Bigfish presents Cream Halloween Ball 2012: Under The Sea featuring Sean Tyas and Simon Patterson

As Halloween approached, so did the pressure on what to wear for this year's Cream Halloween Ball. This is the event's 12th anniversary and the longest running Halloween costume party in the country. From the past two costumes I've donned - I do have a really big shoe to fill. 

Meanwhile, as exciting it is for the EDM community, a back-to-back special was arranged by Bigfish for its fans and loyal followers: Sean Tyas and Simon Patterson each and both on the decks for Cream! How cool can that get? 

This year's theme was underwater where me and my BFF Jason had a hard time figuring out a concept on what to wear. We even resorted to silly ones because it was really hard to out-do our 2011 costumes: The Black Swan and Wonder Woman. However, we came to a point we would just wear anything we feel sexy, confident, and fun in. So that's what we did. On my part, I did have a costume crisis. Last minute change of heart. I felt this when I fit my costume and it didn't feel right. Good thing our couturier is so good they can also do rush orders. And what I wore that night, was a great decision and a lesson to always rely on instincts. 

My outfit was inspired by Candy, the foxy sailorette from Christina Aguilera's Candyman music video and BFF Jason did a C.J. Parker (Pamela Anderson) as a Baywatch Blonde Babe.

Who whore'd (wore) it better?

photo courtesy of The Manila Urbanite

Unlike last year, we were earlier than the usual to become a part of a media conference. This is a brief meet-and-greet and a chance for press, bloggers, and select few fans to ask the guest djs/producers questions. I got to do the ice breaker question, followed by a few more intriguing ones. Not mention, both Sean & Simon did like my costume but most importantly, had I not admitted I am a dude, they will never know. 

with Sean Tyas and Simon Patterson

I've always love the styles of both Si and Sean. They are more on the a deeper and darker side of trance which give them an edge from the so many dj/producers out there. I also follow the podcast of Sean Tyas called TYtanium Sessions. Si;s racy and edgy style is also mental - he could really drive to the edge in a very good way. Listening to both of them that night, there were times I could barely recognise who is on the decks. They both sound the same -- and by that I mean they both delivered mental tunes!!! Made me dance in my heels. Sean & Si did kill the night more than my 5-inch heels killed my feet. 

Back to the look of the costume, I was overwhelmed with the response of people. There were friends who kept asking to send photos as they were excited to see what we were wearing that night. Some kept calling to ask what's our costume like. It felt as if we were stars and people anxiously await what we have in store for them. This year, the make-up also levelled up. All thanks to our brilliant MUA Renan Bautista. He both made me and Jason to look like girls - he softened our features. I was a girl!! Some say I look like Iza Calzado, and many would comment I really did look like a 1940's pin-up girl.

This year's Cream is one for the books - I did enjoy both my costume and the music. This also a shout out to all the others who exerted effort to looking good and having fun this Halloween. Cheerio!

To those who weren't there, here are a few snaps of what you have missed:

 Baywatch Babe C.J. Parker, The Shadow (?), Christina Aguilera Candyman

 The de Rossi Sisters - Assunta & Alessandra

 Posing for the cameras, press, fans, paparazzis - this is one of my fave shots that night

 Ong-Bak (Thai Boxer) and our bodyguards on the side

 Freshness: Wig to Wig; Lips to Lips; Breast to Breast; Legs to Legs; Heels to Heels

The 1940's Pin-Up Girl is the 2012's Pick-Up Girl

Comments are welcome. Be honest but nice. Happy Halloween!!!







xoxo,
Candy

Album Review: Jaytech - Multiverse

Hailing from the Anjunadeep stable of international DJs and producers, Australian-born Jaytech (James Cayzer) is redefining what can be done with the building blocks of trance music. He has taken the reigns as A&R co-director at Anjunadeep, continually deconstructing founding band Above & Beyond’s uplifting vocal trances and rebuilding them with a jolt of emotive , melodic European House, and a total disregard for genre-defining boundaries. 

Jaytech delivers the freshest tracks on his weekly podcast, and now he challenges producers worldwide with the grooves of Multiverse - his second artist album.

The male vocals on Labour of Love feat. Nathan Grainger and Stranger feat. Steve Smith, and the all-encompassing synth scales of New Vibe and title-track Multiverse would fit nicely within Above & Beyond’s world-renowned DJ sets. Rabbit Raiders and Epsilon flirt with these soundscapes, then turn up the pace and electro filters to highlight Jaytech’s subtle bad-boy charm. This electo-edge is the focal point of Through The Maze” feat. Serenade, which for full effect should be performed live with a retro instrument

Jaytech attempts to reinvent the mousetrap with Innovation feat. Nathan Grainger. The 21st century sounds have to work around the bouncy boy-band melody and half-spoken lyrics: These feelings I have are so true/ just want to share this day with you. This miscue is soon alleviated with the dense Rossa Corsa-esque dreamwave on Diode. A classically trained pianist, Jaytech layers complex run of synths with psychedelic whispers that vibrate through your eardrums.

Multiverse lets the listener down easily, with both of the last two tracks hitting at a seemingly below 100bpm. Ample space between notes allows for total appreciation of Melody Gough’s soft vocal pleas on Blue Ocean, escaping the speakers with a delicate trip-hop touch.

At a relatively lengthy 13 tracks and over 70 minutes, I had the urge to skip back to the most pleasing tracks. But Multiverse is a cross-genre adventure that is best explored in full.

Noteworthy tracks include Diode, Blue Ocean, Multiverse, Coda

Track list:

1. Everglade (feat. Serenade)

2. New Vibe (Album Version)


3. Rabbit Raiders


4. Labour Of Love (feat. Nathan Grainger)


5. Epsilon 

6. Innovation (feat. Nathan Grainger)


7. Through The Maze (feat. Serenade)

8. Diode


9. Dr Device

10. Stranger (feat. Steve Smith)

11. Multiverse


12. Blue Ocean (feat. Melody Gough)

13. Coda

Your thoughts???

Bigfish presents Innovation Black 2012 featuring Jerome Ismae and Tritonal

BIGFISH presents "BIGFISH Innovation BLACK 2012"

the most massive Black Party on Aug 25, 2012 (Sat)

at The World Trade Center featuring the one & only

Dj JEROME ISMAE and the uplifting trance duo, TRITONAL.

Together with BIGFISH resident djs, John Boy Lee & Chris Raubeur.

BIGFISH Innovation BLACK 2012 is brought to you by CUERVO BLACK.

In-cooperation with Power Horse Energy Drink "Free Your Energy",

AXN, SONY BeTV & Diamond Hotel.

Media Partners : Magic 89.9, Focus Media, Killer Bee, Mellow 94.7, Wave 891, 99.5 RT, Myx, Velvet,

People Asia, Where, Clavel, Garage, Metro, Maven, Adobo Magazine, The Philippine Star, Business

Mirror, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Business World, Philstar.com, FemaleNetwork.com, SPOT.ph,

StyleBible.ph, Focalcast, Media Magnet, ClicktheCity.com, and Cosmo.ph. Special thanks go to official

residence partner Diamond Hotel, O Music and Video and Gold’s Gym. Bigfish Radio at Magic 89.9 & all

Killerbee Stations every Saturdays 12 mindnight & Bigfish TV at Pldt Watchpad. Also supported by The

Philippine Department of Tourism.

For tickets & vip tables call 632 77 63 / 634 82 38 or log on to www.bigfishmanila.com

Embrace the dark...for BLACK IS THE IDENTITY WE ALL SHARE.

Dj biography:

TRITONAL:

Emerging from relative obscurity in early 2007, in just a few short years Tritonal has become one of the

most recognizable names on the modern trance and progressive world stage. Both exceptional talents

in their own right, Chad Cisneros and Dave Reed formed a prolific music production partnership from

opposite ends of the United States which exceeded all expectations and proved to be a creative match

made in heaven.

JEROME ISMA-AE:

Hailing from Munich, Jerome Isma-Ae is one of the highest-selling, most successful Prog HouseDJ/

producers of the last 3 years. He is reinventing and designing the sounds since the early years of EDM.

Building, combining, releasing and holding on to a continuously sharp sound, fit for both timelessness

and the current demands of the dance floor society. German producer/DJ Jerome Isma-Ae sure kept

himself busy over the past 15 years. But results are showing. With the characteristic Isma-Ae sound on

his side, requested and praised by many, he's got the best weapon there is: the ability to stand out. Mind

you, it's a weapon he won't hesitate to use.

THANK YOU…Very Much Love,

BIGFISH!!!

Republiq presents: Ferry Corsten (05 July 2012)

I have looked forward to this day -- Ferry Corsten's come back gig and this time at Republiq Club. It was a 3-hour long set and I had no words to describe how F created a mental atmosphere especially for his fans and EDM fans!

Not to mention, it was one of Republiq's simpler stage production but has a great impact! Lookie:

Ferry inside the Brain Box

 Marty, Julian, Marx, Kiefer, and Jeff

Marty, Marx, Jeff, and Jase

Were you there? How fun was it????? Share your thoughts...

