Nope, I wasn’t there. But let this post serve as an online reference to last night’s event – NU 107’s (107.5 fm) highly-anticipated, yearly tribute to Pinoy rockers – the “Rock Awards.” Held at the World Trade Center, November 30. I was offered V.I.P. passes though, but I had prior commitments. I’ll try to relay some of my cousin’s first-hand experiences from the event.
The Anthem – Francis Brew
This year’s anthem was done by Francis Reyes – The Dawn, Francis Brew of In The Raw. Guitar solo style, ala Hendrix. In the past, the task belonged to, among others – Wally Gonzales and Cooky Chua. And to quote my cousin – “Ok yung Lupang Hinirang ni Brew, kulang lang sa landi. Ginawa lang nya yung notes at binilisan ang timing.”
Best New Artist – Hilera
I like Hilera for this category. Closest competition would be Sino Sikat?, but they (Kat) won something more appropriate later on. The other nominees are Giniling Festival, Hardboiledeggz (Muziklaban), Salamin (Gary V. Jr.), and Wake Up Your Seatmate (all-female, but only 1 true female, band).
Vocalist of the Year – Kat Agarrado
Veteran Kat Agarrado. Has been around the scene for probably almost 10 years now. Former Passage vocalist. No qualms here, Kat rocks. The voice, the looks, the performance. Kind of like a female Bamboo. Other nominees include Bamboo, Miggy Chavez (sikat eh), Steve Badiola (pwede na, Pinoy Dashboard), Ebe Dancel, and Marc Abaya.
Guitarist of the Year – Ira Cruz
Like I’ve always said, I’m still waiting for the day Ira will live up to his hype. I like his playing, don’t get me wrong, but if you’ve heard the stories I’ve heard about his playing, you’d expect more also. Nominees: Mong Alcaraz, Mike Elgar, Boogie Romero, Steve Badiola, Junji Lerma. Except for Steve (no haters please, just not up to par), all are worthy. Especially Junji Lerma, I’m glad he’s in the list.
Bassist of the Year – Nathan Azarcon
Idol in all aspects. I miss guys like Mally Paraguya, Louie Talan, Nino Avenido for this award. Nominees: Carlos Calderon, Japs Sergio, Francis De Veyra, Ivan Garcia. Si Japs saka si Francis magaling.
Drummer of the Year – Vic Mercado, Mark Escueta
What’s with the double winner? Iba naman kasi talaga lebel nitong dalawa, although si Vic, mas angat pa lalo kay Mark. Nominees: Melvin Macatiag – mahusay, magaling sa performance, at mag-compose ng drum parts, Joel Salvador – mahusay din, and Chris Cantada.
Best Live Act – Bamboo
If you ask me – Jeepney Joyride. Depends on what you really consider for this category. Live act as in “a show,” or as in “tight playing?” Besides, Bamboo has won it all. Nominees: Chicosci, Typecast, Kjwan, Radioactive Sago Project, and Hilera. I’m not comfortable commenting on live acts (show-wise) because, like what my girlfriend said, “Huy! Gumalaw ka naman!”
In The Raw Award – Reklamo
Mahusay. Yung si LC (?), beterano na rin. Kind of like a Pinoy Primus. Unique music to the Pinoy scene. Nominees: Subsscapular, Teenage Hero, Kastigo, and Sutil.
Song of the Year – “Will You Ever Learn,” Typecast
No comment. Wait, songs from previous years would’ve creamed this year’s list. Nominees include “Vampire Social Club,” “Tatsulok,” “Sala,” “Turning My Safety Off,” “Sundo” and “DVD X.” No one from Typecast was available to claim the award.
Artist of the Year – Bamboo
Bamboo, super-band. No further comments. Nominees include Chicosci, Typecast, Kjwan, Sugarfree, and Radioactive Sago Project.
Album of the Year – “Moonlane Gardens,” Orange and Lemons
Nominees: “We Stand Alone Together,” “Every Moss and Cobweb,” “Tangina Mo Ang Daming Naguguton Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin,” “Tala-Arawan” and “2StepMarv.” No further comments, your honor.
Best Album Packaging – “Moonlane Gardens,” Orange & Lemons
Done by Sarah Gaugler and Clementine. Nominees: Inksurge.com for “Twilight,” Paolo Lim for “Isang Ugat, Isang Dugo” and Inksurge.com for “Tala-Arawan.” Buti naman hindi nanalo ang Inksurge.com, hindi pinapansin nyan mga inquiries ko eh.
Producer of the Year – Lourd and Francis De Veyra
For “Tangina Mo Ang Dami Nagugutom Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Pa Rin.” You know what, I hope this album is entirely dedicated to Tim Yap. Nominees include Bamboo and Angee Rozul, Typecast, Robert Javier and Jonathan Ong, Robin Rivera, and Angee Rozul.
Best Music Video – “DVD-X”
By Sandwich, directed by Marie Jamora. Nominees include “Frailty” directed by Pancho Esguerra and Bluerain Media, “Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin,” “Loveteam” and “Sundo” directed by Marie Jamora, “Probinsyana” directed by Pancho Esguerra, and “Will You Ever Learn” directed by Pedring Lopez.
I therefore conclude… Well, my cousin is kind of hard to please, he said he only enjoyed performances by Sino Sikat?, Razorback and Radioactive Sago Project. He did however, rave about the tons of “rockstar chicks.” I’m pretty sure I would’ve enjoyed (in order of priority) “rockstar chicks” and each performance easily if I were there.
