It was weird. Being a thirty-something entering the eclectic doors of Saguijo. It’s been ages since I set foot in a rock club mixing in with the jailbait and other people who (because of their youth) have yet to discover that what they are enjoying right now is already the third iteration of the “golden age” of Pinoy Rakenrol - one of the great religions.

I must admit, I became a backslider. Perhaps because of the industry I was in, I diverged, fell weak and succumbed to the temptation of radio pop, standards and ballads. Whatever went well with couples kissing and petals falling.

That night in Saguijo brought me back to my faith.

It was a treat watching Pedicab, Imago, El Mercurio and the Bembol Rockers. The Bembols were most notable as they were spewing out punk with the use of an upright bass and alto sax - amazing. The guy who fronted for them interestingly also leads wedding staple swing jazz band Brass Monkeys. Now I can’t imagine the guy belting out Beyond the Sea or Come Fly with Me.

But it was Sandwich which totally brought the house down. Raimund Marasigan is a genius. I mean, what can’t he do? He plays guitar, drums, synths, writes, sings, performs, produces - you get the picture.

The worshipping was intoxicating (and so was the beer). The music was on a volume I haven’t tipped in a decade. We had one hell of a good time. They are definitely and rightfully the high priests and priestesses of Pinoy Rock and Roll.

Now I’m back among the faithful.

*some notable things
El Mercurio doing a version of Alkohol, Imago doing Spolarium
Pedicab with their rendition of Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko
Sandwich starting an original composition with Gone Daddy Gone by the Violent Femmes
a strict NO Smoking rule inside, God bless Makati!