Uragon Night at Saguijo showcases Bicol’s music talents

Uragon Night at Saguijo showcases Bicol’s music talents

by rick olivares

Paggimata: Uragon Night 3, an evening that showcases the musical talents of Bicolanos is slated this coming August 17 at Saguijo in Makati. 

Paggimata ("awaken" in English) features Manila-based Bicolano bands, We Are Imaginary, Guira, Ashfall, St. Cockpit and rising pop act, This Band. Artists making the trip from Bicol to perform include blues outfit Mang Groove, ska crew Skalibers, alt rockers Idlepitch, pop rock band 5:48, and emo band Anesthesia.

“We want to show to the Philippines that there is more to Bicol than the Mayon Volcano, whale shark watching, the Naga Cathedral, and Cam Sur among others,” said event organizer Ahmad Tanji who is also the lead singer for indie rock band We Are Imaginary. “The group aims to start a movement wherein there will be awareness outside the region about the diverse musicality of our local talents. We do this by organizing pocket events around the metro.”

The Uragon Night project is the brainchild of friends that once owned the well-liked Wharf Galley Rock Café in Naga City. It called for bringing over Bicolano bands to Manila in order for them to showcase their celebrated talents in the nation’s capital being the nexus of entertainment and media.

“Wharf Galley Rock Café was our Club Dredd,” described Tanji whose band, We Are Imaginary has made a name for itself in the Manila music scene for their catchy songs. “It was where musicians of all types of the sub-genres of rock music went to perform.”

The previous stagings have been successful and have drawn big crowds to the previous two Uragon Nights that were held at 70s Bistro in Quezon City.

Last July 19, a pre-event show titled Kampay Isang Gabi Para Kay Wowie was held at the World’s End Pub at Matalino St., Quezon City. Kampay was a benefit gig for Bicolano reggae legend, Wowie Nabua, who recently passed away. The gig featured his hometown artists Fourkeeps, Talata ni Tala, Urduja, Guira, and Dirtyknobz.

“Our scene in Bicol is diverse too,” said Urduja vocalist Maria Ortua. “Hindi lang rock, meron folk, reggae, at iba pa. Very rich din yung eksena doon.”

“Bicol has long been sending its sons and daughters to the Philippine music scene,” clarified Tanji. “Bicolanos who have made a name for themselves include Nora Aunor, Andrew E., Ely Buendia, and Jayson Fernandez of Rivermaya.”

Other famous Bicolano artists include OPM legend Imelda Papin, Victor Wood, Gary Valenciano, Lou Bonnevie, and hip hop beat-maker, KMG.