The One With The Baby Daddy

A few weeks ago, more specifically, the last week of school, I was wondering, what the hell should I do for four months of summer vacation.

The first two weeks went by fast and very eventful but that was just two of the approximately 16 weeks of summer vacation.

Out of boredom, I tried catching up on my series. You see, ever since college, I've been very late with my television series. All I was able to stick to was Pretty Little Liars and Suits but I guess trying to catch up did me some good. Because of the fear of getting bored this summer, I rediscovered, Baby Daddy.

I remember blocking of my calendar to watch the pilot episode of Baby Daddy in 2012 but unfortunately, school work piled up and the series had to take a back seat for a while but you know what they say, better late than never.

Having my first free weekend, I literally did a marathon of Baby Daddy. I finished season 1 to half of season 2 in one day (Saturday) and finished the rest by Sunday/ Monday (mornight).

Before I carry on with my review of the series let me give you a brief introduction to the world of Baby Daddy.

First, let's start of with the main characters.

1. Ben Wheeler a.k.a The Baby Daddy

Fact: Ben is a bartender in New York City living in an apartment with his room mate/ best friend and brother. He fathers a very cute little girl named Emma after a blurry, drunken one night stand with a girl named Angela, who conveniently left the baby on Ben's doorstep after she went to chase her acting dreams. Now, Ben is trying to learn the ropes of being a father while remaining active in the dating scene.

Opinion: Ben is confusing to me. He's mature and responsible one second and then turn into this immature, crazy guy as soon as he sees anything with perfect legs. There are times that I like him and there are days when I just don't. His pick up lines and crazy ideas make me laugh though but I kinda don't like him for screwing things up with Riley.


2. Danny Wheeler

Fact: Danny is Ben's professional hockey player, older brother. He moved to New York to live with Ben after being traded for the New York Rangers. He's all tough and strong in the outside but like his little brother, Danny is also hoping to find true love, hopefully in the person of his best friend Riley whom he has loved since childhood but whom he knows is in love with Ben ever since.

Opinion: At first look, I really thought that Danny was the playboy since he's the buff guy who puts athlete in his occupation. Turns out, out of the three lead guys, Danny was the sweetest. Like what they said on the show, he's the relationship guy out of the three. Yes, he's been in quite a few throughout the show but I can still sense he's faithful to his feelings for Riley and I just adore how he can sit and listen to Riley gloat over her new guy and still remain supportive.


3. Tucker Dobbs

Fact: Tucker is Ben's room mate and best friend. He works in show business as he aspires to be a producer while pretending to be a lawyer to his parents. After Emma comes to the scene, he has developed a strong bond with the entire Wheeler family. He is also one of the two people whom Danny talks to about his secret feeling for Riley.

Opinion: Tucker is a great friend. The fact that he was willing to share his apartment to the entire Wheeler brady bunch was a "great friend" move for me. Although, I see him as someone waaaaay out of his league it's really fun seeing him try to be serious with his relationships. Most of the time, he stirs the trouble and leave someone to clean it up for him which is annoying but that's what makes the show funny.

4. Bonnie Wheeler

Fact: Bonnie is the funny and witty yet over bearing mother of the Wheeler brothers who thinks Ben is not adult enough to take care of a baby so she decides to move close to her kids in order to be of help or in her kid's term, to not give them privacy and meddle in their relationships. She also plays Danny's manager and she's the second person to know that Danny is in love with Riley.

Opinion: I might choose to hide under a rock if Bonnie was my mother because of her preference to meddle but throughout the show I have learned to appreciate her coolness. I mean, she's in the same dating pool as her children and she gets more date than them. I would consider that cool. I love how every other episode she has a new job to enjoy. Also, without Bonnie's one liners I don't if the show would work. It's also interesting how she can shift from being the crazy mom to the mom full of wisdom.

5. Riley Perrin

Fact: Riley is Danny's best friend and Ben's close friend. She has known the Wheeler's since high school when she was still called "Fat Pants" for being overweight. She is the first person Danny called after finding out they had a baby to take care of. Riley is now a lawyer who is trying to make mark to be recognized. She has been in love with Ben since high school and found a good friend within Danny who becomes her shock absorber every time Ben ignores her feelings without knowing that Danny has been in love with her all along.

Opinion: Riley is my favorite character. (I'm a bit biased because I totally adore Chelsea Kane.)I like how she can be the brain out of everyone. She's the one who makes sense and most of the time the one who's rational enough to make decisions. I just wish that she'd finally get over her crush on Ben and finally see that Danny is there. Out of all the characters, Riley, I believe is the stable one, her friend make her life crazy but I guess that's the fun part of their friendship. She's the best adviser above everyone else because you're sure she won't make you do anything against the law.


Top 3 things I like about this show.

1. I like the sense of friendship and family

Ben is the one who got a girl pregnant and he's the one responsible for Emma but since everyone around him knows he's not that capable to do it alone just yet, everyone tries their best to help him raise Emma even if sometimes they do it for their own self gain or like most times it ends in chaos. Everyone, sort of taken Emma under their wing to try and raise her the best way they can even though they make stupid mistakes along the way.

