I recently sat down with Awayaso frontman Zeph Lopez for a little chat about their latest single and music video, “Bahala Na.” What started as a simple interview quickly turned into me realizing that these guys may have just saved the Metro from total destruction. Here’s how it went.

“Naging inspiration namin sa MV ‘yung mga sinaunang Godzilla movies, tsaka ‘yung mga sinaunang Ultraman series.”

Zeph was talking about where they got the idea for the music video, and honestly, you can see it right away.

If you’ve ever been around the popular bars and gig places, or even local production gigs around the Metro, chances are you’ve already heard of Awayaso. This four-piece indie-rock band has been steadily gaining traction as they continue to play almost consecutively in different venues around the Metro.

The current lineup has Zeph Lopez on bass and vocals, serving as the voice of the band; brothers Jam and Apol Pisigan, the inseparable guitar duo; and EJ Rosquillo, who is banging the skins behind them.

The four recently released their latest single, “Bahala Na,” complete with an action-packed music video that feels like someone took a classic kaiju movie, an old-school Ultraman episode, an indie-rock band, and threw them all into one glorious blender.

And yes, there’s a giant monster.

A giant, pig-faced kaiju, to be exact.

In the music video, the creature goes on a rampage across the Metro, destroying familiar landmarks and buildings like it woke up one morning and decided that traffic wasn’t enough of a problem for us.

But fear not, Metro Manila.

Our four musical heroes are here.

Armed with their instruments, questionable bravery, and apparently enough rock-and-roll power to take on a giant monster, Awayaso goes head-to-head with the kaiju in a battle to save the city from total destruction.

It’s ridiculous.

It’s fun.

And somehow, it works.

“Last year pa dapat namin ire-release ‘yung kaso biglang dumami ang naganap na sakuna sa Pinas, tulad ng lindol at kung ano-ano pa. Kaya naisipan namin na ‘wag muna kasi baka isipin ng iba patungkol siya doon.”

The timing was one of the reasons they decided to hold off on releasing the video. And considering what was happening around the country at the time, it was probably for the best.

When “Bahala Na” finally arrived, however, it was definitely worth the wait.

The music video combines that classic suitmation look from old-school kaiju and tokusatsu films with modern CGI. The result is a wonderfully chaotic mix of old and new that somehow makes the whole thing feel like a lost monster movie from another dimension.

But that’s not all.

The fight between our heroes and the kaiju gets taken to another level with a full hand-drawn animation sequence, drawn by Zeph himself. It adds another layer of personality to the video and makes the whole battle even more fun to watch.

For me, that’s one of the best parts of the MV. It doesn’t just show how creative the band is musically; it also shows that these guys clearly have a lot of imagination and artistic ideas outside of simply making music.

And then there are the stories behind the shoot.

“Memorable ‘yung nag-shoot kami sa rooftop ng ginagawang bahay, kasi wala pang hagdan paakyat sa taas kaya nagtulungan kami buhatin ang isa’t isa paakyat.”

Apparently, one of the most memorable and funniest moments during the shoot involved the band having to climb onto the rooftop of a house that was still being constructed.

There was just one tiny problem.

There were no stairs yet.

So, naturally, they had to help carry each other up.

Because apparently, making a music video about saving Metro Manila from a giant kaiju wasn’t enough of a challenge.

Now, there’s actually a funny reason why this interview happened in the first place.

I’ve been friends with the guys from Awayaso for quite some time, but it honestly never crossed my mind to interview them about their music. Then they released “Bahala Na” on YouTube, and I watched the video with my daughter.

I don’t know what kind of sorcery Awayaso put into that video, but it instantly turned my kid into a fan.

She even told me she likes Awayaso more than my own band.

LOL.

And from that point on, every time my kid is around, “Bahala Na” somehow ends up playing in the background. She even hums along and sings parts of it.

So, yes.

I may have accidentally introduced my daughter to a band that she now likes more than mine.

I’m still processing that betrayal.

But jokes aside, that’s probably one of the coolest things about “Bahala Na.” Beneath all the monsters, explosions, old-school effects, animation, and indie-rock madness, there’s something genuinely fun about it. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that makes it easy to enjoy.

And if this story still hasn’t convinced you to head over to YouTube and take a peek at what the heck I’ve been talking about, well…

Bahala Na.

But don’t blame me when you end up becoming an Awayaso fan too.

And please, for the love of my band’s ego, don’t let my daughter know.

