UNiCA at Zili's

Remember that Friday (November 6, 2015) hereby dubbed as #BusyFriday ? 

We went from the opening of Krispy Kreme in SM Angono, to the official Christmas launch of SM Masinag through a Fairytale Christmas, to the SPECTRE screening in the evening. Well we actually had a stop #4 for #BusyFriday and that was at Zili's to catch some long overdue live OPM music. Unfortunately Spectre was like two hours long and we also met Friday traffic so unfortunately we weren't able to watch Mayonnaise or Paraluman perform and only got to the last few songs of UNICA's set. 

Well, I've always been the glass-half-full kind of person and instead of being sad about it we (Team PCheng) just made the most of the situation- as we always do. So Paul started taking photos as soon as we arrived. 

UNiCA is a pop-rock alternative band that has been steadily making their way in the local music scene. Formerly known as Maltida which was formed way back in May of 2009 and hailing from Zamboanga. They have taken a new name and are set to make their mark in the local music scene. You may probably be familiar with the six-piece band's dual-dialect song "Porque" which was written in Tagalog and Chabacano. The song went on to become number 1 in radio stations in Manila back in 2011. 

UNiCA is composed of:  

Demz Espinosa (Vocals)
Whey Guevara (Guitar/Composer)
RB Bandiola (Guitar) 
Nico Sta. Cruz (Drums)
Jimi Ong (Bass)
Jesser Sison (Keyboard) 

Even if we were only to catch a couple of songs, we were easily impressed by the beautiful voice of Demz and the well written catchy songs. I was going through their Facebook page and was equally thrilled to find an impressive cover of Naruto Shippuden's "Yura Yura"  I'm already curious about their album entitled Breaktime anyone know where I can get a physical copy? 

You guys should also make sure that you're following Zilli's they have an awesome line up  for November! Plus delish food :) 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

Vanity Riots Acoustic Set At Zili's

Vanity Riots 

We were invited to cover another acoustic night at cozy Zili's and this was no ordinary acoustic night since Australian Glam Rock band Vanity Riots was also set to perform an acoustic set along with some of my favorite local female led bands, namely Save Me Hollywood and Talata.

We've been covering a lot of Save Me Hollywood's gigs around 2013, we were at the launch of their debut album Your Story To Tell, album review here, unfortunately we missed a lot of their gigs in 2014 but with our renewed endeavor to cover more gigs and music this year, we'll make sure to be around more often especially since Save Me Hllywood is coming out with their sophomore album in a few months (Yehey!) and I got to hear a few of their new songs last night and they sound goooood.

The band also has been nominated for Favorite Rock a Video for Happier This Way for the upcoming Myx Awards 2015 (More Yehey!) 

Talata 

As for Talata we started the year right when we covered their self titled EP launch -> review here by the way. You can still vote for their current single "Fed Up" on Myx. 

It was a good thing that the invite came in in advance, so Paul and I were able to file leaves since it was a Thursday night. :) 

After getting the invite, I did a little research and I really liked what I found out :) 

Vanity Riots is a 5 piece rock band from Australia, described as "a young, determined DIY band with a heavy yet catchy original sound" which I got to see and hear myself albeit in an acoustic set. They were recently on a tour in the Philippines, as my research (AKA Facebook) unearthed some of their stops which included Laguna, Olongapo, Metro Manila and even Boracay. Big thanks to their official sponsors Macbeth Footwear and Pulp Philippines. That 3/4 Macbeth top on vocalist Monica really looked cute too :)

Save Me Hollywood 

As vocalist Monica Strut said it was their first time to do an acoustic set and that it was fun, and I have to say that I was impressed with her vocal range as an acoustic set can bring out the raw prowess of a singer and we heard that in their set as they performed their original songs as well as some oldies but goodies such as Skidrow's I Remember You and Guns And Roses' Sweet Child Of Mine and as anyone can bear witness too- you definitely need a some guts and a pretty wide vocal range to pull that off. 

