Welcome to my first post here on our blog. I would like to start on our misadventures in Manila last May 22 - 24, 2014. Probably because that tour tested our skills and the connection among each other. Honeydrop is I think a rare band here in Cebu, probably because we don't have much gigs at all, not like the other bands we usually come across with, but I don't complain much about having no gigs at all. Probably the bad side of it is that, as a band, we rarely see each other. And by that, it would mean having less time in catching up with our lives--personally or music-related. It also means having a slower progress in creating or finishing new songs, in terms of arrangement, among others. So I think the Manila tour helped the connection even better. It even opened a new start for the band which is something really good. I just hope that you will continue to be on our side, for support, each and every step of the way. We can't be grateful enough.
This is probably one of the most unforgettable gig experiences we had this year. We had fund problems, which is normal for an independent band like us, yet we still tried to look for other options for us to be able to play, show what we've got and pursue our passion. We know some might think it may be too ambitious but we also think this is something we know we are good at. So might as well take the chance.
A few months back, Ajie Recto of Green Apple Productions invited us to play in Manila for their upcoming 3rd anniversary. We knew that the trip won't go that easy. Even before the tour, we did some brainstorming so we could just push through with the event. We asked Dexter Sy of Bomba Press for some help and fortunately, Dex had all his full-support on us. That is why we are too grateful to have him because of all the things he did for the band.
All our preparations and plans went well, but not for our guitarist Tram Florido, due to conflicting schedules which came up that's why he wasn't able to go with us on tour. Then Bobby Olvido of Snubear/Sunday Sunday filled the spot for Tram and so the journey continued!
A quick flashback--on the eve of our flight to Manila, we had a gig at the Outpost for Shuffled's Music Video Launching (Chasing Dreams) of which I directed. Hehe. I have a hunch that probably we were able to do a set because of this. Haha. But thanks, guys!
Anyway, our set that night was one of the the most different sets I've ever had. Vanya Deustch was able to jam with us that night. For some of you who don't know, Vanya is our vocalist from the album "Prelude". I remember I had an awkward feeling when we were rehearsing at Jeriel's studio, I felt a bit of disturbance to the force (Star Wars! Haha. It has been awhile since we've had a jam/gig with Vanya but nonetheless I was very happy that we were complete again for a night).
During the show, we played 5 songs, first 2 songs of which were sung by Debbie (Truth & The Place). The third and fourth songs were Break Me Up and You're Just A Man which were sung by Vanya. All I can say is that Vanya's voice really captured the latter song. (Nostalgia!) Anyway, lastly, we had G.O.O.D to finish the set and it was a total blast! We had two awesome vocalists fronting us which made the set so tight! It was an unforgettable night.
Fast-forward to the Manila experience, all I can say is that I enjoyed it so much. The sets we did were powerful and dynamic, especially whenever the crowd gets along with you. The crowd really gave us enough energy from start to end and we are happy to know that there were people who really came to our shows to see and watch us live. We're lost for words because of the feedback we got from people. It was truly an honour for us to be able to experience Manila.
Below is a photo we had prior to our flight.
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| Taken at the check-in counter at the Mactan Airport |
A humbling message to the people behind the tour:
A huge thanks to Ajie for helping us out on our tour in Manila. It was sort of a dream come true to be able to play on two of the most musically known bars in Manila: SaGuijo and Route 196! Thanks Nay Ajie!
To Dexter and Bobby, whom I mentioned earlier. You guys are the best.
To Canned Ink and Chantal, thank you for having us on your event.
To my cousin Raushan, thanks for helping us out! Roadie! Haha! I did not also expect some of my friends from Biliran to come. Thanks, friends!
Jefferson and Kevin Payos for watching our gig in SaGuijo, thank you! And to Abet who also watched our set in Route 196. Thanks for buying our merch even if I told you not to do so! Haha.
To Daddyow Paolo and Lex Alinsod! Thanks for being there!
To my ever loving supporter Clarisa, thank you so much, love.
To everyone who went, watched, screamed with us, danced and sang along! THANK YOU! We won't be here without you! Thanks for sharing the music experience with us!
Lastly, to my awesome bandmates! Nasubukan ang talento at samahan natin sa Manila! Maraming salamat ng marami sa inyo.
