Crescendo

Stories From A Blue Notebook

2009-11-10T10:58:00.005+08:00

It's been awhile since my last gig. It's been that long that my strings rusted. No time and money to buy a new set, I will still be playing tonight until my fingers bleed.

I will feature tonight my latest songs, all written in my blue notebook. I will be intimate with you on how these stories were made. It has 7 chapters.

These stories speaks about a Mountain Top and why do we have to be there in the future. About a girl's crazy feeling that I ask her why Would You Just Let Him do all those crazy things to her. About the feeling living in an Empty House. A wake up Hey Love call. About how tired it is sometimes that I need you to Carry Me. About a magical journey Towards Heaven. And a simple song about girl named, Faye.

I will be speaking more about these stories at Club Vibe tonight. See you all there.

I Need a Cellist

2009-10-08T16:44:00.001+08:00

I've been witnessing gigs around the local circuit for years now and I can hear about the same sound between our local bands. Not exactly same sound or tone of course, I can hear distinctions between bands though.

I'm planning to showcase my songs with a full-band soon, but I want to sound a little bit more different. So I think adding the warm yet edgy sound of a CELLO will do the trick.

So if you're a cellist, or happen to know one, write something below.

Quickfix

2009-09-05T11:21:00.001+08:00

Cattski is the man (aw, woman)!

Lasallian Open Mic Night

2009-08-27T10:59:00.004+08:00

Aug 31. It's payday in the metropolis. But it's also a night dedicated to all alumni of ASMS/C.

Calling all Lasallians!

Let's come together for a night of music and/or poetry, and a lot of chit-chats in between.

If you were once always onstage back in the HS days, or you may never have performed in our prestigious BTCC, then this your chance to go up onstage and perform.

Aug 31, Monday, is an Open Mic Night exclusively for the alumni of Andres Soriano Memorial School/College. If you want to perform solo, or in a band, or want to read some of your homemade balaks (haha) just text me in advance so I can prepare the program: 09186040775.

Please do spread the word. I just think it's a great idea to come together for a while, have some pizza and beer, and hang out.

Praise JC

2009-08-18T11:50:00.002+08:00

I got another chance to organize a Christian gig. So I invited again the artists who have been to my shows before.

Handuraw Presents: Praise Jam City. Featuring Cebu's Christian bands and artists:

Gospelaire

Andy Calope

Frontline

Skul of Fish

Friday 9pm

August 21

Free Admission.

Acoustic Poetries III

2009-08-13T15:49:00.002+08:00

What is Acoustic Poetries?

It's a stage set to showcase our local singer-songwriters. They may be currently in a band or doing solo projects, it doesn't matter. It's a show focused mainly on the songs, and the artists behind the songs. It's set to be intimate since the artists will speak of the story on how the song was made.

Who is Lui Castillo?

You may have seen her at SM Northwing every Wednesday playing choice covers. But she has original songs too hidden up her sleeves. She also hosts the Songwriters' Night at The Outpost every Thursday.

Who is Andy Calope?

He's just a bored gentleman who skips out the monotony of the day by playing music at night. He hosts the Singer-songwriter's Night at Handuraw every Monday.

Facebook Event Page
Andy Calope FB
Lui Castillo FB

Room 4 Squares

2009-07-31T10:26:00.005+08:00

This will be the start of my new schedule. My shows now are on every 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month.

Kicking off this Monday, August 3, is a jam session with my musician friends whom I met and graced my previous shows.

Michael Curan, who was also my first guest when I started, is somewhat a medical (or pharmaceutical) student by day and a country star by night. He is also known as The Difficult Stranger when he's playing with a band.

Ongkii Sayson is the guitarist and co-writer of the Undercover Grasshoppers. He is a RN by choice and will crumple your stomach with his corny jokes. But the dude can rock!

Quiel Silva is a newcomer to the show but has been playing around the circuit with his band Avlish. They were just playing this morning in a local TV gig.

4 guys, for 3 hours, rocking it out acoustically on a Monday night. I know Monday night is a bit slow and awkward for a city nightlife, but who knows?

See you around.

MJ on Fire

2009-07-18T11:16:00.002+08:00

It's been clear that his addiction to painkillers was the trigger to his sudden death. But he was also somewhat addicted to plastic surgery. Well, there should be some kind of reason why the talented guy had to go all those things.

On 1984, while filming for the Pepsi commercial, his hair accidentally caught fire. He suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his scalp and face. To save his image, the pop icon has to go through surgeries. Thus, starts receiving painkillers. The rest is HIStory.

Is Pepsi to be blamed?

Video:

------------------------

Andy Calope & OLBO

2009-07-14T10:15:00.002+08:00

Office Chairs

2009-07-13T13:54:00.003+08:00

Monday fever is here again.

You want to sleep right on your desk. Just recline a little bit and around 60 seconds boom, zzz. But I noticed earlier that when I went home on Monday nights, I can't directly sleep on my bed. It only takes a minute to doze off on office chairs than beds. There must be something with office chairs.

During lunch time, I directly throw myself at one of my officemates chair. It has the perfect recline and feel. I can snore if I have to. I have the best sound sleep on office chairs. There must be really something about these office chairs.

This is a shouout to all science people out there: study the office chairs. While waiting for their results, I think I'm gonna replace my bed with an office chair back at my place.

Sleep well everyone.

Start With The End In Mind

2009-07-04T14:59:00.002+08:00

I want an album. Every artists need that. The album is the offspring of the love you have for your passion. Been lazily looking for studio with the affordable rates. Finally got one.

With that in mind, here goes the start of something great, one good song at a time.

Now recording.

The 7/09 Show: Skul of Fish

2009-07-03T14:50:00.004+08:00

Noi-noi was sick last time, so they had to cancel their gig. Now he's healthy. Finally.

Bringing you back to the show, SoF.

Andy Calope & Friends
present

SKUL OF FISH

Cebu's upcoming ska band showcasing their positive vibes and joyful music.

Happening this
Thursday @ 9PM
Handuraw Gorordo

FREE ADMISSION

Thank You, Michael

2009-06-30T09:36:00.001+08:00

I've been finding my own words on how to write about his passing. But I can't make mine--he's just to great. So I just borrowed someone else's words.

Thank you, Michael
by John Fischer

As someone who understands what it means to be a singer, songwriter, recording and performing artist, and love every part of doing all these things, I must say how sad I am to lose such a gifted human being. The world has lost a great creative talent and I have lost an inspiration to excellence.

It just doesn't seem right that Michael Jackson isn't here to share his God-given talents any more with the world. Regardless of what you might have thought of him, there was rhythm, music and fluidity exuding from the man in spades. People like this come along only a few times in a lifetime, so it is well and good that we grieve his passing as we celebrate his many accomplishments.

Jackson joins a very short list of trendsetters such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe who have become larger-than-life icons of popular culture. They too died young, a testimony to the huge burden to fulfill a role that they recognized and accepted, but struggled to complete.

I could join those who find fault with the man, and like any one of us, there is much to find, but not today. Today I'm only thinking of the giftedness that was from God, and the dedication and hard work that combined with it to send the whole world dancing. Thank you, Michael, for answering the call. May I draw that which is my portion and be faithful to it.

Acoustic Poetries II

2009-06-29T13:49:00.003+08:00

Andy Calope & Friends
present

ACOUSTIC POETRIES

featuring
MAIKERU aka Michael Calo

Enjoy a night of acoustic music
as Andy and Michael share the stage
with their original compositions.

