“Kiss & Disappear” Album Launching (Slide Show)
Supporting an artist at a local scene is the key to an artists’ success. We know Vincent Eco from the local music scene, where he shows every piece of his soul from his songs. Vincent Eco is a combination of quality voice and great music, with his new album ready to serenade not just his fans but also us, Cebuanos.
He offers a great story of love and heartbreaks. He sends a rhythm to a soul hungry for healing. He comforts someone through his songs, sharing his experiences and inspiring people with his passion, growth and hard work.
Vincent Eco had come a long way since his debut single, “I Know You Do”. His soulful songs are drawn from his experiences from love and heartbreaks.
The artist’s fans celebrated the launch and digital release of his new album “Kiss & Disappear” last June 30, 2018 at Sugid, A Space Cebu. The album, “Kiss & Disappear” was written and composed by Vincent Eco, produced by Cattski Espina, and released under the local record label, 22 Tango Records.
“Kiss & Disappear” has 11 soulful songs in line; Kiss & Disappear, I Know You Do, Make You Stay, Chasing Happiness, We Don’t Talk, Falling ft. Lourdes Maglinte, Last Oath, Fire, Human, Please Don’t Let Me Go and Ramona.
Upon entering the venue, people were already lining up at the registration area to buy the entrance tickets. Guests satisfied their fangirl cravings with Vincent Eco’s merchandise. With a gate fee of P200, fans sat down on the floor to watch the man of the night. Prior to the start of the event, fans were able to witness some scenes of the 4-Part Mini Documentary Series on the making of Kiss & Disappear. Homegrown artists such as J Russ x DT and Lourdes Maglinte performed during the event.
Duo artists J Russ x DT performing live on the event.
Homegrown artist Lourdes Maglinte performing live on the event.
The venue was packed with fans enjoying the chill vibes from the different local artists. You could feel the hairs on your body rising every time the fans would sing-along to the songs. He serenades his fans though his passionate vocal and enchanting lyrics that one’s hungry soul couldn’t get enough of. Some of his songs were written years ago, yet you could still feel the freshness of emotion when he sang the heartfelt story of “Last Oath” on stage. Fans stood up to their feet for his last song of the night, “Fire”.
The Man of Night, Vincent Eco performing live with his soulful melodies.
When you support a local artist, you support our own creativity and freedom. Once these artists can express themselves, beautiful and soulful songs such as “Kiss & Disappear” can be admired and embraced not just the fans but by the Cebuano community. These songs not only reflect Vincent Eco’s ideas but also his story and emotion behind each song.
For more more information about his album or merchandise, visit 22 Tango Records and Vincent Eco Music on Facebook.
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Imagine driving on the empty, well lit streets of Mandaue, blasting 80s jams, and contemplating about the love you have for this city—this exact cinematic moment gave birth to Mandaue Nights.
Mandaue Nights is a 80s synth-pop group based in Cebu composed of Karl Lucente—a filmmaker and singer-songwriter—and Gino Rosales—a music producer and arranger. Gino Rosales is your typical good guy ensemble with a dash of rock and roll. Aside from playing the keyboard, he plays the guitar, and is also the bassist of a local band, Shuffled. Meanwhile, Karl Lucente, a filmmaker by heart and a musician by passion, is also the future teenager from both Honeydrop and Hey, It’s Your Birthday.
Cebu’s local music scene is booming. Artists from different bands dive into collaborations and create something new or different out of their common interests. Gino Rosales and Karl Lucente were both into 80s music. They began with one song, titled You and I, which was a huge hit.
Aside from collaborating with artists like Sepia Times and Eskina Jones, Mandaue Nights’ first single, You and I, was also selected as the original soundtrack for a locally-produced film, Magbuwag ta Kay, which was released in cinemas nationwide. They also reached out to Cebu’s film community and produced music videos for their songs, You and I, and First Kiss.
What makes them different from other bands and artists in Cebu is the 80s vibe they continue to write, show, and sing. Mandaue Nights will make you nostalgic. It’ll make you think about the 80s, which is something we know but never actually experienced as millennials. We’ve heard a lot about it, seen films about it, and continue to listen to songs from it, which make us feel as if we’ve been there personally.
Life happens too fast for us to actually see what’s going on. Mandaue Nights has certainly done a great deal of incorporating that into their lyrics and melody. Their songs support our language, inspire others, and have lyrics that have words most people are afraid to say. Gino Rosales and Karl Lucente’s collaboration started out as a spark – a spark that lit the interest of many Cebuanos.
Mandaue Nights even flew to Manila and played gigs, basically representing Cebu in the face of local music. They were widely accepted despite the difference in language. Fans cheered them on even when they weren’t in their home court.
They gave Cebu another chance to shine in the music scene. After all, Cebu is rich in artists—not just the music scene, but also the people who have produced, written, directed, and published their music videos. A lot of people support imported brands, even imported artists—why not support local?
The next time you think of driving late at night unto empty streets, blast their songs into your stereo, and seize. the. moment.
