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Six Places to Get the Best Sourdough Bread in Manila
by: The Beat Asia
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August 24, 2021
by: The Beat Asia
Tags:
If you have not gotten on the sourdough train yet, then you should think twice. While we're no haters of regular sliced white bread from the supermarket — they are convenient for those lazy days — they can also be quite bland.
Sourdough is made of only four ingredients — flour, levain or starter, salt, and water — and is exactly how bread was made thousands of years ago long before instant yeast was invented. As lovers of gluten, we appreciate a boule or batard with a gorgeous oven spring and ear, a crisp crust, and an even, airy crumb. If you've never tried sourdough before, you might find its slight tang and chewier texture quite different from what you're used to, but these are also the qualities that so many people love about it.
To help you get acquainted with sourdough, here are six places in Manila where you can find the best of them.
Tōst
As if good ole plain sourdough isn't glorious enough, Marvin Raymundo of Tōst takes this a notch higher with sourdough flavors that are perfect for the Filipino palate. We recommend Tōst's ube sourdough and for something softer, Tōst's sourdough tangzhong kape buns!
28 Derby, located in 28 Derby Street in White Plains, is a bakery and café known for their buns, loaves, puffs, and sweets. It's easy to get analysis paralysis poring through 28 Derby's offerings (you'll want to try them all), but you can't go wrong with their sourdough loaf and sourdough sandwich loaf!
B55 Microbakery is a testament of chef Miko Santos' love for sourdough. Located in Katipunan Avenue, B55 Microbakery offers sourdough batards, baguettes, focaccia, pandesal, shokupan, and buns for every bread lover!
Likhang Harina's no-frills, no-nonsense menu selection of four is perfect for those who know exactly what they want in sourdough. Choose among their country sourdough, rye sourdough, seeded buckwheat sourdough, and cranberry walnut sourdough!
You'll love Otter Breads not just for their artisan-style sourdough bread that comes in white, dark rye, and whole wheat flour, but also the amazing spreads and coffee they offer. They, too, have sourdough in other forms, such as pancake batter mix, fresh pizza dough, soup bowls, and scones.
The B.A.D. Baker's artisan sourdough bread ticks off all our boxes, from the scoring, ear, and oven spring down to its crust and crumb! The B.A.D. Baker is run by one woman — Charis Gatmaitan — who hand mixes, folds, shapes, and bakes each loaf, so you can bet your peso that every order is made of love. She really is the baddest!
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25 years in the game, and still, Seattle’s Best Coffee sees no hint of slowing down.
Seattle’s Best Coffee(SBC) has officially reopened their flagship store on 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, ushering their best era and 25th year in the Philippines.
Courtesy of Seattle's Best Coffee, Good Media
Designed with an American modern-industrial aesthetic of warm wood finishes, matte black fixtures, minimalist interiors, and touches of the brand’s signature red, Seattle’s Best Coffee’s revamped new space can now host over 50 guests and offers an inviting, elevated café experience in the heart of Bonifacio Global City.
To celebrate this launch, Seattle’s Best Coffee brought back the crowd-favorite Ube Deluxe Collection (Hot & Iced Ube Coco) and highlighted the Maple Cloud Cream Collection (Hot/Iced Maple Americano, Maple Breve, and Maple Latte), reflecting their commitment to bringing more bold and exciting flavors to the Filipino coffee drinkers.
Courtesy of Seattle's Best Coffee, Good Media
The launch also included fun activities and giveaways, a serenade by indie darling Clara Benin, and even introduced their playful collaboration with lifestyle brand Milkwear, the SBC x Milkwear Collection, featuring limited-editiont-shirts (P799) and caps (P499) that will be available at select Seattle’s Best Coffee branches starting Sept. 29, 2025.
Courtesy of Seattle's Best Coffee, Good Media
The new flagship also reinforced Seattle’s Best Coffee’s strong expansion plans, with the brand on track to have over 60 branches nationwide by the end of 2025. They have also recently opened stores in Lanao del Norte, Boracay, Zamboanga, Legazpi, and other key cities.
As part of its 25th anniversary in the Philippines, Seattle’s Best Coffee premiered a special video titled “Pause. Forward. Fast Forward,” reflecting on its 25-year journey in the country, and emphasizing the importance of savoring meaningful moments with a cup of coffee.
Seattle’s Best Coffee’s BEST Era Yet
The executives of Seattle's Best Coffee Philippines | Courtesy of Seattle's Best Coffee, Good Media
Seattle’s Best Coffee is brewing more than just drinks — it’s building its future with what Group Marketing Director Lorent Adrias calls “BEST.”
