1. How was your "Broke Punks On Vacation Tour"? Was it worth it?
DEVON MORF: Our tour was awesome, without question of doubt, it was totally worth it.
2. Would you say AYCE gained something from this tour?
DM: AYCE both as a band & individuals gained numerous benefits from this tour. Our joint adventures brought the members of the band (Craig-bass, Danny-guitar, Myron-drums and myself on vocals) and our roadie Karoline and Dug together, solidifying already strong bonds of friendships. It also taught us about other cultures and histories, showed us the effect of colonialism, often made us bridge language barriers, honed our safety and survival instincts (we always had to be aware of our surroundings and keep an eye on each other and our belongings), and so much more. Most importantly we got to witness new and exciting things, meet tons of new people and eat new and interesting foods.
3. From all the countries you've visited, which one was the coolest and the one that really pissed you off? How were the two gigs in our country?
DM: Every country has its high & low points. I really liked Brazil and often got frustrated in Argentina. As for the Philippines I enjoyed our Laguna show better than our Manila show because in Manila it was raining and I kept slipping on wet pavement when I tried to jump around. Though on the good side people had said Manila crowd were more violent and might threaten us, but everyone seemed cool.
4. Honestly how would you rate the HC/Punk scene in the Philippines?
DM: Its hard to say because we were only in the Philippines for a few days. It seems like there were a lot of people into it and some really cool bands, but we heard a lot of second hand stories about problems with drug and alcohol abuse, violence, gang problems and general apathy within the scene. The time we spent in the Philippines really affected me. Since we returned I've reflected on our trip to the Philippines more than any place we've visited and I've read several books on Filipino History and martial arts such as arnis. I'm also currently trying to expand my collection of Filipino HC/punk music and fanzine (any back issues of zines like Mutilated news, Anti would be appreciated as I lent all copies to a friend who was supposed to travel to the Philippines but instead got married and moved away (with my zines), arghh!!
5. What's your advise to other HC/Punk bands planning to tour this side of the planet?
DM: Well our advice would vary as your "side of the planet" is pretty diverse in countries w/ differing in cultures, economies and punk scenes. If you are implying the "Philippines" in particular I recommend the following; do some research, don't just stumble into the Philippines expecting some sort of Hawaiian 51st state.
The Philippines is full of cool things and good people but the U.S. Media really under reports anything in regards to your country unless a ferry accident or a WW2 veteran receives American Citizenship. I think a lot of people thinks its a tropical paradise where people wear little or no clothes and are surprised to discover that most Filipinos speak a good amount of English and are predominantly Catholic, and many people live in cities (not huts on the beach) where, as is the case with most cities, there is a fair amount of violence, crime and pollution. The scenes of Singapore, Philippines and Japan alone probably have as many similarities as differences.
6. Hey your new CD "Manga" is pretty cool and quite cheap (w/o sacrificing quality) where can our zillion readers grab a copy?
DM: Actually "Manga" is our first CD, "Un Ouef" is our second. They can both be obtained from One Foot Records in New Zealand or you can write Little Deputy Records in Austin, Texas for a or new 7" Ballinger. For stuffs like stickers, patches and shirts you can write us directly.
7. Last words, shits, et al.?
DM: Thanks to all the people who came out to our shows in Laguna and Manila and/or hung out with us. I'm still trying to write to all the people I exchanged addresses with, so if you haven't heard from us yet, please be patient. Anyone who wants to trade Filipino Punk stuffs for AYCE stuff feel free to write. Actually anyone should feel free to write us for any reason. So write us, care of me, at ALL YOU CAN EAT, PO BOX 312, Larkspur, CA. 94977-0312, USA. Take Care!
interview by: Noel Francia
