And as I have also mentionedin the previous blogs, the society members played the role of the King’s“nobles” who were called to celebrate the Princess birthday (and the last dayof her life) in the Royal Banquet Hall. Of course, they had no clue, not until they arrived at the Marco Polofoyer where a big tarp of the King’s words telling them of the journey ahead wasstrategically placed.

The other thing is, the foodservers were also part of the journey, all 60 of them. There were two longtables of 60 seats each and 30 servers were assigned each table. The servers also had their cueing and theirown choreography - - making the show and my job more complicated than ever.

But all these elementscombined together – the story, the cast, the music, the complicated set-up, thefood, the servers, and the audience - made one hell of an event! Something a lot people have not seen before, that's for sure!

THE HANGOVER

I’m having withdrawals. Thewhole ordeal was like drugs and it was all I did for the month of November andwell, it was intense that I think I got slightly addicted – to the music, thecast, and the rehearsals. Plus the Marco Polo foodwas also addicting and the result is I’m 10 lbs. heavier. Good job, Marco Polo,for making me fat and and for being open-minded enough to do such anadventurous project even though it was a huge headache. But you were floored with the results,right?

To the Director, Cast &Crew of THE CLOCKWORK PRINCESS, Thank you. It was such an honor working withyou all.

And so the Clockwork Princesslives on! Tick tock tick tock tick tock!

THE CLOCKWORK PRINCESS – THE REHEARSALS

2011-12-11T22:29:00.001-08:00

The Invitation

Before I share the details of the grand performance of TheClockwork Princess The Musical, I think I ought to share what went down duringthe rehearsals. The rehearsals, ingeneral and in essence, is a completely different experience from the actualperformance. It always is the most fun part of every theater production yetit’s also the most grueling.

The truth is, the cast of The Clockwork Princess, was not tooblessed with time in terms of rehearsals. To be exact, we had about 8 rehearsal sessions and about 2 fullrun-throughs (technical and dress rehearsals). If you ask me, that’s really notenough especially since this was almost a full blown musical. I, on the other hand, had about 2 weeks toconstruct the music of the main songs and another 2 weeks to do the score andthe sound effects. That’s a total of 34 tracks - - it’s like producing 2 albums- - all done in one month. Thanks to mymusic partner for this project Jay Young who rose to the occasion and my post-prod sound engineerPaul Canada who worked day and night even on the eve of his birthday to finish mixingand mastering all the tracks.

Judging from how happy I am and how proud I am of what wedid, I’m sure you can tell that everything went well and it was a success. Evenif the cast didn’t have the luxury of an ample amount of rehearsals, they stilldid fabulous! I’m so proud of them and working with them is 20x better thanworking with a band. They’re actually rock stars!

Now going back to the rehearsals...

CHOIR WITH NO NAME

When our brilliant writers, Pami Estalila, Vince Gaton &Jessica McYorker wrote the story, they pretty much had it in their heads whowill play the characters and, if you ask me, the casting was pretty spoton. The cast is actually part of thischorale called Voices of Praise (VOP) but currently they are on some sort ofhiatus - - as Pami would put it, The Disbanded Choir. So some of the members grouped themselvestogether and called themselves the CWNN, The Choir with No Name.

The Clockwork Princess cast was completed the moment lawyerand blues/folk singer Graeme Elmido joined to play the King.

Chaine Cast:

▪ King- Graeme Elmido

▪ Queen (Soprano)- Yemma Senining-Judilla

▪ Clockwork Princess (Soloist)- Ainee Echivarre

▪ Tinkerer (Soloist)- Gabriel Rellin Gomez

Ensemble:

▪ Chamberlain (Bass)- Vincent Paul Gaton

▪ Royal Cyborg Guard (Tenor)- Leomar Hermosilla

▪ Detective (Tenor/Bass)- Jeo Librando

▪ Court Musician (Soprano)- Jessica McYorker

▪ Time Agent (Alto)- Pami Estalilla

▪ Navigator (Alto) – Ronnie Echivarre

That’s a singing powerhouse right there, if you ask me. It was fun how during rehearsals, they wouldmake mistakes and I’d have the opportunity to say, “Oh my god, you suck”! I always say it very lovingly though,complete with a smile. Someone had to bethe bitch during rehearsals, and my director Alex Uypuanco seemed to have giventhat job to me. I took it seriously and without questions. I think I did itwell, I hope he’s proud of me.

MY SOUND MACHINE

It was a good decision that I got A1 Sound Engineer JustinAlfafara to complete my sound team. Iknew that this was going to be a complicated set-up as Director Alex Uypuanco’svision was to make the whole Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel the “stage”where the performance will happen. So wewhipped up an ideal Audio requirement for the event that considers a surroundsound effect and includes powered output speakers, subwoofers, 10 wirelesshead-worn microphones for the singing cast, a Yamaha digital mixer, etc, all ofwhich are to be supplied by Sound Balloon, Inc.

The challenge was to eliminate audio feedback while the castis singing which was not easy to achieve since powered speakers surrounded theballroom. Audio feedback happens when amicrophone feeds a signal into the audio system, which then amplifies thesignal from a speaker, which is picked up again by the microphone. In otherwords, we have to avoid getting the microphone receivers directed to thespeakers. So think about it, there are10 singers who are mobile, they move around the ballroom a lot, and there are 8powered output speakers surrounding the area which means that the chances ofgetting those microphones directed to the speakers are somewhat huge. That’s abig headache right there…

And we only had 2 technical runs.

On the other hand, one of my jobs was to run the input - - my 34tracks of audio that makes the musical. My system was made up of 2 Apple computers, a CDJ for back-up – and anaudio mixer. The technology was prettyup to date and state-of-the-art, that’s a given. But to run the show with thattechnology, I still have to rely a lot on my hand coordination, or make thatear-hand-brain-computer coordination plus throw in some gut-feel in the mix! If I mess up my job, if I make just 1mistake, I mess up the whole play. Imagine my stress!

And we only had 2 technical runs.

THE BEST PART

The preparation for this was really challenging and somewhatclose to impossible considering the number of set backs we had. But through the set backs, we were able towork with each other, build personal relationships, showed our true selves andsomehow still accepted each other. Andworking with such amazing connection made it all worthwhile, not to mention thetalent, the talent!

The best part was the opportunity to make new friends andchallenge old friendships that simply became stronger through the ordeal…

To be honest, I don’t think we were prepared at all. But wewere prepared to wing it.

So did we?

You’ll have to wait for my next blog for that.

THE CLOCKWORK PRINCESS - A STEAMPUNK MUSICAL

2011-12-01T23:29:00.001-08:00

It’skind of sad that the world won’t get to see this. Not the nation, not even Cebu.

Althoughthis will happen in Cebu’s premiere 5 Star Hotel, The Marco Polo Plaza, it’s anevent that is exclusively for the 120 Members of the La Chaine Des Rottissuers,an international gastronomic society founded in Paris. The society’s thrust isto revive & preserve Royal traditions in cuisine, wine and fine dining.

Butthen again, if you think about it from a local point of view, maybe only Cebu’s high society can afford aproduction of this scale. Maybe.

Aswe speak, sets are being built, a challenging lighting design is being set up,a creative crew and a singing cast of 10 is rehearsing lines, songs andchoreography, a musical team of 4 is mixing and mastering the music tracks,another team is taking care of the costumes and the props, a 20 piece Children’s Choir is practicing and the Marco Polobanquet team is preparing the 7-course menu so on the 6^th ofDecember, the Marco Polo Grand Ballroombecomes a Kingdom of another dimension – a world of Steampunk!

What is Steampunk?

Thereare a million descriptions you can find on the net if you search for “steampunk”. But we’ll all have different interpretationsof it, for sure. For me, Steampunk is alifestyle concept that seems to originate from Science Fiction andBohemianism. This lifestyle involves alot of costuming – Victorian era styling, mixed with gothic and metallicelements. In other words, it’s the strange and the weird.

Nowif Steampunk is a lifestyle, it also has it’s own music to go with it. Steampunk music, just like the lifestyle, ispretty explorative in nature. It mixes ancient elements with the new. We’retalking about gothic, electronic, classical and industrial influences with abit of worldwide adventurer elements.

The Clockwork Princess

The Clockwork Princess is the musicalplay that is Steampunk-themed. It’s an awesome story written by Pami Therese Estalila, Vincent Gaton and Jessica McYorker. I’ll share the story in another blog entry but togive you an idea, it’s about a Princess made of clocks who is scheduled to dieon her birthday – Christmas Day - unless the “missing key” that is to keep heralive will be found and installed in her complicated anatomy.

Ainee who plays the Clockwork Princess rehearsing w/ Jessica McYorker

The Cat and the ClockworkPrincess

It was sometime September that I got a call from Alex Uypuanco right after he wascommissioned by the Marco Polo Hotel GMto do a musical for the ChaineDes Rottissuers event. And the trueThespian in him, excited, asked me to do the music for the play.

Alex Uypuanco on top of the Marco Polo Lobby stairs waiting for the cast

After a series of meetings and serious decisions, my onlyresponsibility under Alex’s direction was to bring The Clockwork Princess to life through the music. It’s a musical after all and as MusicalDirector I have a “live or let die” job to pull this off.

It was not that difficult to come up with the musical designfor the play. The theme is Steampunk and I have a wide array of genres to tinkerwith that can still fall consistent to the theme. Plus my new awakening as a musician at thisstage in my life is really going into the electronica and digital musicdirection.

The Cast minus the Queen

But just so we won’t bend too far away from the theatrical,we decided to hold on to some huge inspiration from the Broadway musical Pippin and a little bit from the Baz Luhrmann movie Moulin Rouge.

The music of TheClockwork Princess has orchestral attributes with a metallic, gritty sound.The song arrangements have a combination of synthetic dream foundations,psychedelic features with machinery rhythms and classical music. Collectively, the music is daring, romantic,elegant, silly and serious. It was such a ball to make thanks to my co-hort,Berklee Music Alumni Jay Young, whotook care of musical arrangement and electronics. Post – prod sound engineeringis being done by Paul Canada.Performance Sound Engineering will be done A1 Sound Engineer Justin Alfafara.

with Jay Young doing music construction via Reason D.A.W.

With Justin during one of the rehearsals

At this point, we have 34 tracks composed of songs, beds,scores and sound effects. If this wereto be played live, we’d need an entire orchestra and a DJ. That would’ve beenfun to watch but since logistically that cannot be done, the music will have tobe played on a Digital Audio Workstation that runs on Apple Technology which Iwill be personally managing while the play is ongoing. So wish me luck.

The Chaine DesRottisseurs Grand Ball 2011 is a black-tie/long gown fine dining event. But since The Clockwork Princess is crashing that party, the 120 official guestsand society members will be part of the cast as the Kingdom’s nobles, who willlisten to the King, eat his food and help bring his Princess back to life.

Isn’t that just awesome?!

I’m still sad the rest of the world won’t get to see this.But, boy, am I glad I’m freaking part of this…

THE FOUR THINGS IN YOUR HEAD

2011-11-22T18:29:00.001-08:00

There are four kinds of things in your head.

One, the stuff that are true. Two, the stuff that arefalse. Three, the stuff that are truethat you want so much to be false and four, the stuff that are false that youwant so much to be true.

The first two types, true and false, are easy to determineand probably easy to accept and let go…

The other two types, on the other hand, are a bit tricky.

The stuff that are true that you want so much to be falsecan possibly lead you to a toxic state of DENIAL. And the stuff that are falsethat you want so much to be true makes you DELUSIONAL.

Let’s take body weight, for example.

It is true that you are a little over-weight and since youwant this little snippet of truth to be false, you deny it, a little too much,that you believe yourself. And instead of doing something about your excessweight and fat deposits, you don't exercise and you eat a lot! Why not? You are not fat, right?

Classic case of denial.

And just when you thought that this situation couldn’t beany worse, here you are, a little fat, we know that, but since you’ve deniedthat already, you go ahead and wear revealing clothes and you start to look alittle gross with your choice of outfits. But you are not fat. In fact, you’re skinny and sexy, right?

Oh delusion.

It’s true, you’re fat. You want that to be false, you denyit. It’s not true you’re skinny sexy, but you want it so much to be true that youbelieve it. So who are you kidding?

And this is just a simple case of physical issue. How aboutif we touch on the emotional, mental, health and even sexual issues?

You’re scared but, no, you’re not scared. You’re sick but,no you can’t be sick so you suffer. You’re pregnant, but no, you can’t bepregnant but your stomach is getting big. You’re in love, but no, you’re not in-love,you can’t be in love, you’re too fly to be in-love. So you deny it and you hurtyourself. You’re gay, but you can’t be gay, so you act straight and sleep withthe wrong person and you’re unhappy.

I could go on but no, maybe I should just pretend this isn’tthe way we live.

But on this crucial sane moment, let me just say that I believehaving both denial and delusion in your life is a toxic way to live. You live your truth as false, and your false astruth. You make your decisions based onyour false truths. Doesn’t that make youwrong? False? Fake?

I suggest a self-inventory. It will be painful and scary, trust me.But it will do you good. And it will make you right.

And, yeah, you will be TRUE.

Let’s grow balls and self-check regularly!

FINAL TRACK LIST (iBlogNewAlbum#10)

2011-11-18T05:53:00.001-08:00

Finally, I’ve settled on the official track list for 0:00:00. Took me awhile to make thedecision, I was planning to write more songs to choose from but I realized thatmy truth can be comprised collectively in this 12 song line-up already… So thisis how it looks like;

0:00:00

1. Zero

2. Hello Tears

3. New

4. Light

5. Breathe

6. Monsters

7. Sea Hue

8. Bohemia

9. Rock n' Roll

10. Muse

11. Small Things

12. Smitten (Bonus Track)

Seven songs have been recorded, twoof which have been mixed. Five songs are yet to be recorded and I still need tofinish writing one more song - - a part of it, at least. The song is MUSE andit looks like it still needs a muse, a 2^nd verse and a bridge but I’mconfident that the muse will arrive bringing the words soon. I just have tomake sure I’m awake!

We still have a long way to go, asyou may notice. But I’m not about to rush things as I want everything to beperfect. Perfect, of course, simply means that I want the songs exactly how Iimagined them to be. Since I’m 95% donewith the songwriting, most of the work will have to be in the studio. There’s still a lot to do, believe me. Butyeah, the wicked never sleeps!

Someone did say that something greatand worthwhile really takes time and that the patient path is the always quickest! I’m banking on those words and at thesame time assuring you that this, my loves, will be worth the wait!

MUSIC IN YOUR BUSINESS (Echoing FILSCAP’s Appeal to Cebu Music Users)

2011-11-15T18:06:00.001-08:00

You know that an endeavor is a success when at the end of ityou say to yourself “so this is how itfeels when the stars align.”

The day was October 28, 2011. FILSCAP or The Filipino Society of Composers, Authors andPublishers, Inc. finally stepped into our shores to announce that they willcommence their licensing operations in Metro Cebu in January 2012. The announcement happened in a forum dubbed Music in Your Business that was held atthe Marriott Hotel.

from left Ang Kwee Tiang, Noel Cabangon, Debbie Gaite, Atty Ray Ortiguera

And because Artist Koor Artists & Musicians MarketingCooperative (the organization I Co-founded) was commissioned by FILSCAP toorganize the event, I was there supervising a 6-man crew to run it. A huge responsibility and a great honor!

