Entering the 3rd Quarter – Chapter 2 Updates

Hello Chapter 2 Fans!

After a bit of a hiatus during the months of April and May to recuperate from the whirlwind of activity that came to pass from the tailend of 2008 and carried over to the first half of 2009, Chapter 2 is back in full swing and gearing up for second half of the year. 

(Actually, our self-imposed “time-off” still involved a few private gigs like weddings and the SMPAA Bandfest Fundraiser, and Chapter 2 vocalist Dennis Sy guested in Ellen & Kats’ “Acoustic Hues” show @ Wuzz Up Cafe last June 19.)

Chapter 2’s gigging schedule heats up during the month of July, starting on July 10, Friday, 9pm, with our regular gig at the Bogart’s Lounge Hilton Woodbridge in Iselin, NJ.

Less than 24 hours later, Chapter 2 will front-act for Legendary Pinoy Rocker Mike Hanopol on July 11, Saturday, 8pm in his show at Bistro Filipino in Richmond Hills, NY.

On July 18, Saturday, the Chapter 2 vocalists take flight to Minneapolis to join Concert King Martin Nievera for his show at the Minneapolis Convention Center, together with Musical Director Lorrie Ilustre and his band.

On July 25th, Saturday, Chapter 2 goes back to the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Lobby Lounge in Staten Island, NY for a return engagement.

Finally, on August 1, Saturday, Chapter 2 headlines at Bistro Filipino for the very 1st time.

More projects are currently being discussed as we work out our gigging schedules for the remainder of the 2009, including a Fundraiser Event for the San Miguel De Mayumo Organization, and a sequel to the successful “Acoustic Hues” show, this time featuring Jan Paraiso and Dennis Sy. 

These are definitely exciting times as we gear up for our upcoming shows, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Take care always.

From Chapter 2.

C2 Blog: Hilton Garden Inn Lobby Lounge, Staten Island, NY

March 21, 2009

The Hilton Garden Inn Lobby Lounge in Staten Island NY exudes elegance, coziness, and the somewhat veiled electricity of a dance club awaiting release at just the right moment, all within the same vein. It’s like the venue was specifically designed to cater to the typical weekend sojourners either searching for a lounge-type ambiance for friendly conversations and a couple rounds of their favorite drinks, or maybe for on an ample-sized dance floor with just the right live band providing musical entertainment to dance their cares away to, or BOTH. Last Saturday, Chapter 2 was that band.

It was a gig tailor-made for Chapter 2, as we went through our plethora of material to provide music to slow dance to, gyrate on the dance floor to, or simply to sit back and lounge to when the call for a momentary respite beckoned.  

It was our first foray into this ultra-chic, classy venue in Staten Island, and as no two gigs are ever exactly alike, there was a feeling out process, a dynamic interaction between performer and audience that kept us alert and honed in on the type of musical entertainment that was called for as the night wore on.

In the end it was another opportunity for us to showcase the Chapter 2 sound to an entirely new audience, and judging from the crowd reaction and the post performance inquiries on when we’ll be coming back, it was gratifying to note that we’ve probably gained some new fans along the way.

Our sincere thanks to our group of loyal fans who made the trek to Staten Island to catch our performance last Saturday.  And to all the folks at the Hilton Garden Inn, for their hospitality, and for giving us the opportunity to bring our brand of musical entertainment to this prestigious venue.

Til next time

The Unreported Show – PRIMO in NJ

March 1, 2009 – Wuzz Up Cafe, Bergenfield, NJ

Photo courtesy of Michael Violago (http://michael.violago.net)

You probably won’t see anything related to the subject matter of this particular blog reported nor published anywhere else, for the simple fact that the Main Act for which this show was being produced, due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately was a no show that evening. But I’m jumping ahead of myself here.

This gig was supposed to headline the “Philippines’ premier power vocal trio” PRIMO, with guest appearances by singer/songwriter Alfa, PAFCOM’s Pinoy Idol winner Robertino Lim, and finally the Chapter 2 Band.