]]>Turtle’s Nest is literally a nest. It’s a cozy place and it feels home-y whenever you’re there. It’s a two-storey house and Bambi Beltran, the owner, decided to make a bar on the first floor. The place opened in the late 80s and you can already imagine the history it has. She constantly reminds anyone new that she wants people to feel at home whenever they’re at Turtle’s, “And I am proud to say that I don’t fail on that,” she said while she was carrying her puppy.
The walls are filled with doodles and tiny stickers that probably make up the entire interior. Bambi’s gigantic paintings were hung in random places and there were installations that seemed out of place but amused the eye anyway. It never fails to make me smile. Behind the bar were old cameras sitting on the shelves and collections of remnants of what seems to be the place’s past.
One of the bartenders there was Ruby and she worked there for almost 15 years. “The only significant thing that changed here is probably the number of bartenders,” she laughed. She mentioned that back then there were 16 of them since Kukuk’s Nest, a lodging place, was still open right across the street. “Also, most of our customers were foreigners,” she said while making my coffee.
I was sitting on one of the high chairs of the bar and behind me was huge red sofa and some customers were sitting on it. Between them were two smaller wooden chairs. One was piled with bags and the other occupied by a woman that I recognized from one of the indie films I recently watched.
The other room was filled with more tables and more people. The corners of the room were filled with yellow lights which gave the illusion that it was bit dim. Just like the interior at the bar, it was also covered with doodles, stickers and paintings but this time— two wider shelves that covered most of the walls were filled with books. For bookworms like me, it was heaven.
At times, there would be events that would fill the house with people. The ambiance of Turtle’s is not just a cozy place to hang out but it also serves as a hub for different artists all over Cebu. That’s why in some nights, the solemn place turns into a zone where bands [eg. Silingan ni Felicity, Chai Fornacier, etc] hold gigs and artists [like Kidlat, Daot, etc] all started showcasing exhibitions in Turtle’s Nest Gamay’ng Gallery.
In normal days , you’ll find students studying or night-shifters enjoying a break from work. But if you ask the “local” customers, their whole intention of going there is because it was and will always be called their home.
]]>Artists have been in this world since who knows when. From as simple as drawing a picture to creating award-winning films, their outputs served as both entertaining and meaningful to their audience.
Here in Cebu, we have unquestionably contributed equal share of talents. As years go on and on, the Cebuano art scene is continuously growing, adapting and evolving at the same time.
Last year, the Cebuano creative circle proved that art’s life is unending. Galleries of well-known Bisaya artists are still highlighted events. In fact, some newbies who aspire to participate in the art scene showed not only good potential skills but perceive themselves as people who can actually make a difference. And I’d like to quote Maria Gigante’s answer in Binibining Cebu 2017, “As a millennial, I have learned that you should never be afraid of being the same. Being one in an army of people who are ready and willing to make a difference in the world.”
That rings true to these three artists who not only earned the limelight in visual arts, but also deserve to be role models in our society.
The Archiver: Mark “Kidlat” Copino
Marc Copino, more famously known as Kidlat, is known for his minimalist stencil works. He stopped attending art school and made his way to the art scene in a different approach.
Have you always been this artistic?
“Yes. I developed my skills through my passion in street art. My first exhibit was in Kukuk’s Nest in 2005. That time, it really wasn’t something of a big deal. But last year, I got the opportunity to have a show in Qube Gallery and that, for me, was something more.”
“Ang Pagpanimpalad sa Managhigala Didto sa Groto sa Punta “
Where do you get your inspiration?
“Mostly from everywhere, I’m quite the observer and I would usually just soak everything up like a sponge. The main inspiration though is my kid, Elias. Seeing him grow up brings a lot of memories from my own childhood and I would incorporate those in my art. In fact, he’s my model.”
Who are your role models when it comes to art?
“I have a lot of role models, it’s really hard to put them all in one list. I do appreciate the classical painters though, like Picasso, Francis Bacon and Michael Borremans.”
What projects are you currently working on?
“Currently I’m just experimenting with different styles in using stencils, some commissioned works which were recently finished. Mainly all just in preparation for my next solo show this year.”
“Mga Hunghong sa Labang-labang nga Duwa”
“Barko-Barko”
Other than visual arts, is there any other type of art you want to explore?
“I’ve always fantasized of making art through sound. Also Performance art. I actually tried performance art years ago but I want to make more now.”
As an artist, what do you think is your role in society?
“That’s a big question. You see, I have this need to create and how I see myself is more of an archiver of people’s experiences. I collect ideas, feelings and situations from everybody — categorize them and basically show it to the audience.”
What is your message to young aspiring Cebuano artists?
“Have fun. That’s the main thing. If you don’t have one then hey, what’s the point?”
The Visionary: Jayson “Daot” Bacunador
Daot may ring a bell or two. A graduate from University of the Philippines, his works are mostly influenced by pop culture. Colorful and surreal, he takes the audience to another dimension of how he sees everything.
Have you always been this artistic?
“As far as I can remember, it may have been in kindergarten. My mother is artistic and I can still remember how supportive she was back then– until now. But I remember how my skills were sharpened in high school because I’ve always joined poster-making contests. And of course, I enhanced it through graffiti.”
