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?!