“TAKE ME TO THE CIRCUS!”

(ATEK JACINTO reminisces and shares how the CIRCUS Band came to be 

and how the JINGLE Clan contributed to the band’s rise to fame.)

       

        

         The seminal influence in the concept and structure of the Circus Band was the movie documentary “Mad Dogs and the Englishmen” based on Joe Cocker’s concert tour of 1970.  Hastily organized by the music-meister himself, Leon Russell, it featured Joe Cocker and a gaggle of studio musicians and singers that included Rita Coolidge.  I watched the movie in 1971 and I was spellbound by what I saw and heard.  I loved the disparities in personalities, voices and music characters.  But I also liked how the vocal harmonies worked and how the different acts worked.  It was metaphorically, a circus.  The Circus Band concept was born!  I just have to sweat out the casting for the circus.

          None of the singers I eventually selected sounded similar.  I had to reject some very good singers because they sounded the same or similar to those I already cast.  The auditions, selection and pre-training of the vocalists lasted at least six months.  I was not in a hurry.  Then came the selection of the musicians.  I tried recycling musicians that I used in a previous project but I ended up firing the entire rhythm section because they were always too doped as to be of any use to me.  After another six months, I had assembled what I thought was the ideal combination of five musicians who had the right mix of rock, R&B, jazz, and pop influence that will complement the eight or 9 singers already on board.  Nobody in the music community believed that a band with fourteen core members can survive for long.  The industry norm was a band with 5 to 7 members.  Clearly, we were going against the industry trend, a thought that hardly bothered me.

         During the training period, I was introduced to the personalities at JINGLE Magazine and one thing led to another.  Gilbert, Emily and Eric Guillermo, the brothers Mike and Nap Jamir, visual artists Red Mansueto and Mon Habito were the names that I associated with the magazine.  They interviewed, photographed and chronicled the success of the Circus Band.  Pretty soon, there was a phenomenal market awareness of the band even before the public has seen or heard us. 

FIRST BATCH OF THE CIRCUS BAND L-R (standing) Pat Castillo, Gem Jacinto, Tillie Moreno, +Richard Tann+, +Walter Calinawan+, Wally Ang, Annette Belen, 

Jacqui Magno, Beth Katindig, Henry Tongson, Boy Katindig.
2nd Row (standing) Annette Belen-Montilla (infront of Walter), Jacqui Magno, Beth Katindig (infront of Boy) Henry Tongson.
3rd row (seated) Lorrie Tan, Pabs Dadivas, Atek Jacinto, Basil Valdez, Rey Sayno, +Rico Velez+

(Photo Credit: Facebook page of The Circus Band)

         After another six months of intense rehearsals we were ready for our maiden concert at the Meralco Theater as a guest act.  If I’m not mistaken, it was produced by JINGLE Magazine.  Although from the standpoint of the audience and the media, the performance was a big success, I was not happy and I gave the band a dressing down after we left the stage.  We trained for another two months.  Somebody from Wells Fargo, a well-known nightclub on Roxas Blvd saw the Meralco performance and booked us at the club.  That club gig caught like wildfire and everybody was now talking about the Circus Band.  The owner of another nightclub on the “strip” who knew my father made an offer that we just couldn’t refuse.  It was a year-long contract at Rino’s to play three nights a week with a salary that was 6 times more than the highest paid band on the strip.  I also demanded and got the club to purchase the brand new band equipment and sound system for us.  I knew then that we have succeeded in breaking the old standards and ushered a new one. 

         Another cornerstone of the band strategy was launching the Road Tour of major colleges and universities in Metro Manila and key cities in the major provinces like Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.  We did this for more than two years and we built a solid following in these areas.  The road tour enhanced our opportunity to go into recording which resulted in two live albums and two studio albums.  In 1974, the Circus Band performed my original at the Tokyo Music Festival and performed daily for two weeks at the hottest club in Tokyo then, The Mugen. 

         But as they say, all good things must come to an end.  The Circus Band amicably disbanded at the end of 1975 but not after leaving an indelible footprint in the Philippine musical landscape.  We left a legacy that inspired a whole new generation of bands that used the same large-format showband concept.  Happily, that concept is still around as

the name Circus Band.

LUDWIG COMES HOME

All are done in Daniel Smith watercolor on 12"x9", 120 lb. paper, 2018.

