Author: Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

I have been employed in the publishing industry for over two decades. My experience as an editor of entertainment-based publications, including song magazines and the entertainment magazine Funfare, which has since folded, as well as side projects of a similar nature, has enabled me to gain even greater experience. Additionally, under my employment, I have established relationships with prominent contacts in the entertainment industry. My initial foray outside of the office motivated me to explore freelance writing (on an assignment basis). I have since written for various music artists and managers, assisting them with public relations and other writing assignments. I also recently did PR work for a Filipino-owned, US-based LLC, Edren Entertainment, for the duo Sweetnotes, who just recently wrapped a round of performances in selected states in the United States this 2025. I have dabbled in graphic design (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and stayed informed about the latest technology, both during my tenure in the industry and after it ended. The industry I adore, which was once prosperous, may yet experience a resurgence.
City Food Tourism

Pierogi, Dumplings & Handmade Polish Comfort Food Online

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Venturing beyond your usual spots can be surprisingly satisfying. With countless specialty restaurants and fast-food joints to choose from, why not seek out choices that are kinder to your wallet? Online stores nowadays compete with trendy restaurants, offering global flavors at prices that make indulging easy.

 

Although Chinese and Japanese cuisines remain favorites, we invite you to embark on a culinary adventure with Slavic-Polish dishes. Meet Happy Pierogi, your gateway to discovering bold new flavors and sampling cosmopolitan cuisines you may have never tasted before.

 

Happy Pierogi was founded as a family business in 2025, inspired by learning to make Polish dumplings from a family friend in 2020. This tradition continues as they share their comfort food with the community, and everybody!

 

Hence, Happy Pierogi!

 

 

Concept:

Polish

 

The Happy Pierogi Menu…

 

Resto Format:

Online

 

Specialties:

Dumplings, Unique Pastas, Coffee w/ Twists 

 

We recommend trying their Garlic Prawn Pasta, which offers a balanced combination of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. This distinctive dish is sure to capture your interest.

 

Quirk:

 

Each order includes a set of original hand-drawn Happy Pierogi stickers. Makulit!

 

The drinks are prepared in-house and offer a range of flavors intended to complement the menu.

 

Location:

Fairview, near Brittany Square

 

Typical Spend:

Php 140-250 for food, 60-150 for drinks, 730 for party tray

 

 

Watch our Video Blog (To follow)

by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!

 

 

Contact:

Delrosariomichaelgabriel@gmail.com

09950050989

09956646399

 

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Entertainment & Currents

Gab Cabangon finds peace after the hustle in new single “Kama”

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

The budding singer-songwriter is back with a soulful guitar-pop single about comfort, connection, and slowing down.”

 

Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon returns with the release of his new single, “Kama,” a soulful guitar-pop track that finds comfort in someone else’s arms after a long, exhausting day at work. Written by Cabangon himself, the song offers a gentle reminder that rest is not a reward but a necessity in a world that rarely slows down.

 

“I just wanted to write a comforting love song about how it’s okay to allow yourself to rest and lean on the people who matter,” Gab admits. “We live in such a fast-paced, demanding world, but we don’t have to face them alone. Sometimes, taking a pause helps us recharge before moving forward. ‘Hanapin mo ang iyong pahinga,’ as I would say.”

 

While undeniably penned as an intimate love song, “Kama” also serves as a reflection of the workforce culture, calling out environments that prioritize productivity and numbers at the expense of well-being and balance.

 

The young multi-hyphenate shares that he wrote Kama one evening after work, feeling stressed out. “I started thinking about how I needed to solve all my work problems immediately even though I was drained. Then I decided to take a break and just write a song as a way to process my thoughts. I think at that time I was also listening heavily to songs like Kumot by Solace Out the Door, Tulog Na by Sugarfree, and Janice by Dilaw. The result of that whole process was this love song.”

 

“Kama” is produced by Gab Cabangon and David Lina and mixed and mastered by Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez, respectively. Incorporating bedroom pop elements with R&B textures, the track showcases a soulful side of Gab that not many listeners know about. From a sonic standpoint, it slightly steps away from his signature stripped-down sound while retaining the warm, melodic intimacy that defines his early work.

