Redrum Production and the Manila scene Fiasco
Where to even begin? There's a lot to say but it might bore everyone so let me go straight to the highlights and what I think are the significant events that lead to how things are now.
OK, lets start from Redrum's humble beginnings - 2016. It was pretty funny when Gino posted that the production name and logo was his idea so I should change it. To put clarity, I had the idea - he executed it (meaning put the design and all) so lets not distort the fact. But aside from the design and layout, I credit Gino for the inception of the production. He was the reason why I started it. He was so drawn into the metal scene, and he wanted his band to go big, you know get more events (which I think until now is his main driver - I'll get to that later) but there's a very limited opportunity for them to go out and play. I had the money, they had to release their EP, and I was getting ignored by him because he was so keen to be in a show, so I thought of something to get him to like me again - start a production and let them have their EP release. That was my first official BDM gig, it was for him.
Fast forward 2018 - Gutslit/Stillbirth gig. I would say that was my breakthrough event. First foreign bands I brought in Manila. I had a collaboration with 2 more productions. They both were a headache. I wont name names but you guys can figure it out. They were unprofessional and I basically shouldered MOST of the expenses. I didn't think of it as a collaboration at all. After the show, I messaged them (did not post because I understand they have a name to protect and one of them was my friend), telling all my frustrations and that I will not collaborate ever again. Nothing personal, I emphasized on their professionalism and the lack of help I received.
To answer some questions posed to me: yes I removed Pulverized in Gutslit line up but I did NOT just remove them. I talked to Gino at Technohub (remember Gino I even brought your pasta? I was trying to patch things up). I asked if you still want to play, you said not really since it was a weekday and your drummer will be too stressed having to play for two bands back to back. I did not know that left a sour taste in your mouth to even be talking about it until now. The poster layout, initially my co-ogranizer (not me) asked you to do it but since you were removed, I already asked someone else. By the way, how does your current girlfriend feel? You talking about me all the time still? Are you really over me? Lol.
I screwed up, that I must admit. I dumped Gino for someone else whom I thought I had a better future with. Gino was young and had many years of accomplishments ahead of him while I was getting ready to settle down and save for the future. I just couldn't be with someone not financially stable. Just like what he always say - money is my god, money makes my world go round. Yes, that's true. I know what it feels like to be poor, with dad leaving and mom going crazy, I had to carry the burden at a very young age. He didn't experience that, he will never understand.
So this is where the gap started to form - my co-organizer (close friends with Pulverized) in Gutslit who had ill feelings for me (for having money and not screwing up the event because they almost DID), the breakup with Gino, and my subsequent support with another band. They started to distance themselves from me and anything that has to do with me. Why? Whatever happened between Gino and I was not the band’s issue. Whatever happened between the co-organizer and I was not everyone else's issue. Another issue arises with a toxic woman and the gap worsen even further.
From then on, I started noticing they (Pulverized and previous co-organizer friend) never supported my events anymore. No likes, no share, no promotion, nothing. I was completely isolated. Didn’t know it was really sucha big deal to not be in the line up LOL. I asked previous co-organizer what’s wrong, I messaged him instead of posting shit, I asked him if he is avoiding me/us. He said it will probably pass, he was just busy, etc. He has all the excuses and couldn’t say a thing to my face but turns around and brainwashes other people to not support me. I knew it’s still about the Gutslit event because Gino (yes you!) told me he ranted to them about what I said in our organizers group chat (seriously? You couldn’t take an honest criticism from a woman?). Are you having a hard time accepting that a relatively new production is making it big? Guys + ego = bitterness.
And yes Redrum became bigger and more known. I have finally found co-organizers who are professionals and mature enough to not be intimated by a woman who have money to produce. Never in those big events did I see their support (not that it matters, I found new friends anyway). I actually thought Gino and I were okay. We talked, laughed and was drinking together at the Eyehategod event. I saw him when I was on my way to the office before my Pestilence gig and he even said he will buy tickets for that (but he never did, that's fine though).
I hate all this Facebook bullshit. We reached out to them, we created a group chat with them but they kept leaving. We asked them to meet and drink outside but they kept declining. We saw them at the Shinda gig last July and tried to talk one on one, like a man but they were avoiding us. Gino, being a grown up man he is, posted it in social media instead of talking to us directly.
Setting our break up aside (I know it didn't end well, was my fault I admit), what else could be the reason for them to become so bitter? I can't help but think, are you actually feeling mad for not being in the line up, especially to big events? Pulverized, you asked to be lined up to Krisiun event right? But since you didn't make the cut, you did not attend the gig right? Where is the support to local promoters? You only attend events where you can play so you don't have to pay entrance fees?
Now let me talk about the issue at hand - Davao. Why am I preventing Pulverized from playing there? It's this simple - if you are not supporting your local promoters, why do you deserve to promote elsewhere? Besides, why can you not do your album launch in Manila, or at least have a Manila leg? Was it because no one is creating a gig for you? Why is that? Was it because it's not 2016 and Redrum cannot create an event for you anymore? You could've asked and I wouldn't hesitate to still help. But of course, knowing Gino from way back, his pride has always been bigger than his balls.
Funny because my Page got more likes because of your subtle promotion, Gino. I couldn’t thank you enough for that. Sorry if this is causing a mess in the Manila scene but come to think of it, the people who supports you don’t even support local to begin with, so they don’t count in my books (or any organizer’s books for that matter). Most people behind your back are just there for the gossip and nothing else. Haha.
You could spread hate and shout boycott all you want, but just so you know, there is more to come for Redrum (hello 2020!). Pity how you chose to go this miserable route. I hope you get better soon and grow a pair.