ENTER MAGALLANES

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

UNDERWATER RECLUSE (Jean Bettine collection)

KAWAYAN DRIVE (Annie Tan collection)

ASTORGA BY THE SEA

ASTORGA BY THE POND (this author's favorite)

MATINA APLAYA

Ludwig Ilio (a.k.a. Ladigohon) -- Roxlee's soul brother -- holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the National University. He started as an architectural draftsman and contributed occasional off-the-cuff cartoons for JINGLE  in 1977. His painting is self-taught.

He has joined various group exhibits, most notable of which is the Art Association of the Philippines exhibit in Beijing, China in 1981.

He worked for the Strait Times, Manila bureau before relocating with his family in Singapore in 1997.

He is presently residing in Davao with his wife.

RAYMUND MARASIGAN IS A JINGLE FAN

I GREW up in Candelaria, in a little town in Quezon province, a few hours away from Manila. I discovered JINGLE magazine in my early teens from older cousins. At first, it was just to learn the lyrics of my favorite tunes, then later on to learn the chords. A bit later, I read the reviews and based my music/LP buying (with my limited high school budget) if it was a best or worst rating. Haha. I asked my mom to regularly buy the magazine from the neighboring cities of San Pablo and Lucena.

One time, an issue was so late, I even asked my mom to take me to their Cubao office. I was surprised how small it was. Of course, no one minded me. Haha. I never did find that damn issue.

When I went to college in UP, I found new (lifelong) friends (and bandmates) in Kalayaan freshmen dorm by hanging out and singing tunes with a guitar and a portable keyboard with our old, worn out copies of JINGLE.

My unknown college band discovered Club Dredd and Red Rocks by searching for addresses in the magazine. (We were a bit late for Katrina's.) In Dredd, we met most of our heroes we only read about in the magazine. Eventually, the magazine folded up but the music and INFLUENCE live on. 

 

Thank you, JINGLE.

Raymund M.

NOTE: Acknowledging LoWRIDA15 for the YouTube video.

BAGUIO IN MY MIND

I WAS in grade 6 in 1968, about 10 years old, when I was introduced to Baguio. Together with my brother Raul, who is two years older than me, and our Kuya Gilbert (the progenitor of JINGLE), we took the six-hour bus ride one early morn. My eyes grew as big as fishballs (not yet invented in those times) in stupefaction as the series of mountains unfolded right before us during our ascent to the City of Pines. The zigzagging Kennon Road ride was exhilarating and nerve-wracking, to say the least. I held on for dear life onto the metal bars of the bus.

First stop, after taking our brunch, was Lourdes Grotto on the uppermost part of the mountain that featured 252 steps. My jaw almost dropped for it was my first time to see clouds over my head. It's as if you can reach out and touch it. How did that happen? It was really awesome for a young boy who was yet to see the wonders of the world. We went horseback riding in Wright Park and witnessed an accident unfold right before our eyes. As Raul and I were about to get off our rented horses, a young boy, who was continuously whipping his horse from the back, was kicked in the face with a speedy back flip. The horse hit the boy's face directly that blood began to ooze out almost instantaneously. The people around were shouting: "Quick! Bring him to the hospital!" The three of us were stunned and not a word was spoken.

What would it be like if we didn't even visit Mine's View Park? We went looking for everlasting flowers because our mother insisted that we buy her one or two garlands for her altar. We also bought some strawberry and ube jams in small bottles. Remember that during those times, the Good Shepherd mecca of pasalubongs was not yet around. We had to squeeze in as many destinations as possible for we had to go back home the same day...Wala pang budget eh.

FAST FORWARD. The next time we visited Baguio was when I was about 14 years old. We took the night bus ride -- to better enjoy the early morning sunrise while arriving in the city proper. This time, we were with some of our employees. It was a company blowout because the magazine sold well the past year. 

First stop was Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of Atonement) in Session Road to give thanks for a safe voyage. Next in line was boat-riding in Burnham Park. We also went strolling in the famous Baguio road bereft of traffic and pollution in the early 70's. Not like the sorry state it is in today. Tsk tsk...

