theVenti Opens First Philippine Branch at Glorietta Manila
Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Purple K-Vibes: theVenti Brings Korea's Coffee Craze to Metro Manila

26082026 1Photo by theVenti/ Instagram

theVenti, South Korea's oversized-format coffee chain, has officially landed at Glorietta, its first store in the Philippines.

The Busan-born brand is bringing their purple-branded lineup of large coffees, fruit teas, and soft serve to mallgoers, offering a menu that spans dozens of drinks across six categories: Coffee Creations, Lattes & More, Fruit & Sparkling, Chilled Blends, Ven-Tea, and soft-serve Ice Cream.

theVenti Instagram post
Photo from Instagram/ theVenti

Founded in March 2014, theVenti has successfully built a name on their affordable, generously portioned coffee. This has helped the brand grow to about 1,600 franchise locations across the world by 2026. K-Culture lovers will appreciate their K-Special drinks that lean into Korean flavors, such as the Yulmu Oat Latte and Honey Yuzu Tea.

There's also a lineup of "V Signature" drinks, including the Hazelnut Deep Latte, Banana Espresso Latte, Strawberry Latte, Melon Soda, and Coconut Espresso Frappe, plus familiar flavors such as Caramel Macchiato, Matcha Latte, and Purple Ube Latte. You can also cap off your order with soft-serve, available in chocolate, caramel, or plain.

In an Instagram post, theVenti teased that an ambassador will be joining them soon, fueling speculation about who the brand's face will be. Eagle-eyed fans have been flooding the comments with one guess: Park Ji-hoon, the South Korean singer and actor best known as a member of WANNA ONE.

For more information and updates, follow theVenti on Instagram.

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Smöoy, Spain's No. 1 Frozen Yogurt Brand, Finally Hits Manila

Smooy headerPhoto by Smöoy PH/Instagram

Froyo lovers, stop scrolling: smöoy, the Spanish frozen yogurt brand, has officially landed in the Philippines, opening their first two branches at One Ayala in Makati City and SM North EDSA in Quezon City.

The Spain-based chain is already established all over the world, with branches in Spain, Portugal, Singapore, the United Kingdom, China, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Brunei. What sets smöoy apart from the average frozen yogurt is formulation: theirs is low in fat, rich in fiber, and gluten-free. According to the brand, they're the first "functional" frozen yogurt on the market.

Customers can choose from three bases: Natural, Special Protein, and Chocolate. Special Protein is a rotating menu that changes flavors weekly between piña, strawberry, lemon, and dragon fruit.

From there, the fun begins. Smöoy's toppings bar carries more than 36 mix-ins split into three categories: fresh fruits (kiwi, dragon fruit, watermelon, etc.), sauces (pistachio, dulce de leche, cookies n' cream, etc.), and crunches (Biscoff, mallow clouds, rainbow sprinkles, etc.).

Pricing starts at P95 for a plain mini cup, climbing up to P245 for a maxi with three toppings. The protein yogurt line runs from P119 to P199, with additional toppings at P40 each.

smöoy frozen yogurt
Photo from Website/smöoy

Beyond the classic froyo, the menu branches out into specialty formats: Frozen Rolls (wafer cone, yogurt/ice cream, and syrup) for P149; layered Twister parfaits for P299; fruit "freezer" slushes from P79 to P139; and smoothies (P219 for a medium, P299 for a maxi).

Take-home pints, meanwhile, go for P599 to P699 per half liter with three toppings included. They also offer frappes and coffee.

Smöoy was founded in 2010, but their roots go way back. The brand comes from a family that has been making traditional ice cream for a century, now in its fourth generation.

For more updates and information, follow smöoy on Instagram.

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

GOXO Brings Their Basque-Filipino Menu to Sage Bar in Shangri-la Makati

21082026 1Photo by Instagram/ GOXO Manila

GOXO is trading their intimate 12-seat counter for a bar with a bit more room, at least for the next month.

The MICHELIN-Selected dining concept from Group Pintxos will take over Sage Bar at Makati Shangri-La from Aug. 27 to Sept. 27, 2026, serving a curated selection of dishes that have built its reputation, according to their Instagram.

In their announcement, they called the residency "a special setting, a familiar table, and another way to experience GOXO."

The takeover is the restaurant's latest stop in a string of pop-ups GOXO has staged while preparing for their new permanent address.

Guests can expect the same Basque-Filipino cooking that earned GOXO recognition. In their former home, the restaurant seats a dozen diners around a charcoal grill, with a prix-fixe menu, intimate lighting, and live Spanish guitar music to set the mood. MICHELIN describes the experience as one where traditional dishes get "subtle innovation and a Filipino soul," built from both local and Spanish ingredients, lending to an experience that is "full of heart."

GOXO Manila Grilled prawn and scallop, served with potato pavè and a split sauce of squash and paprika oil for pop-up at Makati Shangri-la
Instagram/ GOXO Manila
GOXO Manila Duck leg prepared confit, slowly cooked in its own fat — a traditional technique that gently renders the fat, sealing in the juices and building deep flavor. Finished with a crisping of the skin, the result is a perfect contrast: golden and crackling outside, succulent and tender within.  Served with asparagus, zucchini, and shiitake mushrooms, brought together with a rich demi-glace. for pop-up at Makati Shangri-la
Instagram/ GOXO Manila

GOXO's lineup is built around tapas and live-fire grilling, close to Sage Bar's philosophy in serving premium, sustainably sourced steaks and an approach "rooted in nature."

No menu has been revealed as of writing, but it's bound to be a dance between two kitchens over a mutual grilling obsession. Tables are limited, and they're expected to run out fast.

For reservations, call +63 927 002 4200 or book through GOXO's website.

To learn more and for updates, follow GOXO Manila on Instagram.

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Coffee Plz Returns This September 2026 With 25+ International Roasters

Coffee Plz 2025Photo by Coffee Plz/Instagram | Coffee Plz 2025

Coffee Plz thought it was a one-and-done kind of event. But the coffee community said, " We want more!"

The specialty coffee festival returns from Sept. 4 to 6, 2026 at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati with a lineup roughly three times larger than last year's debut. Organizers teased more than 25 international roasters on deck.

Branded "a festival for the curious," Coffee Plz 2026 will run daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, bringing together international and local roasters, home brewing equipment, bakeries, and matcha vendors alongside the community that has steadily grown around the event since their first run.

Organizers Sam, Tricia, and Andrew, who run the festival outside their day jobs, announced that the full roaster lineup is still being finalized. But everyone can expect the list to drop soon. Curating, for one, does a lot of work in how Coffee Plz frames the festival. Organizers have said the festival was never about assembling "the biggest or bestest list possible," but rather, it's about spotlighting people whose work they genuinely admire.

For attendees, this means three days of sampling, sipping, and possibly spending (and overspending) on beans and equipment you absolutely need in your life. Whether you're a matcha lover, someone new to home brewing, or a person who already owns a ten-figure machine, the Coffee Plz festival is guaranteed to have something for you.

To stay updated and learn more, follow them on Instagram.

Coffee Plz 2026

Location: Ayala Circuit Makati, Hippodromo Street, Barangay Carmona, Circuit Makati, Makati City, 1207

Dates and Time: Sept. 4 to 6, 2026, from 8 AM to 10 PM

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Kariton Rolls Out Bold New Filipino Gelato Flavors for August

Kariton Gelato headerPhoto by Kariton/Website

Kariton has rolled out their flavor lineup for August, adding two new limited-edition creations to their regular roster of Filipino dessert-inspired gelato, now available at three branches across Metro Manila.

Their August collection totals 12 flavors split across three tiers: Classic, Premium, and Limited Signature. Each flavor is inspired by a Filipino dessert, cocktail, or ingredient, and reworked into gelato, sorbet, or sundae form.

Leading the Classics is "Ube Halaya" with ube gelato, ube halaya jam, blackberry jam, and toasted coconut. There's also "Avo, Not Toast," an avocado gelato topped with white chocolate rice crispies, milk crumble, and a condensed tuille. "Turon" is a banana gelato loaded with muscovado butterscotch, jackfruit, and a candied sesame spring roll wrapper, while "Kamote Ka" is a sweet potato gelato with black and white sesame honeycomb and kamote halaya. Rounding out the classic list are "Thrilla in Vanilla," a vanilla gelato with vanilla milk jam, and "Mango Float," with mango sorbet, milk gelato, mango jam, and graham crackers.

Their Premium tier leans into the experimental territory even further. "Big Bayabas Energy" pairs guava sorbet with kalingag-poached guava and a chamoy tamarind caramel. "Champorado" reimagines the chocolate rice porridge as a toasted rice tablea buttermilk gelato with patis butterscotch, candied cocoa nibs, and pinipig. "Keso" goes savory with cheddar vanilla gelato, roasted cashews, cheddar cheese, and Skyflakes crackers, while "Iskramble Supreme" combines banana and dragonfruit gelato with dark berry jam, tablea fudge, toasted milk powder, and mini marshmallows.

Kariton Gelato PH August 2026 flavors
Photo from Instagram/Kariton Gelato

New this month are two Limited Signature flavors. "Tira Mo, Sisu Ko" takes its cues from tiramisu, built on carabao milk gelato with lambanog-and-coffee-soaked ladyfinger sponge, kesong puti mascarpone, and cocoa powder. "Chiko Miranda" pairs chico (sapodilla) gelato with date sponge, tamarind jam, and a dayap tuille.

Kariton started as a single gelato truck in Melbourne, Australia, in 2020, built around Filipino and Asian-inspired flavors. Their tagline is simply: "We make gelato. It's pretty good," and their August menu displays that confidence.

Branches are open daily at Molito, Alabang; Tiffany Place, Salcedo Village, Makati City; and SM Aura, BGC, Taguig City.

For more updates and information, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Manila Matcha Fest Returns to SM MOA with 24 Brands in 10 Days

Matcha Fest MOAPhoto by SM Mall of Asia/Instagram

Manila Matcha Fest is back!

Matcha lovers should flock to SM Mall of Asia from Aug. 7 to 16, 2026. The event is bringing together 24 matcha brands for what organizers are calling the biggest celebration of matcha in the Philippines.

Taking over the Main Atrium for 10 days, the festival promises a one-stop destination for longtime matcha devotees and curious newcomers alike. Presented by Matchanese PH and SM Mall of Asia, this year's edition expands on its "OG Matcha Fest" status with more brands, exclusive offerings, and even more reasons to love the green tea.

Among the participating brands are Acay, Day Off Space, Go To Matcha, Hoshi House, Kaori, Kokorobi, Kumatcha, Maison Midori, Matcha Besties Club, Matcha by Kamo, Matcha Folk, Matcha House, Matchanese, Nagomi, One Cup Matcha, Sari Matcha Bar, Shizu Matcha Bar, Slō Matcha, Soft Brews Club, Spare Key, Take Five, The Haku Cafe, The Matcha Co, and Too Much Matcha.

Manila Matcha Fest 2026
Photo from Instagram/Manila Matcha Fest

One of the returning exhibitors, The Matcha Co, is bringing several fest-exclusive experiences for visitors. Expect event-only signature drinks alongside new beverages, limited-edition matcha powders featuring rare cultivars, and a selection of merchandise so you can bring the matcha magic home.

If you're already maintaining a stash of matcha powder in your pantry, The Matcha Co also has a "Bring Your Own Tin" refill station to replenish your matcha and hojicha supplies. Matcha powder starts at P15 per gram, while hojicha starts at P10 per gram.

To learn more about Manila Matcha Fest, follow the event's Instagram page.

Manila Matcha Fest 2026

Location: Main Atrium, SM Mall of Asia

Date: Aug. 7 to 16, 2026

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Dr. Wine Poblacion Prescribes a Six-Course Italian Wine Feast

31072026 1Photo by Instagram/ Dr. Wine Poblacion

Mangia, Cin Cin!

Dr. Wine Poblacion is hosting "The Italian Feast Experience" on Aug. 13, 2026. In partnership with Prestige Cellar Selections Inc., the wine-paired Italian dinner is billed as Prescription No. 001 in the bar's new "Dr. Wine Prescription Series," under the header "The Doctor Has Prescribed Italy."

Priced at P4,980 per person, the dinner opens with Prosecco and canapés, including Wild Mushroom Arancini, Crispy Mortadella with stracciatella and lemon, and a Raw Tuna Tartlet finished with gremolata, all served alongside Ferrari Maximum Blanc de Blancs from Trentodoc.

From there, the antipasti course pairs Manzano Tonnato — chilled sliced beef under a creamy tuna, caper and lemon sauce — with a Cantina La-Vis Pinot Grigio from Trentino-Alto Adige. A seafood salad, Insalata di Mare, tossed in citrus, olive oil and celery, follows with a Querciabella Mongrana Bianco from Tuscany.

The secondi lineup is where the menu earns its "feast" title. Guests get a choice-worthy trio: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a grilled Chianina T-bone with rosemary, arugula and Parmesan, matched with a Querciabella Chianti Classico; Guanciale di Bue con Polenta, slow-braised beef cheeks over creamy polenta with roasted vegetables, paired with a Barolo Monfalletto from Piedmont; and Pappardelle al Ragù d'Anatra, egg ribbon pasta in a slow-simmered duck ragù with wild herbs, served with a Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore from Veneto.

Dessert is a classic Tiramisu — espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone and cocoa — closed out with a three-year Nardini Grappa Riserva from Bassano del Grappa.

To make a reservation, send Dr. Wine Poblacion a DM on Instagram. Follow them on Instagram for more updates and information.

Dr. Wine Poblacion The Italian Feast Experience

Location: Dr. Wine Poblacion, 5921 Algier St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City

Date: Aug. 13, 2026

Price: P4,980 per person

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Sarsa and Carlo's Team Up for a One-Week Filipino-Italian Mashup

21072026 1

Two of Makati's favorite kitchens are about to share a table.

Sarsa, the Filipino restaurant that landed a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand in the 2026 guide, is teaming up with Carlo's — the self-described friendly neighborhood spot known for pizza and pasta — for a one-week collaboration, running from July 25 to 31, 2026.

While no other details have been released, it's bound to be a cross-cultural mashup. Think Filipino comfort food meeting Italian-American classics. Plus, with Sapporo Premium Beer PH and Philippine Wine Merchants backing the event, it means the week won't be short on beer and wine to pour.

The pairing was announced with very simple and breezy posts on Instagram, matched with cute illustrations. But nothing has been revealed about the menu. For interested diners, the fun is in showing up to find out.

Sarsa, residing in Legazpi Village, was praised by the MICHELIN Guide for their laid-back aesthetic where flavor wins over fuss. Signature plates lean generous and shareable, from kinilaw to lechon manok to a turon a la mode that closes the meal on a sweet note.

Carlo's brings the other half of this collab. An American-Italian restaurant, they serve handmade pasta and a New Haven-style pizza that comforts hearts aside from filling up stomachs.

For more information, follow Sarsa and Carlo's on Instagram.

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Dev Bar Partners with Chef Cristobal of Rabbit Room for Let 'Em Cook Year 3

Dev Bar Let Em CookPhoto by Honeycomb Manila/Instagram

Honeycomb Manila is firing up their cocktail test kitchen for a third year. And this time, they're telling Chef Rap Cristobal to (literally) let 'em cook!

The collaborative studio's Dev Bar returns on July 25, 2026, with "Let 'Em Cook," an experimental cocktail-and-dinner experience built around the regional cooking of Chef Cristobal, the chef behind Filipino bistro Rabbit Room.

Two seatings are available: 6 to 8 PM, and 8:30 to 11 PM. Priced at P3,500 per person, the limited-edition dinner is set at Honeycomb Manila in Double Dragon Plaza. Dev Bar is Honeycomb's in-house cocktail test kitchen, a pop-up hosted by "drink devs" Kayo Cosio, Dave Dource, and JC Carandang. The team says, "No two devs are alike."

Let 'Em Cook's premise is simple: Four artists. Four cocktails. Four plates. Organizers describe the event as "an art project presented in food and beverage." The night is themed around "alon at ani," a nod to both sea and harvest. Diners can expect a menu that leans into regional Filipino cuisine that fully harnesses the Philippines' bounty.

Dev Bar: Let 'Em Cook, an Experimental Cocktail Experience
Photo from Instagram/Honeycomb Manila

One caveat, however, is that because of the format, the kitchen is unable to do ingredient substitutions. Guests with allergies are asked to message Honeycomb ahead of time.

Slots are limited, and with only two seatings on a Saturday night, tables are expected to disappear fast. Reservations are available online via this link.

For more information, follow Honeycomb Manila and Rabbit Room on Instagram.

Dev Bar: Let 'Em Cook, an Experimental Cocktail Experience

Location: Honeycomb Manila, 5/F Tower 1, Double Dragon Plaza, Pasay City

Date & Times: July 25, 6 PM and 8:30 PM seatings

Price: P3,500 per person

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Manila/ Delish/ Happenings

Grill & Gather: One World Deli Alabang Fires Up with Big Bark

Grill and GatherPhoto by Big Bark PH/Instagram

One World Deli Alabang invites everyone to its al fresco area tomorrow, July 11, with "Grill & Gather," an unlimited open-fire cookout staged with Big Bark PH, beginning at 4 PM.

The collaboration puts the deli's chefs alongside the Big Bark team for an afternoon of backyard-style grilling, perfectly paired with live music and cold brews. Seats are limited and must be reserved in advance by scanning the QR code on the event posters.

Of course, the main event is the food. And both restaurants pulled out the big guns with this mouthwatering menu. Coming off the asador pit: leg of lamb, USDA ribeye, clean chicken, pork belly, and Polish sausage. From the burger pit: a classic cheeseburger, the Honey B, and a pulled pork sandwich. Sides include pasta salad, mashed potatoes, and a nacho bar. Every item is unlimited. Yes, get as much as you can stomach all afternoon!

A solo ticket costs P1,700, but a duo ticket offers the best value at P3,100.

Grill & Gather with One World Deli Alabang and Big Bark PH
Photo from Instagram/Big Bark PH
Grill & Gather with One World Deli Alabang and Big Bark PH
Photo from Instagram/Big Bark PH

For more information and updates, follow One World Deli and Big Bark PH on Instagram.

Grill & Gather with One World Deli Alabang and Big Bark PH

Location: One World Deli Alabang, Lot 3, Block 1B, New Daang Hari Road, Alabang West, Las Piñas City

Date & Time: July 11, 4 PM onwards

Ticket Prices: P1,700 (solo), P3,100 (duo)

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