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

More Than a Study Spot: A Café in Marikina with a Mission

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive offers more than coffee—it’s a vibrant gathering spot in the heart of West Drive, near St. Scholastica Marikina and surrounded by middle-class to upper-middle-class residences. The café’s name itself conjures a compact yet cozy place to relax, study, review, or just hang out. The neighborhood where it’s situated instantly evokes a sense of safety and security. Even parents of St. Scholastica students can enjoy the café’s ambiance while they wait for their kids after class.

Already in its second year, Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive takes pride in being an ever-evolving café that faithfully serves its student customers while also supporting important causes. Ray-An Angeles, its business partner, is constantly thinking of ways to keep the café relevant in all aspects of its menu and activities.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

Step into the charming, Japanese-inspired coffee shop, designed by its warm host, Mr. Rey-An Angeles, who is both the owner’s spouse and a proud partner. Ray-An, an enthusiastic Maristian from Marist School in Marikina, personifies the ethos of one of the city’s most prestigious private schools.

Both husband and wife proudly maintained the establishment as business owners, with a prudent, provider-oriented approach that steered it toward success.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive’s atmosphere is pleasantly inviting, with the gentle golden glow of warm lighting lifting customers’ spirits as they step into the cool, air-conditioned space. A subtle blend of roasted coffee and fresh pastries drifts through the air. As you look around, vibrant paintings and neatly arranged merchandise displays catch your eye, adding rich color and texture to the cozy setting.

 

Resto Format:

Café with…

✅ Dine-in

✅ Takeout

 

Quirk:

Aside from being a café, the owners of Li’l Bean Café-Westdrive help artistic inmates in Marikina’s correctional facilities by selling their art and paintings and fully remitting the proceeds to their intended owners/artists. Something we really need to have in this day and age.  Li’l Bean likewise holds indoor events during special occasions.

 

Location:

35 West Drive Marikina Heights, Marikina City in front of St Scholastica Academy Marikina City Gate 3 

 

Contact:

0917-7217895 Ray-An Angeles

 

Typical spend:

Php 200-500

 

Specialties

Baked Mac, other meals, and Drinks

 

Check other options from their Cafe Menu…

City Food Tourism

Sip, Savor, Repeat: BRWD Café & Tea Shop Elevates Affordable Gourmet Coffee in Lilac, Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Situated within the bustling heart of Marikina’s Lilac culinary district is BRWD. Coffee and Tea. It offers a wide selection of coffee and tea at highly affordable prices. So affordable that you can have two distinct frappé options and two additional beverages, all at approximately the cost of a single cup from a well-established coffee shop with comparable or better coffee. Greater value for your buck!

 

No kidding!

 

 

Remarkably, within just a year of its establishment, BRWD. Coffee and Tea has expanded to encompass 50 branches. Given its status as a family enterprise, the most prudent strategy would really be to establish additional franchises.

 

And franchise they did as Miss Alex Alfonso, the owner and proprietress of BRWD. Coffee and Tea, Lilac, adeptly oversees this branch with assurance. After all, she is a second-generation owner and franchisee of this family business.

 

With a selection of coffee specialties that appeal to a younger clientele, BRWD. Coffee and Tea has established itself as a popular hangout for young professionals and students in this part of Lilac. The visual appeal of their frappés alone piques interest, so you’d be curiously adventurous to try them out the first time you see them.

 

Concept:

BRWD. Coffee and Tea is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place where folks can come together, share their stories, and truly feel at home in the community. A friendly spot where everyone can savor amazing coffee and tea.

 

Their store design emphasizes a clean, modern, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

 

Store Format: Café available for dine-in or takeout. Continuously refining and enhancing their menu and pricing structure. BRWD. Coffee and Tea will soon be providing updates on their strategies for consistently serving their clientele, as they may soon introduce an online ordering option. The establishment operates from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Sunday.

 

Quirk:

BRWD. Coffee and Tea shares the space with a garment shop, so do not be surprised when you enter its premises. Just the same, this café is recommended for coffee lovers who want to explore their coffee palates without breaking the bank.

 

Specialties:

Discover an enticing selection of beverages designed to satisfy every palate. Indulge in their refreshing iced or steaming hot coffee, rich hot chocolate, delightful frappes, vibrant fruit tea, and soothing milk tea. No matter your preference, there’s something here to awaken your senses and elevate your day! A diverse range of beverages that cater to every taste. They offer iced/hot coffee, hot chocolate, frappe, fruit tea, and milk tea.