Chapter 2 had been told to prepare 4 numbers for this show, as a front-act to the main event. Given that this was a production of the very respected tandem of Dr. Ramon and Ching Legarda of Group Ole Productions, it can safely be assumed that under normal circumstances, media coverage and audience attendance for this event should be “respectable”.

As it turned out, that day was far from being “normal” for any show producer to begin with. A snow storm was expected to hit the tri-state area starting at around 9 pm that evening, with snowfall predicted to be in the 8-12 inches range. Couple that with the arrangement that the main act will be flying in (from Texas if I’m not mistaken) on the day of the show itself, and we have the potential for a “perfect storm” hitting this production from all fronts.

Credit should be given where credit is due though, as the Legarda’s showed the fortitude that had made them one of the most successful concert producers within the Fil-Am community, with their decision to continue with the production despite the circumstances.

Chapter 2 arrived at the venue at around 4 pm for equipment setup and sound check, with show time slated to begin at 6:30 pm. I guess the early start time was decided upon by the producers, taking into account the impending snow storm. The sky was deceptively clear at that time, though radio announcers were warning listeners not to be fooled by the calm – SNOW WAS DEFINITELY ON THE HORIZON.

It was at around 5 pm that we were given the unexpected news by Tita Ching – PRIMO had missed their connecting flight in Atlanta, and will not be able to make to NJ at all that day. After a brief pause, this was followed by “You’ll be the Main Act tonight.”

It was kismet that we had decided to accept this gig as a full band, in lieu of an acoustic configuration. Being a full ensemble allowed us to confidently address this sudden change of “requirements”. Though all of us were feeling exhausted from a previous night’s gig at Bogart’s, where we normally do three 45-minute sets, there was a deep sense of calm and confidence among the band members that we would be able to come up with a great show that night, and that the audience were in for a very pleasant surprise. When the show simply had to go on, Chapter 2 was proud to say that we were up to the task of making that come to fruition.

To the folks who braved the anticipated onslaught of snow that evening, and to those who despite being informed at the last minute that the original headliner won’t be able to make it to our snowbound state and yet still made the decision to stay behind for a night of musical entertainment to be rendered by talented local artists, they were treated to the sauve baritone of Robertino Lim, the introspective acoustic originals of Alfa, and the musical performance of impromptu-headliner-of-the-evening Chapter 2.

As it feels awkward for us to do a review of our performance that evening, we end this blog with the producer’s very own words on what Chapter 2 was able to bring to the table the night PRIMO wasn’t able to come to town:

“Hi Dennis ,Cutuy and co.

Hope you all survived the snowstorm.Tito Mon and I would like to thank you all for your excellent performance last Sunday and most of all for your professionalism . You are all highly commendable and wish you many more your way-You all deserve the best.

Thank you very much and see you around.

WArm regards.

Happy Spring!”

t. CHing”

What’s In A Name?

In our case, it’s the answer to the question “What’s  Next?”   It’s a forward looking disposition, a rebirth, a do-over, an underlying premise that whatever’s happened in the past, we are still around.

Chapter 2 represents for each one of us the next stage in our development as individual musical artists, and as a group.  We all have our own musical pasts, and in coming together we have discovered how we can be better collectively than we can be on our own. 

We’ve often been asked Why Chapter 2?  I guess it’s simply the right name at the right time for us, as we evaluated what may have not worked for us in the past, and continued to muddle through the pains and the challenges in search of some sort of musical salvation, only to find out salvation was simply in the process of moving forward, of not quitting, of growing and learning from every experience along the way.

We take the name to heart in the realization and conviction that there’s always going to be a ‘next chapter” for us.  No matter how many doors have been slammed in our faces, new ones will always present themselves just around the corner.  And we’ll break down the doors that have been closed to us through, sheer determination and continued growth on our part.

