Bigfish presents Innovation Black featuring Jaytech and Nitrous Oxide

Jaytech and Nitrous Oxide's sets were absolutely wonderful - they dropped Inception and Walter White and everyone loved it. Everyone - except me because sadly I.Was.Not.There.

Despite that, I still created this blog entry for my love of these Anjunabeats artists. I was confident that both of these acts will surely deliver even though many, during the line up's announcement, were apprehensive and skeptical whether if the event will be a success. They were wrong - with all the kind of feedback and reaction I have been getting from friends and social media, the event was more than a success. In fact, it was tagged as one of the best events that Bigfish ever threw. 

This was my second time to have missed out on Innovation Black since 2008. I have learned to realised by now that Innovation Black is the sure fire best event of the year in terms of line up. I should know because it has been consistent that way. Looking 3 years back, it was Ferry Corsten, Alex M.O.R.P.H, Tritonal, Jerome Isma-e, and this year were Jaytech and Nitrous Oxide -- all had been a success and outdid it's Innovation White counterpart. Cream however, is a different case because I don't really pay attention much on the line up - Cream is about the costume.

Although I was not physically present last Saturday, my mind was with the community. I was also listening to my NO2 sets especially the mix he did for Anjunabeats Worldwide 04. I didn't feel that I missed out on anything because for me it was a daily thing listening to both of these artists. The only thing I may have missed, perhaps, was sharing the experience with my trance buddies. But we did catch up after the event and continued to bask in the momentum that the it created, so it was still all good.

Below are a few snaps I grabbed from some friends. Credits are given to respective photo owners:

 The Black Hole crowd with the manananggal as the center (photo courtesy of Jason Tomas)

with the Cha sisterhood (photo courtesy of Jay Miraballes)

How was your experience???

Twelve presents: Tenishia (06 July 2013)

Malta's most successful dance act duo, Tenishia visited Manila for a night of 'proper' trance as how some of the people I know would coin it. 

Joining them on the decks are one of the local dance scene's hot names: Cammy V and John Odin. Cam and JP will be opening and closing, respectively for the main acts. 

The duo, Joven Grech and Cyprian Cassar dropped their uplifting mixes and drove the crowd wild. With so many hits after hits, I could not even remember all, but anthems like DB's Waiting, Tiesto's Love Again, AvB's latest offering This Is What It Feels Like were among that the crowd experienced, Tenishia version. 

It was an unexpected fun, crazy, sweaty night of trance, joy, euphoria, and friendship. It was my last weekend before I start a new module for my post-grad studies so I decided to party the night away and it was a great decision that I did. 

A few snaps taken from my camera phone:

 a photo op with Cyprian Cassar (my right) and Joven Grench (my left) collectively known as Tenishia

the boys working the decks of 7th High

Comments?

Bigfish presents Innovation White featuring Jochen Miller, Rank 1, and Ana Criado on vocals

It was a rainy night but the show must go on. Not even a storm could stop me from seeing one of my dj/producer crushes in person -- Jochen Miller -- not mention, a closing set delivered by one of the most underrated trance acts Rank 1. So I marched on with my #TrioTagaPayong friends and reveled the night away.

When Jochen took over the decks, the crowd just went ballistic, started jumping, throwing their hands up in the air, and just losing in his heavy basslines, epic riffs, and Bigfish's fantastic laser light shows.

I did feel the crowd of Bigfish is getting younger as years go by, well that only means that my generation is ageing as well. Jochen Miller's energy was channeled by the crowd and as he drove us to edge of his infectious beats, he still manage to throw that smile that even led the girls and the boys and practically everyone else crazier. As he built, smashed, drove, and threw the crowd high up, it was time for the duo Rank 1 to take over, keep the aerial momentum and eventually land the crowd safely. Oh, and somewhere in between was Ana Criado singing. I didn't feel much of her presence really, so I don't have anything else to say. 

It was a night of redemption for the Innovation White series. I could remember the last great Innovation White was during the Above & Beyond 2010, not even Cosmic Gate or Chicane could top it but with Jochen and R1', I can say it is now back on track.

And it gets better, there was an after party at Club Haze where Jochen spinned some more. His energy is just encompassing and with all the riffs he's been doing while flashing his white-teeth smile, was just a monumental.

A few snaps from that night:

 Paul, Justin, Van, Jase, Marx, Jay (photo courtesy of Jason Tomas)

 Jochen Miller working the deck of Bigfish at World Trade Center (photo taken via my camera phone)

 Jochen Miller working the deck of Club Haze during the after-party (photo taken via my camera phone)

Your thoughts please....

Bigfish presents SummerNRG featuring Sied van Riel and O Jon O'Bir

Get ready for the hottest concert party called Summer Energy: The Biggest Music Festival in the Island of Boracay on March 28 and March 30, 2013 at Beachfront, Station 2, Boracay

Concert Party Date: March 28 and March 30, 2013/ Thursday and Saturday

Concert Party Venue: at Beachfront, Station 2, Boracay, Philippines

Concert Party Ticket Price:

VIP Tables – P10,000 (Good for 8 pax)

VIP – P1500 (+ 2 free drinks)

Door Charge Regular – P700

Pre- Selling Regular- Php 1600

Pre- Selling VIP-Php 1200

The  two-day music festival will feature world renowed and an award winning DJ, O Jon O’Bi with the biggest  biggest stars including Paul Van Dyk, Sasha, and Tiesto. Bigfish resident DJChris Raeuber and DJ Sied Van Riel, who won the “best new face” award for the 2008 Trance Awards will be also joining the event

This event also made possible with the support of Big Fish Residence Partners, Sol Marina Boracay,The Palms Boracay, and Diamond Hotel. MTV Asia, is the Official Music Channel, and Velvet as the Official Lifestyle Channel.

Summer Energy: The Biggest Music Festival in the Island of Boracay event is brought to you by Big Fish Manila with special partners HTC, Bacardi, and Power Horse.

Bigfish presents TranceNRG featuring Dash Berlin

Never thought this opportunity would come again so soon - being that I missed the first gig of Dash Berlin in Manila last Jan '12, here he is again back in Manila for Bigfish TranceNRG as part of his Music Is Life tour.

Normally, my bff Jason is the one in-charge gathering all of Manila bloggers and press people for the mini media conf prior the event. This conf allows select invited guests, press people, and bloggers to meet, greet, and throw questions on the featured artist/s. However, the date of DB's second Manila gig also fell on a Lunar NYE which made Jason unavailable - I covered for him. I got to do first hand and be involved in the action of holding up a media conf, engaging the media folks whilst waiting for the artist, doing some leg work in performing logistics down to ensuring loot bags have the right stuff in and that they will be given to the attendees at the end of the mini conference. 

I became an instant fan of DB's music back in 2009 because of his melodic, melancholic, emo-trance tunes i.e. 'till The Sky Falls Down, Man On The Run, and the ever-anthemic Waiting. However, his recent works has become too emotional and commercial that they just lost their appeal and luster on my musical palette. But that didn't stop me from attending his gig, and better yet getting a chance to talk, ask him questions, and have a photo op with Jeff Sutorious. Yes, he is that guy with a modest height for a caucasian. Dash Berlin consists of three members and Jeff is the face and the front man of the act. 

Here are some snaps:

with DB's front man Jeff Sutorius (photo taken via my camera phone)

with Christmas and Ralph

(all other 3 photos courtesy of Christmas Teotico)

Were you there? Did you have fun?

Trance 'til Dawn presents United Under Dance featuring Artic Moon

Trance 'til Dawn, the growing group of dance music enthusiasts, now positioned to also bring in to the country some of today's significant artists in this ever-evolving genre, brings us their first international dance act -- Artic Moon.

Artic Moon is known for his uplifting tunes and epic drops that go from 130 to 145 bpm. I am no dj/producer (or at least not yet) but with my observation of his tunes, that's my estimate of the bpm he is playing on. 

I celebrated with the pack leader Pat Santos together with the rest of this genre's enthusiasts and advocates. All I could remember were the thumping of beats, the enthralled mix of whirling synths, and people just raving, getting lifted into what we call a state of trance. 

There was even a time I was just in front of Artic Moon, jumping, staring at him, feeling his basslines, and in between that action I was able to take a quick snap of the guy.

Artic Moon in action on the deck of TIME in Manila (photo taken from my camera phone)

 Jase and I before the night went crazy (photo courtesy of Luther Abcede)

How was your Artic Moon experience?

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...

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--

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--

Bigfish presents Big Love Hed Kandi: A Night of Twisted Disco House Classics

As I have unintentionally missed out on TranceNRG presents Dash Berlin and Super8 & Tab, I am now looking forward to the next Bigfish rave -- Hed Kandi. This year's HK line up may not sound as enticing as the previous international EDM acts but enough for me to check out our local DJs spinning prowess.

See you there #EDMFamilyManila

This just in: My BFF Jason Tomas was commissioned by Bigfish folks to organise a blogconf and given EDM is a personal interest, I was included on the invite list to meet and greet the local DJs spinning for the Big Love event. This is gonna be fun!

Photos to follow--

During the press conf for Hed Kandi Big Love, many bloggers, radio personalities, EDM people, among the few were present throwing questions at our djs/producers and even at the Bigfish spokespersons themselves. I was privileged to be in the same room with these people and I look forward to doing it every single Bigfish event.

Here's a bonus - a photo op with the great DJ Andy Norman

Bigfish presents TranceNRG featuring Dash Berlin and Super8 & Tab

I've been waiting.... 'til the sky falls down... 'till Dash Berlin visits Manila and yesssssssss I am missing it. I have been looking forward to this rave but because of my uber excitement for Boracay, I booked a flight going there for the long weekend of Chinese New Year only realising after that I have booked on the 20th and the Dash event is on the 21st. Greeeeat!

No regrets though... As I compensated partying in Boracay especially on the CNY eve courtesy of this fierce Turkish DJ, Berna Ozturk! But that's another story that deserves its own entry.

Now all I can do is just sing The cooooooool wind is taking over, it's taken over! This is also what my friends have been buzzing about after the event... Dash Berlin took over and Super8 & Tab delivered. I also feel bad I missed a live set from Super8 & Tab -- they are one of my favourite remixers.

If you were there, kindly share your experience--

Bigfish presents Cream Halloween Ball 2011: Where The Mummy meets Star Wars in Wonderland featuring W&W and Giuseppe Ottaviani

Yet another year of Cream Ball had passed. Managed to get in to a costume that would be my best yet -- The Black Swan. 

I'd like to think that dressing up this year is of course, for fun, but aside from that I want to show my appreciation to all women who take effort in dressing up. It's not easy to be beautiful. I understand them now a little better. This is literally putting myself in your 5" shoes! ACHIEVED!

With this year's dj/producer line-up that Bigfish have for us ravers, we will experience for the first time both Giuseppe Ottaviani and W&W. All I could remember was W&W killed the night more than my 5" heels killed my feet. Ottaviani delivered a mental performance as he drove me to the edge of my heels whilst dancing some ballerina moves -- yes, in heels! I was totally in character.

Earlier, as we arrived at the venue just a little before midnight and as we entered the gates of what it would have been a Rave in Wonderland, our friends were waiting for us like crazy fans just so they could see us and snap a couple of shots. I was really touched by the support. As we entered WTC, everyone was shouting our "Black Swan" and "Wonder Woman" (as what my BFF Jason Tomas was dressed in)

I really felt like a star and everyone wanted to take photos. Even if my heels were killing me, I smiled and channeled my character -- I was very effective at it. Then suddenly, I had an epiphany... I now understand people better - women at that. I am now literally in their shoes. What they do to look good, is not an easy job. It takes effort - an effort that is so often taken for granted. 

Many friends say that there were quite a number of attendees who donned the Black Swan look but it was only me who stood out. This is what I tell people, it's not what you wear - it's the way you wear it. The most important ingredient in donning a look is the attichoood. 

Overall, like I always say, Cream isn't the Bigfish event where music matter to me or whoever is spinning. This night is for myself becoming someone or something, releasing inhibitions, and most importantly having fun. We were a level-up from the 2010's costume, I must say.

Here are some of the photos:

Black Swan, Ryu, Claudia, Wonder Woman, and Storm 

Wonder Woman, Christina Aguilera from Burlesque, Black Swan 

 She Works Hard For The Money

 About to enter the venue - our friends acted like fans, waited 'til we arrive just to get some shots

 Many people think this was a White Swan / Black Swan shot -- good guess though

Freshness all night - even though the heels were killing us!!!

Comments are welcome. Please be honest and kind. Happy Halloween!!!!







"I felt it -- it was perfect"
Nina Sayers, The Black Swan