Andy's Myspace
Michael's Myspace

July 2, 2009
Thursday
9pm
Handuraw Pizza, Gorordo

FREE ADMISSION!!

Support your local talents!

3 Bands + 3 Genres = ONE NIGHT

2009-06-21T17:42:00.003+08:00

It's the last Thursday of the month and will end it with a bang. Full-band coming up on the 25th featuring Cebu's better fresh band.

Enjoy new wave music with Undercover Grasshoppers and ska/reggae beats with Skul of Fish.

July 25, 9pm, Handuraw Pizza, Gorordo Avenue.

Free admission.

Review: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King

2009-06-17T11:04:00.012+08:00

This eulogy is a celebration.

Though Dave Matthews Band latest album is a tribute to their fallen comrade, some of the tracks can still be used for big party music like their previous albums. But this latest album has a more rocky-edge. Thanks to producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Paramore) who blended their default jazzy music to reach its rocky-peak. Undeniably, this is their best album yet.

Tim Reynolds, a regular guest musician on the DMB tours, has played the electric guitar on this album. Jeff Coffin and Rashawn Ross took care of the brass in place of LeRoi's peaceful rest.

Fortunately, the sessions started before LeRoi's passing.

Play-by-play

Grux. Imagine you're on a riverboat entering an uncharted region deep in the Amazon. LeRoi's riff on this track gives the shiver feeling. A rightful track to start the album.

Shake Me Like a Monkey. The horns section made me think twice if I'm really listening to DMB. This is a bold transformation of the band's brass. Sounds like Planetshakers, but more.

I like my coffee with toast and jelly
but I'd rather be licking from your back to your belly

Funny The Way It Is. The irony of things around us. Beautifully done, soft and simple. Their first single.

Funny the way it is, not right or wrong
somebody's heart is broken it becomes your favorite song

Lying in the Hands of God. For those lazy afternoons nap time. This is what I like about DMB music, even though it's a slow song, the drumlines are still on the move and surprisingly not changing the feel of the song. There is only one Carter Beauford.

Save your sermons for someone that's afraid to love
if you knew what I feel then you couldn't be so sure

Why I Am. Two slow tunes in a row, now back to the groove. The sustained and suspended tempo of the chorus is a work of art. Just great party song in the making.

A king of men it makes no sense
when I bow to the priest while I worship the witch

Dive In. My favorite song of the album when it comes to lyric writing. The story line makes me ponder and nod my head.

I saw a man on the side of the road
with a sign that read "Will work for food"
I tried to look busy 'til the light turned green

Spaceman. The complicated and often strange rhythms of DMB is again at work. This is the song that I wont mind learning how to play. Just let it be.

I prayed to heaven to keep my place
but I looked in the mirror saw the devil's face

Squirm. V. If I were to represent this song into a single letter, V it is. It starts with Dave's falsetto dwindling down to the story at the bottom. Then from the bottom, the drum beats louder climbing back to the top.

If kindness is your king
then heaven will be yours before you meet your end

Alligator Pie. I surely hear the banjo playing on this one. Basing on the reports, this song is about New Orleans.

First day the water rise
Second day the sun is high
Third day Stella cries 'cause night time's dark as a dead man's eyes

Seven. The other song where Dave starts on the high notes.

Mama told me "Boy, someday that girl will steal your mind"

Time Bomb. The first of two songs that was written solely of Dave. Beautiful. The definition of crescendo is explained here. Dave's voice is pushed to the limits. Threshold.

Baby when I get home help me pick up the pieces
Hammer in the final nail I wanna believe in Jesus

Baby Blue. Intro has similarities with his old song Sister. A sweet goodbye song.

Confess not quite ready to be left
Still I know I did my level best

You and Me. The 2nd song written solely by Matthews. It was written to his wife. Great song to end the track.

You and me together
Yes yes

The Bonus Tracks

#27. Here's my thoughts on these bonus tracks. Why just they put these tracks on the album on the first place. They're all good.

When I'm so sick that this sickness has me dying
I hope you'll be by me then

Beach Ball. The smother edge. No electric guitars on here. Liked it.

Hello moon, hello stars in the sky
Heaven wants you to answer me a while

Little Red Bird. Acoustic solo. A song about the war.

If God had an honest face
a troubled expression would be watching the human race

Write a Song. I would switch Spaceman and insert this track instead. A good song to be ignored.

I want to write a song that'll get you high
I want to find the words that'll make everything feel alright now

It's been 4 years since their last album, Stand Up, and they're continuing to evolve. LeRoi will be missed, but the music lives on.

And I'm still here dancing to the GrooGrux King.

Andy Calope & Fervent

2009-06-09T15:54:00.002+08:00

The June 4 Show

2009-06-05T11:30:00.002+08:00

Back to the Great Indoors

2009-06-04T16:39:00.003+08:00

My week-long vacation is now in memory. Back to the real world of procedural boring day job. Thanks to music, where spontaneity happens.

Will be playing tonight in my regular show together with Sadaea and regular jammer Michael Curan.

While I was away, I served on a youth camp where I teach basic songwriting. The kids can write. I'm gonna play what they wrote until I got the lyrics right.

Right now, I'm a bit rusty. Never touched my guitar for a long time. I haven't rehearsed for tonight's show.

I'll just rely on the magic of spontaneity.

Acoustic Poetries

2009-05-20T11:01:00.004+08:00

Cool-as-folk-style singer-songwriter Andy Calope jams with country sensation Michael Curan in this one-time (or could be the first) collaboration as musicians. They will share the stage for a 2-hour acoustic jam with their lyrical poetries.

Start Time:	Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time:	Friday, May 22, 2009 at 12:00am
Location:	Handuraw Pizza
Street:	460 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug
City/Town:	Cebu, Philippines

FREE ADMISSION!!

Andy Calope's Myspace: http://myspace.com/andycalope

Michael Curan's Myspace: http://myspace.com/thedifficultstranger

The Crystal Door

2009-05-15T16:15:00.003+08:00

Starting today, I'll be posting a series of Works of Art (WOA). These are musical tracks that I believe are done with a touch of artistry. The criteria would be the lyrics, melody, arrangement, and recording, and it doesn't need to be radio-friendly. In short, if I set the song as my alarm tone in my cellphone then it's a likely candidate.

Let me start with the first one.

The Crystal Door by Kerryl G. Demeterio

I love the feeling coz its numb

The balance is not going to like it

I tried repeating now it soars

The system is not going to like it

Coz we are leaving for the crystal door at nine

Unrestrained to look around in peace

Falling straight up for the crystal door at nine

While others still wish

Now that's a short lyrics for a song. But the song loops for about 3.4 times and I believe it was made for repetition (and I love the feeling coz it's numb). One may have a hard time to interpret the song and that's how I find the artistry behind it. It will make the listener absorb the song to try to undress it. One may agree that in this song, Kerryl uses a stream-of-consciousness style in writing. But I find it cool.

And what is much cooler is that, Kerryl recorded this song all by himself. All the instruments: guitars, bass, keys, drums, voice, everything done by him. To those who don't know him (that includes me), Kerryl plays drums with Smooth Friction. He also worked with the albums of Urbandub and Aggressive Audio as far as Google knows.

To fully grasp the feel of this song, use a stereo headset if you're using a laptop now, or speakers with woofer to capture the low tones.