Radioman. Yep, that’s their name. And no, none of them work in a radio station, nor do they fix radios for a living. So why Radioman? And who are these dudes?

This rising alternative indie band from Taguig is a guitar-driven crew slowly carving their space in the local indie scene, playing around different bars across the metro and steadily becoming a familiar name among the underground crowd.

Formed in mid-2025, Radioman is composed of Daniel Bernaldo on drums, TJ Aquino on guitar, Marlon Valencia on bass, Apol Pisigan on lead guitar, and Ringo Ordoñez on vocals and rhythm guitar. These five guys picked up their instruments for one simple reason—to perform at their office Christmas party.

“The reason we decided to form a band was just to perform at our office Christmas party. That’s it. ‘Yun lang ang plano.”

Ringo, the band’s frontman, laughed as he recalled how it all started. But things took a fun little detour. What began as a one-night jam turned into something deeper: a shared rhythm and a new sense of purpose. Soon, the group decided to take it seriously and show the world, or at least the local underground/ indie scene, what they could do.

Most of them were co-workers. The other two were friends and former bandmates who got roped in to complete the sound.

At first, it was Ringo, Daniel, and TJ jamming to Orange and Lemons songs, their earliest musical common ground. They eventually tagged in Marlon to handle the bass. The sound was fine, but not quite what they were looking for. Then came Apol.

Apol’s arrival changed everything. His lead guitar tone glued the entire band together.

“Ang sarap ng tugtugan namin. Kabit na kabit. Mas pinili ko na ito as main band ko.” – Apol, Lead Guitarist 

From there, the band’s sound evolved. They shifted from their ONL influences to covering the greats like Eraserheads, the ultimate OPM inspiration. The fit was perfect, and Radioman found its heartbeat.

“Nasarapan kami n’ung nagpa-practice kami. Naisip namin, bakit ‘di pa natin seryosohin?” – TJ, Guitarist

One night after another jam, they decided to test the waters and book a small production gig. Fast forward to October 4, 2025, and the band landed their first major break at Simon’s Place Supreme Resto Bar in Tomas Morato.

But before that, fate threw in a little surprise. While prepping his guitar for the gig, Ringo dropped by Clifton Guitars for some setup work. The shop happened to host Facebook Live band sessions, and the manager offered Radioman a slot.

That livestream became their unexpected debut gig—broadcasted and free for everyone to watch. The set went so well that it turned heads and caught the attention of local music lovers. A proper debut before their debut.

“Buo kami, totoo sa isa’t isa. Walang pataasan. Tska nag-eenjoy kami sa ginagawa namin. ‘Yun ang dahilan bakit solid ang Radioman.” – Daniel, Drums

Since then, Radioman has played a string of gigs, including a packed night at The Roadhouse Manila Bay, one of the metro’s classic live music spots. Friends, fans, and strangers filled the place. The energy was electric. People sang along, laughed, and felt that familiar tug of OPM nostalgia. Radioman didn’t just play songs that night—they connected.

“Madalas mahirap na masarap tugtugin ‘yung mga kinakanta namin. Pero masaya kami e. ‘Yun siguro ang importante.” – Marlon, Bass

Even as a cover band for now, Radioman’s OPM-driven sets showcase pure musicianship. Their chemistry, stage presence, and charm make them a treat to watch. It’s not just about the songs—it’s about the joy they bring to the crowd, the laughter they share on stage, and the connection they create through music. But the band isn’t stopping there. Radioman is currently in the thick of writing their own material, experimenting with new sounds and stories drawn from their shared experiences. Soon, they’ll be hitting the studio to record their first batch of original tracks—proof that their journey is just getting started.

Now, why Radioman? Most of the members work in multimedia and local news, usually behind the scenes. They took inspiration from a beloved New York street icon and movie extra known as Radioman, famous for appearing in dozens of films. Just like him, they wanted to show up, make their mark, and be seen.

So, if you ever find yourself around the metro looking for a good band to watch, keep your ears open for Radioman. They might just be playing at a bar near you—ready to make you sing, smile, and remember what good music feels like.

“Magandang gabi, kami ang RADIOMAN.” 

“Parapapa… Pa’no ba kita mapapasaya?” 

