Maxine Syjuco (b. 12/1/1984 in Manila, Philippines): At 23, Maxine Syjuco is already considered to be one of the most prolific and prominent poets / performance artists to emerge from the Philippine art and literary scenes in recent years. Her work has won her the praise and adulation of critics, fellow artists and art aficionados around the country. Maxine’s first book, tentatively titled “A Secret Life”, is scheduled to see print later this year. Maxine is also a painter, photographer, fashion model and an author of children’s stories, among other things... Utakan: (v.) to outwit another Utakan: (n.) the act of playing mind games Utakan: A.G. Syjuco (26) - Guitars Mica Syjuco (24) - Drum Machines, Samplers & Synths The husband and wife duo that is Utakan was formed in August of 2007. The original intent of the pairing was to backup AG's sister, Maxine, for a series of performance art / spoken word gigs around the metro. The feedback received from these gigs was nothing short of astounding - prompting the group to press on as a permanent act. Mica and A.G. both work day jobs as systems analysts for a large, multi-national consulting firm. Both members graduated from college at the top of their respective classes with near perfect (1.0) grade point averages - garnering Summa Cum Laude latin honors in the process. A.G. Syjuco was the principal composer and lead guitarist for Faust! - the youngest comercially signed and recorded band in the Philippines during the latter half of the 90's. His sister, Maxine, was the drummer for that same band. The siblings are both children of legendary multimedia artist, Cesare A.X. Syjuco. Recently, A.G. helped produce Cesare A.X. Syjuco's 15-track debut album, "A Sudden Rush of Genius", which will hit record bars and book shelves later this year. A.G. plans to begin work on Utakan's debut album in early 2008 - when he returns from Chicago, Illinois on an international assignment.