 

“I’m not really known for doing these particular music styles, so I’m excited to see how people would respond,” the Pieces act says. “It’s definitely way less ‘sadboi,’ but you’ll still feel the singer-songwriter vibe that was present in my last single.”

 

“Kama” features backing vocals from Filipino singer-songwriter vydd and Kyla Miel Camerong of Solace Out the Door, with additional harmonies by Cabangon’s wife, Angeli. The track also incorporates trumpet and flugelhorn sounds—thanks to his friend, Gabriel Lazaro, who provided additional instrumental work to enrich the track’s sonic palette.

 

The release of “Kama” will be supported by a mini bar and café tour across Metro Manila, with the following dates and venues:

 

February 13, 2026 – UNWND Boutique Hotel, Poblacion, Makati (in partnership with Liga Artist Group)

February 28, 2026 – Cappo Coffee, Quezon City (in partnership with Live Hive Productions)

March 14, 2026 – Backdoor Maginhawa, Quezon City

 

Ticket details and updates are available at Gab Cabangon’s Instagram page.

 

Gab Cabangon’s “Kama” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

 

About Gab Cabangon

 

Gab Cabangon is a Filipino singer-songwriter based in Metro Manila. He describes his music as a “nonchalant millennial sadboi” style of indie pop music that blends chill guitar melodies with soulful singing. As an introspective artist, Gab loves writing songs and stories about going through different phases of life and heartaches that are both romantic and non-romantic.

 

Today, Gab Cabangon is also a solo recording artist, and he continues to showcase his music and share his stories while championing Filipino music in every stage and space he performs. Apart from gracing intimate shows and music festivals, he has performed abroad in small concerts and shows, particularly in the US and Australia. He has also performed and worked alongside some of the icons and legends of the Philippine music industry, including Nyoy Volante, Ebe Dancel, Johnoy, Rivermaya, and Noel Cabangon, among others.

 

City Food Tourism

Freshly Baked Cream Puffs, Pang-Ulit Order

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Of all my cravings, none are as elusive as the buttery croissant or the delicate cream puff. Yes, you can find them in specialty bakeries and stores in well-known malls around the Metro, or even outside, but locating one in your neighborhood or even online can be a challenge.

 

For those unfamiliar, cream puffs are classic French desserts known for their light, crisp choux pastry shells filled with sweetened whipped cream, vanilla custard, or pastry cream. They are often finished with powdered sugar, chocolate ganache, or caramel. That’s the usual, but I found an online store that serves variants of these desserts.

 

Known as Cream Puffs by MS, this charming online bakery is the brainchild of Ms. Myla Sincioco. The ‘MS’ in the name is a nod to her, while her husband, Reo Sincioco, and their son, Jaego, who crafted the business’s logo, lend their talents and support to this family-run venture.

 

 

Concept:

French

 

 

Resto Format:

Online and Delivery

 

 

Quirk:

 

Believe it or not, this online commissary is already 12 years old. Yes, they have been operating since 2014. Now that’s something to ponder upon. Putting up a business entails patience.

 

They began by selling a variety of pastries outside San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan, operating a small, hands-on business with daily customer interaction. Cream puffs quickly became their best-selling item, consistently selling out and attracting repeat customers. This insight helped them better understand their market and identify which products resonated most. As demand increased and customer preferences evolved, they expanded their business to online platforms to reach a wider audience.

 

Presently, Cream Puffs MS joins various clubs (every Saturday, as I was made aware) to market these delectable desserts to more audiences.

 

Location:

8923 Obrero Street cor. Taguig, Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City

(Nearest landmark: Chef Jessie’s Place)

 

 

Specialties:

Cream puffs with 8 flavors to choose from: caramel, sugar-frosted, chocolate, strawberry, matcha, ube, Oreo cookies and cream, and coffee with cashew nuts.

 

 

Typical Spend:

Php 130-500.

 

Cream Puffs by MS Menu

 

 

Well, don’t take our word for it; Cream Puffs by MS never missed a beat. Never have they come across a negative review on their most sought-after cream puffs. Truly, their freshly-baked delights are for ‘pang-ulit na orders’! ’.  Even when refrigerated, these desserts still retain the flavorful consistency! And that’s a fact!

