How many people do you know can actually claim to have started a riot? Add Overtone to your list now. We played a punk set last night at a San Miguel Beer October Fest at Star Mall Las Pinas; it got the crowd into a frenzy.

It all started innocently enough. People having a good time. The energy was high; the crowd started dancing. Later the front of the stage became a mosh pit. Even the members of the other bands joined in. Then we were told that outside the stage area, there were people causing trouble.

I know there were people that got hurt (from the three brawls that happened) and some were arrested (well if you smash the windows and wind shields of police cars you will be); that isn't really good, but it kinda reflects the true essence of the punk movement. It's a statement, an anti-establishment one. Last night validated our feel for punk. It was real, not a bunch of poser just playing notes. Don't get me wrong, we didn't instigate the ruckus by telling people to go nuts. The essence of the music, punk rock music, came through. We had to cut the set short since things got pretty out of hand. Security did a fantastic job of keeping things from further escalating.

What a rush last night was. Again it's sad that violence was involved, but at the same time gratifying that the feel and message of the music was received. Punk's not dead.

TITLE: ANARCHY IN THE U.K. - THE SEX PISTOLS

These past few weeks have been awesome for the band. We've been going gig after gig with fantastic shows. The band was playing tight, the venues were packed, the crowd was receptive; what more could we want?

The high of events came last Saturday at Capone's when we played for the K-Lite anniversary. Despite the number of bands that played, it was good to be the crowd favorite. We didn't disappoint either. Our performance was just on overdrive. We started playing an original called "Totally Mental" which incidentally, the station wants to use as the theme song for one of their shows. Since Borgy Manotoc is one of the hosts of that show, we added the line "Manotoc for Mayor" in the song; poking fun at his bid to run for office in Manila. That night was such a rush for Overtone.

We're also back in the studio recording more tracks for our album. It's been going quite smoothly. The songs are shaping up to be better than we thought. Maybe all the gigging has sharpened our skills. I can't wait for the next sessions.

I'd like to think this is the start of big things for the band. Hopefully the good fortune just snowballs. We've seen how people enjoy what we do. The happiness we bring to others during our performances is priceless to us. We feel the love and the support of our friends; we owe it to them to be the best we can. Here's to hoping this is just the start.

TITLE: START THE MACHINE - ANGELS AND AIRWAVES

Having a cold and cough really sucks. I got this bug from one of my band mates, most likely Tito. The bug is going around. A lot of people are hacking and wheezing these days. It must be the weather.

Consulting with doctor friends of mine, I’m down to loading up on Vitamin C and cold tablets. What can I do? I can’t afford to get sick. The days are moving by so fast; I can’t afford to miss them.

TITLE: AFFLICTION - AFI

So this is what my keyboard feels like! I’ve been in mourning since my last entry; I decided to chime in today, Friday the 13th. Timing! I realize I haven’t written in more than a month and a lot has happened in that time.

Life’s been good. Besides the usual stream of gigs, Overtone has been in the studio busy with recording. We’ve cut two tracks already and are having them mastered. Hopefully they’ll be done soon so we can release a single. I’d like to find out the reaction of people to our music.

Although there were expected disagreements, the recording process itself was fun. We’re cutting our tracks at Mark Escueta’s newly remodeled studio. His gear is fantastic. Him also being a drummer, the drum kit in his studio is tops! Awesome! I get to play with all his other gear too. It’s also mighty convenient that the studio is just 10 minutes away from my place.

I also celebrated my birthday last month. I’m now 33 and can honestly tell you what it feels like. It feels like 32. I really didn’t tell anyone, not even the people I was with. I was touched by the people that remembered and greeted me (Aimee gets the nod for being the first). One thing I can say though, I’m definitely a much happier person this year than I was last year. I’m just soaking of good vibes.

Last month saw me spending more time hanging out with Angela and Mich. These two are just great and fun people. I can appreciate the very light air around them. They’re also pretty “kaladkarin” like me. We’ve been hanging out a lot here in the south having coffee and swapping stories, especially with Angela. We also rock at Capone’s (and dance to Sexyback on occasion).

It’s funny really. Mich I’ve known for so long but never hung out with. Angela I’ve known her family for years, but never met till a few months back. I guess everyone has a destined time with each other.

As you can see I’ve been really busy and I can only see the next few months getting even busier. If everything is as good as it has been, bring it on.

TITLE: SEXYBACK – JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE