Let The Music Play: Strings of Gold at MiraNila Heritage House & Library

After a delicate and tedious year-long restoration, the Steinway & Sons 1904 Grand Piano returns to MiraNila Heritage House & Library and with it a melodious link with its glorious past. The milestone event was recently celebrated with an enchanting musical performance. The music is back at MiraNila Heritage House & Library...

The 1904 Steinway & Sons Grand Piano returns to its rightful place on an elevated platform below the graceful winding staircase at MiraNila Heritage House & Library where it belonged for generations taking you on a nostalgic journey back in time. Imagine memorable afternoons and evenings filled with music from the bygone era of the Commonwealth period right here at the elegant living room of the lovingly preserved ancestral home. In a series of live performances, MiraNila Heritage House & Library becomes the setting once more for musical memories. That evening, pianist Mariel Ilusorio and cellist Damodar Das Castillo captivated special guests with their inspired renditions, bringing the music back to MiraNila Heritage House & Library adding yet another layer to the infinite possibilities of the cultural heritage site as a concert venue. Dubbed "Strings of Gold," the concert series is presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in collaboration with Erehwon Center for the Arts, Leon Gallery and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf supported by the Bizu Groupe. 

A Feast for the Eyes and Palate at TAG 4120 Art Gallery, Café and Restaurant in Tagaytay...

Vibrant colors and comforting flavors combine for a unique sensory experience down south in Tagaytay. An art gallery, café and restaurant, welcome to TAG 4120...

Former PR practitioner and passionate art collector Philip Abadicio leaves the hustle and bustle of Manila for the tranquil and serene sanctuary of Tagaytay. But he brings with him his love for art, opening an art gallery in a hidden spot surrounded by a former pineapple plantation. It wasn't long before Philip and his partners decided to open a café and restaurant to complete their "art nook and nibbles" concept. Art and comforting cuisine in a secluded tree-lined road leading to a cozy spot off the beaten path, that's one sensory experience that's just too good to pass up. Step inside for a feast for the eyes and palate at TAG 4201. 

#PenMoments: An Old-Fashioned with a View at The Gallery Club of The Peninsula Manila

 A soothing tipple in that elegant Peninsula style. That's #PenMoments...

The shifting afternoon light drapes the magnificent lobby with its golden glow under the iconic Sunburst sculpture of National Artist Napoleon Abueva. The mood is set for a relaxing libation at The Gallery Club of The Peninsula Manila. An Old-Fashioned? Coming right up...

Drive South and Savor the New Romana Inspired Menu of The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms

As quarantine restrictions are gradually eased, hit the road and experience the rustic Italian Menu of The Dining Room at Gourmet Farms...

The roads to your favorite destinations beckon once again as the economy slowly and cautiously opens up after a prolonged quarantine due to the pandemic. Down south, one of the country's pioneering and premier dining destinations welcomes diners back after more than a year with a sumptuous Romana-inspired menu using the freshest and finest ingredients harvested straight from their farms. Step inside The Dining Room or why not enjoy the outdoors and indulge in a festive Italian feast al fresco surrounded by lush and verdant greens at Gourmet Farms?

New in the 'Hood: Art and Coffee at Coffee Artea in Poblacion

Art and coffee combine for a soothing and refreshing blend at Poblacion's newest establishment. Care for a Leche Bruleé Latte?

Coffee Artea is the newest cafe and mini art gallery in the resilient and vibrant neighborhood of Makati's Poblacion taking the coffee experience with a touch of local art. The second part in a two-feature series (see my earlier post here at A Sip of the Local Neighborhood Culture at Coffee Artea in Makati's Poblacion), here's a deeper dive at Coffee Artea and their specialty offerings...

A Sip of the Local Neighborhood Coffee Culture at Coffee Artea in Makati's Poblacion

The narrow streets of Poblacion are slowly getting back to its once vibrant character as quarantine restrictions are eased up. The familiar destinations along with a new neighborhood Café is breathing life back to the laid-back and casual Bohemian character of the 'hood...  

Like an extended patio, Coffee Artea adds yet another colorful weave in Poblacion's multi-colored fabric with its own unique take on soothing coffee and tea-based handcrafted beverages using the finest indigenous local ingredients. Step inside Coffee Artea for a taste of the local neighborhood coffee culture in the first of two parts on Poblacion's evolving story in the new normal... 