 

 

Watch our Video Blog

by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!

 

 

 

Contact:

MylaSincioco28@gmail.com

09063735279

Entertainment & Currents

Josh Groban Announces Very Special Guests Regine Velasquez And Martin Nievera

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Announcement – Tony, EMMY and five-time GRAMMY Award-nominated singer-songwriter Josh Groban brings his newest tour ‘GEMS WORLD TOUR’ to Manila and announces his very special guests ‘Asia’s Songbird’ Regine Velasquez and ‘Concert King’ Martin Nievera for a must-see Valentine’s week concert on February 18, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live.

 

With over 35 million albums sold worldwide, Josh Groban’s career is defined by sweeping anthems such as “You Raise Me Up”, “To Where You Are”, “February Song” and “The Prayer”. This tour celebrates his legacy of blending classical power with pop accessibility, featuring cinematic hits like “Believe” and “Evermore”, alongside an orchestra and choir for a truly immersive sonic experience. Groban possesses one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music. Moreover, he continues to captivate fans everywhere as both a powerhouse vocalist and dynamic renaissance man with sold out concerts around the world.

 

Regine Velasquez, one of the best-selling Filipino artists of all time, whose legendary vocal range and hits like “Dadalhin”, “Pangako” and “On The Wings of Love” have earned her unprecedented accolades. Martin Nievera, the prolific singer-songwriter and TV host behind iconic hits like “Be My Lady”, “Say That You Love Me” and “You Are My Song” previously interviewed Groban and expressed immense excitement to transition from interviewer to stage partner for this historic reunion. Together, these multi-award-winning legends promise to make the evening an unforgettable showcase of world-class talent.

 

Reflecting on his return to the Philippines after seven years, Groban expressed a profound emotional connection to his Filipino audience, noting that the country holds “a very special place in my heart”. He credited the local fan base for their unwavering support, stating “Outside of America, the Philippines is one that got to truly accept my music. Filipinos have understood me and my music for the entirety of my career.”

 

For Groban, the upcoming Manila concert is a celebration of a relationship that spans decades. “Every time I have the opportunity to perform for my fans in the Philippines, it is a night of many things – most of which is gratitude – gratitude that I feel from my fans there since album one, day one,” he shared. “So whenever I come to the Philippines, whenever I get to play a concert there, I celebrate your country’s love of music.”

 

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of vocal excellence and musical history! Tickets are on-sale and available at SMTickets.com and SM Ticket outlets nationwide. Limited VIP Soundcheck Experience and VIP Superfun Package with Josh Groban are also available.

Entertainment & Currents

Beyond Blush: Sugar Doll’s Poppy Blush is Your Skincare-Forward Makeup Essential

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Manila, Philippines – Are you ready to turn your everyday experience into a selfie-worthy moment? Get on the groove and try Poppy Blush by Sugar Dolls PH! It’s a must-have cream blush for women who need a touch of skincare glow, flawless color, and dewy radiance.

What sets Poppy Blush apart from its contemporaries is its versatility. It’s a hybrid skincare makeup that adds a gorgeous color to your look while enhancing your skin. Think hydration, antioxidants, and a silky-glide formula that blends like a dream and stays put all day. From getting on the daily grind to heading to a meeting, Poppy Blush keeps your glow game strong.

Are you in need of a vibrant drama or subtle chic? There’s a hue in this lineup just for you:

  • Pink Pop: A bold raspberry pink for fair to medium skin with cool or neutral undertones. Imagine a lively flush that brightens (never clashes!) and looks instantly youthful.
  • Heartbeat: Terracotta coral meets burnt orange. This sun-kissed shade amps up golden undertones and suits medium to tan skin. (Olive beauties, Heartbeat is made for you!)
  • Bubbleglow: If bubblegum pink makes you smile, dive into Bubbleglow. Think fresh and playful, perfect for porcelain to light-medium cool tones.
  • Cherry Rush: Brick red meets raspberry—your go-to for sculpting cheeks on medium to deep skin. Warm, earthy, and oh-so flattering for olive complexions.

