DJ Nico Blitz and Host Jackie Ramirez take on 626 Night Market for this special episode of Merienda! The two hit infamous SoCal food truck White Rabbit for some Filipino Mexican Fusion and then make their way for some delicious sweets at Ubenabon to taste test their top 3 flavors. Check out the full adventure and see which items make it to their recommendations list.
About Nico Blitz:
Nico Blitz is a Filipino-American DJ, Media Personality, and Radio Producer whose goal is to build community through the power of music. The San Francisco native started his work in radio at Real 92.3 (KRRL, Los Angeles) in 2016, and has since then worked with both national and international musicians via interviews, local and digital shows, and fundraisers.
Currently, Nico Blitz is the DJ/Radio Producer for nationally syndicated “The Bootleg Kev Show”, host for his Nico Blitz Podcast airing on YouTube & MyxTV, and is a Partnered Twitch Streamer who specializes in DJing and fundraising. Over the pandemic, his fundraisers for the Philippines Typhoon Relief and Stop AAPI Hate have garnered over $30K in donations.
About Jackie Ramirez:
Jackie Ramirez is a Mexican-American entertainment and sports host, who strives to push boundaries in the entertainment industry by being the face and voice for her people. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jackie started her hosting career for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, which then led to her call up to the big leagues.
The Los Angeles native can be seen and heard across Southern California stadiums and arenas hosting games for the 2020 World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers, PAC12 UCLA Bruins (Men’s/Women’s Basketball & Football) and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
White Rabbit
White Rabbit Truck is Los Angeles Original Filipino Fusion Truck. The idea started with a tight group of friends noticing the lack of Filipino cuisine in the mainstream. They experimented with various menu items for nearly one year at their home kitchen. After sampling their cuisine to hundreds of friends & family, White Rabbit Truck was born July 10, 2010. With the rise of the popularity of Filipino food, we noticed that there were no places that served true Filipino Fusion food. Now we are able to bring this medley of food to the streets, where everybody can experience the goodness of a few of our favorite childhood Filipino foods, and now with an American and Mexican twist.
Our mission is to introduce the masses to our take on Filipino cuisine. White Rabbit has been fortunate to be featured on multiple media outlets such as Food Network, Travel Channel, KTLA News, Fox LA News, Kababyaan18, ABS CBN, LA Weekly, Zagat, Daily News, and many local publications & blogs. White Rabbit Truck also has restaurants in Los Angeles & Las Vegas
We look forward to seeing you out there and thank everybody for their continued support following the White Rabbit.
Ubenabon
Ubenabon serves unique and innovative fusion Cinnamon rolls. Specializing in Ube and Pandan while upholding the importance of taste, intricacy, and traditional flavors.
Ubenabon’s inception occurred during the uncertainties that came about with the rise of the global COVID-19 pandemic. With the world seemingly locked away, leaving a bitter taste among people, it opened up the opportunity for Jem to not only bring a little sweetness into everyone’s lives but also spread the richness of Filipino culture through her passion for the art of baking.
The once quarantine hobby has now evolved into a fortunate craft that has allowed Jem to continue to support her family. Ubenabon’s handcrafted desserts put a twist on the traditional cinnamon roll with an infusion of natural extracted Ube flavor and organic ingredients then finally topped with her house-made frosting become a favorite.
Her delicious concept has caught the eye of numerous customers around the greater Los Angeles area as well as throughout the country. Whether you’re an LA native or from another state, you can have Ubenabon Classic Rolls at your fingertips
Jem is a self-taught baker as well as a self-made entrepreneur. She is a proud Filipino-American who so happens to be a Los Angeles Native.
About Merienda:
“Merienda,” aka Snack Time, is a part of MYX Global’s new Youtube content line-up. The show follows influential content creators in food and culinary arts who take us on a snack time journey to Filipino-owned restaurants where they explore the menu, talk to the Chefs, share their tasting reactions, and give us their recommendations.
It was a Filipino Family party at The Dodger Stadium last night in Los Angeles. Filipino Heritage night was in full effect, and our talent shined throughout the whole night. So let's walk you through it!
When guests arrived, and after they picked up their limited FHN Jerseys, they were met with MYX Host Nico Blitz setting the tone for the night. He was live on the decks hyping up the party.
Then we have the national anthems. Jules Aurora, fresh from her performance at The FORD Theater for A Night of "Pinoy" Tainment, took the field for the U.S. National Anthem.
Up next, the one and only Martin Nievera has been in town working and making appearances, and one of them was last night at the game where he sang the Philippine National Anthem.
To round things off, funny man Jo Koy took to the pitcher's mound to throw in that first Pitch!
What a great night of pride and celebration. Up next for Filipino Heritage Night is the Padres vs. Angels game in San Diego. Are you coming?
