Bicol-based band 5:48 on the magic of Uragon Night & playing in Manila

Bicol-based band 5:48 on the magic of Uragon Night & playing in Manila

by rick olivares

Sometimes… one needs to make take that leap of faith.

For folk rock band 5:48 out of Bicol (Tabaco City and Tiwi in Albay province to be exact), Paggimata: Uragon Night 3 on August 17, 2019 at Saguijo in Makati City is like that first date, that first ever gig. It will be 5:48’s first ever show outside their native Bicol region. And what a way to make that leap… in one of the more famous gigging joints in the bustling Metro Manila music scene.

This will be the third year Uragon Night is hosted in Manila and this coming August 17 and slated to perform are Manila-based Bicolano bands We Are Imaginary, Guira, Ashfall, St. Cockpit and rising pop act, This Band. First time Manila performers include blues outfit Mang Groove, ska crew Skalibers, alt rockers Idlepitch, folk-pop rock band 5:48, and emo band Anesthesia.

Paggimata means “awakening” in English and while the goal of the evening is to generate awareness of the Bicolano talent, it is also to give that baptism of fire local bands. 

For 5:48 vocalist and guitarist Jhasmine Villanueva – and the rest of her band mates that include drummer David Joshua Casquejo, bassist Prosper James Casquejo, violinist Paul John Cope, percussionist Alfie Mikko Contante, guitarist Ravenly Llunar, and keyboardist Japhet Keen Chavez – Uragon Night qualifies as a first and they have butterflies in their stomach.

“We are thrilled to be a part of Uragon Night,” gushed Villanueva. “This is our first time to play outside Bicol and we are nervous. This is a huge blessing for Bicolano artists to be given the opportunity to showcase our music.”

“The Manila music scene is amazing,” Villanueva segued about the vibrant music scene in Metro Manila. “Small artists are given a chance to perform in clubs, bars, and coffee shops; busking is starting to get appreciated and is becoming normalized in the metro.”

There are over three dozen clubs and performance venues in the Metro Manila area that regularly feature performances by a host of performers. Saguijo, located in San Antonio Village in Makati is one of the more popular venues that is home to some of the big bands such as Sandwich and Imago to name a few.

5:48 is looking forward to not only make their mark on the venue but to also present their songs that tackle relevant social issues. “Our song ‘Kumilos’ wants to send a message to the youth that they have this traditional and historical role in playing a part in the future of our country. It also sends a message that during times when voices of dissent are being repressed, the masses are all the more motivated to carry on the fight.”

The band doesn’t have any album out, however, one of their songs will be featured in the album, Songs from the Camp of the Dawani Project, Inc.  

“We hope that Manila music fans take the time to check out the diverse talent that we have,” said Uragon Night 3 co-organizer Ahmad Tanji of the band We Are Imaginary. “They will see the talent and hear some really good songs and terrific performances.”