Happy Holidays everyone!

It's been a good year for Bystorm, Random Violence, Still Ill and the local punk rock community. We managed to release some new records, saw some great bands, and of course, Moz came to town! Hopefully, the momentum continues and we have a better 2013!

Thanks to everyone who supported the shows, the records and wverything else we did this year. See you soon. Enjoy rhe holidays!

Currently watching: Title Fight at Boston. One of the most amazing current bands playing today!

Cruel partee!

The 'end of the world' claim by the Mayans was a fluke. Cruel Hand and Nine Eleven destroyed Ten02 the other night. The locals were as equally awesome. Thanks to everyone who partied with us to prevent the end of the world. See you at the next show! Happy Holidays everyobe!

Pics by Mel Dolorico.

CRUEL HAND this Friday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k44Y3DKBTtM The Mayan calendar says it’s the end of the world on December 21, 2012. If so, let’s go out with a BANG! Here’s the official line-up for the CRUEL HAND show happening at Ten02, Sct. Ybardaloza cor. Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Doors open at 7:00 PM while the hostilities start at 8:00 PM. Tell your friends! RANDOM VIOLENCE – 8:01 – 8:20 WEST – 8:25 – 8:45 PRAYER OF ENDURANCE 8:50 – 9:20 BYSTORM – 9:25 – 9:45 EMPTY – 9:50 – 10:10 ARMAS NG LIAS – 10:15 – 10:35 NUCLEAR PUNISHMENT – 10:40 – 11:00 NINE ELEVEN – 11:05 – 11:40 CRUEL HAND – 11:50 – ARMAGGEDON! See you all at the pit!

Review: The Boxers 'Round One' Demo CD-R

One of the newer breeds of Laguna Hardcore, The Boxers definitely impress on this demo. 4 songs of melodic hardcore in the vein of h20 and a little tinge of Gorilla Biscuits including a cover of 'Malas Ko' by Good for Nothing (punk rock band from the 90''s, their song was previously released on a Middle Finger Productions tape comp) and their instant classic 'Step No' (mag two step para pagpawisan, awesome sht!). Hoping to hear more from them in the near future.

If they released this demo today, they could have entitled the demo round 6 in reference to the round 6 knockdown of pacman yesterday. Just sayin.

Contact: Hardtimes Merch or United One Blood. No contact info provided.

Geekmas partee!

The holiday season is upon us and the geeks are setting up a party just around Quezon City. So instead of sitting round in your house on a lonely Saturday night. Come partee!

Currently listening to: Quicksand 'Slip' and have you watched the season ender to Boardwalk Empire? You should. Feels like there's no season 4 coming up. We'll see.

Random Violence Demo out now!

Last night was the first show of Still Ill's latest project - Random Violence! The release of this Demo CD-R coincided with the first show and we had a blast! Thanks to everyone who bought a copy last night. Got some copies left over. Php 50.00 a pop. Distributors, get in touch and I'll make you a sweet deal.

Currently listening to: Dumptruck!

Istukas Over Disneyland 'Ritwal' shirt.

IOD has been one of the most active bands in the local scene the last five years or so. They've been pumping out released faster than anyone I've known and all of which are pretty awesone. Check out this fine IOD shirt from NT.. Awesome band with awesome peopke. I dig it.

On other news, Still Ill and Major Malfunction will be releasing the demo of Random Violence tomorrow. Limited to 30 copies for tomorrow's show. Get one at their first show tomorrow at BKB, West Ave., along with other cool bands.

Currently reading: Sherlock Holmes Complete Novels and Stories

FC Five.

FC Five is one of my fave bands and being good dudes help a lot. We played with then in Malaysia about 4 years ago. Awesome times.

I know at least two other people who have this shirt. Yeah.

See you this Saturday for the first RANDOM VIOLENCE show. Rumor ha it that the demo will be available on the same day. Get psyched.

Currently listening to: The Cure 'Acoustic'

December 1, 2012@BKB, West Ave., Quezon City.

Upcoming show at Black King's Bar at West Ave., featuring some new hc bands for your appreciation. Several demos will be available at the show including The Boxers and those guys from Random Violence. See y'all!

Currently watching: The final episode of Chuck.

More Backtrack.

More awesome Backtrack merch. This is a classic colorway and the live pic at the back is a staple in hc band merch.
And the pocket print does not hurt either.

Random Violence hit the studio today for the release of their upcoming demo which will be available on their first show on December 1. Get pumped.

Currently watching: Chuck Season 5.

Review: Unforce 'Time for Change' CD

This is the debut CD from Pagbilao, Quezon's homegrown straightedge band. They have been around for quite some time and its cool to see that they have finally released this CD with the help of MYO label/distro and a Malaysian label. The music is fast, melodic youth crew comparable to In My Eyes except the vocals which to me seems kinda lazy because if you're gonna play youth crew hc, then the energy must be there man! The lyrics are pretty straightforward (Fight For Change, 'we can work together, we can be better, we're better united, together we stand) which are pretty cool.

They have this 'militant' song called 'Beatdown' which I just can't get behind. The words go like these: 'throw those sticks, dispose those drinks, you better change your way if you don't wanna get hurt by my hard fist'. C'mon man, can't change anyone by threatening them with your 'hard' fist (if anyone takes it seriously). They also have a cover song from Feud (i know those guys) and a write-up about that show who had an epileptic attack the first time we played Pagbilao. Awesome times.

Contact: xunforcex@yahoo.com

Cruel Hand flyer up now!

Wassup?! Finally got this flyer online. Tell all your friends even those not involved in the core and introduce them in this wonderful thing of ours!

Currently watching: Big Bang Theory rerun

Violence is coming.

So we got this new project goin for a couple of months now and the time has come for it to be unleashed. December 1, 2012, BKB, West Ave., Quezon City. See y'all. Shououts to Ned, Rob, Arya Sansa, Bran, Rickom and Jon Snow.


Currently listening to: Ill Content CD

Pinoy Punk Forum?

Do you remember www.diypinoyhcpunk.com? Seems like it was ages ago upon I last checked out that site. What used to be a vital tool in communication for the local hc punk community was overtaken by rumor mongering, cyber bullies and facebook. Such a shame really, as such a network would have been a viable escape from 'the' social network.

This is the first annual forum shirt when we did it in 2009. Such an awesome time.

Speaking of awesome times, the TTT show last night was epic. Tons of people attended the show, awesome bands played, TBOD did a one-off reunion show and TTT just killed it.. I think I lost a few pounds tin that show.

Currently watching: Suicidal Tendencies at This Is Hardcore.

Tame The Tikbalang's Farewell Show.

A legend will be having their last show this Saturday at Ten02, Quezon City. Not only are these guys aweaome musicians and their politics (or lack of it) are right on, they are all around good guys. There are people who are intimidated by them (considering their respective resumes in the local hc punk scene, its no surprise) but these guys are sone of the most down to earth people you can talk to and hang out with, not to mention they're always down to help younger bands and even organizers in playing (we have borrowed their equipment a LOT of times) or organizing shows.

It's just a shame they didn't record any more songs but for sure this is gonna be one hell of a night. It's an honor to be playing at this farewell show plus TBOD will do a one-off reunion show for these guys.

The Tikbalang has finally been tamed. Maybe.

Currently watching: Manchester v. Arsenal.

Review: Ginseng Luzon 'Trauma Bonding' CD-R

Picked this up last night at the Earth Decay show. I already liked Ginseng with their first release but this one is awesome. Seven (7) songs of Fugazi-esque riffage with some jazzy interludes and a lot of other parts thrown in. The musicianship is off the charts but I only have one gripe. There's no lyrics or info on what they were singing about so i'll just presume that what they are saying are right on. It would be easy to ignore because of this awesome CD-R. Here's a suggestion. Compile all of Ginseng's releases in to one pro-pressed CD with all the layouts they want and it would be a heck of a release.

Currently watching: The Dark Knight.

San Pablo City.

Postin for some San Pablo City stuff that went on last night. Went on a toad trip yesterday with the BS crew. Had a pretty good drive. No traffc, hassles or anythin. Food and coffee. Yes.

Was kinda surprised on the absence of San Pablo locals at the show. Most of them were slated to play early. At around 3 to 7pm. We were among the earliest to arrive. Don't know where the usual guys were. Don't feel like supportin your own local scene? Not cool man.

A bunch of bands opened the night; Molar, Never Die (Title Fight styled melodic sht, would definitely love to see then more), BS, West, a film showing by Greenpeace and a solo performance by Chuck of Death to Puberty.

Best surprise of the night was Of Wolves and Swines (did i get it right?), a new San Pablo act in the vein of New Lows. Hope they record a demo soon.

All in all, a very good night. Spent a couple of hours drivin and hangin out at Libis with the BS crew.

The current: watching James Harden tear up Portland. This guy is a monater pick up for the Rockets.

Earth Decay 2012.

It's a long weekend for all the workers out there. Bystorm will be heading to San Pablo City this Saturday for the 2012 edition of Earth Decay. The line-up is quite varied so there will be a lot of stuff to check out.

The Cruel Hand flyer will be out next week. Stay tuned.

Currently listening to: Rival Mob 'Hardcore for Hardcore' (what the fck else?)

The NBA season is on and the Lakers just lost back to back games. Yes.. Celts will be back on top this year even without Mr. Allen.