B stands for Bold Innovation, their promise to keep serving exciting, innovative flavors for Filipino coffee drinkers.
E is for Expanding Reach, with more stores set to open before 2025 ends.
S is for Style, bringing forward more lifestyle collaborations and experiences, such as the SBC x Milkwear Collection.
T is for Transform Forward, inviting coffee lovers to move forward with intention and creativity.
Seattle’s Best Coffee has long been a steady presence in the country, building a loyal following along the way. For Lorent, that loyalty comes down to more than just coffee.
“What they [the consumers] really like about us is when they go to a Seattle’s Best, they don’t just get coffee; they get an experience,” he shared. “It’s not transactional. We encourage people to stay, invite your friends over to meet, and that’s what sets us apart from the rest.”
The opening of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s revamped flagship store is more than just an unveiling of a new café — it’s their reaffirmation to innovate, expand, and create meaningful connections with their customers, one cup at a time.
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Forget everything you thought you knew about food festivals. This Nov. 19 to 23, 2025, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific will debut in Bacolod City, and it’s set to redefine what it means to eat with purpose. This isn’t just about gourmet bites and pretty plating; it’s a full-on cultural awakening served with a side of climate action.
Photo from Website/Slow Food International
Held at the lush Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Negros Occidental, the five-day event will welcome over 2,000 delegates from more than 20 countries. From Indigenous leaders and organic farmers to Michelin-starred chefs and youth activists, it’s a melting pot of voices rallying around one shared belief: food should be good for people, good for the planet, and rooted in tradition.
Organized by Slow Food International and backed by the Philippine government, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific will explore the theme “From Soil to Sea, A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions,” spotlighting regional staples like rice, soy, spices, and taro through immersive exhibitions, workshops, and tastings.
Photo from Instagram/Terra Madre Asia & Pacific
Expect chef-led demos, public talks on climate resilience and food justice, and a bustling market featuring rare local ingredients like batuan, criollo cacao, and tultul salt. The Community Kitchen, where all 61 barangays of Bacolod will serve traditional dishes, promises to be a soul-stirring centerpiece.
The culinary lineup is stacked with international and local chefs, like Johanne Siy (Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023), Wes Kuo (Michelin Green Star), Melissa Miranda (Musang, USA), and regional icons like Jordy Navarra and Chele González, who will take the stage. Mixologists from Manila to Hong Kong will shake up the Slow Drinks pavilion with sustainable sips.
As a movement, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific will launch a new Slow Food Hub and kick off the Slow Food Travel initiative, aiming to reshape how we eat, grow, and connect.
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The Philippines will now join the ranks of the world’s most celebrated culinary guide as the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Manila and Environs & Cebu is set to happen on Oct. 30, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts.
For the first time, the MICHELIN Guide will unveil its official restaurant selection for Manila, its nearby provinces, and Cebu — highlighting the country’s rich culinary identity, diverse traditions, and exceptional talents.
The exclusive one-night ceremony will feature the official reveal of the MICHELIN Guide Selected Restaurants, Bib Gourmand list, MICHELIN Stars, and MICHELIN GUIDE Special Awards, accompanied by a welcome reception, the highly anticipated awards presentation, and a celebratory cocktail reception curated by renowned international and local chefs.
This historic occasion will bring together esteemed chefs, restaurateurs, industry leaders, MICHELIN Guide’s official partners, and media representatives from all over the globe.
Every establishment included in the selection has been independently assessed by anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors, based on universally applied criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, personality of the chef through the cuisine, and consistency, guaranteeing that each awarded restaurant meets a world-class standard of excellence.
The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be livestreamed via the MICHELIN Guide Asia YouTube channel, allowing wider access to the occasion and food lovers and professionals around the world to be a part of this extraordinary night.
The full restaurant selection will also be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide’s interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will also be on the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found free on its digital platforms.
For more information, guides, and others, visit the MICHELIN Guide website, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages. Download the MICHELIN Guide free app for iOS and Android.
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Raise your glasses, Manila! The Philippine Cocktail Fiesta arrives this November, highlighting the artistry, innovation, and passion driving the local drinking culture.
Running from Nov. 17 to 23, 2025, this weeklong celebration is more than an event about cocktails, but a community-led gathering that showcases the ever evolving drinking culture through cocktail pairing dinners,guest bartender shifts, industry talks, hands-on workshops, and exclusive guest shifts at some of the best bar hotspots across Metro Manila, including Makati, BGC, Quezon City, San Juan, Marikina, and Entertainment City. The exciting showcase will also welcome guest bars from award-winning venues across the region.
