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The much-awaited first season of Drag Race Philippines is finally dropping on Aug. 17, as announced through a jeepney-themed promotional video by WOW Presents Plus. Hosted by Paolo Ballesteros, the reality show will highlight both seasoned and new breeds of drag queens who will battle it out to be the first Drag Race Philippines superstar.
Filipino-American drag performer Jiggly Caliente, who appeared on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be part of the local series’ judging panel alongside celebrities Kaladkaren and Paolo Ballesteros.
Produced by World of Wonder and Fullhouse Asia Productions, Drag Race Philippines will premiere every Wednesday on discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus. For more show updates, follow Drag Race Philippines on Instagram.
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The Beat Manila’s Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from the Philippines, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and to promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at mnl.editorial@thebeat.asia or slide through our DMs on FacebookorInstagram!
Although it’s always fantastic to see our favorite artists on the music charts, we have to admit seeing a new name pop up now and then makes us lean over in our seats, eager to hit that play button and listen to something new. Our Up-and-Coming series is all about shining the spotlight on talented young artists who are changing the game, bringing in new sound and concepts, and are set to become the next big thing. And in our latest exclusive, we sat down with an indie singer-songwriter currently dominating the Philippine music charts.
Introducing Amiel Sol, fresh blood on the roster of Filipino hitmakers caught out attention when his latest single, “Sa Bawat Sandali,” peaked at #1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 Philippines list. Amiel is known for his alt-pop love songs, having released several singles like “Di Na Akin” and “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan,” which have racked up an impressive number of streams — 13 million to be exact for the latter track, just on Spotify alone. The talented singer easily became Ivory Music’s top act and is gearing up to release more music that will undoubtedly make him a household name among the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) hit lists soon enough!
Read on to get to know Amiel and his burgeoning music career, the inspiration behind his latest single, and the dreams he hopes to fulfill this 2025.
Amiel’s Musical Journey
A Mathematics graduate from the University of the Philippines, Amiel is a passionate musician who blends romantic lyricism with ambient folk sound. He told The Beat Asia how his relationship with music began early in his life — in elementary school when he learned to play guitar from his neighbor.
“I was eight then,” he said, “And when I got into high school, my friends and I joined Battle of The Bands. It became a yearly tradition for us until we graduated. I still wanted to continue music then, even just as a hobby, but since we ended up in different schools for college, I decided to do it on my own.”
The singer expressed how he never thought about pursuing music as a career and that it was just something he genuinely enjoyed doing, which was why he continued to play, performing song covers at food parks and open mics in 2018. However, it wasn’t until the following year when the global pandemic hit that Amiel was able to explore a new side of his musical talent.
Courtesy of Viva Records
“I remember it was the first week of the pandemic, and classes were suspended. So when it happened for three days, I just tried to write, and I bought a budget-friendly mic to be able to record songs at home.”
With no classes during lockdowns, Amiel focused on songwriting and began composing music and releasing them online. He was independent for a couple of years, apart from a short partnership with music distributor Ditto Music,where he signed on for a three-song contract. It wasn’t until 2022 that he officially became part of the Viva Records family. From there, Amiel performed in a series of gigs while juggling employment on the side.
When asked if he intends to do it full-time, Amiel answered, “When I graduated college in mid-2023, it became a deciding factor for me whether to focus on music or get a job. At the moment, I still have a day job, but I am hoping to pursue music full-time very soon.”
On Composing and Musicality
Like most singers, Amiel is an avid music consumer, which has influenced the current sound he’s developing through his songwriting. He also shared that his musical influences when it comes to his songwriting are Filipino musicians Johnoy Danao and Ebe Dancel, while he takes inspiration from Bruno Major and Lizzie McAlpine in terms of musicality.
“I really like indie folk music. That’s where I gravitate towards and the sound I aim for with my music,” he said. “I like ambient sounds, strings, cello, a little trumpets, while also heavy on acoustic guitars with folk-style drums.”
The singer explained that this was the sound he liked when recording songs in the studio, but he would gravitate towards a more pop sound when performing them live with a band.
