Chaos is one of two nightclubs (the other is Pangaea) in City of Dreams Manila. Known for featuring international club DJs, Chaos has recently enhanced its programming to showcase Filipino bands every Wednesday.
We visited twice and found Chaos’ cavernous space, though not as big as Valkyrie, relaxing and conducive enough for both intimate conversation and spirited dancing.
On the first night, two bands, Trifecta and South Border, were on the bill. It was likewise our first time to watch Trifecta, whose brassy, funky sound consisted of ’70s covers including Stevie Wonder hits—ably interpreted by Trifecta’s male lead vocalist Manny Lamiel.
Female singer Jazze Manuel is blessed with a dynamic range and power.
With Laura Austria (percussion), Angelo Garcia (guitar), Patrick Huit (drums), Ding Tolentino (keyboards), Nards Apas (bass), Robert De Pano (lead trumpet), Jeric Sta. Ana (second trumpet), Kiko De Pano (alto sax) and Joseph Cabanero (tenor sax), Trifecta was a joy to behold.
South Border played with an infectious energy that moved the crowd to shout out its approval. Bandleader/keyboardist Jay Durias’ trademark spontaneity was in full effect, prodding his mates—guitarist Janno Queyquep, bassist Tabs Tabuñar, drummer Otep Concepcion, saxophonist Edward Picache and lead singer Kell Gatdula—to respond with enthusiasm.
On our second visit a few later, South Border was again on the bill, the quality of its performance superior as ever.
But the other band, Freestyle, suffered from faulty audio mix and an uneventful choice of songs.
That was a regretful situation, because the band (Tat Suzara, lead guitar; Rommel dela Cruz, bass; Gerald Banzon, drums; Ava Santos, vocals; Joshua Desiderio vocals, keyboards; Mike Luis, vocals, keyboards) is still one of the country’s best live acts.
Even so, the club drew a fullhouse crowd of foreigners and locals—among them a group that included sugar trader Ian Alvarado, BPO executive Rain Diaz, actress Gwen Zamora, and Inductivo sisters Kelly, Jacqueline and Sharon who happen to be Durias’ sisters-in-law.
Chaos Nightclub, UG/F, City of Dreams Manila, Asean Ave. cor. Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque; tel. no. 0917-8863678
‘Kaleidoscope’ at Greenfield
“Kaleidoscope” is a Friday night party which offers food, drinks and music under the skies at the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong.
There are also shopping finds and collectors’ items, but the main attraction is the grand display of lights while DJs spin dance music.
The weekly event serves as a respite for those looking for a refreshing night out while waiting for Edsa traffic to ease up.
At the event launch, Greenfield executive vice president and general manager Duane A.X. Santos said: “Kaleidoscope is Greenfield District’s way of emphasizing our dedication and commitment to providing a work-life balance environment. We put importance on art, healthy food and music to remind everyone of the beauty of colors and the magic of lights and that a Friday night out, in a perfect place, can bring inspiration to the challenges of every day.”
It is said that in a recent count, some 6,000 people visited Greenfield District on a Friday night.
The Greenfield District, Mayflower St., Mandaluyong; tel. no. 0906-4261469