Trying it on…

Poppy Blush goes deeper than pretty pigments. Packed with vitamins, it delivers deep hydration and skin conditioning, reinforces the skin barrier (hello, long wear!), and brings anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action to soothe and support. Plus, it actively mattifies and controls oil for the kind of radiance that’s never greasy.

Application? Effortless. Dab, blend, and you’re done—on cheeks, eyes, lips, wherever you want a multitasking color lift.

Thanks to its blendable, hydrated finish and pocket-friendly price, Poppy Blush is taking over the conversation online, while lighting up makeup bags everywhere in the world. Beauty experts and creators call it a “game-changer.” Now it’s your turn to glow!

Get your hands (and cheeks) on Poppy Blush and experience color, confidence, and care in one sweep. Selfie ready? Always. Glow on, doll!

Travel

2026 Philippine Holidays, Working Days, Special Holidays, and Non-Working Days

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Regular Holidays

  • Jan 1 (Thursday): New Year’s Day
  • Apr 2 (Thursday): Maundy Thursday (also Eid’l Fitr)
  • Apr 3 (Friday): Good Friday
  • Apr 9 (Thursday): Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
  • May 1 (Friday): Labor Day
  • Jun 12 (Friday): Independence Day
  • Aug 31 (Monday): National Heroes Day
  • Nov 30 (Monday): Bonifacio Day
  • Dec 25 (Friday): Christmas Day
  • Dec 30 (Wednesday): Rizal Day
Special Non-Working Days
  • Feb 17 (Tuesday): Chinese New Year
  • Apr 4 (Saturday): Black Saturday
  • Aug 21 (Friday): Ninoy Aquino Day
  • Nov 1 (Sunday): All Saints’ Day
  • Nov 2 (Monday): All Souls’ Day
  • Dec 8 (Tuesday): Feast of the Immaculate Conception
  • Dec 24 (Thursday): Christmas Eve
  • Dec 31 (Thursday): Last Day of the Year
Special Working Day
  • Feb 25 (Wednesday): EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
Key Long Weekends
  • Holy Week: April 2-5 (Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday)
  • Independence Day: June 12-14 (Friday to Sunday)
  • National Heroes Day: August 29-31 (Saturday to Monday)
  • Christmas: December 24-27 (Thursday to Sunday)

 

Entertainment & Currents

Filipino singer-songwriter dwta closes whimsical folk era with self-produced anti-Valentine’s show

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Apart from her upcoming music gig, dwta also recently dropped a cover of “Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito,” her first official release of 2026

 

Filipino singer-songwriter dwta will be headlining her self-produced music gig, Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Sa Gig ni dwta, on February 13, 2026, at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City.

Billed as an anti-Valentine’s show, Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Sa Gig ni Dwta will feature a special extended set from the Bicol-born artist, whose body of work has redefined romantic and anti-romantic storytelling with sharp wit, offbeat visuals, and emotional sincerity. The evening will also bring together a stellar lineup of guest performers, including Shirebound, Janine Teñoso, Jan Roberts, Kenaniah, and LEYO.

Beyond the live music component, the event will put a spotlight on local merchants and creatives such as Hunghang Flashbacks, Amoy Scents and Candles, and Tattoo Studio PH. Hosting duties will be handled by Conyo Bicolano.

The show, according to dwta, is dedicated to ‘single’ listeners seeking meaningful, organic encounters. “This show is perfect for them. Since I’ve written more broken songs than love songs, this felt like the right chance to highlight them, especially with my new single. I’ll be playing a long set featuring my original songs, both old and new, along with the cover I recently released. I’ll also be teasing a song we’ve been working on that reflects this new dwta sound.”

The acclaimed songstress reveals that this gig will mark a pivotal moment in her journey as an artist, as it provides a fitting closure to the whimsical folk leanings of her previous era.

“After this, I’ll be stepping into a new era with a more mature sound and writing,” dwta adds. “It’s not just the music that’s changing, but also my appearance and overall vibe. I really hope people get to experience this show and see how I started back when I was just Jhasmine Villanueva. This isn’t just an ordinary gig; it’s a moment to show how my music has really evolved.”

