2012 Year-end Mixtape (Foreign)

Hello again! i bring you the other half of the mixtape. Sorry for the late post as i was hospitalized on new year’s day (don’t worry folks, fingers are still complete)

Without further adieu, here’s the list in no particular order:

  • Something About Us (Daft Punk Cover) by Balance and the Traveling Sounds – One of the highlights that Mushtards did this year was to play this song on Beat Bucket 6.0 oh and first time to rap as well hehehe.
  • In Between Days by Ben Folds - Another cover song that has some trippy twist on the keyboards. This music pumps m up every time i listen to it.
  • Call Me Maybe (Originally by Carly Rae Jepsen) by Ben Howard – I love how Ben Howard covered this song.
  • Day Four by Bloc Party - Finally they are back and this is from their brand new album simply titled “Four” and this is the track i love to repeat over and over again. Not This Modern Love perfect, but still good.
  • Locked Out Of Heaven by Bruno Mars – Ok honestly at first it sounded like a Police track (probably due to the crunchy riffs and bouncy bass lines) and is it just me or Bruno Mars is sounding like Michael Jackson? Either way, nice new material
  • Billie Jean (cover) by Chris Cornell - Speaking of which, an old track from him, still rockin out up until now.
  • #41 by Dave Matthews Band – This is by far one of the tracks i would like to cover. Who knows?
  • Swerve City by Deftones – They are back on their probably one of the best albums yet.
  • Two Lads by Enemies - So this is new to me. One of the post math-rock bands to be included on the list. Very good i say!
  • On the Way by Jack Thammarat - Again, another instrumental song that features the Guitar idol Thailand winner Jack Thammarat. Listen and feel every guitar note played
  • Krafty by New Order – Another old track that when you listen to it, will make you dance…. Dance i say!
  • 100% (hundred percent) by One Ok Rock – before their fame for the live action adaptation of Rurouni Kenshin, i’ve been listening to them back then and this is one of their energy filled tracks from their earlier albums.
  • Goodbye by Toe – I’ve been fortunate enough to watch them live last year and again, another post-math instrumental band. I love how the raw energy that they bring out to the stage while performing.
  • Plateau by Mouse on the Keys – Another Japanese instrumental band. 2 Keyboards and 1 drummer, this is a force to be beaten.
  • What if by Safetysuit - Reminds me of Switchfoot but they are not Switchfoot.
  • New York by Snow Patrol – I’m torn between chasing cars and this one but in the end, if you want to slash your wrist sooo bad, go on and listen to the song. Teeheehee!
  • The Saddest Song by The Ataris - After listening to some gloomy Snow Patrol, try listening to this rock track

And as always, Go get the mixtape by clicking here

2012 Year-end Mixtape (Local)

2012 is about to close and with that, i bring you the annual year end mixtapes. For those of you who are familiar with this annual giveaway, i usually give out mixtapes by end of year by either famous and or up and coming artists and or songs both local and international. It can also be my fave tracks for the past year. As much as i wanted to keep it to only 12 tracks, heck, it’s more than 12.

Here are the tracks expected in no particular order on the mixtape:

  • Raspberry Girl by Chicosci – They’re back with a solid album this 2012. Will be making a review on this one.
  • Nakauwi na by Ang Bandang Shirley - Definitely one of the tracks that kept me excited for the new album.
  • Daytrip by Chris Cantada – I first heard this one on the bootleg mp3′s by Spongecola on their earlier days and Chris Cantada formerly of the said band have done justice recording this track.
  • Silup by Gloc 9 Feat. Denise – A wordplay of Pulis, This track can be found on his latest offering that was released as well this year.
  • The Spin by Stereodeal – If last year’s relentless kept your feet thumping, then this track will make your head bang. A new lineup (Chris Cantada takes on drumming duties this time) and last time i heard, 2013 will be the year when they will release their album. One of the bands to watch out on 2013.
  • Sick But Not Tired by Hello World – Groovy, catchy and addictive. These are the 3 words upon describing this band. Please do watch out for their music video to be launched soon and hopefully, an EP or an Album for these guys.
  • Slow Dancing in a burning room cover by Mushtards – It’s Mushtards…. nuff said… hehehe!
  • Here we are here we go by Paranoid City – Dance Dance baby!
  • Backpack by Tide / Edit - one of the up and coming post math rock bands in the country, perfect to listen while working and driving.
  • Sana kung 2012 by Mayonnaise - 2012 remaster version, still solid and clean as ever.
  • XGF by Sponge Cola feat. Chito and Los Magno – Girlfriend ko nang ex-girlfriend mo…. catchy and yeah watch out for the random spanish words part and uhuh yeah!
  • Lipat Bahay by Rico Blanco - Slow down tempo song that deals with moving on. This is included in the latest album of Rico Blanco that is a big change from his first album.
  • Tao Lang by Loonie feat. Quest – Powerful message that deals with everyday errors in life.
  • K.U.P.A.L by Oktaves – In time for the coming elections, listen and be informed.
  • Di mo na kaya by Hijo – At kung saan ka masaya…. nice track from the boys. Waiting for their full length album as well.
  • Huling Sayaw by Kamikazee feat. Kyla – The collaboration no one expected. R&B princess meets the crazy crazy bunch of Kamikazee and it turns out, the collaboration turned out very good.

Go get the mixtape by clicking here.

Album Review: Ang Bandang Shirley’s “Tama na ang Drama”

Image courtesy of Wide Eyed Records manila

Image courtesy of Wide Eyed Records manila

The last time we heard these guys, we were infected with their tunes like Themesongs, Tsuper Duper and danced to Patintero and Sa Madaling Salita. Now, their much awaited follow-up to Themesongs has been unleashed and truly, it was worth the wait.

Tama na ang Drama, the band’s latest album is now available at their gigs, via Wide Eyed Records online and Fully Booked High Street at the moment though there is still no word on whether it will be available on your favorite record bars and i do hope that this happens soon as for me this is a must buy for you out there.

Ok, so the album consists of 15 tracks and 1 hidden track. The cover above looks somewhat unique to those out there in the market. Though there are no inlay sleeve, no lyrics sheet (though as i asked their drummer and a good friend of mine if there would be lyrics available to the public, his answer was it will be available online soon) so we can all sing along to the songs in the album.

Here’s a rundown of the tracks:

Iyong – This track was made available a few days before the actual album launch and you can hear in thir track the heavy guitar riffs, catchy lyrics and in totality, deserves to be one of the singles in the album.

Wala Lang – Second track that still features Selena on vocals, Reminds me of their old tracks from their first album. Another strong track.

Baliktad – Owel is back on vocals on this one. The track starts of slow and right in the middle, it changes it’s tempo and up till the end. One short track yet something worth listening to…. i liked the progression on the start of the ”O…. aking sinta…..” line

Pait - This time, the album goes on a slow one… parap-pap parara raappp

Nakauwi Na - I’ve been hearing this way before the release of the album and the moment i started listening to it, i said crap, this is one nice song and i would love to hear this one over and over again and lo and behold, it’s included in the album. One of the gems in the album and for Shirley as well as this proves that OPM is not really dead at all.

Polygonal Graphs - Honestly, up to this point, i can still hear shades of Broken Social Scene on the album and this track haunts me of their style. Another track worth listening to.

Saan Na - Another short track, liked the solo part

Distansya - Slow track with sax right on track… slow, sweet and sexy if you ask me.

Glacier – The song starts slow and as the track progresses, you can hear the heavy guitar riffs then ends just like that. Another noteworthy track from the band

Acid Reflux - Low and behold, the band’s manager and member as well of the band does vocal duties on this one. The breakdown on the middle part reminds of a Santana guitar lead as well as the tempo makes me want to shout ole! Nicely done!

Single Bed – Is it me or this track reminds on the middle part of Cambio’s Call center song? another strong track you must listen to. Slide guitar leads? check on this track.

Ewan Ko - No, this is not the Soapdish track im telling you right away. Groovy track that only Shirley can deliver.

Di na babalik – Another gem on the album, this song was featured the indie file “Ang Nawawala” both Owel And Selena’s voice blends in perfectly. another strong single for the album.

Tama na ang drama – Acoustic track right down to the brush sticks that was used for the drums, this track also features some bass lines that fits the song as well.

Taksil - The last track on the album (or is it?) and a fitting end for the album. Again, listen closely to the lyrics and enjoy. Oh and listen to it up until the end to hear the hidden track im telling you which i still have no idea what’s the title of it.

Overall, this album proves the following points:

  • OPM is not dead
  • Shirley has evolved from their EP sessions to their debut album and up until this sophomore album
  • You don’t need revivals to fill in your album
  • No fillers needed

The wait is worth it. Even though there are some tracks that are least to my taste (i can count around 2-3 track only) still, i can definitely recommend the album to each and everyone out there. These are the kind of stuff that they should be playing on the airwaves instead of these (forgive me) k-pop songs that only some can understand. Good job on the album and if you will have the chance to grab the album, please do so.

I’ll give it an outstanding 5 out of 5 if you ask me even thought there shortcomings on some of the tracks.

Back… for good… promise…

Yes back. Sorry super busy with work and other stuff, and lot’s of things happened so i just wanted to share some with you guys the events that happened a few months back since my last post.

 

Mushtards is back on the scene:

Mushtards at Beat Bucket 6.0

China Trip (business trip sponsored by the company)

More apps released in a span of few months (click here for the list of games that we have)

So basically that sums it up. Meanwhile, enjoy the videos below taken at Beat Bucket 6

Blues Silvanas – Nine

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Mushtards – Slow dancing in a burning room

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Hello World – Salamat sa pag-ibig

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Conversation with my old self (Part 1)

Random post about conversation with old self.

Hey mike! it’s me, future self. Let me tell you what happens from the day you entered school up to high school. Then on the next post, we’ll talk about college up until the present.

Let’s start shall we?

  • Elementary will be a pain in the ass. Don’t lose your things as you go along the corridors of your school, you will learn and learn more
  • Remember that bazooka joe bubble gum that you like to buy at the store? The time that you always escape home to buy a pack of that gum? don’t you ever do that again especially if the next day will be your class picture taking day. Tripping over a stone and cutting your head open is not cool
  • Your aunt will always be there at school to take care of you even though you always lose mang henry’s saucers that contains your favorite lugaw during recess.
  • You will gain alot of friends, some may hate you especially during the last year of elementary. Don’t worry though, everything will be ok after a few years and you will just laugh at those little misunderstandings
  • Remember your fondness in playing computer games, being a semi-computer technician and anything related to high-tech gadgets? keep it up as in the future, that is what will be your line of work.
  • See that guy at the back of the paperback comic book store? the one that you see fetching water with 2 big pails? Remember him as he will be your aunt germie’s husband and soon, your godfather in the wedding.
  • Oh and before i forget, dancing is not your forte. I repeat, dancing is not your forte
  • Biking is fun! you will learn to bike with no hands
  • Eventually biking will not be fun anymore afterwards. Why? When it’s lenten season and you still insist you want to buy cola at the store and your parents tell you not to get out, i repeat, don’t go out and use the bike…. there will be a permanent scar on your right hand because of that injury.
  • Remember those 4 young guys called the Eraserheads? Your first cassette album will be Ultraelectromagnetic pop and your first cd will be circus. yup, they will go a long way and will be famous!
  • Oh and yeah, Rivermaya will undergo alot of changes, Ulan will be one of their hits, 214 will still be a mystery yet you will listen to it by then and you will love their trip album (the one with that so-called magic card)
  • Other bands that you listen to like wolfgang, metallica, the youth and other alternative bands will come and go but you will have them on your PC to listen to (im listening to it right now as i am typing this post)

 

