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| Randell & Ian during soundcheck @ CCF Makati |
I had the privilege to lead worship with the "classic" Building Bridges instrumentalists last Sunday. Playing with Ian Braza, Peewee Vivas, Randel Garcia, Brian Abenoja and Josh Legaspi brought back fond memories of us slugging it out back when Building Bridges was still a feldgling church and was still meeting at Chaquico's Bar along Makati Avenue. We were invited to play at CCF Makati, the newest church location of Christ's Commission Fellowship in the Metro. Pastor Jess was a very animated and dynamic speaker, captivating the congregation throughout his message. CCF Makati's current message series is called Forgotten Virtues. They are located at the 3rd floor of the A-Venue Mall along Makati avenue. Service starts at 10am. If you want to inquire, send them an email by clicking here.
In the afternoon, I met up with Macky and Kahlil Santiago (aka the Vikings) to talk about our super-secret-project. Despite my sugar crashing towards the end, it was a very very productive meeting. We all ended the meeting excited and revved up to go and really do what have been called to do well. Specially in relation to "The Project". Ark is the level and being deeper than life is the culture.
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Of Cats & Cinemas
"OOOOOoohhhh!" ~Oooh Cat
I woke up Saturday morning to a fairly empty house. My parents have left for a family gathering in Anilao, Batangas and my two siblings have scuttled off to a Singles Camp, also in Batangas. My youngest brother was asleep on the couch and our dog, Junkie, didn't not feel the need to interact with me.
I ended up texting some friends and we went out and watched Puss in Boots. Given the demanding time schedule of Yanee (she needed to be back at her office by 5pm) and me (I remembered I needed to go home and pack because I was spending the night at Ian's Condo) we ended up watching the 3pm showing at SM South Mall! The cinema there has let me down so many times I actually stopped going to SM South Mall unless I needed to get something from the grocery (and only if it wasn't available at the other groceries I preferred going to). But out of love for my friends, demand of our (well, my) time schedule and Joseph "Meow" Abad's un-tagishable recommendation, we agreed to watch at South Mall.
I was pleasantly surprised at the newly renovated cinema houses, the lack of the signature obtrusive smell I strongly recall whenever I used to watch at South Mall and the very comfortable Lazy Boy style seats (which, in my opinion, should now become the standard seat used in cinemas). Despite all the wonderful improvements, I was still a bit wary as I sunk into my chair, and waited for the movie to start. I was a bit apprehensive because the last two times I watched there, the audio of the movie messed up for a few scenes and the movie even had to be stopped for a few moments. This was the ultimate test of the South Mall Cinema house.
Puss in Boots started to roll. The Movie was fantastic, but that's a given. The question is, did South Mall live up to my dreadful memories?
Thankfully, they did not, though my brother said that when he watched a movie there recently the audio messed up again. So was my experience a fluke? I hope not.
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Gear Acquisition Saturday
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| Ian & Turi going "STEP" |
After watching Puss in Boots, I headed back home, packed my stuff then went to Alabang Town Center to meet up with the lovable shred-master, Ian Braza. We made our way to the Fort, where we met with Turi who was putting up a gear show that was very close to Ian's heart. The Philippine Annual Music Gear show.
This event is one big chop-suey-esque disney land for Musicians, Pedalheads and GASsers! Turi said the event will be two days of amazing products, music store booths and kick-ass performances by some of the local music scene's hottest acts!
I, myself, am not a gearhead, pedal head or a GASser. But I was excited hearing Turi describe the event. It's basically a trade show, a mini-concert and a caravan all rolled in to one. The wonderful thing I appreciate, is that this show isn't just going to show case the goods of the big shops in the music retail scene, but also acts as an avenue for the smaller players to be "heard".
Yes. Pun intended.
Pedals and accessories previously unavailable in the local market can now be purchased locally at this event. This event will also allow the local boutique/DIY pedal makers and quality accessory makers to find a voice and display their wares, which I hope will jumpstart and encourage better pedals and effects appearing in the local market.
Check out Turi's little spot on the web, called EpicTone
On a fun note, I ended up buying a BB+ by Xotic Effects USA. No, I am not going to use it on my bass. And no, BB doesn't mean Building Bridges.
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| E Poster of the upcoming Gear Show Turi is Organizing. If you want to be part of this event, email your full name and contact details here. |