Tag: 2025

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

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

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

 

Entertainment & Currents

Filipino alt hip-hop artist Young Cocoa reclaims his narrative with bold new EP, STILL COCOA

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

In his six-track release, the acclaimed rapper expands his sonic palette and tackles themes of maturity, identity, and creative freedom”

Rising Filipino artist Young Cocoa asserts his place at the forefront of the alternative hip-hop scene with the release of his highly anticipated EP, STILL COCOA, under Sony Music Entertainment. The six-track project is a bold piece of work that embraces new influences while honoring the distinct sound that first put him on the map.

Known for incorporating chill, hypnotic grooves with inescapable rhythms and off-kilter production choices, Young Cocoa sharpens his signature sound with renewed clarity and purpose. Produced by Brido, Jayson Franz, Joseph Gregory, Luke April, and up-and-comer chocolateman, the EP weaves together fan favorites such as “inboxxx,” “Cheap Thrills,” and “Raspberry” alongside surefire bops and rarities designed to push the boundaries of alternative music, rap, hip-hop, and bedroom indie.

The young hip-hop act explains, “Outside of the message I’m trying to share in this era, STILL COCOA is really my way of planting a flag and cementing my lane as a pioneering alt hip-hop artist. This marks an evolution of my previous project, liv, luvv, cocoa, with clearer messaging and topics that hit closer to home. This time, I’m more focused on experimenting and being more intentional with my sonic and production choices.”

Thematically speaking, STILL COCOA serves as a self-reflection piece on holding onto youth while confronting the realities of growing older. Young Cocoa describes the new record as the start of a new chapter in sound, writing, and storytelling.

“The project explores the in-between of youthfulness and maturity, something that people rarely talk about,” shares the multi-talented rapper. “Some people just fall into adulthood, and some people take time. I’m part of the latter. Each song reflects what growing up has taught me.”

The lead single “STILL COCOA (fly)” represents a pivotal personal and artistic shift, ultimately choosing liberation over limitation. The song addresses the expectations and pressures that have shadowed his early success while reinforcing the EP’s central themes of self-belief and reclaiming one’s narrative.

“I’ve held myself back for so long because many people associated me with one song,” he admits. “It kept me from exploring my full potential. Writing this song made me realize it was time to let go of any inhibitions and fully embrace my sound, whether people understand it or not. STILL COCOA is really an invitation to follow me on the rest of my journey as an artist and serves as a reminder to people that although I’ve changed look-wise, sound-wise, and personality-wise, I’m STILL Cocoa.”

The EP also features new tracks such as “WHEN DO I GET OLD?,” a candid confrontation with ageism in the music industry, and “flew2bali4ahug,” a personal musing on growing distant from brothers.

“Both tracks really spoke to deep feelings I had that were only shared with my girlfriend and anyone in my tight-knit group of friends,” he says. “Sharing these feelings with the world is both scary and exciting. Who knows? Someone out there might be able to relate. That’s a thought that comforts me.”

Young Cocoa’s new EP, STILL COCOA, is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Catch him at the STILL COCOA EP and Music Video Launch on December 5, 2025, from 6 pm to 10 pm at Shutterspace Studios in Quezon City. Entrance is FREE!

Register here: https://YoungCocoa.lnk.to/stillcocoalaunch

 

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.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; OPM
Destination Pinas History & Adventures

Travelogue: Rediscovering the Beauty of Bacolod after 41 Years

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Bacolod, 41 years ago, was a city filled with simple, content, and happy people. It featured low- to mid-rise buildings, abundant nature, and a lifestyle reflective of simpler times. For the average teenager back then, social life revolved around going downtown or visiting Singcang, where Goldenfields is located. If you’re adventurous enough, venturing outside the city limits would be a good idea, like going to Silay or Talisay City, where you’ll find The Ruins. Classic! Haven’t visited it yet, but I plan to the next time I get there, when the weather is much calmer and drier.