We always drove our white Ford delivery van for our next "climbs" to Baguio. I had it installed with six speakers all around and two twitters in front for a balanced and full sound. Remember that the 8-track cartridge was in vogue during those times --  long before the cassette tape was introduced in the market. Pioneer ang player namin nuon. Folk rock songs that featured James Taylor were our on rotation all the way from Manila to Baguio. Dapat terno sa pupuntahan. The sound should also be cool.

I had my fave songs in vinyl taped in 8-track tapes in the very first shop of Love Electronics in Farmers Cubao. I had a vast collection of cartridge tapes back then. Puro various artists. Mga best of. I brought all of my ammo (8-track tapes) to Baguio. Remember that the farthest point then of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX was not even coined that time) was Dau, in Angeles, Pampanga.

Nowadays, driving is a lot easier and faster via NLEX that connects us to SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac) and TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan). Ngayon eh hanggang Pozorrubio, Pangasinan na via TPLEX. I heard that they are extending it all the way right on the foot of Mountain Province. All these freeways we enjoy hassle-free today will not be possible without the oomph of big conglomerates owned by Manny V. Pangilinan and Ramon Ang -- both stalwarts of progress in the country.

FAST FORWARD. Each year, together with my family (with Nerissa and our two kids Paolo and Jaila, and in some instances with Mommy Celi, my mother-in-law) we de-stress and leave everything behind and head on to Baguio.

Everytime we reach Kennon Road, I let Nerissa take the wheel. She would then drive barefoot all the way to Session Road. She enjoys the adrenaline rush of it all. Pero pag magpa-park na nang paatras...ako na uli...That's her waterloo.

We usually go up in December when the weather is cooler compared to May or June. And because of overcrowding and heavy traffic in the urban jungle, the once fine weather enjoyed by everyone is no longer there. Mainit na dun. Everything has even become too commercialized these days.

Pine trees are felled down to give way to houses and commercial establishments being built left and right. Less trees plus smoke emissions from visiting cars equals warm days and nights. It is that simple.

Paolo, our son, always sits in front of the car. I would always say, "Four eyes are better than two."  We usually travel during daytime for better vision. We always avoid traveling at night for I am nearsighted and I have a hard time with long drives in the evening. Because of my son’s navigation with the help of the Waze app, it's easy for us to navigate the traffic-laded Baguio streets. Mahirap kasing maipit sa pataas na road sa traffic...baka umatras ka pagkambyo mo. We always go to Tam-awan Village, a reconstructed Cordillera community where they showcase Baguio artists in their gallery. You can also have a self-portrait done by local artists there.

Another favorite hang out in is Camp John Hay Ayala Techno Hub (ang haba) for they have ample parking spaces and lots of affordable restos. We always chill out in Starbucks -- my personal choice. 

We’re also regulars in BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet that features his and other notable guest Filipino artists’ works, plus indigenous highlands exhibits.

Ukay-ukay -- which hawks donated second hand clothes from around the world -- was first introduced in Baguio. You only need an inexhaustible supply of patience while laboriously sifting through numerous used clothings that are very cheap. They also have an ukay-ukay night market right beside Burnham Park which starts at about 8:00 pm until about 1:00 in  the morning. They cordon off the road for the regular ambulant vendors. All of them are assiduous. Ilocanos are known for that...

Fave restos: Canto, O’ Mai Khan (Mongolian), Amare’ La Cucina, The Happy Frog, Jack’s.

The last time we were in Baguio, we drove all the way to Ambuklao Dam. It is a back-breaking drive on a steep, narrow and snaky road that is connected to Nueva Vizcaya. It was all worth it, for we witnessed the impressiveness of the dam first hand.

Baguio will always be a treasure trove of memories. There's a lot more that I haven't remembered in this post but will always be part of our annual family Baguio escapade.

My family and I took a leave this year. Just imagining the heavy traffic, the crowded parks, full-packed restos and taken parking spaces...we decided to stay in Manila...and breeze through EDSA because everyone is on vacay.

MY 70'S ROCK SINGLES PLAYLIST (Part 2)

AS promised...here is Part Two of my 70's playlist. Pardon me for including too many entries (50) this time. You see...the 70's are my salad years. Let us all now lose ourselves in memory lane.

