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Hey, coffee lovers! The annual Manila Coffee Festival is coming back this March, uniting all under the shared love for local coffee, music, and art.
Slated to happen from March 15 to 17 at the MGBx Convention Hall in Marriott Manila, this year’s event aims to celebrate coffee, coffee growers, and the coffee culture in the country — putting the spotlight on the single-origin cacao growers.
During the three-day event, guests can sample the various flavors of Filipino coffee and learn more about its rich heritage through The Single Origin Bar. With a 20-foot coffee bar that will brew coffee using four different methods, the festival will also help you learn more about your preferred brewing method.
Aside from sipping a cup of joe, you can also enjoy performances by OPM artists, along with the coffee-farming communities! There will be exhibitions and stunning artwork features as well, including “sumi-e” or Japanese black ink painting by local artist Mei Tayengco Tirano.
Priced at P850, the event’s Espresso pass will give guests unlimited three-day access. But if you only have a day to spare, you can opt for the regular pass which costs P350. A discounted regular rate of P200 for senior citizens, persons with disability (PWD), and students is also available if they can present a valid I.D.
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Calling all hotpot enthusiasts! Haidilao, the legendary hotpot chain that’s taken the world by storm, is expanding its reach in the Philippines with a brand-new branch at Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. They opened the newest branch last Jan. 31, 2025.
Known for its mouthwatering broths, top-notch service, and free perks like hand massages and manicures, Haidilao has built a cult following for good reason. And now, diners from Greenhills, New Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, and Quezon City won’t have to travel far to experience a bit of hotpot heaven.
Facebook/Haidilao Philippines
With 284 seats and 10 VIP rooms, the Ortigas branch is perfect for everything from casual dinners to private gatherings. The VIP rooms can be combined to host up to 48 guests, making it ideal for celebrations or corporate events.
Facebook/Haidilao Philippines
But the star of the show has always been the food. Haidilao lets you mix and match up to four soup bases per table, from the fiery Sichuan spicy broth to the comforting Filipino-style bulalo. Whether you’re craving thinly sliced beef, fresh shrimp, tender fish fillets, or a rainbow of veggies and dumplings, the menu has something for everyone.
For first-timers who are unsure how to cook your ingredients to perfection, the friendly staff is always on hand to guide you. There is also an array of sauces and condiments to choose from for just P99, including unlimited refills.
Haidilao Ortigas is open for walk-ins and reservations over the phone. For more information, visit their website. Check out Haidilao Philippines on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated.
Location:Haidilao, Level 2 of Robinsons Galleria Veranda, Ortigas Ave, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
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Celebrate love in Manila with special Valentine’s Day menus at the city’s top restaurants and hotels. From fine dining and indulgent buffets to romantic rooftop spots and cozy cafés, enjoy decadent multi-course meals, premium seafood, handcrafted desserts, and curated wine pairings. With limited seats and exclusive one-night offerings, early reservations are a must. Here’s where to book for a memorable Valentine’s celebration!
Love at the Peak at O2 Rooftop Bar
Photo by Facebook/O2 Rooftop Bar
Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable at O2 Rooftop Bar with their Love at the Peak experience this Feb. 14 at 7 PM. Indulge in a five-course romantic dinner, accompanied by live jazz music and stunning panoramic views of the city. Set in an intimate atmosphere, this exclusive event offers a specially curated menu designed to celebrate love. Limited seating is available, so book your table now for an unforgettable evening under the stars!
Valentine’s Day at Phoenix Court
Photo by Facebook/The Bellevue Manila
Experience a memorable Valentine’s Day at Phoenix Court, The Bellevue Manila from Feb. 11-15. Treat your loved one to a specially curated Valentine’s Set Menu, featuring exquisite dishes made with premium ingredients. Whether for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, the restaurant’s refined atmosphere ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Prices start at P4,200, so secure your reservation today!
Valentine's Day at Dr. Wine Poblacion
Photo by Facebook/Dr. Wine Poblacion
Treat your special someone to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day this Feb. 14 at Dr. Wine Poblacion with a five-course menu by Chef Romain Escande. Delight in foie gras with black truffle, Canadian lobster, and seared Wagyu beef, topped off with Auro chocolate pie and macarons. At P4,280, this exclusive experience includes a glass of Chandon Rosé. Reserve now for a memorable evening of romance and fine dining!
