There are some ideas that sound good on paper, and turn out horrible when they’re actually executed. There are ideas, on the other hand, that have the ring of total disaster, but somehow turn out all right when they’re finally brought to life. And then there are ideas that sound good to begin with, and turn out even better than expected… But enough about my birth and subsequent illustrious career! Last October 24 marked the first installment of STRIPPED, a new monthly production night at Route 196 on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

There are some ideas that sound good on paper, and turn out horrible when they’re actually executed. There are ideas, on the other hand, that have the ring of total disaster, but somehow turn out all right when they’re finally brought to life. And then there are ideas that sound good to begin with, and turn out even better than expected… But enough about my birth and subsequent illustrious career! Last October 24 marked the first installment of STRIPPED, a new monthly production night at Route 196 on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

The first STRIPPED gig featured a truly impressive array of talent: one set each by Beng Calma of Drip, Hannah Romawac of Session Road, Ene Lagunzad of The Ronnies, Swissy, and Waya Gallardo. Hannah and Swissy went totally solo, strumming guitars as they sang, while the others performed with no more than one instrumentalist each accompanying them—usually either a guitarist or keyboardist. The stripped-down renditions highlighted the power, skill and charm of each of the five fabulous female vocalists, not to mention their respective tastes in music.

I expected to enjoy Beng’s set, but was blown away by how much it kicked ass. With Ado “Flipperbaby” Ortiz providing electronic accompaniment, she sang stunning, pulse-pounding renditions of songs like Coldplay’s “God Put a Smile Upon Your Face” (much better than the somewhat torpid original) and Everything but the Girl’s “Driving”—a song I already liked before, but which gained a distinctive and appealing energy when delivered by Ado and Beng. They even made a song like Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy”—a music-blog favorite covered by everyone from Greg Dulli to Nelly Furtado since it hit people’s iPods two years ago—fresh and exciting. (Is it too much to ask for an entire covers album by Beng and Ado?)

Hannah Romawac proved herself up to the considerable challenge of singing such well-loved classics as “Chain of Fools” and “Hallelujah.” Ene Lagunzad, accompanied by Andy of The Ronnies, treated the audience to a set that felt more personal, with songs by Aimee Mann and Janis Ian and whoever it was that sang “Initial Thrill.” Swissy’s set was sugary and soothing, with impeccable covers of songs by artists like Frente! and The Sundays, as well as Terno labelmates Outerhope.

My college friend Waya Gallardo—perhaps the least-known performer in the lineup, though I can’t imagine that state of affairs will last—floored the audience with a selection of show-stoppers, accompanied by Ronnie of The Ronnies. Not one to shy away from a vocal challenge, Waya’s set ranged from David Bowie to Olivia Newton-John, with stops at Queen (“Don’t Stop Me Now”) and Heart (“These Dreams”) along the way, as well as a version of “Proud Mary” that had the audience singing along. And speaking of proud, we’re sure her mother, legendary singer Celeste Legaspi, must have approved, as she watched from the sidelines with husband Nonoy Gallardo.

Those who stayed ‘til the very end got to witness what Waya calls “a karaoke jam with The Ronnies”—she and Ene sang Heart’s “Alone,” (with Waya ending up on her knees and bruising herself in the process), Hannah sang “Crazy for You,” and Route 196 co-owner JP sang “Jessie’s Girl.”

The second installment of STRIPPED is scheduled for tonight, November 7, and will feature Katwo of Duster (yay!), Ria of Paramita, Mike of Mike’s Apartment, Star of Pumping Pluto, Zoe of Troublespots, and, back by popular demand, Ene of The Ronnies. We’ll see you there!

Photos of Beng and Hannah by Mark Laccay, under a Creative Commons license. Lots more pix and other fun stuff at Drip’s Multiply site.