Inside The Mind of a Cebuana

MYX had their annual summer party here in Cebu last Saturday(27Apr2013). Alongside MYX VJs and other DJs was Chicosci and Powerspoonz. After 6 months of waiting for Chicosci to come back to Cebu, the long wait was finally over. 

I was broke, really broke that I only have 100pesos in my wallet. But luckily, I have a supportive father who gave me 200pesos to buy tickets and so off we went, me and my gig brothers and sisters. 

When we got there by 8pm the thing has not started yet and most of the people were still outside the plaza strolling the rest of Mango. Upon entering and paying of course, we’re given these cool neon bracelets which comes in four colors: green, yellow, pink and orange. I chose yellow of course and my 3 other friends got green (so much for being the odd one hahaha).

Anyway, since it the thing has not started yet, my friends and I decided to stroll and survey the area. Came back at round 9pm but it still hasn’t started yet so we decided to stay outside the venue and then we saw the members of Powerspoonz arrive one by one. A few minutes later, the event officially started with FIREWORKS! We didn’t go in tho coz they were still doing games and stuff so later on we went somewhere (I won’t tell coz it’s my ultimate gig secret hahaha) and then waited for Chicosci to arrive.

We were just talking there and then we saw Franco, though we frequently see him we still get the chills because of his awesomeness so we had a photo opp with him. Yay! Then a few moments later, we saw them, the people we came there for, CHICOSCI. I panicked and started straightening my Chicosci shirt and wiped away all the blemishes. :) We saw Calde first and then took pictures with him, had a little conversation. Then Mcoy, and then I sw Miggy who was still inside the van. I waved at him and he waved back and mouthed something I completely wasn’t able to read. 

When Miggy got out of the van I softly called him and coincidentally somebody else was calling him too, he talked to him first and I patiently waited and composed myself. When he was done I called him again and this time, he met us halfway(really so nice of him) and opened his arms for me and Jeny. And of course we wouldn’t be Cebu’s Mesdames Chavez for nothing, we hugged him right away (fangirl mode on). 

(Meet Cebu’s Mmes. Chavez)

I asked Miggy if he still remembers me and he said, “Yes of course, Mia”. I almost died literally,almost died in his arms. Then the three of us had our picture. Since Jeny and I both want to have solo pictures with him, we both started talking in front of him using our language. Miggy just stared at us both, so we started talking in English and had more pictures took with him. He’s so adorable and is still very nice, they all are actually. 

Fast forward: The bands played at the Mango Plaza while the DJs entertained the ones inside Alchology Club. There were less people at the plaza which is also just outside the club. Most of the people were there to go clubbing than listen to the bands but when it was time for the bands to play, people started to gather up and rock out.  

CHICOSCI’s set was wild! I was up front of course, VJ Chino even noticed my Chicosci shirt and said “They’d be very happy to see that!”. I was so excited, for of course this kind of gig only happens once or twice a year here in Cebu. They opened with Fire Away and I started singing and screaming and getting crazy! Then they sang Unbelievable and then Magasin. This time Miggy went up to the fence and crazy fans just like me started reaching ang grabbing his shirt, hands and everything else. 

Then he got back up on stage and then sang Raspberry Girl then Diamond Shotgun then CVSC. Sometime during the gig, i forgot what song, he went to the fence again and we thought he was just gonna stay there, but your majesty jumped off the fence and joined the crowd. Fans went from crazy to uncontrollably wild. The equally dispersed male and female fans then became female fans clustering around Miggy and the male fans moved away from the cluster to avoid further injuries brought by high heels and sneakers. 

It was one wild gig and I could totally say it was the BEST CHICOSCI GIG I’ve had in my life! Thank you Chicosci, you always make everything worth it! Stay adorable and humble you guys! :)

P.S.

Yes, Mong’s not round so I wasn’t able to have my MIA WITH CHICOSCI picture. Next time around I guess, we’ll make that happen. :))

“Be enlightened. Be empowered. Be engaged.”

It is not new to everyone that Cebuanos, and Filipinos in general are gifted with talents that prosper around the globe. The innate creativity and passion of every Cebuano is their greatest asset. Cebu is a beautiful city and it has so much to offer than just the scenery. Cebu gives life to creative Cebuano artists, musicians, craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

A livable Cebu offers more opportunities for the growth of independent local artists and products. I envision a livable Cebu wherein every creative idea is put to life and SUPPORTED by every Cebuano. I envision a livable Cebu wherein local products and artists are put first. I envision a livable Cebu and a livable country wherein every Cebuano chooses Cebu first and every Filipino chooses the Philippines first.

