Standing On The Edge

Cuida

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:02:00 +0000

This is probably the sappiest song from Dancel that I've heard. I was searching for tv wall mounts when a friend of mine sent me a link to the rough version of this song. Two nights ago, I was fortunate enough to get invited to the Brixton Block Party and heard the former front man of Sugarfree belt the song live.

And was I mesmerized.

Valves

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 02:51:00 +0000

Have you seen these hydraulic valves? No? Well you have too! And specially now that they are offering the best deal there is on hydraulic valves! Spent almost an hour with the different varieties that one can find on the site and I've spotted the ones I like. Click the link and see which deal fits you.

PA System

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:47:00 +0000

Check out these behringer pa speakers at Guitar Center, a deal that I found out online via email. Been in search on a great PA system for the new lounge a friend is setting up for his bar and I think this will be perfect. Click the link and see which deal fits you.

Guitars

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:43:00 +0000

Check out these hofner guitars from musicians friend, a deal that I found out online via email. A friend of mine knows that I have been hanging out with bands recently and thought the information might help. So I am spreading the love and good news with you, my readers. Click the link and see which deal fits you.

Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

Most of my friends have Paris on their list of the places they want to go to. I mean who wouldn't want to experience the Parisian way of eating, walking, and even breathing! Been bumping into these luxury paris apartment deals whenever I search for the interesting things to do while in Paris.

Biking around the city is the first of tons of things that I want to do if ever I'll get the chance to visit the most romantic place on earth. Then maybe watch and observe Parisians and other tourists while having coffee at a local cafe, and of course take photographs.

I bet every corner of Paris will be picture perfect.

Royalty

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:51:00 +0000

Up north, they reign.
Where cigar ratings do not take its toll.
Glass caskets and smooth floors.
Feet won't event touch soil.

Up north, they reign.
Sun shines amidst rain.
Rain wash away every grain.
Of courtesies that have wane.

Up north, they reign.
Up north, them pain.
Up north, sweet grain.
Up north, they wane.

Slow Start

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:13:00 +0000

In my room, streaming Minus the Bear on Soundcloud. One reason I'm doing this is because a new found friend likes listening to the band. I met him last November and I sort of felt connected with him because I just found out that we have some things in common. But I'm not going to linger on that. I just know that I like talking to him and I just hope he sort of perceive the same thing with me.

This is really weird. Writing. I honestly feel really awkward right now as I type. Guess I cannot really come back to that point in my life where writing is my comfort zone. I've accepted the fact that I'm not good with words. I think I WAS before. Don't get me wrong, I write everyday but the style is all black and white. It's a slow process, but strongly believe that I am getting better at it.

The start of the year have been pretty slow for me. Saying that sounds funny because because it's only the 6th day. High hopes was all I had when I started 2012. I thought everything will go smoothly, but the first half was rough. But looking back, I think the things that happened were meant to happen. It was a blessing in disguise.

Rejection was a blessing.

2012 was I think a particular year in my life where I met and made A LOT of new friends. And these new set of friends were the ones that I love being around with because I can just be myself. I can be my crazy self without being laughed at and I can talk about things without feeling awkward and afraid of being ridiculed.

But honestly, I love the days when I do things on my own. Watching movies alone. Eating alone. Watching gigs alone. Walking alone. Some three years ago, I was sort of 'stressed out' with the idea that at my age, I still do things alone. Of course, there are days that I wonder how it feels like having someone (who doesn't). Pero lagi ko na lang sinasabi sa sarili ko na dadating din yan. Dadating din siya. If not, then life goes on.

The new year both excite and scare me. But I guess the year will be less awkward and not as stressful as last year.

I hope.

North

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:10:00 +0000

Had the chance to explore Ilocos during the last days of 2012. I got invited by my office mates to a three-day tour of the famous spots up north. I am glad I joined.

First stop: Ilocos bridge

My favorite place we went to has got to be the Bangui Windmills. Seeing these humongous wind instruments up close is quite an experience. Hearing the loud creaks of the windmills will make you feel like you're a part of a spooky movie. Here's one photo I took when we explored the Bangui Windmills.

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos

[Indie] Manila on Pindiemusic

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:49:00 +0000

I started my YouTube channel, [Indie] Manila, late last year. But I've only really made an effort to go out and attend different gigs held at different bars (some of them sell interesting handmade cigars) around Manila this year. I always bring my Kodak PlaySport Zx5 and record as much as I can of the very much alive Independent music scene Watching live gigs is one thing I am passionate about and I most of the time find it frustrating to not find 'watchable' live band footage of the bands here. So I decided why not go out there and shoot my favorite bands the way that I myself would enjoy finding on YouTube.

The awesome people behind Pindiemusic.com website asked me to choose ten of the best videos I have filmed since I started last October 2011 for their first video exhibition.

Look, Ma! I'm on the internet!

It is not an easy task because all of the videos are special to me and have different experiences attached to it. I chose these videos with these in mind: rarity and difficulty of filming.

Click the photo below and check out the feature with videos from Pedicab, Hidden Nikki, Taken by Cars, Sleepwalk Circus, tide/edit, Dicta License, Twin Lobster, Urbandub, Up Dharma Down, and Sandwich.

Stages

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 06:35:00 +0000

Not really a fan of being up on stage, but this positioning stages are interesting. Linear positioning method sounds Greek to me, but reading more about it made me more interested on what this service has to offer. Maybe I'll write another blog post to discuss more about this service.

Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:32:00 +0000

New db shoes. Nice way to begin the week. Been wanting to have these pairs for weeks but got too clammed up with work. I placed my order the other day. I just have to wait for two days before it reach my doorstep. I am excited.

Fuzz

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:20:00 +0000

Check out zvex fuzz factory at guitar center and avail the best deals this holiday season. Guitars are among the things I would like to have this Christmas. And spotting this great deal online made me realize that it is possible to get my wish. There are other deals you can avail from the website so click on!

Jib

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Been getting a lot of random assignments like writing a feature on jib crane and other sorts of things.I am guessing it's because Christmas is coming and people are into buying the most interesting things as gifts for their loved ones. Speaking of gifts, I haven't had the chance to think about my 'shopping plan'. The holidays tend to be really crazy and having a plan could give one a stress-free gift-buying spree.

Project

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 07:48:00 +0000

Been asked to have a meeting with a group for a project. More of a side project -- something that I can do after work. No idea if it is something related to spirometer and the other request I have been receiving to write about these past few weeks. The project is actually intriguing. The offer said that I will be doing the same thing that I have been doing for some time now, but a tad more exciting.

Will update you soon.

tide/edit

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:21:00 +0000

I don't know why I find it hard to web words when writing about something that I admire. I remember Joseph Gordon-Levitt saying in an interview about how he cannot really put into words why he loves acting. That if one can talk about acting, then it somewhat defeats the idea of...well...acting itself.

Guess I am in the same boat about loving and being passionate about a certain hobby, music genre, or bands. It's not that the hobbies/music genre/artist/bands that I feature here on my blog are any less than special, but mind you, it takes weeks for me to really put my thoughts together and actually write about them.

Like writing about tide/edit.

The purpose of this post is to actually promote the launch party of tide/edit's first EP, 'IDEAS EP'. But then I thought why not dedicate this entire entry to chronicle how I am inspired by this band. So let's get the promotion out of the way, shall we.

The IDEAS EP launch will be on August 31 at 121 Bar in Makati. ~~There will be a 150-peso door charge~~ THE GIG IS FREE. No word yet on how much will they be selling the EP, but take my word for it that it will be worth every penny. All the proceeds of the show will be donated to the victims of the recent monsoon that hit the metro.

Clarence of tide/edit shared that the cover photo was shot by their drummer Jawin. He worries that it is a bit dark, but the I said that's what made the cover art brilliant; its dark and abstract tone.

Read more about the event by clicking this link.

It was November of last year when I first heard about tide/edit. The timing was kind of perfect because I was in my 'Toe' phase. The first track I heard from them was 'Pagbangon'.

The band released this track on YouTube to give inspiration, through their music, to the people who were struck by typhoon Sendong. It was only recent that I found out that the band originally started with just two members: Clarence and Jawin. The band started literally online. Clarence and Jawin record their tracks in the confines of their room.

I mentioned that I was in my 'Toe' phase back then, so imagine how excited I was when they released a cover of my favorite song from the Japanese postrock band. The arrangement is very different from the original, but the band delivered the cover of Goodbye in a very classy way that even the very members of Toe gave them props for it.

The band released other songs after this and I thought each release is something different. Something a music fan should take time to listen to. I found myself constantly listening to their songs everyday (specially when I am writing), tweeting about them, and convincing friends to listen to them.

Fast-forward to April of this year, the band booked their first gig for Green Apple Productions. The gig was held at Amos Cafe. I didn't expect anything that night but the moment Jawin, Clarence, Nelson, and Noe hit the stage, I was completely blown away. I just admire how clean and raw their sound is when they played their songs. I remember seeing the whole of Amos Cafe literally stopped and watch them play. Here's a video from that night to give you an idea of what transpired.

tide/edit have been in six gigs, and I only missed one. One of the prod organizers I talked to told me that it was because of my videos why they decided to invite the band to play on their gig. And that gives me a little pride because in a way I helped spread and make people like something I truly believe in.

Everytime I see the band being invited on a gig, I feel like this big sister who's proud of her younger brothers who's playing on a team. I remember how scared I was when they got invited to a production where the lineup was mostly hard core rock bands. That night, the crowd was different. They are not the kind of crowd who would listen to postrock. But then, though I was scared, I am confident that they will nail that gig. And they did. :)

The band will be playing a show tonight at Freedom bar in Anonas. Sadly, I will miss this one and ~~I'd have to wait for the 31st before seeing them again~~.

Movie Marathons

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 06:31:00 +0000

Sometimes, I get crazy with movie marathons. Yep, I am the type of person who would rather spend the whole day locked in her room watching movies than spending it with say going to the mall and window shop. The amount of DVDs beside my TV set can attest that I have been getting a little overboard with themed movie marathons. I only have an ordinary DVD player, and at one point, I sometimes regret not giving in to the extra 300 pesos for the HD one that require long hdmi cables.

I'd like to share with you a list of some of my favorite 'movie marathon themes'. Most of these movies were the films I enjoyed when I was young. Some of them may be familiar with you:

John Hughes. Particularly his teen flicks. They say no one has ever captured the genuine emotions of teens during the 80s than the movies written and produced by Mr. Hughes. And I just love watching four of them over and over and over: Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles, Some Kind of Wonderful, and The Breakfast Club.

Dukie in Pretty in Pink will always be number 1 in my heart.

the cast of Pretty In Pink

The Karate Kid. Yes, I am a closet damsel in distress and I'd prefer Daniel Larusso saving me anytime. The Karate Kid trilogy is a certified classic. I once wanted to learn Karate when I was a kid, but my parents could not bear the thought of having their only daughter being punched and kicked even for the spirit of sports. The closest I've been in karate was practicing the 'wax on, wax off' routine in the confines of my bedroom.

Wax on, wax off.

The Mighty Ducks. Ah yes, ice hockey. Charlie Conway and the Ducks. Writing this entry now has got me thinking how I actually enjoy watching sports competitions in movies. I thought the producers should've stopped with part 2. Not so crazy about the storyline of the last film from the franchise, but it is nice to see these kids grew up and be the best 'Ducks' they can be.

Quack!

Silent Scenery Live In Manila!

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Post-rock fever will hit our shores as Malaysian band Silent Scenery kicks off their Asian tour with not one, not two, but THREE gigs here in Manila!

poster by Bel Certeza

A quartet that aspires to craft soundtracks of life with melodic tunes, Silent Scenery, hailed from Malaysia, burst into the local independent music scene with their first single, Tale of a Wooden Door in 2007. Their simple melodies, sewn together seamlessly, do not tell you stories but rather, leaving a space for you to craft a tale of your own.

Silent Scenery is Kit on guitars, vocals and xylophone; Ivan on guitars, vocals and keyboard; and Seikan on drums, vocals and percussion.

