This is a late post on one of the most enjoyable gigs I’ve been in Davao. Despite the rain, throngs of fans of all ages were set to watch Excursion 2.

It started with some local bands who were a force of their own: Jad Montenegro, Simple Lang, Anne Mendoza, Kwatro Medya and Planeta. Then, Flying Ipis who notably for me sang their Tainted Love inspired song made it my highlight for their set. They rocked and made fans jump and dance — didn’t matter if they were inebriated or sober, Flying Ipis made people giddy. Gaijin was in their punk-new wave form and fans happily obliged to show them love. Then came Dong Abay and the Tanods. Beginning their set with Perpekto was nape hair tingling. A feeling you get with such a stage presence you vibe from a performer who means every damn word sung. Fans were singing, jumping, drinking and enjoying the vibe emanated from Dong Abay and the Tanods. Notably, Buddy Zabala was on bass and Raimund Marasigan was on drums. I think only Dong Abay could pull half of the Eraserheads in one band and make them his own. Their set ended with Tsinelas, where Raimund shared the microphone and Mike Dizon played drums. Needless to say, people went ape-shit during the song. Last was Pedicab. Diego Mapa, the unassuming front-man is another force on stage that knows how to keep the party going and set it up a notch. Needless to say, he’s ably backed by a tight band comprised of rock n’ roll veterans; Jason Caballa, RA Rivera, Mike Dizon and Raimund Marasigan.

I think I would have written more about the gig had I done this earlier. Next time I should know better then.