FILSCAP, DTI & ARTIST KO!

With the efforts of DTIor the Department of Trade and Industry,the Forum was very well attended by key people of the Metro Cebu businesssector. It was indeed very importantthat they attend the Forum because FILSCAP’s future operations will generallyinvolve the business owners since they use music in their establishments aspart of their daily operations.

Atty. Ray Ortiguerra Intellectual Property &; Copyright Lawyer

Gary Granada, Songwriter & FILSCAP Trustee

Trina Bilamide, Songwriter, FILSCAP Trustee

The big message was COPYRIGHT, a subject that is stillrelatively new for Cebu. But through thecarefully laid-out presentation of the expert Speakers, the message waseffectively sent across. It wasclear. It’s about time that music usersin Cebu, particularly the business owners, recognize that playing copyrightedmusic to the public is tantamount to “using another’s (intellectual)property”. And that the copyright ownersshould be properly compensated for the exploitation of such a powerful tool.

MUSIC IS OUR BUSINESS

Another forum took place during the evening of the sameday. This time around, it was attendedby our local composers and songwriters - - a meet and greet opportunity withthe FILSCAP Board of Trustees and staff. Topics on membership, membership benefits & opportunities werediscussed as well as other issues relating to copyright and intellectualproperty.

Noel Cabangon, Trina Bilamide & Gary Granada

It was a great discussion and I think a lot of minds openedthat night. Everyone was encouraged aswell to start the process of their application to be FILSCAP members. And the common thought between Artist KoChairman Ian Zafra and myself wasthat we will support and assist FILSCAP in their expansion efforts in Cebu. Weboth know that it is for the greater good.

Gary G and Noel Cabangon

The night ended with some drinks and music. And somehow Imanaged to pull a trick to get FILSCAP Trustee Gary Granada and FILSCAP President Noel Cabangon to go on-stage. All I did was grab a guitar and playedfirst so everyone would follow. And they did.

Yes, the stars aligned themselves pretty well.

It was a great day and a great night – and I had a real goodreason to celebrate and get drunk. Andin that intoxicated state, I thought I heard the universe say, “you did well today, baby…”

The Cat with Trina Bilamide & Gary Granada

HELLO FILSCAP!

2011-10-26T02:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week for my organization ARTIST KO! (Artists and Musicians Marketing Cooperative)as we have been commissioned by FILSCAP(FilipinoSociety of Composers, Authors and Publishers) toorganize “Music In Your Business”, a forumabout the value of music in business, the rights of music copyright owners overthe use of their works, and the copyright licenses that should be secured bybusiness owners who intend to use or play copyright-protected music in theirevents or establishments.

We (ARTIST KO!) are closely working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), International Confederation of Societies ofAuthors and Composers (CISAC) and the Creative Cebu Council, Inc. on this project in support of theongoing initiatives to develop the music sector of the Creative Industries in Cebu. FILSCAP President Noel Cabangonalong with Trustees Gary Granada andTrina Bilamide will be speaking inthe forum to share their knowledge on the use of music in business.

The forum, which will be attended by key officers of Cebu’sbusiness organizations, will be held on October28, 2011 (Friday) at the Ballroom 1of the Marriott Hotel from 9:00am to12:00 noon. Presscon to follow.

We will also hold a gathering of Cebu’s key composers andsongwriters in the evening at The Outpost to have a short discussion on thesame topic and to invite prospective members as well.

ARTIST KO! is very excited about FILSCAP’s expansion project because we considerthis a major development or a milestonefor the Cebu music sector. And we willdo everything in our power to support and assist FILSCAP in this transition and expansion process.

Personally as FILSCAP member, Vice-Chairman of ARTIST KO! and Head ofthe organizing committee for the events this Friday, I am honored. Let’s get to work, team!

THE “ACCENT” IN ZERO! (iBlogNewAlbum#9)

2011-10-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

Things are getting quite exciting in and out of thestudio. Although, things have beenslower than usual for 0:00:00 (Zero)(because other things have to happen), it’s still cooking pretty well and I couldn’tbe any happier. I’m anxious too but the excitement is still on the high and it’skeeping me motivated.

One of the last two songs we’ve tracked was “Bohemia”. This is the only song, so far, that hastravelled from one title to the next. It used to be called Boho Love then a few months back, I decided to call it The Boho Lover. Now I’ve settled on Bohemia. I like it. Leave it alone! (Haha!)

I don’t want to spill too much on what the song is about butlet me just say that it talks about a certain culture most artist communitiespractice. Wikipedia would call it The Bohemian Lifestyle. But for easierunderstanding, it is the “WEIRD”.

I wanted to put a twist to Bohemia and I thought of putting a female voice with an authentic Britishaccent as an effect to embed in the song to strengthen and support thestorytelling.

Becky Thompson Voice Recording

Good thing I know Becky Thompson who’s from England. The great thing about her is that her accentisn’t that common since she’s not exactly from London. She’s from Derby and that’s like 131 miles northof London. I love how there’s an obvious difference from the commonly heardLondon accent. I thought it’s pretty cool. So I asked Becky if she’d be willing to be my voice talent for Bohemia and she agreed, of course! Ithink it’s safe to say that I’m one of her very few friends in Cebu when sherelocated back in 2010. She was one of my foreign students in a languagecenter. I taught her Cebuano. She quit upon realizing there was no need tolearn it since everyone spoke English.

A1 Sound Engineer Justin Alfafara

So I called on my A1 Sound Engineerfriend Justin Alfafara to help me out with the recording. I didn’t want tohassle Becky into letting her come to the studio so I decided that we go to herinstead. She’s always at Joker’s Armswhere all the expats convene anyway. With Justin’s expertise and makeshift recording studio gear, we did therecording in a snap and just like that I have the voice effects for Bohemia.

Here's a sample;

Bohemia Voice Efx Intro by CATTSKI

And here's another one;

Bohemia Voice Efx Extro by CATTSKI

I’m so grateful Becky did this for me. And Justin is ablessing too. Love how the album is slowly coming to life and I love everyonewho has put some energy into it! I feel so blessed!

Voice Recording at Joker's Arms

Xoxo

THE PINK SONG BY THE PINK BROTHERHOOD FOR THE PINK CAUSE

2011-10-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Left to right - - Gabe Wong, me, Kyle & Bill Wong

I took a little break from my own album production to bringto life the Wonggoys’ new single “Lifeto Live”. It’s a song they wrotesometime April this year just right before their Manila tour. The song is somewhat inspirational andmotivational in theme but very pop-folk in terms of resonance and, it carriesthe same Wonggoys sound that somehow Cebu (and the world) has come tolove.

The song was written for the ICANSERVE Foundation. ICanServe advocates on breast cancerawareness and provides hope and help to women with breast cancer. It also has a network of cancer survivors whoaim to light the path for women with cancer towards total healing. ICanServe will make use of the song “Life to Live” to inspire and to spreadword on their advocacy. The song willalso be promoted to raise funds to support their activities.

If you’re wondering how this happened, well, let’s just saythe boys were inspired by the women surrounding them… We can start with theWongmom (their supermom)… and move on to the Wonggurl (their sister), and thentheir Grannies, Aunties, Titas, etcetera and then there’s their Tita Jude(Bacalso) and me (ha ha!).

As producer, I was confident to tap on their full bandmusicians namely Warner Sala, Jason Alejandria and JerielLaraño to come up with the arrangement of their respectiveinstruments. I just had to make surethey remain loyal to the song and not care too much about whether their musicalskills will be showcased. “Less is more”is my mantra and it always works!

Though it was done this way, the sound is still not far-offfrom their debut album that I produced last year with Jad Bantug on theelectronics and arrangement. It’s still the signature Wonggoys sound exceptthat it’s a bit more organic and truthful in terms on the level of theirmusicality. And I’m proud to say that BillyBoy (the middle-child Wonggoy) did the electric lead guitar tracks for thesong. Big leap, I have to say!

“Life to Live” TheSingle will be officially launched this October 21 at the Ayala Terraces during the culmination of the THINK PINK activities of AyalaCenter Cebu and ICanServe Foundation.The single will also be available for digital download soon.

For more info; www.facebook.com/Wonggoys

THE F WORD IN A SONG (iBlogNewAlbum#8)

2011-10-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

I’ve written quite a number of songs but never did I use theF word in any of them. Not that I am conservative, wholesome or trying to beresponsible or, that I don’t want to be a bad influence… I could go on but the only reason I couldthink of on how I’ve managed NOT to use the F word in any of the songs is thatI really just didn’t see the need for it… Nothing called for it, not even theangry songs during my very early days.

Until recently, I surprised myself when I wrote a song thatis very light in demeanor and character and doesn’t impose on any dark emotions.In fact, it’s very youthful and it has the potential to make you giggle. Somehow,though, I’ve managed to put the Fword somewhere in the first verse. If Icould help it, I don’t think I will deliberately put the F word in any song.It’s just that I really felt the need to put it in this time around. But trustme, it is not meant to offend. Well, here’s the demo recording of the song. You judge.

It wasn’t a big deal, at first, but two of my radio jockfriends who happen to like the song said they won’t be able to play it on theair without bleeping the F word out. For some reason, I really don’t want itbleeped because from my point of view, the song isn’t really saying anythingbad. The F word was just used to express an exaggeration. But rules are rules, I know…

The other thing is that, I’ve decided to produce this songas a duet. So I asked one of my talents,Kyle Wong of the Wonggoys to do it with me. There was a bit of a concern because Kyle is a minor and I know I shouldn’tbe letting him near any song with the F word or his mom will kill me. (ha ha!)

So I guess the best win-win solution would be to make aradio edit – a version without the F word - - so the radios can accommodate thesong and Kyle won’t have to look bad. But, since this song is going to be thebonus track of the upcoming album, the original version - - the one with the Fword and all its glory - - will have to be the official album track. Wooot!

I can’t wait to go to the studio and work on this song. Ihave this fascination with bands that have both male and female vocals likeStars, The Weepies, Everything But The Girl and The Submarines. I like thesound of both male and female voices, with extreme ranges, harmonizing togethereffectively. The direction I’m targetingis a non-traditional folk duet. It’ll be like Kyle and I are just having aconversation.

This should be really interesting.

Watch out for “Smitten”.

Don’t you just love that word?

SCRIBBLE-ME-A-TATTOO!

2011-09-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

As you might already know, I’m not the conservative type andI have no qualms about tattoos. If I do,then looking at the mirror every morning might be a problem! For the senior citizens,tattoos are taboo so, for sure, I am taboo for all of them, so don’t tell. Haha!

For awhile now, I’ve been fixated on the idea of a “compass”inked on my arm and I’ve tried looking for a nice compass tattoo art on the netbut couldn’t find any that’s close to what I have in mind. I tried to sketch it myself but I didn’t likewhat I did. So I thought maybe someone out there would like the idea of havingtheir artwork on my skin. So I decided to make it into a contest.

A compass is very symbolic for me, and if you’re smart, youmight already understand what I’m trying to do here. Yes, it’s for when I losemy way. The compass will tell me whereto go or to look. My compass, though, isnot so much about looking or going “out there” but more of “looking within”.The rationale is, when you look within and you trust yourself, you’ll never getlost… or in this case, you’ll never lose yourself. And I don’t ever want to lose myself…

So I’ve put out an ad on Facebook. I’m calling the campaign “Scribble –Me-a-Tattoo”contest. Here’s the ad.

Now tell your friends and send me some love. Consider it agift. I turn a year older the month of October. A year older, and hopefully wiser. But no thanks, don't tell me to grow up. I remain my Daddy’s little girl...

Or in this case Daddy's little tattooed girl...

WHEN EVERYTHING’S JUST PRETTY (iBlogNewAlbum#7)

2011-09-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

photo by Paul Calo

Aside from the music, the other thing that an artist or aband needs when producing an album are photos for the album cover. Others opt for artworks but in my case, Ilike having my face in the CD sleeve. Why the hell not?!

Call me vain, but I really think that my identity as anartist is not only based on the music but on my physical appearance as well. Imean you gotta put a face on the name and the music at some point, right?

So face on the music - - but first we have to get the facephotographed for it to happen. Thebeauty about being a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) artist is that you call all the shotson what to do, where to do it, and who to do it with etc. And since this is the case, I now have anopportunity to go with how I feel. Themusic in the upcoming album is being made based on nothing but my feelings. Naturally, the photo shoot should be the sametoo. So, feelings…

LOCATION

Photo by Angel Kangleon

My improv theater group (Performing Arts Kolektib) had aperformance at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel a few months back and while waiting for ourperformance, we were asked to stick around at the 3^rd floor lobby.Hyperactive as I am (I might have adult ADHD), I saw a baby grand piano rightby the door that leads to the Grand Balcony. Of course, I tinkered with thepiano but got shushed by the guard. Pfft! So I went out to the balcony, lookedaround and fell in love with it. Love at second sight, I think. I’m sure I’veseen it before but just didn’t pay close attention to it.

I’m not so sure why I find the place so special though. I mean it’s just concrete, lots of it. It’s aportion of an old landmark building that’s perched on top of a hill. And from thebalcony, you can see the entire view of the city and it doesn’t look as far as whenyou’re looking down from TOPS in Busay. So you can really see how pretty Cebu is from the Marco Polo Hotelbalcony… and it’s so pretty!

So I semi-harassed the hotel’s PR and Communications people,who are very pretty by the way, and convinced them to grant me permission touse their Grand Balcony for the photo shoot! I flashed them my pretty smile andthey all said YES! (ha ha!)

MAKE-UP & STYLING

with Justine Gloria

I’m the type who prefers to work with friends. Friends know you better so there’s really no need to explain much what you want done. I have a make-up bitch in one of my friends, the pretty Justine Gloria, super-mom and then some! Not our first time to work together, but I’m happy that my stylist was happy with what she’s done to my face!

Photos by Shutterfairy Photography

And speaking of friends, one returned to my life in a bigway. Angelo Kangleon and I have lost touchfor a few years. Let’s just say, lifegot in the way but he’s back because by some weird maneuver of the universe, heis my master stylist and art director-ish visualizer! How did this happen?Well, he is doing apprentice work for our main photographer. Ain’t life just pretty?

PHOTOGRAPHY

..and speaking of pretty!

Photos taken from the Shutterfairy's Facebook Account

Malou Pages – Solomon, the woman behind Shutterfairy Photography. It’s not our first time towork together. Like I said, I preferworking with friends. I feel close to Mai-mai because she’s the best friend ofone of my closest friends in the whole world. And sometimes, when you shareclose friends, you get to feel close too. At least, for me. Our common friends and I have always pokedfun on how pretty she is and how we can never be at par. She looks like a movie star! (hate her!) Ohwell. (ha ha!) She’s also the no BS typeof person, my kind of friend actually!

MORE PHOTOGRAPHY!

My first time to work with Paul Calo of Calography. I didn’t see this coming. The Shutterfairybrought him for the so-called “male” perspective! And boy, what a bonus thiswas! I felt so lucky! He’s a fun guy towork with! And he seems to have this great working chemistry with theShutterfairy!

Paul Calo

TEAM 22 TANGO!

This whole pretty situation wouldn’t be complete without thehelp of my 22 Tango team – Manna Alcaraz and Gwen Reyes… my 2^nd and3^rd pair of eyes! My go-to girls! They were around to document theshoot and to keep an eye on me. I couldgo crazy, you know.