“I think that’s what also clicks when you perform live, and I really like it as well,” he added, pertaining to how he started with this kind of sound back in his school days, performing pop-rock covers from popular bands like All Time Low and Eraserheads. The singer-songwriter also admitted to being a multi-instrumentalist but still considers the guitar as the instrument he’s most confident to play.
“I don’t have a specific process,” he told The Beat Asia when asked about his songwriting process. “For example, with ‘Sa Bawat Sandali,’ I first got the chord progression, which was inspired from the chorus of ‘Scott Street’ by Phoebe Bridgers, then I just transposed it. The second thing I got was the main hook of the song: ‘Kapag magulo na ang mundo, ikaw ang payapang hinahanap-hanap ko (Whenever the world is chaotic, you are the peace I keep searching for),' which just popped up in my head while I was playing the chord progression.”
As for the lyrics, Amiel shared that he already had a theme in mind from the start and wanted to express the type of love that comes after the “kilig” stage, when a couple feels settled in a relationship and is each other’s peace of mind. “A constant type of love,” the singer beautifully described.
We also got to discuss the anatomy of his songs as we noticed many of his tracks are over five minutes long, which is longer than a regular mainstream track. Amiel explained that he goes by feeling and instinct when composing, and as most of his songs have a slower progression, the track time always extends longer than intended, which he believed still fits his vision for the songs he’s writing.
With a chart-topping hit on his belt, Amiel is a rising OPM artist who’s on everyone’s radar. But the singer shared that for him, it’s not about success or recognition, but more about the experience and the journey.
“Actually, sobrang nakakagulat siya (it’s really surprising). In the six or seven years that I’ve been doing this, I admit that it’s also my dream to have a chart-topping song, but it’s not something I expected. I always want my mindset to be as long as I’m doing what I love; that’s enough. While writing, I never thought of a song as this is it, this is the hit. It just so happened that many people resonated with the song. And that’s what I like the most about it, not because it became a hit but because many people liked it. I suppose that’s the better part of it.”
Amiel has also been receiving offers for his songs to feature on other forms of media, like how “Sa Bawat Sandali” was included in the soundtrack of the popular VIVA miniseries, “Mutya ng Section E.” He also opened for popular alt-pop act Cup of Joe at their concerts.
“They’re one of my favorite bands! So it’s a very full-circle moment for me. They often get me as an opening act, so I’m so grateful to them for always giving me the opportunity to be seen and heard more.”
Amiel Sol at Cup of Joe's Silakbo Concert | Photo by The Beat Asia
As for his music plans this year, Amiel hopes to do as many gigs as possible and to be able to do a solo concert where he could showcase his discography and invite some of his artist friends to collaborate with him. The singer-songwriter shared that his dream collab is with Johnoy Danao and Ebe Dancel, as well as with some of his artist friends whose music he admires, such as Earl Augustin, Keanna Mag,and Janine.
But if there’s one thing we can expect from him this year…
“Consistency,” he stated. “I really want to release more songs. I have a lot of songs that I want to share. I also want to play more gigs. Sana magtuloy-tuloy lang siya para makatugtog din ako sa iba’t-ibang lugar at marinig din ako ng iba’t-ibang mga tao (Hopefully the music events keep coming so I can play at different places and have more people hear my songs)."
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Catch Amiel at his upcoming events by staying tuned on his Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages. You can also stream his latest track here.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.
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Manila, brace yourselves! The queens are coming, and they’re bringing the house down. Filipina drag superstar Marina Summers is set to reunite with her fierce RuPaul’s "Drag Race UK vs. The World" Season 2 co-finalists,HannahConda and La Grande Dame, for a night of pure drag magic.
Dubbed Global Phenomena, this highly anticipated event will take place at The Music Museum on Mar. 21 at 8 PM.
Marking one year since UKvTW2 took the drag world by storm, this reunion promises a full-blown celebration of drag, creativity, and the unbreakable bond these queens formed on the show.
Marina Summers, the Philippines’ very own drag queen who slayed the international stage, took to Instagram to hype up the event, saying, “Bring back my global phenomena!” She added, “It’s the one-year anniversary of UKvTW2, and we’re giving Manila a reunion show for the ages.”
Prepare to be stunned by performances that will leave you speechless, hilarious audience Q&A sessions, and non-stop entertainment.