 

You should try their pastries too. Their lime-flavored cookies are a delish pair for your frappe.

 

The BRWD Cafe Menu…

 

Typical Spend: Php 39-49

 

 

Where:

51A Lilac Street, Marikina

(In front of Puregold Lilac)

 

Contact:

brwd.lilac@gmail.com

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Why R Cakes by Rocelle Is Redefining Custom Cakes and Pastries in Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Cakes and pastries are a dime a dozen when dessert makers troop into one competitive locale, but rarely do we see pedigree as much as R Cakes  by Rocelle when it comes to creating designer cakes and pastries. Pedigree isn’t just about where and what culinary school one came from, but how they used that knowledge to create works of art in the symphony of aesthetics and flavors.

 

Certainly, presentation consistently plays a crucial role in the food and confectionery industry. Nonetheless, it would significantly enhance the effect if that aesthetic were complemented by a comprehensive understanding of how to assemble elements to craft flavors that would captivate the palate.

 

History:

Rocelle began baking in 2017. Initially, she merely wanted to make an elegant birthday cake for her daughter. Over time, she developed a passion for it and aspired to create more artistic cakes.

She eventually enrolled in the Lyceum Culinary Institute to pursue her education, despite working full-time as a CAD designer. As her clientele grew, so did their belief in her abilities with cakes. After participating in mall bazaars, she launched a small boutique in Marikina to offer clients a convenient spot to pick up purchases.

 

Resto Format:

Online, with a physical store open by appointment only. Rocelle currently participates in pop-up stores, so please follow her website for updates on her schedule and locations.

 

Quirk:

Rocelle began her company as a home baker in Manila. Later, she relocated operations to Cubao and finally Marikina. She specializes in making personalized cakes for any occasion.

She also participates in various cake design competitions in the Philippines and earned third place overall in the Celebration Category at Cake Fiesta Manila in 2023 and 2025.

 

Location:

627 JP Rizal St, Marikina City, Philippines, 1805; Directions 

Contact:

rcakesbyrocelle@gmail.com /09154416276

 

Typical spend:

P50-9,500

 

Specialties

Custom Cakes, Pastries, Donuts, and others

 

Check other options from their Menu…

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: PASALUBONG CORNER, MARIKINA
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Why This Café Is the Next Big Franchise Opportunity for the New Generation

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The name “I Want Cofi” was inspired by a simple, everyday craving—the moment when you want something comforting and familiar. While coffee is at the heart of the brand, I Want Cofi was created to be more than just a coffee shop. “It’s a journey in every cup.”

 

At first glance, the cafe may appear as a cute dessert spot where you can hang out and relax. Nonetheless, upon closer inspection, IWantCofi Maginhawa operates a single storefront service similar to one of the Philippines’ largest fast-food restaurants.

 

You can order at the counter, scan its QR code, use the automated machines, all of which offer several options for your convenience, or use the QR code on our secondary photo visual with the IWC Maginhawa logo and address on the lower right of the photo. It’s current, trendy, technological, and intuitive!

 

Definitely, it’s a new storefront with character!

 

IWantCofi Maginhawa is also a fast-food-inspired café enterprise committed to a specific mission. You may enjoy their exceptional and delicious offerings, opt for additional opportunities if you are heavily involved in franchising and interested in advertising and promoting IWantCofi Maginhawa, or both.

 

A mutually beneficial outcome in all circumstances for entrepreneurial minds, motorbike drivers not affiliated with any delivery services, and just about anyone who desires to earn extra.

(Isang kapaki-pakinabang na pagkakataon sa mga utak negosyante, mga driver ng mga motor na hindi konektado sa anumang serbisyo sa delivery, at sa kung sinumang nagnanais na kumita ng dagdag.)

 

Believe me, it’s top-notch marketing savvy! A full-service franchise, a ‘one-stop shop’ right at your fingertips.

 

Moreover, IWantCofi Maginhawa, as a café, operates a POS system unlike any other. By all accounts, it’s modern café comfort. But first, let’s look at what they’re offering!

 

I Want Cofi is a concept that extends beyond coffee. It serves coffee, non-coffee beverages, comfort food, and sweets, making it an all-day café for everyone.

 

First and foremost, they are firm believers that convincing begins with what they provide.

 

Non-coffee offerings include soda juices, fresh juices, frappes, yogurt drinks, and yogurt shakes. Food and desserts include fries, chicken wings, pasta, waffles, and specialty desserts. IWantCofi may add more as it progresses.

 

Mind you, this cafe’s servings are just hefty and delish too!

 

Concept/Theme:

Asian-Filipino Café with Signature Drinks, Frappes & Comfort Food

 

History

I Want Cofi was founded in 2024, with its first location at UG24, Cityland Pasong Tamo, Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.

 

In December 2025, I Want Cofi held a soft opening for their second location at 176 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City. The Maginhawa location is an I Want Cofi Express Shop, which offers quick service, takeout, and delivery options.

 

The moniker “I Want Cofi” was inspired by a simple everyday craving—the desire for something soothing and familiar. While coffee is at the core of the brand, I Want Cofi was designed to be more than just a coffee shop.

 

It's “A Journey in Every Cup.”

 

The people behind the concept are Georgia Gayle Dakokoy, owner. and Bernard Yu, the very unassuming Head of Product Development & Creative of IWantCofi.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

The interior design is inspired by modern café aesthetics, with warm, cozy elements. Clean lines, soft lighting, and artistic details create a relaxed and welcoming environment.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in (8 guests). Takeout (50-100 customers/day), Delivery (GrabFood, Lalamove), Online Ordering (QR code).

Facebook Page: lwantcofi maginhawa

Ordering Link / QR: Available via our digital ordering system: scan the QR at the store, or you can use the QR code found on our secondary photo visual with IWC Maginhawa’s logo and address, Top, on the lower right of the photo.

To pay for general, and particular orders.

 

Price Range:

Php P80 – P250

 

Quirk:

A café that lets you dine, relax, and earn if you’re into business or just aim to add a little something to your pocket.

 

Specialties:

Signature Coffee Drinks – Tokyo Boom Latte, IWC Toffee Dream Latte, Vanilla Espresso, Spanish Latte, and more. Frappes & Ice Drinks – Creamy frappe series, Macadamia Nut Ice Espresso, Brown Sugar Soy Milk. Butterscotch Ice, Espresso, Non-Coffee Drinks, Fruit sodas, juices, specialty cold blends. Comfort Food – IWC Crispy Wings in various flavors.

Menu: Full menu available via QR code or Facebook link with a 10% discount on the first two orders.

View to appreciate!

Check options from their Resto Menu…

 

Where:

176 Maginhawa Diliman Quezon City, Philippines

 

Contact:

Email: iwantcofi@gmail.com

 

Note: For any interest in IWantCofi franchises, you may contact ronnievivar@gmail.com to schedule an online meeting with the owner. IWantCofi management prefers to meet in person once you’ve decided on a franchise acquisition.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY
City Food Tourism

From Classic to Creative: What’s Your Flan?’s Flan Cake Variants in Elegant Packaging

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Ubiquity is not “What’s Your Flan? / Ube Story – Project 7 EDSA Quezon City”’s mantra. Yes, they make the usual flan and flan cakes, but they do it with a flourish. Secondly, they don’t just package your flan in the usual container tubs; they pack it in style, and with plenty of flavors to choose from, it would be an effort to choose just one.

 

 “What’s your FLAN?” started in 2016 at Chef Princess Rosario-San Diego’s home kitchen, where our CEO and operator of “What’s Your FLAN?” operates. She’s a graduate and a Chef Instructor at CCA Manila, and the Marketing Director of the American Culinary Federation (Manila). Since starting the business in 2016, it has grown to over 900 franchisees & resellers in more than 14 countries.

 

That’s how prolific the franchise is.

 

And as for this franchise, they are on its Project 7 EDSA, QC Branch.

 

Concept:

Creating new variants and innovating the all-time favorite dessert, Leche Flan, considered one of the topmost favorite staple desserts of Filipinos and even foreign nationals, is our specialty. We only use the finest, purest ingredients, ensuring an authentic, superior taste that sets our product apart from the competition.

 

Store Format:

Online delivery and pickup.

 

Quirk:

Simply its variety; Franchising

 

Specialties:

4-in-1 Flavors; Premium Leche Flan-based desserts from Traditional Flans, Gelatos, Cake Flans, Ube products and more

 

The What’s Your Flan? / Ube Story – Project 7 EDSA Quezon City’s Menu…

(Note: For the holidays, only the items indicated in the menu are available.)

 

Typical Spend:

 

Php P230-550

 

Location:

Project 7, North EDSA, Quezon City

 

Contact:

whatsyourflan.northedsa@gmail.com /+639672888304 /Michelle Li 

 

The desire to bring home a gift for one’s loved ones is an integral part of the Filipino travel ethic. Filipinos instinctively search out that one-of-a-kind thing that will bring delight to their loved ones back home, regardless of their location, whether domestic or international. This demonstrates the Philippines’ enduring importance to every Filipino on a global scale. This is recognized by residents, expatriates, and non-nationals.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM; PASALUBONG CORNER-QUEZON CITY
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Grams Mercato in Ortigas, where Gourmet Pastries and More Meet Posh Condo Living

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Fascination is what I felt when I first visited Grams Mercato inside this posh condo compound in Ortigas, known as the Sonata Private Residences, believe it or not.

 

Yes, we’re all accustomed to finding specialty cafes/bakeries like this one inside malls, but discovering GM inside a posh condo is really unusual, yet fascinating nonetheless.

 

And fascination seems to be part of the motif on coverage day, as meeting the owner herself, Ma’am Duday Camus Dancel, was both experientially fascinating and intimidating. She has that striking mestiza look that gives you pause when you first meet her, and it was confirmed when she told us she has Spanish blood but is an Ilocana at heart. But truly, she’s cool.

 

Moreover, the Dancel family name does give you that nagging sense of familiarity, doesn’t it? Of course it does, as she’s legally related to Ebe Dancel of Sugarfree through her husband. Well, Ma’am Duday does get free promotions from Ebe himself once in a while. Perks of family 🙂. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on.

 

At first glance, Grams Mercato looks as compact on the outside as it does on the inside. Still, the setting alone gives you the coño vibes, but don’t judge just yet.

 

It’s compact, all right, but trust me, the place feels really cozy, with lighting that’s just right and easy on the eyes. Pipe-in music greets you immediately as you enter, and the ambiance completes the vibe with plenty of air-conditioned coolness.

 

Inside, you can immediately spot their products on the shelves, in the window, and at the counter. Their menus and offers prominently displayed on walls and counters for easy viewing and ordering. There’s even a chalkboard featuring their specialties for the day, strategically positioned on the wall as you enter the establishment.

 

Concept:

Grams artisan bread and pastries level up a simple snack—giving you a pleasant break from a hectic day. There are many things in life we cannot control, but what you serve can brighten moods and set positive vibes.

 

They’re big fans of the classic Filipino mamon and ensaymada, so at Grams, they aim to deliver these pastries with world-class quality, using fine ingredients like real butter, high-quality flour, and premium cheese.

 

They make their pastries in small batches in their commissary in Rizal, surrounded by nature and using herbs that they grow themselves. They carefully ferment their doughs and keep a positive working environment that is felt with every bite of their loaves and pastries!

 

As a café/bakery that has been running for some time now, Grams Mercato already has corporate and non-corporate customers from various organizations and fields, in addition to running the commissary itself. The establishment’s religious friends and customers really adore their ensaymada and mamon specialties to bits.

 

Nuns of St. Paul in Antipolo do have the predilection for their ensaymada, with priests particularly smitten with their sausage rolls. What’s not to love?

 

Store Format:

Café/bakery for dine-in, delivery, and online: Available on Food Panda

 

Quirk:

Located inside a posh condo compound in Ortigas, Grams Mercato is already a quirk of its own, but don’t let that intimidate you, as the owner clearly envisions the place to be one of the go-to spots for specialty pastries and more in Ortigas. If you crave their unique ensaymada, just inform the guard at the Westin Residences of your intent, and you’ll be welcomed in to proceed.

Direction: The usual compound entrance is at  Lourdes Drive.

Video

Grams Mercato is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

 

Specialties:

Ensaymada, mamon, and European loaves.

 

You should try their ensaymada. It’s not going to be the usual and ubiquitous pastry that you envision at first glance, as its consistency is quite different. Buttery, soft, and encrusted with melted queso de bola.

 

The Grams Mercato Menu…

 

Typical Spend:

Php 90-Php 450; Specialty Sweets from Php 210 to Php 1,100; meals good for 8 pax from Php 1,400 to Php 2,300.

