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| Eugene Domingo (center) with Callalily (from L-R) Lem Belaro, Kean Cipriano, Aaron Ricafrente and Tatsi Jamnaque |
Pop/rock
band Callalily hoped that a successful album launch would set the tone for their
newest album Flower Power, their
fourth overall and their first under new label Universal Records. Band members
Kean Cipriano (vocals and guitar), Tatsi Jamnague (guitar), Aaron Ricafrente (bass)
and Lem Belaro (drums) had their expectations exceeded as Callalistas composed of children (some still in their school
uniforms), lots of college girls, yuppies and even a few senior citizens trooped
over to the Eastwood Central Plaza for the band’s album launch.
Everyone
who purchased a copy of the album that night also got a poster and a guitar
pick. And at that time, the album wasn’t yet available in retail outlets so
those who got their physical copies there were among the first to have them. But probably the most important of all, those who bought the album were able to
watch the band’s live performance at the area reserved for them. And after what
basically was a mini-concert, these lucky people were able to have their CD’s and
posters signed by the band. Throughout the performance area, there was a very
generous supply of GSM Blue drinks for everyone. Thankfully, it seemed that
everyone drank responsibly that night.
Before
the show started, some bloggers and I were able to meet the band at their
dressing room. And to our surprise, one very special fan came in and gave the
band her support. That fan was no other than Ms. Eugene Domingo who co-starred
with Kean at the film Ang Babae sa
Septic Tank. It’s no surprise that she’s returning the favor since Kean also
was in full support of Eugene when
she starred in the Bona more than a
month before. And during the band’s performance, Eugene
quietly watched on the side largely unnoticed and ignored by the crowd since
they all had eyes on the stage.
The
performance started later than usual but the fans didn’t mind the delay at all
judging by the screams that greeted the band as they went out on stage. Callalily
played a bunch of songs taken from all of their albums, Flower Power included. Some of the older songs performed were Pasan, Susundan and Magbalik.
Their cover of the Eraserheads song Minsan
was also performed as well. What I found most remarkable was how the audience
reacted when the new material like Buhay,
Sabik na Sabik, Buhos ng Ulan, Pansamantala,
and HKM where performed The album
hasn’t been out on record stores yet but the die hard Callalistas responded to
the new songs as if they were already part of Callalily’s greatest hits. I
would’ve understand if they reacted that way towards Pasasalamat since the song has been released at MyMusicStore Philippines for about a month now and
it’s been getting substantial airplay. But for them to respond so positively regarding
the new and previously unheard material only means that Callalily truly has a
very dedicated fanbase.
After
the performance, it was time for the CD signing and the fans lined up orderly
with most of the younger women applying some make up in preparation for the
photo ops with the band. I took the chance to ask some of them a few questions
regarding their dedication to the band. I was amazed to know that a lot of them
have been fans since day one. One even made the journey from outside Metro
Manila to be at the launch and she was leaving it up to fate her journey back
home. A lot of the fans gave letters, gifts and of course, lots of flowers for
the band. Lem reciprocated by also giving something else to the fans who stayed
behind: he gave away packs of LALA, the chocolate/candy that his family owns
that brings out the child in everyone.
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| Kean Cipriano |
After
the launch, I was able to put the CD Flower
Power for a few spins and I surprised myself for recognizing instantly most
of the songs even if I’ve only heard them once or twice before. Listening to
the studio versions of Pasasalamat, Sabik na Sabik and Buhay also brought me back to the listening session when the band
performed those songs but with a more stripped down arrangement with Lem using
only the HandSonic 10. I am still regularly putting the album for some spins
and so far, it’s the acoustic Pansamantala
that is always get stuck in my head recently.
Callalily
will also be touring several malls to promote their newest album Flower Power. Catch the band at these
dates:
Flower Power
Tracks:
1.
Pasasalamat
2.
Sabik na Sabik
3.
HKM
4.
Lapit
5.
Buhay
6.
Pansamantala
7.
You and I
8.
Buhos ng Ulan
9.
Walang Sumipot
10. Para
Sa’Yo
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