Chapter 2’s return to the Bogart’s Lounge Hilton Woodbridge goes into full swing, with 4 more dates added to our existing schedule. So expect to see Chapter 2’s high energy party fare on the following dates for 2010:
March 27
May 8
July 10
August 21
October 2
November 13
Mark your calendars folks, and come party with us at Bogart’s Lounge Hilton Woodbridge, 120 Wood Ave. South, Iselin, NJ.
You asked for it – YOU GOT IT!
For our upcoming Valentines show on February 13, 2010 at WuzzUp Cafe, Chapter 2 will be on our “sappiest” and most romantics selves, as we, for the very first time, offer a special acoustic, stripped down set of love songs, of course done in our signature C2 fashion, in honor of this very special annual event.
Of course, even on this day of love, a Chapter 2 event is always a reason to party and have fun, so we’ll also serve the usual fare of C2 tunes that you’ve come to expect and love from us.
Couple that with the awesome asian culinary experience that’s synonymous with all that WuzzUp Cafe has to offer, and the standing BYOB directive, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a C2 Valentines event that’s sure to entice the spirit, the mind, and most specially, the heart.
Mark your calendars folks: February 13, 2010, 9 PM, WuzzUp Cafe, 8 Bedford Ave., Bergenfield, NJ.
See yah there!
And return we will indeed, as Chapter 2 is proud to announce our return engagement at the Bogart’s Lounge, Hilton Woodbridge, 120 Wood Ave. South, Iselin, NJ.
Upcoming dates are March 27 Saturday and May 8 Saturday, with more dates to follow.
The ever-vibrant and energetic Bogart’s Lounge had been a Chapter 2 staple in 2008 and early 2009, and we are happy to bring back our brand of musical entertainment to this prestigious venue.
Looking forward to seeing you all there 
Warren Daya of Rubberband and Dennis Sy of Chapter 2.
“I’VE BEEN SEARCHING”
Music by Warren Daya, Words by Dennis Sy
Vocals by Dennis Sy
Copyright 2009
Somehow in the overall scheme of things, it makes perfect sense that the Thanksgiving holiday closely precedes the Christmas and New Year holiday season. With the spirit of gratitude still fresh in our system, it really puts everything in better perspective.
2009 has been as challenging a year as any that we’ve experienced. The start of the year saw the US economy painfully muddling through the ripple effects of the threatening collapse of the financial industry late in 2008. As artists, we were deeply affected by the passing of one of our generation’s great musical icons, Michael Jackson. On the home front, we saw images of our fellow countrymen’s homes and towns ravaged by Typhoon Ondoy. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse or any more disturbing, we were reminded of the very real presence of a “dark side” with the Mindanao Massacre.
Now how’s that for a beginning perspective?
Chapter 2 does not operate in a vacuum, and as a group, we were profoundly affected by the going-ons in 2009. But we’d like to believe that for every negative circumstance that befell our way, we confronted it with a positive reaction, with the belief that as interconnected as everything is, every positive reaction ripples into more positive consequences for us.
No, we’re not trying to wax philosophical or new-age’y here
For us it’s just plain common sense. We could wallow on a bad hand that we’ve been dealt, or we could accept the fact that in the game of life, it’s not a life devoid of bad hands that would ultimately lead to success and happiness, but rather how we deal with their eventual occurrences and how we try to make them work in our favor that would spell the difference between success and failure.
Definitely sounds good in theory, but an entirely different challenge altogether in trying to uphold this principle in a real and practical sense.
2008 proceeded in such a way that we were confident with our 2009 prospects. Our regular gigs at Bogart’s Lounge, Hilton Woodbridge were always well-received by the regular patrons. We received phone calls from Atlantic City casinos impressed with our press kits. There were many inquiries regarding private events scheduled for 2009, and we were even commissioned to usher in the New Year at the Hilton Woodbridge Hotel 2008 New Years Eve Ball. We were gearing up for quite a busy year for 2009, and it started out that way too, as we looked forward to regular gigs at the Bogart’s Lounge, as well as the Hilton Garden Inn Lobby Lounge in Staten Island, NY.
Then the bottom fell out of the financial markets, and the fallout of the economic downturn sent ripple effects that affected, and is still affecting, everybody across all industries. A new Bogart’s management meant a different direction in the bands that they wanted hire, as they concentrated on “themed nights” and Tribute bands. One of our regular venues in Woodside NY underwent major renovations of an indefinite nature. And the Hilton Garden Inn decided not to renew our placement after 2 outings at their venue.
We never harbored any negative feelings toward these respectable companies, as it was not just entirely their prerogative, but we also understood the nature of the business, and the importance of the bottomline. However, 2009 was taking on a shape that we never anticipated, given our expectations of how it should pan out as of late 2008.
The ironic thing was, in an atmosphere of doom and gloom, entertainment still played a vital role in helping people cope, and we’re fortunate that Chapter 2 continued to be called upon to service this very need. As doors closed, other windows of opportunity also opened. The well didn’t really dry out – it just got filled by other unexpected sources.
We were extremely honored to once again accompany the Concert King Martin Nievera and Musical Director Lorrie Ilustre and his Las Vegas band to Minneapolis to provide backup vocals for their concert at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the benefit of the Gawad Kalinga foundation.
When the call went out for the community to come together in helping our countrymen cope with the worst flooding in the modern history of our homeland, EVER, it was a no-brainer. Spearheaded by Marisse Panlilio, Chapter 2 participated in the BANDing2gether CONCERT “ONDOY RELIEF”, with headliner Mig Ayesa leading the pack of performers coming together for a common cause.
Chapter 2 would go on to participate in 3 other fundraisers: one for the benefit of the St. Matthews Parish in Edison NJ, another for the benefit the San Miguel de Mayumo Cluster USA towards building a Youth Center, and capped by the Tao Po? Benefit Concert featuring Kitchie Nadal Live in NY organized by the Organic Humanity organization.
And it’s truly in the spirit of GIVING that we would experience our greatest satisfaction from our musical endeavors. Sometimes in pushing the envelope, we fail to appreciate the wisdom of letting nature run its course in arriving at a solution in its own sweet time. For Chapter 2, by not overreacting or reacting haphazardly to the circumstances presented before us, we were blessed with nature showing us a better way, rather than having us force the issue in a premature manner. It has also taught us to understand that we needed all this time (3 years and counting) to really jell as group, and that things were happening, or not happening, for a reason.
Through it all we tried to stay even keel as a group, not getting too high with every achievement, nor sulking too low with every setback. Though music is an ingrain artistic calling for each and everyone of us, in the end it’s still all about LOVE - the love of one’s family, the camaraderie amongst friends, and the LOVE OF YOUR CREATOR, that would always take precedence.
Just as in 2008, we are excited with our 2010 prospects, with a renewed vigor in coming up with original material for a long-awaited CD project. And just as before, we’ll be ready for what 2010 has to bring, planned or unplanned in nature. We’ve grown together as a group, as friends, and together we’ll keep on getting better as musicians and as people worthy of the Chapter 2 name. We know you would not accept anything less.
If you have read this far, congratulations on your patience, and our sincere thanks for your continued support and interest in Chapter 2.
Here’s wishing everyone a BLESSED MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND JOYOUS NEW YEAR !
A Christmas original from Chapter 2. Written by Dennis Sy Copyright 2009.
Our gift to you this Holiday Season. Merry Christmas Everyone!
Thanks to Gerry Condez for the opening and closing photos in the video!
“Sakin Na Lang” (Teaser Demo)
Written by Carlo Tampac and Sheldon Magbanua
Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.
We’re still here!
That’s enough of a reason for us to be thankful during this Thanksgiving Holiday.
It really doesn’t get any easier. In fact, every month notched under Chapter 2’s belt of being together as a group is a major accomplishment in and of itself. Challenges are pervasive from all fronts. The economic landscape remains unpredictable, and we’re operating within a dynamic realm where gigs can dry up in a heartbeat.
But where doors have closed, new ones are reciprocally opening up for Chapter 2. And loyal fans still clamor for Chapter 2 events as new ones continue to join the fold. We are constantly humbled by this show of support especially during these tough economic times.