The drumlines of this tune is just terrific. I wonder how many calories did he burn by just laying down the drum patterns (if it's not a software). I love the part coz we are leaving for the crystal door at nine. The timber of his voice and the vocal harmony make it a catchy song. The transition of the instrumentation is well spaced and maintained. It has a rock edge that doesn't lose its vibe when it goes down to the crystal door.

I give it a 4/5 stars. Why? I want to hear more bass.

---

It Is Finished

2009-05-06T11:44:00.003+08:00

Well not actually. I don't really call a song 'finished' when I'm done writing with it. I believe in the evolution of the song. I may have the lyrics now, but when I sing it in the future, some lyrics may change. Not just the lyrics, but the music too. There's no final form. We only have versions.

This is the continuation of the previous post. And this is now the singable version of it. I'm gonna debut it on my show on Thursday.

Hey Love

Anyone who's been with me

can tell that I'm hurt

When you went out with someone

else than myself

I can see it in the look of your face

everytime your cell phone rings

It used to be what I see by the time

I start to sing

Hey love

Am I still the only one

Hey love

I can feel the warmth is gone

We had this little tie ups

that I laced each day

But when I went to see you

it's no longer on your brace

Instead I saw another

wooden cubes on strings

It starts with another letter

no, that's not my name

Hey love

Am I still the only one

Hey love

I can feel the warmth is gone

I want to see you

But you don't want to

Look here, eyes here

Listen to my finger

If you want to go out

then go

If you need to

If you...

Hey love

Am I still the only one

Hey love

I can feel the warmth is gone

Done for now.

The 4/30 Show

2009-05-01T17:53:00.009+08:00

I always love the last-Thursday-of-the-month-gigs cause it rocks!

Thanks to the bands who played (for FREE). Someday, we can arrange a deserving TF for guys like you. You are all great musicians playing your own great music. All made in Cebu.

The Difficult Stranger

Mike, record your latest song quick. I want to hear it again. I love it.

Frontline

The energy you brought on stage scattered all over the place. Can't wait for the album.

Still
Carlos Choi, the support you're giving to local Christian artists is making big waves. Keep the boat rocking dude. (Did you really just had a gig on my show? I'm still high.)

Skul of Fish
Mga bai, I can't believe that's your first gig outside church events. Man, people must got to hear and see your shows bro. Your musicality can lift up anybody who's feeling down. You define the Positive & Encouraging Music tag for that night. I got to bring you back on my show.

Dondon, Dodong, and Jay-R, thanks for backing me up with your talents and instruments. Surely, that wont be the last time we gonna play music together. We have just started. (Let's buy a tuner first- Ü)

And to my family and friends, and high school friends who spent the Thursday night with us, I thank you. See you around.

4/30: Positive and Encouraging

2009-04-27T18:51:00.005+08:00

I am a fan of great music and musicians, and to have them on my show is nothing like a ~~dream come true~~ coldest beer and the best tasting-thin crust pizza in town. And that's in Handuraw Gorordo.

The Difficult Stranger. Imagine Gin Blossoms hanging out with Hank Williams listening to MxPx while watching Flight of the Concords making fun of Social Distortion. Well that's what Michael Curan describe his band. He's been a regular on my show doing solo acoustic stuff, but on Thursday he's doing full-band. He will open the show at 9pm.

Skul of Fish. How about some ska on Thursday? Their demo is legit and I'm gonna dance to it. Can't wait for the brass to ignite the whole night.

Frontline. I saw them perform before on some local church gigs. They got a message and they're loud proclaiming it. But I'm afraid Handuraw is gonna crumble with their drums lines, so I powered them down to an acoustic set. Now you can hear them more clearly.

Still. They are still Still. They are the subject of my opening predicate. Carlos Choi and his gang is gonna do an acoustic set. A perfect evening to spend payday don't you think?

Celebrate with us as we fill the air with Positive vibes and Encouraging lyrics.

When: April 30

Time: 9pm

Where: Handuraw Pizza Gorordo

Bring your family. This show is different.

Empty House

2009-04-17T21:39:00.004+08:00

Last Monday, my brother and his family moved to Tarlac. I've been living with them for 3 years already. Waking up each day without my 2 little nieces is not good for my health. I have to move out too, soon. The house is so empty. No PC. No TV. No sala set. No fridge. Not even a bed. All I got is my guitar and a fan.

Just to save myself from insanity, I penned this song last Tuesday and debuted it last night on my show. I shared it early, even though I feel the song is not yet complete. I will just let the song evolve to its form.

Empty House

Sitting here on my favorite chair

Listening to the sound of the walls of boredom

No one's home in this empty house

I wish you'll come back home to freedom

This is how it feels when you went away while I was away

I can't go after you 'cause I don't know where to go

My love will return; I don't know

Will she turn back; I'm not sure

My love is okay; I hope so

I'll just wait here in this empty house

No TV to learn the news

Where you've been or might have done for leaving

No sofa to reminisce

Those afternoons we spent for daytime loving

This is how it feels when you went away with my pair of jeans

I can't go after you 'cause I might burn my skin

My love will return; I don't know

Will she turn back; I'm not sure

My love is okay; I hope so

I'll just wait here in this empty house

This is how it feels when you went away with my Oakley shades

I can't come after you 'cause it's so bright outside

My love will return; I don't know

Will she turn back; I'm not sure

My love is okay; I hope so

I'll just wait here in this empty house

I thought I hear your footsteps

I thought I hear you knocking on the door

Then I realize those were droplets

Of my safranin soul breathing on the floor

___

End of song. But not final.

This will evolve.

Untitled Unfinished Song

2009-04-08T01:07:00.004+08:00

This is just the first part. It is so straightforward, black and white, directo. I'll let it sink for awhile and think for the second part later. It will be colored then.

Anyone who's been with me

Can tell that I'm hurt

When you went out with someone

Else than myself

I can see it in the look of your face

when your cell phone rings

It used to be what I see by the time

I started to sing

Hey love

Am I still the only one

Hey love

I can feel the warmth is gone

To be continued...

Summer Wishlist

2009-04-07T12:13:00.003+08:00

I can't wait for Christmas to have my wish granted. I'm badly in need of a gig bag for my dreadnought. I'm eyeing now at DarkusCase.com to do my online shopping. Proudly Philippine-made. But I would like to have it customized. I'm now in the designing stage. Hopefully I can have the case before my old bag zip open.

DarkusCase also offers different kinds of gig bags for different types of instruments like cymbals, snares, pedals, keyboards, and drumkit cases. I also plan to have a customized guitar strap.

Visit their site to have a glimpse of their cool products. Can't wait to have my name stitched on that case in the right.

The problem right now is dada. Need to work an extra hour each day to have my wish granted. But in worst case scenario, I have to acquire a Pay Day Loan just to get my gear suited up.

Pop goes the artist.

16-23-30

2009-04-05T18:31:00.007+08:00

I'd like to try something diff for my remaining shows this month of April.

How do you picture a girl making love with her acoustic guitar onstage? Make it 3 diff ladies playing their own diff songs 30 minutes each in one night. Intimacy. Help me find 3 lady singer/songwriters. It could be an interesting night.

How about a night full of positive and encouraging music? I'm talking about Christian bands to guest on my show. Christian music is starting to be accepted in mainstream radio nowadays. Oh I wish I can get Thoughts and Notions to play. Logistics.