These choice in songs to cover shows the 80's glam-rock influence that the band has which they juggle with their young and current energy. Even if we weren't able to catch them as a full band I know that this band has a lot of potential and I'm really happy that they made their ways to our shores in this Philippine tour - hoping to get to see them as a full band and to see and hear them unleash their true potential - mosh pit and everything. Maybe the next time you guys come and visit us-yes? 

I got a copy of their EP Ambulance, I don't really do foreign EP reviews but I'll make an exception for these guys :) 

I admire bands who work hard and I can tell that Vanity Riots is one of those bands and I know that their music will make it's way to a global stage - really soon.

Vanity Riots with Reyg Linao of Talata 

Click HERE for MORE PHOTOS! 

Talata EP Review

After doing an EP Review for Indie Pop's Reese and Vica for their Those Who Wander EP I'm shifting gears on my next review with Alternative Rock's Talata's self titled EP. You can read all about the EP Launch here.

Composed of musicians who have been in the OPM scene for a long time already; Talata is fronted by Reyg Linao, wife to Kamikazee guitarist Jomal Linao who is also in the band. Which is why tere are many running jokes about the band's often angry songs as being a reflection of the married couple's relationship.

James Joy Linao on Lead Guitar, Anton Lanario on Bass and Dacky Clamor on Drums complete the five piece band based in Manila.

Known for their heavy guitars, raging drum beats and really angry lyrics-and we're. It talking about cute Taylor Swift break up songs but 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' type of lyrics.

In Fed Up the band says: 

Napagod, Nag-sawa, Nanlamig

Nag bigay ng lahat 

Ubos na ang pag-Ibig sayo

I loved how one of the songs is entitled: "Bugtong" I mean, how many kids out there still know what a Bugtong is ? In the song Reyg belts out: 

Ako ang Kasama 

Iba'ng nasa Isip 

Ako ang ka-yakap 

Ibang panag-inip 

Akin ka, Ika'y sa kanya

And it's not all about bad relationships, ex-lovers or douchebag guys not knowing what monogamy means. There's also a bit of a cat fight in the EP with the song "Margarita" which is about girls who can't handle a couple of - well - Margaritas.

You can check out the official video for Fed Up - and don't forget to vote for it on Myx :)

My favorite track from the album is "Bride" which I first heard during the EP launch and even then in the crowded , noisy bar (it was a full house) I knew that I loved the song and as I said before I really admire bands who can write both in Tagalog and English and you get that in the self titled EP which has 5 tracks and for P250.00 that's not bad at all. Especially since it comes in an amazing package, it even has the traditional fold-up lyric sheet. I believe you can get a copy at Zili Nasi Goreng :) 

The band is also currently on their EP tour so make sure to like their Facebook page for updates. 

I really enjoyed the EP, if you are a fan of rock and alternative you should really pick up a copy. The EP is filled with Rock songs that will make you want to jump and bang your head and you don't need to be going through a bad relationship to appreciate the songs, you just do because they are well written Alternative Rock songs which deserve to be blasted on your stereos. 

TALATA EP Launch

Among the Lights: Reyg Linao of Talata during their EP Launch. 

One of my regrets for 2014 was not being able to cover as much local gigs as we used to. So this 2015, one of my New Year Resolutions was to get to cover as much gigs as we could, despite the ugly and difficult schedules that we have.

Case in point-right now (at this period in time) Paul's off days are actually Monday-Tuesday (see-I told you-UGLY). So when Talata announced that they would be having their EP Launch on the the first Monday of January at 70's Bistro, we jumped at the chance to cover. Another requirement for gigs-to cover, especially when I'll still be going to work after would be that the location of the bar is near Eastwood (where I work). Which is why we found ourselves on a Monday evening at a jam-packed (the whole place was filled!) 70's Bistro, covering our first local gig of 2015- hoping for more this year! It was our first time at 70's Bistro actually and it was pretty nice :) Beer price is coincidentally around P70.00. :P 

