ELHA NYMPHA Does Theater Debut in INDAY The Musical

Hearing the name ELHA NYMPHA for this interview made me so proud as we grew up in the same town. She continues to soar in the music industry, but is now is delving out of her comfort zone, taking strides in a theater piece called INDAY The Musical. This is under Studio A Productions, the same people who did Tulog Na: Musical, Makara, Kaning Itime and a few more.

Elha says "This is about family, friendship, and the people quarreling inside your homes. I was expecting to be part of the support cast but when I asked them who's playing Inday, they pointed to me. I was in disbelief, totally didn't expect that because this is the first time I'm doing a musical, my theater debut. They assured be there's going to be a lot of training involved and we started doing that in September. I won't have alternates, and the music is not new to me because I'm an old soul. I've been listening to cassette tapes often. We're doing the song of the Boyfriends in a dark way, making it a little ballad which is right up my alley. Inday is fierce, and independent." 

Here's our talk with Elha that afternoon:

 

The musical will have it's limited run at the RCBC Plaza in Makati this coming October 16-18 (but heard they opened a few more dates because they've been selling out!). Aside from Elha, they also have vocal supreme Katrina Velarde, veteran theater actors Chris Fong, Basty Batistis, Jude Gamaliel, Eunice Somintac, Cherry Morena, Jeremy Manite, Primitivo Moscare, Aina Salazar, Nicollo Gutierrez and an awesome ensemble cast. They're going to utilize songs from 70's Manila Sound group Boyfriends. To give you a glimpse, here's Elha and the ensemble cast doing one of the songs for the show:

The piece is dark, and talks about local folklore, particularly the "Mangkukulam" and the families that are connected with it. They will also discuss memories, generational secrets, doing the music in different ways and interpreted in extraordinary ways. Music for this theater production was made by Jeremy Manite and arranged by Jason Tung. Book and Lyrics was also made by Danna Bernardino (who was there during the press preview). Choreography is also done by Teacher Georcelle of G-Force, so expect dance to be an integral part of it. Tickets are sold at studioAshows.com and they've been running out of it, they've opened shows til the 25th.

Judging from the music we heard that afternoon, this deserves to be watched. Again, tickets run out fast. I'm super proud of Elha! Don't say I didn't warn you!

Affordable Coffee IS Possible with Great Taste Dark Latte

I've been a fan of coffee since I've had it with rice. No joke lol.

These days, I'd say I love the convenience of just getting them off the shelf and taking it ultra cold from the refrigerator before I do something at work. Surely, everyone would have had a habit of doing that if it wasn't super expensive because as you know, the ones out in the market are usually pricey.

Great Taste knows you need coffee when you need it. So at this day and age, they're giving you the options you deserve. Dark Latte for flavor, and a price that you wouldn't resist, because this bottle of Great Taste only costs Php 20.

This is inspired by cold brew, and has a strong but creamy flavor. It also is very handy, easy to put in the fridge, could be a better daily drink. Go check out Great Taste's social channels to know more about it. I've tried this from a convenience store and loved it. It's your turn!

DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE Opens Inaugural Branch in Maginhawa QC

There's always a reason to go to a coffee shop in Quezon City, and there's a new one that opened in Maginhawa Street. It's called DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE and we got first dibs on what they're offering.

This coffee shop is a passion project amongst friends. All of them were into into diving initially, but their bond was forged by their love for the dark roasted brew. Knowing their tastes, they want it different but couldn't get what they want from big coffee shops they frequent to. They want strong bold flavors, but less acidic. Hence, the dark roasted coffee beans. This is where they got their name from.

We got there during their soft opening (still is so you can already go there). The place is pretty homey. It's got bits of wood and metal, signifying a more industrial interior. They also have a loft where they have a couch, and two tables which I love. It's a perfect spot for people watching and a little privacy (for you).

Jianne, one of the owners shares "This is the first branch, but by the end of this year we want to open up a second one. Our near future plans include partnering up with resorts, or function as a commissary. We studied foot traffic in different places and Maginhawa was just something we loved. We're just lucky coffee shops here have lower rent, reasonable prices (which makes their products affordable) and we felt the universe was just telling us to do it here."

Meet Eli, Krista, Jianne and John, owners of DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE

Jianne adds "Dark Roast Coffee House is built on passion and love. We want to serve coffee without compromising quality. We are on soft opening today but will have our grand opening on the 13th. We hope you could visit us and have Dark Roast Coffee."

Spanish Latte and Strawberry Latte

They have a few items on their menu, but their top recommendations include Salted Caramel and Spanish Latte. They also have Creme Brulee which the owners stand by. For non coffee drinks, they have Matcha Latte and Strawberry Latte. 

They have pastries, breads, cakes, crinkles, cupcakes and others. They also have sandwiches, customized cakes (but ask). 

Krista who's in charge of the baked goodies told us "Red Velvet Cupcakes were already served in coffee shops, a lot of people love it. We want to do a variety, so we simply brought it back and made it part of the food served at Dark Roast. We also have breads, Beef and Cheese Turnover, Korean Cream Cheese Buns, Almond Croissant (topped), but made sure we toned down on sugar, and have a balance of savory and sweet products. We converted part of our house into a commissary, so we hope you get to try them all when you visit Dark Roast Coffee House in Maginhawa."

Here's a short tour! 

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Dark roasted coffee gives a deep and more robust flavor profile. It's got a bold, smoky notes. They also source their coffee locally from Baguio which was quite nice to know. If you're looking for a coffee fix while you're in this side of Quezon City, just head on the Ground Floor of TKC Building at 107 Maginhawa Street at Teachers Village in Quezon City (or simply search Dark Roast Coffee House on Google Maps).

It's this building here! Just walk inside a bit and you'll see it! (see red arrow)

Make sure you try the Peach Fizz on a hot day and my personal favorite, the Beef Turnover. Just have it toasted and it's a done deal! 

See you there!