We understand what it feels like not to be a part of the “privileged few”, the ones blessed with an undeniable and innate talent and a pre-defined aesthetic quality destined for success.  On the other hand, we also understand what can likewise be achieved through a stubborn belief that as long as one does not quit, any dream can be reached. 

You don’t have to be borne with it.  You just need the conviction to cultivate it, despite the odds.  We truly believe that within each and every one of us, whatever’s been written in the past, lays the potential for a better chapter.

So what’s in a name?  Hmmm…stick around and see what happens next 

Chapter 2’s Evolution

Photo courtesy of Michael Violago (http://michael.violago.net)

As much as we set specific goals for ourselves as a band, it’s really been all about the journey, and not an absolute destination, that has defined us as artists, as musicians, as a group.

Throughout the years that we have been together as Chapter 2, we’ve faced different sorts of challenges, ever-changing flavors of issues that have tested our resolve, our commitment to stick to pre-defined principles. And as the group evolved, so did the nature of challenges we had to face. Past solutions quickly became obsolete as the paradigm seemed to shift endlessly. And truth be told, the more the friendship between the band members deepened, the more difficult it became to maintain objectivity in dealing with such issues.

The fact that we’re all friends made the process of resolving problems a whole lot more cumbersome. The thin line between professionalism and friendship was constantly blurred. It would have been so much easier to merely look at a situation objectively, and be able to draw upon a set list of LOGICAL solutions without having to take into account people’s feelings or how they would react.

With friendship there are just too many grey areas, where the approach varies case by case: sometimes it’s a lengthy process of simply talking it out; at other times a “tough love” approach is warranted. With personalities as complicated and as fickle as the movement of the tides, an approach that had worked before doesn’t necessarily guarantee that it’ll work again given the same set of circumstances.

And we’re only talking about internal issues here. Factor in challenges brought about by external forces, and you have quite a convoluted situation potentially brewing at every corner.

All these have forced Chapter 2 to continually evolve with the ever-changing face of adversity. And throughout this “evolution” we had discovered a constant that had helped us weather through a lot of major storms – and that was a genuine respect for each other’s point of views, a willingness to set aside one’s ego, and to make sacrifices for the good of the group. It’s an acceptance that things are never going to be perfect, but that we could still appreciate the journey together as a family, adjusting along the way as we throw away the playbook and simply live day to day, dealing with whatever life brings.  How ironic is it that we find ourselves coping with evolution by remaining true to ourselves.

I admit there are days when I wish there was an “easier” way to deal with all the issues that confront Chapter 2.  But at the end of the day, when all is said and done, I’m guessing it’d be better to be valued for your friendship than all the musical accolades and recognition you may have managed to achieve in your lifetime.  Still, everyday’s a struggle.

Another Hilton!

On March 21, Saturday, 9:30 pm, Chapter 2 performs for the first time at another hotel under the prestigious Hilton chain, this time at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, Lobby Lounge (1100 South Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314).

“The Hilton Garden Inn’s swanky Lobby Lounge features Dancing & Live Music on Saturday nights from 9:30pm to 1:30am. Filled with significant pieces of contemporary art, the Lobby Lounge is at once exciting and relaxing. Decorated in muted jewel tones, this tony spot is the perfect place to gather for an evening of cocktails and conversation and revel in the sultry sounds of smooth live jazz.

Though expansive, the Lobby Lounge remains intimate with the careful selection and placement of lighting, magnificent artwork and three large fireplaces. Enjoy Signature Cocktails before or after dinner or sink into our plush couches and chair groupings and enjoy our Eclectic Lounge Menu. The Lobby Lounge is also the perfect place to sample selections from our Delectable Dessert and International Coffee menu or simply relax with a nightcap.”

 

 

Chapter 2 Band Updates – February-March 2009

Welcome to Chapter 2’s monthly updates for February and March 2009.

