In so many ways, it was like reuniting with an old love. There was a mix of excitement and nostalgia and, at the same time, a tinge of curiosity and apprehension about what the night had in store. As the first big indie concert after the two-year drought of events, Balcony Live at the Music Museum signaled the start of something we all thought was already almost impossible at one point a year ago.

And they were off to a good start. As Balcony Entertainment CEO Rico Blanco pointed out during his set, they started relatively on time, an effort to “professionalize the art.” And since it was a five-hour show, long enough for our now-unaccustomed bodies to sit still in our face masks, we certainly approve.

The show in its totality was not hit-or-miss. If the sheer size of the audience was any indication, the concert was a success. But we found certain decisions, like the crazy lights on stage and having a host on board, rather interesting. 

At the end of it all, one thing remains undeniable: the concert brought out emotions in all of us, the way a good live concert should. Applause echoed off the walls song after song after song. Laughter was heard as the artists made quips and witty remarks before performing. A tear or two was shed, perhaps while thinking “This is it. They’re back. We’re back. Live music is back.”

Never the Strangers

This four-piece band is best known for their song ‘Moving Closer’ and the attendees of the venue have not forgotten. During their performance of this familiar piece, we first heard something we’ve missed in the past couple of years: the collective voices of an audience singing together (still in perfect pitch, might we add). Never The Strangers’ first-ever live gig in two years also ended on a (literal) high note with their 2018 single ‘Wag Nating Sayangin.’

Raven

Not a lot of young musicians are given the opportunity to showcase their music on such a big stage. That night, though, Raven was out to prove that he was well worth it. Sure, there was a rawness in the way he carried himself onstage but that can be refined in time and with more experience. From spitting lines about love to rocking it out on the guitar, it is evident that this ‘Paraluman’ singer has talent and promise.

Maris Racal

When your backing band is no other than Rico Blanco and the same artists who opened the show, it’s easy to be drowned out by the sheer talent on stage. But Maris Racal held her own. From her powerful vocals to her alluring confidence, she was the darling of the spotlight. Her eye-catching outfit also seemed to celebrate the release of her album Ate Sandali, launched on the same night as the show.

Zild

We are no longer strangers to the fun and quirky way he commands presence onstage. Yet we were still left in awe of Zild that night. He presented a new look and a new sound but with a touch of familiarity that the audience seemed to appreciate. We bopped our heads to ‘Sinungaling,’ felt our frustration rise up as he performed his new demo ‘Dekada ‘70,’ and swooned over his duet with Shanne Dandan. 

Together with his session band for the night (which included One Click Straight’s Tim and Sam Marquez), he proved his versatility as a musician. His performances ranged from all-out rock numbers to more mellow ones, even inserting a sample of ‘Mundo’ at one point. Truly, Zild’s act was a hard one to follow (although the intermission from up-and-coming Balcony artist Ashley Julianne wasn’t bad either).

Ebe Dancel

But then, Ebe Dancel came onstage. And we were hit with a wave of nostalgia and tenderness that only he can deliver. 

The Filipino music icon has always been known for bringing out memories in his listeners. That night was no exception. Whether it’s ‘Prom,’ ‘Makita Kang Muli’ or ‘Bawat Daan,’ you’d see that wistful look in the concert goers’ eyes. Seeing him perform again on a big stage also reminded us of his 20th anniversary concert in 2020, possibly one of the last concerts people were able to attend before the pandemic hit.

What’s notable during Ebe’s set, though, was how different his demeanor was onstage. Sporting hair he grew out during the pandemic, Ebe seemed more relaxed. The singer-songwriter seemed genuinely happy that he was performing the new songs he released under his new label, in front of a live audience this time and with his band whom he considers family.

Rico Blanco

The moment the mind behind the music came onstage, we knew we were in for a treat. After all, Rico Blanco really knows how to work a crowd. By the second song in his set (‘Antukin’), most of the attendees were on their feet, swaying their arms in the air, singing along.

And once on their feet, there was no way you’d sit back down. Rico and his band (Eco del Rio on guitars, Badjao de Castro on drums, and Ace Libre on keys) were playing almost nonstop, from snippets of ‘Wag Mong Aminin,’ ‘214,’ to ‘Balisong.’ And when he swapped the usual lyrics of ‘You’ll Be Safe Here’ to Sa liwanag, sa dilim, I’ll be with you, we felt it.

The second half of his performance conveyed the message that the show was everyone’s as it was his. He sang ‘Abot Langit’ with Maris Racal and brought out Zild for ‘Nagbabalik.’ He encouraged the audience to sing the last parts of ‘Awit Ng Kabataan.’ And he ended his set with sure crowd favorites ‘Liwanag Sa Dilim’ and ‘Hinahanap-hanap Kita.’

At the stroke of midnight, the concert ended with the audience clamoring for more. It’s been a while, after all. But there is a certain feeling of satisfaction in hearing Rico say “para sa inyong lahat” and then promising “sa uulitin” before getting off the stage. 

Ultimately, Balcony Live delivered the best things about live music: reliving moments dear to you through memorable melodies and discovering new artists and tunes to add to your playlist. We can’t wait for more of this, not just from Balcony Entertainment but also from the local indie scene in general. “Sa uultin” indeed.