Tickets are already on sale here, with prices ranging from P1,200 for balcony seats to P4,100 for Tier 1.For those who want to take their experience to the next level, meet-and-greet passes are available for P2,700.
Summers has also teased that the full lineup of performers will be announced soon, so expect even more surprises as the event draws closer.
For more information, visit Camp Summers on their website, or follow them on Instagram.
Location: Shoppesville Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas Avenue 1502 San Juan
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Is anyone still feeling the aftermath of Waterbomb Manila 2025? Well, us too! *raises hand*
Summer has (unofficially) arrived in the Philippines, all thanks to Waterbomb Manila 2025! Held from Feb. 22 to 23, 2025 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, numerous K-Pop artists, DJs,and personalities performed in front of Filipino festival goers and made a resounding splash with their electrifying performances.
This was the first time that the South Korean music festival has been held in the Philippines. Much like in its country of origin, the Waterbomb Festival in Manila featured a star-studded lineup of local and international artists that performed a mix of music and dance stages in the K-Pop, Hip-Hop, and EDM (Electronic Dance Music) genres.
Much like its name, the festival also included water-based activities like water gun fights and water cannons. And festivalgoers and performers definitely got soaking wet from all the water guns and water cannons going off at almost every performance!
The Beat Manila was there to witness the first-ever Waterbomb Festival in Manila, and we’re certainly sharing what went down at this wild ride of a music festival.
Photo by The Beat Manila
Waterbomb Manila Day 1: A Refreshing Start to the Summer
Boy, was it hot last Saturday!
The festival kicked off with a cool start, as the audience was immediately greeted with performances from Filipino singer Thea Astley, who sang “Never” and “Pink Pony Club,” Korean DJ APRO, and Korean R&B/Hip-Hop soloist B.I.
Performing his songs “Michelangelo,” “Be I,” “One and Only,” “Waterfall,” “BTBT,” “Tasty,” and more, B.I. turned up the heat and went wet and wild on the stage. His set was followed by Scream Records’ DJ IMLAY, and then by Korean soloist and dancer Lee ChaeYeon, who performed her songs “Summer Heat,” “Don’t,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Knock,” and even sang an IZ*ONE song medley.
Korean singer Kim Jong-kook, who is also a regular cast member of the variety show “Running Man,” went on stage, performed his hit songs from the 90s, and even brought on some guests from the popular Netflix reality competition show “Physical 100” to the Philippines.
Popular Korean Hip-Hop duo DYNAMIC DUO, composed of Choiza and Gaeko, got the ball rolling on the Philippine Waterbomb stage by performing their songs, including the trending “AEAO” and “Smoke.”
4th-generation K-Pop girl groupStayC went next, with their setlist including their most popular songs “ASAP,” “RUN2U,” “So Bad,” “Teddy Bear,” and “Bubble.” They also teased that they will be “coming back in March,” so stay tuned for that!
If the air was starting to cool down a bit with the nightfall, former NUEST member Baekho made sure to bring the heat back on stage with his performances of “Savior,” “No Rules,” “Wet & Wild,” and “Feels.”
Kwon Eunbi, who has become a hot topic at every single Waterbomb Festival in South Korea, sizzled with her performances of “Door,” “Beautiful Night,” “Flash,” “Problem,” “Sabotage,” and “Underwater.”
The Beat ManilaThe Beat Manila
MAMAMOO’s Hwasa also showed off, feeling the love from Filipino festival goers with her performances of “Chili,” “I Love My Body,” “Twit,” “Don’t,” “NA,” and “Maria.”
Her set was followed by renowned Hip-Hop trio Epik High, who performed their songs “Don’t Hate Me,” “No Thanxx,” and “One.”
Of course, Day 1 couldn’t end without its headliner, the “Poging Pambansang Kapitbahay” and “Honorary Filipino” EXO’s Chanyeol. Performing his songs “Nothin’,” “Tomorrow,” “Ease Up,” “Back Again,” “Black Out,” and “Hasta La Vista,” Chanyeol closed the night and the first day of Waterbomb with high spirits.
DJs J.E.B., DJ Roots, ZB & Astion, and Scream Records’ Raiden were also there to keep the party vibes in check for festival goers.