The band’s third single is a certified serotonin boost ! A playful, sun-drenched anthem that trades angst for unfiltered joy. It’s the kind of track that instantly changes the mood, from the first bright strum to the irresistibly catchy chorus that plants itself in your head and refuses to leave. It’s ear candy in its purest form: effortless, familiar, and deeply satisfying. By the time the chorus loops back, you’ve already surrendered, humming along, smiling, and wondering how a song this simple could feel so alive. 

Fun fact: The song was actually inspired by bassist and musical director Francis de Veyra’s youngest daughter with Ziera de Veyra, the band’s manager. One day, their little one couldn’t stop crying  and from that tender, real-life moment came the lines “Paano ba kita mapapasaya, kahit anong dalhin, kahit anong gawin.” Then comes the gentle reassurance of “Sasaya ka rin,”. From there, the band added their own playful twist in the bridge, turning a quiet family moment into a feel-good anthem that’s impossible not to smile to. 

 Let’s talk about that music video — and did I already say ear candy? Well, this music video is eye candy. A treasure trove of surprise cameos and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments (no spoilers, promise). It’s vibrant, self-aware, and bursting with personality, perfectly matching the song’s feel-good pulse. 

 Before “Happy For You” ever found its way to streaming platforms, Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club had already been playing it in their live gigs, one of which I got to experience first-hand a few months back at The Backdoor in QC. It also happened to be the very first time I saw them perform live. And honestly? That night changed everything. 

 “Sasaya ka rin. ’Wag mong dalhin ang mga alaala. Sasaya ka rin…” 

 At the time, I was in a really dark place.  The kind that makes you want to give up. I almost did. But something inside me whispered, “Get up. Go out. Just listen to some music.” So I did. I went on Facebook, saw a poster saying UBF7C was playing that night, and decided to take the leap. I didn’t know the band. I didn’t even know what I was looking for that night — only that I needed a reason to keep going. But the moment they started — boom! — the heaviness I’d been carrying disappeared. Suddenly, I was smiling. Dancing. Feeling alive again. 

 When they played “Happy For You,” it hit me straight in the chest. The song felt like it was speaking directly to me, every lyric, every beat. I almost cried, but somehow, their music turned my tears into laughter. I danced, sang my heart out, and realized that for the first time in a while, I was truly happy. Since that night, I’ve made it a point to catch them live whenever I can. Because every time they play, I feel that same spark  that reminder that music can heal, and that joy can always find its way back. 

That’s why “Happy For You” is so special to me. It’s more than just a song, it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Every time I hear it, I remember that night , that feeling of being pulled out of the dark by a melody that radiates pure happiness. It’s the kind of track that reminds you life can still surprise you in the best ways  that even when you’re at your lowest, there’s always something, or someone, waiting to make you smile again. And that’s exactly why I’m writing about it because “Happy For You” made me just that: happy, and grateful to still be here to feel it. 

“Sasaya ka rin.”

Did you know that two lovers, a father who disapproved of their relationship, and a matchbox gave birth to the T-shirt? Before you raise your eyebrow and rush to Google to prove me wrong, hear me out. There is a new clothing brand that is gaining popularity, which also gives a fresh new take on the origin of the T-shirt with a story.

Discover the story of Trish and Bert, two lovers whose love is forbidden, who had to deal with epic battles and the might of a powerful Datu. This story, which is set in the early days, blends action, romance, and humor. It is narrated in a folklore style, which will make you laugh and ask yourself, “Well, isn’t it obvious?” (Get it? T-shirt— Trish and Bert!) I think I’ve said enough. Simply view the video here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BD5YHdfJv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This is the creative “pakulo” or gimmick behind Alamat ng T-shirt, a new clothing line created by Filipino comic artist and host of the Powerful Komiksman Podcast, Jerald Dorado. The brand mixes storytelling, humor, and Filipino creativity into every thread. Because, as Jerald puts it, every shirt has a story to tell.

If you love shirts, Alamat ng T-shirt has something for everyone: basic tees, muscle shirts, hoodies, crop tops, and sweatshirts all designed with comfort, wit, and Filipino pride in mind. The brand also makes bold statements with its “PIKON sa Korapsyon” Collection–a protest line that lets you express your anger and disdain for corruption while proudly showing your love for the country.

For more details, visit alamatngtshirt.myshopify.com and explore the full collection that celebrates creativity, humor, and Filipino pride. Don’t forget to use the promo code ALAMAT1 at checkout to get 10% off on your first three purchases. Because great stories (and great shirts) deserve to be shared, word, and loved.