Earlier this year, dwta released a cover of “Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito,” originally performed by Lea Navarro and written by Carlos Agawa and Ernie Dela Pena. The track, which serves as her first official release in 2026, conveys enduring love and devotion despite odd circumstances in life.

“For my version, I wanted to focus more on the feeling,” dwta reflects. “I wanted the listener to imagine being inside the song. Like it’s late at night, you’re alone in your room, lying in bed, hearing the sound of crickets outside, crying quietly, and hoping that tomorrow will be better. That soft moment of vulnerability and hope is what I really wanted to convey in this song.”

Produced by Brian Lotho, dwta’s version underwent several iterations but eventually settled into a quieter, more somber arrangement that aligns with song’s emotional weight. The “Padaba Taka” songstress explains, “After talking it through with my team, we decided to follow what feels true to dwta. We ended up going for a more raw and intimate arrangement with acoustic guitar, slower pacing, and more strings.”

Dwta’s “Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito” is available now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Tickets to Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Sa Gig ni dwta are now available here.

 

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, and even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Entertainment & Currents

Next Gen: Introducing the new OPM artists poised for breakout success this 2026

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Coming from different regions and backgrounds, these emerging acts deliver distinct stories, sounds, and cultural influences that add depth and diversity to the burgeoning music scene in the Philippines

 

A new wave of OPM artists is gaining momentum.

Poised for their official breakout moment in 2026, these fresh and compelling acts are set to drop new releases that defy conventions and embrace artistic promise. In the months ahead, their work is expected to leave a distinct mark on contemporary OPM, so make sure to show your support and bookmark their names as early as now.

 

HARA (Davao) – HARA is the newest P-Pop girl group. The sassy six-piece act is ready to conquer the stage with their dynamic performances and unique sound, entirely produced in their hometown. HARA is set to release their pre-debut track “My Love” this February 25, 2026.

AYO (Davao) – AYO is a 7-member boy group that is set to bring their A game into the world of P-Pop. The name is derived from the Visayan word “Maayo” (skillful, talented), embodying their potential as a vital newcomer. Expect the pop group is to debut new music this year.

DAELUX (Davao) – DAELUX is a seven-member Philippine girl group composed of Tabel, Zyra, Shami, Rhya, Ara, Slane, and Alice. Combining Filipina pride with a global flair, the group exudes grace and power in every performance, while enchanting listeners with their refreshing take on pop music. Raring for an exciting debut this year, the group has already started posting teasers via their official social media platforms.

Rock Opong (Iloilo) – Rock Opong has made waves as a grand finalist on The Voice Teens and a semi-finalist on Asia’s Got Talent. He got signed by Balcony Entertainment, marking his official debut with songs that come from a place of authenticity and warmth. He recently released his new single “Favorite,” a song that captures the warmth and comfort that comes with romantic love.

Trisha Puso (Bicol) – Trisha started her career in 2010 as one of the pioneer artists of the CamSur Academy Project. Before joining the Academy, she was making her mark with her performances of cover songs. Her media content containing performances gained a following, which eventually inspired her to write, compose, and produce her own songs. In 2024, she joined Sony Music Philippines as the first licensed artist from CamSur. Her new single, “Alapaap,” is slated to drop on January 28, 2026. The track circles around the concept of love and destiny, yearning for a love that makes one comfortable and safe.

Mikee Sarmiento (Metro Manila) – Mikee Sarmiento makes soulful pop music that lives in the quiet spaces between longing and comfort. Personal, cinematic, and deeply representative of the Filipino experience, Mikee’s music is characterized by heart-on-sleeve sentimentality, opening wounds and stirring up conversations about life, love, spirituality, and anything in between. His debut single, “Tahan Na,” will be released on January 30, 2026.

LU (Aurora) – Newcomer LU makes music that carries the imprint of her coastal hometown while exploring her own voice as a singer-songwriter. Raised in San Luis, Aurora, and now based in Quezon City, the folk-pop artist delivers melodically rich and beautifully sung tunes with earnest intentions. Her single “Lasing Na Sa’yo” recently found success on streaming, putting her on the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds Philippines, debuting at no. 1 on the playlist. She is slated to release her song “PUCHA” on February 13, 2026, an upbeat alt-pop heartbreak anthem.

