PAKIGLAMBIGIT 2020: DAY 01
PAKIGLAMBIGIT 2020 Day 1 ; Taken from: Studio 11 account (@STUDlO11)
Prepared as a two-day event, its first opening was welcomed with the public trying out the booths prepared by the organizers — including the Photo Booth, Find-A-Match, The Ultimate Quiz, and Radio Booth. Fair numbers of people enjoyed the variety of options as they await for the main event of day one, Battle of the Bands. The crowd seemingly favored the Photo Booth, the virtually printed photos catering solo, duo or a groupie made a pleasant memorabilia from the event. Equally, the public also enjoyed the short quiz prepared, Game of Track inspired by the well-known Gain or Lose a Life When. The quiz feature questions mostly about music. The first ten with the most number of life left are considered winners and will be given a free layout as a winning prize from Studio 11's editors. One thing that caught everyone's attention was the Find - A - Match booth, serving as a way for the single attendees to possibly find their 'the one' on the event.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
As the event goes on, with the sun blaring that fits the overall theme, and the MOA Concert Grounds is getting packed with an excited crowd, Battle of the Bands sets the flame onstage.
​
The event place roared with cheers and applause as an all-girl band, REVEL_IO takes the stage. Despite the fact that it is their first time competing, and with some established and known bands together in the event, they gave MOA a blast as the opening act. Starting with Bagsakan by Parokya Ni Edgar, the girls flawlessly rapped their parts in their own swag and vibes, taunting the crowd to bop their heads to the beat. Followed by an equally and iconic song, Nosi Balasi, they fire up the stage with their powerful and intimidating aura, and with their overflowing girl power. However, as wild as the first two songs, it was quite an opposite for their last one — Ang Huling El Bimbo. A familiar favorite of the crowd that cues everyone to feel quickly nostalgic as the first keys started to play, wrapping their stage with a spontaneous duet with the crowd and fuelled expectations.
​
Following the all-girls band is UNIT24, earning the same amount of cheers from friends and strangers. A bunch of screams reverberated on the venue as the band takes on with Alapaap by Eraserheads. Unlike the first band, UNIT24 playfully tug the public's heart in a game of push and pull with their second song Akin Ka Na Lang by Itchyworms. The addictive tune forcing the crowd to sing along, occasionally cheering whenever the members publicly flirt with their lover among the crowd.
Photograph taken from: Indie Panda. Edited by: Saint.
Emotions filling the air, they continued with their last song. The first strike of melody sending a domino effect of cheers and groans as one of Ben and Ben's most loved song Maybe the Night played. Even with the sun still high up in the sky, a sea of flashlight came to view as everyone enjoyed the song until it came to an end.
Coincidentally, the next band ROGUE 99 played an equally emotional song, with Panalangin by Moonstar 88, making the crowd continue to sway on the melody. Shockingly revealed by their leader Reiko Ferragni, it is their first performance as a band. However, the cold voices of the vocalists soothed and served as a lullaby on the hot afternoon, opposite to their second song, Bagsakan by Parokya ni Edgar. And as if playing with the listener's emotions, they wrapped their stage with Kahit sa Panaginip by December Avenue, setting the venue in a melancholic state even after their performance.
​
​
Lastly, Project Retro Future, a four-member band with an only girl, Qibyul, responsible for the drums. As they introduce themselves one by one, one thing that caught the crowd into a set of laughter is the failed attempt of the electric guitarist, Lucien Agustin to punch a pick up line. Taking turns with their individual introduction and a short solo of their own instruments to hype up the crowd, Kiyo, the band's vocalist, mentioned a monologue about adoring someone before starting off with Narda by Kamikazee. And once again, the stage is on fire, even with their second song Nobela by Join the Club. The overall vibe of the band taunts the crowd to sing along with their hearts out, occasionally screaming jokingly for beer orders, not until the last song started, which earned groans as the vocalist joked about having cuddle partners. Yakap sa Dilim by Orange and Lemons flowed out smoothly, together with the angelic voice of the vocalist. Finishing off with another individual speech and an amazing drum solo by Qibyul, they wrapped up the competition.
Grand Champion of PAKIGLAMBIGIT 2020: Battle of the Bands. PROJECT RETRO FUTURE From left to right: Miguel Dela Cuesta, Qibyul Nijiyami, Kiyo Santiago, Gustin De Marco. Edited by: Saint.
ALAB STUDIO 11
While everyone waits for the winner of the competition, a series of an exclusive showcase of music videos produced by artists and editors of Studio 11 was shown on the big screen. They entertained the crowd with a chill, feel-good song I Like Me Better, sung by Sydlair and Calvin John, to be paired with a bright lyric video showcasing the pair and the skills of the assigned editor, Tatiana. Following the first was Denise and Nikolai's aesthetic couple-like video, featuring the beauty of the City of Love for the song Paris in the Rain performed by Alaska and Rio. Another take on a lyric video was Phengyu and Ryland's I'm So Tired, edited by Calzyn which features not only the singers but a variety of landscapes. Earning loud applause and lovely cheering as a sweet melody played just after, the voices of Ariadne and Diamante was featured for their song Some which video was edited by Deimos. Neatly wrapping the showcase, a powerful collaboration between Qibyul and Dominic for Gettin' By Love & Hate was played, in which the music video was edited by Qibyul and Kade, showing not only their amazing vocals but a sight to see them dancing as well.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
As if the hype was not enough, right about the ending of the last music video, a DDG staff, Camille, entered the stage with a bright smile and envelopes containing the result of the competition. Following her is a string of staff holding the trophies and certificates for the winner. The crowd screamed in excitement as the host teasingly open the first envelope. After minutes of push and pull and joking, finally, the third-place made their way on stage. With 113 points, ROGUE 99 took the third place, making the members and the crowd cheer up in excitement, hype, and nervousness as the awarding continues. It was hilariously enjoyable as to how the crowd felt more nervous than the bands that performed, screaming who they are rooting for.
And in second place earning 126 points was REVEL_IO, making the suspense brew more, adding to the excitement of everyone as UNIT24 and PRF was left uncalled. The one-point difference didn't make it easier to ease the tension. However, equally loud cheers welcomed PRF onstage as they were announced as the champion with 130 points, automatically making UNIT24 earn the first place with 129 points.
​
Although a heated misunderstanding arises just after the announcement, between two parties involving the bands, it was quickly resolved before it escalated into something more serious. The event was warmly wrapped up with congratulatory conversations between the winners and their supporters, urging the closing of the PAKIGLAMBIGIT DAY 1.
INTERVIEWS
Crowdsourcing for interviews, Ashanti Aeldra and Jiselle Sapphire, together with Sinteya Marie had the chance to ask a few of the attendees as to how they viewed the first day of PAKIGLAMBIGIT.
​
"Excited and happy, kasi magkakaroon ng event na would bring people together especially because of music" — Yohan Santiago. @yugyohs.
​
"I was pretty excited and thrilled about this since I'm a big fan of these kinds of events." — Calixta Amber Bautista Alfonso.
​
"It was such a great experience! This is the very first music festival I went to and I'm expecting more for Day 2." — Brianna Collins. @lewdpoems.
​
"I found the first day really exciting and fun, of course the bands took a great part on boosting the energy of the crowd. I enjoyed the booth and games too, the organizers did a great job on the event. I look forward to tomorrow as well." — Ivan Michael Clemonte. @PBBRP_CSY.
​
"I find the first day of this wonderful event very exciting, nakaka-uplift ng mood ko, this is an amazing event and lahat ng booths masaya salihan." — Alexandra Valencia. @X4NDRUGH.
Yohan Santiago (@yugyohs). Attendee. Edited by: Saint.
Brianna Collins (@lewdpoems). Attendee. Edited by: Saint.
"It's been very fun! I've enjoyed all the events especially sa Battle of the Bands. Medyo kinabahan din ako nung nag-host ako sa Finding-A-Match booth namin, but I think it went well naman." — Indigo Ae. @creamkles.
