July 16, 2008

Not when I'm reading

During Bookay-ukay's opening day (see yesterday's post), they invited a band to perform. They had huge speakers turned to the street, I guess to attract passersby to visit the shop. I love bands and live performances, especially when the musicians use ethnic percussion instruments like in this group. But honestly, loud music in a bookshop? That was such a bad idea! And the shop was so small, it didn't matter that the speakers were facing the street—the volume was still painful.

band during Bookay-ukay's opening day

14 comments:

Debbie Courson Smith said...

Definitely an attention-getting move, not an effort to create ambience. I was once in a small bookstore that had a string quartet playing...that was nice!

Anonymous said...

Very nice post yesterday and today. I suppose the music was great to listen to also.

Olivier said...

De la musique douce dans un magasin c'est bien, quand elle est trop forte c'est pas très agréable, cela gâche le plaisir.

Dommage que tu es raté le concert de jazz manouche, c'est vraiment superbe et très emballant comme musique.


From soft music in a shop is good, when it's too strong is not very pleasant, it spoils the fun.

Too bad you missed the concert jazz manouche is really wonderful and very exciting music.

Eki said...

Books and music are two of the things I enjoy in life; but yes, I agree with you, loud music in a book store is a NO NO ...

Btw, Hilda, I just received the Arte Y Pico Award and have to pass it on to other five blogs that I like. I like yours, so I have decided to pass it on to you. I hope you don't mind receiving it.

Ming the Merciless said...

Most Filipinos are super talented musicians. One of my friends, who is Filipino, told me most kids study music since kindergarten. Is that true?

marley said...

Although entertaining, not a good idea in a book shop. No chance of a quite read!

smudgeon said...

An interesting choice of entertainment. Perhaps the owners of Bookay-ukay have more experience running bars?

Ken Mac said...

wow, I would have loved to hear that. Looks good. Sorry they were loud...young musicians often have that problem...

Hilda said...

Ming:
In families from the upper middle class (and higher), yes.

But even if most can't afford formal music lessons, there's always someone who has a guitar, karaoke, tape recorder… Here in Manila, you are constantly surrounded by music, even when traveling. (Which I hate, btw. I like silence.)

Becky said...

Ooh, this looks fun!

I've been to Manila, but it was many, many years ago. About a decade, actually. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and still have a fond place in my heart for the Philippines.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Hope to see you there again sometime. Keep sharing the Philippines with us!

melanie said...

Faire du bruit : c'est une façon d'empêcher de parler et de penser. Dans un magasin de livres, c'est une erreur !

stromsjo said...

Loud music in a book store sounds like a surprisingly lousy idea.

Layrayski said...

Ah... I think I know what their intention was. To attract customers, and to hurry them on their way as they made their choices. Hehehe

Jilly said...

Oh yes, loud music in a bookshop. Not a good idea. What a pity because the musicians look so intent on their playing.