Two local concerts scheduled in the next two weekends will feature seasoned rock acts from the 1990s, one set here in Manila to celebrate a hit band’s 20th year milestone, the other in Cagayan De Oro where a few equally recognized names from the same era headline the province’s much-anticipated summer event.
Sandwich, the group behind the hits “Betamax,” “Butterfly Carnival” and the classic anthemic “Sugod,” will celebrate its longevity with a special show called Under the Glow of the Satellite on the evening of April 13 at the Metrotent Convention Center in Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Pasig City.
As a treat for supporters who have stuck with the group for two decades now, the band is putting out a limited 7” vinyl with two new songs titled “Time Lapse” and “Parang Walang Nangyari.”
“April 13 is not just a celebration but definitely a show you need to watch for, all solid hits from the first album up to the latest single “Time Lapse” which is only available on limited edition 45” rpm vinyl courtesy of The Grey Market,” informed Eric Perpetua, station manager of FM radio station Jam 88.3 which is behind the anniversary concert.
Perpetua once created a stir in the rock scene when he conceptualized a tribute album for Eraserheads that involved popular rock acts of the past decade.
Sandwich main man Raimund Marasigan, who first gained popularity playing the back beat for “Ligaya” and “Pare Ko,” is a rarity having blossomed from being the drummer of that seminal alternative rock band to frontman status by the time “Sugod” became a major hit. It can be argued that he is the Dave Grohl of the Philippines since the latter languished in the shadow of the late Kurt Cobain during Nirvana’s active years, somehow in the same way that he was then opposite Ely Buendia. Sandwich is his crowning glory.
The radio executive added, “Jam 88.3 has always been the radio station that supports our very own local bands. Aside from being a fan and listener of their music myself, I believe celebrating 20 years marks another milestone in their career as a band.”
The Sandwich show will be spiced up by guest acts Diego Mapa, Young Sleepyboi, Ciudad, Tom’s Story, She’s only Sixteen, and Autotelic.
The group was formed in 1998 as “an excuse to make other kinds of music with other people.” Through the years it managed to go around bars and festivals, including gigs in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, London, New York, and Los Angeles. Actor Marc Abaya was initially the lead singer. The current lineup includes Diego Castillo (guitars), Mike Dizon (drums), Myrene Academia (bass), and Mong Alcaraz (guitars).
Down south, the likes of Dong Abay, Joey Ayala, and The Youth will be flown to Cagayan De Oro for the first Chada CDO Millennials Music and Arts Festival set on April 21, 6:00 p.m. at the Atrium of Limketkai Center. The former frontman of Yano is now calling his group Dong Abay Music Organization, short for, well, DAMO, while Robert Javier and the gang is rebranded as The Youth Pilipinas. Anyway, the calming voice behind “Walang Hanggang Paalam” and “Karaniwang Tao” has not changed the name of his Bagong Lumad.
All three were key artists that helped make the Pinoy band scene a major force two decades back.
Chada, which means “nice” to Cagayanons, is a music fest initiated by Sirhc Event Productions which aims to “cultivate and nurture Philippine talent by producing first-rate concerts and events here and abroad.” The man behind it is Chris Bautista who have brought top Filipino music acts in the US. He related, “I’m excited about this concert because, for one, it will be headlined by artists who have already earned the respect of the band scene.”
Silent Sanctuary and Jireh Lim are likewise joining the bill, so do front acts Kokoi Baldo, Dodu Abrio and The Viajeros, Fran/N.A.N.A/Wally, Fused.CDO, and my band The Pub Forties. Our group will sure perform our latest digitally released single “Drive On” which fortunately graced Spotify’s New Music Friday list last February.