Because I still can’t focus

…and I am on an attempt to clear my mind by going to Tagaytay before the weekend, I am postponing my Fashion Week posts. I hate it when I lag behind my schedule, but I really can’t write and edit right now. I wish, too, that I get by these feelings because it’s becoming too hard for me to do anything.

For the meanwhile, I’ll leave you with the Lady Gaga Musical by Trasher Bangkok! These trannies are the best performers (or spoofers) I’ve ever seen!!! I love them, and yes, they distract me a little, haha.

See, it really distracts you from whatever you are doing!!! HAHA!

But not quite as well as… Oh damn, how do I do this?! :/

I’ll sing to you how I feel instead

I wanna sing this now. I feel so consumed and tired.

I didn’t think I’d sing this again. NOT. AGAIN. :’(

WHY WON’T YOU ANSWER ME?

‘Cause you are this to me. I’m sorry I even tried.

If only it’s this easy to shake it out. All the ghouls just came out to play with my heart.

I wanna be bullet proof, feel nothing. ‘Cause it’s easier that way.

I hate myself, ’cause after all, I’m still not going.

Dreaming that one day, just one day, you’ll come by me, singing this.

***

I wanna go home.

Boracay in Maginhawa!

It was a sunny summer afternoon in Maginhawa. And a certain tea shop that goes by the name of Moonleaf held the summer party that ended all summer parties this year. Milk tea + bands + free photo booth and henna + TWO new tea flavors? What more can you ask for? OH YEAH — summer rain and dancing in it like nobody cares!

Our fiercest hosts Julianna Madeleine Force, Thysz Estrada, and Gelo Arucan

We set up a small pool in the middle of the parking lot and hosted pool games! Later on, it’lll serve other purposes *wink*

Some people just know how to werq it!

Summer rain came but nothing stopped the party! The rain was a welcome guest, after all those heat!

ANTEROOM SESSIONS 2: Double the fun!

MARCH 31 — Exactly six months and 28 days ago, we held the very first Anteroom Sessions at Moonleaf Maginhawa. I was an intern at Punchdrunk Panda then, and we just wanted to launch some new kicks, with a couple of bands playing, while still making sales. It was just a simple, very simple, musing. Until after some meetings, we decided to take on five bands, a couple of DJs, six brands, and a video production team on board. To cut the story short, we were overwhelmed with the outcome of what we were able to come up with then. Up until now, I still feel kilig whenever I look back at the very first Anteroom Sessions. It was the highlight of my internship, and I can say with all confidence that it was my biggest project for PdP. (Sorry for the emotive tone, I can get very emotional with this, hehe)

AND NOW IT HAS GONE OUT OF PROPORTIONS! A month before I was surprised to know that the second Anteroom Sessions will be held at CUBAO X! It shocked me and it instantly brought me back to my internship days where I first envisioned PdP at — exactly at the SAME SPOT as I saw them last night. It was surreal, and PdP didn’t disappoint.

PdP’s Nomad Manager and the coaxed boyfriend

Blogger Arriane and Martha of Vesti

Last year’s crowd favorite Tarsius opened the night! I haven’t heard them with drum sets, and it was a whole different Tarsius last night!

This year, I really felt where Anteroom Sessions came from!!! Seven bands, two DJs, thirteen proudly Filipino brands, and a whole lot of FUN awaited people – indeed MORE FUN WITH PUNCHDRUNK PANDA! I think I’ll shut my mouth a bit, and let these photos speak for itself *giddy*

Dinner at Penpen’s

Gentle Universe were very gentle… lovely tunes!!! We were able to listen to their last set only because we were dinner-ing.

Last year, Slow Hello was only composed by Selena herself. Now she’s with her complete band set!

Also, Selena was celebrating her birthday last night! Happy birthday again, S!

Aside from the awesome, awesome lineup, 13 brands also participated and sold their proudly Filipino products! One of Punchdrunk Panda’s PdP-losophy is to, in any way possible, be proud of their Filipino roots – and here’s adhering to that value.

Mental note to get this from YUKI!

Artwork. They’ll be carrying PdP’s camera straps soon!

Vesti

Agos. They invited us to their Baler surfing event, but Hanna and I have other plans already :( NEXT TIME!

Cool shirt from Electromagnetic Tentacle

Junk Studio was a brand who participated with us last year also. Here’s to brand friends!

We collaborated with blogger Eunicena last year, and now she’s one of our collaborators also — Vnaltik

Kloi’s and Klay’s is as quirky as it can get!

MAPAPEL is one witty brand! I love their products!

Saab‘s Ukay Alalay for the benefit of Francis Magalona Foundation was also there.

What tripled my excitement for Anteroom Sessions is that SOPHIE’S MOM were also there!!! Perfect with Hakka milk tea from Moonleaf Tea Shop!

Loved these choco-dulce de leche cupcakes. Extra sinful!

With Tita Tonette, The real Sophie’s Mom, and daughter Sam

You bet there were a lot of goofing around last night! Pate, Hanna, Erika and I were playing with my Paradigm Shift noose neckpiece, taking pictures of them pulling it. THEN SUDDENLY A CRAZY THOUGHT. I took pictures with everyone doing it!!! It was so much fun!!!

My girlfriend from PdP, Nica

Haha, let’s not forget Love Never Dies were playing while I was going around looking for people to pull me :P

My lovely Ate and boss, Thysz…

…and his brother, Tim!

PdP designer Joseph

They were kinda enjoying it – Chris and Pate

OHGAWDIFORGOTHERNAMETHOUGHIREMEMBEREDIASKEDFORIT. But we wore the same shirt that day! Hurrah!

Loyola Film Circle

My mentor, former slave driver, nomad manager, Master Panda Jen Horn

This hurt the most!!! MUST YOU, ROB CHAM? Lolz, twas ok man!

Oh, I was enjoying too much and it was time to watch all five webisodes, featuring the design teams and their lovely skimmers. Too bad, I’m a guy. But for y’all lovely girls out there, check ‘em out here.

Birthday girl Selena Salang pulled my noose before she went stage to perform with Ang Bandang Shirley!

Lois Yasay of We are Sole Sisters. I love her blog, go visit!

Charls just can’t get enough pull, hehe

Oh!!! With Paradigm Shift’s very own – Mike Magallanes, pulling!

Junk Studio’s Nikki…

…and the best photo of the night! You really pulled a good S&M there, Nik!

With Saab Magalona, just right before she leaves! Miss you Saab!

By the time Ang Bandang Shirley played, I couldn’t take a photo near them already! But their set was fun!!!

Uh so lezz continue… Elyoo as Madamoiselle Eleanor Roosevelt. Loveleh outfit meym!

Bobet, with Mike’s perfect photobomb!

With Yuki’s Miguel!

And another ’cause we’re cool like dut!

Hanna’s friend, Yang from UPD! See you again soon!

The one and only STEFAN PUNONGBAYAN!!!

Saw Ping Medina and gulped and asked a photo from him. Love that face!

Again, forgive my inability to remember names. This lovely girl is wearing a Mich Dulce hat! So chica!

Today x Future’s Austin! His birthday this month… and Panty Monster’s anniversary!

And while we were in Future, I showed I Love You store to Hanna

Karla and THAT. SPIKED. HAKKA. Moonleaf prepared a special concoction last night – add rum and add even more happiness to your milk tea!

Pwedeng I love your hair, Ruther?! And oh, he’s wearing Paradigm Shift!

8mile-inspired photo of Pate, lolz

Os Accessories’ Paul with fenk hair

Salad Day’s Willar Mateo. I want that spiked cap! Oh hi there again, Karla!

Eunice was a bit shocked but did it nonetheless :P

Monday’s Bonnapart Indiebon Galeng

Curves a.k.a. Leatherengines with his latest hair color

Shinji Manlangit of The Strangeness, Nica’s BebeKo, was really funny!!! You da ultimate performer, man!

Took time to visit Heima, Anteroom’s co-presentor this year!

AND FINALLY TECHY ROMANTICS HAPPENED! With all fairness to this year’s lineup, they were all great, but there is really something unique about Techy Romantics! I just had to stop taking photos and go dance!

PdP’s girls (I was once a PdP girl, chos!) Stephanie, Pauline, Nica, and Jen. I wish Gail can be there if there will be a third installment!

Miss you girlfriend!!

Hanna’s #Swag look while ordering booze at Fred’s

Okay, back to being twelve, haha

Party wasn’t literally over as it was just starting at Today x Future! I love that *what you call that* from PdP!

I caught Techy Romantics’ Camyl before she left X and had a photo. She told me not to hang myself. I think PdP has thought me to love life enough to stay alive, hehe. CHARAUGHT!

And breakfast (yeah, that was breakfast already…) at Mister Kabab before going home.

Oxygen x Marcela Gutierrez graphic tee, Levi’s distressed denim pants, Thrifted military boots, Wrangler denim tote, Paradigm Shift noose neckpiece

Towards the end of the night, I was approached by someone and he happened to not know that I am no longer officially with PdP. He, all of a sudden, thanked me for bringing Cubao X back to life. In those few seconds, I felt a tear jerk. One, because I was once part of this. And two, because all that he said are true.

When I finally recovered last night, I think I spontaneously just smile at the thought of Anteroom Sessions. It was indeed a brainchild and I wish there will be more of this in the coming years. As it grows bigger, I hope more brands will become inspired of what PdP achieved in its smallness and greatness all at the same time. More than the fun, I think how Punchdrunk Panda seeks to advocate the arts is what really amazes me, above all.

Kudos, PdP and Heima, and to all who were involved in this huge endeavor! I will never tire of supporting these guys!

Jessica Sanchez

I really am not a fan of this year’s batch of American Idol contestants, but after seeing this – the restraint but equally proportional energy is just amazing! Perfect for the blue day that is today… Why is it raining in SUMMER?!

Last Week in Photos

Just let the good vibes coming!!! I so love last week!

PdP Blogger Hangout

It has been months since I was with PdP in an event, and this is already their third blogger hangout! Always a pleasure going to PdP’s events because they’re fun, and you really cannot run out of stuff to talk about. Plus, I love that these events are not-your-usual-events and is more intimate than others. I think it’s a good example how brands should conduct their events.

* Video by the Nomad Manager

Toe in Manila with Hanna and Pebbles

I will have to say that the last centavo of what seemed to be my measly savings went to my Toe ticket. No regrets though! I haven’t been in a rock concert, much more in a post-rock concert, and Toe was such a great band to watch and experience!! I wish I can show you how the drummer looked like when he was spacing out and just banging on his drums – he was so surreal! But unfortunately, even point-and-shoot cameras weren’t allowed. REALLY TERNO PRODUCTIONS? WHY?!

* Video grabbed from a random Youtube-r, hehe

The Hunger Games with Team DGNTY

And yes, the most awaited film of the quarter IMHO hit the big screens last week!! And I have to thank Hunger Games Philippines for the superb seats! I really don’t wanna spoil but there were so many good scenes, excellent even – and it was the best book-to-film adaptation there is, so far! The casting, the production design, the cinematography, the editing, the costume design, what else?! It’s so perfect, it deserves a repeat watch this Thursday!!! See you, fangirls!

EXO dance practice with Toff and Miko

And… I am trying to dance again… Hey, no judgment, I really used to dance, some five years ago! But that’s a long time already haha, so it really helped that Toff and Miko were really patient when I didn’t get the steps easily. I really missed dancing, and was really planning to enroll in a studio this summer. At least I get to start shedding off some rust now, hehe.

Honestly, all my muscles now are like on strike. Even just lifting a glass of water hurts my whole arm… THE WHOLE ARM, I TELL YOU! Am not complaining, but is that how long I’ve been without real physical activity? I better start getting used to this, lawlz.

But indeed, it was still an epic of a week!!!
Still felt like my birthday week, tbh.

Anteroom Sessions 2 on March 31!

It is still not a year from the very first Anteroom Sessions by Punchdrunk Panda and here it is again! Now in an even bigger space, with more artists, more Filipino brands, and of course more fun than ever! Be sure to block March 31 from your calendar as Punchdrunk Panda and Heima invades Cubao X! Look at this amazing line of artists and brands:

FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY:
Ang Bandang Shirley
Gentle Universe
Love Never Dies
Similar Objects
Slow Hello
The Strangeness
Tarsius
Techy Romantics

WITH POP-UP SHOPS BY:
Punchdrunk Panda — (graphic-designed stuff; www.punchdrunkpanda.com)
Moonleaf Tea Shop — (milk tea; www.moonleafteashop.com)
Sophie’s Mom — (cupcakes and more; www.facebook.com/sophiesmomonline)
Ukay Alalay — (pre-loved clothing from Saab Magalona)
Vesti — (bags with textiles from Mindanao; www.vesti.ph)
Agos — (beach/surf wear; www.agospilipinas.com)
Kloi’s N Klay’s — (polymer clay accessories)
Yuki — (accessories; www.yukimakesthings.multiply.com)
Vnaltik — (tops; www.vnaltik.tk)
Artwork — (t-shirts; www.artwork.ph)
Electromagnetic Tentacle — (t-shirts; www.electromagnetictentacle.com)
Junk Studio — (upcycled accessories; www.facebook.com/junkstudiocrafts)

AND PDP SKIMMER DESIGN TEAM WEBISODES BY:
Red House Productions
(feat. JP Cuison & Saab Magalona; Ge Mapa & Selena Salang)
Chyna Lo
(feat. Robbie Bautista & Cheyser Pedragosa; Kitkat Pecson & Patricia Prieto; Kasey Albano & Arriane Serafico)

RSVP here.