So this blog is all about giving thanks, to all our loyal fans for making Chapter 2 still a relevant and emerging force in the music and gigging landscape. Whatever it is we have done right to deserve such support, rest assured we will continue to strive and get better at our craft, for you deserve nothing less than the very best from each and everyone of us.
Have A Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!
From Chapter 2
A Special Concert for the Benefit of the SMdM CUSA Youth Complex
November 21, 2009 St. Aedan Auditorium, Jersey City NJ
Chapter 2 has made it a part of our strategic goals to try and give back, in whatever way we can, to the community that has consistently supported us with their belief and patronage through the years. Which is why as much as our schedule would allow, we try to participate in worthy causes and fundraisers of organizations who approach us with their entertainment needs.
The San Miguel de Mayumo, Cluster USA Organization is no exception. This is a non-profit, non-political charitable organization that aims to provide San Migueles residing in the US a venue and vehicle to effect transformation in their hometown in the Philippines, with past successful projects such as scholarship programs, B.A.T. (Build-A-Toilet) campaign in various public schools, computer drive, water pump project, and much much more.
When Vice President Ana Jimenez (someone we’re also proud to call a dear friend) approached us with their 2009 fundraiser project idea, there was simply no way Chapter 2 could say no to this worthy endeavor that her organization has set out to accomplish.
Chapter 2 is honored to be part San Miguel de Mayumo’s 2009 fundraiser project, and we congratulate and commend each and everyone in the organization for all your efforts in giving back to the community. More power!
Martin Nievera Concert in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Convention Center, July 18, 2009
It was an exhausting weekend, highlighted by a 24-hr work day that started at 3 am Saturday morning, when we had to wake up early to catch our 6 am flight from Newark to Minneapolis, and ended at around 3 am the next day when we happily dropped our worned out bodies and tired minds into the inviting beds in our respective hotel rooms. But it was well worth it in the end, as we notched another backup gig (our 3rd officially) for Concert King Martin Nievera into the annals of past Chapter 2 musical performances.
In a city currently speckled with street excavations and road closures seemingly around every corner, and a day that was bereft of your typical sunny summer’s day disposition due to the cold gloomy weather, this event will be remembered for the warmth and hospitality of the people of Minneapolis who came out close to a thousand strong to watch a consumate entertainer in his element, and at the same time, to support a worthy cause that was the underlying premise and purpose of this entire project.
Throughout the entire show, the very appreciative audience was treated to a performance that was typical of an entertainer who always puts everything on the line every time he steps on stage. From his sharp wit, comic timing, and of course, THE VOICE – this was a Martin Nievera performance that was both vintage and fresh at the same time. And we were there for the ride – from sound check in the afternoon, when Musical Director Lorrie Ilustre and his outstanding Las Vegas band took the reigns and showed how a performer of Martin Nievera’s calibre, when backed up by an equally professional and tight-knit group of amazing musicians, always equate to beautiful music every single time. The 2-hour show simply flew by just like that, as ballads flowed ever-so-smoothly to upbeat medleys, soaring Broadway melodies, and of course, the much anticpated original hits of this world class entertainer.
What’s truly remarkable about Martin is the conviction of the performer to be there for his audience, beyond the call of duty, even after the stage lights have already faded and the concert has officially ended, something his many fans can indeed attest to. There is no personality metamorphosis – the Martin Nievera you see on stage is the same one you’ll encounter off it – probably one of the main reasons (one among many) why Martin is so beloved by his fans, and by those who’ve had the pleasure of working with him on a professional level.
For Chapter 2, even after this 3rd go-around, it never gets old. And we can only count our blessings at the opportunity to be in the company of such incredibly talanted musicians, and one marvelous entertainer in the person of Martin Nievera.
Thanks to the people of Minneapolis who came out to watch Martin’s show for the benefit of the Philippine Center Of Minnesota and the Gawad Kalinga, and to the new friends we have encountered on this latest journey (you know who you are), for giving us a weekend in Minnesota we’ll be remembering for a long, long time.
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Bonus Video – MARTIN NIEVERA talks about Chapter 2 (just having a little fun)
