Brownman Revival

Lintik na pag-ibig
Parang kidlat
Puso kong tahimik na naghihintay
Bigla mong ginulat
'Di ko man lang napansin ang iyong pagdating
Daig mo pa ang isang bagyong namuo sa malayo
Ihip ng hangin biglang nag-iba
Sinundan pa ng kulog at kidlat
Sa biglang buhos ng iyo sa akin
Ako'y napakanta


"Who do you like to sing your song?"

"Parokya ni Edgar? Bamboo?"

"Let's see, James."

"Okay sir."

Boss Vic (Valenciano) was the producer in behalf of Ivory Records. He said that the song has rap singing off-beats and kind of tricky so we haven't decided that day (presscon) yet. As suggested by Thyro, a fellow finalist who wrote "Himig ng Panahon", my first pick was Parokya. I agreed as Chito really has that pang-masa charisma.

"James, are you okay with you and Brownman Revival performing Brown? Unfortunately, Parokya can not make it."

With some of Brownman members

I thought Brown and Brownman Revival sounded like a good combination. I said yes. Though to be honest I felt hesitation at first as I was unsure of who will do parts of the vocals. The way things ended, I did almost all of the vocals while Dino Conception, Brownman's lead vocalist sang along in every chorus. He sang solo the line in the third chorus that says "Mahahawakan ko pa ba? Ipapahaplos mo pa kaya? Ang malambot mong buhok na kulay, kulay.." Please hate me. I was that selfish. =(

Ferdie Marquez (formerly with True Faith) arranged the song and incorporated Brownman's signature reggae beats. Although I felt reluctant to turn it into reggae, I was surprised and loved it when I heard the brass instruments in staccato. From around ten in the morning until ten in the evening we recorded the instruments in two different studios. I was kind of tired but still had the energy for the last recording - the vocals.

Respect. I had to say that the Brownman members are so down to earth and talented individuals. All the while we had fun. I watched their gig and let me play my song in front of their crowd in the 70's Bistro. The band has its following. People just love dancing to their reggae music. Not to mention the kisses that they get from the sexy laydeez who would walk bravely onto the stage! Whew! So this is reggae. This is the band. This is Brownman! The POWAAA!!!

Brown

"If ever we break up and you see me on the street, will you approach me?"
"I don't know."

Though the story can be kind of sad, I wanted an upbeat sound. The verses came from a rap tune, the chorus's melody I got from a random guitar practice and the bridge just popped out of nowhere. The song just easily fell into place.

I should say though that my biggest influence is Jason Mraz. I love his fast tempos and rap singing.

The melody is a popular chord progression:

F - C - Dm - A# for the verses and the bridge

F - C - Dm - A# - B# for the chorus

The demo version was recorded using an acoustic guitar. All percussions (bongos, shakers, etc.) were a pre-recorded resource.

"I got this from David's Salon."

"I love it. How much for that?"

"Two-thousand."

"Lovely."

The song was inspired by both real-life events and my imagination. Though a lot of it I pictured in my mind. Product of self-talk and questions. Of what-ifs. I am a daydreamer.

Nahihiya akong makita mo na malaki ang aking eyebags

Kaka-break lang din kasi ng ipinalit ko sa iyo na akala ko ay totoo

What would you expect if you cry all night? I have this habit of washing my face every time I want to feel that I look good. I would blink many times to wake up those tired eyes.

In a nutshell, the story is about a boy's dilemma on whether to approach his ex-girlfriend or not when he sees her in a mall. The story is in the song itself, so please check this simple lyric video I created:

You can visit my Youtube channel (CLICK ME!) for more details on how to download the final recorded version.

No matter how you'd dye your black hair with another colour, it will eventually look "hilaw". Unripe, uncooked, whatever, it's still lovely if its brown. 

P.S.: Picture on top - Taylor Swift in oil pastels.

Discovering Magic (part 2)

Levitation: The magician defies gravity, either by making something float in the air, or with the aid of another object (suspension)—a silver ball floats around a cloth, an assistant floats in mid-air, another is suspended from a broom, a scarf dances in a sealed bottle, the magician hovers a few inches off the floor. There are many popular ways to create this illusion, including Asrah levitation, Balducci levitation, Looy's Sooperman, and King levitation. The flying illusion is often performed by David Copperfield and more recently by Peter Marvey (who may or may not be using a technique similar to that of David Copperfield). Harry Blackstone's floating light bulb, in which the light bulb floats over the heads of the public, is also spectacular.