Stay posted on future Filipino Heritage Nights across the country with different professional leagues at:
https://myx.global/filipinoheritagenight/
Cover Photo Courtesy of Jules Aurora Instagram
News dropped earlier this week that powerhouse diva KZ Tandingan is taking part in a big way for Disney's latest animated film, Raya and The Last Dragon. She released the song, Gabay today in time for the film's release. KZ shares that Gabay is the first Disney track in Filipino. This is a huge stepping stone for Filipinos and will for sure break open more doors for representation. Make sure to listen to the song everywhere and let us know what you think below:
Raya and The Last Dragon is a film that gives us Disney's first Southeast Asian Princess. Raya means "celebration" and this film and the representation it provides is something to celebrate about.
The story takes place in the fictional realm of Kumandra. It is inspired by Southeast Asian countries' cultures and mythology. It's up to Raya and Sisu to stop the threat to her land and save the world.
MYX Global host Nico Blitz chats with Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina to talk about the film and what it means for the community. Kelly Marie Tran says it's awesome to see the positive change on having more representation in mainstream media. It's a step forward in bringing Asian American stories to the spotlight and sharing our experiences.
ABOUT Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon:
The film premiers in theaters & on Disney+ with Premier Access on March 5th. The film features a predominantly Asian American cast, including the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as the titular Raya & Awkwafina as Sisu, the titular dragon. Also part of the cast are Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, Izaac Wang, Thalia Tran, and Alan Tudyk.
Cover Photo Credit: KZ Tandingan Official Facebook
Pop & R&B Ylona Garcia is prepared to take the world by storm. The Filipina-Australian R&B-Pop singer partnered with another power house to take on the global stage. She is the latest signee for 88Rising's sub-label PARADISE RISING. Together, they released the single, All That. You'll hear the growth in her music and more of a dance track. With the song, Ylo's ready to leave "All That" Sh*t behind from the past year and tackle a new direction.
Check out what she has to say about the song, teaming up with PARADISE RISING, and her birthday greeting from Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon stars, Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran.
1. Ylona's been keeping her collab with 88Rising and PARADISE RISING a secret since last year
Last time she chatted with Dannieboi, the wheels were in motion for this insane collab. Holding out on us, this all came as a huge surprise. She was putting in the work, both working at McDonald's (aka Mackers in Australia) and going to the studio to record. Everything was set in stone last summer. After that, Ylona headed straight to the studio to listen to demos and record music.
2. All That became an outlet for Ylona to leave all the toxicity behind
Ylo explains the track is about "letting go of all the toxicity you’ve experienced, were exposed to, and you’ve produced yourself". She goes on to say it's also about starting new and fresh and leaving all the sh*t behind. It encourages someone to become the best version of themselves.
3. Partnering up with 88Rising and PARADISE RISING was an easy decision
When signing on with 88Rising, it was kind of a no brainer for Ylona. The reason she signed on with them was "because they're really cool." It was easy to work with their team and they're nice people. Some whom she says are also now friends. She worked with top producers who've worked with names like the Jonas Brothers and The Chainsmokers! "We just all vibe together and got along well."
According to Flaunt.com, "All That was created alongside Peter Hanna (Jonas Brothers, The Chainsmokers, Lindsey Stirling), and GRAMMY-nominated Michael Fatkin (Nathasha Bedingfield, Hillsong United) who helped shape the sonic landscape around the song." This song marks a new chapter for Ylona and her career.
“I’ve been doing well. Even though I’ve been going through a hard time, I made it through and left all that back there."
Ylona Garcia
4. Ylona looks to inspire others through her music
She explains that "sometimes it takes a while to write a song... but this session literally took 2 hours to complete over Zoom". Sometimes the best songs come really quickly for artist and this is the case for All That. When 88Rising asks her why she's doing this, Ylona didn't always have an answer. Then she remembers why she's a fan of other artists. They inspire her. So now, Ylona is looking to inspire others the way other artists have inspired her. She aims to help others get through and work hard to where they want to go.
5. Getting a birthday greeting from Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran is just as cool as dropping your own single on your birthday
MYX Global host Nico Blitz sat with Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran to talk about their latest film, Disney's Raya and The Last Dragon releasing on Friday! They both were quick to talk about their love for pancit and mention how talented Filipinos are at singing and dancing. So then we had to ask if they'd be up to sing Happy Birthday to Ylona. Ylo was shocked because she just saw Crazy Rich Asians the day before where Awkwafina was a lead and loved her character on screen & who she is in real life. Check out how they did below!
Tell us what you think of Ylo's latest track All That using #AllThatYlo on social!
About PARADISE RISING:
In July 2020, 88rising launched its first sister label PARADISE RISING, dedicated to establishing and promoting Filipino artists globally with partnership with Globe. Globe is a leading full-service telecommunication company in the Philippines. PARADISE RISING's debut release, semilucent EP, is a curated compilation album featuring the most promising Philippine acts. In 2021, PARADISE RISING is set to release new music and sign up-and-coming Filipino artists.
Cover Photo Credit: Ylona Garcia Facebook
