Sunday, February 28, 2010

A Blast from the Past!!! ...An IMOC Chronicle






A Blast from the Past!!!...an IMOC Chronicle






How much YOU and your BEST BUDDY really have in common? How far would you go to help a friend? Would you like to know an amazing story of FRIENDSHIP that will surely inspire everyone? then brace yourselves and surf our blogsite …


Finding true friends is the best thing that can happen in everyone’s life…and definitely true with US!

In celebration of “IMOC FRIENDSHIP – 20 Years of Spirited Camaraderie”… WE hereby share an inspirational story highlighting that special bond …IMOC - A Blast from the Past !!!


Going back in the early YEAR of 1990 over the pages of the Top-Rated MINUS ONE MUSIC MAGAZINE, unveils the beginning of an organization that has become synonymous with excitement, civic activities and sustained fraternal excellence… a history marked by concerted hardships, joyful moments and bitter-sweet memories.


Marking its beginning …one Sunday afternoon , 28th day of January 1990, at the Makati Cinema Square, unleashed a special union of musically-inclined enthusiasts as well as radio and songhits afficionados. Interestingly, the core group met in front of the record bar known as “The Music Nook” with MINUS ONE Music Magazine as a form of identification. Members headed to a Residential Place along Kalayaan Avenue, Makati which eventually became the official headquarter.

Not long after that very first day , INTEGRATED MINUS ONE CLUB, INC.> with its founding members Neil Undaloc, Amadeus Tilan, Thino Dulay, Myles Lariosa, Arnulfo Cuizon, Carl Ning and Irlan Sarajan, had made long strides in achieving its vision. Since then, IMOC joiners were able to foster that harmonious, cordial and fraternal brotherhood.


Summer of 1990 had been a memorable stage of acquaintances. Everyone was a bundle of energy who tirelessly put together an air-tight package of games, jokes and laughters during Sunday meetings conducted at The Greenbelt Park, Ayala Center. During this period, IMOC members tremendously increased and club officers were poised for a major upswing.


Apparently, the club’s growth was reflected during the Election day at the Manila Film Center and the Club Inauguration at the Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife on 13th May, 1990. The group played fun-filled games and finally got it “on” during the encores. It was indeed a great feeling to be one of them and eventually witness how the club reached its proper perspectives.

The Club social interactions with the less privileged were manifested during the Earthquake Victims Rehabilitation on the 22nd of July 1990 coursed thru DZRH Radio Station and the distribution of the solicited “Used Clothes” for indigent families thru “Pamaskong Handog” on the 16th of December 1990 at La Concordia College, Manila. These warrant the efforts exerted by the supportive members who wish to conduct bigger charitable projects.

Our initial success had a dark side as well. Indifferences, contradicting views, bad weather condition to mention a few were actually problems resulting to a huge uproar over our plans. At any rate, glad to know members were still around despite the obstacles along the way.


A remarkable turning point unfolded when IMOC earned its juridical personality as a Non-Stock Non-Profit Organization on the 17th Day of October 1990 per SEC Reg. No. 182719. The recognition has truly added a new dimension in achieving its organizational goal. The Club Incorporators include Irlan Sarajan, Amador Labsan, Alfredo Tilan, Benito Cesar Tan, Myla Lariosa, Dulce Cervantes, Jeanette Cortez, Apat Subido, Agustin Dulay, Kim Dumawal, Alf Lagrisola, Corazon Asis, Cherrie Bagtas, Arnulfo Cuizon & Marciano Insierto. The official document was duly signed in the presence of MINUS ONE Music Magazine editor Mr. Ariel P. De Ocampo & columnist BJ Cabaluna. The landmark processing was done by Amador Labsan.



On the 23rd of December 1990, worth-remembering IMOC Christmas Get-Together was held at Seaside Home Compound, Parañaque. It was an overnight to remember attended by regular members, MO Staff Maro Callo and BJ Cabaluna. The program commenced with an opening prayer by the President Irlan C. Sarajan then followed by an Open Forum. The Dance Party kicked off at around 9:00 PM ‘til early dawn with Audio Spectrum Mobile as coordinated by U2Jhing Cortez.


Another get-together was concerted at the President’s Place, Makati on the 30th of December 1990 in celebration of the coming year. The group was grateful with the presence of POWER 105 DJ Bob King, made possible by member Dodie Asis. During these momentous occasions, alternative courses of actions for club betterment were discussed accordingly.


January 27, 1991 marked the First Year Anniversary Celebration of the most-sought club of MINUS ONE Music Magazine. A very meaningful occasion for spirited loyal members who had been with the group since inception days. The joyful celebration was hosted by the ever-infectious Amadeus Tilan which took place at the IMOC Headquarter, Makati

1st of March 1991 unleashed the birth of the Official Club Newsletter over MINUS ONE pages. The managing editor, Ariel P. De Ocampo named it INTEGRATED MINUS ONE CLUB NOOK and delegated the responsibility to the Club President for its continuous existence. To entice Minus One Readership and radio enthusiasts as well, INTENSIFIED MINUS ONE COUNTDOWN was born vis-à-vis with the Joint A.I.R. Force Crew on board. With this regular column, members and MO readers were provided with regular club & music chart updates, artists features, music trivias, singles & album reviews and in-depth song analysis via Radio Monitor & M.O. Spinsheet segments.


Summer of 1991, IMOC was in full swing again reviewing procedures in accelerating the current club status. Cognizant of the vital roles, new set of officers actualized plan of actions that would provide the basis for an effective and popular response from interested parties.



On a more enlightening development , the Charitable Project “Halubiluan sa Damas” (Asociacion De Damas Filipinas - a settlement house for the abandoned children ) was conceptualized. The group scored another success on the 28th of April 1991 when this very heartening experience unfolded. Members spontaneously extended their support with entertaining activities, group presentation and parlor games. The duo tandem of Dodie Asis and Bhogs Romero played significant roles for the fast-tracking of the said project.

In line with the club continuing commitment, IMOC concluded its “Mt. Pinatubo Project” on the 12th of July 1991. Spearheaded by the club leadership and dedicated members with Randy Dela Vega, Alfie Tilan & Alf Lagrisola who had been instrumental for the distribution of solicited relief goods via DZEC’s Relief Operations in Legaspi Village, Makati.


December 28, 1991, the people who worked behind the scenes, jointly celebrated IMOC Christmas Party at the Lagrisola’s Residence, Manila. The momentous occasion was highlighted by parlor games capped with novelty items as prizes & the traditional exchange of gifts. Despite of the minor indifferences, nevertheless, the celebration turned out to be a memorable one. Prior to this event, members conducted “Yuletide Caroling” and proceeds were used to augment fund allocated for future projects.

On its 2nd Year Anniversary which was celebrated on February 16, 1992 at the Seaside Home Compound, Parañaque, IMOC under the Presidency of Dodie Asis had recognized the Top Honorees for their distinct personalities and widespread popularity ( based from the votation conducted 2nd February 1992). To test the IMOC Spirit, big part of the program was allotted in sharing everyone’s opinion regarding IMOC affiliation.

On 22nd of March 1992, IMOC yielded a convincing NEW MEMBERS’ AFFILIATION DAY. After months of struggling, sincere members had proven their merits amidst all uncertainties. With their presence, the club itself successfully deflated her myth in the eyes of those who undermined their efforts.

The remarkable meeting was spearheaded with a solemn prayer by Allan Salmorin then eventually followed by an opening remarks from the President Dodie Asis regarding IMOC changes, terms and current condition. Furthermore, ex-President Irlan C. Sarajan gave emphasis on member’s sincerity in his keynote address to the attendees. The outcome of this occasion had a lot of authenticities and reflection of what the club went through.



Lifting IMOC to a higher ground, the group conducted A Spiritual Recollection on April 12, 1992 at the IMOC A.I.R.Quarter, Noveleta, Cavite. Resource speaker, Bro. Olan Tonsay proceeded with the idea to have a nuts & bolts interactive session on pursuing the objective of this spiritual workshop. Moreover, the guest speaker rendered encouraging words on how to cope up with various problems besetting the club, the people we are dealing with and the importance of the Family.



Looking like the good old days, members played once more fun-filled games and surprises. Most significantly, the culminating activity of distributing “Pink, Blue & Green Letters” manifesting an in-depth reflection of everyone’s inner-self as well as relationship with one another. The occasion was highlighted by the group’s song rendition of “ If We Hold On Together”



Summer scorchin’ are absolutely fun to reminisce and members always look forward to this kind of event with much vigor and great anticipation. The First IMOC Summer Outing was held at Villamar Beach, Noveleta, Cavite. The group converged at Lawton, Manila. The year after, the club hied-off in the heart of the pristine Matabungkay Beach Resort, Lian, Batangas ( courtesy of the Lagrisola Family.) It was indeed a sight to behold watching the vista of waving waters while members braved the waves with shouts of glee. Bonfire, picture taking, fun-filled human pyramid, sumptuous food and the hospitality extended to us are memories truly worthremembering.



“ Every organization has its own vision, mission and goal for it to be successful. Through the years gone by… everyone knows we made history that will last in our hearts forever ”


Today, WE, the inner-core of The INTEGRATED MINUS ONE CLUB , envision IMOC as an “Association of Friendship & Goodwill” fulfilling its social responsibility with one another! A Million Thanks for being O N E !!!


- IMOC@Facebook 2010 Edition






Tuesday, February 23, 2010





The IMOC Nook 1991

Embarking on a new endeavour is always a challenge for me since the beginning...and tracing back exactly twenty years ago , my association with the most-sought MINUS ONE MUSIC MAGAZINE is synonymous to a one of a kind opportunity shared by “somebody” ( who knew nothing about me yet entrusted me to explore more)… a learning experience in writing (which I gained and placed me to where I am right now)...the leadership and respect earned within( and passed on to another ) and most significantly…a fruitful endeavour as a whole of meeting different people who eventually shared lives and destined to be part of the called “ IMOC Family”.


As the Club turned 20th year this January 28, 2010The IMOC never-ending story unfolds a new chapter as we bring back the past ( where every-MINUS ONE-music afficionados then, joined together for a common cause ) …and by the Power of the Internet vested upon us, we are hereby reconnected to commemorate the spirited camaraderie, to call upon "YOU" who shared with us… to inspire people and let them know …that there was once upon time a story behind MINUS ONE pages

(Column Conceptualized by AEY/IRLAN 1991)

Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Genesis of It All

HAVE you been offered a job that fits your qualifications, dreams, and passion to a T? Let me tell you that rarely anything else can match the surge of excitement that'll come to you as you listen to big promising plans and picture in mind each detail that can get underway if pieces will fall in its proper places. After all it's not every day that a dream job may be offered one's way. 
This was exactly how I recall that day in 1985 when the blueprint of a soon-to-be-born music magazine was presented to me ►the chosen captain. The desire within me to put ideas into action was so intense. Part of me wants to take the ship off the beaten path while the other part just wants a smooth sailing voyage. Lest we forget, the route this virgin ship is set to sail on in the mid-80s have long been conquered and traveled up and down by pioneers, veterans, and other unforgiving dream breakers in the songhits industry. Yet the youthful stubbornness of this absolute beginner want none of that loser's attitude. In my mind's eye I can make this my one moment in time. Put my heart into it and just let the dreams in my head play on.  And so off to sea the M.O. ship braved the odds. Through good or bad times and a few growing up pains, the music magazine eventually found a life of its own. Its determined will to accommodate and satisfy every reader's request supplied the oxygen that kept it breathing, while the seemingly endless task of delivering the expected goods every other week became an outlet of expression for me. And as weeks turned into months and months into years, M.O. discovered the route that lead to a successful formula. A personalized, unique formula concocted, appreciated, lived and loved by the greatest avid music lovers and followers, writers and artists, contributors and musicians who had undoubtedly made each voyage an enjoyable cruise and memorable experience for everyone. Without a doubt, it cemented a lasting bond between its fans and editorial staff.
We found out early in life that presents that come with ribbon always catch attention and praise. I consider I.M.O.C. the ribbon to my gift to the music world we all love.