Processing photos can be a form of reflection for me, although, sometimes it’s one of the primary causes of stress. But Summer Slam photos weren’t stressful at all. One, the shots came out really nice and two, it’s a bunch of chamba shots since half the time I wasn’t looking at the view finder because the stage was about a feet taller than me so my camera was often high up in air as I crossed my fingers. So yeah, all went well. I enjoyed taking these photos, albeit they were challenging. They really came out nice, not great, nice. Meidocre-ish. Something like, “Nice try, it’s alright, but do try again.”

But it’s not about taking the photo… It’s about the photo.

While I was processing each photo… It got me thinking.

I wasn’t raised around music, I became a music lover as I grew up. I am certainly not a musician but a mere music appreciator. I love music for what it is without understand the why’s and how.

It was this year’s Summer Slam that made me appreciate the music scene so much more! Why? The photos tell the story. Bands are not just musicians they are artists, they are crowd pleasers, they are talented, they are gifted, they are blessed. Every time I took a band’s photo… I always took shots of the crowd.

This was taken during Slapshock’s set.

It was in the crowd’s expression that I got to realize how much support our local artists have. It was them that forced these musicians to evolve. Without them, bands are just plain old bands who strum their guitars, tap sticks, pluck out bass strings and microphone holders. It’s the fans that make them who they are.

As I sit here in my favorite coffee shop, staring at photos, I can’t help but smile. Every detail you need is there. Stare at a photo and you get answers to your questions. The sweat is there, the emotion is there, it’s like every musician’s experiencing an adrenaline rush. They’ll tire themselves out, all for the love. Love for music. Love for the fans.

Every critique has been blasted on these guys, negative, positive, whatever. Discouragement has always been there. But they fuck it and move on, it’s what they love doing. There can be haters of this band and that band, sometimes it results to scandalous fights, but they fuck it all. People can say the harshest things about their personalities. So? They have every right to be so. Bands brush it off because it really is pointless to fight back or attack. This is their profession; it’s what the live for. You can never please everybody.

A few years ago, I used to hang out with one of the biggest bands here in the Philippines. (I wish not to mention who). That time, I was a kid and an addict. I didn’t have time to stop and analyze things like these. Back then, it was something I called FUN. Over the years, I realized FUN isn’t just fun, there’s more to it. Being backstage for the second time was a blessing. I never thought I’d get a pass this year. I never expected it. I owe OdysseyLive big time for this. Namely Miggy and Geoff. If it weren’t for them, I would have been stuck at home wishing I was there. This year, I had a purpose backstage. I was a photographer. Not a good one, but I was there for a reason. I had something to do. My only purpose before was to consume the beer and smoke up like one mother fucker.

I have no words to describe how I feel about the event. It’s in there, in my heart, somewhere, I just don’t know how to express it. But I know one thing, it feels good.

A part of me regrets getting fucked up early, missing out on a few bands that I was really watching out for. But I did have fun. With or without the beer or whatever other substance, I still would have had fun. If you’re thinking I went home early because I was getting bored, HELL NO! I left because I was really fucked up already, and fucked up means FUCKED UP. If I stayed I would have been falling all over the place causing a scene, I would have been screaming, drama here and there, I would have gone rolling one the sides. Before, I never gave a damn about how people see me. But I give a damn now, I care. I need to be more conscious about the world. It was just right to leave or else I would have called it “The most embarrassing Summer Slam ever!!!”

It was nice seeing old band friends.

It was nice hanging out with the new band friends.

It was nice meeting new band friends.

It was nice having my bestfriend Kams with me.

It certainly was a great experience being there.

Next year again?

GAME ON!

I hope Angulo and INK’s part of the line-up.

Oh. WHAT?! Laban?!

If you are reading this right now… THAT MEANS YOU ARE GOOD BOY/GIRL!

Here,*pat pat* I just patted your hair, now FETCH!

Anyhoo… moving on…

Funny, I have a bunch of photos of some bands… And I do not know who they are. WOOHOO! Did you like Reklamo’s photos in my Multiply? I liked them! Not bad for my first try, those were the first band photos I took. WOOHOO!

I’m all caffeine so the tone of this blog is probably bury bury bury HYPER! WOOHOO! HOO! HOO! HOO!

I left you hanging in the paputok part on my last blog.

Wanna see just about how huge the crowd is?

Wowzers!

There were these two guys who approached Kams when I was upfront taking photos.

WHO THE FUCK ARE THESE?!

Even Kams can’t remember who they are!

So here’s Urbandub fun.

Everybody loves Dub!

After taking photos Kams and I hung around at the side.

I was singing at the top my lungs First Of Summer.

Then of bunch of guys talked to us.

They had the perfect English accent.

I’m a stupid piece of shit.

As we were introducing ourselves I asked what’s your band.

HOLY MOTHER FUCKING SHIT!

I JUST SHOOK HANDS WITH THE JUMPING JACKS!!!

Okay, forgive me.

I’ve been trying to catch one of their gigs but I couldn’t.

Either too busy or too far.

So it was indeed a pleasure watching and meeting them.

Now it’s time for some Slapshock fun.

I’m a HUGE fan. Go diss me. Fuck you.

The boys don’t gig anymore you see.

They only play for huge events.

And PUTANG INA! The last time I watched them was centuries ago.

I missed watching them so much…

That I took so many photos!

Sorry. Fan girl mode?

Mej.

BASTA ANG SARAP!

We interrupt this program for a public announcement.

At this point in time. I was already fucked up.

AS IN FUCKED UP NA!

I can’t even remember taking pictures of Queso.

But miraculously, I do have photos of Queso.

And grabe. Ang dami ko palang kuha sakanila.

NAKEEEED MIIIIIND!!! OPEEEEEEN WIIIIDE!!!

Anyhoo, let’s Queso fun.

Okay, that’s a nice shot. But I seriously can’t recall taking that.

You see…I was already a goner.

Somehow, everyone was.

Despite my state. I was able to talk to one of the coolest guys on earth.

Lee. Hurray!

NOW. I MAKE BITIN YOU AGAIN!

YAHOO!!!

If you can see a blog post entitled “Part 4 | Pulp Summer Slam… SLAMMED ME!” That means it’s up already heehee.

P.S. I trust me… I am so winning the Kenneth Race.

Almost there… my Kenneth race entry is coming! :)

So hello. Welcome back to Part 2. I just cooked Clam Pasta and it was love. It’s what I would like to call FEEL GOOD food when I’m on EMO-mode. Why am I on emo mode? Won’t share. Too private. Ex-boyfriend issues ko nanaman. Lalala…

Anyhoo…

I left off with Moonstar 88.

I am so on L.S.S. with Migraine.  “Asan ba ko sayo? Aasa ba ko sayo?”

At this point in time, the photos started to get weird.

May mga nalolost na oh.

And if you haven’t noticed I am not a big fan of smiling like a shit face.

So instead I distort my face.

It’s an indication of my lost girl mode approaching.

And mentioned in the previous entry.

AMS boys went on Fan Boy mode with the Darkest Hour.

And I became their photographer for it. Woo.

So here’s the line-up board.

TANGINA! ANG TAGAL PA NG HOUNDZ!!!

For sure ngarag na ako by that time.

Now for some Intolerant fun.

Can you picture Russel being a member of The Village People sining “Y…. M  C A!”

Funny how I seem to have really funny photos of Intolerant.

I remember capturing Mic being possessed.

And for the first time ever… Slam was on fire!

They had fireworks!!!

May kwento yan eh…

During Intolerant’s set I was upfront taking photos.

The bouncers were shooing me away and I ignored them because Intolerant was intense and it was nice to capturing the intensity.

Then BOOM!

It’s a paputok! I was screaming and ran as fast as I can away from the stage. Shet.

Lumabas pagkagirl ko.

Note to self: listen to big buffed men wearing black because they do know what is best for you.

Anyhoo…

Look! It’s my favorite show!

It truly is ALATTAFAN.

RACK ON orcs here.

RACOOON!

And look.. mga ka-tropa ko oh.

Yock. Eow.

Orcs asking for my beer.

Yock. Eow. My beer is my beer bitch. I won’t fucking share it!

Okay. That's that. Let's go make bitin mode again. Lalala.

Currently processing Urbandub.

And gawd. I took so many photos of Slapshock.

Fan girl?

TO BE CONTINUED…

P.S. I really think I’m winning the Kenneth Race.

My Kenneth Race entry will come soon.

It was my second time to attend one of the biggest rock events here in the Philippines. The last time… (Which was ages ago, I was still a minor and an addict) I couldn’t enjoy myself. One, I was too young. Two, seriously didn’t know anyone say for my ex-boyfriend’s bandmates.

I had an anxiety attack when we arrived. My hands were shaking. I don’t know why. Maybe because I saw the orcs lined up in the gates. Scary shit. Anyhoo, got there round 4 when I know I should have been there earlier.

I was still shaky, so I open my first can of beer.

Back to the land of being "steady".

On the last minute, I was able to get Kams a pass.

Thank you so much Geoff! I hope you’re able to rest now.

Hurray! My bestfriend’s summer slamming with me!

Loves it!

Niche fun here.

So gwapo naman you!

AMS boys arrive.

The enthusiasm was very evident.

Not to mention, big fans of the Darkest Hour.

Fan boys!

Karla fun here.

Hot niyo dito ah!

So photographer mode girl.

That’s probably the best spot to take crowd photos.

Although towards the end. Ang hirap na umakyat since amats na me.

Bouncer had to lift me up. Ahahahaha! See! Making landi bouncers has its perks!

Orcs.

Eow.

Reklamo fun here.

Bargain here! Bargain there!

PANX NAT DED.

I made kalabit this dude for this picture. Hahaha.

SEE! I'm not so maarte!!!

April Morning Skies fun here.

Solid hirap makakuha ng magandang shot.Patawad.

Typecast fun here.

Bad shots of them. Patawad.

Have I mentioned the free flowing beer?

But later on there was a “shortage.” Ang dumb. Badvibes.

God bless Tanduay.

Kjwan fun here.

That’s three outfit changes for Marc Abaya.

But I miss watching them!!!

Wasn't able to catch them in Route 196 eh. :(

They fucking played Daliri and Surface! Tangina! KICK ASS!!!

TANGINA!!! SURFACE!!! TANGINA!!!

Good morning song ko yun dati!

As in like when I wake up, I play that song and "dance" to it.