While folks were excited at the thought of MRLD (Meriel de Jesus) performing at SM SKYDOME last Sunday, she was a bit nervous, but that didn't really show on stage. It was a time to showcase what she's got to the public. So when it started, MRLD showcased how different she could do her music. The released tracks felt fresh and new with the different arrangement when she sang it on stage.
The show opened with Healy After Dark, with the band dishing out several romantic songs, quite severely popular on Spotify. MRLD also did several collabs with singer songwriter Ryannah Julia (they had super smooth delivery, felt young and hip to hear, loved her). Guest girl group G22 showed powerful pipes, you would wish to have them for your birthday. And as needed, MRLD also did songs with super cool artist Adie (a surprise for the crowd) who came in and sang "IKAW PA RIN". Gawd the fans went crazy with it. That combination is stuff for legends. MRLD did it relaxed while Adie's rifts was just crazy, it begged to have them immortalized on a single (please make one soon!).
Fans had so much fun, I was actually surprised how she really put things to heart and even danced on stage. I'm a new fan, this shows her range and depth as an artist and songwriter. I saw her perform with great gusto, eager to give her all for her adoring fans. It just shows her range, and I'm so glad to have witnessed it. Here's a clip of the finale, make sure you'll be there when she does another concert soon!
Congratulations MRLD and to OC RECORDS! You're amazing! You've barely scratched the surface of your potential and I can't wait to see how you'll turn out to be soon. "Sandali" is is certainly my current favorite. So happy to see you having fun out there!
Good
looking actor, councilor and pro racer Jomari Yllana welcomed us at the Okada Glass Ballroom this
morning for the Motorsport Carnivale 2025 hosted by Yllana Racing and
Okada Manila.
"I started underground racing during my teens, but
it was quick. I was picked up by Ochoa, managed my career and placed me
in Toyota in 1996. I got pro, and my advocacy for safe racing. It's
passion for competition, combination of thrill and admiration for
machinery. The more you practice, the more better you get from it. I'm
half a century old, paving the way to open races which has been banned
in the 80's, now we are organizing legal ones to guide more every step
of the way. Hopefully to promote and get future champs, and to also host
international races soon. We are setting up the platform for the next
generation. The circuits are there, the approach we are doing right now
is to bring back races in Manila."
He adds "We want to unite, you'll be
surprised because they are just waiting for a venue. May 4th will be
big, the Filipino motor culture is alive and this will be big!"
They have prepared several motorsports events this year to put Philippines in the world map and found home in the biggest integrated resort Okada Manila. The first event will be in May 4th, then one in the last week of June (TBA on Motorsport Carnivale 2025 social channels). As proud producers who are also in the industry, they want folks to enjoy races first as they are held in Manila. The last one was the Motorsport Carnivale 2023 which they also organized.
Rikki Dy-Liacco the Head of Motorsports at the Automobile Association Philippines says "We are equally excited, we had Motorsport Carnivale in 2023, and after a hiatus, we will have prepared over 2 years, to hopefully accommodate everyone, to have a long term relationship with Okada and do motorsports in this side of the metro. We believe the time is right, it's time to give back to motor sports."
He adds "As a part of AAP, my dream of putting motorsports back in its hey days, where local and foreign competitors would come and enjoy venues in Manila. This is a big opportunity to achieve that goal, Joms and I want to bring in a race event of international standards, if not this year, maybe next year. We are crossing our fingers to do it now, but if not, we can do it in 2026. This is why we are also focusing on amateurs and children."
Okada's VP for Hotels Robert Scott reiterates "We are proud to partner with Yllana Racing, with passion, local talent, we are building a great tourism event this coming Sunday. Here's to growing it, we are excited for this event!"
Here's our very candid interview with Jomari Yllana before the launch!
JOMS CUP The 1/8 Mile Challenge 2025 will also happen on May 31st, a drag racing event for Super Cars, Muscle Cars and Vintage Car Categories. They will also have one race specifically for Electric Vehicles, with celebrity drivers to do it. This will all amount to 2400 vehicles, thousands of car fans, same spirit and hopefully a comeback for a Philippine Grand Prix soon. The big awards night will be in November, and this will be a regular thing as they are already preparing for next year!
They also will be spearheading events for the Rally of Paranaque and Rally of Lubang will happen in June (and will have several city roads closed) and the plan is to have the course end in the same boardwalk so folks can see the racers in the finish line.
There are several projects in the pipeline, stay tuned for more updates from Motorsport Carnivale 2025 because they've got a great program lined up for you folks!
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!
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.
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!
