Spanish hardcore band Teething: A Manila homecoming and beyond
by rick olivares
A 25-hour flight with three stop overs across three time zones can be challenging for any traveling band. More so when they have to play their first show in less than 24-hours.
Yet, as Teething, the Madrid-based hardcore quartet, planed into Manila, the excitement levels significantly ramped up.
If for Teething, the Southeast Asian tour was a massive step forward in the band’s eight-year career as they had gone out of their comfort zone in Europe, imagine what it was like for vocalist Luis Ifer.
Luis was born in Quezon City to a Filipina mother and a Spanish father. He lived in Manila for his early years before moving to Spain. The last time he was in Manila was six years ago to visit an ever-dwindling number of relatives (his mother had also since passed away). “Yes, it is a massive step for the band, but it is extra special because it is like a homecoming,” he noted.
One other member of the band on the other hand, was apologetic. “I am sorry,” fessed up bassist David who apologized for 333 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines. No worries, we say, everything has its good and bad, and there too has been lots of good. The country is proud of its Spanish heritage and relationships between the two countries are both warm and friendly. In fact, three days after the show at Mow’s, the frigate, Nunez, became the first Spanish warship to make a port call in Manila in 121 years.
“Then let’s go rock the country,” rallied Luis.
After two shows – in Batangas and in Lucena – Teething was at Mow’s in Quezon City for their September 2 show. “Tonight is going to be extra special,” teased Luis.
The band recorded their entire blistering one-hour set both on audio and on video for a planned vinyl release. The last foreign band to do that domestically was Boston-based band, The Saddest Landscape that released a split 7-inch single with local post-rock band, Legarda. “This is going to be full-length and I am going to make sure that this isn’t too much of a limited edition and a lot of people can get the record,” promised Luis.
Teething has been nothing short of prolific. In their eight-year history and true punk fashion, they have released 10 extended play albums and split records to go with one full-length album.
In addition to the tons of merchandise that they sell, they are probably the only band to have their own action figure, a nearly four-inch figure of the band’s mascot, Ralph, who appears on their album covers. Their action figure sold out quickly. And according to independent concert promoter Sleeping Boy Collective that was instrumental in making the tour happen, their shirts and records sold rather well.
“The band sacrificed playing in Manila for the weekend that would have meant more people just to give the provincial shows a boost,” noted Sleeping Boy Collective’s Jonathan Flojo. Yet, the Monday night gig at Mow’s, notoriously poorly attended given it is the first working day of the week, saw a lot of fans come over to the show.
“I think it is also because of Luis’ Filipino heritage,” added Tan of interest in the Teething shows. “I mean, this is a guy who has played in festivals and gigs all over Europe so local fans are excited to see him and the band.”
“I remember when Luis first told the band about the possibility of a Southeast Asian tour, and I went, ‘You’re kidding,’ related guitarist Antonio. “But he wasn’t joking. It is a tremendous adventure and opportunity. It is a gift.”
“It is an incredible idea and it made sense since Luis was born here,” added David. “We have toured Europe five times and any time we experience new cultures is good for us.”
For Luis, it would be the first time that he would perform in front of relatives who were all coming to watch Teething at Mow’s. He did have one regret, “I wish my mom were alive to see this.”
What followed was a night of mayhem, moshing, and great live music. According to music fan and frequent gig attendee Channa Silva, he thought that the Teething show was one of the best of the year. The band raced through 20 songs and even played an unplanned encore.
Added fellow fan Carlito Buenaventura who was right in the middle of the mosh pit, “And I have the bruises to show for it.”
After the show as fans asked for selfies and autographs, Teething’s drummer, Alvaro, was happy at the response to their music and the show. “Music and being in a band is the best thing to happen to our lives and we are glad because we can do things and go to places we probably never would go to if we just go about our regular jobs.”
Chimed in Luis, “We’re working class people. Our free time is spent focusing on music and Teething. My life revolves around Teething. My best friends, my girlfriend, and my dog are all because of Teething. If I didn’t have the band I would be a totally different person.”
The Southeast Asian Tour also has a bittersweet feel to it for David. By year’s end, he will be relocated to the United States with his girlfriend. “We don’t imagine that people will like our music. When they buy our merch or records, it is a good feeling. When people come to your shows like here in the Philippines, it is a good feeling. All these experiences, even when I leave for the USA, I will never forget.”
“I will make sure to pack a few copies of the live record in Manila when it comes out because these things you will never forget.”
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