My work as an e-learning subject matter expert requires me to always be in touch with voice over…read moreartists and music production studios for recording. Our instructional modules at work need voice over audio files from really stimulating and great voice talents, and when I would need to record a script, I always turn to Pocholo Gonzales and his team at Creativoices Production. Creativoices Production is one of the most cost-effective sources of voice over services and sound mixing. Everyone else in the business charge an arm and a leg for studio time and for the talent's fees, but Creativoices Productions has really good packages that can help you achieve your production budget. Pocholo and his team can help you out if you need music and sound effects for your audio requirements. The agency also has a pool of voice over talents with different accents. The team is very experienced and they have several voice over and sound work credits under their belts.

As far as luthiers here in the Philippines go, Max Rufo is among the household names you should…read moredefinitely consider when taking your guitar for repairs, or if you would like him to modify an existing one, or customise you one from scratch. He's very popular in the local music industry and known for his work on electric guitars for several personalities in the music industry. He's also known internationally for creating his own, patented, noiseless pickups for guitars. His shop is quite a challenge to find, as Mang Max doesn't exactly do marketing and he's a bit under the radar. Here's a landmark: it's a small, small shop that's located on the corner of one of the subdivisions on Victoneta Avenue. If you get lost, ask around the area as he's quite known. Being inside his shop was definitely a new experience, as I've never set foot in an actual guitar workshop, seeing deconstructed guitars, jars of paint, work-in-progress guitars, and guitar encyclopedias. You can tell how this place has served him for many, many years. Just tell him what kind of guitar you have in mind, and he will create it for you (at reasonable prices, too). Very nice and accommodating fella.

While looking for a violin to buy, my bestfriend and I chanced upon this store at Cash & Carry…read moremall. I have never seen a shop carry sporting goods and musical instruments in one place before (is it that rare? I'm not sure) but anyway, I can say it was the place to be for my favorite gal, because apart from being a violin enthusiast, she is also a fitness healthtard! Maybe this will be her favorite shop soon enough! They actually sell a treadmill for the price of a cheap laptop! If I had space at home, I would seriously get my dad (and myself) one machine. Oh, and they also offer music classes. They told me that it's only for Saturdays these days because June has come, and students are only available for weekends now (and possibly the teachers too). Maybe one of these days, I'll rekindle the piano-loving high school girl in me with the help of this shop!

No one goes to Parañaque to watch gigs as there aren't really any good gig places here. But if…read morewe're talking about spots that go against the grain, Gara-eh offers a totally alternative scene, and I'm not even referring to the genre here. Garaeh is a LOT of things. Run by super friendly artist couple Yvette & Om as well as a couple of their friends, this place is a community of sorts that focuses primarily on music. Firstly, Garaeh is a space. It's literally a "garahe"--an outdoor garage that's filled with art and curious things. They, as well as their friends, host music gatherings and gigs here. Aside from an events space, they primarily offer rental services for music equipment for events. I HIGHLY recommend their music equipment rental as they do have a complete set of equipment at good rates. They also offer music classes (drums, guitar, voice, keyboard, etc.) for people of all ages, even music-appreciation for babies! Inside Garaeh is an electronics repair shop as well. What else? Occasionally they also do sell vegetarian mock-meat via their small project 'Ngitian Kitchen'. Their mock meat liempo is really, really good. Events aren't regular, as well as the classes or the veggie food, and you can't just barge into this place unannounced. It's best to stalk them online to see if something's up or if there's a gig to catch. If there is, do drop by as you're in for a unique and interesting treat.