by Jasper Ian Amparo Alindayu Ф2019
It was another unforgettable night last April 1, 2019, as the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority held the highly anticipated One Big Phi: Sonic Tonic. The latest edition of the annual event introducing the newest batches of brods and sisses was headlined by Autotelic, Brisom, Lions and Acrobats, and Chiquerella, with opening acts performed by homegrown talents: The UPCM Class 2023 band, Station 22, Crescent City, and the Phi Band.
Hosted by Jasper Ian Amparo Alindayu Ф2019 and Lalaine Samson Quinan Ф2018B, the event kicked off with an energizing mash-up of “Nadarang” by Shanti Dope and “Bata, Dahan-Dahan!” by IV of Spades from UniVersiTouch of the Phi Band. Other Phi Band acts such as the PHIreNauts also wowed concert-goers with a soulful rendition of the chart-topping hit “Buwan” by Juan Karlos Labajo while newly-pieced ToastyPHIre impressed the audience with a snappy rap performance of “Pauwi Nako” by O.C Dawgs ft. Yuri Dope, Flow-G.
The energy was kept on a high level as the UPCM Class 2023 band debuted at the One Big Phi stage with songs including the ‘00s favorite “This Love” by Maroon 5 and the alternative rock anthem “Pompeii” by Bastille. Station 22 from the UPCM Class 2022 once again proved their musical prowess as they rocked the stage with their version of “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” by December Avenue ft. Moira Dela Torre and “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Toploader.
Rising from a form of music known as Math Rock, the band Crescent City from the UP Musicians’ Organization brought a show-stopping performance with their original music such as “High Tide”, “Melbourne”, and “Montserrat”. The exceptional combination of unconventional rhythm and unique guitar riffs left the audience wanting more.
Apart from the sonic delights brought by homegrown bands, the resident body of the Phi Kappa Mu and the Phi Lambda Delta showcased their talent on the dance floor as they unleashed their moves that surely fired the hearts of everyone at Patio. Drawing claps and cheers, brods and sisses from all learning units yet again proved that there is more to medical school life than the daily academic grind.
One Big Phi: Sonic Tonic was also a special moment for the fraternity and sorority as they welcomed the three newest batches of brods and sisses namely Tostados Ф2019, UniPHIed Ф2018B, and WildPHIre Ф2019. Each batch prepared an entertaining audiovisual presentation that hyped up their dance performances. UniPHIed heated up the dance floor first to “Middle” and “Bones”. WildPHIre mesmerized everyone with their sassy moves to “Vintage” while Tostados pumped up the audience as they showed off and danced to the infectious beat of “Chunky”. To top it all off, Tostados and WildPHIre teamed up to further charge onlookers with smooth choreography to “Feels”that solidified their debut performance as Phi brods and sisses.
The headline acts did not fail to meet the expectations of both their avid fans and first-time listeners, too.
Up-and-coming six-piece band Chiquerella serenaded with their original songs that truly made a mark in the crowd. Singing their single “Sunrise and Sunset”, which talks about vacation and living in the moment, captivated everyone with its soothing vocals and laidback sound that is a nod to the blues genre.
Playing tracks from their album “Mundane”, Lions and Acrobats also thrilled the crowd with their punk rock sound highlighted by Icoy Rapadas’ powerful vocals. People gamely sang along to the relatable verses of the band’s hits such as “Cars” and “Cloud”, invoking emotionally-charged cheers from them.
The award-winning synthwave pop band Brisom touched hearts with their ‘80s inspired synth tune complemented with well-written verses. Performing their hit single “Balewala” blended well with the look and vibe of the venue reminiscent of the neon lights from the song’s Black Mirror-inspired music video.
Indie powerhouse Autotelic capped the night off with their popular hits “Papunta Pabalik” and “Takipsilim”. Josh Villena and Kai Honasan’s vocals popped in “Gising”and “Languyin” which set the stakes higher as they breezed through their set. They finally brought the house down with a sensational showcase of “Laro” that made the crowd jump in euphoria, both hardcore fans and casual goers alike.
One Big Phi: Sonic Tonic was indeed a delicately balanced concoction of music and dance that surely hit the spot among the concertgoers. Moreover, it was one for the books as the fraternity and sorority welcomed its newest batches of brods and sisses to their distinct rosters—celebrating together what it means to be One Big Phi. Until next year!
This event is brought to you by the Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and Phi Lambda Delta Sorority. Co-presented by: Olivarez General Hospital, Vista Residences, Don Henrico’s, Torre Lorenzo, Onesimus, Nestle, Chuckie. With our sponsors: Unilab, Goju Natural Fruit Infusion, Spike Dietary Supplement Capsule, Energizer, Olivarez Home Calamba, Mont Albo Massage Hut, Philusa, Ruben’s Ube Halaya, Paulino Clinic, Dark Specialty Coffee, Torch, Pepper Lunch, Kettle Korn, The Orange Segment; our alcohol sponsors The Bar Premium Gin, and Emperador Lime+Light, iba ang sarap! With our official radio partner Wave 89.1, and our media partners Wazzup Pilipinas and WhenInManila.com. This event is for the benefit of service projects Usapang Isipan of the Phi Kappa Mu and EmpoweRED of the Phi Lambda Delta.
