Gel Jose

Blahza teams up with OnlyM for another chillhop crossover

“The song has a classic mid-2000s crack rap feel like you could play it back-to-back with Nelly‘s ‘Grillz’ and no one would flinch.” – Surviving The Golden Age

Asian American hip-hop artist Blahza and Malaysian lo-fi producer OnlyM come together for another chillhop crossover: ‘Drugs’.

‘Drugs’ is a laidback track that envelopes the listener in waves of relaxation. Driven by moody but minimalist soundscapes and smooth beats, the latest collaboration between Blahza and OnlyM settles comfortably into a simmer, taking a step forward in its attempt to embrace subtlety and introspection sonically and lyrically.

Blahza shares about the inspiration behind it: “Everything in life is going good and everyday I’m getting closer to my goals. I used to relax by numbing my mind with intoxicants and I reference that heavily throughout the song. By the end of the song I ask what’s a better high than you? It means that you can get a high from the people around you, like your significant other, or from yourself. You don’t need drugs to get high.”

To complement Blahza’s vision, OnlyM decided on a vibe that makes people feel good, highlighting a more optimistic but steady approach in terms of sound and feel. “I wanted something to make people feel good,” the underrated producer shares. “That you could chill out to as summer winds down, and reflect on the good times not just this year, but in life thus far.”

Blahza’s upcoming EP, Sad Songs For Happy People, is scheduled for release in 2021. He is also working on several collaborations dropping every month.

Listen to “Drugz” via Umami Records here.

Image and details provided by Umami Records in a recent press release.

Electro-pop band Dustybuns offers reassuring comfort on new single “Seasons”

Dustybuns, an electronic pop duo formed by Charles Baltazar and Jok Oloquina, has finally released their second single “Seasons”—out today on indie record label, Lilystars Records.

Expanding the eclectic pair’s sonic palette with delicate harmonies, bright keyboard tones, and subdued arrangements, “Seasons” delivers an effortless, almost slick sound pulled from vast music resources that range from indie pop to chillwave, electronic music to ‘80s pop.

Despite its incredible mélange of influences, the song remains confident in its delivery and intent. In fact, “Seasons” stands out as an anthem that offers reassuring comfort and warmth. It packs a punch, while also inspire listeners to stay strong even when the going gets rough.

“The song is about being there for the people you care about no matter what, and reassuring that you’re never alone and there’s always someone out there ready to lend a hand when you need them,” Charles Baltazar shares.

To date, Dustybuns is currently busy writing songs for their debut EP to be released soon. “We’re not yet sure if Seasons will be included in an EP, but we have some songs already made that will sit well along with it. We’ll just see when the time comes,” multi-instrumentalist Jok Oloquina says.

“Seasons” is available on digital and streaming platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

Celebrate #GenTikTokPH with Ben&Ben, Inigo Pascual and Rico Blanco on Oct 18

To celebrate TikTok’s diverse and growing community, the Philippines’ top artists Ben&Ben, Iñigo Pascual and Rico Blanco will perform LIVE on TikTok Philippines this Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 5PM for the platform’s biggest virtual event of 2020, #GenTikTokPH.

“Music is universal and powerful. It is what unites us with the community. #GenTikTokPH will be a celebration of everything we created out of love through music. Invite your Mahiwaga and let us have a wonderful time,” said Miguel Benjamin Guico, Ben&Ben.

The 2-hour online LIVE show will feature various performances from top local artists, dancers, and content creators including JMKO, Kuya Ching, Madelaine Red, Mikey Bustos, Ralphe Austria, and many more. Auntie Julie, aka Macoy Dubs will be hosting the online event.

#GenTikTokPH is a recreation of the great moments on TikTok — from entertainment to education and top trends. This is for the Generation TikTok and who made things happen.

“Expect nothing but a happy feeling all throughout! I’ll see you on Sunday,” said Rico Blanco. The OPM icon was TikTok’s ambassador for the #TikTokOPMPlaylist campaign which promoted independent Filipino musicians and local talents to the app’s growing audience back in October 2019. Since then, he continued to make OPM an ever-present content on the platform.

TikTok was built to inspire and enrich people’s lives through experiences that are genuine, joyful, and positive. TikTok has gone beyond being just a content platform. TikTok is the content, the community and the culture that it created.

