Wanderland Jungle

Let's throw it back to a few months ago (March 4, 2017 to be exact) when I spent a wonderful night watching such great acts. Wanderland 2017's lineup has The Temper Trap as its main headliner but really, I just lost it over LANY and Honne. 

I have Lola Amour to thank for taking me as part of their crew for Wanderland. (These photos are long overdue but here you go!)

No Tomorrow

When you're on the brink of exhaustion and you're running on 2 capsules of paracetamol, covering a gig for six hours isn't the best way to cope. Still, I find shooting Lola Amour a really good remedy because it hits two birds with one stone; I get to do my homework for documentary class and enjoy a really great did at the same time.

Here are my favorite photos from their Rock in Focus gig in Mckinley Parkway. 

Jungle Battle: Wanderband 2017

Since Allyza and I are responsible students, we headed to Globe Iconic to do our homework. Our main task was to cover one of Lola Amour's gigs and document the entire experience. We even got to watch Reese Lansangan, Oh! Flamingo, and Jensen and the Flips on the side. At the end of the night, I got to go home with great footage, good photos, and a bunch of random stuff from winning that raffle LOL. 

Tasks like this are exhausting yet refreshing at the same time. For me, it's simply a reminder of how much I love what I'm doing. The project still has a long way to go but we're off to a great start! (This is the best type of homework, yes?) 

A big congratulations goes out to Lola Amour for winning Wanderband 2017 (and thanks for letting us pester you guys tonight)! 

Scout Summer Camp

(Prepare for a photo-heavy post!) n celebration for their second anniversary, Scout Magazine threw another party. As if last year's House Party wasn't fun enough, this time they're holding a Summer Camp amidst the rainy weather. They rainy skies still wouldn't drown the energy at Samsung Hall as everyone enjoyed tunes from the country's top indie bands. 

Scout Summer Camp was my perfect break from school. I've been doing a lot of academic stuff lately and it just felt so good to be back shooting again. This is honestly one of the most hassle-free shoots I've been to. I'm having so much fun interning for Scout that I'm honestly looking forward to whatever's next!

Fete Dela Musique 2016

Fete Dela Musique (or World Music Day) became an day of venturing in the city of Makati in search of great music. Of course, we easily found it as the day was dedicated to music. While we were basking under the  I would've loved to cover all of the stages but I had to force myself to stop at 6 only because I had a strict curfew. As tiring as the day was and as panicked as I was because my camera's battery was on the brink of death, the adventure was totally worth it!

Prepare for a long-ass photo-heavy post because I had way too much fun shooting for Scout that Saturday night. You can view several of my photos on Scout's website!

Extra bright, I want y'all to see this

I'll be honest; I was super anxious over this shoot that I only told three people about it upon confirming that I was part of the Paradise team. Knowing myself, I'd go around telling everyone right away. Limiting it to three people was already a big deal. You don't get the opportunity to shoot Kanye West everyday so, who was I to pass up on such offer?

The night before Paradise, I was actually researching on how Kanye lights his stage because I had no clue how to shoot such a legend. I was starting to panic in the middle of Wiz Khalifa's set because I felt like I had all of my settings wrong and I was praying for a single decent photo. Just one photo would've been enough but here I am dedicating an entire post for Kanye's set alone. (thank you, Yeezus!) Read on for more photos!

Always had a passion for flashin'

"Like we always do at this time," except at 8AM, I'd be cuddling with my comforter instead of braving the barren land that is Aseana Open Grounds. But this felt like the absolute good life... even though I was overworked from pulling an all-nighter for one of my majors and I managed to squeeze 8 hours of sleep from 2 to 6AM. I remember worrying over my outfit for the next day and priming myself for what feels like the biggest shoot of my life before going to bed.

