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As a performer, I don’t always have a lot of time because schedules can get extremely jam packed with gigs, bookings, rehearsals, and we also have to account for traffic. It can be very easy to forget to eat, so over my past gigs and rehearsals, I’ve amassed a list of all the spots I’ve eaten at to fuel up or refuel before and after a gig!
A bandmate and I came from Saudi Arabia when we were younger, so of course we had to introduce the band to Middle Eastern food. Our pick for most authentic has to go to Meshwe though. Actually, the owners are family friends we met in Jeddah, so we don’t mind traveling out of our way to support our good friends. It’s also pretty funny seeing all the Saudi kids there a lot of the time.
26 Regalado Hwy, Novaliches, Quezon City, 1121 Regalado Hwy, Novaliches, Quezon City, 1121 Metro Manila, Philippines
You can never go wrong with Pares, and you can especially never go wrong with the OG Pares Retiro. I like to think of it as the Filipino version of American barbeque ribs. Nothing hits the spot after a long tiring day like a tray of pares, plate of rice, and a nice bottle of soda.
205 Tomas Morato Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
When the band is feeling Chinese food, we go to Lam Tin Tea House. I actually spent my first birthday with the band here and I treated like six people to a lot of food and it didn’t even cost me 2,000 pesos! Definitely go for the dumplings, buttered chicken, some spare ribs and a big plate of fried rice. Easy way to celebrate or destress after a show.
59 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Nikka, our lead vocals, lives in BGC, so when we go to pick her up, I always try to grab a sandwich from Banh Mi. Their sandwiches are just so fresh and minty that it becomes the perfect pre-game for every gig. I could be stuck in traffic for hours before getting to a gig, but it’ll all be okay since I’m entirely invested in my sandwich that makes everything feel lighter. Before going to gigs, mika bgc technohub one stop and on the way over I get a sandwich.
G/F, Bonifacio Stopover, 31st Street, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
If you can see the connection, it’s intentional sorta. We initially went with “The Vowels”, but felt it was lacking that extra flair. As a band, we were walking around SM Dasmarinas hoping to maybe get some inspiration and we saw the little stall for Orbits donuts. Since it’s so close to me and only costs like 45 pesos for a bag, I bring enough for everyone on the way to gigs.
Robinson's Place, Aguinaldo Highway Cor. Gov. Drive, Sampaloc 1, Dasmariñas, 4114 Cavite, Philippines
Even before I was in a band, I would eat at Dimsum Treats pretty much every day in college. While I was still in college actually, someone got severe food poisoning and every one was joking that I should be careful. It didn’t stop me of course because Dimsum Treats is life. Now, the whole band graduated from UST, so we crave this together all the time. They’ve got the biggest dimsum that’ll be sure to make you full.
cor, Dapitan St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila, Philippines
We get a lot of gigs in the UST area or Manila in general, but I live in Cavite, so I have to get there really early like 2 in the afternoon even when the gig’s at 9 in the evening. It’s not a problem because I still have a lot of friends still studying or just living in the area, so we drop by Angkong’s. Their dimsum is extremely juicy and flavorful.
1241 Asturias Street, Sampaloc, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Sweet Ecstasy is the best burger you will ever taste in your life! I can attest to this. I just get a classic cheeseburger with a side of fries and special Sweet Ecstasy sauce and you won’t need anything else. Their grass fed beef really hits the spot better than any beef I’ve ever had in my life. Fun fact, the owner of this sandwich place is a member of the band Sandwich, also signed to Sony. Of course I have to support my fellow musician and entrepreneur!
57 Sct. Tobias St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila, Philippines
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