 

Popular activities included dining at restaurants and enjoying nightlife spots downtown, such as the Spectrum disco at the Sea Breeze Hotel. Many would also gather for social drinking at haunts in Casiana, Eroreco, or simply hang out with friends at home or other places for entertainment.

 

The roads were safe enough that riding a racer bike from Mountainview Phase 2 to La Salle at 5 a.m. was okay. As I mentioned, these were  simple times, but they were certainly fun!

 

Being a teenager just out of high school, I have a newfound respect for the time in life when we all learn from our mistakes and experience life’s lessons the hard way—from being carefree and independent in junior year all the way through senior year and graduation. You get that in high school!

 

After 41 years, I felt a mix of emotions as I landed at Silay’s airport, so different from the airport I remembered in Singcang when I left in 1984. Above all, I was overcome with excitement and curiosity.

 

The first thing I noticed is the addition of establishments that dot the city, which weren’t there before I left. It was surreal but exciting to see and behold, nonetheless. And since it was nighttime when I arrived, remembering places was still jarring. In context, I left Bacolod when I was 19 years old, and now, a newly minted senior, in October 2025, I’m back in the place of my youth—priceless!

 

DOWNTOWN, BACOLOD

Visiting downtown Bacolod, at least the one I knew, brought so many fond memories. The Bacolod plaza is now undergoing some renovations, but I recognized a few buildings, like the central plaza itself and the Seabreeze Hotel. The theater on Araneta Street near LCC wasn’t there anymore. Lopue’s Araneta is still there but rocking a new image, as is Lopue’s Mandalagan.

 

The Manokan Country, previously in the downtown area, is now in the vicinity of SM City Bacolod. Felt misty. The reclamation area is now a shopping mall spot where SM City Bacolod now sits. The San Sebastian Cathedral is, of course, everlastingly the same, but still hits you with nostalgia.

 

The first night, I caught up with the Negrense Bloggers, a well-known group of bloggers in Bacolod City, who were covering the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, which was located right within SM City.  They were such a pleasant and kind group of people. Shoutout to Sigrid of Sigrid Says, hubby Dennis Lo, Sir Jojo Vito, Sir Ed, Dhadha, and someone special to me, named Sunshine.

For details, you can visit their individual blogs at Sunshine (Sunny Encounters), Sir Jojo Vito (Fabulous Asian Lifestyle), Sir Ed (Bacolod Lifestyle), Dhadha (Dhadha Garcia FBPage), Sigrid (Bacolod Blogger Sigrid), and Dennis (Papa D The Hubbyist)

 

Sunshine was gracious enough to be my tour guide for the whole duration of my stay, as promised.

 

I visited my HS alma mater as well with Sunshine but failed to enter and visit its premises. They allow visitors only during weekdays. Tahum na tani! (It would’ve been very nice, as I hoped!). Moreover, La Salle, Bacolod, has really changed a lot even when I was outside looking in. The chapel still looks as stunning as it did on the day I left. The entrance to the elementary wing has changed as well. The sprawling carabao grass field where we used to play siato and stick football wasn’t there anymore. In its place are some utility edifices.  Next time!

 

PAINTING THE TOWN RED

It would be a disservice if I did not mention Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod’s restaurant, where they serve great food and drinks. Thank you, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. We also visited Riverside Medical Center to see an old friend, Dr. Ramon Trocio, but found out that he only goes in for special schedules, so we visited good ‘ole original Bob’s Restaurant instead. Their hamburger is still the best. Additionally, the restaurant has developed aesthetically and visually, becoming much more appealing, and now boasts five additional branches all over the city.

Photos

 

My visit also happened to coincide with the Terra Madre Asia Pacific Festival event, which took place inside the city’s capitol. We visited on the last day, November 23, 2025, but the event was still filled with people, both foreigners and locals alike. If Bacolod City is famous all over the world for its Masskara Festival, Terra Madre is close by.

Photos

 

The event, already in its 21st year since 2004, is still attracting visitors, sponsors, and supporters from all over the Philippines. And 2025 was no exception. I’ve experienced a similar event in the Quezon City capitol here in Manila, but Terra Madre Asia Pacific Festival brought in a deluge of exhibitors from all over the land. Last I heard, the event also brought in chefs from various parts of the Philippines.

Terra Madre likewise attracted exhibitors from diverse organizations within the agricultural sector.

 

If Manila has Dampa, Bacolod has Sugba. Just near the Capitol is Sugba Sugba, Lacson branch, where we ate lunch. Officially, Sugba Sugba brought the resto feels to the typical casual feels of Dampa in Manila. Way to go, Bacolod City! But I’m planning to go next to Diotay’s to get the Dampa and rustic feels.

 

On succeeding days, Sunshine and I went to Chicken House (San Juan Branch) where the chicken inasal is also extremely delicious as heck, Banh Mi (SM Bacolod), Sandok, and 21 as well, which I heard is owned by the Gamboas of Silay. Surprisingly, the food was also great. Delectable, in fact, in that it appears that their special batchoy seems to have additional ingredients that brought much life to it compared to what I’ve tasted in restos here in Manila.

More Memories…

 

I spent my last day with the Negrense Bloggers group at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at the Ayala Mall. Thank you, guys, for the great sendoff. Maanad guid ko diri! (I will get used to being here!).

 

All in all, my stay was both productive and nostalgic, beautifully accented by warmth and welcome from new friends and acquaintances. A sense of family, so to speak. Thank you all. Thank you, Sunshine, and family!

(Photo credits go to Miss Sunshine Dacudao)

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: BACOLOD CITY; TRAVELOGUE
Food Tourism

Why This Marikina Café Serving Coffee and Ramyeon Is Your Next Hangout Spot

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Strategically located beside St. Scholastica’s Academy, an all-girls school in Marikina, and surrounded by residential houses, is K-Café Ramyeon and Coffee at Westdrive corner Narra Street, depending on where you’re coming from. From the outside, you’ll already get the feel of the place, as it’s glass all around.

 

You’ll appreciate the ambience even more at night. K Café is one place where you’ll get to experience two different worlds. East meets West. A café of Western persuasion and a ramyeon place of Korean inspiration.

 

Historically, the idea came about when the future proprietress frequented Funhun for noodles with her husband (and business partner), as Japanese ramen was not an option for them.

 

While discussing a Korean ramen establishment where patrons can prepare their own ramen, my husband and I exchanged insights on this experience compared to buying ramen at a convenience store. Inspired by our conversation and observations from Sir Chris, another business partner, we collaboratively developed a concept and conducted research. It didn’t take long for K Café to be established.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

Definitely Korean-inspired, as ‘K’ represents K-drama and K-pop, two popular trends and pop culture in the Philippines right now.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Cozy and spacious café with vibrant colors and lighting inspired by Blackpink and BTS, two popular K-pop groups worldwide, especially in the Philippines.

 

Restaurant Format:

Dine-in, Delivery via Food Panda, Online Availability

 

Quirk:

Stylish Korean-inspired cafe with an American coffeehouse vibe. Right here is where you may make your own unique ramen. By choosing the ingredients and toppings, you get to play chef. Pick your favorite area from two different spots inside K-Cafe. In the more intimate environment, you can sit down in the lotus position like a Korean at dinner on the floor, or formally, you can sit on a chair like Westerners do.

The café can be a venue for any night person (before it closes for the day), and have that ramen craving satisfied, or just simply be there to unwind after a long day.