Photo by Angel Kangleon

Such a pretty day that was. I’ll never forget how it was so perfect. I’m grateful to everyone involved. I’ve proven it once again that for as long as you let go, and try not to gain control of things, they just really fall into place.

Thank you, universe, for the rain prior to the shoot. It cooled down the concrete making it comfortable for us to work. And thank you for letting the sun out, the Shutterfairy had so much fun with it.

Thank you for pretty, and for letting me see pretty everywhere! It simply means there’s a lot of pretty in me. Ha!

with the Shutterfairy at dusk!

WHAT’S A HOUSE BEAT DOING IN ZERO? (iBlogNewAlbum#6)

2011-09-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

I like House music. I don’t know how to dance but I dance toit even if it looks silly. I’ve always wanted to have a song with that prominentand consistent kick drum, that generic house beat, that’s so capable of lettingyour head move back and forth! Tsub tsub tsub tsub!!! Don’t you just lovethat?!

If it weren’t for the crowd (some pretentious andsuperficial) and the smoke, I’d be in a club every weekend.

Since I’m working on a new album, and since it’s already experimentalto begin with, I figured it would be an opportunity to somehow infuse a house beatin one of the songs… Here’s the beat, it still needs tweaking but this ispretty much it…

Generic Beat by CATTSKI

And here’s a raw clip of the song’s transition. Notice howthe house beat is infused. Remember this isn’t necessarily house music…. Butwho cares?!

Bold Transition by CATTSKI

This is all because I really want to achieve a more complexsound. And try on a more “produced”direction. The other thing is, I am really so obsessed with the music that’sproduced in the UK! This obsession is pretty much the inspiration of this track.

The song title is “NEW”… for all things new.

ON REPEAT (iBlogNewAlbum#5)

2011-08-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

I don’t know if it’s the same for everyone but usually when I listen to a new CD or album and I would hear a song that I really like, I’d bask in it, put it on repeat and hold on to it for awhile until it’s time to let it go. When a song happens to hit me hard emotionally, I allow myself to get affected. Whether the song makes me sad, angry, confused and fearful, I try not to resist it. Instead I let the song assist me in processing my feelings.

What happens is, even if I take a break from listening to it, the music continues to play in my head. And it would feel like I’m listening to it still while I’m in the shower or at the dinner table or just staring into space. It’s like falling in love with someone, and all of a sudden this person lives in every little corner of your mind.

But more than that, I tend to study the song and try to find out why it affects me. I try to explore the possible life situations from which the song could be based on. I’d wonder if it’s real or if it’s made up. It matters to me whether the song is the songwriter’s true experience or if it’s just plain fiction. And then I would dissect the song parts, analyze the lyrics and tinker with the bits and pieces in my head. Somehow, I just find so much pleasure in taking music apart and in appreciating all the elements.

Well, that’s my experience as a music listener. And, strangely, my experience as a “maker” of music is somewhat the same in a narcissistic kind of way. I consider it responsible necessary narcissism.

When I finish writing a song, I’d keep playing it like I’m trying to get to know it better. I’d keep playing it because there’s no other way to listen to it since it’s not recorded yet. It’s a big deal for me when I finish a song. Not only do I feel a rush, I absolutely feel like it’s a miracle, like it was given to me by some bigger power that’s beyond my comprehension and intellect. Most of all, it gives me a sense of purpose.

And just like that I would fall in love with my new song and I’d allow myself to have a rendezvous with it. It’s healthy. It’s like nurturing a child so it would grow into a beautiful adult. The song’s journey to growth begins from its conception, then to the recording and processing of the sound and to the final product. And with every step of the process, I’m there. I listen and I keep listening. Sometimes the songs overlap and take turns occupying my mind but nevertheless I am there for each and every one of them.

In my journey with songs, whether I’m listening to them or making them, repetition has a role to play. It is through repetition that I get to understand the song more. And when it comes to my own songs, it is also through repetition that I slowly plan out or scheme a direction for their studio “growth”. Repetition is simply my way of loving.

I guess if you’re a songwriter, it’s really important to fall in love with your own song. After all, you are your most important listener.

DEFYING GENRES (iBlognewalbum#4)

2011-07-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

In the past, when people ask me what kind of music I make, without a breath I would immediately say, “Rock!” Now when I meet new people and they ask me the same question, I stammer and I can’t give a straight answer. Sometimes I even try to explain and not make any sense. I don’t know what it means but I think I’ve graduated from the whole “we-are-a-rock-band” mentality. I guess that’s because I’m no longer in a band. I am, after all, in the process of re-branding myself to be under the Singer/Songwriter category.

Don’t get me wrong, I still play with a band because I like performing with a band. But in terms of music writing and producing, I am pretty much on my own. Well, I have help but it’s not the same as being in a band where everyone’s input has to be valued and it has to be a collective effort. Not that I didn’t appreciate nine long years of blissful band frolicking. It’s just that I am experiencing so much freedom now with this new album project - - where the conscious effort of maintaining a rock “sound” and the importance of falling under the rock genre are both totally out of the picture.

Still, don’t get me wrong. I love rock, I will always love rock. Let’s just say my musical growth demanded that I experiment, take risks and bravely toddle into new territory where music is made without any other concerns but just the making of it. I’m not saying the album will not have a taste of rock. It definitely will but there’ll be more to it.

My approach is to let a song dictate where it wants to go almost like it has a life of its own. It’s like finding out what the song truly wants to communicate. And from there, with help from the divine gift of ear, a bit of skill and the wonders of modern digital audio technology, my cohorts and I will nourish a song to its full glory. And it doesn’t really matter what genre it belongs to for as long as it tells its story.

There is a huge chance that every song will sound very different from each other. But I’m no longer afraid of that. I trust myself enough and as the “mother” of these songs, I’ll probably know if I’m doing something wrong. My intuition will be my ultimate guide. Everything will have to be on the premise of “what sounds and feels right” FOR me.

If a square or an old-school listener would listen to the album, he’d most likely say that there’s an apparent “overlapping of genres” or that it has an identity crisis for not having a consistent sound. But I’m gunning for the new-school and mature listener. Someone who understands that there’s a very thin line between genres and that they simply overlap. Someone who knows that at the end of the day or at the end of each song, it doesn’t really matter.

I believe that in the long run, maintaining a “sound” and being conscious of musical classification can only set limitations and boundaries. I honestly think that it hindered my growth in music. I know better now and I’m on an endeavor to break down my own walls.

Hey, a girl’s got to grow up, you know… (*wink*)

Gotta give up boys for the real men… the cool for the authentic… the old for the new…

The Dark Side of Music

2011-07-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

I’ve never really heard anyone discuss or take notice about this before so allow me bring it up. I’m sure you would agree that like everything else, music has a negative side. Music can sometimes be a source of conflict and disagreement between individuals and groups and between musicians and non-musicians. I guess it’s safe to say that as much as music can bring people together, it also pushes them apart.

This is something I need to process. So just roll with me.

I’ve always been aware that the people from the indie rock community have a tendency to belittle those in mainstream pop. And it’s probably a vice versa thing. I’ve also noticed that the classically trained have this superiority complex around musicians who lack training.

Now this is just a tiny example, I could go on but it would be useless. My point is, there’s simply a lot of prejudice going around even among the musicians themselves. It’s probably the same story with music lovers who differ in musical tastes. An example - those who love rock find those who love pop music “baduy”. (nuff said)

At some basic level, it is understandable that musical taste is so related to personal identity. And if we share musical tastes with a group of people who prefer the same type of music or songs, it automatically becomes a badge of belongingness. In other words, music can be clannish or tribal. And it’s not surprising because music is not only formative for personal identity but for communal identity as well.

There’s actually nothing wrong with music “tribalism”. I think it can be a positive force for as long as it empowers and inspires. But sometimes the associations people have with specific kinds of music are often at the heart of the conflict. And the trouble usually begins when one tribe says to another “Your music is inferior to ours”.

Musical differences do not really cause riots. Yet almost every group that holds a certain type of music dear might also, therefore, actively dislike other quite different music. “I will not listen to that crap”, says the rocker who thinks that classical music is boring. And you could equally hear the elitist classical musician say, “That is NOT music, that is noise” to all forms of popular music.

Sometimes the conflict may just be a matter of taste; but sometimes musical divisions seem to reflect much bigger differences. In fact, these could be differences about the meaning of what is good and bad that reach far beyond musical judgments. Sometimes it already involves stereotyping and generalizing about certain groups of people and their music. And when this happens, it is possible that their differences are really just masking conflicts that are really based NOT on music but on deeper human prejudices.

Judgments and refusals to listen to a different type of music don’t come from a mere difference in taste. I think they surface when we fear that somehow those who belong to a different musical tribe threaten our fundamental beliefs about ourselves, our history, and how we choose to live. When this happens, clash of culture is disclosed as clash of identity; and here music can mark deep and dangerous division.

Whenever someone is spiteful about not liking a particular type of music, I think there is something deeper going on there than simply taste. I think that when people say “I hate that music”, they are really saying “I hate that culture”.

Humans are very judgmental. I’m not sure if it’s naturally embedded in us or if it’s a learned behavior, who knows. All I know is that we need to be aware, first and foremost, that we are judgmental beings and then maybe we can fight against our impulses to easily generalize about people and music.

I guess musical groups or tribes just need to try much harder to understand why certain music and song is meaningful to those with whom they disagree. Let’s hold on to our musical tastes and to what we know is strong and good music, after all, it makes us who we are. But let’s not think that a different type of music is inferior to what we hold dear.

We need to confront our prejudices. Some music does take us more deeply into life than does other music. That’s just how it is. Maybe there are reasons for that or maybe not but when we make musical judgments, we must not do it in a judgmental manner.

*baduy means inelegant or tacky (for my foreign readers)

“WICKED SISTERS” LOGO DESIGN

2011-06-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

I just recently developed a logo design for a new events company with Jude Bacalso as my Co-developer. Call it my racket (among others) when I’m not making music. This one has been fun mainly because of the reactions I got from the clients themselves.

Anyway the company’s name, which I like very much, is WICKED SISTERS. It is a full-service events planning group equipped to handle a wide range of occasions – from the very personal to the corporate and they say they take pride in their hassle-free, unobtrusive and efficient service.

The WICKED SISTERS are composed of respected professionals in the industry namely

- - Ana Maris Igpit, 2006 Binibining Pilipinas World and events/television host,

- - Karla Henry, the first Filipina Miss Earth and pageant/corporate host,

- - Sian Maynard, 2008 Miss Cebu and TV & events host and

- - Amanda Ong Vano instructor and choreographer at Ballet Center Cebu

Initially they named their company “Campana” which actually didn’t strike me as much but my job is not to openly express my opinion too much in these matters. It’s always just best to follow what the client wants. So anyway, I made something like this…

A few days after submission, they girls decided to change their name to “Wicked Sisters” and after a couple of minutes of brainstorming with Jude Bacalso, I came up with 3 studies and one of them was this…

The clients liked it but were a little hesitant, at first, to adopt the design as their identity mainly because it looks like it’s a pair of boobs. Honestly, that was the intention and I had three reasons: one, they’re women thus they have boobs. Two, they call themselves “wicked” and the boob-looking letter W suggests fearlessness, open-mindedness and spunk! And three, it’s strikingly sexy, it provokes thought and it’s simply catchy!

Color Version

But take a look at it, are those really boobs? Or are your brains telling you it is. Because it's really NOT. It's a letter W with the right curves. That's all.

I hope they really use it (either way they still have to pay for it). And oh, these girls are for real. You want an event done, call them. Or tweet them via @annaigpit. They've done pretty good events so far, I've read their company profile. And oh, Jude Bacalso and I are serious too. If you want to re-do your company identity or if you have a new company that needs a kick-ass identity, we have packages – some include making your collaterals for you. And cleaning your house or doing a puppet show. Call or text 0933.331.6210.

WHY ASK A MUSICIAN IF HE HAS A DAY JOB?

2011-06-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

It’s not wrong to wonder if a musician has a day job the moment you meet him. You probably can’t help it. But regardless of your internal judgments, whether a musician has a day job or not, it’s absolutely none of your business. If he introduced himself or if he was introduced to you as a musician, accept it and don’t judge it.

To ask a musician if he has a day job is slightly insulting and insensitive. If someone says he’s a musician then he’s a friggin’ musician and that’s that. It is his day and night job, period! In fact, being a musician is probably his entire life and it’s not just some day job that’s supposed to define him like most people are defined by their business cards.

Don’t ask a musician if he has a day job when he could be meeting the deadline of an international client or writing a musical that will contribute to the enhancing of his local culture or arranging a song that most likely your wife or boyfriend will soon be singing along.

Don’t ask a musician if he has a day job when he could be in the process of creating his best work.

Don’t ask a musician if he has a day job because regardless if he has or not, you’re still putting him on a spot where he would tend to be defensive. And that would be a shame because there’s absolutely nothing to be defensive about being a musician.

Don’t ask a musician if he has a day job because that just might make him second guess his self worth.

Remember when you ask them, you’re really judging them. And that says a lot about you.

The Architect and the Engineer (i-BlogNewAlbum#3)

2011-06-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

We all know that music is always collaborative and there’s never really such a thing as doing it on your own all the way even if you’re a solo artist. You’ve got to have a collaborator or a bunch of collaborators to ping-pong ideas with. Even Imogen Heap, with all her talent, had to bring in an entire team of musicians to work with her on her latest “Heapsongs” project though she’s actually capable of doing it on her own. There is magic in working with a co-creator for as long as you share the same wave length, frequency and most importantly, if you share the same love for music.

Considering my musical limitations, the universe brilliantly manipulated somehow that I will transition from my old band some 2 or 3 years ago to wherever I am now – no longer in a band, but still plays with a band on occasions and most importantly playing alongside a young genius musician who also happens to be a self-taught sound engineer and a gifted musical arranger.

And the best part is, he is so musically sensitive that he gets my quirks in creating music, appreciates how I work around my limitations, and with proper explanation and guidance, he’s capable of putting my ideas into waveform quickly! Yes, Jad Bantug is my co-creator and only collaborator for the upcoming new album.

There are so many approaches in producing music and recording artists always differ in their production process. Jad definitely has his own ways that truly work for him. He’s already an established musical arranger after all. But it was through the production of the Kismet The Singles, Cattski TEN and the Wonggoys debut album that we developed our chemistry in working in the studio. So it’s safe to say we already practice a working method or system.

Since this album is very important to me (it’s supposed to close 11 years of my life in music and open the next 11 years), we are treating it with utmost care and nurture it as passionately as we can. And while Jad has the gift of ear and is sure to come up with something great, he is also aware that I don’t want to sound great or nice or grand. I want to sound like ME. No more, no less – ME.

So we’re doing this project focused on a slightly new mindset. We are hanging on to the idea of CONSTRUCTION. We are both constructing ordered sound based on my specific vision of how the end-product will look and sound like. It’s almost as if I’ve pre-designed it and Jad will put it together through the use of modern technology and sheer talent as a multi-instrumentalist. The album’s end goal is to manifest how I perceive the world through my music and within the process of it is the aim to explore and express. So we’re kind of like the architect and the engineer.

It’s a good thing, too, that we have a relationship that goes beyond the borders of being band mates and collaborators. We have this weird personal thing going on that only he and I understand (well, maybe his girlfriend too). But even knowing that I’m too young to be his mother and he’s too old to be my son, we seem to have this vibe – a mother and son relationship. He calls me “Ma” and I call him “Dong”. A weird scenario, yes! But I don’t really mind. It is what it is.

One thing for sure, this album will be made out of love and in turn will be so full of love. I work the only way I know how. Love is always a huge part of it.

I guess the universe is sneaky, and scheming, and never wrong.

THE CEBU BLOG CAMP 2011

2011-05-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

The Cebu blog Camp is an event organized annually by the Cebu Bloggers of the Blog and Soul Movement which is the educating leg of the Philippine Blog Awards Inc. which has been running for already four years. This is the largest gathering of bloggers in Cebu.

5 Reasons Why I Love The Cebu Blog Camp:

1. - I get to listen to outstanding speakers who share insightful information about blogging and expanding network.

2. - I get to meet new people.

3. - Freebies are always part of it.

4. - I learn new trends in social media and I discover new tools that I can use to maintain online presence.

5. - I get insights on strategies and proper entrepreneurial behavior on the internet.

Teasing My Way Into The Atmosphere (i-BlogNewAlbum#3)

2011-05-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

This is a teaser clip of how the album is starting to sound so far…

Atmosphere by CATTSKI

Believe me none of my previous practices in album production is applied in this process. None of it. I won’t tell you how but I’ll show you... pretty soon. I’ll be sharing a series of behind-the-scenes videos in a mini-documentary format soon. All for the sake of sharing!

For now, let me tease you with a 30 seconder raw clip of an intro…
Our inspiration? ATMOSPHERE.

Numbers With Meaning (i-BlogNewAlbum#2)

2011-05-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Although I detest numbers, I am also fascinated with them. I am really bad with Math, it’s actually the lowest score I got in a 9-intelligences test. And the way that it’s really low is probably abnormal, I think it is already a disorder. But I like numbers just as long as I’m not supposed to solve them or measure things with them.

I like numbers when they don’t mean equations, formulas or amount.

I like numbers when they don’t count.

I like numbers when they have meaning.

I remember a couple of years ago, I wrote a song called “100”. It comes from the idea of letting self doubts go and increasing one’s self a hundred fold as a result. A year after, I wrote the song called “One” basing on the premise that we only got one life so we have to live it right. Back in 2010, I celebrated my 10^th year in music so I released an album compilation of my most memorable songs. I called the album “Ten” - - it had 10 tracks, of course, and the 10^th track was 10 minutes long.

I also legally registered my independent record label under the name 22 Tango Records. As you might’ve already figured out, it comes from the expression “it takes two to tango”. The label believes that music is collaborative. We value all our partnerships and collaborations because with everything, it just makes sense, that it takes two to tango! Artist and work of art make two. God and the world are two. You and I - the two of us. So on and so forth..

I’m only saying this to make connection. My upcoming album, the one I am making now, is called Zero. After counting to 1 to 10 and 11, I go back to Zero. I want to start from scratch. I want to unlearn everything I know. I want to start from Zero.

It’s a good number. :-)

SHHHH SILENCE! (i-BlogNewAlbum#1)

2011-04-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

After a long wait, it finally feels right to make another album. This would be my 4^th full length – a follow up to Sound Minds Speak Volumes. I wanted to do it back in 2009 but it didn’t feel right then so I ended up doing collaborations and compilations. 2010 didn’t quite feel right as well. I was too emotionally unstable. In fact, disturbed would be an accurate description. But 2011 feels pretty awesome. I am not as deranged and I’m utterly inspired. This is THE year I do it.

I actually started about a month ago but I just didn’t get to blog about it. I really wanted to though. I thought it would be nice to share how everything just seems so refreshing this time. I’m doing this with an entirely new approach and a different process – a fresh perspective so to speak. It almost feels like I am a new ME.

Although, excitement is on the rise and I really feel like spilling my guts out about the new songs, the technical stuff, the recording process etcetera, I think it is best that I don’t forget the core inspiration and the driving force of this new musical adventure.

SILENCE.

It all started when I discovered that I am in my most uncomfortable state in the presence of silence. I did spend the entire 2010 brooding over a lack of conversation, stimulation, thrill and excitement. Of course, this was brought about by the lack of companionship that provides a serving of appreciation, validation and attention. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have all of that. I felt so seriously alone. I was forced to deal with myself - “I” had to deal with “me”, and vice versa. Oh the drama of it all!

But by not escaping, I slowly began to appreciate being stuck with myself. It’s not so bad. Looking back now, I guess it was an opportunity to look within. It was a major self check. At the end of the day, you are really all you have and silence made me realize this to a profound degree. It was overwhelming but I will never trade the pain for what I have learned. I could now hear the silence and stillness inside me even when it is constantly bombarded by the noise in my head. It still manages to be felt. And I am just grateful.

Silence is crucial to life. What is not said is as important as what is.

And silence is crucial to music. What is not sounded is as important as what is.

As a songwriter and producer, it is part of my job to listen for the yet unheard note, or that voice that is yet to sound through the silence – the sound and the voice that will address the mounting expectation. The spaces between musical notes and phrases are as important as the notes themselves. Silence, I believe, should be skillfully arrayed alongside vivid sound because silence can have a special power to wound the listener with beauty while also evoking great yearning.

In any case, silence is not simply a meaningless absence of sound; it frames and shapes in ways that make each piece of music what it is.

And this is the new album . It is born out of silence. And now that I am making it, I am playing with all the sound waves, colors and rhythm. Once I’m done, all the activity will die back to silence. The same way with the album’s future listener, there would be silence right before he presses play and the minute he’s done listening, the music dies back to silence.

That is why it is entitled 0:00:00 or simply Zero. It’s how your music player counter looks like right before you press play. And what it says is. . . silence.

(I would like to take you, dear reader, with me as I go through this musical journey. I shall be documenting each process and will constantly be on twitter for album updates. All tweets with this hashtag #00000cattskinewalbum is an album update. I will also be blogging and will be releasing a serious of videos in mini-documentary format of the album production - coming soon to a YouTube near you. Come fly with me www.twitter.com/CATTSKI.)

SOUNDS LIKE A FOREIGN ARTIST

2011-04-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I would witness people listen to a track by a local artist and react this way, “Wow, it sounds like a foreign artist”. I’ve found this a little baffling. I am always confused - I can’t decide if I should take it as an insult or a compliment.

I have been getting this reaction for years now. In fact, there was this one incident last year that I remember too well. My bestfriend’s nephew, who’s 11 years old, took my 3rd album to school with him because he wanted his teacher to take a listen. When he and I saw each other, he told me, “Tita Cattski, my teacher said you sound like a foreign artist”, and I replied casually, “Tell your teacher, thank you..”

Another friend who was around during the conversation reacted, “What? You actually took that as a compliment?!” And I defensively replied, “Well, I’m sure the teacher means well so I’m saying thank you…” In my head, though, I knew what my friend was driving at. It did seem a little sad to be taking it as a compliment. It’s as if anything that we, Filipino artists, produce musically will always be second best to what foreigners can produce. . . It’s as if the music that foreigners produce will always be so superior that if we ever get close to how they sound like, we deserve an applause.

There are a few perspectives here, I think. On one hand, it is insulting to be compared to foreign music especially if the comparison insinuates that our music is of “lesser quality”. The “wow” expression and the surprise factor make it pretty obvious! “Wow, you sound like a foreign artist!” But this, however, may have a historical aspect. We already know that after years and years of being colonized by foreigners, it is already in our system to silently or discreetly worship them. Consider me guilty but so are you! Ha!

On the other hand, to “sound” like a foreign artist can be a compliment from a producer’s point of view and in the area of production. We all know that our production or technical equipment is so far off from the standard LA or NY studios, not to mention, they all have schooled and experienced producers and sound engineers. So when a local song is being played side by side a foreign artist on the radio and you can’t tell the difference, then maybe the producers of the song must have done something right even with the limited equipment or, in some cases, knowledge, that they have.

The third perspective, however, is highly dependent on who’s making the ‘it-sounds-like-foreign-artist’ comment. Let’s say you are the commentator and you’re unaware of the real artists of our nation who make their own music, and you are only limited to listening to “entertainers” of those redundant variety shows on local TV, then naturally, Up Dharma Down is going to sound foreign to you! Get it?

It is probably safe to say that the formulaic approach of Pinoy mainstream pop music (our mighty capital is so fond of producing this…) is so outmoded that everyone else is sounding foreign. Although it is understandable that major labels will continue to embrace revivals, redundant arrangements and making “acoustic” as a genre because it is their cashbox. It’s where the money is. But I’m pretty sure this is not helping to broaden the minds or the musical tastes of the audience. . . which I find pretty sad.

The good news is, things have been changing, things are still changing, and I’m pretty sure things are on their way to the new. Knowing that gives me a lot of relief. The next generation of talented artists should be really excited.

For now, if to sound like a foreign artist simply means I’m different or that I am brave not to be dictated by a formula or a so-called industry, then bring it on. I’ll take it as a compliment.

If to sound like a foreign artist means that the music can be swallowed by a global niche, then yes, I’d take it as a compliment. After all, for someone who lives in Dubai or California, I am a foreign artist!

So, thank you!

GENIUS: MY “NO BUDGET” MUSIC VIDEO

2011-03-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Nobody got paid. Not me, nor my cohorts. It wouldn’t be a “no budget” project if somebody got paid. It just means everyone volunteered.

I wanted a music video and I knew that I could do it even without spending a fortune. So I decided to express this sincere intention to a few young, eager and upcoming film enthusiasts. I guess the universe must’ve been on my side because they all agreed to do it.

Since it’s a no-budget project, our available equipment were just 2 digital video cameras (you know, the home video type and not HD quality), a make-shift steady cam holder and a humble laptop webcam. And in the absence of proper lighting equipment, we depended on natural lighting which, by the way, threatened to fail us the day of the shoot. But since the gods were on our side, it didn’t rain and we had just enough light from our supplier Mr. Sun.

The music video is poised to tell you a story and not to impress you with special effects or high quality cinematography. We decided to just make-do with what we had - a song, concept, story, a few pieces of equipment and most important of all, we had ourselves. We were a 15-man crew of 5 ‘behind-the-scenes’ people and 10 actors including my nephew and myself!

We shot the video sometime July last year and started editing September. We decided to take our time with the editing, in fact, we had quite a number of revisions. Finally, we’ve all decided on the final edit and we are pleased that the objective to tell a story and to provoke thought has been achieved.

Official social media release date of the music video is Saturday, March 12, 2011. Please mark your calendars. Big love and thanks to those who worked with me on this project. I’m one lucky bitch!

MUSIC VIDEO TEASER

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Crew:
Cattski Espina (Producer)
Manna Alcaraz (Direction)
Gwenmarie Reyes (Assistant Direction)
Bong Aller (Camera 1)
Noel Verula (Camera 2 & Video Editing)
Dominic Roa (Make-up Artist)

Featuring: RED HABAGAT

Philip Bawasanta
Oswald Ouano
Louis Michael Ouano
Chris John Yeto
Thomas Pua
Teodis Buma-at II
Kristoffer Abelita
Earl Jaru Obenza

Special Appearance
Vaughn Reykurt Gaviola

HERE'S THE Genius Music Video “BEHIND THE SCENES”:

PAPA, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

2011-03-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Today is March 9. My Dad would’ve turned 80 today. He passed away 14 years ago.

I am youngest in the family and he was a ‘work-at-home’ father with a business that involved plants and animals. I spent a lot of time with him growing up.

I remember my Dad and I would be left at home while Mom and my siblings would be off to work and school. He’d play music all day via his phonograph/record player (or turn table) while tending to his plants. He was a major nature guy. He had a green thumb and he just loved plants so much, especially orchids.

That would explain why my real name is Cattleya. It’s actually the name of a certain orchid plant that bears an unusual flower. I say unusual because some people actually think that the flower looks like a beautified version of the female genitalia. Forgive me for the graphic description but I think the flower is actually beautiful, and back in the 80s, it was rare and expensive.

His love for nature didn't stop with plants or orchids. I remember we had an aviary for love birds and we had a talking parrot by our window. We had goats, and lots of dogs, a monkey and a fighting cock named Rambo. He also had aquariums and he would stare at those things at night as if it were flat screen TV. There was even a time when I saw him catch a white black-footed owl with his bare hands very early in the morning. Yeah, he was a weird man.

He once had a poultry farm – he sold chickens and eggs. This explains my love for KFC and all kinds of Silog meals. He also had a piggery – he sold piglets and pork – and this probably explains my love for pork chop and humba. But there was a bad side to the piggery business though. I remember, a boar would occasionally visit the farm for the purpose of pleasuring the female pigs and impregnate them. This, I believe, disturbed me as a kid and I guess it explains why I had issues growing up. Oh well, thanks Dad!

I guess it’s true what people say that as much as your parents nurture you, they could also damage you. The damage that they do, which they do not mean, is something you deal with as part of growing up. While the values that you learn from them become your strengths to help you reach your maximum potential. Nevertheless, the damaging and the nurturing are the two necessary forces that we get from our parents. It’s a delicate balance and it makes us who we are. And we should all be thankful for that!

So today, I would like to pay tribute and remember my Dad, Mr. Clyde Espina Sr. - the most loving man I know.

Thank you, Dad, for the spanking and the screaming when I misbehave, it’s all good. Thank you for not letting me touch or taste coffee until I finished school - now I am addicted to it, it’s your fault, but it’s okay, I love it and I don’t have any regrets. Thank you for taking me to Sunday School in a dress that I didn’t want to wear. Thank you for forcing me to go to my grueling piano lessons. I hated it, by the way. Thank you for talking to the ICM nuns in STC and asking them not to kick me out of school. Thank you, thank you for all of that.

Most of all, thank you for making me listen to all the amazing music that played in the house all day.

Thank you for introducing me to Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Matt Monroe, Paul Anka, Andy Williams, and Burt Bacharach. For letting me appreciate Gospel songs like “How Great Thou Art” and “It’s No Secret What God Can Do”. For letting me sing along to Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Karen Carpenters and bands like Bread and The Beatles. You even made me listen to Latin music, all kinds of choruses, Broadway stuff, everything!

Thank you because all these things are stuffed away somewhere in my head and they help me out when I write my songs or produce my music. This is your doing. This is your doing. So thank you.

Like you, I will follow my heart. I won’t grow plants or sell pork, Dad, but I will play, make, love music!

Happy Birthday! I love you!

SINGING MISSING FILEMON

2011-02-27T01:35:00.000-08:00

I’m developing a knack for singing local songwriters’ songs. It all started with the thought that if I’m going to cover songs, might as well cover local artists’ songs.

Why not?

Back in 2009, I covered and recorded a song by Ian Zafra called Kismet. And that even developed into some sort of collaboration. Kismet ended up becoming an EP album that contains three Kismet versions plus a bonus track. And it all started because I love the song and wanted to sing it.

Also, earlier that year, I was approached by award winning composer Jude Gitamondoc to sing and interpret his song Mental Picture of You which was a very fun song to do. That song even made it to a compilation album that was released nationally under a major label.

Came 2010, I played around with the idea of singing this really good Cebuano track by Missing Filemon dubbed Alas Kuatro. Initial talks between the composer Insoy Niñal and myself have been done. But then I came across another Missing Filemon song called Kawanangan and fell in love with it so I decided to do that instead.