The Beat ManilaThe Beat Manila
Waterbomb Day 2: An Exhilarating Way to Get Soaked
The energy in Waterbomb Day 2 was a little bit different; vibes were already at an exciting high way before the start of the program.
P-Pop artists and labelmates BILIB and ZÉLA raised the P-Pop flag at Waterbomb Manila Day 2, kickstarting the exciting day with high-energy performances.
BILIB, who debuted in 2023 with the single “Kabanata,” opened the show with their track “Say What You Wanna Say,” and expressed how proud they were to be performing on the same stage as many other known K-Pop artists.
ZÉLA went right after, performing her debut song “Karma,” and then followed it up with her songs “Pogi Boy” and “01/01.” The labelmates then joined forces on stage for a collab stage.
As with the previous day, performances by groups or soloists were followed by DJ performances to hype up the crowd — including Kenet, Scream Records’ 2Spade and Mar Vista, Siena Girls, Aster & Neo, and Insidecore.
Photo by The Beat Manila
Block B member U-Kwon performed next, singing his solo songs “Fuego,” “Wanna Do,” “Rise Up,” “Tough Love,” “Make It Rain,” “Zero for Conduct,” and Block B’s 2015 hit, “HER.” His set wasn’t complete without him throwing his jacket to a lucky fan in the crowd!
VIVIZ, composed of SinB, Eunha, and Umji, went on stage to perform their songs “Shhh!,” “BOP BOP,” “Untie,” and “MANIAC.” They also greeted Filipino fans, saying that it was good to see them again after a long time.
“Show Me The Money” alumni Haha, Skull, Reddy, Sulreggae, and Yang Se-chan hyped festival goers with a lively and energetic performance to warm fans up for the evening ahead, including their track “Dang Diggi Bang.”
Renowned Korean Hip-Hop/R&B artist Gray was the right person to start the evening. Even with the cold winds breezing through the Quirino Grandstand, Gray’s setlist included some of his smooth and sensual tracks like “I’m Fine,” “U,” “119 Remix,” and “Stay The Night,” complete with his signature producer tag.
Girl group OH MY GIRL came next, debuting on the Philippine stage with their tracks “Dun Dun Dance,” “Dolphin,” and “Nonstop.” Their stunning visuals shone through even when hit with water, and they promised to return to the Philippines in the future — complete with member Mimi.
The Beat ManilaThe Beat Manila
The night went on with Kang Daniel sizzling the stage with his songs, “Jealous,” “Nirvana,” and “Electric Shock,” and even gave a sneak peek of his abs for his fans to gush over. Mother Hyolyn graced the stage soon after, entering with her signature track “Dally (ft. Gray),” and even performed a SISTAR medley with “Ma Boy,” “Touch My Body,” and more.
Hyolyn sang her most recent song, “Wait,” revealing that she had also filmed the music video and concept photos in the Philippines.
GOT7’s BamBam came on stage with an all-pink ensemble and topped with a cowboy hat. He sang his solo songs, including “RiBBon” and “Sour & Sweet,” two of GOT7’s songs, “Tidal Wave” and “Hard Carry,” and even Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila.”
Sunmi, a former member of Wonder Girls, graced the stage with her “Sunmi-pop” tracks, starting with “Siren,” Pporappipam,” “Heart Burn,” “Balloon in Love,” “Tail,” and ending with her 2017 hit, “Gashina.” She also stunned the crowd with her heartwarming fan service, immediately approaching a fan with her photocard and signing it.
The headliner for Day 2, Jessi, marked her first public appearance after a long while and stunned with a red and black cut-out outfit, with thigh-high boots and a swagger that can only be seen in her. She hyped her fans up with her famous tracks “What Type of X,” and crowd favorites “Zoom,” “Gum,” and “Nunu Nana.” She also performed “Smoke,” a song popularized from “Street Woman Fighter Season 2.”
The Beat ManilaThe Beat ManilaThe Beat Manila
Waterbomb in Manila: “See You Soon!”
Four days after the first-ever Waterbomb Festival in Manila, the organizers sent out a message thanking everyone for two days of “unforgettable moments, electrifying performances, and nonstop energy.”
Their message? “See you next year!”