The Visit

 

Branches:
  1. K Café Ayala Malls Feliz

5th Level Roof Garden in front of Timezone Play

 

  1. K Café Batangas

Lena Compound

 

Specialties

Bibimbap, Chicken Pangko and Beef Bulgogi (See to appreciate)

Check other options from their Cafe Menu (prices plus 12% VAT)

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
Food Tourism

Marikina’s Affordable Unli-Grill Restaurant Serving Unlimited BBQ Goodness

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Only a month old, as we were made aware on an earlier pre-coverage talk (11-14-2025) by Unli-Ihaw (by Cirma Foodpark) proprietor Filip, and cousin GJ, this food establishment is rocking the ‘eat-all-you-can’ fares in this part of Marikina by offering affordably priced packages for choice meats.

 

Unli-Ihaw (by Cirma Foodpark) is located in an enclave in Cirma Foodpark, next to SaveMore, Marikina, the Shoe Avenue branch, and at the back of the Amang Rodriguez Hospital. It also serves Unli-Lahat (All) and craft beers for those who want to unwind and spend an evening of wining and dining. Not bad, right?

 

The bar-griller traces its origins to a business trip taken by two cousins, both passionate food lovers, to a remote town far from the comforts of amenities, restaurants, or even electricity. As it happened, they were constrained to bring their own food. Armed with nothing but a cooler and a portable grill, they cooked their meals over an open fire—simple, smoky, and satisfying. It was there, surrounded by silence and the aroma of freshly grilled meat, that the idea for “unlimited inihaw” first sparked.

 

Back in Marikina, the cousins turned that spontaneous moment into a full-fledged concept. In just a matter of weeks, they finalized their menu. They built what would soon become Unli-Ihaw, a quick but carefully crafted passion project that transformed from an idea into an operational restaurant in record time.

 

Today, diners can now choose from three options: Unli-Rice, Unli-Ulam, or Unli-Lahat, each offering a unique way to enjoy each menu variety.

 

What’s in a name?

The name’s simple enough for any Pinoy customer to understand: Unli Ihaw (by Cirma Foodpark) offering unlimited Inihaw (Baboy/Manok/Isda/Gulay).

 

Ambiance:

The setup leans toward an al fresco, food-park style—open enough to let in gentle evening breezes, making it comfortable for relaxed gatherings and social meals under soft lighting, but safe enough to stay under its roof when the weather decides to pour in a little (or a lot of) rain. The mood is also casual, as you can play on its pool tables or watch scheduled performances by notable guests. A tropa and barkada hangout spot.

 

Unli-Ihaw is usually open from 4pm to 12am, from Monday to Saturday, and is closed on Sundays. They extend hours when performances are scheduled, usually on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, or depending on customer attendance. We advise you to check out their FB Page to be certain.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-In, Delivery (Platter)

 

Quirk:

The establishment offers a segmented choice of meats for every customer. Fish, Chicken, or Pork, it’s all fair game, but you also get to mix-it-up by ordering Unli-Lahat where you get everything, including unli-veggies, soup, rice, and iced tea.

 

The restaurant’s secret marinade adds a unique flavor to their grilled dishes that customers describe as “eye-poppingly good” and unlike anything else they’ve tried. Their bagoong is something to look out for, too. So don’t miss it. Worth your buck, as they say!

 

The resto can fit 50-60 pax, and is pet-friendly.

 

 

Specialties:

Unlimited Inihaw (Baboy/Manok/Isda/Gulay).

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
Entertainment & Currents

“Enhypen Vr Concert: Immersion” First-Ever Vr Concert Coming To Manila From 20 November To 6 December

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

Exciting news for ENGENEs! K-pop’s unrivaled storytellers ENHYPEN, who have showcased their solid live performances and powerful stages to establish a unique presence on the global scene, are set to meet fans worldwide in a whole new way through their first-ever VR concert, “ENHYPEN VR CONCERT : IMMERSION”, which is confirmed to be shown in Manila exclusively at Gateway Cineplex from 20 November to 6 December, 2025. Tickets will be available starting 8 November at 12PM via GatewayImmersive.com.ph .  Presented by Wilbros Live.

 

“ENHYPEN VR CONCERT: IMMERSION” begins with a mysterious invitation from ENHYPEN to their fans, ENGENEs. As whispers from the members echo through an unfamiliar hallway, the line between reality and fantasy starts to blur. The audience is then transported into ever-changing spaces: a vast office, an abandoned factory, and a rooftop where a pink moon and red moon coexist coming face-to-face with a whole new side of ENHYPEN never seen before. Moreover, fans can experience ENHYPEN’s visuals and performances vividly brought to life right before their eyes, closer than ever at a 0cm distance.

 

This VR concert was produced using AMAZE’s cutting-edge technology. It features innovative interactive elements such as a heart effect appearing on screen when the viewer makes a hand-heart gesture, and a branching scene that allows fans to choose one of the seven members and watch the concert from their favorite’s point of view. These new experiential features deliver an unprecedented level of immersion never seen in previous VR concerts.

 

The VR concert “IMMERSION” is the first-ever VR concert project to simultaneously announce and confirm its release in advance across about 40 major cities worldwide, including Korea, the United States, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Through this, ENHYPEN has once again proven their stature as a global artist. As the largest project of its kind, spanning from North and Central America to Europe, it not only demonstrates ENHYPEN’s explosive global popularity but also highlights the expanding global distribution network and technological excellence of AMAZE making this achievement all the more significant.

 

“ENHYPEN VR CONCERT: IMMERSION” brings together AMAZE’s proprietary technologies including ultra-high-definition 12K live-action filming, Unreal Engine-based VFX, and AI super-resolution to deliver a level of immersion and emotion beyond that of any previous VR concert. Viewers will feel as if they are standing right in front of a real stage, fully experiencing ENHYPEN’s performance and emotional depth in the most vivid way possible.

 

About ENHYPEN

ENHYPEN—consisting of members JUNGWON, HEESEUNG, JAY, JAKE, SUNGHOON, SUNOO, and NI-KI—have swiftly ascended to global prominence as a K-pop powerhouse, with record-breaking achievements since their 2020 debut. Bursting onto the scene with their debut mini-album BORDER : DAY ONE, the K-pop’s unrivaled storytellers made an immediate impact with unique concepts shaping their artistic identity. In just five years, they’ve placed five albums in the Billboard 200 Top 10—MANIFESTO : DAY 1 (No. 6, 2022), DARK BLOOD (No. 4, 2023), ORANGE BLOOD (No. 4, 2023), ROMANCE : UNTOLD (No. 2, 2024), and DESIRE : UNLEASH (No. 3, 2025). Their 2nd Studio Album, ROMANCE : UNTOLD, marked the group’s career-high, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and ranking highest among K-pop acts on the 2024 IFPI Global Album Chart. Building on their chart-topping success, ENHYPEN have expanded their influence globally, achieving an indelible milestone during their 2023 world tour ‘FATE’ with a landmark U.S. stadium debut. The septet performed at Coachella this year, becoming the fastest K-pop boy group to grace the festival. Currently on their ‘WALK THE LINE’ world tour, ENHYPEN brought their scene-stealing shows to the U.S. and made their first-ever Europe stops this summer, further cementing their international presence.

 

About AMAZE VR

AMAZE is a VR concert platform company that brings fans closer to artists than ever before.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Seoul, AMAZE creates experiences with renowned, bold artists. AMAZE VR Concerts offers crystal-clear visuals and unprecedented proximity through live-action 3D footage, utilizing proprietary AI modules and an Unreal Engine-based VFX pipeline. AMAZE creates VR concerts in fantastical new worlds that are widely accessible to fans and distributed through movie theaters and in the ‘AmazeVR Concerts’ app available on Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. Currently, the “AmazeVR Concerts” app ranks No.1 in Music, No.4 in Entertainment, and No.6 overall on Apple Vision Pro—leading the new era of spatial entertainment.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; ASIAN ACT

 

Entertainment & Currents

Soupstar Music closes 25th year in style with ‘New Era’ partnership

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The independent music company celebrates its milestone with limited-edition cap release and a series of year-end events honoring OPM, culture, and community.

