What started as a very good month is turning out to be a nightmare. We lost three gigs because of different reasons. Besides the obvious financial hit the band is going to take, it keeps us vacant. Vacant means we’re not playing; not getting our music out.

First to go was Yellow Pepper, formerly Yaku. They called us early in the month saying that they’re having problems with the building with regards to papers, noise and so on.

We then lost Strumm’s. Since they’re experimenting on Saturdays, we were apparently an experiment. Next month they’re going to experiment again on someone else. Bummer! I liked this gig.

Then finally we found out we lost Soma. Soma is the lounge we play at in Alabang. There really isn’t much gratification playing there. I’d like to think that Overtone is really just tripping out playing there. Pay is not good, audience is weird (that’s an understatement); but it is fun. They want to try out another band that’s been begging them to play. If the band doesn’t work out, they’ll give us a call again.

Thank God that we have two new places to play at next month. So there is an up side. It’s just disconcerting to lose three venues. Oh well. That’s really the breaks a gigging musician has to put up with.

TITLE: HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW - ROONEY

It’s good to be playing drums more often. We now have a regular “full-band” setup gig on Saturdays at Strumm’s. As much as I enjoy it, I’ve been having a problem with my playing. You see, I’ve been so used to playing cajon for so long that my drum kit chops have deteriorated. I actually notice all the flaws in my playing; especially in my fills.

Yesterday I finally got to tag along with Chris to her drum lessons with Jun Regalado. Jun Regalado is a well respected master of drumming her in the Philippines. He’s a seasoned musical and an educator. I got to sit in during his lessons and got to see how he goes about teaching the important stuff. When Chris was done, I got to chat with him about music and ask him questions about drumming. I got to mention my problem with fills; he was nice enough to show me tips on improving them. I also got to play on his fantastic drum kit (#41 at Chris’ request); you can imagine though how shy I was to play in front of a legend. Thank God that I didn’t suck that much that time.

Now I have something to look forward to during today’s practice (Jay Server’s new songs?). Unfortunately band practice is the only place I really get to practice drums; unless you count gigs at Capone’s. I would like time to spend just playing exercises on drums. Maybe one day I’ll just book the studio for myself. Just mess with the kit all my lonesome. One day.

TITLE: BROKEN DRUM - BECK

Right now on the “Movie Plus” channel, the movie “That Thing You Do” is airing. I have a soft spot for this movie. Sure it doesn’t make my top 10 list of favorite movies (I have to wonder), but I can so relate to it.

Everyone by now knows what the movie is about so I won’t go into details. I see so many similarities with what I’ve gone through in the music biz, even some of the personal quirks and tirades among band members are the same. There’s a lot of wise music career advice in there too. Just like the Wonders. I also remember the excitement of hearing my band on the radio the first time.

I’ve been down the road that the Wonders have gone through. You won’t believe how close my path was to that of the movie. Now I’m on that path again with my current band Overtone. The band could use someone like Tom Hanks’ character; someone to push the band and make things happen. We could use the backing of a record label too.

On a parting note, I’m also waiting for my Liv Tyler.

TITLE: THAT THING YOU DO – THE WONDERS

I’m starting to amass a good collection of Belgian beer bottles. Every time I go to Beers Paradise, I take home at least two new ones. However, bottles aren’t the only reason I’ve been having a fascination with Belgian beers. Recently, I’ve grown a healthy respect for beer.

Beer is such a great beverage when you actually sit down to appreciate it. When drank properly (there’s a whole ritual to it) even the most common beers, like the San Miguel brews, take on different qualities. Appreciating beer is almost like appreciating wine. The taste, texture and smells of the liquid are all to be savored. When you try a really good beer, you’ll know what I mean.

In the mean time I’ll leave you with a few resources that’ll give you a better respect for beer. Drink for flavor, not for impact. I can’t wait to get back to Beers Paradise.

Beer Advocate
The Belgian Beer Escort
Beermad
Here’s to Beer

TITLE: BOTTLE – PAUL WELLER

One of my dogs died the other day. He died right after my father’s fifth death anniversary. That’s why I’ve been in a somber mood lately. My dog, whose name changes all the time (his last name was Baduy), was just like me: fat, lazy and white. All he did was eat and sleep. He had it good. Whenever I’d get home from a gig he’d greet me at the gate or try to see me through my window. I miss that mutt.

TITLE: MUTT – BLINK 182

As some of you know, horror movies have been a fascination of mine for quite a long time. Recently I’ve been able to enjoy a lot thanks to my South Side friends.

Asian horror is still the way to go. Nothing creeps you out better than the images and sounds that these films put into your head. You’ll be looking over your shoulder way after you’ve watched. Jumping at every sound you hear.

I’ve gone through all four Ju-On movies (the Japanese ones anyway). This is one creepy series (you can skip the second and the third; they’re just rehashes of the first). It’s basically a haunted house movie but done the Japanese way. The horrors go with you even if you leave the house. I won’t give much detail since some of you might not have seen it yet. It’s a good fright flick. Just make sure you watch it with the right atmosphere; 5.1 surround, a decent sized TV, and a dark room.

Now I can’t wait for the next horror screening we’ll have. It so reminds me of those times in high school I’d host a horror movie screening at home to a bunch of friends. Pure, albeit scary, fun!

TITLE: CREEP – RADIOHEAD

The South, Alabang in particular, has been my haven for the past few weeks. I hang out with a cool group of friends from the area: Deng, Aimee and JP (of course Tito, Jay and Val are there too). Be it pizza night, hang out at the mall, down a few suds, watch a movie (we watch a lot of horror movies); this group is up to the task.  No worries except for what to do next? That’s the way things should be.

TITLE: THE REMEDY – JASON MRAZ

I haven’t buzzed in for quite sometime. My head hasn’t been in the mood to write. Today though I thought I’d give it another shot. Just forgive me if I ramble.

I’ve been in an introspective state of late. Assessing what’s been going on with me and trying to get my head back on straight. I’ve realized so many things and it’s been enough to keep me sane. I’ve even changed some routines and habits just to make things different.

I’m glad I went through this bump on the road. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve opened my eyes and have a better appreciation for what I have. Now if I can keep to this path, all will be just fine.

TITLE: NO MORE BLUE HORIZONS – CHINA CRISIS