Recto Records
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
Not anymore, at least... for me.
Music became my source of strength through my toughest times, until this very moment, it saved me. Besides art, I found genuine joy every time with collecting physical media, every time I purchase CDs from different stores—Cubao Expo, Ali Mall, Recto, you name it. I’ve been collecting for a good 5 years, never been more happier.
This documentary felt very personal since I met Mang Greg for the first and last time around November-December 2024. My sister introduced me to him, and when we went to Recto, we saw him peacefully eating his merienda (pancit canton and pandesal) while listening to music from the radio & sitting in front of his store. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy any CD from him (rock CDs are always sold out, according to him and the documentary, hehe), but I promised I’d come back for his Marvin Gaye CD. I got emotional when I found out I can’t fulfill that promise anymore. I also met Kuya Eric, and I bought 2 CDs from him. They were very approachable and recommended different genres. I ended up buying Michael Jackson and Sting.
One funny thing about him that I remembered during my encounter with him, upon watching the documentary, he would casually slip Taylor Swift as the topic, and he would openly say he’s not really familiar with pop.
I wonder what Malaya felt during his passing. I hope she’s good now. Thank you, Mang Greg, for reviving physical media. I hope you’re in a good place now and brought good music with you. You are missed by many.