***

Anteroom Sessions is all about showcasing budding independent brands and talent. And as a company that passionately supports creativity through their graphic-designed products, Punchdrunk Panda acknowledges others who actively follow their creative inclinations, and provided this avenue to share their passion with others.

With the success of last year’s Anteroom Sessions, Punchdrunk Panda will be holding another leg of the Anteroom Sessions at a bigger venue to bring a bigger crowd to the event.

Anteroom Sessions 2 will be held in partnership with home & lifestyle brand Heima at Cubao Expo on March 31, 2012 from 4-11pm. In keeping with the idea behind Anteroom Sessions, there will be indie music performances, pop-up shops, paper crafts, and webisodes screenings about the design teams for Punchdrunk Panda’s new skimmer collection, which will be launched during the event. Punchdrunk Panda’s skimmer design teams include JP Cuison & Saab Magalona, Ge Mapa & Selena Salang, Kitkat Pecson & Patricia Prieto, Kasey Albano & Arriane Serafico, and Robbie Bautista & Cheyser Pedragosa.

The first Anteroom Sessions started as a modest idea to show off some Punchdrunk Panda sample products at a milk tea place while screening photo shoot webisodes and having a DJ (a coaxed boyfriend) mix some tunes. Gradually, the idea grew and grew, and with everyone who decided to come on board with Punchdrunk Panda for this event, Anteroom Sessions became bigger than the team imagined.

For inquiries, please e-mail info@punchdrunkpanda.com, SMS 0915-8048683, or call 861-3577

LSS of the week: Louder by Charice

This is what me and my friends would call panty liner sounds. LOL! Nothing derogatory though – we love the song! It just has the vibe of something that can be used in a sanitary napkin commercial. Love that it’s so upbeat though.

I just can’t fathom how sucky the styling in this music video. And why not get more and better dancers, and just let Charice emote throughout the song? Really, two dancers can’t hide how bad she is at dancing and not as good as she is at singing. SHE CAN’T DANCE, KAY?

So yeah, I love the song, but the video… SRSLY CHARICE?

Haute Auteur photodump

Oh what a witty copy!!! *slow clap*

We’re a tad bit late, but hey we made it!! Didn’t get to go in though. Talked and talked with friends instead, drank a lil, erm… stalked a lil; lol zeh crush was in the area… but I still succumbed into sending that BBM message and meeting him instead. Yes, now I remembered that I forgot to take a photo of him. Anyway, it was a chill fun night, and looking forward to nights like this.

For the record, that week, I ate squidballs everyday. Idk with myself.

Vincent Moon in MNL

I have to credit Hanna for being such a great source of information! I still got to go even at short notice, also albeit all the plans I make for Thursday nights. Like really. Thursday is the new weekend.

Big Bad Wolf in The Fort is the perfect place for such gatherings… There’s a big blank wall, couches, and board games! But of course, we didn’t get to play… we were there to watch the Take Away shows by Vincent Moon (Mathieu Saura) who has traveled around the world to capture different indie bands perform in the streets (or just perform anyway. He just finds new ways to film music and musicians.) It was a kind of surreal moment for me and my friends as we ourselves have dreamed for the longest time to travel the world. Double whammy for Hanna for wanting to do exactly what Vincent has been doing in the last 10 years.

Like, really? Ten years of traveling? On minimal budget, on a backpack, and only with your camera? It’s a dream, yes. Us, wide eyed, and him eyeing us to donate. It was a fundraiser after all – to support an artist, a fellow dreamer who has been living the dream. (Oh why am I being so dreamy now.)

Here’s to continuing the passion, Vincent! I may be financially incapable right now, but I want you to know that people appreciate what you’re doing!

Treat yourself to some Vincent Moon-lovin’ here:

http://vincentmoon.com

P.S. He’s here for three weeks (I think on his second week now already) so if you see Vincent Moon, say hi. He’s super nice!