Organized by the country’s first drink-centric publication, DrinkCollectiv.com, and DBYW (Drinks Be With You), a community in the local bar scene that brings together bartenders and enthusiasts through events and cocktail competitions, the upcoming event will also feature an exciting lineup of local and international bartenders from top Asian bars, and will shine the spotlight on key industry opinion leaders and organizers of regional cocktail festivals and events such as KLCW, Taiwan Can Drink, Taiwan’s Taichung Cocktail Camp (TCC), and India Bartender Show.
Photo from Website/The Philippine Cocktail FiestaPhoto from Website/The Philippine Cocktail Fiesta
Additionally, attendees can also enjoy exclusive discounts, freebies, and special promotions from various bars, ranging from merchandise, buy-one-get-one drinks, and exclusive Cocktail Fiesta creations.
Tickets and the official lineup of bars and guests are yet to be announced. You can find more information here or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates.
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Cocktails are already an art form on their own, but cocktails that were inspired by art? Phenomenal.
The worlds of painting and mixology collide at “When Cocktails Imitate Art,” a special collaboration by Fundacion Sansó and The Spirits Library. Here, the spirited floral works and Brittany seascapes of renowned modernist painter Juvenal Sansó are featured in custom-crafted special cocktails by the mixology experts of The Spirits Library, one of the hottest bars in Makati.
The collaboration is inspired by the essence and feel of five different Juvenal Sansó paintings and will be available at The Spirits Library from Sept. 4 to Oct. 4, 2025.
Here are the five Sansó-inspired cocktails:
"With Grandiosity and Splendor" and "A Universe of Things" | Courtesy of Fundacion Sanso, The Spirits Library"Stars of the Earth," "Exalted in Surf and Rocks," and "Calm Sea Spray" | Courtesy of Fundacion Sanso, The Spirits Library
“With Grandiosity and Splendor”: the En Vase Floral is interpreted in a flamboyant mélange of Martinique Rhum, Chamomile, and Cherry Cordial, and egg white.
“A Universe of Things”: the dreamy, turquoise-toned 1960s work is captured with the mix of Beefeater Gin, Génépi Liqueur, and Blue Curacao with Kinchay Flowers.
“Stars of the Earth”: breathtaking and a beauty to look at, the painting is expressed with a mysterious blend of luxe Codico Blanco, Martel VS Cognac, Mezcal, Braulio, Bénédictine, and Osmanthus Tea.
“Exalted in Surf and Rocks”: this classic Brittany Series piece is embodied in a sparkling flute of Elderflower Cordial, Kombu-infused Beefeater, Peach, and Prosecco, topped with flavor-changing chocolate rocks.
“Calm Sea Spray”: soothing and cool, this piece is emulated with a refreshing mix of Havana Club, Pineapple Aloe Cordial, Olive Brine, and Jasmine Tea.
Each of these Juvenal Sansó artworks will also be exhibited within The Spirits Library to accompany drinkers while they sip on their art-inspired concoctions. Alongside this are limited-edition glass merchandise items on offer that are hand-painted by Fundacion Sansó’s artist friends.
Courtesy of Fundacion Sanso, The Spirits LibraryCourtesy of Fundacion Sanso, The Spirits Library
“When Cocktails Imitate Art” is a celebration of Juvenal Sansó and the uplifting, artistic essence of his works. This collaboration will run from Sept. 4 to Oct. 4, 2025, at The Spirits Library. 10% of the Sansó cocktails sales will go to Fundacion Sansó’s scholarship fund for art students.
For more information, follow The Spirits Library on Instagram, and Fundacion Sansó on Facebook and Instagram.
Location: The Spirits Library, 4963 Guerrero, Makati City
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Solaire Resort has always taken pride in its lavish demeanor, marketing itself as a “gateway to luxury.” Indeed, it has no shortage of designer finds, world-class theater shows, and even fine dining options. One such restaurant is Finestra, an Italian restaurant renowned for not only presenting authentic Italian flavors but also offering culturally innovative dishes.
At the helm is Executive Chef Andrea Spagoni, a Michelin-starred talent who has brought the rich flavors of Italy to places such as New York, Hong Kong, London, and, of course, the Philippines. In a video posted on Finestra’s official Facebook page, Spagoni emphasized the restaurant’s roots: “Finestra has always been an Italian restaurant, and it still will be.”
If there’s one thing people should know about this celebrated chef, though, it’s that he never shies away from reinventing himself. He tends to give a contemporary approach to his cuisine, a sensibility he has also brought to Finestra. And for a special, one-time dining experience held at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque, he set aside Italian flavors for a while in exchange for a night for the books: a tour to France — told entirely through taste, that is.
“We showcased dishes that would represent French cuisine heritage,” Chef Spagoni told The Beat Asia. “The aim was to present, within a few dishes, the opulence and the [depth] of such cuisine.”
Photo from Website/Solaire Resort
Traversing France Through Rich, Authentic Flavors — And a Glass of Wine
Called Tour de France: A Wine & Dine Experience, the renowned chef presented a six-course menu paired with French wines, meticulously curated by the Director of Beverage himself, David Blais. To say Blais understands his wine very well would be an understatement. Pair these two geniuses together, and you’re guaranteed a sumptuous, memorable night. One that would make you raise a glass and say, “Santé!”
Finestra has already established itself as a restaurant like no other. The moment we walked in, we were immediately greeted with warm hospitality and a complimentary glass of wine to start the night right. It has everything you would expect from a fine dining destination. The walls are adorned with crystal-inspired hanging fixtures, while to the left of the entrance sits the wine cellar — home to more than 600 bottles, a true testament to what Finestra is all about. Against a scenic view of trees through its glass walls, the dimmed, soft yellow lighting casts an intimate glow, setting the stage for what would become a night to remember and cherish.
The setting, in all its glory, is an experience in and of itself. But at the heart of it all is the presentation awaiting us: a premium six-course dinner, paired with six wines to savor — all sourced from Winedrop, a company that delivers curated wines.
The idea was to explore regions of France “through food, but mostly through wine,” according to the beverage director. Through dishes and world-class wines, both Blais and Spagoni made sure each serving would have a story to tell. They wanted guests to experience France through their palates. Out of six wine presentations, three were served in magnums — bottles twice the size of the standard — as Blais believes in the old adage: “size matters.” And in this case, he’s right.
Gillardeau Oyster, Paired With Château Guiraud Sauternes
Photo by The Beat Asia
Inspired by the City of Bordeaux, Blais says that when you breathe in the air, you’ll be greeted by “mostly some ocean breeze.” So he meticulously paired Château Guiraud Sauternes with oysters, a match he describes in just one word: “Wow.” Everything is presented with such precision — and thoughtfully so.
In order to showcase the beauty of Bordeaux, the Gillardeau Oyster — served with gelatin and crème fraîche — greets the palate with a sea-rich flavor: slightly sour, with a satisfying aftertaste. It feels almost as if it were taken straight from the ocean, then elevated with Spagoni’s flair for reinvention. Paired with a sweet, light white wine, the dish achieves a delicate balance that remains approachable even for those less fond of wine. It definitely was such a nice and refreshing opener to the otherwise much stronger five courses that followed.
Foie Gras Terrine, Paired with Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc
Photo by The Beat Asia
Blais notes that while Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of France, he wanted a red wine to represent it. Thus, for the second presentation, he gave Southern France a flavorful nod. In contrast to the first course, this pairing is much bolder. It comes with Foie Gras Terrine, served with pickled roots and a citrusy Sauternes emulsion.
“I like the fruitiness, the intensity of the wine. So the intensity of the wine goes perfectly with the intensity of foie gras,” said Blais.
Courtesy of Solaire Resort
Now, this is a biased take: we like our pork belly strong and flavorful, the kind that takes a bite or two to fully savor. This one, however, leaned toward a softer, subtler taste, which a traditional Filipino palate might not fully appreciate. Still, don’t let its gentleness fool you. It’s a dish that guests will eagerly devour — myself included, surprised at just how good it turned out to be. Truly a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
As Blais mentioned earlier in the event, he preferred pairing Burgundy with red wine, which is why even the pork belly was simmered in it. It’s, of course, paired with Nuits-Saint-Georges Burgundy, a rich red wine.
Onion Soup, Paired With Ermitage Le Méal Rhône
Photo by The Beat Asia
Blais sees all six wines as equally "beautiful," though Ermitage is his personal favorite. The Ermitage Le Méal Rhône is paired with Ravioli and radish, served in a thick broth. On creating the onion soup and Ermitage pairing, Blais said, “I told the chef [Spagoni], ‘You know what? [Ermitage] would be brilliant with a French wine and food. Of course, the guy is Italian, so he had to put some Italian touch. [French] onion soups do have cheese, so I decided not to put the cheese, but to make a cheese ravioli for the soup.”
While Ermitage is Blais’ favorite, the onion soup is the dish Spagoni is most proud of showcasing. He told The Beat Asia: “A very traditional dish that, within its simplicity, brings a complexity of flavors and a deep intensity of aromas. At the same time, [I get to] add a bit of an Italian touch with a tiny twist using ravioli in it.”
Josper-Grilled Australian Striploin, Paired With Château Durfort-Vivens Grand Cru Margaux
Courtesy of Solaire Resort
The Margaux is perhaps the most delicate and elegant when it comes to taste. It is paired with a tender Striploin, accompanied by Mushroom Duxelles and a pillowy Potato Mousseline. While Blais didn’t elaborate much on what the presentation was about, he described the pairing in a single word: “Beautiful.” And beautiful it was.
While Blais did most of the talking during the presentation, Spagoni spoke through his cooking, letting the flavors tell the story he wanted to share. It is, indeed, something tasted rather than heard.
Paris-Brest, Paired With Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive
Courtesy of Solaire Resort
Each wine, from first up to the fifth glass, gets only stronger. But the whole journey led up to a soft, sweet end: dessert, paired with a rich, syrupy Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive. A sweet tooth knows their dessert, and what makes a good one. And I can say for sure this one just gives the whole journey a nice, playful touch. Truly a fitting finale to what started as a bold showcase of French flavors, accompanied by a little touch of Italian on the side.
Our takeaway from this experience? It just proves that fine dining is more than just its price point. Each meticulously curated serving offers a story to tell.
Finestra at Solaire Entertainment City is open on Mondays and Sundays for dinner, while their Brunch menu is only available on Sundays. You can also book a reservation here or call them at +632-8888-8888.
Visit Finestra’s official website to learn more about their upcoming events, one-time dining experiences, and exciting offers. You may also follow their Instagram page to stay updated.
Location: Solaire Resort Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Tambo, Parañaque
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM; Brunch on Sundays, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
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Manila’s vibrant dining scene has just become easier to navigate, and your next perfect restaurant can now be found—without the endless scrolling.
Introducing OpenRice, Hong Kong’s #1 dining platform that’s just launched in the Philippines! Filipino foodies now have a new and seamless way to search, book, review, and earn rewards—all in one app.
Founded in 1999, OpenRice has grown into the ultimate dining app, operating across eight Asian markets including Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Japan, and now the Philippines!
“Filipinos love to eat; they have amazing food here, which makes it the perfect market for us,” said Jenna Sung, OpenRice’s Managing Director. “Filipinos are also pretty tech-savvy, everyone’s on TikTok, and so this makes us the perfect dining app for search and booking.”
What Makes OpenRice a Must-Have App
Courtesy of OpenRice Philippines
Foodies can search for restaurants with ease: With over 19,000+ listed restaurants in Metro Manila alone, OpenRice has powerful search filters that can guide foodies to finding the perfect spot! They can even use videos for a more immersive experience.
Skip the long queues and secure a table through instant table booking at over 150 partner restaurants (and counting) on OpenRice. Some of their partner restaurants include Antonio’s, Single Origin, Le Feu Steakhouse, and Shi Lin!
OpenRice's partner restaurants | Courtesy of OpenRice Philippines
OpenRice also encourages their users to document their dining experiences by writing reviews and sharing photos all in one app, to help the community uncover hidden gems.
Additionally, users can earn rewards while they dine: Dining is much more fun when you earn rewards for it! Connect your GoRewards account to your OpenRice profile to earn points for confirmed bookings and rewards. You can earn up to six (6) points per seat, and eight (8) points for your first review.
For more information and updates, visit the OpenRice website here or follow their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages!
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Calling all witches and wizards!Krispy Kreme PH just unveiled a magical new doughnut collection inspired by HogwartsSchool of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
In collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), Krispy Kreme presents the all-new Harry Potter: Houses of Hogwarts x Krispy KremeCollection,which brings to life the four iconic Hogwarts Houses through spellbinding flavors:
Gryffindor Doughnut – a shell doughnut filled with cookie butter flavored Kreme™, dipped in red icing and Biscoff® cookie crumble, topped with golden icing drizzles and the Gryffindor crest.
Slytherin Doughnut – an Original Glazed® doughnut topped with chocolate and green butter creme flavored swirls, chocolate cookie sugar blend, and the Slytherin crest.
Hufflepuff Doughnut – a shell doughnut filled with brown butter toffee flavored custard, dipped in golden yellow icing, and topped with black chocolate drizzle, cookie crunch, and the Hufflepuff crest.
Ravenclaw Doughnut – an Original Glazed® doughnut dipped in blueberry flavored icing, topped with the Ravenclaw sprinkles and crest.