Apartment 1B 'Valentine Special for Two'
Photo by Facebook/Apartment 1B
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special at Apartment 1B with a curated set menu for two, complemented by red or white wine and Prosecco. Priced at P3,250 for two (P1,750 for one), this exclusive meal is available for lunch and dinner on Feb. 14. Choose from Apartment 1B’s locations in Arya BGC, Salcedo, The Henry Hotel Manila, or The Henry Resort Laiya. Reservations are highly recommended to reserve your spot.
Valentine’s Day at Seva
Photo by Facebook/seva
Spend an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Seva with a special set menu of classic favorites and new creations, all served in a cozy, intimate setting. No second seating means you can enjoy a leisurely evening, with reservation slots at 6:30 PM, 7 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8 PM on Feb. 14. Priced at P4,500 per person (exclusive of service charge), this exclusive experience is limited, so book early!
Valentine’s Day Special at I’m Angus Steakhouse
Photo by Facebook/I'm Angus Steakhouse
Make your Valentine’s Day special at I’m Angus Steakhousewith a specially curated menu from Feb. 13-15. Savor premium steaks and gourmet dishes in a cozy, intimate setting, perfect for a romantic celebration. Reservations are essential, so call 8892-5852 or 0956 135 4213 to secure your table for this exclusive offering.
Galentines at The Vibe
Photo by Facebook/The Vibe
Celebrate Galentine’s at The Vibe Bar and Cafe from Feb. 12-17 with cocktails, sweet treats, and a curated experience. Enjoy a chic setup, exclusive Valentine’s cocktails, and indulge in bento cakes or cupcakes. Add a flower arranging activity with preserved roses for P799. Limited slots only, so reserve now for a memorable night with your besties!
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Shake Shack and Hey Pie People have teamed up to serve up ice cream and pie — the sweetest and most delicious pairing — for all dessert lovers out there.
From Jan. 23 to Mar. 23, 2025, Shake Shack will be making Hey Pie People’s creations available to everyone who wants a piece! This unprecedented collaboration features two new menu items that highlight Shake Shack’s signature vanilla frozen custard, made with real cane sugar, cage-free eggs and milk from dairy farmers who guarantee to never use artificial growth hormones, and Hey Pie People’s most memorable pie flavors:
This sweet and indulgent treat blends vanilla frozen custard with Hey Pie People’s best-selling Mango Manchego, topped with mango, grated Manchego cheese, and finished with Hey Pie People’s signature flaky crust. The result is a deliciously delightful balance of sweet vanilla custard, the salty creaminess from the Manchego cream filling and cheese, and the fresh kick from the mango — it’s the quintessential Mango Manchego Pie in a cup!
Moreover, 5% of all Mango Manchego Concrete sales are donated to CENTEX, Ayala Foundation’s holistic education program that supports student, parent, and teacher development in underserved Filipino communities.
Hey Banana Fanna Toffee Shake (P335)
This blissful shake combines vanilla frozen custard with Hey Pie People’s Banana Cream Pie, special black sesame toffee sauce, toffee bits, and ground black sesame mix, and is topped with Hey Pie People’s flaky crust. Like the local peanut brittle, it offers a delightful mix of fresh, sweet banana and the nuttiness of black sesame, with bits and pieces of the candied sweetness of the crunchy toffee bits, enveloped in Shake Shack’s rich frozen vanilla custard.
Here's a fun fact: The Shake was inspired by the 80s catchy song “The Name Game,” and was Guia Garcia Bohol’s winning entry in Shake Shack’s Name That Shake Giveaway.
These two items are best paired with Crinkle Cut Fries or Chicken Bites – just the snacks that’ll hit the spot.
All Eyes on the Pies
Guests and Shack fans can only avail themselves of these limited menu items in all Manila Shacks (except NAIA T3) from Jan. 23 until Mar. 23, 2025. The Mango Manchego Concrete will only be available in Six Shacks, excluding Shack Araneta and NAIA T3.
Shake Shack and Hey Pie People have exclusive bandana and shirt merchandise available on Shake Shack Philippines’ website in limited quantity only.
For more information and updates, check out Shake Shack Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as their website.
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A feast for both the eyes and the palate, charcuterie boards have taken center stage in gatherings and celebrations. These artful arrangements of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and more are loved for their versatility and visual appeal.
What makes a charcuterie board enticing is it caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Creating your own board might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right supplies and creativity, anyone can craft an Instagram-worthy spread. From wooden boards and bowls to artisanal cheeses and specialty meats, having access to quality ingredients and tools can make a difference.