- Wikipedia


I was moonwalking and then stopped in the middle of the stage. So there I was, still levitating in front of the crowd, not knowing exactly what to do but knew that I just had to be there.

Out of volition, I sang along with the chorus of my song.

Kailangan ko pa bang lumapit sa iyo
Pagkatapos ng ilang taon na tayo'y 'di nagkita
Mahahawakan ko pa ba, ipapahaplos mo pa kaya
Ang malambot mong buhok na kulay, kulay brown

I could see the people's faces a little better now. I saw someone who looked like Paolo Santos(or was it really him?) smiling. I smiled at the sight of a pretty woman with brown hair. Everyone looked delighted and I could see magic in their eyes.

When the next song started playing, I stepped down. I got back to the ground but the magic lingered around me.

So this is the power of music. It brings joy to people and unites them. I thought I wanted to see them like that all the time. I wanted to make people smile and I thought I was close to achieving that goal.

After all of the songs were played, I and the other finalists went back onto the stage. I learned that there were media personalities, bloggers, and celebrities among the crowd.

The 14 finalists with Mr. C

The feeling of joy that music has brought to me kept reverberating in my heart and it resonated to the eyes of the people around me.

Ultimately, I figured that I finally discovered the magic that I've been looking for. Its not something that David Blaine could've taught me.

I knew right then that Music is Magic.

Discovering Magic (part 1)

Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by fantasy, mystery and divination. I've loved reading Bible stories, about Merlin, and eventually became a fan of Harry Potter. I have an open mind.

I was in pursuit of magic. I researched about everything, including witchcraft. However, all I was able to come up with were a few card tricks. There really was no mystical power behind magic. I tried illusions. I failed. Or so I thought...

Resorts World Manila was the venue for PhilPop's announcement of finalists, a presscon. I was in a white shirt with a grey cardigan on top. Black chinos and a pair of worn out grayish-light green(wtf of a color this is) Chucks. Anyway, typical.

I hailed a taxi in front of a building in Makati where I spent the night with some friends.

The sunny Monday morning looked promising as my heart kept beating quite faster than normal. It was about 10 o'clock when I arrived. The first finalist I met was Byron who's with his company, a girl. He called his song Takusa and judging by its title, I thought its hilarious. Later on I found out that this funny guy is the same Sir Rex Kantatero of 93.1FM.

Then came were a charming girl and a tall guy. They introduced themselves as Keiko and Kennard respectively.  The connection was instant. Riding on the same wavelength, we talked about ourselves and our music. Both Keiko and Kennard were students who like me, simply love making songs. Keiko was studying hotel management while Kennard was studying I.T. Byron was spending his time in gigs with his band and had other projects related to music.

From the distance, I saw Mr. Ryan Cayabyab on his table chatting with several people. After that he approached us with a smile on his face and asked who composed what.

"James Leyte po sir. Sakin po yung Brown."

They call him Mr. C. He still looks the same as the person I had been watching on TV since I was a kid.  He was friendly to everyone and behaved just like someone I knew for a long time. The feeling of intimidation vanished. The maestro - I have so much respect for this man.

After our breakfast, Mr. C discussed the details of agreement for our compositions. We were given instructions on how to appear on the stage. Good thing I borrowed Paolo's camera. Paolo is a friend since college who has been supporting me the whole time.

After our pictures were taken, we waited for the roll call. Attached are the finalists names for the first Philippine Popular Music Festival:

Nervous, I was wondering how I would appear in front of the press. I just couldn't believe it was happening. My name was called, I was eighth to come up on stage. My song started playing and I was supposed to stay there for 30 seconds or until my song is stopped from playing. What the heck, I "was" really a shy person. How the hell I am I going to appear in front of these people? I didn't know what to do but managed to sing along. My mind was floating again as if in a trance.

I levitated on the stage...

Sister and Patricia

"Intra na bala.  Sige na!" 

Was what my sister told me while we were talking on the phone. It means "Join. Please!".

I have 5 siblings and Genevieve is the fourth child. I am the fifth. She is my older sister. Redundant, yeah.

