Barely a few months in existence, SM North EDSA’s music and events venue had not seen an act like Bamboo. The storm inside the Skydome caused by the biggest local rock group’s performance was far stronger than the actual typhoon raging outside. Hardcore fans came in droves to fill up the 1,500 capacity stadium. Up Dharma Down was the hot front act that warmed up the crowd.

“Muli” was one of the few songs they performed from their latest album “As Tomorrow Becomes Yesterday.” The screen behind the band showed the Mtv directed by Marie Jamora. It also features the ultra hot “Project Runway” host and model Teresa Herrera. There were sequences using comic book illustrations and has a unique storyline. The song was written by Epy Quizon for the band. Lead guitarist Ira Cruz and Epy Quizon go way back as college classmates in De La Salle University. “Muli” together with “Kailan” and “Last Days On A Cruise Ship” are nominees in the NU 107 Rock Awards for “Best Music Video of the Year.”

The track “I,You” was made special because of lead vocalist Bamboo Mañalac’s use of the guitar. He performed a rare solo acoustic version of the ballad. The energetic “Elesi” from his Rivermaya days was one of the early fast songs. “Ulan” described the weather fans experienced on their way to the concert. What has become a signature in their concerts are the confetti and pyro effects, accompanying their most popular hits “Mr. Clay,” “Noypi” and “Hallelujah.” There were two curtain calls even after “Hallelujah.”

Up Dharma Down’s vocalist Armi Millare sported a new bob cut. Her new hair makes her look like a Korean novella superstar. Drummer Ean Mayor had just come back from Hong Kong in time for the major concert. Their unique and haunting melodies were apparent in the songs, “All Year Round,” “Every First Second,” “Taya,” “Oo,” “Silid” and “Sana.” All of the songs they performed are from their current album “Bi-polar” except for “Silid.” Millare recently won the Best Female Vocalist in 2009 AVIMA awards. While the award giving body is quite new, the breadth of the contest is impressive. 1,000 songs from 16 countries across Asia have been involved.

Both bands are nominated for a host of awards in the upcoming NU 107 Rock Awards this Oct. 30 at the World Trade Center. The categories include Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year and many more. Fans can vote for both bands and others like Kjwan, Angulo, Intolerant, Kamikazee and a lot more on http://www.nu107fm.com/.