Put some Reggae in your Jeggae...Yeah!!!

There's nothing extraordinary with this place-Xymaca. In fact its way too ordinary only its just blessed with its very 'happenin' location on a strip called Timog. This bar reminds me of our good ol Marlone's in UP. It's the dormer's haven, a very big part in every any UPV memorabilia. Where most kids profoundly get their ultimate UP experience. First drink, first puff Miagao style! Clearly it's the best tambayan/carinderia/inuman/classroom/internet cafe and god-knows-what-else! Again, nothing too special but just ask around and u get it...it' where all the cool people hang out!
We went there to see Brownman Revival on a rainy friday night. We got there way too early at 9pm so guess what its just a hollow matchbox of a pit trying hard to create a boracay 'pawasak', 'pawala' appeal minus the sand and the bikinis. Booze and cool music i'm pretty sure of that. But cool crowd and cooler vibe i dunno...(Only later to find out that the damn place lacks COOL AIR too! The ventilation just sucks i felt that my lungs and the nipa hut cum bar area could blow up anytime because of the kids filthy thick smoke!)
There's a mezzanine level by the way for all I care. We were ushered there coz all 6 table were reserved in advance. (On one table it says _ Reserved for ex presidential son Jinggoy Estrada. Who are we kidding?) Must be the VIP lounge I thought. It's nothing more than a dressing room and one big lamesa to hold more booze and the bands' equipment. Again, so dark and narrow it screams-UPV Little Theater dressing room! (last time i heard the place was already renovated thank God!)
Anyways, we went outside for a while to have dinner some place coz it's pretty clear that there's nothing particularly edible on this place that seats about 50 but can accomodate 300 on a big night (proven very true!) We got back around 10 thirtyish and just decided to let the band come on and probably leave before the 1st set is over. After an hour of looking around, a beer, some smoke and some more smoke...the Messiahs finaly arrived! Hey, we were there to see them so yeah forget the shitty thoughts and let's get it on!
The first song was a reggae rendition of Dr. Hook's classic Sharing the Night Together. No wonder everyone just swooned. These guys definitely know how to flatter! Dino, yes the supa hunky vocalist can carry a tune alright but no one yes NO ONE can just pull off this dorky song as an opening if either #1 you're not cute and #2 wala kang appeal #3 hindi ka sexy and #4 hindi ka guapo! I admit I'm a fan. In fairness, that goes to all members of the group. The set ended after about 6 numbers including some songs from their album. By this time the crowd quadripled and everyone standing about a square inch from each other. This is one place where guys are not ashamed to groove and sing mushy love songs. And the hell everyone cares!..."reggae to pre...adik...one beat one love..." Hahahhaha LOL!!!! Anyways, the vibe was goddamn good to hell with Wannabes and Bimbos and our lungs already protruding, but beer was so accessible in our spot so we decided to stay.
Brownman Revival caught my attention when their video Maling Akala was came on. A true blue Eraserheads wit and flavor it's a perfect launching for any newly signed group. For one it is a revival so there's obviously the BIG recall factor and technically fans of the defunked band will immediately be their immediate followers. But this is not asking too much though since the group also hailed from UP about the same time Eraserheads dropped out but still very strong on campus and they already have a cult following with their numerous gigs and ex-bands. I can just cringe and swear at the sight of very pubescent Paris Hilton clad groupies at the back. It was a tennis court by the way. Who would ever thought that a tennis court will be so convenient at the back of this place. I'd be more thankful if its the Fire Brigade!