Visit the band's official website at http://www.silentscenery.com, like their page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/silentscenery), and follow them on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/silentscenery).

I have been listening to the band's first full length album, These Still Moments, since December of last year. And the tracks have been on my playlist since then.

Here's the music video of my favorite track from the band, Stop Motion and Fragments.

Their first two shows will be produced by Green Apple Productions, with performances by tide/edit, Between Archery and Olympic, Legarda, Hatchobanko, Mount Analogue, Monochrome, and Anton and the Salvadors. Php150 lets you in with one free drink.

[Click to RSVP]

The last leg of their Manila tour will be brought to us by Dancing Panda Productions and A Spur Of the Moment Project, with performances by tide/edit, Earthmover, and Hatchobanko. Php150 lets you in with a free drink.

[Click to RSVP]

See you at the shows!

Eraserheads North American Reunion Tour 2012 FULL SCHEDULE

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 02:45:00 +0000

The Eraserheads. Filipinos coined them as the band that defined the music of an entire generation. The 90s generation, in particular.

An entire generation was brokenhearted when the band went their separate ways in 2001, got nostalgic when the fab four decided (finally) to reunite and have a 1-night only show in 2008, and even more ecstatic when they fulfilled the 'unfinished' part 1 of the Reunion concert in 2009 in 'The Final Set'. Many thought that would be the last day we fans could see Ely, Marcus, Raymund, and Buddy in one stage.

Not until today. And now they're bringing the music to NORTH AMERICA!

poster by JP Cuison

The Eraserheads will be touring the US for the NORTH AMERICAN REUNION TOUR 2012 this October!

Here is the complete schedule of the Eraserheads' North American Reunion Tour 2012:

October 12, Friday at the Regency Room in San Francisco, California (Presented by Red Cheese Production)

October 13, Saturday at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California (Presented by Rising Sun Entertainment)

October 19, Friday at Kool Haus in Toronto, Ontario Canada (Presented by Dumlao Media)

October 20, Saturday at 123 Main St. in New York, New York (Presented by Nosaj Entertainment)

Here's a clip of the band from their last concert 'The Final Set' performing 'Alapaap'.

Goodbye, July

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:20:00 +0000

Halting my stressful research about candy cigars for a bit to ponder on things.

Is July really over?

My birthday month had been a memorable one. Making decisions to be honest with one's feelings and frustrations to people I care about is definitely a risk. It's either be friends with them and have all these frustrations of them not knowing I have it or telling my exact emotions and entirely risk of loosing them altogether. I choose the latter. Those who understood stayed, and those who doesn't either stayed away or subtly lingered.

Moving on is not one of my best assets. I consider it both a blessing and a curse. Holding on to people whenever I see a tiny inch of hope in them make me forget that I sometimes (others said most of the time) that I tend to spend too much time for them, and them not doing it in return. I never regret giving my attention to people that needs them. But it is frustrating that when the time comes that you're the one who needs attention/care/soundboard/whatever, the people you've given that much care and attention that they need are the ones that are not there.

I know I sounded needy. I sounded that I am the type of person that need A LOT of attention. But honestly, no. That's why I find it frustrating whenever I get ignored.

Alone is all I have, I guess.

Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:27:00 +0000

Situations like this have me thinking if only I could have superpowers. The idea of having tv mounting brackets as a weapon even crossed my mind. Crazy ideas could enter one's head especially in times that one thinks that he/she is most useless.

Like right now.

The last thing I want is to feel helpless. But given the situation, I cannot do anything but pray. Hard.

Revamped

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:10:00 +0000

Overthinking is my kryptonite. This trait has become the main reason why this corner haven't been filled with anything worth reading. Plus my 2011 have been, I cannot say wasted, but got me drowned with various mental and emotional scenarios that left me uninspired to blog or to write for that matter. I am in that stage where I am trying to find that drive again to write. So I thought the first step was revamping this space.

The header photo is a collage of my most favorite photos I took using my BlackBerry. And it kinda represent the things I like and what inspires me right now: music, filming bands, friends, books, and long walks.