• "Highway Star" (1972)/Deep Purple. A perfect soundtrack for the imaginary prequel of The Fast and the Furious. 
• "Aqualung" (1971)/Jethro Tull. Singer-songwriter-flutist-guitarist Ian Anderson's contribution to the prog rock genre. 
• "The Needle and the Damage Done" (1977)/Neil Young. Great acoustic guitar from the master himself; an obvious message for the junkies. 
• "All Right Now" (1970)/Free. One of the best vocalists of his time: Paul Rodgers. 
• "Dream On" (1973)/Aerosmith. Imagine you're in a dream-like state... 
• "Ooh La La" (1973)/Faces. I'll say it again: long before Rod Stewart sold out. 
• "Born to Run" (1975)/Bruce Spingsteen. " 'Cause tramps like us/Baby we were born to run." 
• "Ang Probinsiyana" (1977)/Anak Bayan. Recorded in 1973 and eventually released after Pinoy Rock exploded all over courtesy of DZRJ; the unsung heroes started the movement together with JDCB. 
• "Black Betty" (1977)/Ram Jam. In-your-face rhythm; one-hit wonder group.
• "Tupelo Honey" (1971)/Van Morrison. "You can't stop us on the road to freedom." 
• "Tiny Dancer" (1971)/Elton John. The partnership of the pianoman and erstwhile lyricist Bernie Taupin churned a string of hits in those days; watch out for Sir Elton's biopic. 
• "Your Smiling Face" (1977)/James Taylor. A rare fast number from the troubador.
• "Knocks Me Off My Feet" (1976)/Stevie Wonder. Still remains as my all-time preferred hit from the genius. 
• "Another Brick in the Wall" (1979)/Pink Floyd. Check out the free-flowing guitar solo. 
• "Imagine" (1971)/John Lennon. Still stands the test of time...never fades away. 
• "Won't Get Fooled Again" (1971)/The Who. From the group's Who's Next (to jingle) album. 
• "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1977)/Queen; "Stairway to Heaven" (1971)/Led Zeppelin; "Hotel California" (1976)/Eagles; "American Pie" (1971)/Don McLean. What would the 70's be like without these polished gems? 
• "Layla" (1970)/Derek & the Dominos. Feel Eric Clapton's honesty and pain.
  
• "Walk This Way" (1975)/Aerosmith with Run DMC. Rock meets rap. Great collab. 
• "(Masdan Mo) Ang Kapaligiran" (1978)/Asin. The first ever local environmental ode, as I know it. 
• "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" (1974)/Steely Dan. Flawless and excellent phrasing from Donald Fagen. 
• "The Logical Song" (1979)/Supertramp. I'm imagining this tune with "little people" in multi-colored clothing prancing around in merriment in a garden filled with never-seen-before flowers. 
• "Like a Hurricane" (1977)/Neil Young. Lav Diaz and I used to sing this one in our Cubao office. 
• "All the Young Dudes" (1972)/Mott the Hoople. Glam rock invades the scene; written by David Bowie(+). 
• "Roundabout" (1971)/Yes. Art rock has never been this tasteful.
• "Ohio" (1970)/Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. A counter-culture protest statement against the Nixon presidency. 

MY 60’S ROCK SINGLES PLAYLIST (Part 2)

THE 60's rock singles will never see daylight if it weren't for these ground-breaking and trailblazing 50's jewels. Allow me to mention a few that shaped the musical landscape as we know it today. Boys and girls, the birth of rock 'n' roll!

50's

• "Rock Around the Clock" (1954)/Bill Haley & His Comets. Sold 24 million (and counting) copies worldwide. Big bucks indeed. 
• "Johnny B. Goode" (1958)/Chuck Berry. One of the progenitors of rock. 
• "Long Tall Sally" (1957)/Little Richard. The wildman "having some fun tonight." 
• "Jailhouse Rock" (1957)/Elvis Presley. His gyrations shook all up. 
• "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On" (1957)/Jerry Lee Lewis. Piano playing never been this great. 
• "Blue Suede Shoes" (1955)/Carl Perkins. See another video with young and wide-eyed students Harrison and Clapton by his side; Elvis did a version of this. 
• "Be-Bop-a-Lula" (1956)/Gene Vincent & the Bluecaps. One of the earliest rockabilly songs; Elvis also covered this. 
• "Bye Bye Love" (1958)/Everly Brothers. Their spiralling two-part harmony was always rock's defining moment.