Electrique Unleashes Sexual Contagion With Its 30th Album, "Viral"

MANILA, Philippines - Electrique Music CEO, Mr. Aldasiel, has opened the gates for his 30th mixtape, "Viral" to pour all over the metro and beyond. On a press conference held last Monday at the launch party in Miggy's Penthouse in Manila, the CEO spoke more about the themes and difficulties related to this album.

Q: What is "Viral" all about?

A: "Viral" is about the intricacies of love and lust. For eight years, I've tackled all sorts of love in my albums but it is only this time that I chose to delve into the rather unspoken aspects of it. It will be hypocritical for most to claim that love, in the conventional sense, has absolutely nothing to do with lust. In "Viral", I've tried to untie that knot which keeps these hidden aspects a tangle.

Q: What is the inspiration behind this album?

A: Many times, I have found myself in some room - cold and lonely, no matter how many warm bodies I've tried to tap through. And in one of those moments, I wished I could somehow capture what I was feeling at the time. For the sake of those who are about to go through what I went through. For the sake of those who are curious. For those who just want to know what it is to sleep around and spread yourself thin over so many partners...

Q: What is the reason for the title?

A: Well, "Viral" is a word which has many layers imposed onto it. But mostly, it is about something contagious. Something which cunningly resists cure. From what I've learned, casual sex has that nature. You get hurt at first. Then, to feel better, you sleep around, possibly causing emotional pain to your partners when they learned that you were just using them for sex. And it goes on in a vicious chain reaction.

Q: How does this album sound?

A: This album is not as musically cohesive as "Electric Dreams" or "Head in the Clouds" although I did my best to make transitions seem seamless. There are actually two genres in here. It is electro rock through and through. Although it begins with more of the rock and it ends with more of the electro. This spectrum is essential to the plot of the album though, so I want my listeners to be aware that this was a deliberate act.

Q: How does it compare with your other albums?

A: I suppose it falls somewhere in between the synths of  "Drifter" and the glam rock of "Platinum Soul". It is on a class of its own, to be honest. Thematically, I haven't made an album like this. It's not so downtrodden and melancholic, but it's not so carefree either. It is just... real. It has attitude. And it is meaningful, even if the sexual theme might turn away my more conservative listeners. Trust me. I did not use a sexual theme just for its "tabloidal" effect. There is much more to this and by the end of the album, if you're listening carefully, you would have known what I wanted you to know. And you won't forget that. Ever.

Q: What response do you expect from this album?

A: To be frank, I am not expecting as great a response as I received from "Revelations", "Icarus", or even "Electric Dreams." The theme (which is rather advanced) may be lost upon my younger listeners. And this is no hit factory like "Revelations" or "Electric Dreams" were. The catchy songs may be few and far between but they are there. For "Viral", the message is more important than how catchy it sounds. There are only so many analogies I can use with the title, and catchiness may not be one of those.

Q: Any last messages to those who are thinking of downloading this album?

A: As with my other recent compilations, this is an experience. I'll take you to those damp, dark city alleys. I'll take you to those red-lit motel rooms. I'll take you there and you'll learn what that is like. You'll feel what that is like. Come on. Try.

You can now download "Viral" HERE.

On A Wednesday, In A Cafe

Of course I miss you.

Of course I miss those lazy afternoons with us idling around, just watching some random movie from HBO, drinking Coke and eating those Jalapeno Cheetos which you love. Eating ice cream. Trying to eat that durian I bought you just because you said you love durian and laughing at how that made the whole fridge smell funky. I remember how I'd try to touch you all the time and how you'd pull back more often than not, but when you put down your guard and you allow my hand to touch yours, it felt great all the same.

I remember that week when you were sick and I had to take care of you since no one was there for you. How I'd go to your place to bring you bananas and milk, melons and meds. I'd buy us some dinner and I'd text you, asking what you like and you'd say anything would be fine. Except that you don't like this or that. And I'll arrive at your house, arms loaded with brown paper bags and how we'd laugh about the situation - like I was the husband working his ass off bringing groceries home and you're the wife, staying at home doing chores and taking care of the dogs. And I'd pretend to complain, like husbands do, and you'd threaten me by saying "So you're complaining now?" and I'd just laugh because though it was stressful, traveling from Marikina to Las Pinas every night, it felt great taking care of you.

