Cover The interiors from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
The interiors from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
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Got Soul is a new concept fuelled by music that brings us not only excellent sound but also top-tier comfort food bites and heady cocktails to boot
In the ever-shifting landscape of Bonifacio Global City, a district defined by the glint of glass towers and a relentless urban pace, a new, rhythmic heartbeat has emerged in Burgos Circle.
Got Soul is not merely another addition to the city’s nightlife, but a meticulously crafted community listening space, a fresh concept designed to bridge the gap between a high-fidelity sound experience and the unpretentious warmth of a neighbourhood watering hole. Founded by a collective of industry leaders who are also passionate DJs, this sanctuary is a sophisticated intersection of gastronomy, design and analogue heritage.
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This unique listening bar finds its spiritual roots in the hushed, vinyl-only alcoves of Tokyo and the chic hi-fi lounges of Europe. However, the powerhouse team behind Got Soul, comprising chefs Chele González and Carlos Villaflor, hospitality veteran Benjo Marquez, music stalwarts Manolet Dario, Jason Soong, with JP Enriquez, Cyril and Piere Addison, Dee Dario and consultant Marina Wilkis, plus the concept’s founder JoJo Flores, have reimagined the listening bar idea specifically for the Manila crowd. In fact, they prefer to call it a community listening space, with music as the protagonist, while equally fabulous F&B support the main act.
Above Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC, has a menu comprising small bites and large sharing plates
Above The interiors from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC, has a menu comprising small bites and large sharing plates
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Anchoring the brand’s global DNA is Flores, the renowned Filipino-Canadian DJ and entrepreneur who founded the original Got Soul label and café in Montreal. With a career spanning over four decades, Flores has been a seminal force in the international music scene, and his partnership ensures that the BGC location carries a legacy of authentic, meaningful curation.
Unlike some of its international counterparts, which can often feel dauntingly niche and alienating, Got Soul is intentionally democratic. This philosophy is reflected in the menu’s approachable price points, a strategic move by González in response to the current economic climate. “We see people right now spending less,” he observes. “People still want to go out, but the prices of everything have gone up. We want a place where people can still have something fun and worth it, but not too expensive.”
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In a surprising twist, González (one of the country’s most decorated culinary figures) has shed his fine-dining whites to focus on his version of easy soul food. The offerings are a testament to his decade-long immersion in local culture, elegantly merging his Spanish heritage with Filipino sensibilities. Yet, despite the pedigree in the kitchen, González is adamant about his role here. At Got Soul, he is a partner and a DJ first; the venue is his calm, a habitat to unwind and shed the chef hat after the rigours of his other restaurants. “I don’t want to be called a chef here,” he insists. “We want the food to be good, but it is not the focus. At Got Soul, the music is the hero.”
Above Cocktails from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
Above The stunning speakers from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
Cocktails from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
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This sentiment is echoed by Marquez, whose career has navigated the intersection of high-end real estate development and the DJ booth. Marquez, who has been behind the decks since 1997, brings a seasoned eye for design and a penchant for “lived-in” authenticity. His influence is palpable in the venue’s tactile atmosphere and its diverse beverage programme, which features a curated whiskey selection and a coffee programme born from his work with the Korean roastery, Ajit. Marquez envisions Got Soul as a respite from the “shiny, Vegas-style” table service that dominates the district. “We want to provide a space for people who want to listen to good music, but don’t want to commit to a club setting anymore,” he explains.
The true soul of the establishment, however, lies in its acoustic architecture. While modern venues often succumb to digital convenience, Got Soul is anchored by vintage Altec Lansing A5s, featuring original 1003B multi-cell horns powered by a Gold Note PA-10 amplifier, supplemented by modern TPI speakers. This masterful setup is what Manolet Dario (partner and titan in the electronic music scene) describes as audio jewellery. This specific configuration provides a level of clarity and warmth that digital systems simply cannot replicate. “What makes it special is the brilliance of the sound,” Dario notes. “You hear every note, especially when you listen on vinyl.”
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Paella from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
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In a remarkable twist of fate, the venue’s iconic speakers share a deep lineage with partner Jason Soong–his father was the original distributor for Altec systems decades ago. The team purchased this exact unit from a gentleman, excitedly securing their dream sound system, well before knowing that he originally procured it from Soong’s father, effectively bringing the heirloom system back into the family fold.
On top of a stellar sound system, the venue’s allure is amplified by its impeccable music curation and audio balancing. Soong shares that the nightly soundtrack is left in the capable hands of their DJs. In fact, they ask each one to explore what dinner music means to them, allowing for an eclectic range of sounds that evolve with the room. While the “BPM increases” as the night progresses, do not expect the aggressive atmosphere of a nightclub. Instead, Got Soul offers a sophisticated, upbeat lounge vibe with heady sounds that invite guests to move.
Above The interiors from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
Above A tasty spread from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
The interiors from Got Soul, a community listening space in BGC
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Ultimately, Got Soul is an endeavour born from friendship and an innate passion for music. It is a place designed for friendly gatherings or even time alone to get lost in sound. Anchored by a sound system that carries decades of stories and a team that believes, above all else, in the power of great music.
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