“Every click of the record button starts canvas for human creativity and every phone screen becomes a window to our world. Whether one’s making, remaking, reacting, or simply watching, we’re changing the world one TikTok video at a time. We’re happy and grateful to share this milestone to our community,” said User Content and Operations Manager John Castro.

With its growing community of creators and users in the Philippines, TikTok is now ready to take the platform on a whole new level with a big announcement! After the event, TikTok will no longer be the same as they’ll take further all the creative possibilities.

Join the #GenTikTokPH hashtag challenge in-app and share why you’re officially part of Generation TikTok! You can get a chance to win TikTok-branded goodies! Invite your friends, stay safe and healthy at home. Download the TikTok app via iOS or Google Play.

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

BonChon lunch while working from home

It has become an all-too-familiar lament among us parents who are working from home: juggling all the tasks we are supposed to deliver for our jobs and overseeing the kiddos who are still adjusting to distance learning leave us very little time to prepare tasty meals for the fam to enjoy.

Fortunately, a solution to this quandary is just a few phone taps away, thanks to our trusty food delivery apps.

On one such busy day, Hubby decided to order our lunch from the BonChon branch nearby.

This chicken resto chain was founded on 2002 by entrepreneur Jinduk Seh. After spending two years perfecting the soy garlic and spicy glaze for his fried chicken, he opened his first resto BonChon (or “my hometown”) in Busan, South Korea. By 2010, it has made its way to the Philippines, just in time to help sow the seeds of the Korean obsession of Pinoys.

Considering the fam’s considerable collective appetite, Hubby decided to get 6 pieces (Php462) + 8 pieces (Php613) assorted chicken pieces, all with our favorite soy garlic glaze.

Giving in to his daughter’s request, he also ordered a Mandu Box Meal (Php199). Mandu are basically Korean dumplings. BonChon’s version is deep-fried and glazed with soy garlic, similar to the chicken.

All we had to do is make sure we have lots of steamed rice ready for our meal.

As luck would have it, my morning meeting extended to lunchtime so my baby girl assembled a plate for me to eat while on telecon (my brain can’t function on an empty stomach, you know!)

So that’s it: the whole fam satisfied with a tasty meal, quick and easy!

To have your favorite K-style fried chicken from BonChon delivered right to your doorstep, call +62 2 86331818.

McDo-snackin’ with the fam

A few days ago, I received a very welcome piece of news: McDonalds Shakes are back and they’re here to stay!

I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed this childhood treat.

That got me thinking: I have been working hard lately, putting in a lot of hours in telecons and drafting presentations. Hubby, too, has been pretty busy with his job, while the kiddos have been dealing with their adjustments to distance learning. Hmm… don’t we all deserve a reward?

So I took out my phone and a few taps later, my treats for the fam were on their merry way to our doorstep.

A little taste of our favorite fast food every now and then can’t hurt, right?

Check them out:

Big Mac Meal (Php207 with medium Coke and medium fries). Oh, yes… the 🎶 two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame-seed bun.🎶 For those who are below forty years of age, one of McDonald’s early advertising campaigns in the country was hinged on listing the ingredients of the Big Mac in a TVC that had a whole lot of airtime. There’s no surprise, then, that many of my generation know this list by heart, and that some, like my Hubby, would consider it his go-to McDo order, inseparable from the fries and Coke.

Cheeseburger (Php62). For those of us – like me and my little boy – who can’t handle the size and the sheer commitment of tummy space that a Big Mac requires, this burger made with ground beef topped with cheese, onions, pickle slice, ketchup and mustard in a toasted bun will have to do.

McNuggets (Php123). Six pieces of battered and deep fried chicken chunks that my daughter just can’t resist.

Apple Pie (Php37). Apple pieces stewed cinnamon encased in a flaky crust then deep-fried. (Because there’s always room for dessert!)

McDo Shake (Php94 for medium). Ah, the catalyst for this snackin’ adventure. McDonald’s creamy soft-serve ice cream flavored with your choice between chocolate and strawberry syrup. My childhood treat is back and that is goooooood!

After the fam made short work of these fast food items, we were ready to tackle our work again.

So every once in a while, it’s good to give in to your fast food cravings.