World champs!

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants for sweeping the heavily favored Detroit Tigers. My fave giant, Timmy The Frak, was awesome in this series. Red Sox should build a contending team next year. For now, Celtics season begins as the underdogs.

Currently listening to: Deadguy 'Fixation on a Coworker'

Diablong Buang.

Here comes the first mixtape from some of the meanest anonymous rappers you might encounter this side of town. Diego Mapaminsala a.k.a. Diablong Buang presents some fine government-hate filled songs to some wicked 'stolen' beats. I enjoyed this sht as much as I enjoyed Armas Ng Lias when they first came out. How about a split then?

This sht's for free. Download it and share it. Hip-hop beats from hardcore kids are always the sht.

Good stuff: Giants going to the World Series against Detroit (should be an awesome series!), American Hardcore
2 preview (listening at BBB bandcamp)

Edge Day 2012.

Just saw this flyer online. Edge Day 2012 at Manila. Some bands playing along with the usual forum stuff. Wonder if edge breakers are welcome? Haha. Won't be able to attend cause I'll be partyin with my homeboys in Etivac. Happy Edge Day! Currently listening to: No Tolerance 'No Remorse, No Tolerance'

Mindset.

Mindset is one of the best sxe bands right now. Check out their new record. Thanks to John for this awesome 2008 tour shirt.

Got a bunch of local records to review. Hopefully, I can do it soon and postit here.

Yanks down 2-0 in the ALCS with Verlander starting Game 3. Ha.

Chillin.

The Prince and I chillin after a Sunday afternoon practice. Good sht comin your way soon. Keep your eyes open.

Coffee Academy @ San Fernando, Pampanga.

Bystorm played last night at San Fernando alongside bands from Laguna, Manila, Tarlac, Isabel (!) and locals from Pampanga. These gigs are few and far between where you share the stage with people you rarely see. I even saw some acquaintances from ar back still keepin in touch with the corr. Awesome. Thanks for inviting us to play in your town.

On the way home, we decided to get coffee at this local coffee house called 'The Coffee Academy'. The place is pretty decent save for the presence of some Jersey Shore type douches. Good coffee though.

Currently listening to: Blacklisted 'Heavier than Heaven...'

Pampanga tonight.

Bystorm will be hitting San Fernando, Pampanga tonight. We'll be bringing copies of the new 'Sumalangitnawa' CD and some leftover shirts. Good game between STL and WAS this morning. Still mourning on the Game 2 loss of UST from Ateneo. Currently listening to: Comeback Kid 'Wake the Dead'

Cruel Hand, Manila.

Cruel Hand from Maine, USA will be hitting Manila on December. Make sure to save the date - December 19, 2012.

Been seriously contemplating in finally stopping writing on this blog the past week. Don't really know on whether ti continue or not. Just been lacking the drive lately and thinking about a print version of a newsletter or something. Maybe. We'll know in a couple of days.

Watched Game 1 of the UST-Ateneo finals and the officiating sucked. No problem in losing if it happens the right way. UST will bounce back in Game 2 and take the crown in Game 3. '06 all over again.

Currently watching : CSI NY S7.

Guest: Arj and SDH.

Guesting right now is Still Ill's Arjelou with a Sunday Driven Holiday shirt. SDH formed after Richard Collier and I guess For Old Time's Sake. They have a very good demo out though I'm not surr if they'll still be playing shows in the future. Pretty cool shirt though.

Currently watching: Taz vs. The Franchise Shane Douglas on an old ECW VCD.

The good stuff: Violence is truly coming.

North Park.

Usually not a fan of Chinese food but these two are fairly good. Got to check them out at your nearest North Park. Mushroom noodle soup and fried tao pao with teriyaki (?) sauce.

Good stuff: RV practice and hangout with peeps from Cebu afterwards.

Brewed coffee @ Bag of Beans.

Cold breeze in Tagaytay City merits a fresh brew of its homegrown coffee in their home made mugs. F'n A. Coffee is very good and reasonably placed. They also have beans, pastries and pasta in their menu.

The All For Norhing show last Fridy night was awesome and I got the salonpas to prove it. Still waitin on some good pics and videos on the net though.

On a Sunday morning: Shelter 'Mantra', was supposed to go jogging but the weather is so bed friendly.x

Nuclear Punishment.

One of a kind (1/1) orange long sleeve 'World Peace of Shit' shirt from their recent anniversary show. F'n NP. If you want one, hit up Northern Territory.

See y'all tomorrow at the All For Nothing show!

Currently listening to: Diablong Buang demo.

All For Nothing this Friday!

All For Nothing from Holland will be hitting our shores this Friday. They will be playing at the Makati Cinema Square. Will be there fo sure.

