Thursday, October 18, 2012

Callalily's Flower Power Album Launch

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.

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:


October 21, 2012, 5:00 PM Robinsons Nova Market
November 2, 2012, 5:00 PM Robinsons Place Lipa
November 3, 2012, 5:00 PM Robinsons Sta. Rosa
November 4, 2012, 5:00 PM Robinsons Metro East
November 11, 2012, 5:00 PM Robinsons Place Dasmariñas


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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