Cover The concept behind Medium Rare is to blur the boundaries between cultural disciplines, creating an immersive environment where audiences experience live music, culinary creativity and artistic expression simultaneously
The concept behind Medium Rare is to blur the boundaries between cultural disciplines, creating an immersive environment where audiences experience live music, culinary creativity and artistic expression simultaneously
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The acclaimed immersive events series resurfaces on May 9 in Salon de Ning at The Peninsula Manila
Beauty truly knows no boundaries, and nothing expresses this more clearly than moments when cultures come together for a multi-sensory convergence of art, music and gastronomy. Medium Rare—a curated sensory experience that unites all three worlds—is a unique event that brings together Manila’s food lovers and music community into one sophisticated, flavourful and unforgettable experience. Its latest edition is changing things up quite a bit. Meet Kaleidoscope.
On May 9, Medium Rare’s Kaleidoscope will feature both local and international talents. For the first time, Medium Rare brings together Italian neo-classical composers and pianists from Bosco Studio alongside Spanish producer and DJ Pablo Bolívar. Kaleidoscope will highlight the coming together of hypnotic electronic music and neoclassical piano playing side by side in perfect harmony.
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Above DJ Chele González and Samantha Nicole, partners at Medium Rare | Medium Rare launches its latest event: Kaleidoscope, bringing together techno and neoclassical performances
DJ Chele González and Samantha Nicole, partners at Medium Rare | Medium Rare launches its latest event: Kaleidoscope, bringing together techno and neoclassical performances
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The concept behind Medium Rare is to blur the boundaries between cultural disciplines, creating an immersive environment where audiences experience live music, culinary creativity and artistic expression simultaneously. Medium Rare was created by Chele González, whose passion for gastronomy and music inspired the project. “Medium Rare began as a personal idea to merge two art forms I deeply care about: gastronomy and music,” González explains. “The word ‘medium’ represents the space between disciplines where they meet, while ‘rare’ reflects our desire to present something unique beyond the mainstream.”
The project is developed together with Samantha Nicole, a prominent figure in Manila’s underground music community who has been actively shaping the city’s alternative cultural scene through music-driven events and collaborations. “It’s important that we stay true to ourselves, the kind of music we create,” Nicole expresses, “and we must always support our local artists.”
This special edition of Medium Rare will feature Spanish electronic music producer Pablo Bolivar, internationally recognised for his deep and atmospheric blend of techno and ambient music.
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This special edition will feature Spanish electronic music producer Pablo Bolívar, internationally recognised for his deep and atmospheric blend of techno and ambient music. With more than two decades in the underground electronic scene, Bolívar has developed a distinctive sound balancing hypnotic rhythms with emotional melodic structures. He is also the founder of influential labels Seven Villas Music and Avantroots Records, which have played a role in shaping the deeper side of contemporary electronic music.
His participation in Medium Rare is supported by the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, highlighting Spain’s commitment to cultural exchange and presenting contemporary Spanish artistic voices to Filipino audiences. “The Spanish Embassy has been a longtime supporter of Medium Rare, and we are especially excited about this one,” Ambassador Miguel Utray declares. “And if you know something about Spanish culture, you know we love a good party, especially one that features our music and artistic talents.”
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Joining the lineup are Italian composers and pianists Lorenzo Travaglini and Davide Semmarchi, representing Bosco Studio, an Italian creative collective exploring the intersection of neoclassical composition and cinematic sound. Travaglini, founder of Bosco Studio, focuses on emotionally driven piano works that blend classical tradition with modern sonic landscapes. Semmarchi complements this approach through atmospheric textures and expressive minimalist structures. Together, their performances create immersive musical narratives that move between classical sensitivity and contemporary sound design. Bosco Studio's visit to the Philippines is supported by the Philippine-Italian Association, which helps foster cultural dialogue and artistic exchange between Italian and Filipino creative communities.
Above Medium Rare Kaleidoscope will be hosted at The Manila Peninsula’s Salon De Ning
Medium Rare Kaleidoscope will be hosted at The Manila Peninsula’s Salon De Ning
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Their appearance at Medium Rare marks their first performance in Asia, introducing Manila audiences to a distinctive voice within today’s evolving neoclassical movement. Running from 7 pm until 4 am, the one-night event is poised to be an elegant experience designed to expand Manila’s cultural nightlife. From 7 to 10 pm, ambient and neoclassical music will be played along with a delectable food menu created for the event. From 10 pm onwards, expect an explosion of techno and deep house meant to animate bodies on the dance floor. With limited tickets available, the event is bound to be an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for music lovers, creatives and tastemakers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
