Podcast Summary: DaBaddest Radio

Episode: “Christmas in Hawai’i with AJ and Alyssa Rafael”

Host: Bretman Rock
Guests: AJ Rafael, Alyssa Rafael
Release Date: December 25, 2025

Main Theme / Episode Overview

This festive episode of "DaBaddest Radio" sees host Bretman Rock welcoming musical power couple AJ and Alyssa Rafael to Hawai’i during their Christmas tour. The trio dives into island memories, Filipino holiday traditions, their connections to music and theater, marriage dynamics, skincare, food, and favorite pop culture moments. Throughout, Bretman’s signature humor and warm energy make room for genuine conversation, nostalgia, and some holiday spirit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AJ & Alyssa’s Connection to Hawai’i and Touring (00:19–03:10)

• AJ shares Hawai’i was pivotal in his early music career:

  “It was, like, one of the first places that played my music on the radio back in, like, 2010.” (01:52 - AJ)

• Their show at Blue Note falls on their Christmas tour.
• Nostalgia about AJ’s early days connecting with local fans via MySpace layover meetups (02:32).

2. Filipino Christmas Traditions and Childhood Memories (04:25–08:08)

• The guests discuss the setlist for their Hawai’i show, which includes classic and Tagalog holiday songs (04:31).
• Bretman reminisces about Filipino-style Christmas caroling, creating makeshift tambourines, and competitive child performances for coins:

  “I performed. I was giving Sing dance manager and also, like, the cmo, because I would be the one, like, putting the money, like, you get 7 pesos, 12, 20 for me.” (07:14 - Bretman)

• AJ recalls his own childhood caroling in the Philippines, and the group reflects on the importance of money gifts in the tradition (06:00–06:22).

3. Food Adventures in Hawai’i (09:12–13:28)

• AJ’s former dairy allergy leads to new food experiences, from Jack in the Box Ranch to croissants and Costco pizza.
• Favorite first-meal-in-Hawai’i picks:
  • Poke from Foodland, Tanioka’s, or Alicia’s Market (10:39).
  • Jason Momoa’s frequent haunt, Mitch’s, gets a shout-out (11:14).
• Local favorite Zippy’s is dissected as mandatory pit stop—with debate over the proper order (Korean fried chicken gets Bretman's approval):

  “Besides Korean fried chicken, I love like a classic chili chicken plate. It comes with two fried chicken, chili and then just rice.” (12:49 - Bretman)

4. Island Life & Community (15:01–17:17)

• Alyssa expresses a feeling of belonging on every visit:

  “It always feels like a second home whenever we’re here.” (16:47 - Alyssa)

• The couple shares they got married in Hawai’i, and Bretman playfully laments his own single status and extravagant wedding dreams (17:10–17:40).

5. Weddings, Memories, and Friends (18:09–23:13)

• Wedding mishaps: Alyssa’s processional song played late, confusion between Alyssa and her sister, and “island time” stories.
• Bretman humorously recalls surviving his own dramatic birthday—nearly drowning at a yacht party (22:00–23:13).

6. Filipino Identity and Musical Upbringings (23:38–28:33)

• Debate over the three main Filipino talents: "Singers, cooks, or pretty" (23:38–24:15).
• Reflection on first songs ever learned and musical heroes:
  • Alyssa: "Reflection" (Lea Salonga for Mulan) (24:44)
  • AJ: “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men and "All My Life" by K-Ci & JoJo (25:22)
• AJ’s early start in piano, led by his father and for church music (27:02–27:54).

7. Asian-American YouTube Music Golden Era (29:03–31:15)

• The group waxes nostalgic on Asian-American YouTube music creators and viral hits, like “Lemonade,” "She Was Mine," and “Cheap Date.”
• Quotes about community and staying grounded with friends from “before you were Bretman Rock” (31:10).

8. Theater, Musicals, and Movie Adaptations (35:44–46:32)

• Intense discussion on Wicked, musical movie adaptations, and theater favorites.
• AJ shares a close call:

  “I auditioned and I was in callbacks for Bach for the [Wicked] movie...I was in a direction.” (43:40 - AJ)

• Dream roles: the trio imagines new additions and family connections to Oz and Wicked (42:15–45:36).
• Favorite musicals:
  • Alyssa: “West Side Story” (45:53)
  • AJ: “Rent” (46:27)

9. Marriage, Self-Care, and Communication (53:19–59:44)

• The couple reflects on three lessons in three years of marriage:
  1. Turn inwards and embrace your partner’s passions (54:05)
  2. Rely on each other during life’s ups and downs, sometimes carrying more than 50% (55:48–56:07)
  3. Cherish time together as a couple before starting a family (56:40–56:53)
• The importance of personal space, self-care, and open communication are emphasized with humor and practical advice.

10. Skincare & Personal Wellness (58:15–59:16)

• Alyssa’s skincare mantra:

  “Wash your face every day...double cleanse...wear SPF every day.” (58:22)

• Both recommend massage memberships and regular time apart for healthy relationships.

11. Scary Movies, TV, and Guilty Pleasures (61:35–67:01)

• Alyssa’s love for scary movies like The Conjuring and Amityville Horror.
• Shows they’re watching: “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “Love Island,” and recommendations traded for “High Potential” and “All Her Fault.”
• Bretman: “I love drama. I love reality. I wish I had more time to watch it.” (65:31)

12. Product Picks of the Week (67:10–70:25)

• Alyssa: ELF Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm (“peach ring flavor”—67:22)
• AJ: Zoom H6 mobile audio recorder (“That’s so straight. Let's go AJ. Go gear.”—68:01)
• Bretman: Footlogix “Very Dry Skin Formula” mousse for feet.

13. Where to Find the Guests & Exit Song (70:32–71:25)

• Social handles and a live snippet of AJ & Alyssa’s new single “Our Little Christmas.” (71:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was giving Sing dance manager and also, like, the cmo, because I would be the one, like, putting the money, like, you get 7 pesos, 12, 20 for me. Because I sang and dance. You know what I mean?” (07:14 – Bretman)
• “The people. I don't know. I love the people here. It always feels like a second home.” (16:39 – Alyssa)
• “Besides Korean fried chicken, I love like a classic chili chicken plate. It comes with two fried chicken, chili and then just rice. That's like when I used to go to the clubs...” (12:49 – Bretman)
• “I feel like Filipinos are either three things...we are either singers, cooks, or pretty...I chose pretty.” (23:38 – Bretman)
• “When my dad died, because he is a church musician, I took over for him at 10 years old.” (27:44 – AJ)
• [On being grounded] “They knew you before...you still had a gap teeth in my head...Let me humble down. This bitch really do know me.” (31:10 – Bretman)
• "Turn inwards to each other…paying attention. Enjoy what your partner enjoys." (54:05 – Alyssa)
• “Sometimes if Alyssa’s 20, you gotta be 80.” (55:48 – AJ)
• “Wash your face every day…I stopped using makeup wipes…double cleanse…” (58:22 – Alyssa)

Important Timestamps

• 00:19: Intro, AJ & Alyssa’s Hawai'i connection, tour context
• 04:25: Christmas musical setlist, Filipino caroling traditions
• 10:39: Hawaiian food favorites (poke, Zippy's)
• 16:39: Island community and weddings
• 23:38: Filipino talent and earliest musical memories
• 29:03: YouTube musician era nostalgia
• 35:44: Wicked and musical adaptations
• 53:19: Three marriage lessons
• 58:15: Skincare and self-care dialogue
• 61:35: Scary movies and TV favorites
• 67:10: Products of the week
• 70:32: Where to find the hosts/guests, live “Our Little Christmas” exit

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is lighthearted, teasing, and intimate—full of playful banter, honest confessions, and nostalgia. Bretman’s comedic asides (“I chose pretty!”) and storytelling prompt laughter, while AJ and Alyssa’s warmth balances the episode. The trio’s Filipino pride, love of music, and gratitude for Hawai’i’s community echo throughout.

Listen for:

• The playful tale of Bretman almost drowning at his own birthday yacht (22:00)
• AJ’s callback for Wicked's Bach role and his feelings post-audition (43:40)
• Skincare revelations and double cleansing debate (58:22)
• Alyssa’s love of horror movies and recommendations for reality TV fans (61:35)

This episode delivers island holiday energy, music nostalgia, honest relationship advice, and holiday sparkle—just in time for Christmas.