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Step into MGallery Admiral Hotel Manila’s lobby and spot a floor-to-ceiling bookcase. One particular section swings open – no password, just curiosity – revealing a dark corner where Ruby Wong beckons her guests to an elevator or staircase.

A good speakeasy provokes a mild sense of rule-breaking, and Ruby Wong’s Godown nails it from the start. 

We chose the staircase lit by an eclectic mix of paper lanterns overhead and faux cobblestones below. A cast-iron “manhole” cover stamped “Ruby Wong’s Godown Noodle Alley & Bar Spectacular” hints that you’re about to leave Manila and emerge into old-school Kowloon.

Upon your descent you’re greeted by an unassuming noodle shop; strewn across the room are Ming-style tall chairs, antique vases, and red-luck ornaments as the kitchen peers beyond a glass window panel. A faint smell of broth drifts in the air, but it doesn’t linger. 

As you continue further, you’ll find yourself in the bar, which lures you deeper into its dim corners and plush seats, each area made to feel like the best in house.

Soft music offers just enough volume to set the vibe and mask conversations, but still low enough to allow intimate gossip and group discussions. You’ll find low seats that can fit small groups with tables at the sides for larger gatherings, while more discreet pockets in the corners of the bar offer privacy for four to six-tops. 

MGallery’s World Cocktail Months

World Cocktail Months (yes, plural) is MGallery Hotel Collection’s annual tribute to mixology innovation. 

This year, the brand tapped French lifestyle house Maison Sarah Lavoine to design an exclusive line of glassware and Citadelle Gin for a limited-edition line of cocktails. These cocktails are available at MGallery Hotels until Aug. 31, 2025, including Ruby Wong's. 

At Ruby Wong’s, each limited-edition cocktail comes with a “Bites Pairing” designed to either echo or contradict them, costing P700 (alcoholic) or P500 (non-alcoholic). 

Timeless Negroni x Manchego Pommes Fondant

We first reached for a classic, Timeless Negroni, and we were impressed by Ruby's layered reinterpretation of the cocktail bar mainstay. While Citadelle Gin’s juniper-forward profile sets the foundation, the pineapple-infused Campari introduces a tropical bitterness that is a welcome surprise but doesn’t overwhelm. The vermouth adds depth without flattening the citrus lift. Overall, it’s a well-balanced drink that will not disappoint Negroni lovers. But those who are not used to its bitter, herbal notes may find this an acquired taste.

As for its bite pairing, think of another bar classic: fries. But consider the Manchego Pommes Fondant as a mature, sophisticated take. Instead of plain, deep-fried potatoes, these are seared, braised, and baked – resulting in a crisp crust with a soft, fluffy interior. Flavor-wise, the decadent fattiness from the potatoes was offset by the sharp, salty, and buttery Manchego shavings on top. When consumed alongside the Negroni, the Pommes Fondant absorbed the bitter edges of the cocktail, succeeding in providing an interesting contrast. The fattiness tempered the bite of Negroni, while amplifying its complex profile at the same time. 

For those seeking an elevated take on classics, this pairing will not let you down. It’s familiar but still holds a hint of mystery and surprise, much like the atmosphere of Ruby Wong’s. 

Evergreen x Yuzu Wasabi Chicken

The most refreshing of the lot, Evergreen uses Kaffir lime-infused premium Flor de Caña rum and green mango cordial to mimic acidity without over-relying on citrus to capture attention. With the Giffard elderflower lending subtle floral notes of rose and a hint of lychee, the drink seamlessly integrates all elements – no burn, just a steady hum. It’s a great starter cocktail, especially if you want to effectively clear the lasting flavors of your last meal, to be replaced with an herbal, floral mix. These notes flirt with your senses, from the nose to the palate, catching on your tongue just long enough to leave you longing for another sip.

Lightly battered and perfectly crisp, the Yuzu Wasabi Chicken calls back to the cocktail’s citrus flavor but packs a light punch to balance the scales. The yuzu’s floral and sweet brightness mirrors the lime and herby flavor of the cocktail, while the wasabi mayo adds a little jolt, enough to cut the oiliness but still restrained. Fortunately, fried chicken is a forgiving vehicle for such bright flavors, so it still ends up as a safe and comforting but in no way ordinary choice on the menu.

This pairing is built on alignment: citrus to citrus, crisp to crisp.

Honey 75 x Salad de Crevettes

Texturally, Honey 75 is one of the most sophisticated cocktails in the lineup. Thanks to the olive oil fat-washing of the Citadelle gin, the mouthfeel is rounded and plush, coating the palate without being greasy. The faintly briny taste and honey syrup combine to form a sweet-tart flavor profile, while the Pommery champagne turned the cocktail into an effervescent dessert. Make no mistake, however, beneath the sweet sparkle of this drink lurks a strength that will have you crawling out of Ruby Wong’s if not taken seriously. But this one is a guaranteed crowd favorite as the creaminess persists throughout the tasting experience, making it an easy drink to consume and love.

The Salad de Crevettes acts as a saline counterpoint: prawns lightly dressed in citrus and garnished with a generous dollop of caviar. The subtle but ocean brininess of this dish balanced the sweet, creamy cocktail as they both competed for undivided attention. The fat-washed gin lingers, then the sea-forward taste of the Salad de Crevettes coats the tongue in succession, especially as the caviar pearls unravel. That is, until you take another sip of the Honey 75 – and the battle goes on. 

This pairing revels in opposition, for those who favor a contrasting pairing rather than one that echoes. 

Crystal Diva x Smoked Salmon Croquettes

One of the bolder cocktails in the mix, Crystal Diva is, quite simply, a diva that takes no prisoners. The Tio Pepe Fino Sherry and Citadelle Gin combine in a frenzied alcoholic storm that almost dares you if you can consume more. It's accented by jasmine-lemongrass cordial that adds floral notes minus the sweetness, but these are rendered barely noticeable as they go up against the formidable flavors of the two alcohols. This bone-dry cocktail is a wine-lover’s cocktail – high in acidity and packs a punch with a phenolic finish that lingers on the upper palate. In other words: it’s intense. Order it if you like your cocktails loud, proud, and unconcerned with subtlety.

Crystal Diva's pairing, the Smoked Salmon Croquettes, are crunchy on the outside, velvety on the inside, with a mild smokiness that doesn’t dominate. The fattiness counteracts the sherry’s dryness, providing mouth-coating relief between sips. It’s a classic fat-cutting-dryness match, but it’s not quite harmonious as the cocktail overshadows the dish a bit. Still, this dish cushions the blows from the Crystal Diva, ensuring you can walk away from Ruby Wong’s with your wits about you.

Smoke & Mirrors x Tako-Yaki

This showstopping cocktail is a complex mix that had us sitting back and nodding contentedly. 

Smoke & Mirrors boasts a mix of Talisker 10 and Jameson whiskey, sweetened and aromatized with clarified lemon, Dionysus vanilla, and lavender bitters, then smoked under an edible jelly film. Peaty, sweet, floral, and citric – each note is sequenced deliberately and arrives in layers. The body is medium-heavy, and the finish is long and warming. It’s like crashing a vintage Jaguar into a lemon orchard before coming to a halt in a lavender field, a hint of smoke emerging from your car as you walk away – the progression of citrus, smoke, and florals lingering on your palate.

The Tako-Yaki, which is actually grilled octopus and leeks yakitori, is charred just enough to carry a Maillard depth while it pairs well with the sweet grilled leeks. Simple and straightforward, the dish leaves little to the imagination. Compared to the complex drink, the Tako-Yaki felt a little anticlimactic. Still, the simplicity has its place, resetting the palate after each sip. 

Final Thoughts

Ruby Wong’s Godown is no ordinary bar. Entering the speakeasy and settling into its mysterious, alluring atmosphere is already an experience on its own. 

Each cocktail tells a story and every pairing has its audience, whether you’re a classics lover reaching for the Timeless Negroni, a low-key drinker who appreciates the refreshing Evergreen, someone who wants a cocktail with a complex story like the Smoke & Mirrors, a sweet-seeker falling in love with the Honey 75, or a diva who finds yourself magnetically drawn to the Crystal Diva.

MGallery's World Cocktail Months end on Aug. 31, 2025, but this experience is definitely just a start. Ruby Wong, after all, still holds plenty of secrets up her sleeve, and you’re sure to discover them with every visit.

For reservations, book here or call them at 09178298434. Learn more about Ruby Wong's Godown by checking out their website and following them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Location: Ruby Wong's Godown, Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection, 2138 Roxas Boulevard, Malate, City of Manila 1004

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, from 5 PM to 1 AM

Everyone, get your beer glasses ready! 

Solaire Resort Entertainment City and the German Club Manila are once again bringing the biggest and only authentic Oktoberfest in the Philippines for its 85th edition from Oct. 9 to 11, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom! Bring your friends and enjoy an atmosphere complete with bottomless beer, bratwurst, and beats by the Bavarian Sound Express at the Solaire Grand Ballroom/Beer Hall!

This year’s Oktoberfest features Hofbräu München, a classic Munich-style beer, as its official beer. Guests will be among the first to enjoy their finest brews. Experience an authentic Bavarian lifestyle and get a feel of the festive atmosphere of the Hofbräuhaus München, the brewery’s iconic flagship beer hall. 

Thinking of joining in the bier fun? Early bird ticket sales for both individual and corporate start on July 1, 2025, and Solaire Rewards Card members get 10% off regular-priced tickets! Feel the energy, flavor, and flair of true Bavarian culture and raise your stein for this grand celebration!

German beer isn’t the only star at Oktoberfest; feast your eyes (and your stomachs) with a free-flowing buffet filled with Bavarian delicacies served family-style! Once you hear the words “O’zapft is!” meaning “it is tapped!” then the non-stop drinking and partying will commence!

There is the Brotkorb (breadbasket), an essential centerpiece of oven-fresh German breads, Laugenbezel (Bavarian-style soft pretzels), Räucherlachs (German-style smoked salmon), and Wiesen jause (German cold cuts and cheeses). To refresh your palate a bit, you can choose from Münchner Wurstsalat (Munich-style sausage salad), Kartoffelsalat (German potato salad), or Krautsalad (White cabbage salad). These dishes create a hearty and authentic spread for everyone to enjoy. 

Then comes a table full of bratwurst! From Weisswurst, a Munich-style poached veal and pork sausage, Rostbratwurst (grilled coarse pork sausage), and Frankfurter with potato salad and Kaiser roll. 

For the hauptgang (main course), there is the Wiesn platte (Bavarian meat platter), consisting of crispy pork knuckle, pork schnitzel, meat loaf, rotisserie chicken, sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and onion jus. Delve into a hearty Rindsgulasch (beef goulash), with braised beef ragout, served with bread dumplings. Plus, an authentic and delicious Hausgemachte Käse Spätzle (homemade cheese spätzle), oozing with mountain cheese and crispy onions. 

Wash down your meal with beer and sweeten things up with classic delights such as the Apfelstrudel (classic apple strudel), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded caramelized pancake), and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (black forest gateau). 

Celebrate the richness of German culture at Solaire Resort Entertainment City! Mark your calendars for July 1 to secure your seats at the Oktoberfest website and be a part of the biggest and only authentic Oktoberfest celebration in the Philippines from Oct. 9 to 11, 2025!

Follow the German Club Manila on Facebook and Instagram for more information. 

Popular fast-casual chain Kenny Rogers Roasters celebrates three decades of flavorful legacy with a new campaign that reminds Filipinos that mindful eating can also be a powerful act of self-love.

Known for its signature roasted chicken, hearty sides, and exciting food innovations, Kenny Rogers Roasters has redefined how Filipinos enjoy wholesome meals, proving that true greatness only gets better with time. 