Art for Everyone: Cartellino Launches First Edition at Gallery by Chele

As the quarantine experience continues to change and transform our daily routine, the need to feed our eyes and soul with the finest local contemporary art remain equally as important for some semblance of normalcy. An innovative new online platform promises a unique and engaging experience to reconnect with the local art scene, and even own limited edition prints signed by artists to add to your collection. Prepare for a visual feast with First Edition by Cartellino...

An online only platform, digest and shop, Cartellino reimagines and reconstructs the art experience with digital possibilities to interface with artists, collectors and enthusiasts to support the visual arts. Cartellino takes this experience a step further with the launch of First Edition providing ease of access and making art available for everyone. Starting November 16 to 30, First Edition will hold a special two-week run of limited edition archival prints from over a hundred artists for enthusiasts and collectors built on the mission of art supporting its practitioners and selected charities. At the launch held in Gallery by Chele last November 6, the experience of nourishing both the eyes and palate becomes complete with the masterful culinary creations of Chef Chele Gonzalez.

Be Inspired At U Hotels Makati, The First Art Hotel in Poblacion.

It takes more than a single visit or even a full day to feel that unique bohemian vibe of Makati's Poblacion. A night out gives you a sneak peek at the neighborhood's vibrant character, but spending a night immerses you in its captivating charm. And you can experience all that in Poblacion's very first art hotel...  

U Hotels Makati, Poblacion's very first art hotel, combines both culture and comfort for a novel staycation experience right at the heart of the neighborhood's bustling street scene. Showcasing original art works from local artists in each suite and floor, U Hotels Makati adds yet another colorful layer to the Poblacion experience...

#PoblacionHop: A Food and Art Hop at Makati's Poblacion with Hop Inn Makati Avenue

It was more than just a food crawl. It was a memorable immersion into one of Makati's vibrant communities...

Hop Inn Makati Avenue, in cooperation with Tralulu, recently hosted a walking tour of Poblacion's blossoming food and art scene providing key insights on the community's unique vibe and pulse. The diverse flavors and emerging art movement combine for an immersive experience in a dynamic and constantly evolving neighborhood. Founded with a rich history with one foot firmly maintaining the tradition and legacy of its storied past and another boldly advancing a step forward, Poblacion remains one of the metro's hidden gems. Take a peek and read on, or hop on, to another side of Makati's unique sights and flavors with Hop Inn Makati Avenue's Poblacion Hop... 

From Palette to Palate: Art and Modern Filipino Cuisine at Marco Polo Manila's Cucina

Each dish is a canvas of fresh and vibrant notes, accentuated by bold strokes of masterful execution for a unique food festival infused with the artistry of a master chef's passion. Art and modern Filipino cuisine come together in a seamless and elegant blend at Cucina's From Palette to Palate, featuring the art and contemporary take on Filipino cuisine by guest Chef Ramon Antonio... 

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina features the art and culinary masterpieces of guest Chef Ramon Antonio in a unique Filipino food festival dubbed From Palette to Palate: Art and Modern Filipino Food from August 22 to 31, 2017 offering guests and diners a new perspective on local cuisine. Known for his artistic sketches on plating, a creative process that defined Chef Ramon Antonio's culinary style and philosophy, Cucina's From Palette to Palate: Art and Modern Filipino Food coincides with the celebration of Filipino Week highlighted by comforting local flavors with a contemporary spin. Take a peek at guest Chef Ramon Antonio's creative process through his elaborate sketches and flavorful dishes at Cucina, and prepare for another unique dining experience at Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas Manila...

Grace, Elegance & Humanity: The Works of Michael Velasco at Mario's

An evening of art and good food...at Mario's.

Mario's presents the works of Michael Velasco in a special exhibit, "Grace, Elegance & Humanity," from November 10 to December 4, 2015. Have a cocktail, enjoy the art, and have a memorable meal surrounded by Michael Velasco's works for a unique feast for the senses, only at Mario's.

Side Views: Up Close with The Mandolin Player at Hotel Luna

Art and history blend in an elegant fusion in one of the country's unique and distinct hotels. Located at the heart of the historic heritage district of Vigan, it is a landmark in itself. And there's more. An impressive art collection awaits guests at Vigan's Hotel Luna, the first museum hotel in the country.

Inspired by national artist Juan Luna, Hotel Luna continues the artist's passion with a stunning and extensive collection of art. At Hotel Luna, you can experience the vast art collection up close, proudly displayed at the hotel's museum, and at every corner and wall of the hotel for a truly memorable stay in Vigan (for more on the elegant Hotel Luna, see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/side-views-elegant-fusion-of-history.html).