In late September and early October, I was in Manila to do a couple shows with my band from New York, The Happy Analogues. And since we were already there, I contacted my former bandmates from my college band, The Freesouls, to play a few shows with me, which they all agreed to. What followed was a hectic but satisfying two weeks of live performances.

Both bands played on September 27 at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City along with legendary local bands like The Itchyworms, Ciudad, 7 Foot Jr., and Sandwich.

It was a great show and I was surprised to meet a number of Happy Analogues and Freesouls fans in attendance. They brought copies of old, worn-out CDs that they kept throughout these years. They asked for signatures and we took photos together. You see, this is really why I haven’t stopped making music and playing live. While, I am not in any way a rock star, moments like this make all the hard work worthwhile. So thank you all for coming.

The two bands also played a private gig two days after at Palacio de Maynila to celebrate the 75th birthday of Sheryl’s mom. It was so much fun since we played cover tunes that we never ever do.

October 1 was one for the books. I played twice in one night. First, a set with the Happy Analogues at the revered 70s Bistro in Quezon City at 8pm, and then both bands played at 12 Monkeys Bar in Pasig at 10pm. I love this venue. It was tiring for sure, and my voice was shot for the most part, but adrenaline has its way to cure all ills.

Two days after, The Happy Analogues drove up north to play the Candon Music Festival in Candon, Ilocos Sur. The two-days and three nights event saw us play two gigs at Max’s Candon, which was so much fun. We stayed at the brand-new Van Gogh hotel, which can rival the best hotels in Vegas. It was a great break from the bustle of Manila, so we all enjoyed it.

The Happy Analogues played a variety of songs at these venues. We varied them depending on the audience, but the mainstays songs from our second album School Tales, which is celebrating its fifteenth birthday this year. We even gave out limited CD called School Tales 15. The Freesouls, however, stuck to four songs: “Shing-a-Ling,” “Field Trip,” “Shindig,” and “Bye Bye Na.”

All in all, it was an incredible and memorable tour.