I remember how Haggie would bark when we're watching "Ina, Kapatid, Anak" because there was poop in her cage and how you'd yell at her and when you're coughing I'd imitate your voice and I'd yell "Haggie!" to you too and inwardly, I'd laugh because it felt like a simple kind of life. Local TV, dogs, Xian Lim, and you. And me.

And I remember all those times we were simply lying there on your very comfy bed. The light from the windows dim and clothes hanging everywhere and Snow underfoot. And how I couldn't resist not hugging you or not kissing you or not undressing you and you'd get mad at me and you'd warn me with a pointed "Bry, what are you doing?" and I'd desist but then I'll start again and we'll end up wrestling each other on your bed. And of course, if it was Friday, I get to stay for the night and you let me wear one of your short shorts and I do not have to worry about the sound of cars approaching just in case it was your uncle. How I'd never forget that one night when you said you wish it was Friday so I could stay and that would make you really happy. I simply shrugged that off right then, but I'm telling you now that I never forgot that. Nor that time when you called me "Baby Bry" and I asked "So am I your boyfriend now?" and you said "No, not yet" and I did not feel as disappointed as I thought because I hadn't been expecting much in the first place.

And I remember that time when you'd leap into my arms without warning and I'd struggle to keep you up though my knees felt like they would buckle at any moment. And you'd ask me "Kaya mo ba ako?" teasingly and I'd boast and say yes because even if it was tough keeping you in my arms, I still want you to be there. It took all of my strength but then I gave up and now you're gone and of course I'd hurt you towards the end because what you said to me had been more hurtful. Of course I'd save myself because I couldn't withstand another fall. Because with you, I've already fallen.

And now when I play Taylor Swift's "Begin Again", I still remember that glorious Wednesday afternoon at Bag of Beans. With you sipping tea, the sunlight flitting through the screens and making patterns over your hair, and us talking about art installations. How I couldn't keep my eyes off of you. I still remember all those things but I don't feel sad anymore. I can't even afford to let myself feel that anymore.

I don't know why I'm writing this. I don't know what's the use. But perhaps it wouldn't do any harm to admit that after all this time, your name still lingers over my head. That I still haven't erased your messages. That it is still you I couldn't help but remember when I'm texting someone new. because I think no one can beat the special moments that we've had. I couldn't help it but it is still you. It's still you.

Stay

It was a Valentine's Day, so many years ago, and we've just been to the UP Fair but I still didn't want to leave even though the vicinity was much too crowded already. We were sitting in front of the AS Steps, watching the fireworks display, and when it was over, I... I still did not want to go.

We went to Philcoa next and stood in front of McDonald's. You wanted to go home, but I didn't want you to. It was Valentine's Day, I said, and we should spend the night together. But where, you asked. Everywhere would be full, you said, let us just go home. But I was adamant and I still did not want you to go.

So we went to this motel, and as expected it was full. There were almost no seats left in the lobby, and when I asked the receptionist, she said it might take three hours or more before we can get a room. And so we stayed there, in the lobby. I was watching MTV and you were sleeping. Sometimes you lean your head on my shoulder, and I... I stole a glance at those around us because we've never been really public about such things. But then it was Valentine's. So I didn't care.

Finally, our number was called, and we both had to rouse ourselves. We went up to our room, and then down on the bed. But how we made love, I can't remember anymore. I've lost count of the many ways I've had you in my arms.

And yes, it was a Valentine's Day, and it has been so many years ago. But how we spent ours, I still can remember. Of all the guys and the girls. Of all the lovers and the strangers. How we spent ours was what comes to mind when I look back. And I don't know, Baby. I really don't know why. Of all the lovers and the strangers, it is still you that I want. After all these years, Baby, it is still you that I want.