Who knows, maybe even bigger artists and some Waterbomb Festival faves could come to the Philippines for the next Waterbomb in Manila! Are you just as excited as we are?
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Get ready to experience the magic of Manila’s vibrant theater scene this March! With a diverse lineup of dramatic performances, unforgettable musicals, and breathtaking ballets, there's something for every theater lover to watch. Here’s a glimpse of the must-see shows that will captivate and inspire you all month long.
Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan (On-stage)
Photo by Website/Ticket2Me
Experience the suspense and tension of"Anino sa Likod ng Buwan," a stage adaptation of Palanca Awards for Literature winner Jun Robles Lana’s powerful film. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s military operations, this psychological drama starring Martin del Rosario and Elora Españo unpacks a web of politics, betrayal, and passion. Running from March 1 to 23 at PETA Theatre Center, this mature, adult-only production is not to be missed. Price starts at P1,120. Get your tickets via Ticket2Me!
Ballet Philippines Presents 'Ang Panaginip'
Photo by Facebook/Ballet Philippines
Discover the beauty of Filipino dreams with"Ang Panaginip," an original ballet by Ballet Philippines. Combining cultural heritage and modern dance, this captivating performance reflects the aspirations and struggles of the Filipino spirit. See it at The Theatre at Solaire for its final run this month on March 1 to 2. Ticket price starts at P600 viaTicketWorld.
La Voix Humaine & Boses
Photo by Website/Veniccio Media
Don't miss your chance to watch "La Voix Humaine and Boses"on its last day on stage. An unforgettable Opera Intima twin bill will be having its final run this Mar. 1, 2025 at 8 PM at Mirror Theatre Studio, Makati. Directed by Sir Anton Juan and musically directed by tenor Arthur Espiritu, this production explores love, loss, and resilience through powerful monologues. Don’t miss this exceptional evening that blends classic and contemporary storytelling! Get your tickets now for P1,300 via Veniccio.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (Re-Run)
Photo by Website/Ticketworld
It's not yet too late! Catch "I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change"while it’s still on stage thisMarch at REP Eastwood Theater. Running until Mar. 9, 2025, this delightful musical comedy shines a light on the funny, awkward, and tender moments of love and relationships. With four talented actors (Gian Magdangal, Marvin Ong, Krystal Kane, and Gabby Padilla) bringing the story to life, it’s an unforgettable show that resonates with anyone who’s ever been in love. Ticket price starts at P2,500 via TicketWorld.
Liwanag sa Dilim: A New Musical
Photo by Facebook/9 Works Theatrical
OPM fans, unite! "Liwanag Sa Dilim" is set to light up the stage on Mar. 7, 2025 at RCBC Plaza, Makati. Featuring Rico Blanco’s iconic music, this original musical follows Elesi, an orphan, on his journey to fight for the oppressed and discover his roots. With an all-star cast led by Khalil Ramos and Alexa Ilacad, it's a musical experience you won’t forget! Ticket price starts at P2,200 via Ticket2Me.
Tanghalang Pilipino Presents 'KISAPMATA'
Photo by Instagram/Tanghalang Pilipino
Get ready for "KISAPMATA," a gripping stage adaptation runningfrom Mar. 7 to 30, 2025 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Based on Nicomedes "Nick" Marquez Joaquin’s crime report and Mike De Leon’s film, the play explores a family torn apart by the control of a patriarch, revealing the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of their "perfect" lives. Don’t miss this intense and suspenseful experience! Ticket price starts at P1,500.Get yours now at Ticket2Me.
Othello (Re-run)
Photo by Facebook/Cast PH
Another theater classic isback! Catch the re-run of "Othello," Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of love, jealousy, and deceit, from Mar. 7 to 16, 2025 at The Mirror Studios in Makati. Directed by Nelsito Gomez, this intimate production stars Tarek El Tayech as Othello, Gab Pangilinan as Desdemona, Reb Atadero as Iago, and Maronne Cruz as Emilia. Experience this modern take on the classic story of betrayal and manipulation! Tickets are priced at P1,000.Get them here.