She was pushing me. Few days before the deadline she kept asking if I've already uploaded any entries. I was busy with work and other personal stuff so I didn't really have time to take what she said seriously. Not to mention my lack of resources. Heck, I didn't even have a PC. But I admire her persistence. If not for her, I wouldn't have joined.

I grabbed my guitar and played some of my songs.

"But they sound different."

I believe my compositions really sound unique.

"Why not give it a try?"

Two days before the deadline, I was with Jez traveling from Pateros to Alabang. Exhausted by commuting under the hot weather plus the feeling of anxiousness for nothing(or probably the cash that would soon fly away?), signs of hope and relief showed up the first time I stepped into the studio. The place is so inspiring - it's got everything that I needed. I guessed.

---

After my mind floated in fast recollection of the recent past, I sat there shaking hands with Patricia Hizon. She congratulated me and then hugged me. I was back from the trance. The present kind of reality was just the dream back then and now it was materializing.

"Sorry, I have hyperhidrosis."

"What's that?"

And I explained it. My geekiness had been exposed again as I saw the amused expression on the faces of the people around me.

"You are fine.", said Patricia.



I gained a little ground. Oh yeah, Patricia is the familiar face I had been watching in PBA. She used to be(?) that sportscaster way back in my high school. I remembered her now husband Vince "The Prince" proposed to her in the court during half-time. I bet this woman has got the personality most men would want for his wife. Not to mention her presence assured excitement and good fortune. LOL.

"What's the name of your sister?"

"Genevieve."

"Let's call her."

I gave Patricia my sister's cellphone number then she started to dial while on speaker.

"Hello, is this Genevieve?"

"Hi, yes."

"Hey, its  Patricia. You heard about PhilPop?"

"Yup."

"Well, I've got good news for you. Your brother James is one of the 14 finalists!"

They exchanged some words for a quick while. I could feel the air of happiness of our home emanating from the speakerphone. I could picture my sister shouting and dancing, spreading the news to the people back home.


I then went straight to Glorietta not knowing what to do next. I noticed people were staring at me while I was walking with a smile on my face. Its not the usual. I dunno, maybe I looked so different. I had that bright yellow aura, the radiance of the sun. Or maybe I was floating. Was it magic?

I've been searching for this wisdom for a long time. The power to change things. The power to do anything. Since I was a child I was inspired by magic. But what does it have to do with all these?

POWER OVERWHELMING

A CHEAT. A code for a cheat I resorted to when I knew I'm about to lose in Starcraft, a LAN game I used to get hooked onto in my high school. It amplifies your units' damage in very huge proportions. The first time I used it I felt uncontrollably powerful. I was floating in elation knowing that I'm still going to win with just a band of zealots going up against an army of nasty Zergs. Name it.

I was there sitting in the lobby of DDB, in Two World Square building in Mckinley Hill. I was listening to my own songs in my iPod when a tall and pretty girl approached me. 

"Are you James?", she smiled.

"Yes." I smiled back.

She extended her hand. 

"I'm Kris, was it Rica who called you?"

"Yes."

"Follow me." 

Just a few steps and we got inside a not so big room with a long table and several office chairs. If I recall correctly, there were 5 or 6 of us in the room. 

But someone looked so familiar. She is a beautiful woman and I believe I've seen her on TV. She introduced herself but I didn't hear her name 'cause my mind was flying trying to recall where on TV I saw her. 

"James Leyte, right?"

"Yes."

"How are you? Do you know why you're here?"

"Uhmn.. Rica called me. She says something about PhilPop and that there's a technical problem with my entries."

"Right, right. Actually, we're close to completing the screening and we need to make sure that there are no issues with the entries. What is the name of your song?"

"I submitted two actually. An english song called "Fall Out Of Love" and a tagalog one called "Brown"."

"Great. Let's check Brown first." 

Then she started working on her laptop. 

"Are you sure you didn't encounter a problem when you uploaded Brown?" 

I felt nervous even though the lady had a very friendly aura. I tried to recall the guidelines, the rules, etc. 

"I really couldn't think of anything. I guess I followed everything posted in your site?"

"You believe so?" 

I felt more uneasy. I had mixed emotions. Anxiousness and excitement combined. 

"I guess so?"

"Are you ready to be one of the best songwriters in the country?"

"What.. do you mean?"

"James, your song Brown has made it to the top 14 in the first Philippine Popular Music Festival!" 

