17 local fotogs share their fave music moments in 2013

Seventeen photographers and music lovers choose their favorite music moments in the Philippines in 2013 and tell us why.

1. Alicia Keys by Kris Rocha.  (See lead photo above). “This photo is more than a decade in the making. To shoot and meet Alicia Keys was one of my biggest dreams as a photographer and as a fan. I became a concert photographer because of her. I am a huge Alica Keys fan since ‘Fallin'’ days in 2001 and her first Manila visit in 2004 was the first concert I've ever attended. I took few shots but they were all dark and grainy. My dream to meet and document Alicia Keys became my biggest goal and inspiration. And finally, the moment I've been waiting finally came last November 25, 2013!”

2. Dougy Mandagi of Temper Trap by Cecilia Forbes. “It was my first time shooting a music festival (Wanderland 2013) and since the Temper Trap was headlining, this photo was shot towards the end of the day. I was so drained from shooting but somehow regained energy from the enthusiastic and ever-so-passionate crowd that sang along. Dougy himself, with his eyes closed, was evidently absorbed in the music. Add in a fantastic mixture of lights and you've got the perfect moment of pure bliss."

3. Join The Club by Cyril Borgonia, November 12, 2013. "This is my favorite image that I took this year from ‘Myx Mo!’ because I felt their rhythm, every strums and breaks. I know I captured a moment full of passion for music and that's why I really like this one. Thank you Join The Club for sharing this moment with me.”

4. Chino Moreno of Deftones by Ja Fernandez during the "Koi No Yokan” tour last May 26, 2013. “This is my favorite photo of the year, simply because it was a dream come true to see Deftones up close. I missed the 'Diamond Eyes' tour two years ago, and I swore to myself that if ever Deftones will come back to Manila, I wouldn't miss it for the world. Taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5.”

5. Dino Concepcion of Brownman Revival by Jane Anne Arellano. "I've just started taking photographs of music artists late this year, but I've known and listened to Brownman Revival ever since I was in high school. They just celebrated their 19th year anniversary last November at 70's Bistro. What I like about this photo is that it made me realize that even after 19 years, the band can still make their audience listen, enjoy and just chill as they play their music. The facial expression of the audience that night looked pretty much like (vocalist) Dino Concepcion's as they sang to their heart's desire.”

6. Reg Rubio and Audie Avenido of Greyhoundz by John Paul Bagtas. “The photo (was taken) during the B-Side leg of the KamiQuesoHoundz bar tour last February. What I like about this gig/bar tour is that for just around 300 pesos, people got to see Greyhoundz, Kamikazee and Queso, with Giniling Festival and Wolfgang opening the show. All of that in one gig. And from what I remember, this was becoming a trend just like the Boars and Houndz bar tour, which I never got to see. Plus I still remember Jay of Kamikazee complaining that night: ‘Ang mahal ng beer sa Makati!’ Haha!”

7. Last Dinosaurs by Karen De La Fuente, November 2013. “ Perhaps the craziest impromptu music coverage I've done, Last Dinosaurs' concert in Black Market, Makat is one that's most memorable for me this year. After months of not being able to shoot the concert scene, this event proved to be great comeback, one that reconnected me to shooting and music. This is one of my favorite photos because of all the trials—and shoves—it it took to get this. With the crowd all jumping and dancing, it was a little harder to shoot.”

8. Tegan and Sara by Kim Silang. “Favorite photo because after a long shooting hiatus, this reminds me that there are some things (photography!) that we just can't let go of. And it's okay.”

9. Brian Velasco of Razorback by Lej Talens. “This was taken on August 16, 2013 at the Boars and Houndz bar tour at 19East. I like how the photo was able to capture his emotion while playing.”

10. Henry Allen of Faspitch by Marty Floro. "This was the first time I've seen Faspitch play since high school and they're still amazing. Henry even got Paolo Valenciano of Salamin--that's him at the back—to help with a couple of songs.”

11. Rico Blanco by Melvin Cariaga, November 8, 2013 in Dubai. “Sir Francis Reyes once said, ‘And even if there are only a handful of audience in attendance, play your heart out. If you do, that handful will tell the tardy ones, “You missed a great gig."'"That's exactly the story about this photo. Despite only having a small audience, Rico Blanco played and sang as if he was performing in Araneta with a big crowd.”

12. Japs Sergio of Peso Movement by Noel Tanjeco. "This was taken, I think, a few months back on the Converse Get Loud event. What I like about this photo is that it shows (Japs) in a state of bliss for that split second. And its just a really good photo.”

13. Ebe Dancel by Pao Landicho, September 2013, Greenhills Sessionistas. "The element of mystique the smoke and light bring to the subject.”

14. Sheila and the Insects by Rocel Zamora. “I have always wanted to watch Sheila and the Insects (a Cebu-based band) and did not miss the chance when they had a comeback tour here in Manila after they went on hiatus. It was great watching and meeting them the first time and first time also to see the great lights and sound set-up at 19East. I just love how the frigging lights add more drama to this photo.”

15. Juliann Savard of Save Me Hollywood by Rommel Tiangco, June 2013. “What I liked about this photo is that I was able to capture that rare moment when the artist connected with the audience. There are no cues for these moments, you just have to be there.”

16. Stars by Sandy Noche. “Last February, Stars served up a wontedly cathartic set with songs in languages of heartbreaks and love. Being a music photographer, I do my best to capture moments for everyone to feel and see long after the lights are gone and the band has stopped playing. This photo sums up what I felt during the night I saw them playing live. And it’s really fulfilling as a music photographer to be able to express an artist’s music through photos and making a moment a photograph away.”

17. Ang Bandang Shirley by Anj Villanueva. “I love this moment because I could feel the intensity of their music and lyrics channeling through me. It just stirs my heart."    

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