Bigfish presents Innovation White featuring Cosmic Gate, Myon & Shane 54, Bobina, and Emma Hewitt on vocals

For 12 years I have listened and followed German DJ/producer duo Cosmic Gate and for the first time I was able to meet, talk, and had a photo op with one of my fave trance artists! Nic Chagall and Bossi graced manila dance scene with their classic, re-worked, and current trance tunes. I feel in love with this duo back in 2000, back then most tunes were done through analog style. Their hard trance style during this time made a mark in my head. Now, with the shift in their sound, they still keep that signature style that took them to where they are now.

Hungarian duo Myon & Shane54 are another European trance tandem that’s carving a name for themselves as they gig from continent to continent. With a list of solid singles and fierce remixes to their name, even trance luminaries Armin van Buuren and Above and Beyond are fans of their work, having featured them on their respective compilations.

Also on the bill is Moscow-based trance master Bobina, whom Ferry Corsten has called “one of the most talented music producers ever to come out of Russia”. 

Being the rose among the thorns, Emma Hewitt comes back to Manila to perform and share her trance vocal goodness to the fans. Emma, as tagged by Cosmic Gate, is their angel. And it was only fitting that she was here for Cosmic's first Manila gig.

This is the second event of Bigfish International where they have invited media folks, bloggers, and select few fans to meet and greet the artists.

When I was called to ask a question, I couldn't help but be starstruck, hence it was heard in my voice how nervous and excited I was talking to these guys. My question went like, "how different was music then from now in terms of quality and appeal; and how far have we gone out in terms making music from analog means to digital means" - Both Nic and Bossi answered my question.

 Myon & Shane 54, Bossi of Cosmic Gate, Ricky of Bigfish, Nic of Cosmic Gate, and Emma Hewitt

 Emma Hewitt, Marty, Jase, Marx

With Bossi and Nic Chagall of Cosmic Gate

While the media conf started a little later than scheduled, Bobina was unable to join to meet the media guys and had to be on the decks to keep the momentum going. By far, this is the best line up of Bigfish. Though I feel they had brought in too many acts for one night, there were instances that these acts may outshine one another where in fact they could just be stars in their skies. My 2 cents is to stick with two international acts, plus the resident acts, and an option to bring in a vocalist.


It was a fun filled night as I have enjoyed mostly Cosmic Gate's set where they also played their re-worked hits like The Truth, Exploration Of Space, and Fire Wire. I also enjoyed the closing set of Myon & Shane -- this duo know how to work a crowd!

Here are some of the snaps from the event:

**photos courtesy of Marty Martin


If you were there, please share your experience on the comment field...

Album Review: Anjunabeats Worldwide 04 Mixed by Maor Levi and Nitrous Oxide

Just recently released is Anjunabeats Worldwide04 - the next installment to the series and this time we get mixes from my personal favourite, young Isareli producer Maor Levi and Polish producer Nitrous Oxide. Two new excellent mixes but of distinct style. It features tracks and mixes from Mat Zo, Super8 & Tab, Nitrous Oxide, and Heatbeat. 

I am very enthusiastic about this compilation as one of the most unique and brilliant producers, Maor Levi, is gracing to mix the first disc. I first heard of Maor in 2008 on Tiësto's In Search of Sunrise 6: Ibiza record with his track Reflect and in 2010 on Above & Beyond's Anjunabeats Volume 8 with this track Chasing Love. I love how his songs incorporate reverberated snippets of vocals rather than just singing. Working and uniquely foregrounding generous amounts of delay, reverbs, and smartly placed loops creates the airy/misty and pipe-wind-like texture in his music which is just so breathtaking. I can see the distinct differences between his music and someone like Armin van Buuren's which makes him both brilliant and rare, to almost unique. He applied this technique in mixing the compilation and to be honest, almost all--if not all--tracks are note worthy. 

The first disc is classic Anjuna--full of swirling, twirling, trickling melodies that can completely fill a room while still managing to sound like they’re coming from far away. The second disc, is a reminder that for all of trance’s beauty, the genre is still very much about wicked beats.

Again, it’s always difficult to listen to a trance album out of context. Trance, more than any other EDM subgenre, lends itself to spectacle--to theatrical, majestic synths; dramatic, existential track titles; and massive, happy crowds. When I close my eyes, it’s very easy to imagine a sea of blissful ravers losing themselves in the lights and the sounds and the inevitable smiles in an event. Music like this requires patience and a genuine love for trance music. This is not an album to convert the non-believers, or worse - posers.

Tracklist:
Disc One - Mixed By Maor Levi

01. Breakfast pres. Keyworth – Splitting
02. Maor Levi – Won’t Say No
03. Tate & Diamond feat. Nicolai – Electrified (Mat Zo Remix)
04. Mat Zo – It’s Yours
05. Inpetto – No More Serious Faces
06. Boom Jinx feat. Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
07. 3rd Planet – Sevas
08. Norin & Rad – Pistol Whip
09. Super8 – Alba (Maor Levi Remix)
10. Bluestone – Namaste
11. Genix – Aura
12. Ost & Meyer – Safari (Maor Levi Remix)
13. Kyau & Albert – This Love
14. Parker & Hanson – Afterthought (Heatbeat Remix)
15. Breakfast pres. Keyworth – Median (Keyworth Remix)

Disc Two - Mixed By Nitrous Oxide

01. Andrew Bayer & Matt Lange feat. Kerry Leva – In And Out Of Phase (Norin & Rad Remix)
02. Mike Koglin vs. Genix – Helion (Norin & Rad Remix)
03. Nitrous Oxide & Dan Stone – Nautica
04. Adam Kancerski – Orion
05. Edu & Cramp – Human Turbines (Beat Service Remix)
06. Ost & Meyer – Antalya
07. Craig Connelly – Manchester AM (2012 Club Mix)
08. Sunny Lax – Contrast (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
09. Nitrous Oxide – Gr8!
10. Ost & Meyer – Scarlet Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
11. Nitrous Oxide & Space RockerZ – Energize
12. Boom Jinx & Daniel Kandi – Azzura
13. Super8 & Tab – Awakenings
14. Nitrous Oxide – Tiburon
15. Cramp – Andromeda


Do you agree?

We Are The EXCEPTION

When I got this news I got so excited that finally, my country, The Philippines will get to have our own Ultra Music Festival or Creamfields!

So here's the press release with it's accompanying promotional video.

=============================================

Exception Music Festival Manila, Philippines, November 2012

Make way for Exception, the Philippines’ first electronic music festival.

(Manila, Philippines) Elsewhere around the globe, world-famous DJs share the stage with fellow superstars, music fans band together in endless thousands, and a spirit of no-holds-barred fun powers the entire scene. This is what an electronic music festival is all about, and this is what the Philippines has yet to witness.

To take the Philippines into the Next and higher level we proudly presents Exception Music Festival, an event that brings together different music stars, with different music Genres both foreign and local, in one massive event.

We are uniting everyone under one massive REAL Music festival, Taking a cue from the biggest dance festivals worldwide like Creamfields and Global Gathering in the UK and Ultra and Electric Daisy Carnival in the US, Exception will gather hordes of party-goers in one gigantic outdoor location, its ground set to shake with a whole day’s succession of trance, house, progressive, electro, pop, rock, and a madcap mixture of all of the above. And in the tradition of those same festivals, rules will be gleefully thrown to the wind in the name of fun. That’s Why its Called EXCEPTION, as you know there is an EXCEPTION for everything. 

On its first year, Exception will boast three different stages. The House Stage: that will feature house music maestros and the biggest brands: Ministry of sound, Hedkandi, Housexy  will electrify the audience. Meanwhile, The LIVE Stage acts such as Live Pop – Rock bands ( local & international, Live performance, Tribal, Live PA and More are bound to set the second stage on fire. The third stage ( MAIN STAGE ) will be a stadium-sized spectacle starring the event’s headliners of the Biggest Names in Trance & Progressive : Line to be announced soon Each stage will be mounted with state-of-the-art light and sound systems, and the entire venue will be bedecked with cheeky paraphernalia in true clubbing and Music fashion.

Exception is a trailblazing concept in the Philippines, as it aims to debut the country to the global dance community as a new festival destination. Besides uniting Manila’s electronic music fans into one cheering, hollering congregation, it will draw in dance denizens from all over the country and even all the way abroad.

Be part of the first Exception Music Festival on NOVEMBER 2012 , where the music is never-ending and the rules are nonexistent. For this event, make an exception: dress however you want, act however you want, and be as foolish as your fearless young souls desire.

WARNING:

DON’T YOU EVER THINK ABOUT MISSING THIS

http://exceptionmusicfestival.com

Goodbye Donna Summer

Earlier this year, the music industry was saddened with the sudden passing of Whitney Houston. Today, another legend and icon leaves us.

