Mag:net - Rock Drillon's Bday Bash

Location : Metro-Manila, Philippines

Rock Drillon's Birthday
I got a text from Mag:net owner, Rock Drillon - it's his bday and Mag:net is the place. Still reeling in from a mild hangover from Sarah's and some post-climb body ache from the Cristobal assault, a party wasn't exactly the first thing in my head, but hey...it's Rock's birthday! Besides, I haven't been to Mag:net in a while. It's my haunt and it's where I chill if I'm hurting for some good vibe and good music. I tried concealing a smile as I penciled it in.

Romeo Lee
The regulars were all there...and then some. Lee 'Almighty', who earlier in UP said, "...Mag:net? I didn't hear about that...too busy anyway", was there ahead of me and even belted out a surprise number - his signature "Wild Thing" with the Maniac Kiss. This guy knows how to work a crowd. He comes as fresh as his Punks-Not-Dead heady days.

Romeo Lee bringing the house down

The New and the Familiar
The event was a gathering of friends, familiar faces and of course, paying customers (ha-ha). I had a chance to say hello to jazz singer Anja, Cynthia Alexander, Ruben of Snake Charmer, Supreme Court soon-to-be legal eagle, Helen Arevalo, members of the UP Mountaineers and faculty members of the UP College of Fine Arts (ex-colleagues). The vibe was just chill.

Julia Clarette
Julia Clarette was there, decked out and looking like a million bucks. A real trooper, she stood behind the bar and whipped out drinks and smiles. Later, she took to the stage and belted Stones and Doors classics. Her tagalog song as she stood up and fanned her face was eerily mesmerizing. Such presence was commanding. This chick is eye-candy and talent. She knows how to have fun and she's one of the boyz.

Julia Clarete Blogs

Kuala
Lumpur
6/26/16

Julia Clarette's Farewell Performance at 12 Monkeys

Julia Clarette
12 Monkeys
1/26/16

Catching-up with Chikoy Pura and Julia Clarette at My Bro's Mustache

Chikoy Pura
Julia Clarette
1/03/16

Crashing
1 Nite
1/06/09

Rock's
B-Day
3/13/06

Last
Day
8/03/02

10 Years
After
8/02/02

City
Jam
7/10/02

Bee Bop Balula
Some peeps were invited to go up stage too. Up came this senior with the grayed pony tail. His demeanor said it all. This guy was pure rock and roll. I mean rock and roll as in Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis circa. With his rendition of Bee Bop Balula, the generations were bridged - from the young guys doing alternative, to Maniac Kiss with classic rock and to the icon himself.

Ending Thoughts
You know when they say, "live each day like it was your last"? Given the few remaining days I have in Manila (I take off to live in Sagada after this semester), I can't help but feel senti about things I regard as "regular" or part of the familiar landscape. Having this much fun at Mag:net gives me a sense of what I'll be missing. It was a fitting last hurrah. Thanks for having me there, Rock!

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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