Some of the Philippine industry’s sought after bands performed again at the Magnet High Street last October 22, 2008 to pay tribute to Gary V.’s 25th year of existence in the OPM scene. This recent event is already a follow up to the first tribute gig that happened last August 2008. As we all know, Gary V. played a big part in promoting Filipino talent here and internationally. The tribute gig was to promote Gary V’s upcoming major concert that will be held on November 14 to 15 at the Araneta Coliseum. Gary V.’s guests will be some of the country’s promising rock bands such as Rivermaya, Sugarfree, Bloomfields, and Salamin.

The bands that performed at the Magnet event were Sandwich, Imago, Pedicab, Salamin, Reklamo, ChicoSci, Severo, Greyhoundz and Spongecola. Each of these bands showed their version of a Gary V. song. Salamin, lead by Gary V.’s son Paolo Valenciano, performed "Babalik Ka Rin", the song that was used on an ad in the 90’s dedicated to the Overseas Filipino Workers. Paolo Valenciano even imitated the movements his dad made for this song that made the audience laugh a bit. Imago performed a heartbreaking love song "Paano Ko Sasabihin". Aia de Leon of Imago even asked Gary over the mic on how he was able to sing this heartbreaking song. Next on the bands that performed was Reklamo. They added their funky and witty guitar riffs on the song "Shake It Off". Yael Yuzon of Spongecola, having lost a bit of his voice still managed to pull off another love song of Gary which is "Sana Maulit Muli". The melancholic mood of Gary’s original rendition turned into an angst driven mood as Yael was singing the bridge of the song "Kung ako’y nagkamali minsan, di mo ba mapagbibigyan…" and still even managed to return to the melancholic mood by toning down his vocals. Severo performed "Looking in Her Eyes", which gave the band a funky ‘Incubus’ sound.

One of the funniest renditions would probably be from Pedicab’s. They performed "Eto Na Naman" which actually fit the band’s sound, probably the nearest to their own sound. It seemed that Diego Mapa was really giving his all in singing the song (including a slight "piyok") and still pulled it off with their rendition. Once the song was done, he jokingly said "We tried to do it right, now back to our forte," then following it up with their own composition. Sandwich performed "Wag Mo Na Sana Isipin" while Chicosci performed "Di Bale Na Lang". The last performer was Greyhoundz. Both of them, Chocosci and Greyhoundz, rendered a different sound as they added some growling in Gary V’s songs.

While the bands were performing, Mr. Pure Energy Gary V was there to listen and appreciate the bands that performed for him. After each set (around three songs per band), the band would approach Gary V. to thank him and also pay tribute to him.

For those people who were not able to catch the gig at Magnet High Street, they will be able to see their favorite local bands perform Gary V. songs on Nov. 14 and 15 at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at Ticketnet, either online www.ticketnet.com.ph, ticketworld and at the Araneta Coliseum. Ticket prices are for reserved seating are: Patron A - P3000, Patron B - P2,500, Lower Box - P1500, and Upper Box A - P750. For free seating, ticket prices are: Upper Box B - P350, and General Admission - P150.


Thanks to Karla Redor of http://rockersworld.com for photo contributions.

Related Links:
Gary V. Tribute at Magnet High Street