Manila, Philippines – Soupstar Music celebrates its 25th year in the Philippine music industry with a special partnership with global lifestyle brand New Era. The limited-edition cap, which was launched on November 13, 2025, at Hideout Resto & Bar in Quezon City, encapsulates Soupstar Music’s enduring influence in bridging music, street culture, and contemporary Filipino lifestyle.

 

The launch brought together the label’s vibrant community of artists, partners, and long-time supporters, capped off by performances from Moonstar88 and HEY JUNE!. The event also marks a symbolic intersection of Soupstar Music’s legacy and future direction.

 

Reflecting on this milestone, Soupstar Music shares that the secret to longevity lies not in treating the journey as a race but rather as a series of challenging laps that foster growth, resilience, and purpose.

 

“When we started Soupstar, we didn’t set any strict expectations,” the team recalls. “Reaching 25 years is an important event for any management company. It’s a moment that deserves celebration, one that stands as a testament to our hard work, passion, and dedication through the years.”

 

Soupstar Music’s yearlong celebration includes Soupstar Night at 123 Block, the Soupstar Museum at Velvet Playground, and the packed anniversary event, 25 Years of Torete at Eton Centris. The collaboration with New Era stands as one of the company’s most distinctive commemorative highlights.

 

A longtime supporter of the headwear powerhouse, Soupstar Music CEO Darwin Hernandez shares how the partnership unfolded. “I am a big fan of caps, especially those from New Era. Through the years, New Era and Soupstar have been supporting each other in different events. One time, lumabas na lang yung idea na magkaroon ng New Era and Soupstar cap collab. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect since we’re celebrating 25 years this year.”

 

During the launch. Moonstar88 and HEY JUNE! delivered incredible sets that serve as a fitting homage to the label’s history and future. “It’s a simple celebration of Soupstar artists and friends,” adds Hernandez. “Moonstar88 is the first band that we signed and managed. Meanwhile, HEY JUNE! represents the start of our new era.”

 

Yearlong anniversary celebration

As part of its 25th anniversary festivities, Soupstar Music partners with Eton Centris and Redlines Entertainment Production for two major events this November:

 

Beyond Beats: An Eton Celebration of Music and Gratitude

November 5, 2025 – Eton Centris Activity Center, Quezon City

 

Eton City Thanksgiving

November 29, 2025 – Eton City, Laguna

 

Both events will be headlined by Moonstar88, who also celebrated the 25th anniversary of their iconic hit “Torete” this year. The band is gearing up to release new material in 2026, adding excitement to their participation in the festivities.

 

A legacy of championing OPM

For 25 years, Soupstar Music has shaped the landscape of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as a dedicated management team and independent record label representing diverse and genre-defining acts, including 6cyclemind, Banda ni Kleggy, Better Days, Gracenote, HEY JUNE!, Imago, Jem, Kiss n’ Tell, Mizael, Moonstar88, Sandwich, Teeth, The Vowels They Orbit, Ultracombo (Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala), and WE GOT.

The label has consistently expanded its reach by producing local concerts, bar tours, mall tours, campus tours, and corporate events. As the industry continues to evolve, Soupstar Music remains steadfast in its mission. “Tuloy-tuloy lang naman kami. Kung ano’ng available platforms, we are present. Furthermore, we continue to collaborate with record labels. I still stand and believe in this partnership,” Hernandez reasserts.

 

Looking Ahead

As it marks a quarter-century of elevating Filipino talent and artistry, Soupstar Music’s vision for the future remains rooted in its core values. “We’ll keep moving forward and continue to hold dear what we stand for and believe is important. We’ll continue to release songs and manage artists. We’re here to guide and provide quality support to the talents that we manage. We’re here to stay.”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS; LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT