The Bandwagon to Wanderland: Five Reasons Why You Should’ve Joined the Music Tour
A day before Wanderland 2015, an extraordinary group of people came together with one particular thing that bound them together: their love for music.
For the first time in the Philippines, the Bandwagon Bus made its rounds around the metro, stopping by the hippest music venues for a taste of local music here in the country. Philippine Primer joined this two-day pre-festival celebration and thoroughly enjoyed the eargasmic experience. Still high, in awe and (sort of) at a loss for words, we give you the top five reasons why you should’ve ditched your usual Friday night habit and joined us during Day One of the journey to Wanderland:
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1. Francis Brew Reyes
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IN ALL HIS AWESOMENESS, Francis Brew
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Not a soul on board was bored as he talked about the Philippine music scene, Manila traffic…and beef tapa. Francis Brew Reyes is the former musical director for local FM band nu107, a guitarist (The Dawn, Peso Movement), a music writer for Yahoo Philippines, a live music photographer and a music arranger/composer. With his humor and his cred, he is definitely the top choice as host for this event.
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2. 12 Monkeys’ Menu
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FOOD MADNESS. Chito’s Street Corner Picha Pie; Sex on the Beach
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We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: the food at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub is simply delicious. This time, we were able to try their Assistant’s Manager Choice (Italian sausage, ham, beef, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, mozzarella, pomodoro on thin crust; P350) and Killer Chicharones (pork chicharon, fried chicken skin, chicken ass poppers, spiced vinger and spiced ketchup; P195) with a few bottles of ice-cold beer.
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3. That audience at Route 196
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T’WAS A RIOT. Look at ‘em go!
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When we arrived at Route 196, it was in full swing and was simply, well, full. The UP Music Circle (who launched their album HOMEGROWN 2015 that night) had it best: a dancing, screaming, cheering group of wildly energetic and very supportive followers. The gig was a riot because of them.
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4. All. That. Good. Music.
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HOMEGROWN 2015 paved way to us knowing more about the raw rock talent of up-and-coming bands, like The Squibs (in picture) and Oh, Flamingo!
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The musicians from the specially curated line up by Hale’s Champ Liu Pio (left) were the perfect way to start the night.
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With an amazing array of musical talent spanning across different genres, the Bandwagon to Wanderland was able to present homegrown talents that deserve more of that spotlight onstage.
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Mother-daughters trio The Raes had everyone at ease with their great renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Chandelier. It is, however, their original song Two Left Feet that will leave you a tad bit emotional, but wanting to hear even more from them.
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Hana Acbd’s slow jams are a refreshing mix of electronic music and soothing vocals. Her artistry is evident in her tracks In Your Room, Lights & Sounds and Got It. The Calm Before the Storm is the writer’s personal favorite.
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Curtismith (yes, with one s) gives rap a new look, with his almost preppy getup. He could also give any rapper out there a run for their money, sans the hip hop cap. The way he uses his voice in Jus Chillin is, as they say, pretty dope.
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5. The smiles on your new bus mates’ faces.
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ALL SMILES. The Bandwagon team at 12 Monkeys
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Had the night gone badly, this would’ve been the only surefire hit.
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WHAT A NIGHT! Musician and Route 196 owner Jugs Jugueta poses with Bandwagon participants and friends.
Stay tuned for Day Two of our Bandwagon adventure!
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Article by Madeline Castillo
Photos by Jensen Ching