Kawanangan, in Cebuano, means “void” or “space” or in another context “the universe” or a different realm of existence. The song’s character is sad and hopeless, and it ends with what seems to be suicide. It’s beautifully written and it has the potential to move its listener from deep within.

Here is a study demo of the song:

Kawanangan - Cattski by CATTSKI

Guitars & Ukulele: Archie Uy
Engineered by: Paul Canada
Recorded at: Zzubu Recording Studios

The final version of this song will be included in the upcoming 3rd album of Missing Filemon due for release this year.

Kawanangan

By Insoy Niñal,

Di na di na ko mohilak pa

Kapoy na ki’ng mga mata

Wala na koy ikabuga

Hala padayon abi nimo og sayon

Apan akong agwantahon

Malimtan da tika puhon

Refrain: Ug karon ako nang luparon

Manamilit kay akong taposon

Mga damgo niadtong kita pang duha

Nakahinumdum ka pa ba ubay-ubay pud to sila

Hala katawa abi nimo og sayon

Apan akong agwantahon malimtan da tika puhon

Repeat Refrain

Chorus: Mga langit libolibo gatusan man ang buwan

Mga adlaw ug bitoon sa katugnaw maglutaw

Taliwa sa kawanangan ang kahayag mosubang

Himamaton kong Balaan ang Gamhanan sa tanan

Repeat Refrain

Adlib

Chorus

Kay karon ako nang luparon

Manamilit kay akong tapuson 2x (the next one is transposed)

Kay tapuson ko nang kalibutan ko karon!

THE SHELF SPACE AT ODYSSEY

2011-02-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

I’m happy to announce that my third album Sound Minds Speak Volumes is now available in Odyssey Music Stores in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Bacolod. A distribution agreement was recently signed between Odyssey Next Edge, the mother company of Odyssey Music Stores, and our very own 22 Tango Records.

Artists under the 22 Tango Records distribution who are still in the process of producing their albums will also benefit from this new development. Immediately after their album release, their CDs will be available in Odyssey. Currently, there are only two products available, the other one is that of Wonggoys' debut album I’m Not Sure What To Say But I’ll Say It Anyway.

My objective here is the accessibility of the music. For the longest time, we have been getting feedback on its inaccessibility and we had to contend with taking orders online and shipping the merchandise, which, in the end is a lot of hassle. This is also another way for us to strengthen our distribution channels. We already have a strong internet distribution via Indie Music Philippines and iTunes USA but we also want to make sure that we have a proper physical distribution in the country.

It’s really a good thing that Odyssey is opening up to independent labels and artists. It’s as if they know where all of this is going. It seems like they understand that times are changing and old patterns or business models that traditional record labels so proudly practice are starting to crack, and pretty soon, will no longer be applicable.

The marketing of the albums might be a bit challenging as we only rely on the internet and the social media. But we do not under-estimate the power of online marketing especially since everything is all in the spirit of spreading the music and we are confident that our niche market will develop strongly and will do the rest for us.

Go grab the music! Visit your nearest Odyssey Music Store now.

THROUGH THICK AND THIN

2011-02-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

She had that shirt made, no i did not give it to her!

One of the things I really appreciate about my life is having all these wonderful friends. I often think about how lucky I am in this area. It makes me think I must have done something right to have attracted such amazing friends.

As we all know, friends really come and go but the real ones always stick regardless of distance and time, and sometimes even conflict. I was just recently reminded of this nugget of wisdom when my friend Krissi, who’s based in South Africa, returned to Cebu for a month’s vacation.

one of our old photos back in 2001

When we saw each other, we picked up where we left off like normal friends do just like the last time she came home in 2008. But there was something different this time. Maybe I was just seeing her with different eyes. Either that or she’s just plain different now.

She left the country sometime 2004 to pursue a lover in South Africa. To go to South Africa, you would have to take a total of 3 plane rides and maybe a couple of bus rides. Only Krissi can pull that off… for a lover she met online.

While she was in South Africa, things didn’t work out with that lover so she attempted to return to Cebu for good. Only she met someone else, another Caucasian, so she decided to stay and marry the new lover. To this day, she remains a permanent resident of South Africa.

Now this would have been a typical story - A Filipina marrying a Caucasian but I’m telling you, it’s NOT.

You see, my friend Krissi married a woman.

And although that story has a bomb effect, it really doesn’t end there. It gets even better.

Before & after: Oprah should feature her, don't you think?

Krissi used to weigh almost 200 lbs. She’s always been around that weight for the longest time. But in only a matter of 10 months, she lost more or less HALF of that weight through diet and exercise. She did it in her 30s, while married to a woman in South Africa!

Only Krissi can pull off the most bizarre of situations.

Photos by Ella Melendez

As Jude Bacalso aptly puts it, Krissi lost an entire person. And I agree. It does seem like old fat Krissi disappeared in a puff of smoke and what remains now is this happy, confident, sexy, sometimes smug Krissi who walks around with a rock on her ring finger and a skinny ass!

Hale Manna Photo by Ella Melendez

And though I am slightly envious of her, I am so proud of her and I admire her so much for her fearlessness.

That’s my friend Krissi. She does the impossible.

Producer & Producer: What’s the difference?

2011-01-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

I’ve realized that not everyone is aware of the difference between a Record Producer and the Executive Producer in album production. In fact, there are even quite a few out there who do not know what a Record Producer is. To add up to it, there are misconceptions too so I decided to share something a bit technical in nature.

The Record Producer or (simply) Producer is the person in charge of the entire production - from pre-prod, actual prod and post prod. The pre-production phase is basically the preparation for recording. The producer studies artists’ demos, develop ideas and plan out the process of recording.

During the actual production phase, the producer musically directs the artists, works closely with the sound engineer for the laying in of the tracks and acts as a go-between sound engineer and artists. The producer also works closely with session musicians, instrumentalists, or in some cases, musical arrangers.

Post production consists of the mixing and mastering of the recorded tracks. This is mainly the job of the Sound Engineer but the producer works closely with him and studies the mixes until a final mix is decided. After this process, the sound engineer proceeds to mastering the tracks. The production then culminates upon the release of the master CD.

It’s important that the record producer is an experienced musician, a competent songwriter, composer and/or arranger - ideally, someone who already has a body of work. The producer’s decisions determine just how everything is going to work together to make the best recording possible.

The Executive Producer, on the other hand, is the person who plays the entrepreneurial role. He’s in-charge of the financial aspect of the production. He manages costs, makes budgets and payments. The executive producer also makes decisions on artist promotions and distribution. He works closely with record labels, music executives and knows his way around the music scene.

Ultimately, the Executive Producer oversees the project’s business aspect, while the music producer oversees the creation of the music.

In this day and age though, where old production practices and traditions are changing, these two major roles can mean just one person. There are artists out there who play both roles. Imogen Heap, for example, produced and executively produced her own album. In fact, she also released it under her own record label Megaphone Records. But hers is a unique case because apart from producing her own album, she engineered and programmed it as well. In her case, she did it all. This should tell you there are no rules and you can pretty much do anything you want.

In other situations, there are artists who produce or co-produce their own albums but work with an executive producer. This is the case of those who are under the umbrella of a major record label.

Like I said, there are no rules and however your audio production looks like, it doesn't matter for as long as you come out with a good quality recording. But it’s best to have some knowledge of the roles and functions so everyone will be properly guided and acknowledged in the liner content of the album.

So there…

Producing the Wonggoys: Whaaaduup?!

2010-12-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

I’ve spent most of the last four months producing the Wonggoys debut album. Production started early period of August and was just recently culminated through a successful exclusive album launch and listening party that was attended by the Cebu City media. It is, by far, the quickest album production I’ve ever done.

Since I spend so much time with the brothers (whose ages range from late teens and early twenties), I’ve started to talk like them. I’d greet my girlfriends with a “whaaduup!” and instead of the usual beso-beso, I’d ask for a fist bump instead. Yes, I am one of the boys.

Not complaining. I’m just chill.

Doing the work was a blessing, I have to say. The boys were cooperative with my production process and had it been that they were less talented, this wouldn’t be a good album. My sound engineer slash arranger of the bass, drums and synthesizer tracks was spot on with the music and was consistent to the outcome I envisioned. Surrounded with this oozing talent, I sleep at night with this last thought, ‘I am one lucky bitch!’

One big consideration of the production is that the Wonggoys is a 3 piece act of 2 guitars, 1 main voice and 2 harmonizing voices. As a 3 piece act, the sound is already good even without the supporting sound of a full band. I’ve listened to the boys play a random performance (in their boxer shorts) at their home and, with a little help with the acoustics of the house, I felt a certain magic that I wanted to capture in the audio recording.

The boys wanted a full band sound and we all agreed to go for it. My only challenge was how to capture and maintain that raw magical side which, I believe, make the spirit of the Wonggoys. Well, there’s no turning back now because the album’s out and honestly, I don’t know if we’ve achieved anything here but we’ve tried our best and with that we know it’s all good.

The best part of this project is how it is very well supported by family. They are brothers, after all, and the sense of family was just all over the place. I couldn’t help but be immersed in that wonderful loving environment. So yeah, I am one lucky bitch. Honored and grateful.

HALF BROTHERS: Gary G and Gary V!

2010-12-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

…that’s because if you see them both standing side by side, Gary Granada is HALF the size of Gary Valenciano. Half the size – half brothers! That’s the humor of Gary Granada. You don’t see it coming but when it does, it hits you hard.

This is one of the hilarious moments at the camp.

Yes, I attended a camp – the first Elements National Songwriting Camp organized by 7101 Music Nation. It was one of a kind and it hasn’t been done before. It was a gathering of known and unknown songwriters, signed and independent musicians, professional and amateur artists. These people from different backgrounds and musical influences were gathered in a resort somewhere in the outskirts of Dumaguete City all in the name of Songwriting.

Upon my arrival there, I had so many questions. I gave it a few hours and all of them were answered by one man’s welcome speech. The man’s name is Mr. Jun Sy and music is his advocacy. Together with a few other good souls led by THE Mr. Ryan Cayabyab (Mr. C), they passionately pursued this project and made it all happen. I can only imagine they probably had a long list of objectives when they decided to do it. But I believe that this list can now be condensed to just one word: INSPIRATION.

with THE MR. C.

So there, Mr. Sy and Mr. C… it rhymes! In songwriting, rhyming is very important.

But let’s go back to Gary G and Gary V. . . (It rhymes again!)

Both we’re mentors in the camp. Unexpectedly, they inspired me the most. Let me tell you why;

The street poet and independent folk musician Gary Granada’s topic entitled “The Story in Your Head” concerns mainly on substantial and structural literary content in songwriting. He focused on story telling but with a strict consideration to the form.

“Pag walang kwento, walang kwenta”, he laughingly muses. His songs, which he used as examples at the workshop, are brilliantly sculpted, rich in imagery and insight – it’s almost as if every song should BE that way.

Gary G jamming on the last night

In my years of exploring music, I honestly didn’t explore on Gary Granada even if I’d already heard of him. In fact, sometimes I confuse him for Noel Cabangon. I think the only reason why I didn’t give this guy enough credit is his inaccessibility – I don’t see his works being spread around as much. I mean what I’ve heard about him wasn’t enough “push” to make me look him up or search for him on Youtube. In a way, I took him for granted because he is under-exposed.

On the other side of the world, here comes Gary Valenciano. Obviously, I can not resist his larger-than-life presence. To me, it seems like he was literally created by the gods, crafted to perfection and thrown to the earth so that we, mere mortals, can drool over him. Although I kept my excitement on the down low, his biceps really got me thinking about crazy things. Forgive me.

His topic or module was about Music Technology. I discovered that the guy is an Imogen Heap of sorts. He was able to utilize technology to assist him to make his music reach maximum potential. Aside from the technical stuff he shared, he ultimately drove the point that technology is dependent on the person who uses it. In other words, if you don’t have the gift of “ear” then your gear is as good as shit.

Growing up, I would see Gary V and his great talents on TV. And I remember I would usually be in awe. Of course, as the years passed, I can not possibly be in awe all the time. Without meaning to, I’ve reduced him to just another face on TV, another dance, or another duet with some pretty face (Martin Nievera included). He is an amazing human being and yet I take him for granted because he is over-exposed.

So there, the two mentors who hit me the most are from extreme and opposite ends in the world of music. One is an under-rated genius and the other is, I believe, the biggest star of the nation. And what I’ve learned from them and because of them - - yes, I will take with me to my death bed.

“I write for myself”, Gary Granada said. It is a moving statement that brought me to tears. I can not explain how it affected me but it did seem like a reminder of the one thing I should consider most important… ME.

The truth is, sometimes (or most of time, lately) I forget that I should be writing for myself. That even if the song is about OR for another person, I’m writing it because I want to, and I need to, and it is my nature to do so. For awhile, I’ve lost this little piece of truth because I was afraid. Let’s just say I’ve experienced being told to stop writing about my object of affection by my object of affection.

Gary Granada reminded me that it’s not about them. It’s not about anybody. It’s about ME.

Playing Drunk sober.

I was wrong to think that it will all end in the “ME” realization. But the borderline celestial Jesus-like Gary Valenciano broke into song and boldly spoke about his God and his faith. His inspiring words during the camp’s graduation ceremony made me feel that there’s something out there bigger than him and most definitely bigger than, well, ME.

Indeed, Gary V is tangible proof that a higher power exists. “I’m not supposed to be here”, he said. He meant that he should have been gone by now with the type of disease (Juvenile Diabetes) he's carrying. But he's here and even if his life is Insulin-dependent and vulnerable to complications, Gary V is doubly alive, active like a teenager and labeled Mr. Pure Effin’ Energy! Ha! God exists.

In a full circle manner, this kinda puts the “ME” concept into perspective. In the end, you can only go too far if you don’t tap into that higher power and trust it with all your heart. And here, the two lessons that seem to oppose each other – the high regard for one’s self and the complete surrender to a superior being now run in the same vein – the self and the source are one. Faith is the one thing that connects them both. And if you really think about it, faith in one’s self and faith in God is actually the same faith.

Ah, I can breathe.

This is what Gary and Gary did to me. Consider me renewed.

The Cat and Three Monkeys

2010-11-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

‘The Cat and Three Monkeys’ is a term coined by the monkeys’ mom. She asked me to put her kids’ music to life after the recommendation of her highness herself, the queen Jude Bacalso. I’ve heard about them way before that one dinner meeting that started it all. I knew they were talented, I just didn’t know they were REALLY talented.

So the monkeys… Well, they are the WONGGOYS. The 3 piece band composed of the Wong brothers. I’m producing their debut album. Their mother, Maricel Wong as the Executive Producer is my boss.

This is a clear sign that the rules in music production are changing. And when something out of the ordinary happens, and if I’m asked to be part of it, I jump in! I have 9 lives, I am not afraid.

Halfway through the production, I can already say that working with the Wonggoys have been both a breeze and a challenge. Breeze because they listen well to suggestions, they rehearse and they completely trust me. The other reason is, I’m working with my golden boy Jad Bantug who listens well to what I want and actually achieves it. So I, without a doubt, completely trust him. With this dynamic, I can already tell this is going to be a great album. It’s just one of those things when you get a feeling that it’s meant to be. When everything falls into place, you just know it.

The only challenge with this album is simply how to separate their sound from their main influence. Influenced sounds, riffs and approaches are fine to a certain degree but the Wonggoys as artists also have their own unique personality that needs to be put out. That’s what we are doing. And for as long as you can not tell who their influence is, then we are a success! And if you do, you’d still think we did a great job!

For a taste of how the music sounds like, take a listen...

The first part (from 0:00 to 1:15) is the demo while the rest is the unmixed produced version so you can see how the song has evolved.

Limb by the Wonggoys by 22TANGORECORDS

CATTSKI, INC. (It’s NOT what you think!)

2010-10-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

I’ve decided to apply the idea of “Fiscal Year” in my life. I’m going to run my life strictly like a business. Fiscal Year is the term used to make a distinction between a company’s financial year and regular calendar year. I have to say there is something so appealing about it. This year has been so much about business that I’ve spent a lot of time channeling entrepreneurship into my system. Though it might be too early to say, I think I’m getting the hang of it.

So I’ve decided that my fiscal period should start on my birthday. Officially, my first fiscal year started October 2 of this year and will end October 1 next year. To me, this makes perfect sense. It’s like, every time I turn a year older, I renew my life. I can now kiss the over-rated New Year’s Eve goodbye!

The whole “business” idea, though, is actually not about making loads of cash, don’t get me wrong. I’m talking about the serious business of living my life with goals that are not related to anything earthly and egoistic. Trust me, these two can mean stress. It can build fear and guilt. What’s earthly would be our very limited grasp of success and wealth, and how these two can immediately be equated to material things. And by egoistic, I mean our selfish wants and needs that make us look good on the external. Believe me, this could be a discussion that can take hours but it’s clear that what is good for the ego is never good for the soul.

So, as a serious businesswoman, I made goals - my "mission/vision" per se. But really, these are promises I have made to myself. Serious promises. And here goes…

* I promise to dream my wildest dreams without fearing I won’t get it. It used to be that when I think of something cool to do or have, I would discard the idea immediately because it might be too hard, too stressful or expensive. And the other real reason is, I might not get it and it would only disappoint me. I’m done choosing the mediocre things all because I am sure to get it and it fits within my comfort zone. Self-sabotage, they call it. Very tricky!

I have a lot of wild dreams. I want to be a serious actress with unlikely roles such as gang rape victim or a Spanish-speaking nun. I want to climb a mountain somewhere in Luzon and smoke weed when I get there. I want to get married through a ceremony called Handfasting and adopt a child - a little girl with curly hair. How fun! So from now on, I will leave my talented imagination be and have fun with it. And I will focus my thoughts on possibility instead of letting the idea of impossibility get in the way.

* I promise to strictly do what I LOVE to do regardless of the outcome. I know that nothing makes me any happier than MUSIC. And I also know now that everything that has something to do with creativity makes me happy too. So I’m going to stick with music, art and creation, and I will join the rest of the creative world in its quest to save the world one artwork at a time. How’s that for a deeper sense of purpose?

* To never get a regular job. I have come to learn that an office cubicle is NOT for me, and I will only sit in one if it is my own company. A regular job, as I have observed is stressful, consuming and it makes you grow old faster. It doesn’t necessarily happen to everyone but I see a lot of it around. If a company can give you a job, they can also take it away, maybe not now but someday. I want to be in a job that no one can take away. I want to be in a job that I can keep doing even up to my death bed.

* I promise to never stop asking questions and searching for answers. Life is always unfolding. It’s a continuous process of finding personal truth. Spirituality speaking, if people believed that they had achieved enlightenment and that they know everything there is to know, they have merely arrived at their limitation. I think this is also true in a practical sense. Deeply held beliefs of any kind prevent you from being open to experience, which is why I question all firmly held ideals.

* I promise to say I DON’T CARE when necessary. Things really don’t matter as much as we feel they do. Why should we care? It doesn’t matter what you (or I) think. It doesn’t matter if you are early or late, if you’re here or there, if you are 35 or 58. It doesn’t matter if you said it or didn’t say it, if you are intelligent or stupid, if you’re having a bad hair day or you have no hair, if you secretly have a crush on a close friend or you have no friends, if you’re wearing a sports bra or the wrong bra, if you’re having sex or you just masturbate - it doesn’t matter. Sometimes, it’s actually quite liberating to just say ‘I don’t care’.

What matters to me at the end of each day is that I did no harm to people and that I tried to do no harm to myself. Wisdom at last!

*I promise to love the one I really love, the one I really want, and not just anyone who comes along when the other couldn’t be around anymore. Love is not supposed to be attached to any outcome or condition. Love means to give oneself completely without guarantee.

I remember someone once said, ‘love is an act of faith and whoever is of little faith is of little love’. Nothing can make more sense than that.

And finally, I promise to always follow my heart. Because I trust that it knows better all the time.

So there, the business objectives of Cattski Incorporated. We’re in business and, as the boss, I’m ready to get busy!

Cheers to my first fiscal year October ’10 – October ’11!

_ _ _

“At the end of my life, with just one breath left, if you come, I'll sit up & sing”- RUMI

YOU SUCK!!!

2010-09-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have a new group. Well, it’s not actually new, it’s more like an old group doing a different thing. It’s called THE REALLY (really) BAD POETS. It’s made up of the same people who make up the Perpormans Art Kolektib (PAK!) – we are the usual suspects who do the monthly event dubbed Pocket Performances in Handuraw Pizza.

The Really (really) Bad Poets debuted last Sunday at the Outpost during the Unbirthday event with trip-hop band Womb. It was a celebration of front-woman Chai Fonacier’s birthday. She is an active member of both sub-groups which are actually under the Artist Ko umbrella. Artist Ko is the first ever artists and musicians cooperative in Cebu. This group, which I co-founded and run as Vice-chairman, inspires and encourages co-creation, co-existence and collaboration among local artists.

Now going back to The Really (really) Bad Poets, since I’m a member, I’d have to be a bad poet which is not a problem because I am. In fact, I feel like my co-members are actually good poets who pretend they are bad. I, on the other hand, don’t have to do any sort of pretending at all. So, anyway, I just went with the flow.

I arrived at the venue with no poem in hand last Sunday. I figured I’d write it on the spot or maybe before the performance. It shouldn’t be a problem, I just have to make sure the pieces are bad. So I grabbed someone’s laptop and started typing. And these were my two (supposed) poems…

NOTHING

There's nothing here, I know

I look around...

I insist that there is something

but there's nothing

Nothing

There's nothing here, I know

You can smile at me that way

You can talk to me that way

You can say my name that way

but it's nothing

I insist it is something

but it's nothing...

To me, there is no YOU

To you, there is no ME

To US, there is no WE

There is nothing here, i know...

NOBODY

Nobody loves me

Nobody textes me

Nobody cares about me

Nobody needs me

Nobody thinks about me

Nobody calls me

Nobody sings for me

I love you

I text you

I care about you

I need you

I think about you

I call you

I sing for you...

YOU SUCK!!!

So there you go. Trust me, the others’ poems were brilliant. But I made sure mine sounded funny when I read them. At least, we can hear laughter when there is absolutely NOTHING coming out from the mouth of a NOBODY. Yes, I suck but that was the whole point. :-))

Betty's Big 80

2010-08-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

When my mom conceived me, she was in her mid 40s. Her doctor gave her a warning, that it might be dangerous to proceed with her pregnancy since she was old. It would be dangerous for her because she might not be able to handle the grueling and painful duty of laboring. On the other hand, it would be dangerous for the baby. Complications can most likely occur and I might end up with a literally enlarged head. Plus there was a big chance of mental retardation. But but but… If I remember right, the doctor also mentioned that the baby just might end up “special”, as in exceptional in nature, like a, uhm, genius. :-)

My mom told me this story when I was still little so I don’t remember much about the details. And for me, it’s worth sharing because I didn’t end up with an enlarged head, at least not literally. And I am not mentally retarded. Yeah, my EQ needs a little work but so is everybody's.

Special or not, I’m still grateful that she decided to keep me against doctors’ warnings.

Thanks Ma. In my next lifetime, I'd still choose you to be my mother.

Mrs. Betty Espina recently celebrated her 80th birthday in Maasin City Southern Leyte. The peace loving fingers in the background is my neice. I think she has my personality. Taken last night, this is my new favorite photo of Mom.

I QUIT MY JOB AS THE TORMENTED SOUL

2010-08-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

People say that poets and songwriters are tormented souls. I get this a lot, sometimes from poets and songwriters themselves. I even catch myself thinking ‘it’ and believing it.

I’m aware that there is actually some basis to this whole notion. I really can’t totally blame the observers. If you think about it, the best works of poets and songwriters are usually about sadness, loneliness and unrequited love. Also, there are quite a number of suicides by artists and people in the creative field and that is a clear sign. I guess sometimes it’s one way to end torture. And, let’s not forget, the usual self-destructing addictions such as alcoholism, substance abuse and over-eating.

For some reason, artists can not escape this reputation of somehow being emotionally and mentally unstable. There is a big truth to this. And society, at some point, has completely internalized and accepted that creativity and pain are somehow inherently intertwined.

So here’s the cycle. Artists accept as true what society is saying about who they are and what they are about. They ultimately believe it’s their nature and so they continue to live their lives like that – fragile if not broken - a case of identification and association to an illusory image. While on the other end, society just keeps expecting and treating it like it’s just the way it is and the way it should be. So on and so forth. The wheel keeps on turning.

But what if we are wrong?

For the longest time, I have succumbed to this notion like it’s the ultimate inevitable truth. But lately something IN me is disagreeing with me.

I realized that I no longer want to be the embodiment of this over-rated tormented soul. I don’t have to be and the rest of creative humanity does not need to be. Sometimes, it just feels like this whole thing is already bordering on stupidity. I don’t believe we should be intense, weird and in-pain all the time to remain creative. I don’t believe we should beat ourselves up too hard for anything.

This is after I finally understood that most of the world’s pain is self-inflicted. And it dawned on me that I can deliberately change my mind about it. I am my own tormentor and I don’t have to be anymore. As Imogen Heap would put it, “it’s not me, it’s my bad body double” which is actually a truthful symbolism of that egoic self we all identify with every day – THE ARTIST – the sensitive human being, the thinker, the lover of words, the painter of our world, the broken-hearted poet, the emotional musician, the brilliant mind.

Yes, I acknowledge. A true artist is all of that but the thing is, he is also so much bigger!

I ultimately believe that talents (or whatever you want to call it) are gifts from the big unfathomable universe and it’s handed to an artist so he can use it for the greater good. And I also believe that it’s not enough for a songwriter to just write about personal stuff and the shallow pains of romantic pursuits and disasters. I think we have the challenge of writing music that can lead to the opening of closed minds, the breaking of old walls, the detachment of old beliefs and the letting go of dangerous emotional patterns.

I’m not saying it’s a responsibility. I’m saying it’s a capability. But until we face our demons head on and change our old habits and beliefs, we won’t be able to do this right.

We should change the way we express our art – show less of the darkness and more of the light. Maybe we should change the way we write our love songs – say more about the love and less on the need and the lack of attachment. Maybe we should write less about the pain, and write more about the good stuff like faith and hope and spirit. We should really just fix ourselves and take on a path of well-being so we can do this right.

I really believe that there is some work that’s specifically assigned to us here and I understand that a little self indulgence is healthy and maybe even necessary. But there is more to the world than our individual selves. We should conspire against this massive spreading of negativity. We are here to inspire. Let’s do it right.

I’m sure I’m just ranting. But I do have a point.

DISCOGRAPHY DOWNLOAD

2010-08-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

I’m happy and proud to announce that the entire Cattski Discography is now available online for download. Thanks to the partnership of Singapore-based company Indie Music Philippines and our very own independent label 22 Tango Records. Both companies have joined forces to establish an online portal for digital music distribution that features Filipino artists. I believe other artists can also take advantage of this partnership and get their albums distributed online too.

CATTSKI EP (first album)

Click here to download!

VACUUM MY INSIDE (2003)

Click here to download!

The most pleasing aspect of this is the fact that those who are based in foreign countries can now have a chance to grab a copy of the songs. For years, I’ve been getting messages from Filipinos around the world asking me on where to get hold of the music. Finally, I have my answer.

SOUND MINDS SPEAK VOLUMES (2009)

Click here to download!

KISMET THE SINGLES (2009)

Click here to download!

For those who prefer the actual albums, CDs are still available. And the online music store that will be handling that particular distribution will soon be up. The site is almost finished but adjustments still need to done before it can operate properly. Other merchandise such as T-shirts, trinkets and journals will be available too.

CATTSKI TEN (2010)

Click here to download!

The Rhythm – According to Professor PhD

2010-08-01T04:01:00.000-07:00

In one of my graduate school classes - a subject called The Reading Process, my classmate was reporting about the elements of poetry. The professor, who is quite a character, butts in every time he feels like it, elaborating unnecessarily, leaving the reporter a bit awkward and utterly useless.

Although I feel for my classmate and her obvious discomfort, I can’t help but focus my attention on the professor. It feels like I’m developing a special kind of “fondness” for him. He just says the most interesting things, sometimes totally far off from whatever topic is being discussed. It’s kind of like watching “The Buzz” live in that class.

Before the reporting took place, the professor left the room for a few minutes with his laptop on and desktop display flashed on the screen via the projector. It didn’t take long and the display switched to screensaver mode and there it was… a slide-show – an avalanche of the professor’s shirtless photos! The photos looked like they were shot at one time, kind of like a planned photo-shoot using a regular digital camera. Some photos are tight shots and some wide, some with smiles and some with fake Rudy Project shades – all shirtless!

When he returned, he faked an urgency to stop the screensaver and said, “hoy, wala man ninyo gipalong?!” I just smiled and said to myself; my teacher is gay – feeling fabulous at 60 and still hungry for exposure.

I really don’t mind the professor’s subtle display of over confidence. He’s got the PhDs to support that, I guess. His needless comments and quirks are even tolerable and actually kind of funny. What bothered me is how he, in this particular class where a reporting on poetry is on-going, assumed that he is not capable of any error.

We got into discussing the element of symbolism in poetry. The professor asked everyone if they can share examples. After the quick sharing of symbolic phrases, he asked if we know the song “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You by Gloria Estefan”. And then he asked what the word “Rhythm” is symbolizing in this song. Someone said ‘sex’ while others answered ‘dance’. And since I couldn’t help it, I said, “Sir, nobody knows exactly, we’ll have to ask the songwriter to know the real answer”.

With conviction and a sarcastic smile he blurted, “…it means SLEEP. The word ‘Rhythm’ is represents ‘sleep’ in this song”. And with one breath, he added, “I’m sure of it because I made a study and included it in my doctorate dissertation and the panel agreed with me!” Then he looked at everyone with piercing eyes.

What?!

I wanted to argue with him because there’s simply no way to confirm his statement unless he knew the songwriters and that they told him personally. More importantly, he should’ve said it was his own interpretation because it couldn’t be anything else. If he had an iron-clad proof, a document from Gloria Estefan herself maybe, then he can go ahead and say it.

I was really close to asking, barkada diay mo ni Gloria, sir?

Bottomline, poetry and songs are open to interpretation - both are actually forms of creative writing – these things thrive in its hidden meanings. And with songs, since the lines are short and measured to fit in a musical pattern, no detail or direct fact is immediately available to you. You have to use your imagination and emotions to make connection. That’s the beauty of songs and poetry.