​
"Being here is great, and as an attendee my thoughts goes to how well organized the event is, reminds me of so much of F.O.P and other free events such as this." — Sean. @seanaall.
​
"I’m enjoying the booths and I'm also hyped for the performances. I hope to be able to try all the booths before the event ends." — Kiel. @M0D0KU.
​
"Masaya naman po. Organized 'yung booths, sobrang daming tao, tapos nagfi - fiesta mga tao sa tl ko." — Calzyn. @C4LZYN.
​
"All of the booths are fun to join with, there's a lot going on and I don't know where to go first to be honest, and the music bands music taste is also so good, thumbs up to them! I can see the efforts made for this event. Overall it's a great one! Good job to the admins and staff." — Zarrick. @PBBRP_ZAV.
POST COMPETITION BAND ANNOUNCEMENT
REVEL_IO's Main Vocalist, Prudence Aeftie Loufenvelt (@yemacakez). Edited by: Saint.
After the event, while the bands are each celebrating their win, one of the writers, Sinteya Marie, got the chance to exclusively interview a member of each band backstage.
​
REVEL_IO's main vocalist Prudence Aeftie Loufenvelt answered the question as to How does they felt after their performance, "I felt proud of myself. It's my first stage as a main vocalist on the band." Even though the vocalist had regrets as she knows she could do better, it is enough that they enjoyed the stage. She was honest in admitting that the band aimed for the gold, however even with placing second place is already enough to feel contented. Along with the preparation, they learned more about teamwork and believing in one's self. "Of course we'll feel nervous, but I know we can do the bestest we can give," she added before finishing with promoting their band, asking the public to expect more from the all-girl band.
"To be very honest it was a really regretful stage considering that I was really busy with my studies and couldn’t help my other bandmates prepare so when it was our time to perform we had prepared nothing but our script. Nonetheless, we still enjoyed the performance despite the lack of practice and preparation," was how ROGUE 99 bassist and rapper, Lucifer answered the first question. Adding that there were no expectations as they know the flaws and points where they lack, however, the fact they were not able to showcase their full potential was a disappointment. ROGUE99 wishes on top for more future gigs and performance, the third position not stopping them from striving harder to achieve their dreams.
ROGUE 99 Bassist and Rapper, Lucifer Iuhence GDL (@99LUC1). Edited by: L.
UNIT24's Vocalist, Miguel Evan Jensen Cho (@DNWMNL). Edited by: Saint.
Just quickly after, two members of UNIT24 was caught midway for an interview. "Seeing the people singing along while we were performing made my heart full," Miguel Evan Jensen Cho, the band's vocalist answered with a proud smile. Beside him, is Shiroko Naomi Sarene, the band's bassist, "To be honest, the rankings were the least of our worries. All that matters for the whole band is 'yung makapag-tugtog kami ng maayos." The two also stated how their teamwork was more tested with the unexpected participation in the said event. Adding how they don't have any regrets with their performance, enjoying everything the music too much that the fact they got the first place was totally unexpected. UNIT24 does not have fixed future plans, however, Miguel hinted the possibility of seeing them in one of the many possible future gigs.
And last, but not the least, the stars of the night who caught everyone entangled on their amazing skills and undeniable stage presence, Project Retro Future. Unexpected, one word to describe how the members felt upon learning they won the competition. Some tearing up out of character in pure happiness, as they shared how hard it was to prepare with some members being sick on the days of practice. "Ang sabi ko nga basta nag enjoy ka ayos na yon," Miko Miguel Dela Cuesta, bassist emphasized on his solo interview. In the question of what lessons they learned as a group upon performing, the band mentioned about 'just being you', like how the members showcase their unique individual style blending as a group. As excited as the interviewer, PRF shared their future endeavors like a self-produced album and documentaries, on top of more gigs and performances.
Project Retro Future's Bassist, Miko Miguel Dela Cuesta (@lumiligo). Edited by: Saint.