Currently listening to: Clear demo.

Brawler @ IDB last night.

Awesome release party last at IDB in Paranaque City last night. Empty, Crucial and Brawler killed it last night. Was also able to check out Tough Talk for the first time as well as other bands.

I f'n hate the flood that surprised us when we came back to Manila.

See y'all tonight at the Nuclear Punishment party at BKB.

Currently watching: Ateneo vs UST

Nuclear Party!

Didn't know we held anniversary parties for bands nowadays. Ha. But it's Nuclear Punishment and these boys deserve this show. Bystorm will be playing. Happening at BKB at West Avenue, QC.

Currently watching: Loonie 'Tao Lang' video

Brawler/DOA release party @ IDB, 9-14-12.

Bystorm will be playing and supporting the release party of Brawler and DOA from Laguna. Congratulations in the new release and see you on Friday.

Currently listening to: True Colors 'Rush of Hope'

Ban My @ Wabi Sabi.

Now this sht is better than Subway. Vegie bbq in a very tasty bun garnished with vegies. Put in a ton of their home made chili sauce and you're set.

Currently reading: A Dance With Dragons

Limp Wrist.

Very cool shirt from a friend in CA. Limp Wrist were an awesome band who rose from the ashes of Los Crusos but if course you knew that.

No idea of any shows happening this weekend but I'm sure there is.

Gonna be goin un Tagaytay in a while to hang out with family.

Currently listening to: Seven Sisters of Sleep, Thou/Hell split

Last night,

Thanks to everyone who went ro hang out with us at IDB last night. Empty and Isvarah owned the noght. Fck yeah. Hopefully, Empty will record soon. Thanks to Larry, Jay and Dencio for organizing this show. See y'all on the 14th at IDB for the DOA/Brawler release party and on the 15th at BKB for the Nuclear Punishment show!

Currently watching: Title Fight at This is Hardcore.

Sbarro GM pizza.

Bystorm release party tonight at IDB Bar at Paranaque City. We'll be selling CDs and shirts as well as some distributed materials (Unforce, Incapacitate, etc). See y'all!

Below is a slice of Grandma's pizza from Sbarro you'll definitely enjoy.

Currently watching: Suits Season 2, Power Trip live at TIHC.

Actual pics.

Here are the actual pics of the BS 'SLN' shirt. Check it.

New Bombayin.

Chek out this cottage cheese pakora and some sort of really spicy curry dish at New Bombay. There are several branches of this store in Makati. Awesome food but not the best staff all around. Green curry is always interesting. Not necessarily good, but interesting.

Played a show last night with different bands at Ten02. Also picked upthe 'Sumalangitnawa' shirts. Limited run. Available this Saturday at the Paranaque release show of BS 'SLN'. Send me a msg if u want me to reserve one for you for this week.

The current: Red Sox on a massive overhaul, UST playing a good game te other day, Acme, Morser, Culture.

This Sunday at Ten02.

I erroneously posted that we will be playing a show at Ten02 on the 25th of this month. It's actually happening this Sunday, the 26th of August, brought to you by Hellmet. We'll be playing with a bunch of bands we don't normally play with so this is an opportunity for you and me to check out new bands and expose them to BS. We'll be bringing some CDs and shirts at the show. Come out and hang.

Currently listening to: Integrity 'Humanity is the Devil'

Sorry for the delay in the availability of the Bystorm 'SLN' shirts. There has been a slight modification. Instead of the usual Winner shirts we use, we'll be using GILDAN brand shirts for a far superior quality. Also, instead of an off-white color, we'll be using athletic gray and black shirts. Price is pegged at Php 300.00. CD is still at Php 200.00. Order both and get it for Php 450.00. All prices exclude postage. Thanks. (reposted from FB).

Shirts and CD's will be available at the following shows:

August 25, 2012 (Sunday) @ Ten02
September 1, 2012 (Saturday) @ IDB, Paranaque City
September 15, 2012 (Friday) @ IDB, Paranaque City (DOA/Brawler album launch)

See you all at those shows. The long vacation is ending so we need to go into work mode...

The current: Giants @ LA, Random Violence (coming soon), Off!

Bystorm 'Sumalamgitnawa' Release Party @ IDB.

This just happened. Some really cool friends organized this 'SLN' release party at IDB, Paranaque City on September 1, 2012. Check that aweome line-up.

Thanks to Larry (Dark Rift) and Jay/Dencio (United One Blood) for putting this show up. See y'all!

Caffeine overload.

Even the rains can't stop a visit to Krispy Kreme. You need to check out their rich coffee. And since the kid cannot go on that big caffeine trip, he'll just have to settle for a classic orange soda.

Currently listening to: The Gaslight Anthem 'Handwritten'