Moonpools & Caterpillars bidding their fans goodbye as the show ends
MANILA, Philippines – April 8 was a major throwback for Moonpools & Caterpillars fans as the U.S. based band composed of vocalist Kimi Ward Encarnacion, guitarist Jay Jay Encarnacion, bassist Tim de Pala, and drummer Gugut Salgado came all the way from Los Angeles to play an intimate show for their ever-zealous supporters Tuesday night.
As early as 8 p.m., the Amber Ultra Lounge at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig was already packed with groups who were surely the teenage fans when Moonpools & Caterpillars released its first record “Lucky Dumpling.” The audience who were originally preoccupied catching up with their own circles would from time to time grow silent while swaying to and singing along with the songs performed by front acts Moonstar88, We Are Imaginary and The Pinups.
And when the main event of the night finally arrived, from simply giddy, the crowd all turned jumpy and high for M&C. Jay Jay Encarnacion was the first to make an appearance, followed by both Gugut Salgado and Tim de Pala who personally went to stage to set up their instruments. Members of the crowd lightly cheered for the musicians by chanting their names, some even reached out their hands to share a dream high five with their idols.
When lead singer Kimi Ward-Encarnacion entered the scenario, it was then that the two-decade worth of separation between M&C and its fans was strongly felt. Ward, who was in her usual energetic self, held her face from both sides while a big smile was pinned on it. This expression was priceless to see, in the same manner that the crowd’s cheers were overwhelming, considering that it’s been almost 20 years since the group debuted and disbanded.
The sold out show, which is first of the three that the band is set to play in the Philippines, treated fans to M&C hits like “Hear,” “Summertime,” “Travelling Song,” “Sundays,” and “Heaven.” The crowd sang along really well with these tracks that lead vocalist Ward had to exclaim “You guys know the songs better than I do” – still paired with her dazzling smile.
But while the entire show earns a thumbs-up from us, the most goose bumps-stimulating moment of the night, we have to say, was when the band finally hit one of its best-loved songs, “Soon.” This track is undeniably a crowd favorite as almost every single soul present in the much-awaited reunion was singing, if not humming, to the melodious ‘90s hit.
And as if its own songs were not enough to delight the crowd, M&C even prepared a surprise performance, two actually, for its Filipino supporters. American lead Kimi Ward-Encarnacion was heard singing a Tagalog track “Ang Himig Natin” and yes, she rocked to the iconic song “Beep Beep” as well.
Though the show ended late, past 12 midnight of April 9, we’re pretty sure every attendee can say that it was worth the effort as M&C truly went all out in bringing again its distinct music to the fans.
The April 8 Amber Ultra Lounge show was a history, especially to a ‘90s baby like this writer, as it was both delightful and mesmerizing to witness such exemplary musicians play before you. Kimi was playful, and at the same time fearless, with her tones – reason why it was “eargasmic” to hear her sing. And the rest of the band was simply in perfect harmony, and we believe this is what makes their music still sound seamless and effortlessly good even after almost 20 years of hiatus from band activities.
That said, I think I’m going for round two.