Wanna have your favorite fast food delivered right to your doorstep? Order online at McDelivery or download the McDelivery App.

You may also course your orders through these food delivery apps.

Download the Grab App and get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order

Check out my other posts on McDonald’s:

Comfort food delivery from Pares Retiro, P. Tuazon

Lately, we’ve been craving for comfort food, right?

Now more than ever, we’re looking for that feeling of well-being and fullness that comfort food brings.

An example of Pinoy comfort food that I was happy to rediscover is beef pares. This dish is braised beef stewed in a savory-sweet sauce and served with garlic fried rice, making winning combo indeed!

For me, the benchmark for beef pares is the one I tasted prior to the quarantine, when my officemate and I had our lunch delivered from the Pares Retiro near our office. I guess that’s why this resto chain was dubbed the best pares in town. I get cravings for it sometimes since then.

However, I’ve been stuck at home for the past few months and the nearest Pare Retiro is too far for delivery.

That is, until GrabFood made Pares Retiro in P. Tuazon available for long-distance delivery. Yey!

I found out about it when Hubby gave in to his late-night cravings and had some beef pares and bone marrow delivered for us to devour in between episodes of the K-drama we’re bingeing on.

(Spoiler Alert: they were gone in mere minutes that I haven’t been able to take decent pictures!)

That late-night taste intensified my craving for the dish again so I decided to order from Pares Retiro via GrabFood for our dinner.

Tonight, the kiddos and I feasted on:

Classic Pares Meal (Php208). That winning tamdem of beed pares and garlic fried rice. The slow-braised meat is fork-tender and the sauce has the right dynamic between sweet and savory that goes so well with the garlic fried rice.

Pares Tendon Meal (Php214). The classic pares dish made even more irresistible with the addition of melt-in-your-mouth pieces of imported US beef tendon that adds flavor and texture to the dish.

Bone Marrow (Php189). Roasted bone marrow flavored with herbs and spices. Add a bit of bone marrow to each bite of pares and rice and you’ll see why the fam and I got obsessed with it. I only wish there was more of it.

These dishes are not high-brow nor elaborate. Instead, they are simple dishes that give us comfort especially during these trying times.

This Pares Retiro branch is located at P. Tuazon Corner 17th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City. It delivers via GrabFood, LalaFood, FoodPanda and Pares Retiro’s website.

Kubra Commander debuts first official single “The Now” under Lilystars Records

Kubra Commander joins Lilystars Records’ impressive roster of music acts from the Philippines and beyond.

Prior to signing up with the indie record label, the Cebu-based psychedelic rock outfit has been making waves online since the release of their breakthrough track, “On Your Left,” which made it to CNN’s 8 New Local Releases for your Listening Pleasure and earned a glowing review from indie music website, Flying Lugaw.

Kubra Commander’s “The Now” lyric video

To mark their debut on Lilystars Records, the band has finally released their latest single “The Now”—a brooding, post-punk number about “gaining a new perspective on things through experience, and having an inclination to share the experience with other people in hopes that they can gain something new in return.”

Propelled by Kubra Commander’s inherent brand of disaffected cool, “The Now” starts off strongly with glistening synths straight from the ‘80s pop playbook, and builds up into an anthemic chorus at a brisk pace. Music-wise, it sounds more indebted to the band’s post punk and new wave influences, as well as the escapist, modern indie rock anthems of music acts such as MGMT and Empire of The Sun.

“I believe the chiming synth riff was what nailed it for me, playing it over the chords and beat gave a danceable feel to the track which I really liked,” vocalist and guitarist Bobbi Olvido shares the details about the music arrangements. “Everything just followed through from that point. It’s the first song where in all the members we’re able to contribute in the recording process, and it was quite easy to have everyone be on the same page production-wise. I also wanted to try to play with the idea of singing all the verses first and having all the choruses after.”

“The Now” will be part of Kubra Commander’s upcoming new album, Rhythm Tourists to be released in 2021.

Image and details provided by Lilystars Records in a recent press release.

Japanese dining for the fam at Teriyaki Boy

For years now, my family has been getting our Japanese food craving satisfied by Teriyaki Boy.

This local chain under the Max’s Group occupies the space between fast-food and high-end Japanese restaurants by offering the fam’s Japanese food faves at reasonable prices.

Our go-to branch is the one nearest our home located at SM City East Ortigas. Here, we feast on classic such as:

Tonkatsu (Php289). My son’s favorite Japanese dish consisting of a tender piece of pork cutlet that’s been breaded and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served with shredded cabbage and drizzled with sesame dressing along with a tangy-sweet katsu sauce.

Katsu Ju (Php355). My daughter’s go-to order consisting of breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet which is simmered in sweet soy sauce with leeks, onions and a beaten egg and then served on top warm rice.

Dynamite Sushi (Php114/4 pcs | Php210/8pcs). This sushi roll made with fresh tuna, chili oil, togarashi and Japanese mayo is one of the ploys employed by Hubby to stimulate my appreciation for spicy food.

Another bonus of dining at this particular branch is that it shares the space with another Max’s Group brand, Sizzlin’ Steak, enabling Hubby and me to also sate our craving for steak by cross-ordering an Australian Marbled Steak (Php699) for each of us. This tender and juicy piece of imported meat, grilled to our preference (medium to medium-well) and served with rice, French beans, cherry tomatoes and herb butter on a sizzling plate, ready for the satisfying sight, sound and smell of flavorful gravy being poured over it.

During the enhanced community quarantine, Teriyaki Boy paused its operations but has since re-opened for for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

So if the quarantine has you missing those tasty Japanese dishes you so love, check if there’s a Teriyaki Boy outlet near you.

This Teriyaki Boy branch is located at Second Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Santa Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 7pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 96381817 or +63 2 88879000.

Teriyaki Boy also delivers via its website.

McDo shakes are here to stay!

Get shakin’ anytime, anywhere as McDonald’s Philippines announces that its McDo Shakes are here to stay!

Now a permanent offering alongside other McDonald’s favorites, you can get your favorite McDo Shakes anytime and anywhere! Add a little sweetness to your day with the cool and delicious drink made from McDonald’s creamy soft-serve ice cream you love, combined with sweet Chocolate or Strawberry syrup. Indulge yourself with the milky, luscious, and decadent drink that’ll surely cool your day.

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with your favorite Strawberry or Chocolate Shakes for as low as P69 for regular and P89 for medium. Make sure to upgrade your meal’s beverage to give it that right amount of sweetness for as low as P45. You can also enjoy your McDo Shakes paired with everyone’s favorite World Famous Fries that are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

Don’t miss out on the exclusive Strawberry Shake promo on the McDonald’s App. Download the app now on the App Store or Google Play Store and to find out more about the deals offered!

McDo Shakes available in all McDonald’s stores nationwide via Dine In, Take Out, Drive Thru, Pick-up, and McDelivery. For more information, follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook or McDo PH on Viber to stay up to date on all McDo announcements.

Details provided by McDonald’s Philippines in a recent press release. Header image is mine.

Indie pop trio Parasouls drops debut single “Can We, Can We”

Indie pop trio Parasouls deftly captures the frustration of romantic yearning on their debut single “Can We, Can We”—released today via Lilystars Records.

A brisk but engaging alt-rock number that brings to mind the likes of The Cranberries and Frankie Cosmos, the band’s latest release is a tribute to a beloved sci-fi character from one of the longest running TV series in the world.

“This is a funny story: Can We, Can We is actually the first song I’ve ever written back when I was seventeen,” guitarist and vocalist Dani Dimaano says. “I wrote about one of my favorite TV shows, Doctor Who. This song, in particular, is an ode to Rose Tyler and The Doctor in the TARDIS.”

The song was originally recorded in acoustic form, and was written way back in high school by Dani and bassist Joshua Gaces. “We tweaked the rhythm a little bit so it would fit theband setting better,” Dani shares. “Also, fun fact: I really wanted to put in a dotted 8 delay somewhere in the song, so I spent so much time trying to learn that just to make sure it makes it to the record.”

The final version of “Can We Can We” is indicative of the band’s combined music influences, which touch on a more playful but deceptively simple arrangement and anthemic pacing. It sets the tone for their future releases, where the music is written and produced with the right mix of inherent rawness, melodic sheen, and pop sensibility.

Parasouls’ “Can We Can We” is now available on all streaming and digital platforms worldwide.

Image and details provided by Lilystars Records in a recent press release.