And that’s what he should’ve said in class because to impose personal interpretation as the real meaning of a text to a classroom with a mix of young professionals, teachers, and one old bitch who writes songs for a living is stupidly wrong!

SHOOT UP: VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHIP FROM ARTIST KO

2010-07-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

According to a recent survey, video is the most viewed content on the internet. This means that video, indeed, is one of the most powerful medium of communication and the best form of entertainment at this day and age. Also, in the advent of digital technology; handy-cams with quality output and easy-to-use video editing software, producing ‘moving pictures’ is now easier and faster. And with video hosting sites such as Youtube and Vimeo among others, these materials can easily be shared to an online audience.

If you have been following my online properties, you’ll notice that video is also the main format in sharing my music. I would have to say it is very effective indeed. But I don’t just upload any sort of video to share my music. I really make sure that these materials are properly shot and properly edited as well. I also make sure it has great quality audio – the music is the main content after all, the footages are just the support, thus the music should be well-mixed and mastered.

Though it does sound a little tedious, the output is really worth it. At the end of the day, you would really rather choose quality. And QUALITY does not have to be expensive. There is such a thing as quality output even with limited resources. And this is the point of the upcoming seminar workshop happening at the Outpost.

As the head of the ARTIST KO Education Committee, it is my job to regularly come up with activities that is educational in nature not only for Artist Ko members but for non-members as well. And I am so honored to be bringing to you “SHOOT UP: A Video Production Workshop with Award-Winning Film Maker RUEL ANTIPUESTO”

Ruel Antipuesto, award winning film director, cinematographer and producer will share his knowledge, expertise and experiences in this 2-day seminar workshop. His course outline is as follows; Lecture on Storytelling through video, Basic Cinematography and Lighting, Introduction to video editing, Appreciating and making use of available resources and finally, practical application.

with film maker and fellow Artist Ko member Ruel Antipuesto

This workshop aims to encourage aspiring and practicing film makers not to be bound by technical or financial limitations. The point of it all is the ability to tell the story and send the message across utilizing whatever equipment is available. And this is the core of what Ruel will be teaching during the seminar workshop.

The workshop fee is P1,000 for non-students, P800 for students and P700 for Artist Ko members. A 20% discount will be given to a group with a minimum of seven participants. This is already inclusive of snacks.

Participants are encouraged to bring whatever video equipment available to them. Anything from Still Cameras, Cellphones & digicams with video capabilities to HD and 3CCD Cameras are welcome.

The workshop is on July 24 – 25 from 9am to 5pm at the Outpost Restobar in 976-B Veteran’s Drive, Lahug Cebu City. To register, please text or call 09327798689/09173216429 or email artistkocebu@gmail.com. There are limited slots so register soonest and make payments if possible.

This workshop is brought to you by Artist Ko – Artists & Musicians Marketing Cooperative. For more information, log on to www.artistkocebu.blogspot.com or follow us on twitter – www.twitter.com/artistkocebu.

This is also brought to you in part by The Outpost Restaurant and Bar and RCTV – Real Cebu Television.

See you guys there!

CATTSKI LIVE SERIES

2010-07-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

I didn’t express any hype about it but this new online music sharing activity has been going on for approximately 2 months. CATTSKI LIVE SERIES is the result of the live recording and performance shoot that happened last March 20 during the Cattski Ten event at the Outpost. The event was staged to celebrate my 10^th anniversary in music and songwriting, and at the same time, release my anniversary album simply dubbed Cattski Ten.

Thanks to the support of 1032 Studios and RCTV, I was able to gain a lot of material from the event. There’s the quality audio input of the bands’ performances including mine that was recorded live by 1032 Studios and quality video footages of the entire show as shot by the very supportive crew of RCTV. It was my objective that I gain these materials so I can have them edited into live videos of the songs performed and share it to the audience we simply call ‘online network’.

Finally, these humble plans fell into place and are still currently falling into place as the songs that were recorded live are being mixed and mastered. After this process, the final audio then is sent to the editor so he could start with the video editing. We’re doing this one song at a time. We’re not in a hurry.

My band and I have played a total of nine songs that night. Three songs have already been released and are now available for viewing on the Cattski online social network properties. The rest of the songs will be released every other week.

If last year I did an online series dubbed Cattski Live Demos, this year I’m doing this – the Cattski Live Series. The performances are in full band and the audios are no longer in demo form.

Here are the first three Cattski Live Series videos;

DRUNK

TSAEH

ONE

THE WORLD'S ALRIGHT

2010-04-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

The world’s alright. You are the problem.

You.

Me.

And that SUV driver who threw plastic container out his car window the other day and that other guy who bought a stash of plastic bags to wrap the mangoes he’s vending in the streets – we are the problem!

We all know our planet is problematic. Sometimes it would even cross our minds that the world is probably going to end soon. And when we think about the millions and millions of people living on earth, we come to terms with how bad and problematic the earth really is at this point in time.

But, try taking out the millions of people in the picture. Imagine that no humans inhabit the earth. Do you think it’ll still be problematic?

What we ought to realize is that, without us, the earth will remain the way it is, violent and beautiful. Nature will always have its way of transforming and moving – continents separating, volcanoes erupting, oceans expanding and what other possible significant geographical change there (that we now conveniently consider as natural calamity) may be. But that’s not going to be a problem at all because we simply are not around to think that it is a problem.

Since we are here, there is a huge problem. Does this thought sit well with you?

We should’ve been programmed to realize this the moment we were born - - that since we live here on earth, we are directly affected by nature’s wrath. But instead of being careful, humanity added up to the problem by jeopardizing our ecological balance with all this littering and polluting. Naturally, nature will have a reaction.

Think about it. It’s a never-ending cycle of problems. We are the problem. We are the reason for the problem. And now we are suffering because of the problem – - - US.

Mother Earth certainly did not invent pollution. We did. It’s our fault. The statement ‘Save Mother Earth’ is actually a laughing matter, at least, for Mother Earth. She doesn’t need saving, you know. We do.

Why drag Mother Earth into this?

Let’s just cut the crap about saving her and get down to what’s true – we need to save ourselves!

This isn’t really a bombshell. We’ve known this. We’re probably just too dumb or drunk to actually go down the depths of what this truly means. Unfortunately, not all of us know the difference between just knowing and actually being truly conscious or aware about something. We’re all too busy entertaining all sorts of distractions – materialism, superficiality and this stupid business of getting ahead. The so-called progress, the so-called success!

We are the problem. The problem is IN us and not in the external world. The dirt that we see around is just a manifestation of what’s truly going on within us. So we really need to look into ourselves and seek that transformation from within.

Let’s start by acknowledging the fact that we are the problem, maybe then we’ll realize that as much as we are the problem, we are also the solution.

Wake up, people!

Happy Earth Day!

Everyday!

50: THE COOLIE DREAD REMIX

2010-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Back in 2008 and before the culmination of the production of Sound Minds Speak Volumes (3rd album), I took on a collaboration endeavor with James D’lonsod, also known as Coolie Dread of the popular reggae/dancehall band Coolie Dread & the Microphone Commanders. The intention was to take on something new – it was the result of my fascination to digital music and trip-hop. I guess listening to a lot of Massive Attack, Portishead, Bjork, and Thievery Corporation, at that time, made me do it. Let’s just say, the idea of Beat Programming seduced me.

So I assigned the song “50” as our collaboration project. It was already a full song when I gave it to Coolie Dread since the band have already recorded the rock version. All he had to do was extract the vocal tracks and come up with a completely different rhythm section. The idea was not just to re-mix it but to re-produce it.

As he was in the process of producing the new 50, we were also neck-deep in the making of Sound Minds Speak Volumes. At that time, I really wanted “50 The Coolie Dread Version” to be part of the album. This didn’t pull through because, as it turns out the track sounded too different compared to the rest of the tracks of SMSV. Band decision was to reserve it for another fitting project. The original rock version of 50 was the one that made it to the album line-up instead.

I knew, though, that I will release it, and maybe include it in a future project somehow. Though, for the moment, a new project seems bleak, I still thought of releasing 50 The Coolie Dread Re-mix. Now’s the perfect time since Coolie Dread is leaving the country to be based in China with Budoy for 6 months. They were both chosen to perform with the Philippine Pavilion in Shanghai World Expo 2010.

In a way, Budoy and Coolie Dread are both representing the country, and specifically Cebu. They are proof that some of the world’s most unique music innovators reside here.

So here’s that track (I’m very proud of this version) Thank you, Coolie Dread! :-)

50 (The Coolie Dread ReMix) by CATTSKI

Credits:
Beat Programming & Synthesizers: James “Coolie Dread” D’lonsod
Keyboard: Ian Pil
Bass: Greg Curda
Vocals and Back-up Vocals: Cattski Espina
Final Mixing & Mastering: Jad Bantug/1032 Studios

50 by CATTSKI

Guitars: Anne Muntuerto
Drums: Junnell Codilla
Bass: Brian Sacro
Vocals & Back-up Vocals: Cattski Espina
Recorded at Zzubu Recording Studios

50 is written and composed by: Cattski Espina

MY PRESIDENT

2010-04-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Last year, I registered in the Comelec so I could vote in the upcoming elections. Honestly, that decision was a ‘let’s-just-do-this’ this type of deal. I wasn’t very enthusiastic about it - I thought maybe it just might come in handy somehow.

To be really blunt about it, I hate Philippine politics. It’s so predictable, dumb, showbiz-infested, superficial, and the most obvious, corrupt! To pay attention to Philippine politics is just like watching the crassness of network TV.

So I wasn’t really looking forward to voting. What the hell for? We don’t have real choices anyway. All there is to Philippine Elections, really, is to find out who the real “lesser” evil is and maybe go for it and just leave it to faith that the given choice, somehow, makes its way to the greater good.

This all changed when my Tita Becky (musician Zarah Smith’s mom and Handuraw Pizza owner), approached me and asked if I can attend a simple afternoon talk about this “new” Philippine politics that she and a few friends are advocating. She said, it is very “artist-friendly” and that it might be something that will inspire me.

So I went and, indeed, there were quite a number of artists there, Budoy included. And we started the activity with a discussion about ART, in general, and the role it plays in our culture. Then we moved on to talking about each of our own art, our stand and our struggles. And by some unexpected sudden transition in the discussion, we were introduced to what Nicanor Perlas is advocating, who he is and why he is running for President.

Personally, I loved that it transpired that way. It felt like, from the very start, by just introducing ourselves and our art, we were already part of something.

So, Nick Perlas - - who is he?

Well, he is an expert in associative economics, microfinance, sustainable agriculture, social technologies, and comprehensive sustainable development.

If that’s a little too wordy for you, here’s an outline of some of his work - -

Technical Consultant/Resource Person to dozens of institutions including:
- United Nations bodies (UNDP, FAO, UNCSD, UNICEF),
- Government (Office of the President, Senate, House of Representatives, NEDA, DSWD, DA,
   DENR, and Official Philippine Delegations to the UN and APEC)
- Donor Agencies (Plan International, HEKS, NOVIB, CIDA, GTZ, others)
- Civil Society organizations and movements • Businesses striving for social responsibility •
   Plenary Speaker/Resource Person, over 90 global conferences and 140 national
   conferences.
- Author, over 500 articles/writings including the international best seller, Shaping
  Globalization: Civil Society, Cultural Power, and Three-folding

Still too wordy?

What I’m really saying is that he is qualified and capable. But in order to truly understand where he’s coming from, we have to look into the concept of Social Three-folding. This is the idea that he’s developed and advocated for awhile now, and he firmly believes that this is “THE” way that can bring forth a true, profound, and permanent social change for our country.

Here’s what Social Three-folding is all about, as written beautifully by Ica Fernandez;
- - -
Three-folding states that the independence of the three social spheres of politics, economics and culture should be increased, so that these three realms can mutually regulate each other in an ongoing process.

In a nutshell, three-folding presupposes a shift from governing to governance, where all members of a given society can and must actively participate in shaping the destiny of their nation. It provides a humane alternative to the supposed separation of executive, legislative and judicial power in a democratic state – a theoretical balance that has been destroyed by the likes of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Three-folded politics does not exist in today’s Philippines. Not when all three branches are swallowed by the totalitarian state, and certainly not when gross materialism holds sway over all aspects of everyday life.

This is where three-folding comes in. Instead of being held hostage by political and economic interests, an empowered civil society emerges as a third balancing force, creating the conditions for a more integral and sustainable world.

- - -

According to Nick, systemic problems require systemic solutions. This means that all policies would have to involve all three areas of the Three-folded Society to work hand in hand. Balance is the key – and by ensuring the balance of economics, politics and culture, everyone is allowed to work, create, flourish and, ultimately, contribute to the re-building of our nation.

In my recent adult life (and in my sometimes adult thinking), I’ve noticed that our country is primarily so geared on our economic dreams. I understand that, in the heart of every Filipino, there is that hope that we will prosper as a nation. And one of the keys to prosperity is to participate in economic activities that promise such. We have to open our doors to foreign investment to bring in the money, and jobs. Money and jobs – that’s fine.

But it also entails that the sprouting of big businesses and foreign investment is an opportunity for corrupt government officials and politicians to get a big tip and gigantic invisible commissions. This is the “practice”, so to say, and we have blind-eyed it for so long.

Where is the so-called “economy”? We already know.

In our current government system, these are the two spheres that are functioning and doing the sort of ping-pong of stuff – Politics and Economy. The result – an obvious imbalance. Look around you, buildings that suggest development co-exist with the urban poor in rotten squatter areas within meters in proximity. Look around you, there is proof that we have not paid extra attention on sustainable development.

And what about our culture?

Nick told us during his talk last April 7, that he participated in a conference on culture last year where our little demon President (my opinion) had to do a speech. He said, “it was sad and painful to listen her, and her limited notion of culture.” For Arroyo, art is entertainment and culture is mainly about entertainment and tourism.

Ah, no wonder. We are a Wowowee Nation.

So, I am for Nick because I completely agree with him when he says, our true culture is not in our entertainment and our capability to entertain. The Philippines’ real culture is in the creativity of its people and in the originality of the end-product of the artists - our visual expressions, music, film, theater, and literature.

And I loved it when he said, “I am for THE ARTIST because artists are revolutionary”. For Nick, artists have a different way of seeing things - they see things as a whole and not fragmented. And I can totally relate with this statement. I truly believe real artists have the wisdom, sensitivity, intuition and instinct that, obviously, entertainers (or politicians) do not have. We are the true builders of our culture. And, hand in hand, with the scientists, innovators and the advocates of the “new” politics, we can help re-build this nation and let it grow to its authenticity.

Nick promised that if elected, he will make sure that the sector on “arts and culture” will no longer be under the control of the state. Instead, he will give it to the artists to nurture because, for him, they would know better what to do with it.

Now, there is that question of his election. Many doubt his chances of victory, to the point of, even considering him a nuisance candidate. Some even suggested his disqualification. Obviously, Nick has a NO-budget campaign and, in terms of exposure, he would pale in comparison with Noynoy Aquino or Manny Villar or that old thug Erap, plus the other funny faces, Jamby Madrigal included. All of them, except for Nick, are in a popularity contest of sort - - the Philippine elections should really just boil down to text voting - - Globe and Smart will be happy!

On the other hand, Nick’s campaign is a completely different story.