Well these are just ideas lingering with my feelings. But who knows on one Thursday this will happen. Just drop by then at Handuraw every Thursday.

Whatever it is you are feeling is a perfect reflection of what is in the process of becoming.

The 4/02 Show

2009-04-03T01:13:00.004+08:00

I was dead sick. But thanks to Michael Curan who came for a last minute notice to cover up songs for me. Thanks also to my guest that night. Samuel Lapac Jr, your songs are incredible. So poppish yet so good. I love Makibaboy. That rap song was the best.

Before the show, I took up medication. So this is how it feels like when they say Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll; but minus the sex part. I was a bit high with the different meds I took, so the show must go on.

Next show will be on April 16.

See you around the circuit.

Gotta rest now.

-AC

Open Mic Tonight

2009-04-02T12:05:00.002+08:00

Andy Calope and Friends

April 2

9pm

Well drop the 's' this time. I have only one 'friend' or guest for the 4/02 Show. He is Samuel Lapac Jr. He's been with the Lapulapu-based showband Nerve String. But he's got some songs under his sleeves. His song Liligawan Kita Muli is played once in awhile in Smash and Hot FM.

We'll be rocking acoustically in Handuraw for 2 hours. But if my fingers will bleed (or my sore throat worsens), I'll be converting it automatically to an Open-Mic session. I'll just point somebody in the audience and let him/her play the guitar and sing.

So if you have some songs written, drop by at Handuraw and be my instant friend.

I believe Michael Curan or Chris Vincent Sayson or Alphecca will be jamming along.

I'm not sure. Will see.

Albums Launch Today

2009-03-28T14:08:00.012+08:00

Tonight, the music will be set free when Cattski launch her 3rd album, Sound Mind Speaks Volume, tonight at The Outpost. Party starts at 9.31pm when the lights are turned back on after the Earth Hour. Plus performances from Cuarenta, The Line Divides, Zarah Smith, and Sheila and the Insects.

First Single: Blunder

Also down south, CDO's first inspirational power pop band, Thoughts and Notions released their 2nd album minutes ago. Can't wait to have a copy.

First Single: Runaway Angel (playing now)

Grab a CD or download an mp3 format of Cattski's album on the gig tonight. While you can post orders online for Thoughts and Notions album.

Thursday!

2009-03-26T14:36:00.006+08:00

The 3/24 Show was the last one.

The March gig was like a baby growing up into adulthood. I can still remember when I started the 3/3 Show with Michael Curan as my first guest singer/songwriter and Jundel jamming along with his cajon. We hooked up online at iStorya.net forum. Meeting up the first time in Handuraw and did a quick rehearsal for the show was fun. And we did the rock show alright... to empty chairs and tables. Well let's just say there were a few humans there too because I can hear sporadic applause. But I consider it a blast.

That was the humble beginning of my show. Then the 3/10 Show changed it all. Brought up Rescue A Hero and Michael back to the show. Then Ian Zafra brought the British Council to Handuraw. To the delight of my guests, we had an international crowd. The Line Divides partied all night and Ian had his share of songs. The house was full. It was a wild one.

I'm afraid I won't get get the house full again, but the 3/17 Show proved me wrong. MJ Calo brought a 3-table barrio of supporting friends. Reminds me of my very first show in the city 4 years ago. The Undercover Grasshoppers had their first acoustic set and Cilee's ever loyal classmates graced over. The house was never been full like this.

And recently the 3/24 Show. Full-house na naman. The Cebu Pop sector represented by the Jude Gitamondoc is more than enough to have a great ending to my March shows. Plus Alphecca of Sefyla shared her rock tunes acoustica style. To host these shows is just an overwhelming experience. I never thought to have a show like this. All I ever wanted before was to have a simple platform for singer/songwriters like me to showcase their crafts. I never know it's gonna be this fun.

This blog is a BIG thank you to Phillip Castro and the rest of Handuraw crew. Thank you so much for your support and belief in our local artists. What you have heard and seen during those Tuesday nights is just a preview of what's to come with these artists. Thank you so much for the giving us the venue to cater these storytellers. To all my guests who are now my friends, you've been rocking Cebu with your kind of music. I believe someday--someday--it won't be necessary to go to Manila to be successful. We can cook it here, and even better. There are lot of guys and gals who are having their private concerts in their bedroom. They just need a stage to be heard. Every Tuesday this March, Handuraw had that stage. Thank you for taking your time out of your bedroom and rocking it out on that stage. More power to your music! Keep making art. Make art! Make art!

Thank you. Thank you.

The 3/24 Show was the last one.

...

Because on April, it's gonna be on Thursday na. Mark your calendar folks, the show is not yet over. Andy Calope and Friends will resume on April 2, 16, 23, 30. So if you're a singer/songwriter who happens to pen the next big hit and in dire need of listening ears, Handuraw has a stage set for you.

Come along, listen to our original compositions as you enjoy the best-tasting thin crust pizza and the coldest beer in town.

The 3/24 Show

2009-03-25T11:34:00.003+08:00

It was simply just the best gig this March. My guest list was full, thus the house was full. My friends and family came out too. Met new friends and reconnect with long lost ones. It was crazy, too many people to attend to that I forgot my dinner. But I had fun. Thanks to these beautiful below.

This was also the first session of Tagik, a union of Cebuano songwriters. So I brought back my friends from previous shows to showcase their crafts.

Stepping up first were the Undercover Grasshoppers.

Alphecca of Sefyla put some jazz into it.

Michael Curan rocked the show with some country, with Mary Anne Alicaba as his guest singer.

Mark Cortes of Rescue A Hero played a simple song.

My turn.

And brought along Debbie dela Torre to sing 2 of my songs.

Then the Jude Gitamondoc and his 3 pop singers (winks) ended the show at midnight.

LP Pineda has a cold voice.

June Ong and Daryl Leong. Just beautiful voices!

And these are my friends.

Cebu Pop Meets Indie Songwriters

2009-03-23T12:36:00.004+08:00

Last Saturday, I attended the second meeting of Tagik, the union of Cebu songwriters. And what a perfect place to harvest songwriters to guest on my show.

Cebu Pop songwriters June Villar and Jude Gitamondoc will grace the show. June Villar is a DYAB news anchor while Jude Gitamondoc is, well, the Jude Gitamondoc who wrote songs for Gary V and Ariel Rivera just to name a few. Their credentials are enough to fill the size quota of this site.

Indie songwriters will also have their share of 15-minutes of fame: Alphecca of Sefyla, Chris Vince Sayson of Undercover Grasshoppers and Michael Curan of The Difficult Stranger.

This will be the first activity of Tagik. Hope to see you all there.

3/17 Show

2009-03-20T10:26:00.003+08:00

I thought I can't top the 3/10 Show where we had the British Council delegates as THE crowd, but last Tuesday was still THE crowd, and it's because THE guests were very good!

A show is never good without a good soundcheck.

Michael John Calo has his share of love songs. The kid is just 17 years old and can write. I'm sure I will be bringing him back in the future shows.

Michael Anthony Curan wrote a song 7 days ago. He played it 7 days later.

The Undercover Grasshoppers (woo, I'm a fan!) rocked the night acoustica style. Finding Marvin is my personal favorite.

Then I called back everybody to do a tribue to FrancisM. We closed the night with Kaleidoscope World.

My name is Andy Calope and these are my friends.

The Truth About Gayle

2009-03-17T14:32:00.007+08:00

I’ve been singing Gayle regularly on my shows this month and said it’s a story about a college chick I saw one time at a print shop. Her beauty blew me away. I knew her name because she was wearing a nameplate. It’s part of her uniform. I added her in Friendster and until now she still ignores the invitation to become friends. Well that story is true, but it’s only the second version.

The original version actually, Gayle is about my kid sister. I’m greatly fond of her when she was little. She was cute, skinny, naughty, maldita, and little sweet creature. She laughs a lot. Her giggles were contagious. She’s a precious doll.

But when she reached her teenage years, things change. She changed. She’s the ultimate maldita señorita. What used to be a sweet little girl turned into a contrabida. She’s still pretty — yes, very beautiful in fact, but her attitude changed. A typical teenage rebel.

Time flies so fast as if I noticed I haven’t seen her grow. There is a huge gap between her kiddy years and high school life. I just miss the little Gayle I once cherished.

Then one afternoon, on her bed, I can’t contain it anymore that I have to write it down. Thus, the birth of the song:

Gayle

She used to be so soft and gentle. She used to be an open door. What used to be a whole lot of beauty, now broken pieces scattered on the floor. It used to be long arms wide open as I’m coming home from a thousand miles. Trees dance they’re celebrating. Those were the days I felt so alive.

Gayle, what’s blown into you? Change you not the wind beneath your wings of beauty. Gayle, would you blow me back someday?

It’s used to be well in love making, circling around the carousel of smiles. What used to be a secret garden, now surrounded by high walls of fire. I can’t believe these things could happen. I used to fly on her fragrant breeze. Cool winds pass through my fingers. I miss her breath, I cannot breathe.

Gayle, what’s blown into you? Change you not the wind beneath your wings of beauty. Gayle, would you blow me back someday?

-----

The reason why I use the second version of the story on my shows because of the romantic value it portrays. I love the original Gayle, and I still have to learn this second Gayle. If you saw her, tell her I said hi.

And oh, this song brought back the little Gayle I once have.

Gig on March 17

2009-03-14T15:27:00.002+08:00

Earlier this month, I posted an announcement at Istorya urging our budding songwriters to come out of their 4-wall-bedroom-concert-hall and share their hits to the masses.

This will be our 3rd gathering and it's happening only at
Handuraw Pizza
460 Gorordo Ave

Featuring this week:
Michael John Calo
The Difficult Stranger
Undercover Grasshoppers

Catch us live!
Be there and bring a friend.

(Almost) Acoustic Tuesday: 3/10/09

2009-03-12T10:06:00.015+08:00

If I described last week's gig as a blast, this one doubles it!

What started to be the usual intimate Tuesday night, which now I’m ok with, I never guessed it would not be so intimate at all. I arrived early to have my dinner. Rescue A Hero was already there enjoying their pizza and beer.

So I texted everyone on my list telling them that if they want to unwind with some acoustics to come up on my show. I first heard RAH online. Mark Cortes penned beautiful songs and I don’t want the empty tables and chairs to hear them. I wanted a crowd.

Then I got a call from Ian Zafra. He’s with the British Council delegates that night and they wanted to hang out. These were just the guys behind the Tubod Festival happening during the weekend. They’re coming. The tables were rearranged for a large group of VIPs. Goodness, it’s gonna be a crowd. An international one.

What supposed to be an intimate gig turns out to be a party.

Rescue A Hero opened the night with a bang. They were in tuned with each other. I love the acoustic tone of Mark's guitar. So warm and kicking. Yes I heard their recordings online in full electric, but I like them better in live acoustic. Thought I have to hear them live in full-band electric just to be fair. So I'll be there on their next gig. These guys rock. Next gig: March 27 @ Baseline.

Next in line was Michael Anthony Curan. He likes to improvise and I like it. This is his second time on the show and he will be back on the next. He just has too many ex-girlfriends and each one has a song. So two shows are not enough to hear all of them. But on this second night, he goes country and to the delight of the international crowd. He's a wild country boy. He rocks that night. Next gig: March 17 @ my show.

Then we had a surprise band, in a sense that they're not on my list that night. But we had the VIP crowd so I have to let them play. Plus I heard about them, saw their posters but never really had the chance to see them play. This is my chance as a supporter of local artists. And I was converted that night. Their music is dance/rock/party type. If you have a big party going on, The Line Divides should be on top of your list to call. I have to stand up and dance with Lucy Chen (a British Council delegate). Well it didn't really happen. It could have been wild though. And Louie (the vocalist) is the wildest of them all. He' crazy. He needs medical help. If you're into self help for mental health, then check this information on Science of Identity Foundation and learn more about your life purpose. Discover how you could live life to the fullest with Jagad Guru here. They're so ****ing good! (I really don't know what the asterisks stands for. I just copy/pasted it). You will lose your identity when you listen to them. They're that good. So beware. Their next gig: March 27 @ Baseline.

After hearing my guests perform, I don't know how to end my show. So I just grab my guitar sing.

Then I let Ian Zafra (formerly of Sheila and The Insects) end the night with his share.

Boy that night is hard to keep up. I'm not sure what will happen on the next show, but that one I have to keep. Thanks to all my guests and friends who came. I was very late at work the next day. I think I already need some Self Help for Mental Health.

See you around.

Gig: Handuraw Pizza (March 10)

2009-03-09T09:46:00.000+08:00

Hear ye !
Hear ye !

This Tuesday (March 10) at Handuraw Pizza Gorrordo
Presenting to you my guest songwriters:

Mark Cortes and his friends collectively known as Rescue A Hero @ 9pm
Michael Anthony Curan aka The Difficult Stranger @ 10pm
Then I will take the stage @ 11pm

FREE ADMISSION !!

R.I.P. Francis M

2009-03-07T11:52:00.003+08:00

Francis Magalona

October 4, 1964 - March 6, 2009

visit his multiply site

he's also a blogger like the rest of us

Review: Undercover Grasshoppers

2009-03-05T11:55:00.005+08:00

My gig last night at The Outpost on Ian Zafra’s Midweek Sessions: Mint, I witnessed the first steps of an upcoming, fresh and hot band. Days before the show, I already checked their demo at myspace and fell in love with their acoustic on site. I mean the simple guitar lines of Muted Mouth and Afternoon Bay is just what I need to de-stress from these corporate headaches.

But seeing them perform live is another story.

After my acoustic set, I saw them backstage (or the backroom) preparing to replace me onstage. I ask the girl in same blue shirt as mine with these letters, UCG, and she nodded with a smile. Then came along Ongkii and ask him if they’re gonna play their acoustic track, but too bad it’s not on their list that night.

Then the invasion began. One thing that would make a rock band stick to my taste is that it should have a go-to-guy up front who can carry the team to crunch time. And Undercover Grasshoppers has that, and she’s a lass. Her name is CiLee. She is pretty and cool, but when you dress her with an electric guitar and a microphone, she’s hot and rocks. She lives up to her name. Seeing her doing guitar solo makes me wanna come out with my tunes in electric guitar and shred it to the world. But I have kept a promise to myself to bring all my acoustic tunes out there first before I lay it down and electrify.

The Grasshoppers is like a company. Their musical structure is as complex but as organize like a corporate world. I don't know how did they come up with the band members. It's like they have been playing together long ago. I don't know if they did a recruitment or an audition for an Executive Search company. Finding the best employees for your organization is not easy. This is where Dennis Carey, the leading executive recruiter comes in to help you in your predicament. More information can be found on Dennis Carey's profile. But whatever it is, they were good at it.

The band had a great set and I’m in awe that I forgot that I have a camera and never had shot them to post together in this article. I failed in my try at journalism.

Most local bands I’ve seen live have almost the same sound due to same instrument setup. You know, the typical rock band: electric guitars, bass, drums. But what made them stood up is they have this some jam part of their song that one will wonder if they are doing a medley because it sounds different. It’s like a song in a song. The jam part, if I trust my ears, uses a different chord pattern from the main song itself. And I just find it brilliant. One more thing why I love their jam part is the fact that it annoys me. It’s like you are in a erotic dream and you’re about to reach the climax and suddenly you wake up. You realize it’s just a dream and hurriedly go back to sleep to re-dream it, and you can’t have it again. It’s disappointing. Extend the jam parts please UCG!

And that, my friends, make them a band to follow this year. They may be lighter than Foc Fashion, but they have a great potential to hop higher.

Andy Calope is now a fan of Undercover Grasshoppers.

Handuraw Pizza 3/03/09

2009-03-04T11:04:00.006+08:00

Last night was a blast. A terrific way to start my Tuesday gigs at Handuraw Pizza. I would like to thank the musicians who came and jam with me.

To Michael Anthony Curan, you penned some delicious sad songs. Keep writing bro.

Jundel, thanks for the beat. I enjoyed every bit of it.

Michael Umbrete, thanks for the ride and thanks for grabbing the mic at a short notice. Good luck on your show this Thursday.

Mary Anne, you have a great voice. Keep singing. So that was your voice on myspace ei? Brilliant! And also to Maytel (I'm not sure how to spell your name), thanks for singing the chorus for me.

Thanks again for your time and talents. See you around. Now off to The Outpost for the Midweek Sessions.

March Gig

2009-02-27T13:48:00.004+08:00

Every Tuesday for the month of March I have a show in Handuraw Cafe. It will be an acoustic gig, just me and my guitar. Since it will be a lonely but intimate Tuesday night, I am availing my gig for some guest musicians.

If you are a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, violinist, saxophonist, percussionist, and everything that ends with -ist, you are warmly welcome to jam with me. If you're a female and can sing, you can have the mic and perform with me. If you're a songwriter, I can give you some time to play your original pieces on the show (hopefully I can convert my show to Songwriters' Night). Provided, we should meet up before Tuesday and rehearse.

What's the catch? Since I cannot provide a monetary solution for your TFs, how about some slices of the best tasting thin-crust pizza and the coldest beer in town.

If you're interested, my number is at the left column.

Midweek Sessions: Mint

2009-02-26T09:58:00.004+08:00

Where Are The Better Days

2009-02-20T09:30:00.004+08:00

It's Friday once again and time to upload an old, out-of-tune, demo track. I wrote this song when I heard the chit-chat of my mom and some howdy neighbor. They were discussing about the community life during their teenage years and how it is so different nowadays. Hence the title.

That night, the news was about Erap administration. And everybody knows what it is. Then recently, WB vs FG et al is a hot issue. And everybody knows what it is.

And the cycle goes on... hence where are the better days.

Listen my child to what your father teaches you today. Don’t neglect it for it will cover you with honor and grace. If the world will say, “Come join us. Do sidetracks.” Then you’ll hear your father say, “Turn back!”

The world is so full of distractions, corruption, you see them in their ways. Befriends you, deceives you, pretending then leaves you. On you they throw their wastes. Where are the better days? Where are the better days?

Listen my child treasure my instructions to you now. Listen clearly for today’s the day I’m gonna teach you how. Cry out for wisdom then you’ll learn what I've just said and understand. The world is so full of distractions, corruption, you see them in their ways. Befriends you, deceives you, pretending then leaves you. On you they throw their wastes. Where are the better days? Where are the better days?

We used to breathe a lot of air out here. We used to walk on streets unafraid from gangsters' rage. We used to feel the warmth of a brother's love, but now where are the better days?

The world is so full of distractions, corruption, you see them in their ways. Befriends you, deceives you, pretending then leaves you. On you they throw their wastes. Where are the better days? Where are the better days?

Where Are The Better Days - Andy Calope

Setlist: Handuraw Cafe, Feb11

2009-02-13T09:55:00.003+08:00

This was a one-hour set at Handuraw Cafe for the launching of Beer Below Zero.

Stars / Remedy
Stolen
Gayle*
Somewhere Only We Know
Colors
Rest In My Heart*
Free Fallin'
Imagine
Filipinos* / Heal The World / We Are The World

*Original compositions.

The Curious Case of Gary Granada vs GMA (or the second composer)

2009-02-12T11:35:00.006+08:00

This news got my attention since it has to do with intellectual property rights. It's already scattered out there so you do the googling. New statements from both parties are posted every now and then. So keep posted.

Click below for the explanation of Gary Granada.

Though I like the mediocore version over Granada's version (hehe), but still have my heart on Granada's sentiments.

Will this case should be Gary Granada vs GMA?

Gary Granada vs Charo Unite (the second composer)?

What do you think?

Upcoming Show on Feb11

2009-02-09T11:10:00.006+08:00

B E E R . B E L O W . Z E R O Cebu's Coldest beer launch party at HANDURAW CAFE

Feb 11, 2009 Wednesday Handuraw Lahug
featuring Ian Zafra Band, Andy Calope and Manila's Drum and Percussion Duo, Flicker Baby.

Handuraw Pizza

460 Gorordo Ave

Lahug, Cebu City

Show starts at 9pm.

Bring your friends.

Mountain Top

2009-02-07T16:35:00.006+08:00

Christmas Day. A very hot and humid afternoon. Alone upstairs, on bed and trying to get some sleep while guitar at hand. Strummed a few chord cycle. I never knew that I was already writing my first song for the year '09. Since it was a very warm day for a cold month, I was romanticizing on climate change. Especially today that the air I'm inhaling in is not pure air anymore.

Trying to comprehend how green home business works might become easier with EcoQuest, a company that delivers air purification products to its clientele. Find out more about the profile of Ecoquest here. But before I will suffocate, let me just share to you the song already. Then I will secure those Go Green Home Business stuff.

In this global warming, different people have different theories. Here's mine: We will meet each other on a mountain top, if we don't stop.

Mountain Top

Wake up to the sound of the mountain top. We'll never be the same again. When all the rivers have run dry we'll never be the same again.

When all the forests have receded into a plain of mystery; chaos in commodity. Clearly cut down the shade of our existence. Green symbolism of hope that we were longing before. Wake up to the sound of the mountain top. We'll never be the same again. When all these seeds wont scatter soon, we'll never be the same again.

The air we breathe is like a hot-air balloon. The more it's heated the more it will depart the ground soon. Black smoke overlaying white clouds, brought a kind of rain that eats what is stored underground. Wake up to the sound of the mountain top. We'll never be the same again. Blown by the storm our future holds, we'll never be the same again.

The ice, they say, is getting thinner each day. Ocean rises and crashes unto nearby houses. Drink up! The sea is getting deeper. We have to leave sooner. Climb up to a higher ground.

Wake up to the sound of the mountain top. We'll never be the same again. When all the rivers had run dry we'll never be the same again.

Song: It Feels Like

2009-01-30T14:00:00.004+08:00

I feel poppish this Friday. So here goes my feel-good pop tune as it seems to be. It's a lonely song embedded in a happy tune. It's all about the bass line. Feel good about it wont you?

It Feels Like

I've been driving down the road of life watching the street signs passing by. I've been wondering where it leads me to. There's no sign that reads "I want to be with you". It feels like I'm getting lonely. It feels like I'm lost. It feels like nobody wants me to be called their own.

Keep on driving until Im getting bored looking a way out in this long and winding road. Until I lose my way, I'll never be okay until I crash this box on the curve. It feels like I'm going crazy. It feels like I'm lost. It feels like nobody wants me to be called their own.

I am dying without knowing you. I heard you are the only way. There are people who know you but they dont put the sign "I want to be with you".

It feels like I'm dying lonely. It feels like I'm lost. It feels like nobody wants me to be called their own. It feels like I'm dying crazy. It feels like I'm lost. It feels like nobody wants me to be called their own.

It Feels Like - Andy Calope

Derivative Works

2009-01-27T20:18:00.005+08:00

I came upon this copyright issue when a certain Joseph Jody Nwosu of Washington, DC made a derivative work on my song Gayle. I published the guitar track of this song online last September 29, 2007. I set it as a Free License under Creative Commons which means that a song is free to share (copy, distribute and transmit the work) as long as there is proper attribution of the author, not to be used for commercial purposes, and no derivative works (no alterations, transformation and building upon the work). Mr. Nwosu aka Jodyjaz had built a song out of my guitar track and entitled it Complicated. A clear infringement.

A derivative work is something that is based on and a close copy of another work. For example, the Harry Potter movies are derivative works of the Harry Potter books. Therefore, Warner Bros. required J.K. Rowling's permission to make and distribute the films.

Should I cry wolf?

When Jodyjaz emailed me what he made, I was excited to hear it--at first. Then the copyright issue began lurking in my mind. But thanks to an always online Ian Zafra who took me for a walkthrough regarding copyright issues. Plus research, the copyright dust is settling down. I'm more flattered now than worried. As long as Jodyjaz will not make millions because of Gayle, then we're good. No complications on Complicated.

That's what I call a fair deal.

Links:

Gayle Guitar Track

Complicated (by Jodyjaz)

Free License (Creative Commons)

Derivative Work (Wiki)

Song: Rest In My Heart

2009-01-23T12:04:00.007+08:00

I've been writing songs for 5 years now. I got a few new materials on hand but before I'm gonna post the new stuff in, just like to share to you my early demos, just to move on from my previous works to the new ones.

Each Friday, I'll post an old demo.

REST IN MY HEART

The sun is up, you will wake and take your bath. You put on your make up to hide away your face so sad. Can you feel me in the morning? Can you hear me when birds start singing? Can you see me in the sunlight that shines on your face?

You work all day writing papers and trash 'em anyway. Your head is aching when you're skipping lunches and breaks. Can you feel me when it's boring? Can you hear me when it starts to rain? Can you see me in that rainbow that colors your face?

I'm here waiting for, you can cry on my shoulder. I'm here longing for, you can rest in my heart.

You punch your card out and walk away to the boulevard. You grab a bite at the barbeque stand and face away the dying sun. Can you feel me in the gentle breeze? Can you hear me when the children sing? Can you see me in the moonlight that lands on your face?

I'm here waiting for, you can cry on my shoulder. I'm here longing for, you can rest in my heart.

Rest In My Heart - Andy Calope

There Goes My Hero(es)

2009-01-16T11:53:00.004+08:00

The year was 2004. It started with the song I heard in the mall one time. The second line of the chorus just stuck in my mind that it became included in my bathroom playlist. I never knew the title at first until I googled it. It's the classic John Mayer hit, No Such Thing. Then I searched who this guy was and the rest is history.

I learned how to play the guitar at an early age. But my short little fingers forced me to play the ukulele instead. But my first love really was the piano. So I taught myself how to play it. Not enough, enrolled in a basic piano class and eventually found myself teaching piano to other kids as well. But when I discovered Mayer guitar-playing style, I decided to leave Ebony and Ivory and went for the axe. It's just way to cool.

I studied his guitar techniques and his songwriting moves. And that's how I decided to go into songwriting. Then goes the Dave Matthews Band. Undeniably the best band in the world when it comes to musicality! I learn that I don't have to be a sick guitar player like Mayer. I just have to be a sick songwriter like Dave. His poetry needs not to be always in rhyme. It just have to be honest and fearless. Then there goes other fearless songwriters that I look up to: Damien Rice, Glen Hansard, Jeff Buckley, Ben Harper, Amos Lee, Brett Dennen, Josh Ritter... (the list goes on until we reach the god-head of them all) Leonard Cohen.

Leonard Cohen. The one man whom all songwriters and rock legends bow down to. The sickest songwriter on the planet.

Truth or consequence, say it aloud
Use that evidence, race it around
There goes my hero(es)

Do What's Need to be Done

2009-01-10T11:37:00.004+08:00

It was Thursday night, and it was a Songwriter's Night as usual at The Outpost. Brought a friend along, had some drinks and fetching opportunity to play that night. But Romel, who was the host of the previous shows, was not around. So we just drank up and listen to this new guy who was hosting the show. He got some stories to share. Unfortunately I didn't got his name and website. I could have check on his music some more.

Then at the middle of the show, some familiar faces came up to our table practically interrupting my date that night. It was my boys from high school. So we finished up everything and brought my date back home and be with the boys. Suddenly it turned out to a boys' night out.

Went out to another club and chatted and drank some more. It's been years. Tipsy Thursday was on the lose. (exaggeration) My only regret was I didn't have my camera.

Oh what a shame!

Then out of the blue, the what's next question was burped into the open, noisy, smoky atmosphere. Then the word LaSalle (our High School) came out.

So the next day, off we go. We planned to have our lunch at the school canteen but as usual Mark (now working in some Call Boy company) was late. We then drove up to the mountain tops of Lutopan with Ed (now working as a Geologist) as our designated driver. Three eligible bachelors. One car. One goal: visit Alma Mater.

There were a lot of Speed40 signs along the road. Could have taken some shots. My only regret was I didn't have my camera.

Oh what a shame!

It's been a while since my last visit. Things change. A lot of them. But the school is improving since. Thanks for the subsidy of Carmen Copper Corporation. Hopefully the school will stand back on its glorious feet since our days. Shook hands with our teachers, who some forgot our names already and used some derogatory adjectives of who we were back then instead. Words that I can't spell out on this blog. We appreciate those anyway.

It was a strange feeling to be back. Seen a drastic change with the students' discipline though. They don't greet other teachers whom they meet on the corridors, they now wear printed white tees, some boys just simply cut a class and standby the corridor or canteen. Back in our days, the disciplinary system was at full force which help shape us (Mark, Ed and me) to be what we are right now, responsible singles. (all smiles)

Went also to the President's office. A sacred place back then. And still is. Now seated was our English teacher Mrs. Genesa Paragados. Now a doctor. Wow! And lots of our teachers now have their doctorate degrees too. Kudos to them. My only regret was I didn't have my camera.

Oh what a shame!

Then the dismissal. One thing why I opened up the thought in going back to our high school during our unplanned boys' night out was to meet up my last (and hopefully wont be the real last) contact of the present generation of high school studes. I met this kid online. I just thought it would be pretty to meet her offline. Too bad she went home early, though she saw us already that we're back on campus. Darn it, I'm gonna break that little girl's head when we finally meet soon! (exaggeration)

We continued along to our journey, met with friends who are now working on CCC, barbeque dinner at the Toledo City proper... Then went back home. My only regret was I didn't have my camera.