 

Where:

GF Sonata Private Residences Building 2, Westin Compound Ortigas Center

 

Contact:

0968-5206496

 

The desire to bring home a gift for one’s loved ones is an essential component of the Filipino travel philosophy. Filipinos intuitively seek out that unique thing that will offer joy to their loved ones back home, regardless of their location, whether domestic or international. This underlines the Philippines’ continued importance to every Filipino on a global scale. This is acknowledged by residents, expatriates, and non-nationals.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM; PASALUBONG CORNER-PASIG CITY

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

So much is happening at the Marikina Christmas Banchetto and Christmas Tree Lighting at the Capitol 2025

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

December 8, 2025, marked a significant occasion for the Marikenyos as they celebrated their cityhood, with  the city administration illuminating a giant Christmas tree at the Capitol. Officially, it has been 29 years since the city’s recognition, commencing on December 6, 1996.

Since Maan Teodoro assumed office as mayor of Marikina earlier this year, numerous developments have taken place in anticipation of the holiday season. Recently, the municipal government inaugurated the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar at Freedom Park in front of the Legislative Building on November 17, which will run until January 4, 2026.

Marikina Christmas Banchetto at Jacamar Street, near the Capitol, also held its soft opening on December 6 of this year, with its formal opening coinciding with the city’s celebration of cityhood and the Christmas Tree lighting today, December 8, 2025. It will also operate until January 4 of the following year. Operating hours are from 10am to 10pm, with some staying open at 4am.

Traffic Advice.

Word of advice: it would be a good thing to visit the Marikina Christmas Banchetto in the evenings when all the lights come on, and the aesthetics change from wonder to awe. There’s something about night lights that brings on that certain allure!

And lastly, the recently concluded Toyota Tamaraw Foodpark event at the Marikina Town Center.

With the country experiencing turmoil with its national government of late, it was very thoughtful of our mayor to frame this holiday season as a celebration of hope.

Before the lighting of the giant Christmas tree, a program was held in cooperation with the city’s various schools, students, leaders, and heads, highlighting the city’s illustrious history, beginning with its encounters with different peoples of Asia via the Marikina River and its colonization by Spain. Filipinos (Don Antonio Tuason, and Kapitan Moy) who made a difference in the city’s early establishment were also highlighted, as their influence continues to mark the city’s culture and traditions to this day.

Kudos to Mayor Maan Teodoro for the meaningful program highlights. Thanks also go to the College of Criminology of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, its Center for Culture and the Arts Alumni, and the Center for Culture and the Arts; the Grade 12 Arts and Design Track-Apprenticeship Program in Dance of Sta. Elena High School; the Marikina Dance Guild, headed by Ms. Elenita E. Cruz, Ms. Rizza Erika Cruz, Mr. Jordell Cadag, and Ms. Jamaica Saligao. And that’s only for the first act of the program.

For Act 2, the Special Program in the Arts headed by Miss Hannah Mariel Ocampo, Ms. Julie Ann Galit, Mr. John Paul Dagupion, and Ms. Maria Christina L. Cantalejo of Sta. Elena High School.

Act 3: the Indak Kustura Dance Company, headed by Renel Pagkaliwagan and Mr. Nicole Clavel of Marikina High School.

Act 4, the Tanglaw-HUMSS Visual Performing Arts, headed by Jairus Psalm Infante and Ms. Genevieve Daniel under the leadership of Mr. Paul Pascual, Department Head of the Humanities and Social Sciences strand of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina Senior High School.

Thanks also go to the music ensembles of Sta. Elena High School Rondalla, headed by Mr. Reymark Hipolito, and the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, with their Director for Music Ensemble, Mr. Benjie Bitoon.

The media, visual, and technical departments of Sta. Elena High School, headed by Joseph R. Boyles, teacher/mentor of the Arts & Design Track.

School leaders/heads: Mr. Dareen L. Bancod, Assistant School Principal II, Senior High School Department, Sta. Elena High School; Dr. Robert Gaviola, Senior High School Department, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina; Mr. Tiburcio A. Aplacador, Jr., Principal IV, Sta. Elena High School; Dr. Jeffrey C. Trinidad, Principal IV, Marikina High School; Dr. Franklin E. Ayuson, OIC-President, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina; and Dr. Alejandro G. Ibanez, Schools Division Superintendent, SDO Marikina.

Mr. Paul John Paul Pascual, Assistant Director and Scriptwriter; and Ms. Elenita E. Cruz, Artistic Director.