I attempted to say something but no words came out of my mouth. It was like I was floating. Her face was like an angel spreading a very good news. There was this kind of energy trying to get out of me. I tried to contain it. I didn't shout. Didn't cry, nope. Hell, all kinds of things entered my mind though. I noticed the camera was pointing at me. I smiled widely. LOL. But I couldn't ignore that power creeping from under my skin. I couldn't forget that feeling.

 I got power overwhelming.
 

The Call That Started It All

Ring. Ring. Ring. I didn't know who was calling. It was a Smart number. Just when I was about to answer it, the call missed.

"Okay, whatever. Back to sleep."

It was around eleven in the morning and I had to catch sleep. Or so I thought. I had to catch sleep almost everyday. The room had no AC. And I've got to sweat all of what I've been drinking every time. Yeah, summer is really hot and humid in this country.

After more than a couple of hours, I woke up. I had to eat something. I left my roommate who was still sleeping and I ate outside in some karinderya*. Since sleep was no longer an option, I decided to go online. Facebook. No messages. No activities on my wall. Still the same pending friend requests from random people. It was a boring afternoon. Good thing though being in a net cafe wasn't as hot as it was in my room. Still, boring. All I saw were friends' posts about how exciting their trips were. Some, taking photos of delicious food. Elementary and high school friends in bikinis. Whew. And some random rants. SSDD. Hate me.

Almost three weeks ago, I submitted two song entries in PhilPop (www.philpop.com.ph). A songwriting contest spearheaded by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, one of the Philippines' most renowned and well-respected composers. So I checked the PhilPop website for updates. Still no mention of the results. I checked my Gmail hoping to read something like "We are sorry to inform you that your entry didn't make it...da da da.". Not sure if that's worse than waiting for nothing.

I remembered the feeling when we recorded the songs three weeks back. It was one of the times that I felt so satisfied with being able to create something. And it was the first time I recorded my songs in a studio. I shelled out almost seven thousand pesos for the recording of two songs. I didn't have a way to record them myself as I lacked resources. I even battled whether I'd pay my mom for something I owed my brother (complicated story) and the rest I'd buy a pair of shoes. I did go for the recording. But instead of going for my amateur guitar skills (been playing like crap for 5 years), I asked Jez if he could play for me. Jez is a good friend and a guitar virtuoso. We've been trying to form a band but its been months and nothing much happened. How could we if we only meet twice or thrice a month. But I had a soft heart for him. A very talented guy with broken dreams. I thought "Soon, we'll let you rise from all of these." I told him I am about to join a songwriting contest and this one is kind of serious.

I let him hear the melody, gave him the chords and asked him to just play the guitar better than I could. He admitted that he had a hard time on my tagalog song "Brown" as my style on the verses has fast off-beats. He is a blues and jazz player and my kind of style is something new to him he said. It took us two days for him to master it. He did a beautiful job putting in some lovelty guitar leads on both songs.

So two days before the deadline I uploaded my two entries in the PhilPop website. I didn't really hope big but I felt so excited and happy with what I did. There was some feeling that kept creeping me out about the whole thing and I just couldn't explain it.

Three weeks had passed and there I was in a cafe; checking for an update that didn't come. So I went home which is just about twenty steps away. I played the guitar hoping to wake up my friend who was still sleeping soundly. I played and sang for hours just like what I've been doing every time. Same songs. My own and some of my favorites from MJ, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. I love fast songs. I love upbeats. I love happy melodies. I just love being happy all the time that I even tend to turn sad and slow songs into fast and groovy ones.

Then my phone rang again. Not sure if it was the same number that tried to connect earlier.

"Hi, who's this?".

"Hello, is this James? Leyte?".

Some kind of energy bolted my nerves.

"Yup, its me."


"This is Rica from PhilPop, I'm part of the committee who screens the uploaded songs in the site and it seems like yours has run into some technical problems. Can you come tomorrow probably late afternoon?"


I was overwhelmed by what she said that I just simply replied "Yes."


"Okay I'll text you the address."


"Okay."

The line went dead. I was speechless. A prank? I was not stupid. I knew there was something more than a "technical problem". But I gave it the benefit of the doubt. After that call, I didn't know what eating and sleeping were.




*karinderya = a small eatery usually located beside the streets.