High School

  • High school will be one hell of a good ride. You will meet new people and friends
  • No matter what happens, when your bestfriend tells stories about nuts and blow torch, don’t contain your laughter or else, you will fart in class… yes you hear me right, IN CLASS!
  • Also, tell your friend not to destroy the test tubes while presenting it to class
  • Christmas lights infront of your room will disappear…. as in only in your part so stop smashing christmas light bulbs!
  • Pursue your dream of playing the guitar…. it will take you to new heights
  • Eventually you will form your first band at school with the name Intersections. Why? because chicks dig it! hehehe
  • Apparently, you will also learn how to play the bass and drums. That would be so cool!
  • And you will use your drum playing skills doing covers of moffatts’ songs. Yeah i know it sucks but hey, this will open your mind to new genres
  • Take care of your PlayStation 1. That will be your first purchase using your own money. It will take you alot of meal allowances to save as well as birthday and Christmas savings as well.
  • You and your friends will be accused of doing fake photoshop work that involves…. uhmm… pornography and a horse. Well, you guys were just knowledgeable but not capable of doing such stuff because you are again, a group of good young people. Don’t worry, this will be cleared out as well.
  • Crushes will be there but don’t take it seriously. Why? god has plans for you. So will graduate single at high school
  • Also, ice creams will play a key role, especially ice buko nyahahaha!
  • School campings will be present. Just make sure to pack enough food and for the love of god, stop wandering around the campsite at midnight. Just get some sleep so that you will not be found under the stage the next day sleeping hehehe!
  • Retreats will be the best… and one retreat will be bad… don’t worry, it’s all part of growing up
  • Basketball will be your sport… just continue playing even though you are part of the bench warmers, later on, you will get your chance
  • Eraseheads will be the themesong of your group. Alongside parokya ni edgar and what else, rivermaya
  • First LAN gaming will be introduced by your high school computer teachers. Descent after class hours! yeah!
  • Final Fantasy 7 and 8 will be part of your 4th year. You will get late on the first day of graduation practice because of this hehehe!
  • You will get a taste of being friendzoned in 2 hours… yup! you heard me right! 2 hours is all it takes
  • UNO stacko will bring noise… while the school owner is in a middle of disciplining your batch…
  • Overall, it will be one of the rockin’ phase of your life so nothing to worry

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I still have lot’s of stories to tell, i’ll save some on the next post.

Games games and more games!

As some of you may know already, i already left Gameloft and already accepted a new challenge in making games. It’s a long story that i don’t to go into details but to make it short, i have found a new home. And for almost 2 months now, i have been busy as well as the new team that i am with on making new games for you guys out there.

So without further adieu, i bring you our games now available on the android market:

Attack of the Roasted Chickens
Attack of the Roasted Chickens

 

Tumble Rumble

 

Astro Lander
Astro Lander

 

Mexi Cannon

 

Basketball Shootout

We have more in store for you in the coming weeks/months so please do support our games and apps as well. I can’t tell you what games or apps are they but i promise you, it’s gonna be awesome

 

 

New look, New layout….

As you may have noticed, the site went some changes as of today. I changed the layout and kept it simple. A simple note though, if you want to acces the main page again, click on home above the post entry. I’m still figuring out how to redirect the banner back to home page.

Here’s a recap of what happened:

  • Change of lifestyle – as you all know, im now a father (yay!) Mary Charisse was given to us and everything feels so good. She’s my daily source of inspiration (alongside my wife) and yeah, i’m one proud father to a cute baby!
  • Change of office - I recently changed workplaces (don’t worry though, im still in the field of making games) Let’s just say that it has been a good ride for me over at my former company but i have to go and explore the world. Plus, stress has been killing me lately, alongside office politics and such. Honestly, it was not like that before until these certain individuals came along and well, let’s just say changed the course of things. I hold no grudge to the company. For the the company destroyers, well, good luck on your “plan”
  • Change of atmosphere - The farm (or should i say the new workplace) is something that i’ve been looking forward to. Fresh start, new set of awesome people (don’t worry GL, you still have awesome people left in the office), new challenges and events await me and im up to it. Bring it on!
  • New posts – Yup! i have been absent in the blogging scene for quite a while and im back. I have finally found time to balance all of my stuff. As a Game Producer, Father, Musician, Blogger, Gamer and a whole lot more. Thus new and exciting contents will be in for 6.0 I might give out prizes as well and this is no joke

 

So again, i welcome you all to the new and improved Points Of Interests.com

Enjoy this music from Enemies

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Site is undergoing renovation… fresh changes to be exact

Hello there! it’s been a while since i updated my blog. Sorry as i was very busy this past few months. Change of company, change of lifestyle, taking care of my daughter…. basically, this is a year of change.

Thus the reason why im reverting back the old look of the blog (sorry for the outdated banner. i’ll get it fixed) and im looking for a new layout. New look, fresh start, same exciting content. Changes will be coming in the next few weeks i promise.

 

Oh and yeah i miss playing in a band

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Video was taken at the last Beat Bucket event at B-Side Makati