The Radio Dept. Manila Tour

When I look at you, heaven's on fire. I wish I didn't know you better, but its pointless. One look at you, and heaven's on fire. - Heavens On Fire, The Radio Dept.

After several months of waiting The Radio Dept dropped by to Manila as part of their Asian tour. I was so excited about this specially when I heard that Moscow Olympics will be opening for them. 

I discovered the The Radio Dept. music somewhere in 2005; this is the time when I was really hooked to indiepop, shoegaze and other genres associated with this type of music. Lesser Matters became a usual tracks on my morning playlist, there are so many good songs on this album like, Where damage isn't already done, Why won't you talked about it, 1995, Against the tide and Strange thing will happen became my instant favorites. So when I heard that they are coming to Manila I didn't even think twice to see them live, I instantly filed a vacation leave for since it was a rare chance to see them play live.

The opening act Moscow Olympics was superb during their set, they have several mistakes though. And I was even warned by my friend that they're not that good during live performances. It is understandable since they don't play much live shows nor should I say they don't really play live. I've been told some stories and I guess theres no need to share it. Nevertheless, as soon as they walk up to the stage the crowd started screaming with enthusiasm and excitement since this is the first time for most of the crowd to see this band play live. I was able to make a move and go upfront to have a better sight. From their opening up to their last song seeing and hearing them live was a total bliss to my ears. I wasn't able to list down what songs they played since I was really enjoying the music and quite busy taking some decent photos. Good thing camera is allowed at the venue.

        

After the Moscow's set I moved a little closer to the stage, with some people from the local indie scene. The Radio Dept walked to the stage and opened their set with the song Domestic Scene from their latest critically acclaimed album Clinging To A Scheme. After this, I was expecting that they will play Heaven's On Fire since they're playing this usually in second order, but they played This Time Around instead.  They also played some crowd favorites like Keen On Boys, Ewan, 1995, The Worst Taste In Music. While The Radio Dept. is playing Heaven's On Fire I noticed that I was standing beside this really cool girl who have an Unknown Pleasure tats on her right arm. I was able to say hi and compliment her for that piece of her art given that I'm a big JD fan. I checked their setlist and I think they also played some songs that are not included on their list like Token of Gratitude and Why Won't You Talked About It.   

 

It was great night of good quality music, thanks to Mr. Joff Cruz and his crew for bringing this kind of foreign acts to our shores. Thinking this is exceptional for the local indie scene and hopefully more bands tour here in the Philippines. I saw the Manila Indie Survey page in Facebook the other day and they're cooking a St. Etienne tour here, so lets increase the demand for this kind of shows. And let us not forget that we have so many good indie bands that need our support as well. So please support our local indie scene.

Took some photos that night using a Nikon D90 and a 50mm 1.8 Nikkor lens. Contact me at lorenzoreyesphotography@gmail.com

Ancilla.Org's "One Day Without Shoes"

Ancilla.org's version of TOMS "One Day Without Shoes" was very successful. The event was held at the Laurel Park in Capitol Site in Batangas City. This is to a fund raising campaign and to raise awareness that there are a lot of children who don't have the luxury to wear pair of shoes or even slippers.  I know there is a similar event at Trinoma in Quezon City organized by TOMS Shoes. But I preferred attending this small gathering since I was invited by Gerard.

I took a bus ride from Manila around 4 in the morning, I arrived at the Balagtas exit around 6am and had breakfast at Al's Goto King. I ordered some Gotong Batangas since I can't remember the last time I ate this local delicacy. I was not really satisfied with what I ate, since I was expecting that I will have like two cups of rice and will enjoy the meal. But that never happen, the rice was cold, or should I say "Bahaw" already. I was not comfortable drinking the water on their water jug so I decided to grab a bottle of soda since coffee was not available for serving. After the unsatisfactory breakfast I took a jeep ride to the Laurel Park. I arrived at the venue around 6:45. There are already a bunch of people and I saw my friends from the local hardcore punk scene was there as well. The walk started around 8 o'clock  from Laurel Park to Plaza Recto then headed back to Laurel to continue the program.

The support form some local groups and individuals is overwhelming. There were raffles and prizes given to the attendees from some of the sponsors of the event. 

Thanks to Ancilla.org for making this event and raise social awareness in our local community. 

*Listening to The Radio Dept. Clinging to a Scheme. Excited for their Manila Tour on April 20, 2011

*The photo is just a teaser. :)

Simpleng Buhay Ay Kay Ganda (Simple Life is Beautiful)

 

This are portraits of boatmen, fisherman and a land owner of Ador's Campsite in Nagsasa Cove in Zambales. This photos depicts the simple yet so beautiful life that they have. I wonder if I can live the way they live their lives. I admire Mang Ador's kindness and the way he takes care of his guest. This guy proves that money is that not important to have a happy and contented life. 

If you are planning to go to Nagsasa I strongly recommend to check Mang Ador's Campsite. Just ask the boatman to bring you there, he and his crew will welcome you and help you with open hand. And they will make sure your stay will be memorable.

Lovers in Nagsasa

It was a quiet afternoon in Nagsasa Cove in Zambales and I found this American lovers watching the sun go down. The line from the song I Don't Mind by Defeater is really perfect for this photo. Such a sweet moment.

And of course I asked permission to this fine individuals if I can snap a shot. 

Comments and suggestions are welcome. Shoot me some email at lorenzoreyesphotography@gmail.com.

Currently listening to the new Death Cab For Cutie's Codes and Keys.

Bad Omen at RAMONES Night, BSide Makati

Formed in the late 80's and gained notoriety in the early 90's by playing underground shows and having participated in the compilation "Screams from the Underground" where original members Ramir (vox/gtr), Rheetyard (drums) and Fishbone (bass). The band then released their debut self titled full length record otherwise known as" the black cat record" where the single "Maling Sistema" went on full rotation in the now- defunct radio station LA105. Several line up changes went on throughout the 90's but the band steadily played shows and kept on releasing seminal punk records "Sell Out" and "We're Back" as well as several compilations on Middle Finger Records. Original drummer Rheetyard went on to form NSA, which released numerous recordings on cassette bearing different meanings of the band's acronym while 2nd gen vocalist Ab went on to other projects like Dear Dingo.

Forward to 2000's, original member Fishbone enlisted NoFuckingMorals vocalist/ guitarist Albert Ascona to take on the vocal duties for the band, the band also recruited Archie Nepomuceno on bass, but didnt made it to the record. Bad Omen, recruited former Mga Anak ngTupa drummer Tristan Gagolinan and college friend Albert Sy on Bass. The band gathered full steam and recorded the full length CD "God Is Everywhere", a record that took almost 10 years to make. The band played local shows non-stop. In 2009, the group embarked on their 1st Southeast Asian mini tour and hit Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. At present, Bad Omen is currently revving up for their upcoming tour in Indonesia, thus completing the southeast circuit.

Band Bio from their Facebook account. Check them on Facebook Bad Omen

L'heure Bleue Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

 

The blue hour comes from the French expression l'heure bleue, which refers to the period of twilight each morning and evening where there is neither full daylight nor complete darkness. The time is considered special because of the quality of the light at this time of day. - Wikipedia

Wedding Photos

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