The Pearl Gala – Ballet Manila 30th Anniversary Show
Photo by Website/Ticket World
Celebrate three decades of Ballet Manila’s artistry at "The Pearl Gala," taking place on Mar. 7 to 9, 2025 at the Aliw Theater. Featuring a stunning repertoire and the world premiere of "Pearls," this performance showcases the company’s commitment to classical ballet and offers a night of passion, elegance, and unforgettable performances. Ticket starts at P1,000. Secure yours now via TicketWorld.
Para Kay B: A Theatrical Adaptation
Photo by Facebook/Para Kay B: A Theatrical Adaptation
"Para Kay B: A Theatrical Adaptation" takes screenwriter and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee's beloved novel to the stage from Mar. 14 to 30, 2025 at Ateneo’s Doreen Blackbox Theater. With five intertwined love stories, this play delves into love, heartbreak, and fate, asking whether true love can really last. This is a moving, must-see theatrical experience for people looking for the right one! Tickets are priced from P1,800 via Ticket2Me.
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Looking for a show that will tug at your heartstrings? The Barefoot Theatre Collaborative (Barefoot) is kicking off its season with “We Aren’t Kids Anymore,”a poignant coming-of-age musical by Drew Gasparini that takes a deep dive into the bittersweet journey of growing up.
"We Aren’t Kids Anymore" will run for four weeks,from May 2 to May 25, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. This productionexplores the moments when life doesn’t quite turn out the way you expected. It’s about realizing that your childhood dreams may have shifted, that adulthood is far messier than you thought, and that growing up doesn’t mean having all the answers.
Courtesy of Barefoot Theatre Collaborative
Featuring a poem by Keith White and stunning orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Justin Goldner and Drew Gasparini, this production weaves together powerful, soul-stirring songs that capture the emotions of five individuals facing life’s uncertainties.
Bringing these stories to life is a stellar cast: Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and Myke Salomon. Rem Zamora leads the creative vision as Director, while Myke Salomon and Farley Asuncion serve as Musical Directors.
There are two ticket tiers for "We Aren't Kids Anymore": Gold, which is priced at P3200,and Silver, priced at P2700.
Opening weekend tickets are now available at discounted rates. Gold is priced at P3000,and Silver is priced at P2500.
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Since Netflix’sCulinary Class Wars premiered, it has taken the world by storm. An instant hit, the Korean show combined the thrill of reality television with the fine art of gastronomy. Pitting top chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds in intense competitions, the unique format, drama, and high-stakes battles captivated audiences in and out of South Korea.
As the title suggests, Culinary Class Wars has promoted a dramatic competition format that highlights two “classes” of chefs: White Spoons and Black Spoons. First, they presented 80 “Black Spoon” chefs who, despite their ‘emerging’ titles, are not to be underestimated. They’re head chefs, some with their own restaurants, talented culinary artists who have worked in the world’s finest, Michelin-starred kitchens, and gastronomic mavericks who have served celebrities, world leaders, and hundreds of customers over their careers.
So naturally, the audience thought: “So why aren’t they ‘White Spoons’?” Then they revealed the 20 “White Spoon” chefs – and everyone was blown away. While the Black Spoons are not to be messed with, the White Spoons are on a whole other level. They’re owners of Michelin-starred restaurants, high-level cooking competition winners, award-winning culinary masters, and iconic gastronomy geniuses who – as they say during the show – the Black Spoons have looked up to their entire careers.
Tension, to say the least, is palpable. With this distinction set from the start, the contestants represent clashing philosophies – tradition versus innovation, luxury versus simplicity. Then there are the heavyweight judges who aren’t shy about delivering biting critiques: industry legend Chef Paik Jong-Won who owns 25 brands that have grown to almost 3,000 locations worldwide, and Chef Anh Sung-jae of Mosu, South Korea’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Mix them all together and what’s the result? Binge-worthy television.
Let’s say then this culinary showdown made its way to the Philippines, which Filipino chef would join either the White or Black Spoons? The Beat Asia compiles a fantasy list of culinary titans and emerging chefs – who would make the cut?
Erwan Heussaff – Black Spoon
Instagram/Erwan Heussaff | Instagram/Netflix
As the country’s poster child for modern Filipino gastronomy in the digital world, including Erwan Heussaff is a no-brainer. Known for his studio’s YouTube channel, “FEATR,” his deep love for Filipino food and ingredients is indisputable. Erwan is also a James Beard Awardee in 2023 under the Social Media Category, highlighting his contributions to the Philippines’ F&B industry.
As a Black Spoon chef, we can imagine Erwan being like “Genius Restauranteur,” bringing to the table his knowledge of local ingredients and modern take on regional Filipino cuisine.
Ninong Ry – Black Spoon
Instagram/Ninong Ry | Instagram/Netflix
Who doesn’t know Ninong Ry? His humor and over-the-top cooking videos have made him a social media sensation with a cult following. But people like his content, not just because of the obvious panache, but also because of his unapologetically indulgent dishes. While his persona might suggest he’s all show, Ninong Ry’s appreciation for comfort Filipino flavors is undeniable. He’d bring unfiltered energy to the competition, rivaling that of “Cooking Maniac,” and perhaps outrageous takes on classic dishes.
Chef Margarita Forés – White Spoon
Instagram/Margarita Fores | Netflix
Chef Margarita Forés was nothing short of a legend. Recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, she proved that there’s nothing wrong with bringing global culinary influences to the Philippines – as long as you do it right. Her establishments, including the much-loved CIBO and Lusso, continue to showcase her wide range of talent and enduring gastronomical influence. Like Chef Jung Ji-sun, a Korean chef who specializes in Chinese cuisine, Chef Margarita would have put her training in Italy to work – who knows what pasta dish she would've brought to the table? While we would've loved to know, we can only dream as we join the rest of the culinary world in celebrating Chef Gaita's legacy.
Chef Chele Gonzales – White Spoon
Instagram/Chef Chele Gonzales | Instagram/Chef Joseph Lidgerwood
As a Spanish native who fell in love with the Philippines, Chef Chele Gonzaleshas redefined the way we view Filipino ingredients. In his award-winning restaurant, Gallery by Chele, he is known for his inventive use of indigenous ingredients and for incorporating local techniques into their dishes. We can see Chef Chele being like Chef Joseph Lidgerwood, an Australian chef who constantly challenges people’s perceptions of Korean cuisine with his Michelin-star restaurant Evett.
Vanjo Merano – Black Spoon
Instagram/Panlasang Pinoy | YouTube/swab85
Here’s a wild take – Vanjo Merano of Panlasang Pinoymay just shake things up with his knowledge and passion for Filipino food and making it accessible. He has become a virtual mentor for countless Filipino home cooks with his website’s no-frills, easy-to-follow recipes that celebrate Filipino cuisine.
Much like “Seung-woo’s Dad,” who has 1.4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vanjo boasts a following of a whopping 7 million on his channel. Can the champion of everyday Filipino food go up against culinary titans? We are dying to find out!
Judy Ann Santos – Black Spoon
Instagram/Official Juday | Instagram/Netflix
Though she’s best known as a celebrated actress, Judy Ann Santoshas made waves in the culinary world thanks to her cooking show YouTube channel – which has over 1.8 million subscribers by the way! Her passion for cooking eventually led her to transition from the entertainment industry to the kitchen as she took up a culinary course in 2006. Judy Ann is our country’s “Master of School Meals,” ready to bring comfort meals to all diners – young or old.
Chef Jordy Navarra – White Spoon
Instagram/Jordy Navarra | Instagram/Kim Do-yoon
Helming Toyo Eatery (#24 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024) is Chef Jordy Navarra, known for his explorative take on Filipino ingredients. He often experiments with fermentation, preservation, and other similar techniques that take a dish to the next level. As the chef-owner of “The Best Restaurant in the Philippines,” Chef Jordy can be likened to Chef Kim Do-yoonwho owns Yun Seoul and Myeon Seoul – as both are also eager to play with aging, fermenting, and drying ingredients.
Chef Cristeta Comerford – White Spoon
White House | Instagram/Edward Lee
As the Executive Chef of the White House for almost 20 years, Chef Cristeta Comerford proudly raises the flag of the Philippines in the global setting. Managing state dinners and high-pressure kitchens, she has more than what it takes to win this whole competition. While some would say she has the credentials to be a judge and not a contestant, we hope to see her culinary skills in action much like how we were amazed by Chef Edward Lee’s skills, another Asian-American whose culinary career has thrived in the United States. For an even more on-the-nosereference, Chef Edward also cooked in the White House as a guest chef for the State Dinner with the South Korean President.
