Dark Roast Coffeehouse Turns ONE!

Dark Roast Coffeehouse Turns ONE!

I couldn't believe it's been a year already. What started out as a normal conversation between diving friends, was all realized in this Maginhawa spot. Your favorite Dark Roast Coffeehouse is now a year old.

Business wasn't all smooth sailing, they admitted to have had challenges because while trying to improve their products and services, they didn't get a lot of feedback at first. Now they're taking suggestions seriously, and they are super thankful about the improvement and growth they have done during this time.

 

The fun bunch told us about the challenges they had about quality. Because they had different customers telling their preferences, and they also had different baristas at different times of the day, what could be sweet and earthy for one person wouldn't be the same for the other. They were able to standardize a lot of their prep work, their raw materials, considering these all were growth pains and something that businesses like them go through. They initiated telling their team about the standards they wanted to keep, not to say they've already overcame challenges, but knowing it's a continuous process of learning more about it.

Here's our interview with them that evening!

Their location is another one. Maginhawa after all is a food community and has about 5-7 coffee shops with more to open soon. It's not just the competition, but maintaining quality and consistency that every person behind the counter should adhere to. It's a lot of work just to make sure whoever is making the cup would taste the same whatever time of the day, made darker, bolder, better.

The celebration didn't end there as they launched 2 new bread variants particularly the OREO CROISSANT and the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT. They also released a new drink called MIDNIGHT MOCHA. As the name suggests, the breads are more on the sweet side (but not too sweet as Titos/Titas would love). I prefer the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT more since it also has a little nutty flavor with it. These were prepared by the same folks who did BUTTERBOY CROISSANTS who's known for their quality, big, flaky and sinful ones. In fact, it didn't take them long to collaborate with the new flavors because they were very easy to work with. Now you'll get super good croissants here every time.  

 

This month, they're also building a full pledged community. Aside from the good bread and coffee they just launched, they're getting Dark Roast Coffeehouse merch available for loyal customers. With several visits and purchases at their store at the Ground Floor of TKC Square Building, you could get their super cool tumbler and handy dandy eco bag with the Darker, Bolder, Better line on it. 

This is just the first year and they've managed to do a LOT in that short amount of time. I'm super happy for them and wished I could do the same with my set of friends. Folks usually won't suggest that, but seeing their success and milestones so far, I wouldn't be surprised if they're going to be huge soon.

Congratulations DARK ROAST COFFEEHOUSE on your anniversary! 

Food, Fun, Entertainment at new Manila Spot SHINMA MALATE

Haven't been in Manila for a while but this spot deserves your attention. If you're in the mood for live entertainment, pretty sick DJ's, awesome music, food, drinks, and a great time, you should take the trip to 615 General Malvar Street in Malate, Manila to see SHINMA MALATE.

It's the hottest club this side of town. They've got well crafted cocktails and good bar food cooked ala minute. With several VIP tables, lounge chairs and bar tables, you can get those special occasions celebrated properly with a party. I haven't seen a place in this area that has got state of the art lights and sound system, something that could rival some of the biggest bars in Quezon City or nearby areas.

Changing the Entertainment Landscape in Manila

Malate is iconic, but in recent years it has been witness to obvious reduction in entertainment establishments. There is a need for places like SHINMA MALATE that could accommodate folks that need it in different price points, and they've addressed this quite nicely. It gives a different energy, as it is well designed, perfect for foreign nationals who would like to have Manila as a destination to party!

There were several DJ's during their opening night, one of which is female DJ Dead Niccss plus a multitude of local rappers who made sure folks have extraordinary music to dance along to. Kapuso actors also came to the event including owner Kimson Tan, his friends Kim Perez, Jay Arcilla, Brent Valdez and popular loveteam Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay.

Might I suggest their Rosé wines, their huge Fruit Platter, Fried Chicken and Pizza. It's serving size is good for groups, mostly bar chow so have dinner before you get to SHINMA MALATE. They also have several house dancers who would entertain you to start the show. They also have KPOP dance nights, other surprise performers for different nights. They do play popular music, but mostly those that have been engineered well by the DJ's, so you get a different take with it. 

 

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You've got a lot of things to enjoy at SHINMA MALATE. It's time you have a very fun night in Malate, Manila if you are a little bored of other cities. I remember how I enjoyed our time there. Now head on to SHINMA for more fun nights!

VXON Releases "Sh*t Sobrang Init" Single

VXON's C13, Sam, Franz, Vince and Patrick were at the Rocket Design Studio this afternoon as their newest single "Sh*t Sobrang Init" and music video was launched today.

They're taking a different route than usual, as this summer track is their hottest, more daring single to date. They had their adoring fans in attendance, and this will be part of their upcoming EP planned by Cornerstone Entertainment and Cornerstone Music.

Truth be told, they got us hooked with the new single that had more of a summer vibe as they included various tropical instruments for the catchy tune. For the ladies and those who feel a little frisky, the boys delivered a music video with a theme that got them basking in the sun, sweltering hot, all sweaty but inviting. It's a huge change from their wholesome look in previous videos, and want you to dance along with the new choreography they prepared for their adoring fans, and those who doesn't know them yet. 

During the interview, they shared how they were in a creative mood with the naughty lyrics, and got the music done quite fast without their usual huddle when making a track. The producer already found the one they made apt for the feel they wanted for the single, and I could barely hear the music when they performed earlier (because their fans were screaming on the top of their lungs).

The video is already out on the VXON Official YouTube channel so get acquainted with these guys today!

This is under Cornerstone Entertainment and Cornerstone Music.

SB19's MINTYLADORSES Come Alive with Acerpure Cozy HF1

Acer's Home appliance arm Acerpure just made a remarkable idea come true specifically SB19's MINTYLADORSES through a special edition model of their Acerpure Cozy HF1 which they mentioned during Christmas on YouTube.

It's handheld, has 100 speed, pretty easy to carry around so you can show it off to fellow A'Tins. It also comes in a box with their faces on it, plus a few stickers, sketchpad and a lanyard so you can wear them proud in concerts or just about any occasion. This has already been out since April 16, and available at the Acer Online Store for Php 1,999.00. 

Go visit their social channels to know more about it!