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!

GARY VALENCIANO Willl Be Doing It "One Last Time"

I couldn't believe I'm seeing this, because as far as I'm concerned, he's still the best in his craft, the one and only Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.

This weekend, he will be doing it for ONE LAST TIME. This is officially his 40th Anniversary in showbusiness, happening April 26 and 27 at the MOA Arena at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City.

This will be epic, as he has built a huge lineup of stars with the help of Star Magic. In the MOA Arena, he's going to perform with Bullet Dumas, his son Gab Valenciano, and daughter Kiana. LDSC's Gio and Liana Martinez (his nephew and niece) will be flying to the Philippines to make sure they get to dance with him tin both dates. PPOP guys BGYO, Ebe Dancel, Gloc-9, the original Manoeuvres and new gen, The A Team, over 40 more dancers and 30 theater actors will also be there to make sure, it's going to be a GRAND one!

Because this is going to be his last, friend and Concert King Martin Nievera will be re-living their rivalry from the 80's, perhaps a proper way to end things. Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla will be there on the second day, so there's going to be a lot to look forward to on both dates.

This concert is made even more special as proceeds will be given to Shining Light Foundation, a Christian organization which is dedicated to communities (indigents) and individuals with their needs (spiritual or financial).

 

Go get tickets as they're going, going, gone soon! For more information, check Gary Valenciano's social channels as they will be posting updates as they happen!

JOROSS GAMBOA and SAM COLOSO Joins BARANGAY SINGKO PANALO

Just left TV5 Novaliches studios this afternoon after meeting with Direk Percy Intalan and the cast of Comedy/Gag-Gameshow "Barangay Singko Panalo" which is currently in their first month on the Kapatid Network. Currently, it is being hosted by Jerald Napoles and Kayla Rivera (who plays Kags Je and SK K), and since it's a Barangay setup, Direk Percy told us how this all will evolve with new and fun characters. They announced this afternoon the addition of Joross Gamboa and Sam Coloso.

Joross has already been in several shows and hit movies, his comedic timing would certainly fit in what they wanted to do with this show. He plays Kagawad Jo, a guy who just came back from a seminar from Baguio. Kag Je and J will surely bring more funny antics in between games and skits in the show. Sam Coloso on the other hand is like an Energizer bunny, she's super hyper and fun which would be so good for the contestants of the show. She's going to make sure that every single person on set will get the same endorphins she produces to get encouraged in the challenges they whip out everyday on the show. 

Jerald says "We have new things to share with you today. This is also a sitcom so you get to know the cast as it goes. A bigger cast means bigger collaborations, there will be more ideas. Actually, we don't really talk to each other (he kids), we easily pickup things, it's like we're not working on set. Expect our banter with contestants to become even more interesting. This is a fun experience, we don't try to make things technical, and I hope people feel that in the show. Filipinos are looking for that format."

Kayla adds "I'm excited to share with you that we are growing even more in the show. There will be a few people joining us in the Barangay and I hope you are as excited as I am in welcoming them in Barangay Singko Panalo. In a Barangay there are so many members and so far, in our taped episodes the energy is over the top and I'm so happy our family is getting bigger."

Here's the video we shot during the press conference!

Joross was quite happy and said "There's a transition happening in my life, starting in this show, I'll be a politician. I'll give you envelopes later but it doesn't have anything on it, so just put something there.. God Bless! (He kids). You will not see a game repeated, you will also hear stories from contestants, and even if it's like playing games in streets, it's going to be fun!"

To add to the fun, they also introduced Bob Jibailey who plays the Vulcanizing Shop owner who plays Boogie. He's a pretty cool guy. There's also a former writer who initially was just working behind the camera but they encouraged him to join the cast. He now plays the role of Kap AL, his last name is Moranas, so go figure! He was so thankful for the production as he becomes a part of the show.

It's quite fun to know that they will be doong different games everyday (runs from Monday to Friday). Contestants are auditioned, from the public, and they stand to win over 100 thousand pesos in the Jackpot round. The things they do are quite easy, physical, and can be done in Filipino parties of every kind. This is directed by Rich Illustre and they make sure every episode is something you should look out for. This will be shown every weekday at 5:30pn before Frontline Pilipinas. This is also part of TodoMax Primetime Singko. Make sure you follow their social channels for more updates, they want to make sure the TV audience would go back watching TV again which I think is noble. 

Wouldn't you want to join the fun at Barangay Singko Panalo?!

WIN METAWIN and JANELLA SALVADOR Star in UNDER PARALLEL SKIES: Fans Went Crazy Inside the Cinema!

Seeing people flock the SM Mega Fashion Hall this afternoon reminded me how big of a star Win Metawin and Janella Salvador is. The superstar from Thailand and the noted actress from the Philippines star in this film called "Under Parallel Skies" shot in Hong Kong. This is produced by 28 Squared Studios and Two Infinity Entertainment, set to be released by Warner Brothers Pictures this April 17th (Philippines) and on May 9th (for Thailand).

Surely, this must have been a bit difficult to do but with Director Sigrid Bernardo at the helm of this project, it would be easy since she's done several award winning and successful films shot outside the country (like Kita Kita etc.). SM Fashion Hall got packed during the mall show with fans of both Janella and Win screaming at the top of their lungs even before the actual stars arrived at the venue. When they did, it was so loud you could hear it on our videos literally.

Then on the red carpet (since this is the premiere night) , celebrity friends of the Director Sigrid Bernardo, Producer Richard Juan, Janella and Win, all came to the venue to help promote the movie. My favorite part of course was when Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada joined in to give a song a capella. It was so nice they came in throngs to support the two.

When we watched the film, it was more of a romance genre. I bet Win's fans would be surprised about certain scenes they wouldn't believe he could do. I also love his Mom in the movie, they do have certain parts with monologues you can learn a thing or two from. Janella on the other hand feels natural, I love her very quirky scenes because they did insert Filipino humor which was quite cute. Yes there are small flaws, but overall they were able to tell a really good story that encompasses locations. You also get to know an even slower side of Hong Kong which I think is charming, especially when Janella and Win were together, building their dreams with Thai Milk Tea and Adobong Siopao. 

So, if you're a fan of either Win or Janella, bring your friends and prepare for a KILIG filled movie which you can watch over and over again.

Congratulations to the men and women who made this possible, although I'm a BrightWin fan, it was refreshing to see these actors tell a story and see something really unexpected. I love it, it's cute!

Thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for inviting us!