Mayonnaise: Still stirring the sound of OPM rock

April 27 ------ There’s something undeniably nostalgic yet refreshingly present when you hear Mayonnaise’s name. The Filipino rock mainstays have carved their path for over two decades, from Red Horse Muziklaban champions to arena-filling icons. Now, they’re back with B-sides & Rarities, Vol. II—a sonic scrapbook of unreleased treasures, revamped favorites, and surprises from 2009 to 2025. And with it comes a deeper look into the soul of a band that never really left, just evolved. 

On April 17, Mayonnaise brought the new record to life with a launch show at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub, performing select tracks from the album in front of a packed room of fans, friends, and longtime followers. The energy was raw, real, and deeply emotional—especially during the live debut of the album’s flagship song, “Live Your Life.” 

The track quickly became a fan favorite—not just for its catchy yet reflective sound, but for its message of self-acceptance and inner peace. Among those deeply touched were creators Ana Coting and Gandang Morenx, who both shared heartfelt content about how “Live Your Life” echoed their own stories of self-love, authenticity, and reclaiming one’s voice. We sat down with frontman Monty Macalino… “We never really stopped playing music.” “Halos regular yung gigs... the last original song na nilabas namin was middle of last year. Inevitably, napag-usapan na rin naming mag-release ulit.” 

Mayonnaise never hit pause, really. Despite no major original release since mid-2024, the band kept gigging, jamming, and living the essence of what they do best. “Part of this band is 

recording, releasing, and playing shows,” Monty shares. This return isn’t a comeback—it’s a continuum. 

Old songs, new magic 

"We’ve recorded in different spaces—studios, my house, even overseas." B-sides & Rarities, Vol. II is more than an album; it’s a time capsule. Featuring a mix of covers, remastered tracks, and fresh takes, it includes everything from Rico J. Puno classics to a new version of “You Can’t Be Right” featuring Mikki Jill. Thanks to evolving tech, the band seamlessly blended sessions from home studios, professional spaces, and international mixing boards into a cohesive sonic journey. 

Same soul, new tricks 

“We’re still a guitar-driven band—but we’re playing with new sounds, effects, and even amps.” While their core remains intact—raw, emotional, guitar-forward rock—the band isn’t afraid to color outside the lines. Mayonnaise is experimenting, collaborating, and creating work that feels familiar but layered with depth and daring. “We’re releasing something unique—different from what we’re currently doing.” 

From Red Horse to Renaissance 

“When people ask how we sound? It’s always music driven by guitars—but that evolves.” From their early days winning Muziklaban to sharing the stage with Daniel Caesar at Wanderland 2025, Mayonnaise’s sound has matured like fine wine. Influences come and go— Nirvana, Filipino classics—but the core remains: sincerity. The band’s ever-changing lineup adds to that evolution, each member infusing new flavor into the stew. 

The highs and the hustle 

“Gusto naming mag-studio more—but gigs kept us busy. The motivation? We’re still happy making music.” Juggling performances and studio time has been tough, especially in recent years. But despite burnout and tight schedules, the passion remains. “Nakakapagod minsan, pero masaya kami kasi we’re still collaborating.”  

The message: Be true to yourself 

“Gawin mo lang ang gusto mong gawin.” Mayonnaise isn’t here to chase trends. They’re here to stay real. Monty speaks candidly about criticism, creative expression, and staying grounded. “The only person you need to satisfy is yourself. Paano ka magpapasaya ng tao kung di ka masaya?” 

Life, love, and lyrics 

“When I wrote ‘Jopay’, I was young. Now, my songs are shaped by everything I’ve been through.” Time and experience have become Monty’s co-writers. Love, loss, life’s chaos—they all leave their mark on the music. “There’s beauty in failure,” he says, noting that the imperfections are what make songwriting fulfilling. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being real. 

Digital dreams and global gigs 

“It’s all about trusting the people around you—labels, marketers, producers.” With the digital world booming, Mayonnaise embraces the new normal. They’re leaning into digital marketing, global streaming, and fan engagement. After all, their upcoming shows in Tokyo, Canada, and Australia prove OPM isn’t bound by geography—it’s a worldwide vibe now. 

Next? Something big. 

“We’re collaborating with new, big artists—it’s going to add a new flavor to Mayonnaise.” With B-sides & Rarities Vol. II out now, the band teases an even bigger project on the horizon. Self-produced but with international producers in the mix, the next chapter promises something bold and boundary-breaking. 

Legacy and loyalty 

“Tugtog lang ng tugtog. You don’t need all the gimmicks — you just have to be yourself.” Mayonnaise isn’t chasing clout. They’re setting the tone for authenticity in OPM rock. “We’re just a band with three guitars, one bass, and a drummer,” Monty says with pride. That’s the secret sauce. For up-and-coming musicians, they offer this wisdom: stay true, show up, and play your heart out. From humble beginnings to global aspirations, Mayonnaise proves that real music, honest, imperfect, passionate—never goes out of style. 

Source: mb.com.ph