Last Saturday, Banda Fantastica 2 album was launched. After all the months of composing, arranging and recording, at last, the product of our sweat and blood finally came at hand. During the course of the preparations for the album, there were really hard times. I never thought composing and arranging song would be difficult. But after all the hardships, the outcome is overwhelming.

Pre-album Launching

Writing song lyrics could be the easiest part. It’s just like writing your current set of heart and mind in a piece of paper in a poetic manner. There were a lot of lyrics written, including songs titles like “Runaway”, “Are you happy” and “Her Masquerade” but arranging song to fit the lyrics was not an easy job. It ended up having the guitar riff first, and then thought of suited lyrics. Carlou and Wax separately created there own riffs, but ended up combining the 2. Carlou had the initial concept of the song (struggles, hardships then standing up concept). And so, “Enemy Within” came. I wrote the song one very early morning (2am) because of insomnia attack so I decided to write a song.

“Enemy Within” is a story of struggles within ourselves that we are trying to fight and kill. These involve pride, envy, sinful ways we want to correct, anything that is against the good side of every person. It’s about the war raised against one’s self, to win over the unnecessary things of one’s side and be with God, the Faceless Man.

With so limited time in our hand, we were able to arrange the song in full band. We had couple of practices to get the fill of the song and brainstormed for any ideas beneficial for the song.

First day of recording came. Beating the deadline was the concern of the band, and personally, I’m anxious of the deadline as well. We initially planned of recording the song in a span of 4 hours but ended up having 2 days recording because of some unsatisfactory reasons. After all the takes and repetitions, at last the final product is at hand.

There were a lot of hindrances along the way, including Crom’s almost quitting for BF2 album launching because of one serious matter. Not to mention also the schedules of each and everyone for practice. And not to mention my stressed earthly body that time that I have decided to lie-low on some things except band matters. Time was consumed on thinking of revamping the song lineup for the launching because of sudden changes in the band member lineup (or me doing the rhythm guitar – I told them this is not an option. It’s a NO-NO). In the end, we stick to the original line up because Crom decided to just finish the BF2 launching.

The big day

And so the big day came. Prior to the album launch, we already had the glimpse of the album design. We have the shortest acknowledge in the album – “Family, Friends and to our biggest fan – The Creator” – and yet had the longest lyrics. The design is pretty slick and even much better than the BF1 album design, IMHO.

We prepared 4 songs for the album launching, namely, Dissident by Pearl Jam, Sailing by Urbandub, Bombtrack by Rage Against The Machine and our entry for the album Enemy Within.

We had our sound check that afternoon. After that, we prepared for the grand start of the show. All bands really did a great job. And I’m even surprised how good their compos are. Of all the songs performed, I personally liked the “Our Father” of Mr. Brosnan?. We heard them perform the song during the soundcheck and I could say, they deserve applause for a job well done.

For our performance, I personally offered that to Crom. Bro, I honor you for your humility. Thank you for spending your time with us. The first song that we did for BF2 is a legacy that you will be part for long and for that, we’re proud you’ve been part of Transient Attack. Till we meet again bro, jamming to the max. Enjoy being a great father to your baby rocker.

To sum up

I’m really proud of what’s happening to Transient Attack. We’re just a new band and as a group, this was our 2nd gig (except for Wally and me). Some people said we’re so dead serious about it that we even set ourselves to be loyal and limit our involvements with the other bands. Well, we have a set of do’s and don’t’s, but we had an agreement that every thing that will come along our way that concerns the band as a whole, everyone should agree with it. Kung makiki-session kami, dapat ok sa lahat at walang conflict sa TA. Because, in band perspective, this is not only about enjoying being in a music stream, but also maintaining the relationship and the chemistry – something that people not born as musically-inclined can’t comprehend, IMHO.

Yes, we’re somehow serious, but we enjoy each and every one’s company, something that people don’t see.

About the song, well, some people might not be impressed with it. But as long as it meets our expectations, it suffices. Not all bands can write and arrange songs. And doing one entails risk and sacrifices. In the end, it’s our hearts that’s being fed. Personally, every time I hear the song we did, I feel so proud for what we had accomplished.

It was a nice try. Enemy Within is my first song to be recorded, and so it’s Transient’s first arrangement. For that, another blessing will be counted and a driving force to write and arrange some more.

My own acknowledgment

I wish I could thank every one and include them in the album but I guess, the band is right to just limit the space to a more general persona who helped us achieved the things of what we had become. Even if I’m the one who made the acknowledgment entry in behalf of the band, I know within those 3 collective people, there are still specific people that I should thank to.

First, The Creator, our greatest fan, the only audience that we should please. Without your gift of music, life here on earth would be the same as staying in an empty room. I thank you Lord for giving me the life of music. You, love ones and music - these consumes my life and it suffices life itself. Because of these, the rest is just a detail.

Family, thanks for the support. Before the gig started, I heard The Cranberries’ Linger and it reminded me of my sister who is now working in Riyadh. I realized, I missed her that day. Mom, Dad, Kuya, Ate, Manalo Kids - every performance that I had, I offered them to each and every of you.

Friends, loyal and true ones, thanks for the support. You know how much I treasure the friendship you offered to me. Ragga bebots (e.g. annie, emskie, raya, moomai), my household, my unit heads (Jhun and Rey), my housemates, IBO-Citibankers… salamat!

To those who contributed to the political and showbiz aspect of my life, thanks for inspiring me to write songs. Sikat na kayo… markado pero sikat. =)

To PhilMusicSG. Lubos ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo, for giving breaks and opportunities to showcase the talents of Filipinos working and living here in Singapore. Kampai to everyone. I salute the committee members of Banda Fantastica 2. Galeng. Sana meron pang susunod.

To my bandmates, mga tol, thanks for the ‘every moment well-spent’. Ibang klase ang samahan. Tuluy-tuloy lang. Salamat at nagkaroon ako ng dahilan to stay much longer here in Singapore. ‘Enemy Within’ is our legacy. Let’s rock some more.

‘Till next time. Rakenrol! \m/