Tag: 2025

Entertainment & Currents

Myles Smith Returns with new single ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

 

LISTEN HERE 

September 26th, 2025 – Fresh off a world tour supporting Ed Sheeran, Myles Smith unveils his brand-new single, an upbeat anthem, “Stay (If You Wanna Dance)“.

This latest release marks another milestone in what has been a breakthrough year for Myles Smith, establishing him as one of the most exciting new voices in British music. The track arrives with huge anticipation, following a teaser campaign – boosted by global superstars Ed Sheeran and Alex Warren – in which Myles shared a clip of the song and revealed that he had written it just two days earlier, after performing in Copenhagen.

“This song is about escaping the cycle that makes life feel smaller than it really is. At its heart, it’s about connection, freedom, and choosing to live for now” – Myles says of the single.

Marking another bold step in his artistry, “Stay (If You Wanna Dance)” cements Myles Smith’s standing as a rising force in the British music scene, setting the stage for an exciting season to come – with his highly anticipated debut album also on the horizon.

This year to date, Myles has played to over 100,000 people across his own sold-out headline shows in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America, including a packed-out Glastonbury performance. In May, Myles won the the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work and just this week he was confirmed as the main support for Ed Sheeran’s US tour in Summer 2026.

2024 was also a landmark year for Myles. From winning the BRITs’ Rising Star award to being named BBC Introducing Artist of the Year and landing a spot on the BBC Sound of 2025 longlist, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His breakthrough single, “Stargazing,” became the biggest global hit of the year by a UK artist, spending 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and fast-approaching 1 billion global Spotify streams. Projected to hit 3 billion streams across his catalogue before October this year, “Stargazing” has cemented itself as a modern classic, topping airplay charts across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and Switzerland.

His moment at the 2025 BRIT Awards also made headlines for more than just the award and his stand-out performance, his powerful acceptance speech called on the government to do more to support the arts and ensure future generations have access to creative opportunities, echoing the very message of resilience and advocacy found in his music.

Myles’ story begins in Luton, where he learned guitar and piano by age 12 and honed his craft playing pubs and open-mic nights. As his music began to connect with audiences online, heartfelt covers like “Sweater Weather” and “I Found” paved the way for original songs including “Solo” and “My Home” which ultimately led to his 2023 signing with Sony’s RCA label.

Myles Smith’s ability to connect through heartfelt storytelling and melodic sincerity has made him one of the UK’s most compelling new voices and his trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

 

Myles Smith Online:

Instagram // TikTok // Facebook

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

For the Young and the Young-at-Heart: A 90s Meets 70s Inspired Restaurant Vibe at 1821 Cafe

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

1821 Cafe, as a name, might seem a little historically referenced. Perhaps after an important year in time, or maybe a famous ancestor’s birth year. But then again, it simply denotes the café owner’s desire since college (at 18-21 years old, as a scholar and working student), to give back to the community by hiring employees aged 18 to 21. And so it came to pass…

 

But don’t be fooled; everyone is welcome here regardless of age, including your pet. Just make sure your fur babies are wearing diapers. The café is a neighborhood establishment, as the majority of the local food outlets in this area of Gil Fernando and its street inlets are residences that have been turned into restaurants, bistros, cafes, and so on.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

A coffee shop. Without the prominent signage outside and within, the establishment radiates a residential vibe. The area is quite spacious. When you walk in, you can immediately tell it was originally a garage, but it has now been converted into an al fresco place for the café’s guests who like to remain outside, and it is ideally suited for smokers.

 

The owners thought that a café should feel like home—warm, inviting, and full of comforting flavors. A place to work with good Wi-Fi, plugs, and coffee. Put in unique specialty lattes, matcha blends, fruit drinks, some sweet and whimsical croffles, hearty all-day breakfast platters, and creamy to assertive pasta meals to go with your cup. 1821 Cafe makes every visit exceptional, whether you’re working, meeting friends, or taking a break.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

The interior feels Gen-Z-inspired with a hint of the 1970s. The owners’ styles definitely vary. Industrial lighting, warm wooden tables, fresh foliage, and even a touch of music with vinyl albums on display. It’s intended to seem both homely and stylish, the type of place where you can relax with good coffee, nice conversation, or just some alone time.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery (via 3rd party courier)

 

Quirk:

Despite the café’s Gen-Z vibe, the place offers an old-school working vinyl player that can play the LPs displayed on the café’s rough and ready (more so, makeshift-looking design) hanging cabinet. From the ’90s, Taylor Swift, to the ’70s, The Carpenters, it’s up to you!♥

 

Newly installed, 1821 Café’s brand-new function rooms.

 

 

Specialties
  • Breakfast Matcha, Sea Salt Latte, New York Cookies, Banana Bread, Truffle pasta, Cabanatuan Longganisa (See to appreciate)

 

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Old Baguio Heritage Cafe & Restaurant brings an authentic Cordillera food experience to Metro Manila

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Old Baguio Heritage Cafe & Restaurant’s decorative centerpiece chimney divider; Beauteous Chef Wendy

 

As it stands, Old Baguio Heritage Cafe and Restaurant is the only high-end dining facility in Metro Manila that offers a taste of the Cordilleras’ gastronomic and cultural heritage. This institution is one of the few to survive the pandemic lockdown when it originally opened in 2020. The café-resto, located on the second level of the Kalayaan Centerpointe Building on Kalayaan Avenue, corner V. Luna, Barangay Malaya, Diliman District, remained open despite the lengthy lockdown, thanks to its owners, who refused to let their cultural heritage fold just like that, thus demonstrating their ancestors’ spirit of resilience in how they handled this legacy.

 

Chef Wendy and Sir John developed this concept with a focus on responsible sourcing. They work directly with local farmers to ensure the freshest produce for Old Baguio Heritage Café and Restaurant. This approach not only guarantees high-quality food but also supports indigenous farmers in the Cordilleras.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

Cordilleran warmth.

The establishment can handle 30 pax or more if the main counter area is opened.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery, Online Availability.

 

Price Range:

Php 400-Php 600/pax

 

Quirk:

The Café-Resto’s appeal  is too obvious to ignore, since the owners emphasize their history. The resto-café is decorated in earthy colors, such as varnished and polished chairs and tables, and its Narra wood mini-bar.

The centerpiece divider, designed as a fireplace, is also one to behold.

 

Specialties:

Check options from their Resto Menu…

 

Where:

2F Kalayaan Centrepointe Bldg., Kalayaan Ave, corner V. Luna Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila

 

Branches:

Tagaytay, Old Baguio Express, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and another new branch soon to open!

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

The Best Vietnamese Dishes at Ca Phe Saigon Marikina

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Marikina is no stranger to diverse cuisines, as the city is home to nearly every Asian cuisine imaginable, and Ca Phe Saigon is no exception. At first glance, the name seems to be a play on words, but it is not. “Cà phê” is the Vietnamese word for coffee, and Saigon refers to the name of the city itself in its early incarnation.

 

Ca Phe Saigon is the go-to spot for authentic Vietnamese specialties in Marikina, as you probably already know. Believe it or not, the Café has already reached its 11th year in business since 2014 and has survived the pandemic by adjusting with the times and technology.

 

The establishment’s humble origins in Marikina continue to be a favorite among residents, but it has since expanded to Antipolo and Mandaluyong, and soon Tagaytay.

 

Concept and Inspiration:

The inspiration for Ca Phe Saigon came from Chef George and Apple Bonifacio’s mother (bro and sis), and family matron, Mary Rose Bonifacio (Huynh Thi Houng, dec. 2024), who has introduced the taste of Vietnam in Marikina, and thus kept its authenticity through the years. The logo, a silhouette integrated into the Ca Phe Saigon name, is inspired by the matron herself on her bike, wearing Vietnam’s national costume called Áo dài.

 

The café and the coffee’s name itself pay tribute to the thriving coffee culture of Saigon, which has been shaped by the city’s history as a major commerce hub and its French colonial past. The coffee grounds are soaked in boiling water through a small metal filter known as a phin, which is a distinctive method of preparing Vietnamese coffee, especially Cà phê Sài Gòn. Believe it or not, the distinctive coffee grounds of CPS are still imported all the way from Vietnam. That’s authenticity for you.

 

The method, in conjunction with the inclusion of sweetened condensed milk (in varieties such as cà phê sữa), has resulted in the popularity of Cà phê Sài Gòn on a global scale. This blend produces a strong and concentrated brew that just works with the sweetness of condensed milk.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

Vietnamese street food culture is brought indoors to this intimate café. Picture a cozy, inviting setting where every nook and cranny begs for a chat, and the aroma of steaming banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and fragrant pho would be served. Flavorful, simple, and full of life—just like the streets of Vietnam, but served to you at your table.

 

Resto Format:

Dine in and Online delivery is available via Grab, Food Panda.

 

Quirk:

Their catchphrase, “farm-to-fork freshness,” stems from the wide use of fresh herbs and vegetables on their menu.

 

Chef George himself intimated that they have their own small garden of herbs and some notable vegetables that are cultivated and grown in the vicinity of Ca Phe Saigon. Additionally, first-time customers might think the café’s entry is where the marquis sign is, but in fact, after you go through the overhead door, the actual entrance is just on your right.

 

Furthermore, don’t get confused if you see the Sweet Apples Creation name next to the Ca Phe Saigon sign, as the former was the first restaurant establishment to be built before CPS first opened.

 

 

Management:

 

Mrs. Apple Delos Santos, General manager and Company Head.

Mr. George Bonifacio, Head Chef, Co-owner and Product Development Head.

 

Specialties
  • Pho: a classic Vietnamese noodle soup made with fresh ingredients and flavorful broth.
  • Bahn Mi: A Vietnamese sub and sandwich filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and cilantro, served on a crispy baguette.
  • Bun Thit Cha Gio: A dish featuring vermicelli noodles, springy and crunchy textures, with sweet, tangy, and peanutty flavors.
  • Spring Rolls: Fresh, fried, or steamed options available. Filled with shrimp, vegetables, or chicken.
  • Vietnamese Coffee: Strong and sweetened with condensed milk served hot or iced.

 

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

Thanks to Chef George, Miss Apple, and Ma’am Sheena for having Viajero Kultura Pilipinas. Loved the delicious and crunchy Banh Mi, the spring rolls, and Pho…”

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA

City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Classic Sweets That Redefine Pasalubong from Vee’s Sweets

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas
Every Filipino’s travel mentality includes the intention to bring home a gift for their loved ones. Regardless of location, whether local or overseas, Filipinos instinctively seek that unique item that will bring joy to their loved ones back home, illustrating the enduring significance of the Philippines to every Filipino globally. Residents, expatriates, and non-nationals are aware of this.

 

Today, we introduce an all-Filipino cake and pasalubong center that not only manufactures high-quality sweet products for pasalubong but also embodies the Filipino spirit of creativity, inner strength, and tenacity.

 

What started as a straightforward passion has developed into a domestic brand that now honors life’s most delightful moments. A passion that actually started from being a full-time administrative staff member, program coordinator, and sign language interpreter for the Deaf at LINK Center.

 

By chance, TESDA approved Jackelyn as an interpreter for a deaf baking class student. After completing the course herself and gaining a TESDA certification, it was all systems go from that day forward, as Mark joined Jackelyn on this endeavor.

 

Initially, Vee’s Sweets faced the risk of losing its name due to existing claims in the Department of Trade and Industry’s records; however, the husband-and-wife duo, Jackelyn and Mark, persevered and ultimately opted to eliminate the additional designation ‘Bakeshop’ from the DTI’s proposed final registration name.

After all, it has been their brand identity since the beginning. The name was inspired by their son, Vee,  their sweet little boy.

In the future, Mark and Jackelyn plan to have a physical store, but for now, Vee’s Sweets accepts orders and delivery requests.

Update: The deaf baking student today has her own cakes and pastries store  prominently featured over Instagram as well.

 

Concept:

Vee’s Sweets has no physical store, but every product made here is inspired by family and cooked with love.

Every creation, including their best-selling tub cakes and round pan cakes, as well as birthday and personalized cakes, cupcakes, loaf breads, cookies, and bars, is meant to promote comfort, joy, and togetherness.

Their idea is straightforward: provide baked goods of excellent quality that taste like love and feel like home. They are ideal as gifts, for special occasions, or as a daily treat.

 

Specialties:

 

  • Birthday Cakes – Available in mini (5×3) and big (8×4) sizes.

Flavors: Carrot Cake, Banana Burst, Classic Chocolate Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake,

and 2-in-1 Chocolate x Caramel Cake

 

  • Round Pan Cakes – Perfect for sharing!

Flavors: Moist Chocolate Cake, Brigadeiro, and Chocolate Caramel Cake.

 

  • Cakes in a Tub – A reseller’s favorite, perfect for pasalubong and sharing. Comes in a variety of flavors such as Chocolate Cake, Yema Cake, Brigadeiro, Classic Chocolate Cake, and Flan Cake.

 

Check options from their Menu…

 

 

Typical Spend:

 

Php 150-Php 800

 

Contact:

 

Jackelyn V. Velches @ 09171896537

Mark V. Velches@ 09157562992

Note: Contact them for orders and delivery details.

 

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

How to Celebrate MassKara Like a Local: Tips, Spots, and What to Wear

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Every October, Bacolod City bursts into a kaleidoscope of color, music, and laughter as it hosts one of the Philippines’ most iconic festivals: the MassKara Festival. Known as the “Festival of Smiles,” MassKara is more than just a spectacle—it’s a deeply rooted cultural celebration that reflects the resilience, optimism, and vibrant spirit of the Negrense people. If you’re planning to join the festivities, here’s your ultimate local-style guide to truly celebrate MassKara like a Bacolodnon.

 

Understand the Heart of the Festival

Before diving into the parties and parades, get to know why MassKara exists. The smiling masks symbolize the enduring optimism of the people. Keeping this background in mind will give your experience deeper meaning.

 

When to Go: Time Your Visit Right

MassKara usually peaks in the third or fourth weekend of October, with events stretching over three weeks. For the full experience, arrive a few days before the grand parade. This gives you time to explore the city, watch preliminary contests, and attend both government-sponsored and private events.

 

What to Wear: Dress the Part

Locals enjoy dressing up for MassKara, combining comfort with flair. Here’s what to pack:

  • Bright, breathable clothing: The weather is hot, and the streets are packed. Opt for light fabrics in festive colors, such as red, yellow, or neon hues.
  • Custom MassKara shirts: These are sold everywhere and make great souvenirs. Locals often wear shirts that represent their barangays or schools.
  • Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot—opt for sneakers or sandals with good support.
  • Accessories: Glitter, flower crowns, colorful shades, and even small masks. It’s okay to be extra.
  • Rain gear: October is part of the rainy season, so bring a light raincoat or umbrella—preferably in a loud color!

 

Must-Visit Spots During MassKara

 

  • Lacson Street 

This is the central hub (main festival strip) of MassKara. By day, enjoy pop-up shops, food stalls, and dance stages. By night, this becomes Electric MassKara, with neon lights, DJs, and a massive street party.

 

  • Bacolod Public Plaza

The venue where the original MassKara dance competition choreographed performances, cultural shows, and a vibrant local crowd take place.

 

  • SM City Bacolod & Ayala Malls Capitol Central

These malls host various events like MassKara fashion shows, mask-making contests, and live bands. These malls serve as excellent venues for unwinding, shopping, and taking in local performances.

 

  • Barangay Competitions

Want to experience MassKara like a real local? Visit barangay-level events, often held at community gyms or streets. These are raw, authentic, and fun.

 

  • The Art District

At night, Bacolod’s Art District in Lopue’s Mandalagan transforms into a party hub. Mingle with locals, enjoy indie music, and explore quirky art installations.

 

Eat Like a Local

Food is a big part of MassKara. Here’s what locals indulge in during the festival:

 

MassKara Like a Local: Do’s and Don’ts

 

Do:
  • Learn a few local phrases. “Palangga ta ka” (I love you) or “Gani man!” (Exactly!) go a long way.
  • Join the dancing. Locals don’t just watch—they dance along the streets.
  • Support local artisans. Buy handcrafted masks, shirts, and accessories.
  • Bring cash. Many stalls don’t accept cards or GCash.
Don’t:
  • Don’t just stay in hotels. Go where the locals go—try local eateries and public events.
  • Avoid wearing dark clothes at night. It’s a safety thing.
  • Don’t be passive. Participation is the key to the experience!
Insider Tips
  • Book early: Flights and hotels sell out fast, often months in advance.
  • Stay central:  Accommodations near Lacson Street or the downtown area give you front-row access to events.
  • Use public transport or walk: Roads are blocked during events. Jeepneys and tricycles are your best bet.
  • Stay hydrated: The crowd, heat, and excitement can drain you quickly.
  • Ask locals for tips: Bacolodnons are known for being friendly and welcoming.

MassKara transcends beyond a mere festival, embodying a unique vibe, a mindset, and a celebration of life amidst adversity. By embracing the music, joining the dance, tasting the food, and smiling along with everyone, you’ll experience Bacolod not as a tourist but as one of its own. So wear your brightest outfit, bring your best energy, and get ready to smile your way through MassKara like a local.

VKP, BACOLOD CITY: READY, JET SET, GO!

 

Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Get a Taste of Home with Hotbox Party Trays Anytime, Anywhere at 48 Bistro

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Not the usual restaurant that you’d expect to find in a mall or its periphery, 48 Bistro is very much a resto-events place nestled inside the Vista Verde Subdivision in Cainta.

 

It started as Carmen’s, a family-owned restaurant serving comfort food created from beloved family recipes passed down through generations. It was, of course, founded by the Pascual siblings, who were born and raised around the kitchen table, united by the simple delight of home-cooked meals prepared by their mother, Carmen.

 

As the pandemic hit, it was forced to close down. It reopened again at a new address in 2023 at 48th Vista Verde Avenue, thus 48 Bistro was born, and now quite well known to its clientele of students, and other visitors who also happened to just pass by, and became repeat customers.

 

The restaurant can easily accommodate 100 people if it includes its second-floor function rooms.

 

Ambiance:

Cozy and relaxed resto feel. A very inviting atmosphere where guests feel as comfortable as they would in their own home. The space reflects a sense of everyday comfort where they can enjoy hearty and reasonably priced meals in a relaxed setting. The alfresco area was created for the garden feel and the complete experience of being at home where they can have their cup of coffee or their merienda in true Pinoy fashion with their families and friends.

 

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery, and Events space. Online orders through Lalamove.

Open from 7am to 10pm, daily. P30.00 Delivery fee within Vista Verde. Other courier services (grab/lalamove) for outside Vista Verde.

 

 

Quirks:

48 Bistro boasts of its impressive event spaces on the second floor, and the Al Fresco area located just on the side entrance of the establishment, admired for its garden feel. This Al Fresco area also doubles as a solemn space where one can hold intimate garden weddings made for just chosen family members, while other guests can conveniently settle inside the main resto dining area.

 

For package orders, they have a package box they call the ‘hotbox’. It simply keeps your orders heated as they arrive on your doorstep. You’ll know when you see and experience it. So unique! Aliw!

 

 

 

Specialties
  • Family favorites include Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, Gambas, Binagoongan, and Tempura.
  • Students usually look for Chicken Katsu and 48 Bistro’s own blend of iced coffee.

 

Bestsellers: Pork in Mushroom Sauce, Beef Salpicao, Beef in mushroom Sauce, Shrimp Gambas, Fish Fillet in Mango Salsa, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Chili Garlic Chicken among others.

 

Check other options from their Resto Menu, which includes their party packages and more. 48 Bistro also aims to become the most go-to party-tray and ‘potluck’ provider around Cainta, and hopefully reach other audiences outside Cainta as well.

48 Bistro just brings you  hot meals anytime, anywhere!

So the next time you pass by Cainta and Vista Verde, be sure to visit 48 Bistro, the taste of home!

To appreciate 48 Bistro’s food presentations, visit their Instagram account.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—CAINTA

 

Entertainment & Currents

Gloc-9 And Abaddon’s “Bonethugs” Is Not Your Typical Love Song

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

Kung kailangan mo siyang suyuin, this song is for you. Rap heavyweight Gloc-9 teams up with lyrical beast Abaddon to drop “Bonethugs.” It’s the perfect anthem for couples who often find themselves in the midst of lovers’ quarrels.

 

This isn’t your typical love song; it’s real talk for real relationships served with that signature Pinoy hip-hop flavor. Gloc-9 and Abaddon spit truth about the relationship grind – the misunderstandings, the short tempers, the apologies that come after. It’s not always good times in a relationship; there are bumps, mistakes, misunderstandings, but at the end of the day, your partner is your support and your teammate. As mentioned in the track: “Bakit hindi mo muna ako pakinggan (pwede bang ikaw muna ay makinig). Hindi yung agad-agad mo ‘kong pahihirapan (‘di ba tayo lang ang magkakampi)”

 

Straight off Gloc-9’s relentless monthly drop schedule, “Bonethugs” hits different with its “real talk,” tackling what it really takes to make love last. The track has bars that cut deep and make you reflect: “Kahit ang sahod ay sa akinse pa, kung may’rong babayaran, ako na’ng bahala, sagot kita. Tanging hiling ko lang ay lambing sa pag-sususumamo ko. Ako’y kakampi mo, pinapangako ko.”

 

Sometimes we fight hard, but we need to love harder. “Bonethugs” is out now on all major streaming platforms.

 

GLOC-9: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

UNIVERSAL RECORDS PH: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | Youtube

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: OPM
Food Tourism

Why Restaurants and the Food Industry Now Invest in Social Media, Bloggers, Vloggers, and Influencers

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

The food and restaurant industry has always thrived on reputation, word-of-mouth, and customer experience. But in today’s digital-first environment, the battleground for customer attention has shifted. Diners no longer just rely on recommendations from friends or walking past a restaurant. Instead, they turn to social media platforms, blogs, YouTube, and influencer content for inspiration, reviews, and even menu decisions.

For restaurants and food businesses, focusing promotional efforts on these channels is no longer optional—it’s essential. Here are quantifiable reasons why:

 

Massive Reach at Lower Cost

5.41 billion people worldwide are active social media users, with the Philippines ranking among the highest in daily usage (an average of 3 hours and 43 minutes per day on social platforms).

Compared to traditional advertising like TV, radio, or billboards, social media promotions cost 60–70% less on average while reaching a more targeted audience.

Restaurants can gain visibility at a fraction of the cost of traditional ads.

 

Influence on Dining Decisions

49% of consumers say they rely on influencer recommendations when deciding where to eat. Food is the most popular content category on Instagram, generating over 250 million posts with the hashtag #food.

Majority of people look at food photos online before choosing a place to dine.

Influencer posts and user-generated food content strongly influence where customers eat.

 

Better Engagement and Word-of-Mouth Multiplication

Average engagement rates for micro-influencers reach 7%, compared to just 0.07% for traditional ads.

A single viral TikTok video or Instagram reel featuring a restaurant can generate tens of thousands to millions of views overnight—an outcome impossible with static ads.

Example:

A bakery in New York went from 300 daily customers to over 1,000 after a TikTok video featuring their croissants hit 10 million views.

 

High ROI (Return on Investment)

Businesses make an average of $5.78 ROI for every $1 spent on influencer marketing. Restaurants featured by food vloggers often report increases in foot traffic within weeks of coverage.

Sponsored posts from influencers cost less than mainstream ads but can convert at 3–5x higher rates.

 

Trust and Authenticity

92% of consumers trust recommendations from individuals—even if they don’t know them personally—over brand advertisements. Bloggers and vloggers bring a personal narrative, which feels more authentic than a banner ad or TV commercial.

Influencers act as “digital word-of-mouth,” giving potential customers the confidence to try new restaurants.

 

Targeted Marketing

Social media platforms allow restaurants to target audiences by location, age, food preferences, and behavior. This is particularly valuable for small and mid-sized restaurants that depend on local clientele.

Bloggers often specialize in niches (e.g., vegan food, budget-friendly dining, luxury gastronomy), allowing restaurants to reach their exact customer demographic efficiently.

 

User-Generated Content equals Free Promotion

Customers posting their own dining experiences generate earned media value, which can equal millions of pesos in free promotion. A study showed that restaurants tagged in user posts on Instagram receive up to 30% more visits compared to those not tagged.

By encouraging diners to share their meals, restaurants can multiply their visibility without extra spending.

Note: All measurable metrics.

Trend Creation and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Food trends—such as Dalgona coffee, ube desserts, or Korean corn dogs—spread via influencers and TikTok before hitting mainstream menus. Restaurants that capitalize on these trends can experience overnight popularity.

FOMO drives customers to try what they see online to avoid being “left out.”

 

Leveling the Playing Field

Social media enables small, family-run eateries to compete with large restaurant chains. A single viral blog post or influencer video can give a neighborhood eatery nationwide recognition.

 

The food industry thrives on visibility, reputation, and customer loyalty. By focusing on social media, bloggers, vloggers, and influencers, restaurants can achieve measurable growth, gain trust, and build hype in ways traditional advertising simply cannot match.

In an era where diners “eat with their eyes first” online before stepping into an establishment, restaurants that ignore digital promotion risk being invisible in the very spaces where customers make their dining decisions.

Investing in social media marketing isn’t just smart—it’s survival.

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM
City Destination Pinas Food Tourism

Purple Vibes Café Marikina—A BTS-Inspired Coffee & Dining Spot

Viajero Kultura Pilipinas

If the K-Pop phenomenon hasn’t caught up to you yet, this special spot in Marikina might convince you to take on that challenge. Located on the 2nd Floor of the GCN Building, 240 NW Narra St., Marikina Heights, Purple Café Marikina will give you just that: an appreciation for BTS and K-Pop, and what it’s like being there and experiencing its special charm.

The concept is the brainchild of Jansen and Felice Chua, a husband-and-wife team who are evidently appreciative admirers of the K-pop group BTS. This youthful couple resolved to put up something that they love most to do. Jansen handles the business side, while Felice, who enjoys cooking and is a fan of BTS, manages the menus and all BTS-related elements. Purple Café Marikina had its soft opening just last year, in April 2024.

Furthermore, the café’s menu food selections are virtually always named after BTS song titles and anything BTS-related.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

Purely BTS; A BTS fan club haven! The café also features a cozy al fresco spot located on the café’s side, overlooking the balcony of the GCN Building and Narra Street.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in, Delivery, Online Availability. The majority of their food offerings are served in generous portions, a plus worth our buck! Open from 7am-11pm daily!

 

Price Range:

Php 80-Php 300. Surprisingly affordable for its hefty and generous food serving options.

 

Quirk:

The café itself is like a clubhouse that serves as a meetup venue for fangirls and fanboys of BTS. The establishment’s charm lies in its adornment of BTS standees and carefully chosen photographs of each member and the group. It’s like being with BTS in real time; It’s simply a photo-op haven for BTS fans!

 

Purple Cafe Marikina also prides itself on being a venue for any BTS milestone here in Marikina. Fangirls and fanboys can rent the place for just a minimal amount to celebrate and view new landmark event updates on BTS, and what-have-you. A pay-per-view kind of thing.

 

Additionally, Purple Café Marikina invests significantly in obtaining viewing rights for BTS events, which are mostly held abroad but can be viewed live at the café! Tickets are sold every time for fans and non-fans. For announcements, you can visit Viajero Kultura Pilipinas, or their FB page website.

Moreover, you can also do karaoke stuff here if you so wish.

 

Specialties:

Beef Bulgogi, Lachimolala (Carbonara), Nachos, Tres Leches Cupcakes, Ube Halaya Cupcake, Mocha Crunch, Suganish Lattè (Spanish Latte), and Run (Grapes, Blueberry, Strawberry).

Also try their Sweet-Style Spaghetti, Lechon Kawali Silog, Oreo Frappe, and Strawberry Frappe.

PCM also looks to the future, and plans to diversify their menu selections as needed.

Something new at Purple Café, try their new Arroz Caldo for merienda.

Check other options from their Resto Menu…

 

Where:

2nd Floor of GCN Building, 240 NW Narra Street, Marikina. At the back of St. Scholastica Marikina.

 

To get from Gateway Mall on Aurora Boulevard to Purple Cafe Marikina  in Marikina, take the LRT-2 from Cubao Station to Santolan Station, then find a jeepney heading to SSS Village (or similar Marikina destinations like Parang or Concepcion), and alight preferably near Meralco or Jollibee Molave, and take a tricycle ride straight. Fare goes around P30. Alternatively, you can take a jeepney or bus directly on Aurora Boulevard that goes to Marikina City, and get off at the nearest stop to Purple Cafe. Exact instructions as the previous apply here.

For your convenience, go straight out back upon entering the GCN Building,  and locate the elevator. Purple Cafe Marikina is on the 2nd floor, near the balcony.

 

Bonus:

Chami, the friendly Shih Tzu, will be there to greet you at the entrance, i.e., if he feels like it. If you see him, be sure to give him a friendly pat.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA