One Fine Day in Manila: Wedding Duties: String of Good Luck

We finally decided to get a music supplier, and with just a few months to go, I was prepared to receive email replies saying that they were already booked. We were lucky to get a response from most of them telling us that they are still available, well almost. All of them were available except for one -- Manila String Machine -- the one that we really wanted.

I exchanged emails with Ted, and I was ready to move on to our second choice, Stradavarius String. But then I thought I'd gamble and used our ace in the hole -- "morning naman po e." haha!

Ted was very nice; he clearly explained the situation to us so that we can decide if we would be ok with it -- They had an afternoon wedding scheduled but it seemed like there was enough time to squeeze us in.

I reviewed the list of songs that he sent me, and noticed a lot of alternative selections. You can view the Manila String Machine Repertoire here. They arrange their own music, that's why they've proven themselves to be very different from their counterparts. Skimming through the list, I asked if they have any BSB (naman!) Unfortunately, they haven't done any of their songs, but Ted agreed with LJ that they were a cool boy band and mentioned the songs the he likes.

He also invited us to Manila String Machine's Meet and Play in his Antipolo apartment, so we can listen to them live. I eagerly confirmed that we would be attending. To make it more fun, I invited my MOH, Gina. She knows more about music than I do.

Phone Convo

Cie: sama ka?

Gina: san?

Cie: sa may Antipolo, check natin yung isang Strings group na plan namin kunin

Gina: sige

After 5 minutes -- Text naman

Gina: malabo line, anu ulet?

Cie: nye! check natin yung isang Strings group na plan namin kunin

Gina: ahhh, ok, ang rinig ko may concert

Cie: actually pwede rin, why not?!

Only one problem left, pano pumunta dun ng walang kotse??

oh, well. Bahala na si Batman!

LJ and I took the MRT to Cubao then the LRT to get to Marikina, we know this route well... pero hanggang dito lang, hehe!

Ted said he lives near SM Masinag, so when we saw an FX that said Masinag, sakay!

and with conviction "bayad, sa SM Masinag po."

naks! feeling alam?!

We had no idea where Kingsville is, so dating gawi,

"LJ, pa-google pleaaaz... "

Apparently, Kingsville is just in front of SM, so we walked past the overpass for about a block, saw a gate, and wala ng hiya hiya ---

Cie: "manong guard? ito na ba Kingsville?"

Guard: "oo, san kayo?"

Cie: *excited super* "sa Attila St." *big grin* *kaway sa mga kasama ng let's go!*

Guard: ano sadya po?

Cie: *di prepared mag-explain* ay, ummm, sa Manila String Machine? makikinig? yung tumutugtog?

Guard: ah, oo dyan, sige... matutulog ba kayo dyan?

Cie: *confused* wala naman po plano, overnight po ba yun??!

Coming from the guard house, we walked along Attila St, #36 will be on the right side.

We saw an apartment filled with people, but no one was playing so we were in doubt. We didn't know which doorbell to ring, good thing somebody went out. yey!

Apparently the schedule was moved to an earlier time, so the other couples already left. No worries, they all still got up and played for us. Sabi nga ni Gina "literal na front row!" Carlo, Rommel, Silke and Ted played Coldplay's 'Fix you.' It was enough to impress us, I've seen their online videos, but those don't even come close to how great they sounded, playing just a few feet from us.

It's very apparent that they're all good friends which helps with their synergy. Despite the happy go lucky conversations, you'd know that they are serious with their craft once they start playing.

They shared some tips, I asked what we should expect, and we just talked like good friends. LJ and I closed the deal with them that night, and until now we are confident that they will deliver. We are so excited to share their music to our guests.

If you haven't seen any of their performance yet, here are some samples.