Maybe someday, Baby, I will find someone to heal me. Maybe someday, that someone will come around and erase you from my memory. But until then, I am sure, that when this day comes around again, it will still be you I will be thinking of. It will be you. It will still be you.

Secretly

BABALA: MAAARING HINDI ANGKOP SA MGA BATA.

***

Secretly, gusto ko maging pokpok.

Gusto ko maging kaladkarin. Gusto ko kalabitin. Gusto ko maging kabit.

Gusto ko yung hihilahin na lang ako kung saan-saan tapos isusulasok nila yung kamay nila sa kung saan-saan. Gusto ko yung ipapader nila ako tapos wala na akong magagawa. Gusto ko maging mahina. Gusto ko maging biktima at ma-puwersa. Gusto ko yung wala akong kawala.

Gusto ko yung tipong mayuyurak ang aking pagkatao. Gusto ko yung pagkatapos akong gamitin, pupulutin ko ang sarili ko mula sa sahig. Nakatulala lang at walang nakikita.

Yes... Secretly, gusto ko maging pokpok.

Kasi kapag ganun, namamatay ang iyong emosyon. Kapag ganun, namamatay din ang iyong utak. Laman lang talaga. Laman. Kahayukan. Libog. Laswa. Walang konsepto ng romansa. Walang dignidad. Walang respeto. Mga hayop lang kayo. Kahayupan lang ang umiiral.

Sinubukan ko din naman. Tiningnan ko kung kaya ko. Fully-booked ang weekend. Sunod-sunod, nakapila. Laway ng isa ipapasa ko sa iba. Halo-halong pawis sa kumot. Ang mga amoy nila sa katawan ko. Iba-ibang body parts, iba-ibang pabango. Puyat palagi. Ngalay na. Masakit na. Maga na. Manhid na. Laspag kung laspag.

Siguro kasi, gusto ko lang may maka-tagos sa akin. May makapasok. Minsan, ang tataas na ng mga pader ko, na kahit ako hindi na makalabas. Kaya pinapa-uga ko lang sa kanila. Uga lang nang uga. Malay mo, may makasira. Malay mo, makawala din ako.

Pero mali pa din ito, kasi may dahilan pa din ako. Dapat wala. Dapat basta lang talaga.

Ganun sila eh, ang mga pokpok. Ganun sila.

Paano kaya ang mabuhay nang walang dahilan?

Gusto ko lang naman malaman. Gusto ko lang maintindihan. Yun lang.

Kaya yes, secretly, gusto ko maging pokpok.

Ikaw, gusto mo?

To Be A Seed

Just a few hours ago, my boss showed me the letter she will send to the HR Department, asking for an extension of my contract in the university. If things go well, and my return to UP as a graduate student will be accepted, I will finally be able to snag my long postponed MS degree. It makes me so friggin' nervous! I've been stagnant for the past two years, practically doing nothing at all for my career advancement, and I suppose the universe got sick of it and has finally moved to take me along to land me somewhere longer lasting.

I never thought I'd ever say this, but coming back to school had never made me feel this nervous. Two years were enough for me to get over my shock. Two years I've waited for my wounds to heal and get over the trauma of my demise from my beloved home university. Now I'm set and I'm ready to go. I'm ready to fly high again and prove those who turned me down that I wasn't the lost cause they judged me to be. Now another university has embraced me. Another university made me feel needed and loved like never before and now it's high time I return their care. I'm going to give it back and I'm going to do my best to make AdU one of the best chemistry schools in the country!

In UP, all the politicking and backbiting had caused some terrible issues which led to the disillusionment of me and some of my colleagues there. It's true that most of them are excellent in their respective fields. They are some of the best scientists this country has to offer. Everyone is really smart. Everyone thinks they know what is best. But unfortunately, they are not perfect, and they had neglected some important aspects in managing their graduate students and instructors. From them, I've learned that excellence can only get you so far. In the end, I realized that I'd rather work somewhere I feel loved and where people has genuine concern for me than somewhere on the cutting-edge of things but lacks the heart to care.