To guide you, a charcuterie board features a combination of flavors – savory, sweet, tangy, and even spicy. It can include an assortment of delimeatslike prosciutto and salami, cheeses ranging from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, and accompaniments such as crackers, fresh fruits, olives, and honey.
Get started by checking out these stores in Metro Manila listed below where you can stock up on everything you need for the perfect charcuterie board.
Säntis Delicatessen is a premier gourmet deli in the Philippines, known for its high-quality imported goods and local specialties. With multiple branches across Metro Manila, Säntis offers both in-store pickup and takeout services. The deli features over 4,500 items, including imported cheeses, custom-aged Certified Angus Beef, Euro-Swiss sausages, premium wines, and a wide range of dry goods.
Cheese Box MNL has become a favorite among cheese enthusiasts in Manila, thanks to its curated cheese boxes, dips, and jams. Known for its diverse offerings, the brand caters to various occasions, making it an ideal choice for gifts or indulgent treats. If you’re setting up your charcuterie board, you can check out some of the Go Boxes they offer, with each option already including cheeses, cold cuts, fresh and dried fruits, pretzels, and crackers, among others.
Hungry Cow Manila is a specialty deli offering premium imported food products. From a diverse selection of cheeses and cold cuts to curated wines and gourmet items like olive oils and gelato, it caters to all your charcuterie needs with convenient curbside pickup, delivery, and in-store options. For starters, you can check out their DIY Grazing Sets, which has the items you need to create a small board.
The Bow Tie Duck is an online delicatessen in Manila offering an exceptional range of gourmet food and beverages. Their curated selection includes premium cheeses, caviar, foie gras, truffles, and cold cuts sourced from around the globe. With refrigerated delivery services ensuring freshness, they make luxury dining accessible, complemented by free delivery for orders over Php3,000.
AP Grazing Table, based in Mandaluyong, specializes in crafting elegant grazing tables and boxes for all occasions. Their offerings range from personal-sized Grazing Dream Cans to indulgent Grazing Grand Boxes, ensuring a delightful gourmet experience for both intimate and large gatherings. Consider ordering The Grazing Grand Box with No Wine option, priced at Php2,440, which includes premium deli, cheeses, olives, nuts, fresh fruit, crackers, and jam.
The Curated Deli in Manila offers an impressive selection of artisanal cheeses, premium cold cuts, and fine wines, perfect for any occasion. Known for its elegant gift boxes and beautifully arranged platters, it’s a go-to for special celebrations and thoughtful gifting.
Grazing Box Manila specializes in crafting charcuterie essentials with high-quality ingredients perfect for stunning spreads. Their offerings include gourmet cheeses like brie and gouda, premium cold cuts such as salami and prosciutto, and seasonal fruits like grapes and figs. Accompaniments like jams, honey, crackers, nuts, and even pickled vegetables complete their customizable selections, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Eurocart Sausages & Deli in Manila offers a diverse range of gourmet meats, cheeses, and specialty products ideal for both personal enjoyment and gatherings. Renowned for their premium sausages, they feature traditional European varieties alongside local Filipino favorites like Chicken Longganisa and Beef Tapa. Their curated meat platters, such as the PARIS and VIENNA selections, pair perfectly with their gourmet cheeses and specialty items like Pastrami and Salami Milano.
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What happens when two stylish eateries join forces to create one special dinner degustation?Uma Nota Manila presented their first collaboration with none other than Neon Pigeon, a Singaporean bar and restaurant known for disruptive yet delicious flavors.
Both restaurants are renowned for unconventional takes on Japanese food but while Uma Nota marries the Brazilian palate to such flavors, Neon Pigeon proudly reinvents traditional Japanese fare at their cheeky izakaya.
For this special two-night degustation, Neon Pigeon Bar Manager Mario La Pietra had concocted four special cocktails to be paired with an eight-course meal by Chef Andres Rendon of Uma Nota and Chef Sean Mell of Neon Pigeon. Having taken place on the nights of Jan. 22 and 23, 2025, this special collaboration is just the first of what we hope to be many more between Uma Nota and friends.
The Vibe and Venue
Mario La Pietra and Chef Sean Mell | Instagram/Funkytown & Neon Pigeon Singapore
Uma Nota is known to be stylish and contemporary, with food that is just as impressive. At 7 PM, we were greeted at the door by the restaurant’s lovely general manager, Michele Cantini, and brought downstairs to The Living Room. Here, the famous “Hanging Tree” installation stands proudly in mid-air, surrounded by colorful artwork. As Uma Nota’s main dining room, The Living Room is often packed with happy diners, where at 10 PM, a DJ steps into the booth to play soulful tunes that encourage more conversation.
At the restaurant’s marble bar, Mario La Pietra demonstrated both talent and finesse, regaling us with stories while meticulously preparing a variety of cocktails. Service was of course exceptional, with attentive servers taking great care of diners’ needs. Throughout the eight-course meal, chefs Andres Rendon and Sean Mell would step out of the kitchen to explain each course, sharing invaluable insight into their menu and teamwork.
The Cost
The Uma Nota x Neon Pigeon collaboration introduced diners to a P3,900 degustation that can be paired with cocktails. Each cocktail cost P600.
The Menu
Chef Sean Mell at Neon Pigeon | Instagram/Neon Pigeon Singapore
There’s a little bit of everything for everyone on the menu; however, majority of the courses prepared were meat or fish-based. Flavor profiles were varied and diverse; some courses – such as the Scallop Ceviche – were spicy and bold, while others – such as the Black Garlic Miso Cod – explored umami taste profiles. Obvious care was taken in creating this menu; everything was incredibly well-balanced, with plenty of fun textures to bite on.
Over at the bar, Mario was simultaneously preparing cocktails. Each cocktail beheld a different vibe from the sweet, smoky Banana Republic cocktail (made with butter-washed Johnny Walker Black, smoked miso caramel, and banana water) to the quirky, fruity Singapo-Riesling shaken with Tanqueray No.10, Curacao, Reisling, cherry, pineapple, and coconut-whey-peanut aerosol.
What We Tried
We began the night with drinks for, as loyal patrons will know, it is customary at Neon Pigeon to start and end the meal with a shot of sake. At the bar, Mario prepared an incredible tipple which remains my favorite of the night: the Japanese Loafer. Made with Midori and Don Julio Blanco, this cocktail is perfect for those looking for something light yet memorable. It is infused with yuzu lime and lemon, then topped with egg white which tampers down any strong alcoholic taste. A glow-in-the-dark ice cube is added to the drink, which Mario joked is customary in Neon Pigeon as both a tribute to its name and also a logistical must-have (due to the izakaya’s dark ambiance).
Neon Pigeon's Japanese Loafer cocktail | Instagram/Neon Pigeon Singapore
This was followed by a sip of the Banana Republic. Sweet tooths may have found themselves drawn to this beverage as it boasts of caramel and banana water but don’t be fooled. This tipple comes with a kick! Full-bodied and deep, the cocktail starts off sweet but ends with a lingering, smoky aftertaste that imbibes sophistication.
Hamachi from Neon Pigeon | Instagram/Neon Pigeon Singapore
The eight-course meal then began with Neon Pigeon’s Tokyo Hummus, which Chef Sean proudly revealed has been on the restaurant’s menu for ten years now. A quick bite will explain why; this incredible dip replaces chickpeas with edamame to create a creamy appetizer that is topped with furikake and paired with crunchy baguette chips baked in curry oil. Flavorful, creamy, and crunchy, this was undoubtedly the perfect way to start the night.
The second course was one that easily refreshed the palate. The Coffee Cured Hamachi consisted of fresh sashimi garnished with watercress miso, wasabi yogurt, pomelo, and pickled shallots. All these flavors came together for a slightly sweet appetizer (due to the freshness of the fish as well as the shallots) that was also a little earthy (from the watercress miso and wasabi yogurt).
Up next was the Scallop Cevichewhich is served with crispy tapioca chips. A contrast to the previous course, this third appetizer was bold, spicy, and incredibly vibrant. It banked on the freshness of its scallops, which easily absorbed the flavors of yuzu kosho, tomato, and cucumber. Paired with bits of creamy avocado and crispy chips, Chef Andres rightfully described it as a “burst of flavor and texture.”
But of course, what is Japanese food without sushi? The fourth course introduced us to a smoky, savory delight: the Smoked Wagyu Roll. MB5 wagyu is smoked to perfection and then rolled with caviar and sweet, homemade BBQ sauce. It is then topped with crispy sweet potato and served with a side of soy sauce for a savory, smoky delight.
A main course to die for, the fifth item on the menu was the Black Garlic Miso Cod. It was a favorite for many due to the expert way it was cooked. The fish itself was sinfully soft and moist; laying on the plate atop crunchy, flavorful skin, all of which simply dances in the sweet, umami taste of black garlic miso. Truly an incredible taste profile to experience.