Music. I have always been in love with music. The past year led me to discovering a lot of local and foreign independent acts. I find myself eluding the local radio stations and spending more time listening to the music shared ~~with~~ by friends. I remember this one tweet I read about knowing the music that you like and finding oneself not being charmed by commercial music. The artists and bands that I have discovered these past months are the ones that really speak to you in a manner that sometimes I find myself lost in it. What makes it more interesting is that I have new friends who actually share the fondness for these tunes.

Filming bands. Live music has always been my passion. Seeing Eraserheads and Rivermaya in one gig at 15 triggered this passion. It's that feeling of nothingness when I am in the middle of these gigs makes me whole. Nothingness, in the sense that I let the music take over me that let myself forget about the realities that I face everyday. That in five hours, nothing can bring me down because of the fuel live music gives me. Capturing moments is another one I am fond of. I will be forever thankful to the person who gave me my first HD camcorder, the one who, at one point in our friendship, believed in what I can do.

My YouTube channel now has 130 different videos of the gigs that I have been to since October of last year.

Friends. Discovering my passion for filming bands had led me to meet the most amazing people lately. Those people that I can be myself around with. Who also share the same passion for local music as I do. Whom I can talk for hours about my thoughts about music, and the scene.

Books. I need to add new titles on my list. Any suggestions?

Long walks. The hours where I can be my 'overthinking' self again. :P

This is a start...

Lollapalooza 2012 Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:36:00 +0000

Lollapalooza season is upon music indie fans, and I couldn't be more excited. That weekend where I do not mind staying in front my computer in the wee hours of the morning, shouting curses when the stream spend more time buffering than actually streaming the festival. The weekend where I don't mind if they're working on a funeral planning checklist, as long as I wake up at the exact time, not giving a damn whether the hour is most ungodly, to catch up on my favorite bands play live and experience the same thrill people on the other side of the globe (yes, people of Chicago I am looking at you).

Here's to hoping that our Internet service provider will give this corner a decent connection on August 4, 5, and 6. Or else curses and frustration will take its course.

And here my friends is the AWESOME Lollapalooza 2012 lineup!

My 29th Birthday, In Tweets

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Yep, I just turned 29 last Thursday. And I can honestly say I had the best birthday this year. I got to spend the entire day with my whole family. We had a mini ice cream party courtesy of Mama. Then the whole family went to the nearest mall to watch Spider Man and had dinner at Max's.

The day also became special because of the tweets I received from friends. Some tweeted a day earlier and others even managed to tweet me at exactly 12mn. These little things matter to me. The fact that they remembered (well, I was doing a countdown on twitter so they won't miss it haha) and made an effort to greet me means so much to me, you have no idea. I got to respond to each and every greeting, thanks to my handy BlackBerry.

@belcerteza happy birthday! @greenjello22 @sungkiserna
— Aeryn Sun Crichton (@aeryncrichton) July 4, 2012

I never really asked for anything material for my birthday (not even a dymo 30277), but the overflowing love is something I never expected. THANK YOU to everyone who made my birthday memorable and special. BIG HUG to all of you. :D

29

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 04:11:00 +0000

In two days, I'll be 29. The last year where I get to say 20-ish. The idea is kinda scary knowing that I am not getting any younger. I have to write an article on cubital tunnel splint due today, but I just needed to write these thoughts down.

Travel more.
Read more.
Film bands.
Laugh more.
Hug more.
Trust more.

Yep, random thoughts.

Enemies of June

noreply@blogger.com (Bel Certeza) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 01:42:00 +0000

Familiar. Some may call it stupidity. How can a woman of your age find yourself in the exact same spot as you were every time. Unnecessary name plates might be needed as people are somewhat in blur when this happens.

Banned. The harshest word one could ever hear. And finally came out of his mouth. Bet it must be brewing all along. Signs have been there. The way he took things for granted. That he cannot grasp that things are beyond credits and acknowledgements. Those one-word replies, or lack thereof. He's on top of the world, all he sees is himself and the misery that he is in. He always does. He always will. Twisting everything as if he's the victim of all this is ridiculous. As if people cannot feel anything, or the only thing acceptable to him is how he wants people to feel.