Oh what a shame!

Rationale

2009-01-07T22:54:00.005+08:00

Make time for singing. What after all is prosperity if in striving for it, one loses his capacity for song and laughter?

There goes the quote on the cover of my notebook. Everybody loves to sing. Though not everybody can sing, but everybody can respond to a song. Music is a language understood by everybody. That everybody is you and me.

To begin this 2009, I am transforming this blog to a deeper level. From a general viewpoint, I'm focusing this time on music. They say music is business. There is money in music. If you're that great, you can make music as your career. Well that's true of course. But some struggling musicians would defend their unknown status by saying that they just play for the love of music. Not playing for the money, but for the music. Well I'm not gonna stand on whatevers. All I know is that I've got some music in me and I'm gonna share it, being successful or not. We're not made to be successful anyways. The ultimate goal in life is significance, not success. Or so I've read.

I've been writing songs since 2004. And I never really shared my music publicly just yet. Only the inner circle knows that I can dig that stuff. Now I'm opening my doors to you, dear readers. I believe I have a lot to share to the world of music. I just need the time and place to share it all. That place is here and that time is now.

So allow me as I welcome you all to this blog and journey with me in the world of music.

Let's make noise. Crescendo.

Your blog is in transition

2009-01-07T00:07:00.001+08:00

Your blog is in transition

Your blog's new address is http://www.andycalope.com/. Since it takes time for this new address to be available all over the Internet, you can still get to it at http://andycalope.blogspot.com.

Your new address should work for everyone after at most 3 days. At that time we will redirect your readers from your old address to the new one.

Sorry, I'm just as excited as a 3rd Grader. See you on this side.

2008: Year-Ender

2009-01-02T18:23:00.004+08:00

It was a great time for family and friends.

Family: spent my parents' 40th year bond. Complete attendance! It's been 2 years since we were complete. Though I wasn't able to come home on Christmas due to travel issues, I did make it home on the New Year. Shout of thanks to the Porteses family for adopting me on Christmas eve. At least I'm still with family.

Friends: 4-day singles camp down south. The venue was great, Club Fortmed Cebu. But the food stinks. My stomach agrees with me. But meeting with old and new friends kept me alive. I was sick, but not lonely. It was simply great to see my CDO peeps again.

I had the best Holiday season. Hope you did, too.

Back online.

Music Industry Is Growing New Teeth

2008-12-21T05:48:00.002+08:00

Online Music Piracy is a thing in the past.

I just want to be optimistic regarding my opening statement. The Record Industry Association of America has a new gameplan on how to combat online music piracy. The report posted by the Wall Street Journal said that RIAA and Internet-service providers will work hand-in-hand in this grueling bout:

Depending on the agreement, the ISP will either forward the note to customers, or alert customers that they appear to be uploading music illegally, and ask them to stop. If the customers continue the file-sharing, they will get one or two more emails, perhaps accompanied by slower service from the provider. Finally, the ISP may cut off their access altogether.

I believe Smartbro is already doing their job because of the slow service connection.

While we wait for its operation to start, nobody knows if it will succeed in delivering the Pacquiao punch needed to stop this piracy. Few bloggers already rendered their own system on how to stop this thing. I like Ben Petterson's if-you-can't-beat-them-join-them take as everytime you download mp3, you'll have to pay for the tracks on your next bill.

It could work, but let me give to you my 2-cents on how to stop music piracy:

First Cent: It's all in the packaging! Artists, labels, and everybody concern should try something new in their CD packaging. CD sales are on downstream. Why not entice the buyers to buy the original CD by inserting freebies inside. A free *one-time lifetime concert ticket maybe. If ever the CD holder wants to attend the artist's concert, he will just show up with the CD to the bouncers by the gate and he should have front row seat.

Second Cent: Break the CD! If my first cent isn't cute enough, then we have to annihilate the CD. I believe it's the CD that we have piracy in the first place. CD burning is so rampant nowadays that it's killing the ozone layer. CD ripping makes it easier to convert the audio files to mp3. Then from mp3 you know where it goes next. Let's go old-school. Do you know why there are no piracy in the 70s? Because there no CDs. Let's chant and resurrect the vinyl records! We need those dirty old big turntables back. Though a certain Stanton had made a USB-turntable where you can play the vinyl disc and connect to the pc (thus converting it to mp3 again) -- hopefully the T.90 will not be mass-produced for music sakes -- analog turntables have the warm sound which the digital sound cannot replicate. Analog is the real deal. There will be no more mp3 players, no iPods, no mp3 phones. If you want music, stay at home, turn up the volume of your analog baby, or listen to FM radio. That's it. This would be the vampire fang needed of the industry (I didn't watch Twilight).

Up for vinyl!

Music piracy is not only killing the artists, but the music itself. So if you're one of the pirates, your days are numbered, especially if your ISP is Smartbro.

*patent pending

I Have Ulcus Pepticum

2008-12-17T11:02:00.009+08:00

It is a disease caused by not obeying your mother who begs us to eat breakfast every morning.

I use to think that I can help stop global hunger by skipping my morning meas. I thought one skipped meal equals feeding one hungry person somewhere in Africa. Turns out that I exacerbated the pandemia. And to my stomach's expense.

This eating disorder began during high school. I just don't like to eat. Besides, every minute eating breakfast is the same minute spent on tardiness. Brought it to college. Brought it to the work force. If I ate, I'm late.

Then lately, I'm feeling pain during and/or after every meal. I consulted my ex-nurse and she said I already have the symptoms of this disease. Now I'm taking frequent small meals to ease the pain. Considerably, this is now a healthy lifestyle because I gotta eat my breakfast making my mom the happiest person on the planet. I'm now on my 4th day straight on having morning meals.

I was advised to avoid certain food. And it includes 2 of my fave things: spicy food and alcohol. Come on, beer is food. Can we just not include that on the list? Besides it's Christmas.

Anyho, that's what you get if you don't obey your mother. Now, I'm helping stop global hunger, starting with myself -- by eating breakfast.

Good morning.

Would You Just Let Him?

2008-12-14T07:18:00.004+08:00

After months of writer's block, I finally penned one down last night. Be posting a beta recording later on. For now, answer all my questions:

You have seen what he did to you my queen. Would you just let him go on to hurt then beg to get inside your skirt? Would you just let him go on?

You can run away to where the rivers meet. Would you just let him go on to get what he wants that you don't need? Would you just let him go on to where your heart and soul stop breathing? Go on to where the moon will shine because the sun is right behind you.

Why do you keep on holding? Why do you keep on fighting? Why do you keep on trying? Would just let him go on to keep you hurting? On to keep you lying? On to keep you crying? Would you just let him go on to where your heart and soul stop breathing? Go on to where the moon will shine because the sun is right behind you.

Go on to where your heart and soul start breathing. You must go on to where the moon will shine because the sun is right behind you.

First Bite Cuts Deep

2008-12-13T14:40:00.002+08:00

Hello there.

Welcome to my site. I'll be making this as simple as possible. Opening up to you what gets trap on my memory so I can spread whatever it is. I'll be posting here too my melodic poetries so I cannot forget them. I just want to open up, get wet and learn from it. I will read everything you want to say. Post your comments.

Jump in.