No doubt everybody’s feeling the pinch of an economic downturn.  Now more than ever we need classy, quality entertainment without having to break the bank, and that’s what Chapter 2 has always strived to deliver.

The band has been fortunate, with the support of venues that believe in our ability to provide such entertainment, to continue with our regular gigs at Bogart’s Lounge Hilton Woodbridge, and of course, at Perlas Ng Silangan Bar & Restaurant.  Please check out our complete show schedule here.

Special mention goes to our upcoming show on March 1, performing with the Philippines’ premier power vocal trio – PRIMO, in their first live concert here in the east coast.  It will be held at Wuzz Up Cafe in Bergenfield, NJ.  Please call the numbers included in the flyer below for ticket information.

We sincerely thank you for your continued support of Chapter 2, and we hope to catch you at one of our upcoming shows soon.

Take care always.

-Chapter 2 Band

Hilton Woodbridge New Year’s Eve Ball 2008

The Chapter 2 Band ushered in 2009 last night from the Main Ballroom of the Hilton Woodbridge Hotel, and it was the culmination of months of brainstorming, planning, and nervous anticipation of our first New Year’s Eve gig as a group.

Almost everybody in the band was feeling the effects of a hectic gigging schedule leading up to the event. Bodies were weary, a couple of us already succumbing to the flu bug the previous weeks. But our spirits were buoyed by the opportunity to literally end 2008 with a performance at this classic year-end event. And one doesn’t scoff at opportunities and blessings like this.

Arriving early at the hotel, guests can be seen checking in with their elegant gowns and dapper suits in tow. Young and old and everything in between (with a couple of pet sightings to boot), it was obvious this was going to be a mixed bag of revelers attending the New Year’s Eve Ball. The temperature was dropping outside, but things were just heating up inside the Hilton Woodbridge.

Doors were opened to the ballroom exactly at 9 pm, and into our 2nd song couples were already grooving on the dance floor. We knew right there and then things were going to turn out great on this special night, and that very feeling is worth all the hard work we have put in the past couple months. In this most elegant of settings, we felt pride in being a part of such festivities.

The hours seemed to have zoomed by from that point on, with blurry images of couples slow dancing in a sweet embrace or gyrating to our dance beats still lingering in our memories. When the clock struck 12 and everybody in the ballroom celebrated as one in ushering in the new year, there we stood on stage, band mates together, contemplating on the same thing – Another “first” for Chapter 2.

At around 1:30 am, fresh coffee and pastries were served in the hotel lobby. As we congregated here together with hotel guests, we all felt and took in what this annual tradition brings forth in each and every one of us – HOPE. A collective hope for something better in the coming year.

We sincerely thank everybody at the Hilton Woodbridge for their belief in us, and for including Chapter 2 in their year-end festivities. We couldn’t have asked for anything better to cap our year, as we look to build upon all we have achieved in 2008 and view 2009 with hopeful optimism.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Chapter 2’s Holiday Message

It’s a bit of a shame that this Holiday Season is tempered by a reserved optimism as we ponder on what 2009 has in store for us. It easy to get bogged down by all the negativity that seem to permeate every mass media outlet, subtly leading us to lose sight of the message behind the holidays – a message of Love and of Giving.

We do have a powerful resource within each and every one of us that could carry us through the threshold, one that could sustain us as we muddle through these challenging times. And that is the gift of HOPE.  Hope that the inherent goodness of man will triumph over hate and despair. Hope that man can still learn from the errors of his ways and not repeat the mistakes of the past. Hope that if we just take a moment and look in the mirror and deeply into ourselves, we’ll realize how we’re all more alike than we are different from one another.

With HOPE, everything is possible. Without it, all is lost.

That is why we at Chapter 2 view 2009 through hopeful eyes, as we wish upon all of you the optimism that a hopeful spirit can bring.

Most of all we wish you A Very Special and Blessed Holiday Season.

Our special gift to all of you – a Christmas Original : CHRISTMAS MORNING.