Together let us make our city livable by taking time to find out what it has to offer. let us make this city livable by marketing and supporting our very own artists and products. Let us make this city livable by giving opportunities to every creative and passionate Cebuano. Let us start with Cebu and soon enough the whole Philippines. Be engaged and start supporting your fellow Cebuanos!

I know just like me, you also DEMAND for a livable Cebu. And so together let us enjoy what a livable city is like on March 16 as we celebrate Haruhay Fest on UP Cebu grounds. Bring your bikes, your skates and your open mind!

inthepointofviewofkevinsato:

salt, sand, and perfect tans — sweet escape | Beach Day 

25 February 2013
Basdako Shoreline
Moalboal, Cebu

I have always been hyped about Chicosci’ endeavors. It has been my dream for quite sometime now to be part of every single milestone, to be there to witness it. I know for a fact that my current situation is not capable of fulfilling such dream that is why I grab every single chance I have every time the band is in town. I make sure I am part of every memory they create here in Cebu. So, when I heard about the new album, I am more than thrilled I could not even sleep! The announcement about the bundle pack had me thinking of ways to have one for myself, this kind of things does not happen in every event. I know the album launch is special, I know I have to take part, though not physically but at least through the best way I can. 

I cannot fly to Manila, I was particularly sure. I was desperate and so I dug deep into my brilliant mind for ideas, and there it was! I sent an online friend a message. He’s one of those people whom I became friend with on the internet also becuse of Chicosci. He is a fan, I am a fan, and just like that there was friendship. I tried my chances and luckily he was kind enough to buy me two bundles (for me and Lynneth, the other admin of fuckyeahmiggyanchicosci) and ship it here. I am lucky, very lucky. Thanks to my friend, you know who you are, accept my sincerest thank you.

The days I spent waiting for the bundle to come had me extra thrilled. And when I am extra thrilled, that meant spending hours of daydreaming. Until the day finally came, I was the happiest person at LBC when I came. I even saw the lady attending to me smiling at me, maybe because I looked like a child who got a present from Santa Claus himself when I signed those papers and received the package. I almost couldn’t wait to get home because of anticipation.

When I got home, I immediately opened it and listened to it. Upon hearing the first song, all I could think about was, “There’s something different here somewhere.” I continued to listen to everything and then I had a lot of thoughts running inside my mind. The closest comparison I could do is with the new record and Fly Black Hearts. A little side track, 2 semesters ago, in one of my Psychology subjects, we were asked t content analyze the songs of a particular album. The closest to my heart that time was FBH, particularly because it was new(i just bought it) and I like it. However, when I came to think of it, FBH was too heavy for me to analyze. I like the sound, but the lyrics were aggressive, the kind which I cannot really relate to since I’m single and young. Most of the songs in the album have lyrics which are quite provocative and expressive, and so I have thought that my prof won’t even make it halfway through my paper because of the things I will be writing. Another consideration was I don’t have that much of a background as to what are the inspirations of the album and relying on the lyrics alone might lead me to realizing a completely different thing. And so I didn’t.

Getting back on track, the new record is different, it was not what I expected. It was still heavy, the sound was still aggressive, upbeat, but the lyrics, it somehow changed. Listening to it made me feel like I was part of the band. It made me feel like a brother was singing these songs to me. The lyrics were still expressive, only that it was “happier” I guess, inspired. It has always been my habit, doing these kind of things like looking through every word of a song, trying to find out it’s meaning. Though only for songs that I think are meaningful. And this one, I found it very meaningful. 

The new record stood by it’s name, “This Is Not A Chicosci Record”. It’s sounds like Chicosci, aggressive, expressive, heavy yet playful. But it  spoke on a different way, it was less in angst, less lustful but more romantic. When you listen to it, and you are a fan of the band, you’ll know for yourself that they are happy. It made me think that the boys are burning up with passion, my favorite boys are inspired. They were always creative, and I like them that way. The new record was like a lyrical thanksgiving wrapped in rock music. 

Miggy thanked their fans in the album, but I always say this and I will never get tired, it’s always a bigger thanks to Chicosci. I know a lot of people might not like this record but a lot more will understand what it really is. To my favorite band, as what you’ve said, “Don’t let the poison stay, stand up, WE got you so fire away!” Keep making good music, don’t stop.

(Though I have not been there during the launch, I made sure I had something to remind me that I have always been supportive, something that will make me feel like I was part of that milestone. Signed shirt and album with baller.)

(Source: hisbelovedghost)

In my honest opinion and observation, when opening a business in the Philippines, it’s either you make it or you break it. You either make it within a short span of time or after many years with a bunch of inspiration-draining obstacles. For a product to succeed or even just be noticed in the Filipino market it must be attention grabbing and the rest shall follow. The exact moment when a product is noticed you could be assured that it will be supported. But the continuance of support is dependent on innovation, uniqueness and most of all, consistency in giving your market the best you could give.