Donna Summer aka The Queen of Disco has lost her battle with breast cancer. She died on 17 May 2012.

Another dark day for music. Today I and for the next coming weeks, I just want to bump Donna Summer tunes to reminisce my childhood days. My parents, especially my mum drew particular interest with Donna. My mum was the one who introduced me to her music. Being very young in the 80's I just tend to listen whatever's being played on the radio and by whomever is manning the stereo. It wasn't hard to fall in love with Donna's music. The Giorgio Moroder signature 70s disco beats is how I will always remember this disco diva. She has inspired the likes of Madonna and Kylie Minogue to build and nurture their musical careers on this particular genre. 

So for now, I'ma be like, tsup tsup, beep beep! #BadGirls.

Do you like Donna Summer? Share your thoughts...

Album Review: Dash Berlin - Music Is Life

One of the fastest rising EDM acts and one of Armada's best recruits, Dash Berlin, releases his second artist album Music Is Life. He has been tweeting #MusicIsLife which gave his fans and followers a clue of what his next album title would be.

The record contains signature hits such as Disarm Yourself, which features the angelic vocals of Australian singer Emma Hewitt, Better Half Of Me & World Falls Apart the epic duology with top vocalist Jonathan Mendelsohn, the magical team up with German DJ superstar ATB on Apollo Road and of course exciting new collaborations with artists such as Shogun, Kate Walsh, Shanokee, Chris Madin, Hoyaa, and Sarah Howells.

On my first few listens, I do not think it surpasses his debut artist album The New Daylight, but quality-wise of the tunes produced, they very much bear the DB mark on them. The record contains very promising uplifting and vocal tunes like his collab with the ever-angelic voice Emma Hewitt - Disarm Yourself, another track that caught my attention is his collab with ATB - Apollo Road, and finally, Aviation - I love instrumentals!

Track list:

01. Better Half Of Me (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)

02. Disarm Yourself (feat. Emma Hewitt)

03. Silence In Your Heart (feat. Chris Madin)

04. Apollo Road (Dash Berlin with ATB) 

05. Go It Alone (feat. Sarah Howells)

06. Like Spinning Plates (feat. Emma Hewitt)

07. When You Were Around (feat. Kate Walsh)

08. Fool For Life (feat. Chris Madin)

09. Callisto (Dash Berlin with Shogun)

10. World Falls Apart (feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn)

11. Surrender (feat. Shanokee)

12. Aviation (feat. Hoyaa)

13. Man On The Skyfire (Dash Berlin with Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren vs Shogun) 

What do you think?

Album Review: Anjunadeep04 Mixed by Jaytech and James Grant

Anjunadeep, the housier sister (sub-label) of Anjunabeats releases its fourth installment of the Anjunadeep series. Anjunadeep04 mixed by Australian proggy house artist Jaytech and Jono's brother James Grant, is a perfect concoction of chill, ambient, deep house that cater to a niche market of electronic music lovers - myself included. Showcasing tracks and remixes from acts like Dusky, Tom Middleton, Maceo Plex, Vincenzo, and Solarity,  the collection is a 28 track journey through deep house, immersive melodic grooves, and modern progressive.

One of the main contributing artists is Andrew Bayer, a brilliant American producer whose style is a mix of ambient, chill, proggy house, and glitch-hop. I got to discover him whilst listening to the first few installments of the Anjunadeep series. With the fourth compilation, he contributes two slick tunes: You and Gaff's Eulogy (which I am so crazy about); and co-remixed tunes like Prelude, Take Me Away, Gravity among the few.

This 2-CD compilation is an explosion of slick, chill, and proggy tunes. Disc one was remixed by James Grant whilst disc 2 is by Jaytech. This is perfect for driving, or while at work, and even helping one to sleep at night. The tunes promote tranquility and bliss - or at least that's what I feel every time I bump this record. Between the two discs, I happen to like disc one better where most of the noteworthy tracks are.

Track list:

Disc 1 / Mixed By James Grant

1. Dusky "Stick By This" (Deep04 Edit)
2. Martin Roth "Beautiful Life"
3. Vincenzo "Get To Know You"
4. Laura Jones "Love In Me" (Maceo Plex Remix)
5. Andrew Bayer "You"
6. Paronator "No Gravity" (Tom Middleton Liquatech Mix)
7. Dusky "Lost Highway"
8. Above & Beyond "Prelude" (Andrew Bayer & James Grant Remix)
9. Full Tilt "Take Me Away" (Andrew Bayer & James Grant Remix)
10. Parker & Hanson "Afterthought" (Soundprank's Deep04 Mix)
11. Stephen J. Kroos "Phobos"
12. P8 & Answer42 "Fragments"
13. P.O.S. "Gravity" (Andrew Bayer & James Grant Remix)
14. Andrew Bayer "Gaff’s Eulogy"

Disc 2 / Mixed by Jaytech

1. Answer42 "The Lemon Effect"
2. Kobana & Yane3dots "Woosh"
3. Oliver Smith "Under The Wire"
4. Solarity "Primordial"
5. Suspect 44 "Neon Feel"
6. Jaytech "Synergy"
7. Vadim Soloviev "Forma Perpetua"
8. Soundprank "Boundless Energy"
9. Jaytech "Overdrive" (PROFF Remix)
10. Joonas Hahmo "Manor"
11. Levente Márton "There's Always A Way Out"
12. Kaskade "Sorry" (Dirty South Remix)
13. Parker & Hanson "Alquimia" (Andrew Bayer Remix)
14. Jaytech "Atlantic"

Share your thoughts!

Bigfish presents SummerNRG featuring Aly & Fila and Ashley Wallbridge in Boracay 2012

Summer’s heat is officially upon us. This only means one thing:  BIGFISH Summer Energy will soon be making Boracay bounce!

I am so excited for Ashley Wallbridge! 

This year’s Summer Energy is Bigfish’s most exciting and ambitious one to date. It kicks off with the chilled-down Sunset Sessions on April 5 at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar in Station 2. Taking the energy up several notches is the Main Party happening on April 7, 8pm, also at the beachfront of Paraiso Bar, where revelers can sway until the summer sun rises. But the celebration doesn’t stop there—on April 8, from 6am onwards.

I ended my disco nap just in time to catch Ashley Wallbridge - not only he's a looker but he is a very promising Armada talent whose tune style appeals to my dance musical palette. So now in the party scene, I could hear girls shouting his name because now they have realised how cute he is. I was shouting with them - for the same reason, and because Ash was bringing down the island! He was banging! I didn't even realise how time flew so fast at that time that it was already Aly & Fila's turn.

It was my first time to experience this duo live. Apparently, only one of them can only man the decks as the other is deaf? Hailing from Cairo, Egypt, these fellas seemed to have something exotic to offer. As the night progressed, I thought it was coming on too slow, and low. It wasn't peaking as it should. And came 4AM, I thought they were already ending it. Not only until 5AM did the party start to peak up (or pick up) whatever you want to call it. Aly & Fila and Ashley Wallbridge did a back-to-back!!! Now that's something I have been waiting for. Being it a sunrise party, only the real 'ravers' would stay and dance to the beat - which is what happened. Oh, and during this time there was a tee tossed in to the crowd and managed to snatch it in exchange of getting spilled with my own drink. A Sound of Egypt tee from Aly & Fila.

Here are some photos to attest to the fun that had happened:

And later that day (night) I saw Ashley Wallbridge on three different ocassions. Didn't have the balls to ask for a photo on the first two encounters. But on the third time, I thought it's a charm and a photo-op was in order. Thanks heaps to my friend Bhavish who did most of the job and all I had to do was pose. Voila!

Share the fun, share your thoughts!

Republiq presents: Afrojack (04 April 2012)

On the night before our traditional Holy Week get away to Boracay was Nick van de Wall a.k.a. Afrojack gig in Manila. This was a good pre-Boracay party to get us in the mood. 

As expected, Afrojack delivered great quality house tunes, blow by blow, track after track. He definitely did Take Over Control!

Were you there? Let me know how it went for you--

F! Girls Reunion

Who wouldn't remember the late-at-night lifestyle show F! on Studio 23 back in the late 90s and early 00s -- Cher Calvin, Daphne Oseña-Paez, Angel Aquino, and Amanda Griffin (who replaced  Cher in the last 3 years run of the show).

I remember my BFF Jason and I used to pretend as Daphne and Angel respectively whenever we do shopping, visit a spa, eat at a restaurant, even listening to music - we would give our commentaries and blurbs the F girls way. 

I used to compare them to the Charmed Ones (Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano) but instead of doing witchcraft, they are TV hosts. And when Rose McGowan replaced Shannen (who got booted out of the show), just as Amanda Griffin replaced Cher (who took on an opportunity with FOX News), it was kind of a perfect comparison. At first, Rose seems to not have any chemistry with Alyssa and Holly just as Amanda seemed an underdog to Daphne and Angel but later on proved that both replacements were as effective as their incumbents, just in a different manner.

So when Daphne and Cher tweeted about getting together with Angel, and Amanda on Mornings @ ANC, I got so excited and really wanted to watch the episode! It will be a historic moment that all four of them would be all together.

Below is the Monings @ ANC episode (links courtesy of @DaphneOP)

Were you also an avid follower of F? Share some of your thoughts--

Album Review: Madonna - MDNA

Madonna's 12th studio album MDNA offers some familiar futuristic EDM sound with a touch of Madge. This could sound like her previous work Hard Candy, when all artists at the time were aching to be Timbalandised. As Madge is known to cope with trends very well and can transform into what is relevant, she manages to score an album with today's sound - electronic dance music. Working with producers like Benny Benassi, Martin Solveig, Ray of Light collaborator William Orbit, among the few, Madonna proves yet again why she has the staying power in the business. However, for fans as myself, I feel the album does not deliver a seemingly come-back attempt from a 4-year hiatus, and also that hope for a Ray Of Light ish smash album also dissipated. 

The concept of MDNA, in reference to MDMA drug, or an abbreviated version of Madonna, or Madonna DNA rocked my brain for a couple of months. Those months I have anticipated that she will deliver an in-your-face album to all of the princesses threatening her of her Queen of Pop throne. But to no avail, I feel that she wasn't able to do so. Perhaps with album sales, she did prove her loyal following. But as a loyal follower myself, I feel she has again succumb to the pressures of the post-GaGa pop world. I was hoping she would be setting new trends and not trying to prove why she is the queen. Although some good tracks were produced, there are no tracks sounding they could pass the test of time. But it might be too early to judge so let's see.

On a lighter note, I want to highlight some of the tracks that are worthy listens: Gang Bang sounds like a sequel to Revolver and its video could only be aptly directed by Quentin Tarantino; other tracks like I'm Addicted (where she repeatedly sings MDNA then it turns out to be MDMA in the end), Turn Up The Radio, I Don't Give A comply to today's standard of what an EDM-inspired track should be. Another track that sounds like her previous hits: Beautiful Stranger for I'm A Sinner; and Ray of Light for Beautiful Killer. Do check out the deluxe edition, as it has some great add ups.

Track list

01. Girl Gone Wild
02. Gang Bang
03. I'm Addicted
04. Turn Up The Radio
05. Give Me All Your Luvin'
06. Some Girls
07. Superstar
08. I Don't Give A
09. I'm A Sinner
10. Love Spent
11. Masterpiece
12. Faaling Free

Deluxe:

01. Beautiful Killer
02. I Fucked Up
03. B-day Song
04. Best Friend
05. Give Me All Your Luvin' (Party Rock Remix)
06. Love Spent (Acoustic) (iTunes pre-order only)

Let me know what you think--

Album Review: Ashley Wallbridge - The Inner Me

All eyes on Ashley Wallbridge - one of 2012's most promising EDM acts, and Armada Records latest recruits. Hailing from the United Kingdom, the young producer now presents to the community The Inner Me, his debut artist album after a hard work in the studio, flowing inspiration, and fine-tuning.

Featuring 17 brand new unreleased tracks, his debut album 'The Inner Me' reveals many new faces of Ashley Wallbridge. Awakening with a deep, down-tempo track, the album slowly but steady unfolds into a mix of progressive, trance and even some sound score classic music. Commisioning vocals from the likes of Audrey Gallagher, Meighan Nealon, Matias Lehtola, musical synergy with producers like Andy Moor, and Kobalt Infusion and of course the bright, unique sound of Wallbridge himself, make this an album with character and power. The album also contains a re-worked version of the track he first got noticed - Faces (with Andy Moor) and a few more hit tunes like Mumbai Traffic, and his current entry to the Universal Religion 5 collection Vision

Track list:

01 Emotions
02These Walls (feat. Elleah)
03 Kopanang (feat. Kobalt Infusion)
04 Careful
05 Zorro
06 Faces (with Andy Moor) (feat. Meighan Nealon) (The Inner Me Mix)
07 Soul Seek
08 Vision (The Inner Me Mix)
09 Meta4
10 Mumbai Traffic
11 Keep The Fire (feat. Elleah)
12 Ibiza
13 World To Turn (with Andy Moor) (feat. Gabriela) (The Inner Me Mix)
14 Bang The Drum (feat. Audrey Gallagher)
15 Feel Again (feat. Matias Lehtola)

iTunes Bonus Tracks:

16 JYNX (The Inner Me Mix)
17 Sunrise

What do you think?