"They say the best things in life are free," and I can attest to this because I technically got a free pass to Paradise in exchange for running around in between sets to submit photos (which I'm not complaining about). It seriously felt like the perfect mix of fun and work and it truly felt like an honor to be shooting Paradise International Music Festival's inaugural show. There were seriously no qualms when it came to service and the spot-on schedule. I seriously don't know what to expect for next year's show as this one was nothing short of a great experience.

Now, I'm Free Fallin'

Last Friday, I was invited by my friend Joaqui to shoot his band's performance during Free Fall: UP Fair Friday. Coming from a class, an org team building, and org work for The LaSallian, I wasn't at my best but two Red Bulls did the job for me. The following day, I suffered from fatigue (I thought those only happened in Harvest Moon after a day of farming). The outcome was better than expected though! It was my first time shooting in full manual mode and I was so glad to be back in the photo pit. The last time I did that was during Chicosci's album launch in 2012. I even ran into my cousin in the pit! (Maybe it's a sign that it was where I belonged... char.) 

A big shoutout to my photography class because I learned about Daido and I'm now appreciating motion blurs, Even though my acads stress me out to the extremes, I can honestly say that I'm learning a lot from practicing. I honestly just enjoy taking photos of bands because there's something about the candidness of it all. (Or maybe I'm just reminded of how bad I am at portraits.) Read on to view photos of Built to Crash, Cheats, BP Valenzuela, and Taken By Cars! 

YouTube the gig in saGuijo Bar

For the sake of research, a few friends and I went saGuijo for the first time.  It's pretty cool that our Research professor let us research on the culture behind such a legendary music venue. We're on its early stages since we've only heard of the place until tonight but it left such an impression on the both of us. I was only able to catch Autotelic's set because I have an early call time for the beach (how could I complain?) but I was pretty excited to see Reese Lansangan perform.

I'm pretty stoked to cover this visit because I got to bring my new 50mm lens out! I've been asking my parents for this since 2012 and I swear, I was holding my tears of joy back when my mom bought it for me after years of pleading. I just put it to the test by shooting under such unpredictable lighting conditions. Also, timing was on my side as I had to shoot motion shots for my Photography class. It just sucks how I have to submit raw files instead of my decent post-processed shots.

My first trip to the legendary saGuijo was more magical than I thought it would be. I'm so glad I got to spend it with such great company! Also, I realized I have not shot a gig since January of last year (does the University Week even count?) It feels so great to be going back at it! Now, I'm really really really looking forward to doing this research and spending more nights in saGuijo. I swear I'm coming back!

Isang linggong pinagipunan, isang buwan mong inabangan

There couldn't be a more fitting title than a line from Sandwich's Sugod. I knew I couldn't miss this year's University Week culminating concert when I found out its lineup. Who could pass up an offer to see Never the Strangers, Itchyworms, Sandwhich, and Hale for free? I even had to rush out of my org's office right after a meeting just to make it in time for Never the Strangers. And I had to go through a crowd with a (far from-dry) henna tattoo on my arm. Still, I'm grateful for the experience.

Here's a few photos from my first university week! 

Bonus: It's Valentine's and I spent it doing something I love doing. I haven't been to a show in MONTHS and it just felt good to shoot after so long. 

You're cold and I burn

My friends and I (plus my 12-year-old sister) got to see The 1975 play for free at Glorietta last March 31! We had free passes inside the venue but opted for the side stage instead because it was closer to the band (hence, all the side angles on the photos). Their set list was close to perfection... if only they played She Way Out. On the brightside, we got to meet the band right after the show and we came home with signed CDs!

I felt like I took half-assed photos because they all came out too grainy but the gradient map became my salvation.

Long live the fast times

Bazooka Rocks 2 was the ultimate bomb! This year, they feature All Time Low, Anberlin, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, We Came As Romans, Radio Drive By, and one last night with A Rocket To The Moon. I couldn't resist shooting a good show so I decided to bring my camera along even if I'd risk dropping my lens again.  This time was just as fun as the last time, except we didn't force ourselves to be in the very front. Instead, we enjoyed being in the middle of the crowd and just jumped along to whatever was playing and singing Your Guardian Angel at the top of our lungs. 

My fangirl phase is on its deathbed.

Full Speed Ahead

A well deserved break for me and my friends. We watched Rock Loqal at the MOA Arena and basked under OPM music (yet again). I didn't get to use my zoom lens because I got too panicked to take photos and shot on my kit lens right away. (Lies. My zoom lens fell and wouldn't shoot properly)

Blame it on the weather

I attended Built By Sonic's 2nd anniversary yesterday and my camera went against me. I used the wrong setting and the color came out too red and grainy. Since it was practically my first time to try my new lens for a gig, I kind of understand the technical glitch. Changing in between lens was also dragging but it would take a little time to get used to, right?

I'm glad to have worked on this project with BBS! I got so kilig when I saw my work up on stage. Plus, I met a few cool people yesterday and I was introduced to new music (enough proof that OPM is certainly not dead). Also, Breaking Dawn was absolute shit in the best sense. My Twilight phase ended with me sobbing in the cinema house with Sharina and Nigel.

Secret Weapons

Yesterday was a day of a lot of firsts- It was my first time to watch a local band willingly and get the benefit of watching it from the photo pit! I got to shoot Chicosci's album launch for This Is Not A Chicosci Record at Eastwood with my entry level camera and my 18-55mm lens who were very intimidated to be shooting right beside the Mark Terence Sy. The lenses in the photo pit were bigger than my self esteem.

I had a dream last night we drove out to see Manila

Bazooka Rocks, the Philippines' first ever indoors music festival, was held last September 30 with The Pretty Reckless headlining the show. Aside from their promising line-up, another great thing about Bazooka Rocks is that it's annual. Their international roster featured 3 of my favorite bands, along with other pop punk staples. Yesterday, a few bands held their meet-and-greet sessions and I was lucky enough to meet Mayday Parade and Forever The Sickest Kids!

I experienced my first mosh pit ever during The Wonder Years' set and it was beyond intense. We knew that the mosh pit was deadly but we were lucky enough to walk away from it with only a minor bruise. Despite our many misadventures throughout the day, my cousin and I still had a wonderful time. (If it wasn't for Sabsy, I wouldn't be crying together over Mayday Parade right now. Big thanks!)

The aftermath: I absented my self from school because I was sick the past three days. Not only did I lose my voice, my body also suffered from 12 hours of non-stop screaming with barely any food. Still, I wouldn't know how I'd be able to recover from one of the best weekends of my life.

Bazooka Rocks Fan Party

While my friends and I were enjoying This Century and We are the In Crowd's music, the lights suddenly went off in Araneta and the LED screen lit up with an announcement: the first ever Bazooka Rocks. The line-up was BEYOND promising. The roster included my favorites (The Maine, Forever the Sickest Kids, Mayday Parade) along with a few other bands whose names I've only read on AP (The Wonder Years, A Skylit Drive, Marianas Trench, The Pretty Reckless). I nearly cried when I saw The Maine's greeting then completely lost it when Mayday Parade came up.

I counted the months preceding this day and after all that waiting, I finally got to see my favorite bands again! My morning started with a sprint towards a steel door and accidentally bumping my head. I was literally bleeding while I waited in line for the passes. It was soooo worth it, though! I got to hang out with ~kewl~ people and meet Mayday Parade (YES!) and Forever The Sickest Kids!

The Cab In Manila

To promote their sophomore album, Symphony Soldier, The Cab headed over to Manila and played a few free shows. Because we were too hyped, my friends and I rushed from Pasig to Alabang just to see watch them check their equipment. (Soundcheck perks: seeing Singer without the beanie) Our eagerness paid off since we got to watch the show from the very front with our "Prom?" signs in hand. After crying over them last year, we finally got to see The Cab play live!