SETSUNA & Lean Ansing: The Night MTS Went Heavy

Matina Town Square or MTS as every Davaoeño calls it – is known for its weekend variety acts, show bands, and cover-heavy sets. But on August 9, 2025, the usual soundtrack was replaced by a wall of distortion, double kicks, and unapologetic heaviness. For one night, the heavy scene stormed the stage, and I got to live it from both sides: as a fan in awe and as a performer with my band, TRASHBUNK.
This rare invasion was headlined by one of my biggest influences, SETSUNA, with the legendary Lean Ansing of Slapshock joining in. Thanks to Lois PH and Gmall of Davao for backing the event, it’s not every day the city gets something this raw, this loud, and this unfiltered.

How TRASHBUNK Ended Up on the Bill

I didn’t even plan to play that night. The invite came from Addy of Bridges, who was also performing with The Wear and Tear at another gig in D’Basement that same night. When a band called Kartlane backed out, we got the call to step in. Perfect timing. TRASHBUNK’s all-genre-but-heavy-at-heart sound slotted right in with other Davao titans like Not That Far, Tamad Si Juan, and Bridges.

The Calm Before the Storm

The evening started with MTS regulars, variety bands dishing out Celine Dion and Queen covers to the early crowd. Fans for the main event were already camped out as early as 6 PM, waiting for the shift in tone they didn’t know was about to hit.
When TRASHBUNK took the stage, we came in swinging with four originals. Heads started nodding, strangers in the crowd leaned in, and even the uninitiated shoppers paused mid-walk to see what was going down. We weren’t just playing songs, we were sending up a flare. The storm was brewing, literally and figuratively, as clouds began to gather overhead.

The Bands That Turned It Up

Not That Far — Davao’s finest pop-punk crew delivered the kind of set that makes you forget your feet are tired. Energetic, hook-heavy, and honest, they played like they were giving MTS its first ever Warped Tour moment.

Tamad Si Juan brought their genre-fusing madness djent, metal, reggae, and made it all flow like it was always meant to be together. Their set was tight, technical, and magnetic. By now the crowd was swelling, and even security started lining up along the edges.

Bridges, carrying the legacy of their David vs Goliath days, hit the nostalgia button hard with covers from All Time Low, The Story So Far, and New Found Glory. They even pulled me up to sing a track, and Jao from Not That Far jumped in right after. It was one of those “only-in-the-local-scene” moments that makes you proud to be part of it.

The Invasion Hits Full Force: SETSUNA

Then it happened. SETSUNA took the stage, and the crowd realized what they’d signed up for. Against the backdrop of MTS’s own “Artistic Freedom” sign, they unleashed pure chaos. Mosh pits formed instantly, bodies collided, and the energy was dangerous in the best possible way.

When Lean Ansing walked out, a true Slapshock legend, the place erupted. For me, seeing him live was surreal. Slapshock was part of the soundtrack to my formative years, and now here he was, in front of me, tearing it up with one of my favorite local bands.

In true scene solidarity, SETSUNA’s bassist ended up using TRASHBUNK’s own JC’s bass mid-set. A simple act, but one that showed how tightly knit the Davao heavy community is.

Walking Away From the Storm

When the amps cooled and the rain finally came down, I stood there trying to process what had just happened. From a fan in the crowd to an opener for one of my influences, it was more than just a gig. It was proof that even in a place known for variety acts, heavy music has a home and when it shows up, it shows up swinging.
MTS may go back to its usual soundtrack next weekend, but on August 9, it was ours.