Moreover, the brand is renowned for its “deliciously healthy” meals, having provided well-rounded menus that balance indulgence and nutrition, such as the fall-of-the-bone ribs and Healthy Plates and Salad. These offerings often come with calorie counts, giving customers more transparency and encouraging them to make mindful food choices. 

Complimenting their delicious mains are tasty sides that have become fan favorites among locals, such as the corn muffin, mac and cheese, and steamed vegetables. These thoughtfully crafted combinations reflect the brand’s enduring commitment to making deliciously healthy food both satisfying and accessible to all.

To celebrate the incredible milestone, the brand launched its “I Love Me Better” campaign, which is its most personal and empowering yet, as it recognizes that choosing what to eat every day takes intention and courage.

“Sometimes, better choices start with something as simple as choosing better meals for yourself,” said Marketing Director Lorent Martin Adrias. “When we choose healthier, better meals, we’re not just fueling our bodies but embracing self-love. Choosing Kenny Rogers Roasters is more than a meal decision — it’s a commitment to loving yourself better.”

This campaign promotes self-love through mindful eating and perfectly embodies the staple dishes and menu innovations the brand has offered through the years. It has since taken over high-traffic and unexpected spaces, from a full train wrap on LRT-1 to bike boards and inspiring billboards along EDSA, with each placement carrying messages of self-love and empowerment, and turning commutes into reminders that even the smallest decisions, like opting for healthier meals, can be powerful acts of self-care. The campaign also introduced a new, feel-good jingle now streaming on Spotify. 

For over 30 years, Kenny Rogers Roasters has led with purpose and has redefined what deliciously healthy means, all the while pushing for impact and innovation. “The legacy of Kenny Rogers Roasters is unmatched,” Lorent added. “And the future is set to raise the bar even higher.”

To know more about their deliciously healthy offerings, follow Kenny Rogers Roasters on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

This summer, the bingsu craze is getting an exciting upgrade, with the launch of Café Koreano by Bonchon!

If you want to cool down with a refreshing sweet treat in hand this summer and love Korean café culture, this is the place to be! Café Koreano has opened a standalone branch on the 2nd floor of Festival Mall Alabang on June 10, 2025 — located right next to the carousel — serving an array of authentic Bingsu-based drinks and milky snow ice scoops for everyone to enjoy. 

This K-Dessert is sure to hit the spot for shoppers in the area, especially those who love the milk-based Korean shaved ice treat. The menu spotlights contemporary flavors such as the Banana Milk Bingsu Coffee, inspired by the popular Binggrae Banana Milk — with an added hint of coffee flavor — and the luscious, creamy Mango Cheesecake Bingsu. 

Other offerings include creative spins on matcha. Savor the Matcha White Chocolate Bingsu, Matcha Strawberry Mochi Bingsu, and the Matcha Oreo Cheesecake Bingsu. For those craving something fruity, try the sweet and luscious Creamy Strawberry Bingsu, Strawberry Oreo Bingsu, and the refreshing and innovative Honeydew Bingsu.

To celebrate the café's opening, Café Koreano offered a promotional price of P99 for select drinks, such as the Classic Caramel and Mango Cheesecake Bingsu, until June 17, 2025.

For more information, visit Café Koreano by Bonchon on their Facebook page.

Location: 2/F, Festival Mall Alabang, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Sweet tooths, it's time to free up your Friday! IDIM DIY Bakery, a popular do-it-yourself bakery concept from Taiwan, is whipping up its newest branch at SM City Sta. Mesa on June 20, 2025. Whether you want to level up your skills or learn how to bake, this is your chance to roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, and unleash your inner pastry chef.

As the first of its kind in Asia, IDIM DIY Bakery has everything you need to create a delicious masterpiece. All you need is to choose your preferred cake (either a small one you can have by yourself or a two-tiered one you can share) or pastry, follow the text and video instructions on the provided tablet, and enjoy decorating to your heart's content. In case you get a little lost, they have baking assistants ready to help with the ingredients and procedures you need to do.

The opening celebration kicks off at 2 PM, and the first 100 walk-in customers will receive a free Baking Pass. This gives you the chance to dive right into the DIY action and be proud to say, "I Did It Myself!" at your finished creation. As a cherry on top, all cakes and pastries at IDIM DIY Bakery will be available at 20% off from June 20 to 27, 2025.

Following the success of its branches in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay, the new SM Sta. Mesa location continues IDIM DIY Bakery’s mission to prove that “anyone can bake.” With its walk-in setup, beginner-friendly environment, and wide selection of baking templates, it's the perfect space for aspiring bakers or anyone craving a fun, interactive experience.

For more details, follow IDIM DIY Bakery's Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts or visit their website. See you there!

Ready your taste buds, Manila — Hard Rock Cafe in the Philippines is in the running to claim global burger fame! 

To celebrate Hard Rock International Founders' Day, the annual 2025 World Burger Tour has officially kicked off, with over 100 Hard Rock Cafes taking part! This mouthwatering culinary showdown challenges Hard Rock chefs worldwide to create bold, culturally infused burgers, and this time, a Filipino-inspired burger will be flipping into the spotlight.  

From June 14 to Aug. 5, 2025, burger lovers can sink their teeth into this exclusive creation at Hard Rock Cafe Manila.

This year’s competition gets an exciting boost with Olivia Tiedemann, chef, content creator, and brand partner, who is stepping in as a mentor and judge, adding star power and expert guidance to the sizzling contest.

The burger that wins hearts (and stomachs) will earn a coveted spot on the final global World Burger Tour menu, hitting Hard Rock Cafes everywhere for a limited time.

Foodies and fans alike can support their local flavor by heading to Hard Rock Cafe Manila and savoring the Filipino-inspired burger. Every order and online rating helps to push the burger closer to global fame. And don't forget to rally friends on social media to post, tag, and vote in this tasty campaign.

Finalists will be announced between Aug. 5 and Sept. 5, 2025, with the top five burgers taking their rightful place on Hard Rock Cafe's international menu.  

For more information, visit Hard Rock Café on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. Reserve a table here.

Location: Hard Rock Cafe Manila, Level 2, S Maison at Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard, Metro Manila, Coral Way, Pasay 1300

Cebu foodies, get ready to feast! This June, SM City Cebu is about to become the ultimate destination for eating out as The Moment Group, the culinary force behind Manila’s trendiest dining spots, brings its concepts to the Queen City of the South. 

From June 18 to June 25, 2025, Cebu’s dining landscape is set for a tasty makeover with exciting new restaurant openings packed within the mall. 

Leading the charge is Manam, opening on June 18, famous for putting a creative spin on classic Filipino flavors and favorites. Imagine crispy Pancit Palabok, Sinigang na Beef Short Rib with Watermelon, and refreshing Ube + Sago shakes—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying a casual celebration.

Also launching on June 18 is Ooma, bringing a playful, bold take on Japanese cuisine to Cebu. Dive into fan favorites like Aburi Maki Rolls, tender Hanger Steak, and rich Uni Udon.

Mark your calendars for July 1 when 8Cuts Burgers fires up its grills. Known for juicy, custom-blended patties and crave-worthy sides, their cheeseburger, Bleu 2.0, and crispy onion rings are about to become your new go-to bites.

Having sweet cravings? Mo’ Cookies arrives on June 28 with its famous gooey, palm-sized cookies baked fresh daily, with options like Dark Chocolate Macadamia to South Cotabato Chocolate Fudge. 

Last but definitely not the least iconic, Taiwanese Michelin-starred brand Din Tai Fung will open on July 18, bringing its legendary Pork Xiaolongbao to Cebu’s eager food lovers.

For more information, visit SM Supermalls on their website, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Location: SM Supermalls, 7th Floor, MOA Square, Marina Way, Seashell Lane, cor Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City