nostalgia – Jellybeans in the City

Celebrating 111 years of grandeur: The Manila Hotel’s grand anniversary offers

As The Manila Hotel proudly marks its 111th anniversary, it continues its traditions of elegance, grandeur, and heartfelt Filipino hospitality. Since its establishment in 1912, this iconic landmark has stood as a testament to the rich history and heritage of the Philippines. And now, to commemorate this momentous milestone, The Manila Hotel unveils a lineup of exciting offers that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

111 Memories at The Manila Hotel

In honor of the countless cherished memories woven into the hotel’s illustrious past, The Manila Hotel invites all guests and patrons to share their own heartwarming tales. Whether it’s an enchanting photograph capturing a special celebration or a cherished keepsake that holds a lifetime of sentimental value, we want to hear your story. From July 4 to 18, you can submit your entries on our official website. The first 111 entries will each be rewarded with a regular Prestige card, while the Top 11 entries, carefully selected by a panel of judges, will receive an exclusive staycation voucher and a stunning coffee table book that encapsulates the beauty of The Manila Hotel’s journey.

Experience Luxury at the Presidential Suite

Indulge in the lap of luxury as part of our anniversary celebration. The Presidential Suite at The Manila Hotel offers an unparalleled experience that will leave you in awe. From its spacious living area, adorned with timeless elegance, to the exquisitely designed rooms that offer breathtaking views of Manila Bay and Intramuros, every inch of the Presidential Suite exudes opulence and comfort.

For a special rate of Php 111,000+++ per night, you can enjoy an overnight stay, a sumptuous buffet breakfast in Café Ilang-Ilang for six persons, a complimentary mini bar, and the undivided attention of our 24-hour butler service. Book your stay between July 4 and 31, and experience pampering in the lap of luxury from July 5 to December 30. For bookings and call +63 2 85270011 (local 1174-1179) or drop email resvn@themanilahotel.com. Terms and conditions apply.

The Manila Hotel: The True Heart of the Philippines

Uncover the captivating tale of The Manila Hotel through our exquisite coffee table book. Immerse yourself in a visual journey that showcases nostalgic photographs, architectural splendor, fascinating anecdotes, and remarkable stories that celebrate the Grand Dame’s 111 years of history and heritage. This cherished keepsake, available for purchase at The Manila Hotel’s gift shop, is perfect for guests, history enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the enduring charm of our beloved hotel.

Gratitude and Excitement

“As we celebrate our 111th anniversary, we look back on our storied past with pride and gratitude. The Manila Hotel has played an integral role in Philippine history, and we are honored to continue our tradition of providing exceptional experiences to our valued guests. We extend our deepest appreciation to all those who have supported us throughout the years and invite them to join us in commemorating our cherished memories and timeless heritage,” expresses Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

For more information about The Manila Hotel’s 111th anniversary offers, call +63 2 5270011, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

A Spanish-inspired Feast from Chef Tatung at Azadore

Indulging in a delightful lunch with my officemates at Azadore, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou’s newest restaurant in the Tomas Morato area, was a culinary adventure that transported us harried office workers to a world of international flavors with a touch of homegrown flair. There, we were able to experience Chef Tatung’s passion for food and sense of nostalgia which resulted to a memorable dining experience.

Romancing the Grill: Chef Tatung’s Concept

Drawing inspiration from his cherished memories of backyard barbecue parties and family gatherings, Chef Tatung crafted Azadore as an international grill with a heartwarming touch of home. The name itself, a playful fusion of “asador,” meaning “fire pit or grill” in South American countries, and “adore,” symbolizing love and cherish, perfectly captures the essence of this culinary haven.

A Journey Back in Time: The Converted Ancestral Home

As we stepped into Azadore, housed in a converted ancestral home on Scout Fernandez Street in Quezon City, we were instantly captivated by its timeless charm. The mid-century post American-era family home, transformed into a beautiful dining destination, enveloped us in a nostalgic embrace inspired by Chef Tatung’s childhood memories of grilling in his Cebu garden and his grandmother’s dining table.

Converting an almost 80-year-old home into a 300-seater restaurant was no small feat, but with the expertise of interior designer Ivy Almario, the team infused their unique style into the space while preserving its classic allure. The original footprint of the house was respected, paying homage to its architectural bones. Original materials and flooring were retained, gracefully blending the past with a modern twist. Azadore embodies the idea that we can embrace the present and future while staying connected to our roots and cherished traditions.

A Haven for Gatherings: Azadore’s Unique Spaces

Azadore offers a haven for both large and intimate gatherings. With an indoor seating capacity of 113 and the Breezeway Terrace, an al fresco area accommodating 180 people, the restaurant provides an ideal setting for various occasions. Whether it’s a family reunion, a milestone celebration like a birthday or anniversary, or even corporate events such as product launches or seminars, Azadore can caters to various large group functions. Former bedrooms have been transformed into private dining rooms, offering a more intimate ambiance for special gatherings.

A Spanish-Inspired Respite: Our Flavorful Escape

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy workday, we found respite in Azadore’s Spanish-inspired dishes. Chef Tatung’s vision of serving Spanish fare the way we Filipinos know and love them truly came alive in our lunch experience. Here are the highlights of our delectable feast:

Dinner rolls and butter

This much appreciated complimentary dish helped to tide us over while waiting for our orders to be served.

Paella Negra (Php1,350)

A captivating dish featuring rice flavored with squid ink, adorned with succulent octopus, shrimp, and clams. The flavors mingled harmoniously, creating a medley that pleased both the eyes and the taste buds. It is served with a side of creamy aioli but I preferred the rice dish without it.

Salpicao (Php690)

Tender cubes of beef tenderloin sautéed to perfection in garlic, butter, and wine. This may be a little “sauce-ier” than my usual preference for salpicao but it went well with our paella.

Gambas con Chorizo (Php950)

A mouthwatering combination of prawns, garlic, homemade smoked chorizo, parsley butter, and a hint of lemon juice. The flavors danced on our tongues, showcasing the skillful fusion of Spanish and Filipino influences.

These dishes were served in portions that suited our group of four quite well, resulting in well-satisfied foodies who can happily go back to being corporate drones.

In addition to savoring the sumptuous dishes, we couldn’t resist capturing the moment with some delightful photo opportunities. Azadore’s charming ambiance and visually appealing presentations provided the perfect backdrop for our Instagram-worthy snapshots.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits at Azadore

Azadore, Chef Tatung’s newest restaurant, has undoubtedly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful blend of international and local flavors. The passion and expertise poured into every aspect of this culinary gem, from its nostalgic concept to its converted ancestral home, make it a truly exceptional dining experience. Whether you’re planning a gathering with loved ones or simply seeking a delectable respite from the everyday, Azadore promises a journey that will satisfy both your palate and your heart.

Embark on your own gastronomic adventure and discover the warmth and flavors of Azadore, where the love for food and cherished memories come together in perfect harmony.

Azadore is located at 111 Scout Fernandez Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, contact +63 917 101 0070.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Azadore on Facebook and Instagram.

The Bernadettes stage a comeback with new song “Worthless Beautiful”

After more than a decade of absence in the local music scene, The Bernadettes return with a new single under Lilystars Records.

Their latest song “Worthless Beautiful” is another fuzzy, garage rock anthem in the similar vein as their breakout 2009 single “Let’s Make Babies,” but this time, the band documents life under the old normal, reminiscing about drinking the night away with like-minded individuals and enjoying freedom in the best way possible.

Music video for “Worthless Beautiful” by The Bernadettes

Lead vocalist Paolo Angeles shares, “Worthless Beautiful deals with freedom in doing the things you want, the way you want it; no matter how wrong it might feel. The result may be worthless, but there is beauty in its pursuit.”

With the uncertainty of the pandemic affecting the way people lead their lives, “Worthless Beautiful” may come off as a distillation of nostalgia, joy, and helplessness, all rolled into a party that never was. But things are different now, and the sentiments in the song only serve as a figment of a distant memory, a rallying cry in our self-imposed quarantine, a gut-deep wallowing in self-pity.

Taking into account the current social context, The Bernadettes’ latest track functions as both a pre-pandemic recollection and a bittersweet reminder of those years that held promises of eternal youth and fun—snotty punk rock and all.

“Worthless Beautiful” is the first of the four songs that the band has already finished recording with producer Dok Sergio at JNR Studios. According to Paolo, the alternative rock outfit is slated to release a full-length album next year. “The plan is to have the other 3 songs remastered and have them released intermittently,” The Bernadettes’ frontman reveals in a statement. “Of course, we would need to go back to the studio to record more songs. Maybe after the pandemic.”

“Worthless Beautiful” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide via Lilystars Records.

Image and details provided by Lilystars Records in a recent press release.