I cannot remember the exact moment when I started to fall in love with dream pop music. Perhaps, it was also during the time my love for Japan and the kawaii culture began to develop even more than it already has. I believe these are the things that slowly made me realize that these influences have greatly affected me into becoming who I am today—someone who feels even freer to express her creativity, along with the growing drive to share that creativity with others.
Last October 11, 2014, I was pleased to have the opportunity to find out about the album launch of a good friend of the Kawaii PH Community, Zeon Gomez (AKA Ulzzang Pistol). In all honesty, I did not know much about Ulzzang Pistol, up until maybe two weeks ago (although, I did start hearing about him during Kawaii in Manila 2’s promotional days) through a new-found inspiring friend named Kaila Ocampo, who is also one of the founders behind the Kawaii PH community.
I feel a bit strongly about attending this event, since I was already a huge fan of artists of similar styles, such as KOSMO KAT, Porter Robinson, and the like. Without comparison, Ulzzang Pistol’s music was endearingly sincere, entrancing, and dreamy in its own unique way. I felt very fortunate to have met Zeon, and also to have heard his own story behind his advocacy with his music: that Asian countries can be unified through music (with his included), making it ‘One Asia.’
The event was held at Heima Brixton, which was a fittingly good choice for a venue, since it really matched well with the theme of pastel hues for the event.
Guest musicians, such as After School Special, Similar Objects, No Rome, and COEXIST, also performed during the event, and I honestly loved all of their music. I was actually wondering where I can also get a hold of their tunes. (lol)
While the focus of the event was for Ulzzang Pistol’s album launch, I was also fortunately able to still see the works of Reese Lansangan (also from Kawaii PH) up in her still-running art exhibit, The Gathering Season.
Ulzzang Pistol merchandise! I managed to buy a copy of his album myself, and the album actually comes with a free harajuku mask! It made me happy that I was able to get the ‘secret’ decora-inspired mask from Zeon. *u*
The event became even more colorful with the abundance of candy treats that they served during the event! We (Chichi, Francis, and I) kept coming back for more, until the people manning the tables decided to hand us paper cups so we could put a lot of candy in it in one go, instead of constantly coming back again and again for more. (lol!)
This sweet young lady approached Chichi and mentioned how big of a fan she was of Chichi and her artworks! I felt so happy for Chichi since the girl seemed so ecstatic to meet her as well!
I forgot to mention that Chichi brought this adorable pastel unicorn with her as part of her outfit of the day/night (ootd/ootn). I honestly wanted to steal it, as it was also coincidentally perfectly matching my outfit that night! :C
I was able to spot my friend’s (Celina De Guzman) work in Heima! (Hello, Celdee~)
Zeon randomly doing his trademark pose!
Candid of Chichi and Francis (kekeke ninja!)
Rome of No Rome is actually Zeon’s brother. They’re both amazing musicians, and I also enjoyed his music very much!
Some works of Raine Sarmiento that I spotted in Heima~
I am loving the color palette here. hihihi ♥
The two musically-inclined brothers on set.
I remember someone side commenting here, “Parang nag-ppsp lang. hehe” But seriously, I find that gadget/equipment so cool! :c
Surprise! Mica, the Kawaii Ninja of Kawaii PH, debuts as a Kawaii Ninja Rapper~ She was so nervous before the performance, but we were all very proud of her after for doing such a good job! Go, Mica~!
Spotted another of Celdee’s works! c:
Gia (AKA Taco-chan), the Kawaii PH Ambassador, also dropped by towards the end of the event! It was my first time meeting in her in actual, and she is just SO CUTE! REALLY! It’s like I just want her to keep her as a keychain! :<
Zeon and Gia~
Similar Objects performing after Ulzzang Pistol.
Zeon signing some of the sold album copies.
It was a simple gathering–not too crowded–but I liked it that way. It was a good crowd. It was mostly people who really had an interest in what the event had to offer. I can say that it was definitely a success, and I continue to hope for all the best for Ulzzang Pistol! The future is looking promising for an artist who is as passionate as him. It also reminds me of how to continue to fight in order to pursue my passions. 🙂 I was glad that I was able to become a part of this event.
P.S.
If you haven’t heard Ulzzang Pistol’s music yet, you can listen to it right over here:
