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!
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!
Le connaisseur amoureux 
Great Stuff, do you have a twitter profile?
Yes I have! It’s @Jonver_David :)