MANILA, Philippines - Between vinyl records and live musical performances, Satchmi Vinyl Day 2016 reminds us of the difference between a song and a great experience.
Last April 30, Manila’s music lovers were treated to an alternative Labor day celebration at UP Town Center, Quezon City where music, live art, food and beverage, and quality goods and services collided. Think summer music festival but with Filipino talent as the star of the night.
Scene favorites like BP Valenzuela, Reese Lansangan, She’s Only Sixteen and The Ransom Collective were all there to perform — a seemingly rare thing for most local productions on a Saturday night in a city sprawling with bars who call dibs on acts to draw in audiences. The scene was electric — palpable even — if only for the connection between the crowd and the bands (both literally and figuratively). When the humidity was too much to bear (as opposed to the usual, at least), people were able to go around the amphitheater to buy food and refreshments or avail of quality products and services from Satchmi’s partner establishments like EDSA BDG, Mr. Graham, Barista Box, Gouache, and Felipe and Sons. But the best goody of them all is, of course, the full crates of vinyls which were on sale for up to 40% off. Fans even got to try out their favorite records in the listening booth or purchase a Motorino right then and there.
This was not Satchmi’s first Vinyl Day, and with the way the hype translated to reality, it’s clear that this was something only a pro could pull off. That is exactly what everybody’s favorite local record store has grown to be. Satchmi may have been around for five years already, but with the near completion of their store expansion at SM Megamall and their new branch at UP Town Center next month, it seems like they are just getting started.