We got to know Talata through covering an acoustic gig at Zili Nasi Goreng - a bad as$ Malaysian Restaurant at Vista Verde in Cainta. The owners turned out to be Mr. and Mrs. Linao. Jomal (Kamikazee) and Reyg, who also make up Talata. Okay so before I dive into the EP launch, I just have to go ahead and say that I really admire Jomal and Reyg; they have a family, with a beautiful daughter but they still pursue their dreams and literally rock out. I mean talk about having rocker parents right? They have a successful business and a financial adviser - yup you read that right a financial adviser! From an outsider's perspective they have things pretty much figured out which is why I really admire them as a couple and aspire to be cool parents like them someday :)

It was my first time to see Typecast perform live in a gig, since getting a copy of their Word Sits Heavy EP (which I won in a contest through Jam 88.3-album review here). We last saw them perform when they opened for Fall Out Boy in 2013 and as Paul said - you always appreciate a band more when you see them perform live and the same goes for Typecast ^_^ 

Another first for me was to see Moonstar 88 live- and it was really a relaxing set (obviously) and it gave a good variety from the other bands that performed earlier. I'm just glad that despite changes in the line up- Moonstar 88 has continued to create music and play for audiences - hoping to see more of them this year ^_^ 

The last time we saw Kamikazee was when we covered their signing in with JB Music, which the stage of the night was powered by - by the way. So I don't know if it usually sounds good in The 70's Bistro or was it thanks to JB Music ^_^ 

Seeing Kamikazee perform in a small bar was crazy fun! Now I see why Jay had a cordless mic (probably also from JB music-which is why it sounds so good!) with him as he made the ENTIRE bar-I kid you not - his stage! I mean this person is the very epitome of a performer as he reached out to people in the audience, danced his signature sexy, crazy moves; kissed girls and even got up the bar (where they served drinks) to do more crazy antics! Plus the hilarious banter of Jay towards other bands, just had the crowd howling with laughter. Jay also jokes about what will happen when the band will be "laos" but seriously how can Kamikazee be laos? These guys are one of a kind and I'm glad that OPM has them.

Crowd Favorite: Jay of Kamikazee basking in the light. 

Acoustic Night at Zili's

Midnight Meetings sharing a few teases, smiles and laughs before starting their acoustic set at Zili's

When I first came across the Resto Bar Zili's on Facebook posts for event announcements, two things immediately caught my attention. The first was that it was near our place, I have a childhood friend who lives in Vista Verde where the spicy bar and resto is located, so going there seemed like I was visiting a familiar neighborhood. The second thing that caught my attention was the 'SPICY' food that seemed to be what the resto bar was going for and how it was separating itself from other resto bars out there. Paul is a big fan of spicy food so I really wanted to check it out. 

So when I saw a post from Midnight Meetings that they would be playing a gig there and that December Avenue would be joining in I was SOLD!. I've always been a fan of December Avenue, in fact I included them in my list of OPM bands to watch out for, in a blog post I did last March 2013. You can read on that here. I haven't been able to catch December Avenue in a gig - ever so I pretty much knew it was a no brainer to go to the event. :) 

Nice and Spicy at Zili's

Like I mentioned in my recent post - I do take my siblings to gigs, because I want to expose them to awesome OPM bands. For this trip, we also took Paul's nephew Jared, who is also into music. He does acoustic covers also! (You can check out one here) He's not into the whole punk rock scene so we just bring him along for acoustic nights and gigs. So, armed my brother and Paul's nephew, curious tummies and ears wanting to hear good music, we made our way last Saturday night at Zili's. 

December Avenue serenading the crowd with their original songs and cover songs as well.  

Owned and Managed by Kamikazee Lead Guitarist Jomal Linao and his wife Reyg, Zili's is known for their SPICY Nasi Goreng Kampung. In case your wondering Nasi Goreng Kampung is a Malaysian dish and Zili's has perfected this with spices straight from Malaysia! 

Sorry we weren't able to take photos of the food. We gobbled it down right away once it was placed in front of us. :P Maybe next time we'll go there and do a photoshoot with the food and stuff - then eat it afterward of course! :) 

Another thing I love about Zili's is the affordable drinks that they have. Beer (San Mig Light) is at P45.00/each and there's Bottomless Iced Tea (YEHEY!) for just P50.00! And for someone who frequents bars on a tight budget we were more than happy to spend P85.00-P95.00 per meal for some awesome SPICY Asian fusion food :3