Album Review: Trance Nation 2012 (Remixed by Cosmic Gate)

The annual Trance Nation compilation from Ministry of Sound Records is out now, and this time the remixes are by one of my all-time fave duo Cosmic Gate. 

Following 2011's remix by Rank 1, this compilation shows no slowing down from it's predecessor. Expect ergasmic tracks from Trance giants like Sander van Door, Tiesto, Above & Beyond, and from new contingents like Andrew Bayer, Arty, and Mat Zo all wrapped up with a bough on it by Claus Terhoeven (a.k.a. Nic Chagall) and Stefan Bossems (a.k.a. DJ Bossi) collectively known as Cosmic Gate. Compiling some of their favourite producers, remixers, and artists over a 2CD release, Nic & Bossi perfectly capture the future sound of the genre. The duo explains: "It’s an honor for us to be mixing this international, established and influential brand mix series by Ministry Of Sound and be the next ambassador after respected colleagues and friends like Above & Beyond, Andy Moor and Rank1!"

One note worthy track that really caught my attention and ear drums is Cosmic Gate and Andrew Bayer's track Nothing Ever Lasts. The said track headlines the first cd. This 2-CD goodie is such a good listen you wouldn't even realise that two hours had already passed just by listening to it. It then ends with a CG classic Fire Wire 2011 remix (that can also be found on CG's Back 2 The Future Remixes complilation)

Track list:

CD1:
01. Cosmic Gate & Andrew Bayer – Nothing Ever Lasts (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Jerome Isma – Ae - Speed
03. Nic Chagall & Duderstadt Feat. Relyk – Alone With You
04. Cosmic Gate – Crushed
05. Boom Jinx Feat. Justine Suissa – Phoenix From The Flames (Maor Levi Remix)
06. Sunleed – Rasalhague
07. Temple One Feat. Neev Kennedy – Love The Fear (Tom Fall Remix)
08. Mat Zo – Bipolar
09. Emma Hewitt – Colours (Cosmic Gate Remix)
10. LTN – Ordinary People (Anhken Remix)
11. Abstract Vision & Elite Electronic – Always Exotic
12. Alex Kunnari Feat. Ben Andreas – Taste The Sun (Tom Fall Instrumental)
13. Space Rockerz Feat. Ellie Lawson – So Out Of Reach
14. Matt Davey – Castaway (Daniel Hairston Lonely Road Remix)

CD2:
01. Cosmic Gate with Myon & Shane 54 and Aruna – All Around You (Extended Intro Mix)
02. Ost & Meyer – Scarlett Heaven (Dan Stone Remix)
03. Ummet Ozcan – Cocoon
04. Tiesto – Flight 643 (Nash & Pepper Remix)
05. Cosmic Gate & Arnej – Sometimes They Come Back For More (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
06. Above & Beyond – Formula Rossa (Nitrous Oxide Remix)
07. Cosmic Gate & Emma Hewitt – Be Your Sound (Extended Mix)
08. Cosmic Gate – The Theme
09. Kyau & Albert – Are You Fine (Arty Remix)
10. Sander van Doorn, Adrian Lux – Eagles (Album Mix)
11. Cold Blue – Coconut
12. Gareth Emery – Tokyo
13. Marcel Woods – Accelerate (Chris Schweizer Big Room Mix)
14. Cosmic Gate – Fire Wire (Cosmic Gate’s Back 2 The Future Remix)

If you have this compilation or have listened to this record, do share your thoughts--

Republiq presents: Calvin Harris (23 February 2012)

Been anticipating for this and finally I will get to legitimately wear my fly eye glasses in a Calvin Harris event. 

Last Thursday night at Republiq Club in Manila, all the Stars Come Out for Calvin Harris. I was so Ready For The Weekend and Feel So Close to Calvin that night. And now, all are just a Flashback of how fabulous that night was!

If you were there, too, share your experience--

Goodbye Whitney Houston

Such a shocking news this early Sunday morning of 12 Feb '12 in Manila when I learned that one of my personal favourite songtress, the voice, Whitney Houston has passed away. As of yet, details to her demise is still unknown. Though she is known to have a cocaine abuse problem, authorities have not confirmed the cause of death and that investigations are still on-going.

This is indeed a very sad day for the music industry as it lost one of the best voices to ever grace a stage and hold a microphone. I grew up listening to Whitney. She was one of the women who paved for the "diva" singer category. This helped the likes of Mariah Carey and Celine Dion reach a stature in their careers. 

Whitney's voice will be continued to be heard and her legacy will carry on. I love you.

Do you have the same sentiment on Whitney?