Everything that happens to one of them is everyone's business. There's almost no secret between them. You can see how one baby can bring all these people together especially in the case of Tucker and Riley, who really doesn't have any obligation to the Wheelers but still they chose to stick around and lend a helping hand whether to baby sit or play wing man. 

2. The script and the delivery 

There are lines that would hit you like brick because of how relatable it is and there are lines that would just make you laugh your ass off for the rest of the episode. The writers of this series are all geniuses. The actors are amazing in terms of delivery. The lines would not create that much impact without the awesome facial expressions, hand gestures, and perfect timing of the actors.

3. RILEY AND DANNY!

Their story is my favorite plot in this series. High school best friends. The jock and the loser. Now, the athlete and the lawyer. Danny has been in love with Riley since high school and even though he was the good looking popular athlete, he never dared tell her because he values their friendship too much (which kinda sucks for all the shippers). It's really amazing how all these years, Danny was able to sit and genuinely listen to Riley, whine about how his brother, Ben, won't fall in love with her. It's so sweet and heartbreaking at the same time.

But then again....

How many freaking times do they have to make out for Danny to man up and admit his feelings and for Riley to stop being blind and realize Danny is seriously in love with her? They've kissed like 3 times already and yet no one is getting the point (impatient fan here). I just wish that Bonnie and Tucker would connive and get these two together since we all know Riley is over Ben and Danny is never getting over Riley. If you'd let me make a Friends reference, Riley is Rachel Green and Danny is Ross Gellar. From the start, we all know they're going to end up together. I just wish it happens sooner.

I rarely watch comedy series. In my previous post you'd see I'm all for drama, crime and suspense. The last comedy series I watched was Friends. It's a very hard show to follow in my books since there's too much history there but I believe Baby Daddy is the next Friends. It's a perfect combination of every emotion out there. It also caters to a lot of viewers. 

It's crazy how I can say a lot of things to something I've bonded with over the weekend which just proves how much I like it and how it made an impact. 

I'm really looking forward to the next episodes and I'm really excited that it got renewed for a fourth season. 

Baby Daddy is a must watch series. It's not your typical comedy which makes no sense because believe it or not, every end of an episode is an additional learning to you. It might not be a big one but there's definitely something in every episode that you'd be able to carry with you every single day.

- Basically PauAu

It's Alright, It's oh- K!

Disclaimer: I know, I know. It's little too late for this but I've been having fun doing this blogging thing. ;)

Okay, I don't know why but lately I've been having the feels of covering events. Not exactly just attend them and take videos and pictures, but actually write or rather type about them. I guess this is my journalism elective vibes kicking in.

It's a little bit late, no, scratch that. It's really late. 2 months late to be exact. But like what they say, better late than never.

The day was November 16, 2013. Venue, Glorietta 5.

So I dragged my mom and my little sister to Glorietta on a very nice Saturday morning to go around and shop. Yes, that is the ultimate distraction for them to not realize that we are at the mall at 10 am when what I really came for was happening at 5 pm. Thankfully, my mom is very supportive, and she has already accepted the fact that her daughters are crazy fan girls.

You might be wondering, what event I went to. If you know me, you'd have the answer by now. Yes, it's something Karylle related. ;) It's actually the launch of her 5th album since 2011. Finally, the looong wait is over.

My friends like to question my preference of buying CDs because apparently I'm the only teenager who still does. (NOT!)

Fast forward to the album launch.

This new album is entitled "K" and it has seven new tracks, including the song 'Sa'yo Na Lang Ako' from the 2013 Philpop competition, which Karylle interpreted. Also included is the track, 'In My Own Little Corner' from the musical Cinderella where she plays the lead.

While waiting for the show to start, I got interviewed by MYX. (and the video of this interview will be forever lost, unless someone links it to me )

Don't I look good holding this mic?

Karylle started her set with one of my favorite songs of her's, 'I'll Never Get Over You (Getting Over Me)'. I've always loved her version more.

Next, she chatted about her Fliptop artist dreams with one of her collaborators in the album, Dash Calzado. I love their song 'Bad Boys'. It's actually my favorite in this album. It's so different from the usual genre she sings and it's a good change since it shows how versatile she can be.

One of my favorite parts about live performances are the chats in between. I think this is the part where the audience gets to know the artist they're watching. Also, it's shows how witty and smart the person on stage is.

Love this shot!

One of the songs she performed is 'Sa'yo Na Lang Ako', which was included on the top 5 of the 2013 Philpop competition. I like the story of this song and it's really a big bonus how Karylle sings it. This song is even greater, LIVE!!

This is the perfect "WHAT IF" song. It could be the perfect alternate for "The One That Got Away" by Katy Perry. AND HAVE I MENTIONED IT'S REALLY GREAT LIVE? =))

Moving on to the next song. Basically. This is my favorite Karylle song EVER and if you scroll down a little on my blog, you'd read my rant on how this is my calming song during exam weeks or a big quiz day. I even made a cover of it which got tons of listens already and even Karylle, herself, retweeted my shameless plug on Twitter. Someday, I'd sing this with her. Someday.

