The saGuijo Experience

Last June 30, 2007, Bratpack, one of our concept store sponsored a rock concert at saGuijo in Makati. I don't usually go to this kind of event because I have fear of crowds. My mom always tells me that this kind of event have their way of getting out of hand. Well, I have been to concerts many times and I haven't had that kind of experience, YET. So there. I went to saGuijo expecting to see Sugarfree, my favorite band, Sandwich, Pedicab, Cambio, Fatal Posporos and Rivermaya. The main motivation in going to saGuijo was Sugarfree. But I had so much fun that maybe even without them I would still enjoy the whole evening until early morning. First, I was with my brother, very seldom do we hang out or do things together that's why I was very happy I was with my borther that night. Second, I was with my best bud in the office. We agree on a lot of things specially in terms of music and basketball and I am happy that we got to listen to cool songs, he was with his girlfriend so no romantic links there. It was the night I spent with two of my favorite boys.

I had a blast! The venue was steaming hot. It was a small place, like a house converted to become a concert hall. The "stage" was so close to the crowd you can see Ebe's tongue. I was that close to Ebe. If I extend my arm I would be able to touch him. He was THAT CLOSE. My officemate said that the smile on my face was so sweet while I was head banging to the music and singing with Ebe and the crowd. Who wouldn't be smiling when you're that close to your favorite band. He was such a performer. He stood up on the speaker and touched the ceiling while singing. He was so entertaining and professional. How he sounded on the cd, was exactly how sounded live. I wasn't disappointed with their set although they only sang 6 songs and everyone in the crowded was asking for more. I had so much fun listening to them and being so close to Ebe, I wish the night would last forever. I even asked my brother to have Ebe sign my CD and he did. He wrote Salamat Francia. It was such a wonderful experience seeing and listening to Sugarfree. Eventhough they took such a long time to set up, it was all worth the wait. Raimund Marasigan was all over the place.He was the lead with Sandwich, organ with Pedicab and Drums with Cambio.He is electrifying and such fun person to watch.

But I guess the most poignant performance was that of Rivermaya. We all know what happened to them and you can feel the sadness in everyone from the band members to the crowd. Indeed there is a void and the wound that is Rico Blanco still lingers and the uncertainty of the band's future still hung low in everyone's mind. Every song though not sung beatifully have so much emotion in them. I felt very close to the band and the people and I can feel the sadness. Although the crowd was very supportive still it was different.

I love to this every now and then. This is my kind of people, this is my kind of activity. I have learned so much that night. Every word sung by the crowd has a different feel. It has a different meaning to them maybe because the word resonates, the meaning of the words finds their resting place on the hearts of the young people. Just the way it is with me. I find meaning and profound connection with the songs Sugarfree. It's as if they speak my language, it's as if they know what I feel. And that's why I'm forever thankful for the gift of music. It's the words that cannot be spoken. It's the words immortalize.

Maria Francia Posted At 8:38:00 PM

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