For over two decades, Bamboo Mañalac, or simply Bamboo, has made some of the best Filipino music—first as frontman of Rivermaya and as a solo artist.

The singer-songwriter has crossed over to mainstream TV as one of the voice coaches on ABS-CBN’s “The Voice of the Philippines.”

On the last leg of his current world tour, Bamboo looked excited: “I’m headed to Canada, six cities, and Vancouver is the first stop. Vancouver is always fun. I’m looking forward to a nice, long walk, a cup of coffee and tea, and maybe go see a gig. I’ve got to check who’s playing. And, of course, I’m most excited about my own gig.”

We’re glad this rock star still gets to indulge in life’s simple pleasures.

No day without coffee

Growing up, I was a… quiet kid who smiled a lot, read comic books and sang while walking to school. Today I’m still that same kid.

Outside the music studio… You can find me at home.

My favorite topics for songs… are light, love and loss.

What I enjoy most about being on “The Voice”/“The Voice Kids” is… we’re not judges but coaches. I enjoy being a mentor, a friend, a guide to all these aspiring singers… hoping that somehow, with the little time we have, we could connect and truly build on something special.

Other singers I enjoy listening to… currently, a lot of James Blake.

A lesson I have learned in the music biz is… stay away from negativity.

I won’t have a day without… having those first three sips from a good cup of coffee, and a nice glass (or two) of wine before bedtime.

My favorite saying is… something that’s apt for my line of work and my life lately: Listen.

I’m obsessed with collecting… books.

Putting up that hair

A perfect shower always includes… listening to music or a podcast on my iPad or iPhone.

When it comes to grooming… I’m pretty basic, (I use) just the regular stuff.

I spend the most time… putting my hair up. That takes some time.

At night, no matter how late I get home… I have to shower and, of course, brush my teeth.

For my haircuts, I go to… someone near my home. I don’t want to go too far for a haircut.

Top tip

Bamboo keeps his grooming regimen simple and uncomplicated. So when we heard Jack Black is available in the Philippines, we knew this made-for-men brand would be a good match for the Pinoy rock idol.

Jack Black is a high-performance personal care line for men with formulas that lock in nature’s best—using healing botanicals and certified organic ingredients without paraben-based preservatives or sulfates.

And the best part is that these products don’t look, feel or smell feminine.

Jack Black All-Over Wash, P850; Pit Boss Antiperspirant and Deodorant, P925; Body Building Hair Gel, P925; True Volume Thickening Shampoo P990; Available at Fresh boutiques nationwide and in all SM Stores.