'Kiss You', is this album's first single. It has a very catchy tune and very catchy lyrics. I like playing this at 6 in the morning while I get ready for school, not caring who I wake up. At least they wake up to a good song. It's that catchy that I've caught my dad dancing to this on video which I'd rather not post here since he might see it and disown me but feel free to check my Instagram. (Nobody tell him about that.)

To end her set, she performed the crowd favorite, her danceable hit OMG which is part of her 2011 Roadtrip album. This is also one of the songs that got me hooked on that particular album which didn't leave the player for months. There is also a creative music video that goes along with the song (google it). This is also one of the songs you should watch live together with it's trademark dance.

Here comes the big finale.

Okay, I'll be honest. I envy the kid at 3:45. Hahahaha.

After her long set, she spent time entertaining her audience by having a meet and greet. I had the chance to get my cd signed and chat with her a little.

"Pau,
Thanks 4 doing a cover of Basically. Can't wait to hear your new videos & recordings
Love, Karylle"

I really envy her penmanship.

I also got to thank her for retweeting my cover of Basically and for giving me, through my friend, a birthday message. (which I am still giddy about)

Thanks to myxph.com for this money shot. :)

It's really fun to meet people you look up to.

-Basically PauAu

P.S. 

Now you know the story why it's "basically pauau" ;)

"Cannot Lie"

Lyrics: 

You have that smile that can brighten up the room

You have that spark that always shines and make you bloom

And lately I figured that there is something wrong

And maybe I can help you through this song

You’re smile is slowly fading

It’s gone without a warning

“I’m okay” that’s what you’re always saying

There’s one thing that I turn to

To tell the truth when you don’t want to

It’s always the perfect clue

Even though you try to pretend you’re happy

I can see the truth and it breaks me

Even though you don’t show that you cry

I can see it because your eyes, your eyes, your eyes cannot lie

I’m sure you can figure this all out

Sometimes it helps to just let it all out

And maybe you’ll feel better than what you’re feeling now

But baby, I know you’re still pretending somehow

Wrote and recorded in one day. Yes, adrenaline. I just had too because it explains everything I saw. If we're close you'd know what and who I mean. =))

Rough edit. Took me a thousand takes because people seems to have the need to make noise whenever I'm recording or the dogs would feel like barking.

P.S. I don't know what you're problem is but you can't hide behind that fake smile forever. Your eyes cannot lie. May you find your smile again.

-Basically PauAu

The One With The Ultrablessed Album

Ending January with a BAM and entering February with a BOOM!

After the success of their 2012 EP, District, Sponge Cola is back with their fifth album, "Ultrablessed". Armed with ten new tracks, Sponge Cola is all set to dominate the charts once more.

Together with my very supportive friend, Ria, we went to Eastwood Central Plaza to catch the band's album launch.

For 500 pesos you get their new album, a DVD of their Maximum Capacity Concert, a poster and a meet and greet chance. Isn't it amazing? LOL.

But before Sponge Cola performed another band, equally talented, kick started the event. Join The Club played songs from their new album "Gera ng Balarila" and even played their epic song 'Nobela' which made the crowd wild. I mean, who wouldn't sing/scream along to their lyrics?

"At aalis magbabalik

At uulitin sasabihin

Na mahalin ka't sambitin

Kahit muling masaktan"

The event was hosted by Kim Marvilla, who tried her best to maintain the high energy of the crazy kids at the venue. One way was by giving away prizes! Wohoo! Who doesn't love free stuff? If you don't, you're crazy!

So one of the question was, who's the leading lady of Yael in their latest music video? Luckily for me, I just know what to answer and how to pronounce it properly. Perks of listening to Magic 89.9 ;) and because of that I got a free Sponge Cola shirt.

Sponge Cola opened their set with their newest single 'Kailangan Kita' which got the crowd going.

My favorite part of their gigs and performances are the in between chats. They're always entertaining, singing, playing or talking.

They, then, tried to go old school by playing their timeless hits in a very throwback setting. A bench, in the middle of the venue, to depict the old days.

While everybody was gathered around the bench I was able to squeeze in a photo op with my other favorite OPM artist, Karylle. :">

Since it's an album launch and not a concert, they can't  exactly play all their songs even if the crowd demands it so what better way to fulfill requests than creating a mash up. It was a mix of "To The Sly and Cunning, Sa Bingit ng Isang Paalam, Makapiling Ka, Neon and Una" (I hope I didn't miss anything.)

So, it was after the mash up that I raised this sign.

And luckily for me, Yael read it and he promised to give it to me after. Which he did.

They ended their set with the crowd favorite song, the very epic 'Bitiw', which was just the perfect way to end the night.

P.S. I let Ria hold the cam for a while and a flood of Armo pics were taken. :)) Love you buddy!

Check out my youtube account for more videos.

P.P.S. 

I've been listening to "Ultrablessed" and so far, my favorite tracks (in no particular order) are:

1. Anting-Anting

2. Iyong-Iyong-Iyo

3. R.I.C.E. (the diet anthem of 2014)

4. Singapore Sling (#1 fave ;) )

-Basically PauAu