Photo courtesy of Krispy Kreme PH
But wait, there’s more! A Hogwarts Houses-inspired treat wouldn’t be complete without the chance to get sorted. If you didn’t get your Hogwarts letter, you can still receive a sweet reveal through the magical Sorting Hat Doughnut, which is filled with a mystery colored Kreme representing one of the Hogwarts Houses. This spellbinding treat is dipped in chocolate-flavored icing, sprinkled with shimmering gold stars and gold sugar, and topped with a Sorting Hat piece. Simply take a bite, get sorted!
Krispy Kreme also cast a spell to add even more sweetness to this collection with the new Golden Snitch Latte, a rich golden caramel toffee-inspired latte, topped with whipped cream, Biscoff® cookie crumble, and a sprinkle of golden shimmer sugar. It’s e bewitching treat at every sip!
Photo courtesy of Krispy Kreme PHPhoto courtesy of Krispy Kreme PH
“We're channeling the beloved magic of Harry Potter™ and the Houses of Hogwarts for a collection that is truly bewitching," said Alison Holder, Chief Brand and Product Officer for Krispy Kreme. “But the magic is fleeting, and so are these doughnuts, so don’t miss your chance to try them!”
The Sorting Hat doughnut is sold separately in a limited-edition specialty box, while supplies last. The Harry Potter: Houses of Hogwarts x Krispy Kreme Collection is available until Sept. 15, so whether you’re traveling by broom or Floo Powder, go and get yours today!
Available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery via their hotline (888-79000) or partner couriers such as GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pick.A.Roo, OrderMo, and Groover.
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Kenny Rogers Roasters unveils its bold new creation, bringing more flavor and extra crunch to every bite!
Now available in all branches nationwide, the Chipotle Double Dippers combines texture and flavor with its savory tomato-based salsa made with garlic and herbs, paired with crunchy sprinkles in a smoky BBQ flavor. This delicious double dip combo will be served alongside some of their menu favorites, including:
Courtesy of Kenny Rogers RoastersChipotle Double Dippers Ribs | Courtesy of Kenny Rogers Roasters
The popular fast-casual chain is renowned for its hearty dishes that balance indulgence and nutrition, proving that everyday meals can be healthy and delicious. The Chipotle Double Dippers is available for dine-in, take-out, or delivery. You can order online via their website, Grab Food, Food Panda, or call the delivery hotline: 8-555-9000.
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When Singapore says they're bringing their flavors to Manila, they don't mean a token kaya toast in a small pop-up. They mean Candlenut's Malcolm Lee in the flesh, whipping up dishes alongside the stars of Hapag. They mean Asia's 50 Best Bars (#3) and World's 50 Best Bars 2024 (#5) Jigger & Pony, crafting their take on the Singapore Sling, the OG tropical cocktail. They mean Don Julio-infused cocktails, seaweed-laced Tanqueray tipples, and Poblacion's finest bars.
Welcome to SingaPob 2025, the third annual takeover hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), with partners Diageo, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Tanqueray, Singleton, and Zacapa. Happening from Aug. 28 to 30, 2025, SingaPob pairs the best of Singapore's food and bar scene with some of the best hangouts in Makati's vibrant party district.
This year, SingaPob took things up a notch by including not just bar collaborations but restaurant collabs too, giving foodies a more immersive gastronomic experience.
“SingaPob is our way of sharing what makes Singapore a true culinary haven, where passionate culinary talents from diverse backgrounds come together to create and innovate," said Terrence Voon, Executive Director, Southeast Asia, Singapore Tourism Board. "Much like the Philippines, our dining scene is rooted in heritage yet constantly evolving, blending tradition with new ideas to elevate familiar flavors. By bringing this spirit to Poblacion, we hope to celebrate our shared love for food and drinks and invite more Filipinos to discover Singapore’s vibrant culinary community and be inspired to experience it firsthand in Singapore."
Here's a quick rundown of the participating spots and their pairings:
Malcolm Lee x Hapag: Lee of 1 Michelin-starred Candlenut and Pangium partners with Thirdy Dolatre and John Kevin Navoa of Hapag.
Keng Eng Kee x Super Uncle Claypot: A family-run hawker stall, Keng Eng Kee is a Michelin Guide-recognized landmark.
Jigger & Pony x OTO: Asia's 50 Best Bars (#3) and World's 50 Best Bars (#5) Jigger & Pony is Singapore's best bar, ready to sling cocktails at OTO.
Fura x Ayà: Redefining sustainability, as evidenced by their Ketel One Sustainable Award from Asia's 50 Best Bars 2024, you can catch Fura at Ayá.
Mama Diam x Polilya: Retro, nostalgic, and best of all, hidden, Mama Diam partners with Polilya for an enticing food and drinks menu.
Offtrack x Run Rabbit Run: Another Asia's 50 Best Bars (#23) awardee, Offtrack serves both drinks and beats at Run Rabbit Run.
Night Hawk x ???: Located in a secret location, you'll find Asia's 50 Best Bars (#77) and their special drinks only after you've completed the crawl's secret mission. Trust us, it's worth the effort.
OnlyPans Tacqueria: Those who frequent Poblacion would know OnlyPans. It's the go-to before and after drinking, so why not drop by for their exclusive SingaPob menu?
Photo from Instagram/Run Rabbit Run
Aside from the drinks and dishes, SingaPob has another surprise for its patrons: a raffle that could win you a trip to Singapore! All you have to do is visit at least two participating venues, get stickers on your wristbands (after showing your receipt, so don't forget to get and keep those!), and post about the crawl on social media using the hashtags: #SingaPob #MadeInSingapore#PassionMadePossible. Once verified, you could enter the raffle at the secret location where Night Hawk is. The SingaPob crew posted at each location will hand over the details for the secret location once they've verified your two stickers.
Apart from the raffle, you can also check out Klook's special travel offer from Aug. 16 to Sept. 30, 2025, featuring exclusive Singapore travel discounts. If the crawl isn't enough, then book that plane ticket to Singapore and take advantage of Klook's promos!
For this weekend, however, The Beat Asia took on the crawl, and while we didn't manage to try all the stops, here is what went down yesterday evening at SingaPob 2025:
Stop #1: Fura x Ayà
From left: New Yuck City, Dirty Banana | Photo by The Beat Asia
Sustainability has never been sexier. Fura's takeover of Ayà promised cocktails made from "abundant" and "invasive" ingredients, and we weren't disappointed. We got to try "New Yuck City" and "Dirty Banana," kicking off the crawl on a high note.
"New Yuck City" was a citrus-forward combo of Tanqueray No. 10, seaweed, shio kombu, calamansi, guava, and lime leaf coco foam. It danced between briny and bright, a tropical, beachfront cocktail that took us (mentally and spiritually) out of Makati's bustling business district. If it were a one-drink kind of night, the "New Yuck City" would've been a perfect companion to nurse, idly chatting with your friends in the dim, cozy seats of Ayà.
The citrus notes from calamansi and guava cut through the subtle oceanic umami from the kombu, lifting the drink, while the creamy foam with bright lime rounded off the flavors. Comforting, layered, slightly adventurous. Our SingaPob crawl started off in the best way possible.
Then came the "Dirty Banana," which took Johnnie Walker Black Label and mixed it with Prefer bean-free coffee, green cardamom, dates, banana, and banana skin caramel. It looked like an espresso martini, but behaved like an elevated breakfast or dessert cocktail. The date-banana trio delivered a velvety sweetness, while the cardamom injected a spice-heavy depth balanced against the faint bitterness of the coffee.
Fura's use of banana skin caramel highlighted their sustainability ethos without compromising flavor. The caramel gave the cocktail a toasty, almost burnt sugar complexity that only added to the drink's comforting flavor. In all honesty, both of Fura's drinks were easy to love. They were like warm hugs on a rainy day, and we need more of that feeling with Manila's weather right now.
Stop #2: Jigger & Pony x OTO
Peanut Alexander | Photo by The Beat Asia
At OTO, Jigger & Pony flexed why they're amongst the Top 5 bars in Asia and in the world. We tried out the "Singa Sling" and "Peanut Alexander," the former is their take on the classic Singapore Sling cocktail, while the latter is a dessert in a glass.
Starting off with the "Singa Sling," a light but subtly lethal mix of Tanqueray No. 10, Cointreau, cherry, pineapple, and carbonated soda. It looked unassuming but went down like a summer sunset (that is, until you've had three of them, and the gin comes swinging). If you can imagine yourself watching the sun go down atop one of Singapore's stunning rooftop bars, this drink is right up there with you in that daydream.
The cherry note was upfront, clean, and the pineapple added a subtle acidity. Carbonation lifted the drink, while the Cointreau balanced the drink with a hint of bitterness. It reminds us of a cherry soda, but don't get us wrong, it's not a sugary bomb. It's delicate, intentional, and well-rounded.
