August 23, 2007 – The day when for one night, i went onstage again with a bunch of multi-talented people… this was the night i experienced to be a We Kick Ass For The Lord (WKATFL) member just for one night. Teeheehee!

A little backstory on how i got into this scenario: Luna, my boss at work used to be in a band called WKAFTL and i have heard some songs of them through the internet (and mp3) This band is composed of multi-talented people including Luna, Owel (of up and coming band named “Ang Bandang Shirley“) Aids, formerly from “The Purplechickens” band and Joon from “Outerhope” and “Musings of a Cigarette-Smoking Man” Overall, the are a talented group. Until they went on-hiatus…

Fast forward to the said date above. Prior to August 23, i was invited by luna to play for them in WKAFTL. The reason, Joon is leaving the country and they wanted to throw in a surprise party for him. I agreed and then a practice was set. Felt nervous (Just like when i was in my other band in Letran named “Lounge”) because:

1. Haven’t been into a band onstage with different people (BBBKB was only a company-party, LFS was way back in college wherein me, xtian and athan played for a school project, then eventually, me and xtian continued making music. heck, we even attempted to work on this video) not just ordinary people, but rockstars…

2. Haven’t been in a band with members from other bands (This is where starstruck came in. Imagine, a guitarist and vocalist from 2 professional bands and an award-winning director, talk about stars! hehehe)

3. Boldstar will be there (the now-defunct band of Marie, Echo, Jazz and Justin will be playing for one-night-only for joon. now that i gotta see! Boom Desire!)

On to my post. The day came in, and i said to luna, i can’t feel my legs (well, somewhat yeah, but the show must go on.) we left the office at around 5pm as our set would be on 9:30pm, 2nd band performer. We were about to practice right before the gig. unfortunately, we were 1 member short cause aids was stuck in traffic. So Luna, Owel and Me went on to practice. It didn’t sounded that good (now were dead… dead i tell you! heheh) afterwards, owel left us and he said that he will be at Route 196 in katipunan (The venue of the event) before we left the studio, aids came in and ate dinner (while i was eating Brownie ala-mode! yummy! hehehe)

At round 9pm, we came in the venue and went straight to the band room. Helen band was doing a soundcheck and i must tell you, their drummer mikah, is one talented drummer. Afterwards, Joon came in and he has no idea on what’s going to happen that night.

*the thing is, Joon will be playing at least a song or two with the bands he was in before*

And so the show started, Helen came in first. Then us. holy crap… this is it….

We played 4 songs (well, as for me being their drummer) as for the remaining two songs were given to Joon. The setlist of WKAFTL were:

1. The new year – Originally done by “Death cab for cutie”

2. Reptilia – Originally done by “The Strokes”

3. Heart of Glass – Originally done by “Blondie”

4. So here we are – Originally done by “Bloc Party” one of my fave songs

Then, joon came in to play the following:

5. Ruin – An original composition by WKAFTL

and to wrap it up:

6. Stars are blind – Originally done by “Paris Hilton” Luna’s best performance. hehehe!

And so after that, Ang Bandang Shirley (The band where owel sings in) followed. I must admit, this is one up-and-coming band to watch out. They even joins the pulp WBOB this year. Definitely a band to watch out. (Rockstar owel! woohoo!)

After that, Boldstar came in and played their set. I said “Holy shit! could this be real? they’re back for one night only, and im blessed to have been in the event. deymn!” after the event, the manox went on to play. Too bad we have to leave early because we still have work the next day (Im going to alabang, Luna’s going to bataan, Aids is also going to work and Owel has a class at 7am the next day) so we left Route 196 at around 12:30 am… but not this specific line that luna said to Jazz Nicolas (of boldstar and itchyworms):

and i quote luna…

Luna (to Jazz of Boldstar): “Hi Jazz, you don’t know me, I’m Luna, this is Popo, he’s a huge fan of Boldstar.”
Jazz: “Nice to meet you!”

And so that was it… a night full of fun, rockin’ tunes and memorable things… To joon (whom i learned was already in hongkong as of this blogging) Good luck and thanks!

and so this blogpost ends… i do hope and pray to jam with WKAFTL members again… they are really rockin’ buddies! as i will quote owel on every end of songs during practice “Good work WKAFTL!” heheh

Addendum:
please vote for Owel’s band Ang Bandang Shirley in the World Battle of the Bands by texting NUVOTE [space] WBOB [space] ABS and sending that to 29107.