Wagyu katsu sando | Instagram/Uma Nota
By this time, we definitely felt a little fullness in our stomachs but happily, the next course was just as tempting. The indulgent Crispy Duck Leg course is one for the books. A generous portion of duck leg is cooked in duck fat, yuzu, and ponzu, ensuring flavor in every bite. The skin is, of course, crunchy as can be expected, just the way Filipino diners like it.
The dinner’s penultimate course is perhaps what diners were most excited about: the Wagyu Katsu Sando. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu tenderloin was sandwiched between slices of bread and paired with shoestring fries and curry mayo. The pairing of decadent, tender wagyu with bold curry mayo (made with a little tonkotsu sauce to boot) felt absolutely indulgent for all the right reasons.
After a heavy meal, nothing feels better than a scoop of ice cream. The dessert, called the Abacaxi Churrasco, consisted of a scoop of coconut ice cream atop a bed of almond crumble. It was then drizzled with caramel sauce and paired with burnt pineapple on the side. Fruity, fun, and flavorful, the only fault for this course was that it simply wasn’t enough! The fresh coconut ice cream paired beautifully with the sweetened taste of burnt pineapple – add that to the crunchy, earthy texture provided by slivers of almond and you’ve got yourself a dessert that you can’t get enough of!
The Uma Nota x Neon Pigeon collab took place on Jan. 22 to 23, 2025 at Uma Nota, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on Uma Nota’s next degustation by connecting with them online.
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The British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is set on taking the Filipino dining scene to the next level, as he hints at exciting plans to bring his iconic Hell’s Kitchen restaurant to Manila.
After debuting his first-ever outpost, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, at Newport World Resorts in August, the restaurant quickly became a culinary sensation, racking up over 10,000 reservations in its first month. At the heart of the menu is Ramsay’s signature dish, the Beef Wellington, priced at around P17,500, which has captivated local food enthusiasts.
Instagram/ Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH
Building on this success, Ramsay recently visited the country to scout new locations. Ramsay has also unveiled plans to bring three more world-class restaurants to the Philippines During his trip, Ramsay shared his admiration for the passion Filipinos have for food, experiencing it firsthand in Manila’s lively culinary culture.
If his budding ambitions materialize, it will be the first Hell’s Kitchen in Asia and outside the United States, marking a major milestone for both Ramsay and the Filipino dining landscape.
Instagram/ Gordon Ramsay
At an exclusive event at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Ramsay met with culinary students from institutions such as Le Cordon Bleu, the College of Saint Benilde, and the Centre of Culinary Arts Manila, as well as his loyal fans, who took part in a Q&A session, followed by a cooking competition reminiscent of Ramsay’s "MasterChef series," where four Filipino personalities (including content creator-chef Ninong Ry and actress-cum-chef Judy Ann Santos) were challenged to create a unique spin on the classic Halo-Halo, incorporating a secret ingredient.
With Ramsay’s enthusiasm and bold culinary vision, Filipino foodies are in for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
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The Year of the Wood Snake is fast approaching, with this momentous day falling on Jan. 29, 2025. Gatherings with family and friends are a must for this special occasion, and the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites invite everyone to celebrate the Chinese New Year with them.
To mark this auspicious day, a traditional lion and dragon dance will be performed on Jan. 29, 2025, at 10 AM in front of the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. This performance, signifying luck, prosperity, and positive energy, will continue throughout both hotels, spreading good fortune to all hotel guests and visitors.
Guests can celebrate wealth and success with Xin Tian Di’s signature Lucky Koi Tikoy. With this Koi fish-shaped glutinous rice cake priced at P1,688 nett, it is the perfect addition to your New Year repast! The Lucky Koi Tikoy can be enjoyed and purchased until Jan. 31, 2025.
Xi Tian Di also offers a specially curated Chinese New Year Set Menu, crafted to bring joy, abundance, and indulgence to your celebrations. The set menu features authentic Chinese dishes, offering a Set Menu for Five Persons for P18,651 nett and a Set Menu for Ten Persons for P37,346 nett.
This limited-time menu is available from Jan. 16 to 31, 2025.
Make your Chinese New Year celebrations special and memorable and experience the vibrant traditions and heartfelt hospitality of the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and the Holiday Inn & Suites.
For inquiries and reservations for the Chinese New Year Set Menu and the Lucky Koi Tikoy, contact Xin Tian Di at +6387903100 or via email at [email protected]
Location:Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Ave, Corner Asian Development Bank Ave 1100 Quezon City National Capital Region; Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria, One Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center 1655 Quezon City National Capital Region
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