NEW LORE (Metro Manila) – New Lore is a 3-piece band that creates music from art and poetry, with Carole Lantican on drums, Tita Halaman on vocals and guitars, and Kim Escalona on bass. Their listeners call it trauma pop, dream pop, ethereal alt pop, or whatever pop – just making what feels true and letting everyone else name it. It’s music for the overfeelers, the almost-healers, and the quietly ambitious hearts. Their upcoming single, “substack girl,” is a tender, self-aware love song about missing someone through the details of who they are. Built on hypnotic production and list-like lyrics, the song asks quiet questions about identity, growth, and whether love lingers in habits long after people drift apart. The song will be out on February 6, 2026.

 

These are emerging voices from Sony Music Entertainment that are pushing music to exciting, new places. Watch out for them in 2026.

 

About Sony Music Entertainment

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, and even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.

City Food Tourism

Bold Flavors, Two Cultures: Italian-Filipino Inspired cuisine in Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Cuore in Marikina takes its cues from its sister restaurant Basil, Pizza, and Pasta in El Nido, Palawan, and reimagines Italian food with a Filipino twist. Yes, residents of Marikina and the surrounding areas may enjoy authentic Italian cuisine right here. A cuisine that combines homey comfort food with refined Italian flavors has emerged, one that begs you to take your time, enjoy each meal, and get to know the restaurant better.

 

The Italian name for the restaurant, cuore, means “heart,” and it was chosen to symbolize the restaurant’s dedication to serving well-planned, communal meals. Sharing plates is encouraged by the generous portions, which often come with choices for two or more. Diners may unwind, converse, chow down, listen to jazz in the background, and take in the ambiance thanks to the menu and decor. In this roomy venue, visitors can relax in comfort after a hard day.

 

Cuore’ was started by Kara De Guzman of Marikina City, who had previously opened an Italian restaurant in El Nido, Palawan.

 

This enthusiasm, fueled by her love of both Italian and Filipino food, she brought to Marikina. She thought that the Filipino palate would find comfort in a fusion of these culinary traditions.

 

At its core, Cuore’ is about family. In keeping with Filipino culture, the restaurant offers communal dishes designed to spark dialogue and bring people together. Kara always dreamed of having a warm and inviting place where families can come together to eat.

 

Cuore welcomed its first guests on January 12, 2026, and as early visitors, we were delighted by dishes that were not only bursting with flavor but also generous and unforgettable. The restaurant crafts an experience that truly stands out from the crowd.

 

 

Ambience:

Step into Cuore’ Filipino Italian and experience the perfect fusion of Italian sophistication with Filipino hospitality. The walls are a verdant mix of emerald and cream, evoking images of a classic trattoria. The space is bathed in a warm golden light as sunlight streams through the glass walls, creating an intimate setting ideal for calm conversation. A subtle nod to Filipino tradition, Solihiya accents ground the elegant ambiance with a reassuring feeling of home.

Cuore takes great care in designing its space so that diners will want to take their time, enjoy their food, and share laughter around the table. In this setting, sharing a meal becomes an opportunity for meaningful discussion and the making of lasting memories.

 

 

Concept:

Cuore’ is a fusion of Italian culture and the fiery flavors of the Philippines. The menu features foods that are both familiar and refined, allowing customers to relax, enjoy, and bond over a common love of cuisine.

 

Resto Format:

Dine in,Takeout, Online Order via Lalamove

 

 

Specialties:

 

  • Woodfired Pizzas: Adobo Flakes Pizza, Longanissa Pizza, Steak Alla Italiana Pizza.

 

  • Pastas: Pasta Al Tartufo, Seafood Marinara Pasta, Pesto with Kesong puti Pasta

 

  • Filipino Favorites: Bagnet Al Cuore Kare-Kare, Sisig Al Gusto, Sinuglaw Supremo, Sinigang sa Mangga Del Cuore, Salmon al Cuore sa Miso

 

  • Italian Favorites: Osso Buco con Polenta , Pollo Arrosto , Chicken Parmigiana

 

The Cuore Menu…

 

 

Quirk:

 

This Italian-Filipino specialty restaurant in Marikina offers a unique experience. All pizza dough is prepared by hand each day before opening, ensuring freshness.

 

From the hand-kneaded dough to the toppings of your choice, every pizza is made to order and baked to perfection. Put on your apron and make pizza with a personal chef when things are slow. You may watch a lively pizza-tossing display if you visit between Monday and Thursday. The unique smokiness of the crust is imparted to each pie by wood-firing it over mango and Sampaloc wood.

 

Cuore’ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a warm and inviting venue for genuine celebrations. They bring delight and lasting memories by hosting and catering private events such as weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, and more. They put a lot of attention into every detail since they know there’s more to an occasion than simply the cuisine. The tales that develop, the bonds that are formed, and the experiences that are shared are what matter most.

60-80 pax (air-conditioned); 40 pax (alfresco); 10 pax (alfresco front).

 

I recommend trying their wood-fired pizzas, which are served with honey. The unique combination of flavors creates a memorable and appealing dining experience.

 

Location:
Lot 1 Blk 11 Mayor Gil Fernando Ave. Sto.niño, Marikina City, Marikina City, Philippines, 1900

 

Video Directions (to follow)

 

Typical Spend:

₱350 – ₱1,300

 

Contact:

hellocuore@gmail.com

(0966) 861 0048

  

Watch our Video Blog

by Tere, Jolly Wanderer, and fam_cruziest!

City Food Tourism

Abba Grill and Deli Serves Up Mediterranean Favorites—Perfect for Solo Meals or Group Feasts

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Every creation has a unique tale, and Abba Grill and Deli is no exception. Ivery and Don, a husband and wife pair, are fully aware of this. Don felt it one day at work, and it lingered with the pair for a few days. This occurred around the conclusion of last year, 2025.

Don became restless at one point and considered launching his own restaurant—one that would serve as a playground for creative kitchen experiments rather than a cash grab. After all, this duo has all of the experience necessary to start from scratch and promote Abba Grill and Deli. To begin with, the duo is naturally creative. Muscle memory, to put it bluntly.

He (Don) is, after all, a culinary graduate, now a chef, who has worked in restaurants and hotels in Boracay and Manila. She (Ivery), a writer and former English professor, who first came across several sorts of cheeses and charcuterie at a delicatessen near the university where she had taught. It was meant to be!

 

Moreover, Don and Ivery have been longtime acquaintances of mine in the industry in which I am presently engaged for decades now. Unknowingly, I contacted Abba Grill and Deli without knowing who the owners were. Serendipity or fortuity? Whatever the circumstances, nostalgia persuaded us to proceed. The timing was ideal.

 

Concept:

Indo-Mediterranean

 

The Abba Grill and Deli Menu…

 

Resto Format: online; will join bazaars next as they plan on renting a physical space.

Specialties: Chicken Kebab, Beef Kofta Kebab, and Grazing Platters

 

 

Quirk:

 

When they were deciding on a name, they looked for a word from any Mediterranean language. They decided on “Abba” since it is easy to pronounce and means “father” in Aramaic. In their family, the father (Don) cooks. He is also the chef or culinary soul of our meal concept.

Don finds the word “Abba” and its spiritual connotations crucial because he grew up without a parent. He lost his father in a car accident while he was only a toddler. He has since grown up with a sense of spiritual guidance, as if from a physical father.

When he married Ivy and had two children, he felt fulfilled in his role. “Abba” is a term of endearment, like “papa” or “daddy,” implying a strong bond between parent and child. Through his cooking, he could provide for and nourish his family.

 

 

Location:

Pickup or delivery from Santolan, Pasig

 

Typical Spend:

Php 330-3,800.

 

 

Contact:

iverydelcampo@gmail.com

09275744249

09178996610

 

“If we became rich… I would set up a restaurant with spices and a grill,” says  Don. When he mentioned kebabs, kofta, and souvlaki, Ivery imagined a grazing spread with hummus, curries, flatbreads, grapes, dates, chutneys, and goat and sheep cheeses instead of cows.

“You know, I think I can make a Mediterranean grazing board to match your kebabs,” says Ivery. “That’s certainly different from the typical charcuterie boards.”