Sightseer
Where do you get your inspiration?
“Almost anything can be my inspiration. But when it comes to style, I’m inspired between pop art and realism. I have also developed a habit in putting orbs in my works which is inspired by the three psyches of a person: the id, ego and super ego.”
Who are your role models when it comes to art?
“I’ve always idolized artists whose works can not only be seen in canvas, but also in murals, ads, shirts or shoes even. Kaws [Brian Donnelly] is one of my favorite. His works are seen almost anywhere.”
What projects are you currently working on?
“I’m working with something commission-based but it would be nice to have another gallery this year– may it be solo or part of a group. There a lot of art events this year that I will be participating on and I aim to grow my audience.”
Other than visual arts, is there any other type of art you want to explore?
“Yes. I’ve always wanted to try sculpting. I want to make a character and maybe experiment on how he should look like. I mean, as an artist, it’s hard trying to find your own identity and exploring is my way of enhancing my skills.”
As an artist, what do you think is your role in society?
“I have big dreams for myself and for this world. I would consider myself as a provider of something interesting and expose it to people who are deprived from visual art. I want to inspire other artists, especially new ones.”
What is your message to young aspiring Cebuano artists?
“Dedicate your time to your craft, I guess. Be consistent in your progress and your attitude towards your works. Don’t be afraid of criticisms because that’s one significant element for you to evolve.”
The Mediator: Lhee Deiparine Taneo
Lhee is another contemporary artist who unexpectedly found her edge due to her thesis in University of the Philippines. Shells imported from Olango Island is transformed by the artist into a beautiful mosaic piece.
Have you always been this artistic?
“Unlike others who were born artistic, I wasn’t. When I was young, my dad had always been crafty and seeing him creating stuff made me interested in art. Apparently that interest became an urge to learn which is why I went to art school. In fact, most of my skills were developed through education already.”
Where do you get your inspiration?
“I’m inspired by random everyday thoughts that I consider relevant and should be taken consideration of.”
Who are your role models when it comes to art?
“One of the people I look up to is Frida Kahlo. I admire her strong personality and her perspective despite her tragic and melancholic life. Another artist I like is Jason Dussault. He makes tiles mosaic and they are all beautiful.”
What projects are you currently working on?
“Last year I was able to have my solo exhibit. This 2018, I am currently working on another exhibit. On the other hand, I make portraits every now and then if someone would request it.”
Other than visual arts, is there any other type of art you want to explore?
“My family have showed great interest in music. Maybe art through music would be nice to try. I also like the idea of making films especially documentaries. The thing is, it’s safe to say that I still have more room to grow. Maybe if I have more resources, I’d be glad to experiment on what else I am capable of.”
As an artist, what do you think is your role in society?
“I’d like to see myself as someone who reminds other how important it is to co-exist with each other. Most of the people are ignorant about what other’s are going through. Artists, for me, can be in other people’s shoes because I think we are keen enough to notice the things that most people overlook.”
What is your message to young aspiring Cebuano artists?
“Remain human matter how big you become.”
Kidlat, Daot and Lhee represent all artists not only in Cebu but all over the world. The way they see themselves as an active part of the society surely is an inspiration inside and outside their circle.
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The song is available on Spotify and iTunes while the lyric video is up on Viva Records’ YouTube channel.
Juanita is also a host and spoken word artist. She’s a familiar face at the Cebu Literary Festival, performing her songs and spoken word poetry. Spoken word is a performance art that “focuses on the aesthetics of word play and intonation and voice inflection”. She’s an advocate of the art, often found introducing it by hopping from one campus to another.
Her very first single, “We’ll Never Know,” is also published by Viva Records.
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We got the chance to talk to him about his new single, Addict, and what he’s been up to since his last single.
How have you been doing since your last release?
JID: Been really great and excited to share more music to everyone!
You recently released a new song, named “Addict”. Can you break down the song’s lyrics for us?
JID: Basically the song is all about this misjudged person expressing his thoughts and how the negativity helped him not to be that person most people think he’ll be.
How did you come up with this song?
JID: It was midnight and these lines just popped in my head out of nowhere: “Why do you have to judge me? Is it because the music too loud? Is it the way i dress?” and build it from there until the beat/instrumental, finished the whole song before day light. I knew there’s a lot out there going through this so I really had to push it. I wrote this song for everyone being misjudged, and being an addict happens to be the most common misjudgment I always get so that’s why I came up with the whole concept / title but this song is really for them.
Any shows you’ll be having soon?
JID: I’d love to let ya’ll know and its been months since ive last played. Preparing for this thing and want to surprise ya’ll instead!!
What’s one thing you want to accomplish as soon as possible in your career?
JID: A lot! Just having fun with the whole process really and let the music lead its way!
Any advice for aspiring Cebuano artists?
JID: Don’t degrade our musicality and artistic decisions for views and likes! Keep grinding and one day we will all get to where we want to be!
Safe to say, we’re ADDICTed to the beat — pun intended. Check out the video below to listen to JID Durano’s latest single Addict.
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