As I was going home, a procession was also being held in commemoration of the Immaculate Conception. Such a rich tapestry of culture and tradition happening in one day!

#Kapit Lang, Laban Lang

#Paskong Marikina, Paskong Pag-Asa

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; EVENTS
Entertainment & Currents

JADE announces deluxe edition of debut album That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Global music superstar JADE today releases the deluxe edition of her outstanding debut album, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY! THE ENCORE.

 

The deluxe album features 8 additional songs, 7 new tracks including the powerful ‘Church‘  and the socially conscious anthem ‘This Is What We Dance For’ alongside JADE’s highly praised cover of the Madonna classic ‘Frozen‘

 

This is the grand finale of the That’s Showbiz Baby! era!

 

The full track list is:

  1. Angel Of My Dreams
  2. IT girl
  3. FUFN (Fuck You For Now)
  4. Plastic Box
  5. Midnight Cowboy
  6. Fantasy
  7. Unconditional
  8. Self Saboteur
  9. Lip Service
  10. Headache
  11. Natural At Disaster
  12. Glitch
  13. Before You Break My Heart
  14. Silent Disco
  15. Church
  16. This Is What We Dance For
  17. Dreamcheater
  18. Best You Could
  19. Use Me
  20. Frozen
  21. If My Heart Was A House
  22. Tar

 

The deluxe album is available on CD and vinyl. The CD will be released on 19th December, with vinyl released on 27th February 2026. Pre-order here: https://jade.me/THEENCOREPR

 

Upon its release in September, the album ‘That’s Showbiz, Baby!’ ‘ had the biggest opening week for a debut album of 2025 on the Official UK Albums Chart and topped the Official Record Store Chart. The album sees JADE work with a variety of A-list collaborators on the project, including Mike Sabath, Lostboy, Cirkut, RAYE, and Pablo Bowman. It features the previously released singles ‘Fantasy,’ ‘Midnight Cowboy,’ ‘IT Girl,’ ‘FUFN,’ and ‘Plastic Box,’ in addition to ‘Angel Of My Dreams,’ the smash hit that catapulted JADE’s solo career into the spotlight.

 

Released last summer, ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ immediately turned heads on a global scale with its attention-grabbing sound and larger-than-life, hyper-stylized visual directed by Aube Perrie (Megan Thee Stallion, Harry Styles). The song to date has amassed over 107 million streams, debuted in the Top 10 of the UK Official Singles Chart, and has just gone Gold in the UK. The overwhelming success of ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ helped lead to JADE’s triumphant night at the 2025 BRIT Awards, where she took home the award for ‘Pop Act’—making her the first former girl group member to win a solo award—and delivered the stand-out performance of the night with a live rendition of the track.

 

‘Angel Of My Dreams’ was named the No. 1 song of 2024 by DIY Magazine and a Top 10 song by The Guardian, DORK, Clash, and NME. JADE was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Contemporary Song’ for the track, and Dazed named it video of the year.

 

This summer she performed showstopping sets at major festivals including Glastonbury, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, All Points East, Mighty Hoopla, TRNSMT, and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.  She also played a special full orchestral concert at the BBC Proms in Newcastle, alongside supporting Chappell Roan at her shows in Edinburgh.

 

In October JADE hit the road for her first solo UK and Ireland tour, ‘That’s Showbiz, Baby!!’ – THE TOUR visiting Dublin, Belfast, Brighton, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London’s prestigious Roundhouse. Next year the tour hits Europe and the USA.

 

JADE has won numerous awards in the last year, including the Trailblazer Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards, the 2025 Popjustice Twenty Quid Prize for ‘Plastic Box,’ and Artist of the Year at the Artist & Manager Awards. She finished this year by picking up the Musician Award at Harper’s Bazaar’s prestigious Women Of The Year ceremony earlier this month.

 

To date, JADE has achieved over 300 million streams of her solo work.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; FOREIGN ACT
Entertainment & Currents

It All Started In May Is The Newest Brand Ambassador of LYRIC, Launches “Naaalala” Music Video

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Rising band It All Started In May just dropped their latest single, “Naaalala,” which is all about looking back on an old romance. With lines like “Bakit ganyan? Biglang nawala, dahil sumama ka na sa iba,” it’s the perfect relapse song.