Known as TikTok’s “Lumpia
Queen,” Abi Marquez has successfully managed to emerge as a bright star in the Philippines’ digital culinary space. While she started her channel making various kinds of lumpia, she has since branched off to create and experiment with other Filipino dishes. She bagged the “People’s Voice Award” in the General Social: Food and Drink Category at this year’s Webby Awards, highlighting her impact on the online community. There isn’t a Season 1 Culinary Class Wars contestant that can quite match her infectious energy – which makes it all the more exciting!
Another celebrity-turned-chef-restaurateur, Marvin Agustinis the brain behind several restaurants and bars around Metro Manila: SumoSam, Kondwi, COCHI, etc. If his growing culinary empire proves anything, it’s that he understands what the Filipino palate craves – and he’s ready to deliver it. His business acumen could prove useful in some games and, if anything, it would make him an underdog worth watching – like “Yakitori King” whose restaurant chain, “Yakitori Mook,” is featured in Seoul’s Michelin Guide.
Chef Boy Logro – White Spoon
Instagram/Chef Boy Logro | Instagram/Netflix
His larger-than-life personality is sure to capture everyone’s attention once he shows up on screen. While Chef Boy Logro rose to fame as a TV host and culinary educator for the average home cook, behind his humor is a chef with a serious CV to match. After all, who could forget that Chef Boy was the personal chef to Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said in Oman? His humble beginnings made us immediately think of “Self-Made Chef,” who rose through the ranks through sheer resilience and grit.
Chef JR Royol – White Spoon
Instagram/JR Royol | Instagram/Choi Kang-rok
After becoming the first-ever winner of MasterChef Pinoy Edition, Chef JR Royol has become the host of his own food exploration show, “Farm to Table.” He is also the proud chef-owner of Anihan Sustainable Gastronomy where he showcases his roots, culinary skills, as well as the fresh produce of the Philippines. We could see a fellow reality show cooking competition winner in him, Chef Choi Kang-rokwho is the winner of MasterChef Korea Season 2.
Wildcard Contestants
Of course, the list doesn’t end here. Within the vast expanse of the Filipino culinary world, there are dozens of talented chefs who could easily bring home the grand prize. We’ve got a couple more ideas, let your imagination run wild:
How do you think these chefs would fare in a Philippine edition of Culinary Class Wars?
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Heads up, Chingus!Seo In Gukhas been officially named the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Known for his work in various popular K-Dramas such as “Reply 1997” (2012) and “Doom At Your Service” (2021), Seo partners with DOT to promote the Philippines as a premiere destination for Korean travelers. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco led the memorandum signing with the actor and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) at the DOT office in Makati City last Feb. 21.
As part of the agreement, Seo will participate in a series of promotional campaignsfeaturing Philippine tourist hotspots such as Boracay, Cebu, and Manila. He will also be engaging in digital content creation and immersive experiences to highlight the Philippines’ vibrant culture, natural beauty, and world-class hospitality.
Photo from The Department of Tourism/Facebook
This collaboration aligns with DOT’s current strategy to expand the country’s global tourism appeal by leveraging pop culture and social media influence. An actor and singer of Seo’s caliber means he has an extensive fanbase with whom they could connect and share the wonders of the islands. The singer-songwriter just held his first-ever fan meet in Southeast Asia in Manila last August 2023, proving his close ties with Filipino fans.
The actor expressed his gratitude at the meeting, as he promised to promote the Philippines and encourage more Koreans and other foreign nationalities to visit the country. His heartfelt message has been translated on DOT’s Facebook post:
“Thank you, and it feels very nice, and it’s an honor for me to be on this stage,” he said. “I really feel [a] big responsibility as a representative of and as a promoter for one country. I really really want to thank everyone for making this happen for me and I really want to say that I will give back all the love that you gave to me and I will be someone to promote the Philippines to others in the future. Thank you very much. Mahal ko kayo (I love you all).”
Photo from The Department of Tourism/FacebookPhoto from The Department of Tourism/Facebook
We don’t know about you, but we’re excited to see Seo play his most significant role yet!
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