 

Christmas Morning (demo) – Chapter 2 Band

Much Love.

-Chapter 2 Band

Blast From The Past

Here’s a blog written back in November 7, 2006 in reaction to Chapter 2 winning at the LA MUSIC AWARDS for our original song “REAL ME“. Thought I’d share it with you and include it here on our official blog page.

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WINNING @ LA MUSIC AWARDS – A REACTION

 

The organizer and founder of the LA Music Awards, Mr. Al Bowman, called me last Friday, Nov.3, 2006, and he said he had in front of him a select list of artists he wanted to call about attending the awards show, and Chapter 2 was on that list.  He said he personally listened to our song – he didn’t know the artist or band behind the song, nor did he have any inkling as to what they look like – IT WAS ONLY ABOUT THE MUSIC.   And out of the 1600 or so entries this year, we were among the 60 artists that were singled out to be award recipients in their respective categories.

 

What does hearing something like that mean to us as artists?  Humility and Pride.  Alright – maybe a whole lot of pride! 

 

It’s definitely a validation of the work and professionalism that Chapter 2 has constantly strived to infuse in everything that we do.  We are likewise humbled at the show of support from the most unexpected places.  It may sound like a cliché, but the path every “struggling” and unknown artist trudges on is an uphill one from the get co, with many-a-temptation for us to just throw in the towel or call it quits.  To be acknowledged with such an award from industry professionals reaffirms to us that at least we’re on the right path with regards to our music. We really would have wanted to attend the awards ceremonies on November 9, as there is no denying the mileage a group like ours could get with the accompanying publicity and media blitz associated with such an event.  The reason why, after careful consideration, we have decided to forego this opportunity, is partly financial in nature, but mainly because of the timing. 

 

We have already committed to a show in NY on November 10, and that’s foremost on our list of responsibilities.  We also felt that even if we could manage to fly out to LA to accept the award, we would be mentally unprepared to maximize our trip there with the limited amount of prep time available to us leading up to the event.  Being a self-managed group, we prepare all our press materials, promo kits, demo CD’s etc.   We just felt we wouldn’t have enough time to organize all the things we needed to prepare to make this a worthwhile and productive trip for us.  Hence our decision to forego the event.  Believe me, it’s one of the harder decisions we had to make.

“REAL ME” is our first foray into original compositions.  I wrote this specifically with Chapter 2 in mind.  It’s written for every person that feels alone and isolated because he or she does not fall within the realm of the norm…within the status quo.  It’s for everyone who has had the door slammed in his or her face because of pre-conceived expectations of how one should probably look like.  It’s finding solace in the fact that outward appearances do not necessarily dictate the value and talent that’s inherent within you – the “real you”.  And what’s really important is not for others to recognize this, but for you to accept it, embrace it, and ultimately find worth and meaning in it.

 

Everything that we do is a result of teamwork, and maximizing the talents available within Chapter 2.  Does it mean we already have all the ideal pieces in place to deal with every possible musical scenario?  FAR FROM IT!  But our underlying group motto is “JUST MAKE IT WORK” – whatever the situation, be it at a live performance, or during recording, whatever the cards we’re dealt with, we just make it work under any circumstance.  And I’m just extremely fortunate to have band mates who share the same dedication to such a creed, and who bring an abundance of talent to the table:  From Cutuy’s heavenly voice which brings life and feeling to the lyrics of the “REAL ME”, to Noel’s wonderful musical arrangements and harmonies, to Wenchie willing to play bass for us on certain occasions when he is first-and-foremost an exceptional drummer, to everyone willing to sing towards producing one harmonious sound rather than to shine as a lone voice in the spotlight – all these things I believe make Chapter 2 what it is today.  And as an added bonus, I’m proud to call each and every one of my band mates a real friend.  Which is funny because that’s what Chapter 2 has become for each one of us – a circle for friends.  That’s what  makes all the sacrifices and challenges really worth it.

 

Thanks for reading.