A year ago, I wrote about a clothing line that particularly had my attention. A year ago I shared to you the story of a clothing line that started because of the founder’s intent to make a change in his life. A year ago I proudly told all of you that it will soon be acknowledged not just in its establishing place but to the Philippines as a whole. Indeed a lot could happen in a year and now I write this entry to tell you that it did not fail to impress me for again, they made it after another year stronger than they were before.

Love Dishonor, I once called it “a clothing line on the rise”. The people behind it amazed me because of their perseverance and humility. They are teenagers just like me, when you come to think of it, they’re not that old to completely achieve something like this. Love Dishonor is not just another clothing line, it’s growing, it’s on its way to success.

I personally know the founder of the clothing line. I’ve known him for a year now. As friends, he told me about the struggles and happiness he had been through just to keep his dream alive. I had high hopes for them and indeed I was impressed when after two years in the industry they’re still persevering to continuously survive this very competitive environment.

Love Dishonor started as a clothing line catering to fans of rock and roll in the Philippines. They did not limit their target market to just that but also to all the available markets. It’s just that their designs were inspired by the rock scene in the Philippines. They had that for a year and since they need to maintain creativity and innovate, they tried getting in to the FlipTop scene, the Hip Hop market. This is a challenging move I could say. They were doing well in the Rock scene but still they wanted to explore and they were hard working enough that after another year, they also made it to the FlipTop scene. They featured collaborations with the Dos Por Dos Champions, Shehyee and Smugglaz.

They’re progress is one of those very inspiring perhaps. I was stunned to see 14,000+ facebook fans and did not hesitate to write about them again. This is my first time to write an interview style entry for my blog and so having the founder of Love Dishonor, Olav as my interviewee was a privilege for me. I was really curious on how they made it through two different markets and how they made 14 000+ fans in just two years and so I grabbed the chance. The interview was smooth and it amazed me. That made me want to write about it more. Enough of my sentiments, here’s our conversation.

Me: After two years in  the industry, what has been the greatest struggle?

Olav: For me it’s hard to juggle studies and business. Being a student and at the same time selling shirts meant cross-firing of schedules. There were  instances when I had special activities in school and at the same time having an event for Love Dishonor. The hardest part is deciding which one should come first.

M: How did you cope with it? 

O: I balance my time. I give ample time to my business and to my studies as well. When I have an event for Love Dishonor, I tell my professor in advance that I will be absent. If I could back-out in an event I would if I have a special school activity. So far the outcomes are good, I passed all my subjects and sold all my shirts.

M: So 14,000+ fans, 25 designs and more or less 2000 shirts sold in two years, what’s the secret?

O: Siguro dahil sa mga palpak na nakaraan at dahil sa mga palpak na yun natuto ako kung paano yun ituwid at napunta ako ng tamang landas. :)

M: What keeps the fire burning? 

O: Isa lang masasagot ko dyan. HINDI KAMI USO KAYA HINDI DIN KAMI MALALAOS.

M: Message to haters?

O: I know have a number of haters out there. Maraming salamat sa panlalait at paninira ninyo sakin, yan ang nagpapatatag sakin na lumaban at patunayan na mali ang sinasabi ninyo!

M: Message to supporters?

O: Eventhough I have a number pf haters, I still have thousands of supporters. Thank you so much to everyone who supports Love Dishonor, without all of you, we won’t be here. Pasensya na kung di ko kayo mabigyan ng discount or free shirt. Di bale makakabawi naman ako sa inyo kapag ako’y yumaman, ako naman ang taya. :)

M: Plans for the next years to come?

O: I want to have my own shop so that we won’t have a hard time selling and also for the convenience of our buyers.

M: Next month would be Love Dishonor’s 2^nd Anniversary, what could your supporters expect?

O: Since its our 2nd Anniv next month! Gusto ko suklian yung mga taong bumili ng shirt at sumusuporta samin. Magkakaroon ulit ng event pero this time susubukan namin i-unite ang Rock, Hiphop at Dancers. Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi jeje ang gagawin ko dahil OPM ang sinusuportahan ko.

To cap off, I hope this entry will serve as proof that age cannot hinder us from achieving our dreams. Young or old, we all have the right to dream and the right to achieve them, we just have to work hard and persevere. We cannot expect success to come on a silver platter. We’d have to work hard for it, face every struggle, embrace criticisms, prove our worth, be thankful to everyone who helped and always stay grounded.

I have said it before and I will say it again, Love Dishonor will continue to grow and continue to stun everyone, especially those who support purely Filipino products. Huddle up Filipinos! Love our own support our own, if you won’t who would? Think pinoys.

Like their facebook page, follow them on twitter.

Read my previous entry about Love Dishonor here.