Now I know that it's not really very nice of me to say bad things about my former workplace. Just because they were not nice to me towards the end should not mean that I should return the favor. I suppose I am only airing out the sentiments of those who are dissatisfied with the system, and if they are reading this then maybe they can prove me wrong by working on these problems I have identified. I mean, I was probably one of the most dedicated instructors there and yet I wasn't even treated with a semblance of gratitude. I would have loved to stay there with them, and I've made this clear with my superiors, but it never made any difference. The best thing I can say though is that even if I'm gone, I know they will be able to manage things there. They will do well on their own and they don't need me. And that's okay, of course.

But here in my new workplace, I have a niche. There are opportunities for improvement. Almost, it is like the bosses here are giving me the authority to really make a difference. Even if I am quite new here, they recognize my abilities, and they are willing to give my plans the go signal. I have long dreamed of founding my own school and I suppose "adopting" AdU is the next best thing to that. If I choose to stay here, I know that I will be the bomb. I will improve the system. I will make the course attractive and competitive with other universities. I will further improve my teaching skills. I will make our department the best one in the university. I am willing to work my ass off to make our department the best that I can make it to be!

I know that I've always been more of an educator than a researcher. I admit that I am not very good with all the planning, the contacts, the sheer effort of conducting a research. I am very poor with organizing stuff, and the fruits of research, though noble and laudable, really do not affect me in the same way as a student thanking me because she learned something new. For me, there's nothing like whipping the class into a learning frenzy. There's nothing like touching lives and changing them for the better. My heart and passion are into education and this is where I belong. This is where I can make a bigger impact.

In the same way that I acknowledge my deficient research skills, I also humbly (choz!) recognize that I am probably one of the best chemistry teachers there is. My evaluation has never failed to prove this. And I think I do well in this because I really want my students to learn. It's that simple. Although my communication skills probably play a big part as well. My ability to look at the topic from the student's perspective. My ability to relate to them. All these, I suppose, had been crucial to my relative success. At the moment, actually, I am not exerting much of an effort when I teach. I do prepare, of course, but mostly what happens is spontaneous. What more can I achieve if I really set my mind into doing this? How much more can I contribute to chemistry education if I give this my all?

I am thankful to UP for training me this well. My interactions with the professors there, the knowledge they bestowed, the huge tasks they used to assign to me - these gave me the skills I needed to do well in my field. A great way to return the favor would have been to give it back by working for them. But since I'm denied that now, what I can do instead is to source that excellence out and spread it to others. I used to be a leaf, a part of UP's tree. But I've fallen and I've been cast down. And instead of doing nothing by withering away, I will transform myself into a seed from which a new tree will grow. I will dedicate my life into this task. And maybe one day, my tree will equal the tree from which I came from.

For once, I've never seen my career path to be clearer. The dust is settling down and I think I'm ready to take this road being offered to me. Two years is enough time for moping. Now I'm stepping forward. I'm bringing awesome back into my life and in doing so, I will be able to share this awesomeness to others.

You wait, world. I'm back in this game!

Still It Is Mine

I woke up
To silence this morning
My hand reached out
And found nothing but the cold
A sleep without comfort
A bed without warmth
Still it is mine
Still it is mine

Riding on the bus
On my way to work
I reached for my pocket
To look at my phone
A screen void of greetings
An inbox without your name
Still it is mine
Still it is mine

On my way home
I took a detour
To rest my weary head
On the shoulder of a stranger
Lust without affection
Intimacy without reason
Still it is mine
Still it is mine

On my way home
I let the wind touch my face
I asked the sky
"Was it all just a lie?"
You said that you were different
"Was it all just a lie?"
I said that it must end
"Was it all just a lie?"

A song without a melody
A name without a memory
A pain without a bite
A laugh without a smile
A riddle without a clue
An end without you
Still it is mine
 
Still
It is mine

The Last Paper Plane

I am trying to convince myself that I should be sad, now that it (whatever it was) is over. Other times, perhaps, I would have felt the need to be alone. I would have left this house immediately to have coffee outside. To smoke and to think. To grieve, and to be left alone with my thoughts. I should have done that. But I'm staying put in here because I've seen this coming. And I am prepared.

It was my fault, mostly. Because last year, when we were still dating, a small part of my mind was already aware that it wasn't really you that I like. It was only the feeling of chasing after someone that I wanted. I was only testing myself whether I can still feel. And now that I know the answer, the need to be with you has lost its purpose. It would have been sick of me, being like that, if it turned out that you can see yourself staying with me for long. Lucky for me that you don't. The moment you told me of that, I was relieved of this burden. It worked out for the best. For both of us.

From your actions, you've made it quite clear that you care about me. You always ask how I'm doing. And even during the days when I've given us up for good, it was you who called me. And I won't be a hypocrite to deny that I was happy you did. I was touched. But that does not change the fact that even during those days, I was already ready to leave. I was already gone then, actually. But despite that, if you're going to ask me if I'm okay now, I will say no. I'm surprised, but I'm happy that I am not as heartless as I believed myself to be. I'm fine, but I'm not completely okay. Otherwise, I wouldn't be inspired enough to write here.

I remember that moment when I was sitting in your living room. We were talking, and I realized that I couldn't be myself when I'm with you. In a way, I was only acting as if I was that person you thought you knew. I was holding back because it was apparent that once I've let go of this mask, you wouldn't be able to handle me. Not that it was something I should expect from you, given that we are not officially together. But if we did get together, then I must be able to completely be myself. And I felt that if we are going to be together, then most (if not all) of the conversation will be centered on your interests. Most of the effort to make the relationship work will be on you and for you.

Perhaps if I were completely devoted to making us work, I wouldn't have been daunted by that. I've made a lot of effort, and you appreciate me for the things I did. But then, I realized that sadly, you were not worthy enough for all of these. I realized that I cannot be selfless. The time will come when it will be me who will need something from you and I knew that you wouldn't be able to give me what I need. Not that it's really your fault because they are really very few - those who can ride the waves with me. I can count them with the fingers of one hand.

I will miss those days, being with you. I will miss our Gateway movie dates. I will miss waking up on your bed. I will miss those days visiting you there when you were sick. I will miss shopping for fruits. I will miss those lazy days in your house. I will miss the hugs and the kisses. I never expected to get this far with you. I suppose we were both surprised we lasted for weeks. The magic may be gone, but I suppose we could have worked it out and maybe tried again. I know that with a little more effort from me, we could have lasted longer. But when I saw you the other day, I knew that my feelings were gone for good. My trust was gone, and when that goes, it will be very hard to earn it back.

I know that there would never be a perfect guy for me. I know that very well. I know that I couldn't expect much since there is only so much I can offer and that I don't really have much to "trade" with. Again, maybe we could still have salvaged this. Maybe you'd be willing, but I know that it has to be me who must try harder. And at this point, I can't. I have nothing left to give. At this point, it is you who must give me something and you can't. You tried and it wasn't enough. And that's okay. There is only so much happiness I can receive.

Now I hope you're going to take care of Snow though I'm not sure what you are going to do with him. You can throw him away if you feel like it. You have my permission. I'm not that sentimental anyway.

I don't want you to think that I will be devastated by this. I don't want you to think that I will be bitter. Because the truth is, you underestimated me. The worst thing that you said was that you were only being careful with me because you do not want to let me think I did something wrong. But I am much better than that. I would have preferred the honesty. It is completely without emotion if I say that you never really knew who I am. It is sweet of you to tell me that I'm not really like this, as if you had the opportunity to really get to know me. It isn't your fault. I sorta faked it. And I'm sorry. But even so, the happiness I felt when I was with you was real. For a while, you were the reason for me to go on. For a while, you were almost my everything.

I have learned what I needed to learn from this. That I am still capable of being happy in a romantic way. That the gears of my heart were only rusty, and not dysfunctional as I once thought. But I've also learned that I cannot love completely anymore. I can make the first moves, but I can only go so far. It's not being emo, but I've been too broken for such things now. I need to be saved, and I will keep this in mind the next time I decide to dabble in these things again.

Farewell, then. It was great while it lasted. I wish you well. Thank you for the effort.