It is the kind of campaign that will continue long after the elections, win or lose. It is the kind of campaign that’ll serve as a ripple in inspiring the Filipinos to contribute to the “new” Philippines coming from a genuine and sincere perspective. Ultimately, this campaign is really just “the” start of the change this country so badly needs.

Voting for Nick is voting for the silent revolution.

He is my Nelson Mandela. He is my President and I live in the NEW PHILIPPINES.

For more info about the Nick Perlas campaign; www.nicanor-perlas.com

HEAP-ERIENCE!

2010-04-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

I’ve discovered her way back during her Frou Frou days. It was a fun discovery; I stumbled upon Frou Frou songs in the Shrek Motion Picture Soundtrack. It blew me away during first listen because it just sounded different, and so good. So I looked them up, learned about them and discovered that Imogen Heap is actually an independent artist, a freak-ish-one-woman-band and Frou Frou was just a side project.

So I got hold of all of her albums, at that time she only had two, which includes Details by Frou Frou. The other one was her solo debut dubbed “I-Megaphone” and I loved it instantly. A few months after the fateful discovery, she released “Speak For Yourself”, the definitive album after her Frou Frou stint which made me love her more.

Since then, I’ve been listening to her stuff and regularly reading her blogs. Things picked up when she endeavored in the production of her most recent release “Ellipse”. She involved her audience by regularly updating them through her video blogs on Youtube and occasionally letting them participate in the production by giving feedback or choosing a version up to letting them write a bridge for a song. I actually found that really interesting!

Finally after a couple of years, Ellipse was released last August 2009. The album was everything I expected it to be – an amazing line-up of songs only she can write, make, and produce. It even bagged Best Engineering award during this year’s Grammy Awards.

After her successful “Ellipse” US Tour, she prepared for the Europe leg and that was when the Asia schedules started to pop up as well. Singapore was the first in line to confirm a date and a venue. So a good friend and I, without hesitation, bought the tickets the moment they were sold online through Sistic.com, Singapore’s version of Ticketnet.

Finally, that day came. We flew to Singapore to catch her concert and to experience, first hand, her level of performance in a live set up and her intensity as an artist. Plus I needed to really check into her skills – both fine and gross motor - and how she combines them in playing those highly technical gadgets and out-of-this-world musical instruments, sometimes together, sometimes not. And, all the while, singing.

And I was amazed by how natural it seems - it didn’t come out like she was being a Jack-of-all-trades who’s trying to prove to the world how musical she is. It wasn’t like that at all. It was more like she creates those combinations of sounds using the latest technology in music and indigenous almost aboriginal instruments to evoke emotion and to set her audience of what was to come in a particular song.

I did mention in one of my posts that the songs weren’t performed exactly like the produced version in the albums. So there was a lot of unpredictability in her set which made it more interesting. Plus her band boys really do not fit in the usual band category - there was an obvious absence of a bassist. And the three of them switch roles, every now and then, using their available technology and those weird looking instruments. There was even a saw, (yes, that thing carpenters use to cut wood), somewhere in the performance where it was bended with another piece of metal and it made a sound. Somehow that became an intro for a song.

So my fascination for this woman came full circle. And I’m still in awe of her ingenuity, talent and her ability to connect to her audience with her playful demeanor.

And I’m sure she didn’t mean to teach anyone anything but I think that was the best music class I’ve ever attended. The message is clear. In music, there are no limits. It’s really all about acknowledging the gift of music - as in the music that lives in you - and what you do to enhance this gift. And with what you’ve learned, work your way around the tools to create something. And, at the end of the day, always let your heart speak.

CITIGYM'S 4 SOLID YEARS

2010-03-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Citigym will be celebrating their 4th anniversary this Sunday. I know it’s going to be real exciting because, for the first time, they have organized a mini-marathon as the major part of the celebration. Every year, they always do something special for their in-house members – boxing matches, aero competitions, an outdoor adventure race and a big party to finish it all. But for this year, they’ve opened their doors to the outside world with CITIRUN.

I get the feeling that Cebu is starting to look like it’s a Running city. I got into it for awhile last year because of my friend’s (Haide Acuña - a serious running athlete) influence. But I haven’t been running for a few months now. Let’s just say life got in the way. But I plan to do it again soon because it sure feels like I’ve been left behind.

To date, CITIRUN has 1,400 registered runners. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them. I know, I’ll be missing out on a lot. I’ve been with Citigym since they’ve opened 4 years ago. In fact, I’ve been with them way before they were even called Citigym. And this is why I really didn’t want to miss the grand shindig!

But, I’ve scheduled a trip to catch my musical hero Imogen Heap in Singapore on March 29 which means I won’t be here on the day of the event. Honestly though, this is the reason why I don’t feel all that bad. Haha! Besides, I’m sure there will be another CITIRUN next year.

I won’t be able to see some of my work fly though. I’ve helped out in the preparation by providing the design for the poster, tarps, etc. I would’ve loved to see them all in print. I guess I’ll just have to check them out in the photos. Oh well. But hey, Cebu, GO RUN!

LET'S DANCE!

2010-03-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

I made a 22 Tango Records video/TV ad that will serve as a tool for promoting 22 Tango Records in the local scene. I was able to launch this material last week-end during the big night – TEN at the Outpost. I was happy with the positive feedback I got especially from the artists under 22 Tango’s roster.

22 Tango Record's stand and direction is on collaboration – on the idea that 2 heads are better than one, that it takes two to tango. So, technically, it focuses on the collaboration between artists and the record label, and how the two parties have work to be done. And together they can do it effectively!

For now, 22 Tango is concentrating on Undercover Grasshoppers, Zafra and their upcoming debut releases this year. Also, 22 Tango Records will be assisting a few artists’ in promoting their materials.

I guess I’m going to be busy.

WHEN TEN HAPPENS…

2010-03-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

I’ll count to ten…

When TEN happens, it’ll start with the opening of the LUCILLE UMALI Art Exhibit. The artworks are mostly Cattski (music) – inspired water color paintings which are actually incorporated in the 24-page mini story book and double CD Deluxe album version of TEN. Three photographers will share the exhibit area with Lucille, namely Archie Uy, Aileen Siroy and Malou Pages. These three lens addicts and light chasers whom I’ve had the privilege to work with last year will be displaying a few shots. Well, not of my naked body, though, that would have to be very expensive!

When TEN happens, the whole bunch of Cattski Merchandise will be unveiled. First, the regular Cattski TEN CD, then the very special Deluxe Version of the album and the Cattskrinkets! Oh, they’re vintage brass necklaces with a guitar and a carved Cattski official logo and… maybe a line from one of my songs. You’d love them, they’re nice looking! :-)

You’ll find previous (but precious) Cattski albums there too plus the HERO shirt! It’s my official artist shirt with a line from my song HERO printed on it. There, it’s going to be a retail store, I guess!

Bands playing are Hastang, Undercover Grasshoppers, Lui Castillo, Zafra, and Sheila & the Insects. Yes, in that order, and my band and I will be playing last. Bands will play at least one Cattski song in their own interpretation. The exciting part is that all performances during this night will be recorded live c/o 1032 Recording Studios. Chances are we could make a live album out of it! Well, that was the intention. Let’s hope it happens!

By now, you probably understand why I’m excited. Yes, I’m celebrating and probably saying goodbye or paying tribute to a wonderful decade of making music with a good bunch of amazing and talented musicians. It’s the end of the road for that story in my life and it could only mean this is a new beginning. It means that I’m off to discover what and who else is out there willing to make magic with me - that magic we call MUSIC.

The one important thing I’ve learned so far during the course of the production is that I AM BLESSED. I am blessed. You have no idea how blessed I am. The support I have gotten from people is too overwhelming that I am so close to questioning if I even deserve it. And I cannot imagine how to thank these people enough. Realizing that I won’t ever be able to, I promised myself to use that gratitude to dedicate my life to what they call ‘self-betterment’ so I can contribute to the universe the best way I can.

Come on the 20th of March, this Saturday and share this moment with me.

I’m ready to be happy!

THE (so-called) TV AD

2010-03-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Produced by HAPPY GARAJE (www.happygaraje.com)
Words & Scoring by Michael Olitres
Bed for Details Slideshow and Tag:
“50” The remix version by Coolie Dread
(50 appears in the album Sound Minds Speak Volumes)

Now showing on RCTV and on circulation on Facebook.

Most likely to raise eyebrows, but hey… :-)

MY TENTH!

2010-03-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

I just realized I have been uploading teaser ads on my Facebook page about this major thing that’s going on for me this month. And the other day, I saw my face (alarmingly fat) on the front cover of Sunstar for the same reason. And I realized that I haven’t really said much about this, except for the Sunstar interview (among other interviews), so I decided I should just make THE announcement in full detail – straight from the horse’s mouth!

I’m celebrating my TENTH year as a musician. And by that, I mean I’m really celebrating. How? Well, there’s going to be a show – an outdoor concert - and my band friends are going to play a little bit of my music, of course, in their own interpretation. Sheila & the Insects, Undercover Grasshoppers, Hastang, Lui Castillo and Zafra are all playing. This is really quite exciting for me. They’ll play their music but they’ll insert a little bit of me, a couple of my songs, in their respective set lists. How cool is that?

To add up, it’s also going to be a live recording. 1032 Recording Studios has sponsored the event by recording it digitally through its new service – the mobile recording. I’m happy about it because this entails a live album project between 1032 Studios and 22 Tango Records - something that I really look forward to doing sometime this year.

Last but not the least, and it’s the whole point of it all, I’m releasing an album! This is really the heart of the celebration – releasing an album composed of my most memorable songs from the first album to the third and even up to Kismet. For me, this is a way of paying tribute to the musical journey of 10 years – the same journey I share with many amazing musicians who collaborated with me in putting the music to life and sharing it to the world.

The album, simply dubbed TEN will carry 10 songs but there’s a little surprise hidden somewhere in the tracks. And, there will be two types of releases. There’s the regular CD and there’s a Deluxe Collectors Item version that is actually a 24-page storybook of THE musical journey. The Deluxe version also carries a DVD of all the episodes of the Cattski Live Demos Series.

I will be writing more about the album versions in a different post as I feel that it deserves an entire blog because of the complexity of how it was produced and who were involved in the production. All I can say, for now, is that I’m really proud about how it all fell into place and how beautifully they were made. I feel that the album is a breakthrough in terms of creative innovation since it is a collaboration between a musical artist and a visual artist. That’s the hint. More details soon.

All in all, I am very excited. I am overwhelmed of the support that I am getting from everybody who chipped in. Since this is a result-oriented event, I hope to inspire to other local artists that everything can be done for as long as we are willing to collaborate. And more importantly, know who to collaborate with.

ART WORKS

2010-03-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday’s ARTIST KO activity was one major step for the organization. It was vital for our growth as a business entity and necessary for the nurturing and motivation of our members. The strategic planning, which was facilitated by my mentor Alex Uypuanco, did not only make us realize our true direction but it also unified our existing ideas of what Artist Ko is and who we truly are in the most basic sense.

Artist Ko is a Profit Entity, we’re clear on that. It is not to say that we’ve thrown our souls to the fire and that we shall now take part in the works of the devil. What we are doing is simply participating in an activity called TRADE. We are basically just selling our PRODUCTS, which are the end-result of our individual and collaborative productivity, and our SERVICES which are the unified form of our skills and abilities.

This does not mean that we have taken on a journey towards commercialism and that we are adapting the ways of shrewd businessmen or the false values of network television. We are simply acknowledging the value of our art and, at the end of the day, giving value to ourselves as artists.

Simpy put, we are working for our art and we are making our art work for us.

Yes. Art works.

BREATHE

2010-03-06T05:01:00.000-08:00

sharing the lyrics and the video here! i love this song... glad i wrote it. it tends to be melancholic from my end, but i just love it. everything about it. i cant wait to record this adn add a bridge part...

BREATHE
Words & Music by Cattski Espina

ONE DAY I’LL STOP
DOING WHAT I’M DOING
AND ESCAPE TO WHERE THE SKY MEETS THE SEA

BUT FOR NOW I HAVE A PAPER TO DO
AND PROMISES TO KEEP
AND LOSE A LOT SLEEP
CAUSE I GOTTA PICK UP SPEED
(1 ROUND GUITAR)

REFRAIN:
WHEN THERE’S TOO MUCH TO FACE
AND JUST TOO MUCH TO DO
JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES
AND IN YOUR SILENCE
KNOW THAT I AM WITH YOU

CHORUS:

JUST BREATHE…
(EVERYDAY THE WORLD GETS CRAZY
I HOLD ON TO THE THOUGHT OF
COMING HOME TO YOU…,
I’M COMING HOME TO YOU)

JUST BREATHE
(EVERYDAY I PRAY FOR A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND THAT I WILL ONLY SHARE WITH YOU… SHARE WITH YOU…)

I FEAR MY OWN INTENSE DISAPPOINTMENT
AND FORGETTING SOMETHING FROM MY DETAILED TO-DO LIST
I DON’T WANT TO LET ANYBODY DOWN
SO THE BUSH I BEAT AROUND
I’VE GOT A BOOK IN MY HAND
BUT I SWEAR I’LL NEVER UNDERSTAND

WHEN THERE’S TOO MUCH TO FACE
AND JUST TOO MUCH TO DO
JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES
AND IN YOUR SILENCE
KNOW THAT I AM WITH YOU

JUST BREATHE…
(EVERYDAY THE WORLD GETS CRAZY
I HOLD ON TO THE THOUGHT OF
COMING HOME TO YOU…,
I’M COMING HOME TO YOU)

JUST BREATHE
(EVERYDAY I PRAY FOR A LITTLE PEACE OF MIND THAT I WILL ONLY SHARE WITH YOU… SHARE WITH YOU…)

DOWN TO THE LAST

2010-03-02T01:47:00.000-08:00

The narrowcasting series that I’ve initiated around August last year is coming to an end, finally, after 8 months. Now down to its 12th episode, CATTSKI LIVE DEMOS say goodbye with a song called Breathe.

I did not expect it to be so but the last episode, I would have to say, is my favorite. I wrote this song after I went back to yoga class - - after a few months of not going and not practicing. It’s amazing how regimented breathing exercises and mindful movement can align your body and mind. Even if you don’t go to yoga class very often, you can still center yourself with just a few deep breaths and just be still even in the midst of the chaos of everyday activity.

I took the idea of “breathing” and related it to my life, my everyday activities that sometimes tend to be overwhelming, and, of course, the people who are important to me.

When you live, you breathe. When you love, you breathe.

The song turned out to be pretty simple. I guess that’s why I love it.

Breathe will be available for viewing on March 6, Saturday at around 8:00 AM on Facebook, Youtube and Vimeo. It features Anne Muntuerto as a special guest doing guitar and vocals.

I think I’ll miss sharing my songs and waking up at 8:00 AM every other week-end to upload an episode. The reason why I did this series was because the music that was already written was just aching to be shared even if they were not in their produced form yet. And I honestly didn’t want to wait ‘til I have a new album to put them out there.

Now that I’m down to the last, I’ll take a little break, go back to writing, and do some studio work. And who knows, in a few months, there might be a season two!

Thanks to all the people involved with my CATTSKI LIVE DEMOS project - -

Paolo dela Victoria, Archie Uy, Eds Estrella-Uy, Jad Bantug, Cilee Kuizon, Jude Gitamondoc, Ysai Perez and Jay Chiongbian-Young.

And to Anne for dropping by.