 

Composed of Red (guitarist, lead vocalist), Pau (guitarist, vocalist), Jai (keyboardist), Mikee (drummer), and JP (bassist, vocalist), the band was signed by Universal Records just last February 2025, but they’re already booked and busy with releases, guestings, and gigs.

 

Their latest release, “Naaalala” touches on bigger life memories, tying into the band’s “naaalala” posts online. For example, bassist JP posted, “Naaalala ko pa yung mga araw na mas madalas kwarto ko lang nakakarinig ng mga tinutugtog ko,” reminding us of their earlier days. On the other hand, drummer Mikee posted, “Minsan naaalala ko ‘yung mga sinabi kong ‘last na ito’ pero ayun, may part two, three, at four,” reflecting on the journey of the band.

 

The band has released four singles so far—”O’ Kay Tamis,” “Pasado,” a cover of Hotdog’s “Manila,” and “Naaalala”—and this latest one nicely wraps up their year with that “malayo pa pero malayo na” feeling.

 

Last November 22, It All Started In May officially signed with LYRIC, making them ambassadors of the country’s largest musical instrument retail chain. On the same day, the band also had a launch for the music video of their latest single, “Naaalala,” at Kowloon House Dining Hall in Matalino St., Quezon City. The venue buzzed with energy from electrifying sets by SunKissed Lola, Earl Generao, SHANNi, brei, and, of course, It All Started In May, who delivered an unforgettable performance.

 

It All Started In May is definitely just getting started—and so far, so good. We’re excited for new music and new milestones from this very promising band in 2026!

 

Follow Universal Records on social media!

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@universalrecph

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/universalrecordsph

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@universalrecph

Instagram – http://instagram.com/universalrecordsph

X – https://x.com/universalrec_ph

 

Follow It All Started In May on social media!

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/itallstartedinmay

TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@itallstartedinmayyy

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/itallstartedinmay

 

“Naaalala”
It All Started In May

 

Naalala mo pa ba nu’ng tayong dalawa pa?

Sumasabay sa agos ng hangin

Kay hirap mo namang ibigin

 

Bakit ganyan?

Kay hirap mo nang Ibigin aking sinta

 

Kay sarap alalahanin ang nakaraan natin

Kay hirap namang limutin

Ang pagmamahal mo sakin

Sumasabay sa agos ng hangin

Kay hirap mo namang ibigin

 

Bakit ganyan?

Kay hirap mo nang ibigin aking sinta

 

Solo

 

Sumasabay sa agos ng hangin

Kay hirap mo namang ibigin

 

Bakit ganyan?

Kay hirap mo nang ibigin aking sinta

 

Bakit ganyan

Kay hirap mo nang hanapin, aking sinta

 

Bakit ganyan

Biglang nawala

Dahil sumama ka na sa iba

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM BAND

 

Culture

Where Craft Meets Culture: Marikina Shoe Bazaar 2025 Brings Together the City’s Finest Artisans

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Marikina—the Philippines’ long-time “Shoe Capital”—has opened its 2025 Christmas Shoe Bazaar at Sta. Elena (in front of the city’s Legislative/City Hall complex, around Freedom Park). The bazaar brings together Marikenyo shoemakers and leathercraft makers for a months-long showcase of locally made footwear, bags, and leather goods—everything from budget school shoes and athletic styles to handcrafted leather dress shoes and artisanal bags.

The bazaar opened November 17, 2025, and will remain on display until January 4, 2026. It showcases magnificent works of art that only shoe artisans from Marikina can offer. The best footwear from brands like Rusty Lopez, Valentino, Soled Out Store PH, C Point, Alligator Shoes, She.Nellas, and many more are available at these booths, so you should definitely stop by right now. Choosing is sure to be a never-ending process at this market.

From well-established family businesses to newer, more popular leather labels, this year’s bazaar features 39 vendors. To give vendors a head start in boosting sales during the crucial holiday period, the city purposefully launched the bazaar before mid-month salary disbursements.

Marikina’s Shoe Bazaar is both a shopping destination and a living exhibit of Philippine shoemaking craft. Whether you want practical, budget-friendly school shoes or a handcrafted pair to last years, the bazaar at Sta. Elena—right in front of the City Hall/Legislative building—is the best place to buy something truly “Made in Marikina.” For a full, vendor-by-vendor list (and booth numbers), I recommend checking the latest Marikina PIO/Marikina City posts, where the organizers publish the official roster and daily vendor spotlights.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; MARIKINA SHOE FESTIVAL