This is kinda late but still I would like to greet everyone a happy happy new year. Looking back, the year 2006 for me was definitely a blast. It was exhilarating but wonderful, busy but worth the time and pocket-draining but really priceless. I was able to watch my all time faves Rivermaya (with Brownman Revival) and Parokya ni Edgar performed live in Malaybalay and had the time of my life slam dancing and singing along to every song (after all these years, I am still one big rock n’ roll fanatic). I was there at the PBA All Star Game in Cagayan de Oro City and literally rubbed elbows (and posed for photos!) with the country’s best and brightest basketball stars. We spent the Holy Week at Camiguin where we climbed the Walkway, slept in a tent underneath a cloudless star-filled sky and swim, swim, swim in the island’s hot and cold springs and white sand beach. But definitely, 2006 will always be highlighted in my life’s journal because it was the year my friendster status finally changed from single to married (bwahaha!). Malou and I tied the knot (aheem) and had our honeymoon at Boracay lang naman (hehehe!).
Looking back to the year that was, without a doubt I won’t look back in anger. Wishing we will all have another kickass year ahead.
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January last year, I predicted that 2006 will be another banner year for pinoy rock bands and I was damn right. The rakistas continued to dominate the local music scene with so many bands releasing albums through major labels and indie outfits. My personal choice for the year’s best album is Kamikazee’s Maharot. 
With all the free music available for download in the internet, I think it was the only CD (original ha!) I bought last year. My copy was personally autographed by the band members (made possible by my brother who interviewed the band when they performed in Dumaguete). Fusing metal and bits of hip-hop to their punk roots, the group’s sophomore effort featured a more polished Kamikazee as compared to their rough and raw sounding debut. Regarded as the heavier version of Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee unleashed an album driven with so much energy that its hard to
resist banging your head to most of the tracks. The album has some low moments though such as the irritating Shoot That Ball and Discoskwela and Sobrang Init which exposed Jay’s limited “screaming” vocal range. However the song Narda more than made up for some of the album’s weaker points. The song is so catchy that you can feel the energy even in the acoustic version. Then there’s Martyr Nyebera, Chicksilog and Ambisyoso which keep the band’s vibe going and your feet stomping. And with hot mama Eula Valdez on the cover, this album is definitely worth its price. Kamikazee’s impressive showing bagged them the Best Live Act, Band of the Year and Song of the Year (for Narda) during the 2006 NU 107 Rock Awards.