Next up was the "Peanut Alexander," which reminds us of a creamy dessert. If that dessert comes with simmering rage. With the combination of Don Julio Blanco, salted peanuts, ube, cacao liqueur, fig, and cream, this drink reminded us of an upbeat, dance-worthy pop song hiding painful lyrics that catch you off guard, but still, you can't help but sing-scream to it anyway, cause it makes you feel "all the feels." The first song we thought of while drinking this? Paramore's "Hard Times," and we love it.
The Don Julio Blanco tequila gave the drink a strong backbone, softened by ube and fig. On the other hand, the bitter cacao and salty peanuts added more depth to the cocktail, as the finishing touch of cream rounded it all out. Comforting, while carrying hidden heat.
Stop #3: Mama Diam x Polilya
Chai Tarik Brew | Photo by The Beat AsiaChai Tarik Brew | Photo by The Beat Asia
If Mama Diam's "Chai Tarik Brew" develops a cult following over the course of SingaPob 2025, we wouldn't be surprised. And we would be joining too. At Polilya, we wasted no time in ordering this drink we were fortunate enough to sample at the Media Launch the day before. Isn't it obvious that we loved it enough then to order it all over again?
Served in a retro milk can with a side of Biscoff biscuit, it felt more like a childhood memory than a cocktail. Even though it still packed a punch, the drink was still, at its core, nostalgia in a glass — or rather, in a can. Made with chai, brown sugar, bitters, and whisky, this was a complex, but oh-so-familiar sip that transported us directly to a small provision store in Prinsep Street.
Flavor-wise, the chai was king. Rich and spice-laden, but still, it managed to mesh well with the whisky. The brown sugar gave it a sweet depth, while the bitters kept it from turning into a sweet tea drink. It was a feat to balance strong, individual ingredients while delivering a soulful drink that keeps its heart. The Biscoff biscuit on the side added an additional touch of sweetness to the drink, allowing the drink to lean even heavier on the nostalgia.
All in all, this drink was a whole mood, evoking memories in people even if you're not a local Singaporean. In all honesty, it remains one of our personal favorites.
Stop #4: Night Hawk x ???
(Clockwise) Polite Provisions, Singing in Poblacion, and Lion 60 Sling | Photo by The Beat Asia
For this one, the venue is secret. But one hint is that it's near Polilya, which was perfect as it served as our next stop. To know the location, you'll need to visit at least two of the partner establishments. When you visit those bars or restaurants, make sure to approach one of the SingaPob representatives with your receipt proving that you ordered from their limited-time menu. They'll add a sticker to your wristband, and once you have at least two of those stickers, you'll be given a card showing the name and location of the stop where Night Hawk is residing for the weekend.
We went to the final location, and with our wristbands verified, we signed up real quick to join the raffle for a free trip to Singapore. Then it was time to check out Night Hawk's special menu for SingaPob 2025. We tried "Lion 60 Sling" and "Polite Provisions."
The former, "Lion 60 Sling," was a floral-forward beauty (with a literal flower on top): Tanqueray No. 10, clarified pineapple syrup, pear, cherry, citrus, and hibiscus soda. It looked great on Instagram, but that was only the cherry (pun intended) on top of a drink that tasted even better beyond its looks. It ended the night on a delicately sweet note.
"Polite Provisions," meanwhile, was anything but polite (in the best way possible). The drink blended together Tomato Don Julio Blanco, tomato mezcal, jalapeño syrup, citrus, and salt for a powerful, chaotic beast. It was spicy, savory, punchy — truly, a rollercoaster in a glass. The jalapeño hits you first, followed by the tomato's umami and then a salt-citrus combo that leaves you reeling. If, rather than a smooth, sweet way to end the night, you'd much prefer to go out with a bang, then "Polite Provisions" delivers.
Night Hawk also served bonus shots of vodka and tequila to patrons, cause why not? Even though the bar had no idea they were going to be the final destination of crawl, it was like they read our minds and pulled out all the stops to complete our crawl's vibe on a high.
SingaPob 2025 wasn't just a bar crawl. It's a borderless blend of cultures, cocktails, and culinary vibrance in a district that captures all of that energy and is capable of amping it up even further. Whether it was the elevated artistry of Malcolm Lee at Hapag or the chaotic brilliance of each award-winning bar slinging cocktails you'll dream of for years to come, each stop reminded us of Singapore's wildly diverse, ever-evolving F&B scene. So, gather your friends and take on the crawl!
And if you've conquered the crawl and can't help but long for more? Well, Singapore's just a short plane ride away. So, here's to hoping you'll win that free trip to Singapore!
For more updates and information, check out the Singapore Tourism Board's website and follow them on Instagram. You can also follow Visit Singapore on Instagram to know more.
Get to know the participating bars and restaurants by following them on Instagram.
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