Joel Torre parties at his Manukan Grille’s 15th anniversary | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

Joel Torre and the festive setting at his JT’sManukan Grille’s 15th anniversary bash
Joel Torre and the festive setting at his JT’sManukan Grille’s 15th anniversary bash
Joel Torre and the festive setting at his JT’sManukan Grille’s 15th anniversary bash
Joel Torre and the festive setting at his JT’sManukan Grille’s 15th anniversary bash

JT’s Manukan Grille has become a landmark in the Greenhills-Gilmore area and favorite destination especially of hungry night owls.

 

This is where musicians go for after-gig dinner and drinks, including members of the band Color It Red, which was one of the guest performers at JT’s recent 15th anniversary party hosted by its Bacolod-born owner, actor Joel Torre.

 

I personally had to ask Torre himself if it’s really just 15 years ago since he put up JT’s, because I thought the place had been around longer, like since the 1990s.

 

“May 3, 2003,” Torre messaged me.

 

Chickoy Pura and Dwight Gaston perform at JT’s Manukan Grille.
Chickoy Pura and Dwight Gaston perform at JT’s Manukan Grille.

 

At the party, JT’s—which has successfully grown with 20 branches—resembled a festive neighborhood eatery teeming with merrymakers led by Torre, who mingled with guests while sipping San Miguel Beer from a plastic cup.

 

The Jerks frontman Chickoy Pura jammed on hits by The Police, The Doors and other classic rock acts, as well as originals, accompanied on congas by Torre’s fellow actor and Bacolod townmate Dwight Gaston.

 

Bembol Roco, Art Acuña, Joel Torre

 

More friends, mostly from Torre’s close-knit actors’ circle arrived: Jaime Fabregas, Mitch Valdes, Ronnie Lazaro, Audie Gemora, Art Acuña, plus Boyet Sison, among others.

 

Ai and Lai Enriquez, Richard Merk, and Bembol Roco
Al and Lai Enriquez, Richard Merk, and Bembol Roco

At a table sat Bembol Roco and Richard Merk, who came with friends Al and Lai Enriquez.

 

I was surprised to bump into singer-songwriter Dong Abay, who went on to join Color It Red onstage. Watch out for Ronnie Lazaro’s son Gabriel, Abay told me: “He’s a genius on guitar.”

 

Color It Red
Color It Red

 

As the music played on, the beer flowed and the fun lasted till the wee hours.

 

JT’s Manukan Grille, 4 Granada St. Quezon City; tel. no. 7219025

 

JT’s Manukan Grille, Granada St. Quezon City

 

The Campfire Grille

 

The Smoking Joint (TSJ), a dine-and-drink place in Makati known for its “low-and-slow” method of cooking ribs and brisket, has branched out to Tagaytay with a different name: The Campfire Grille.

Campfire’s specialty, Corned Beef Bulalo

TSJ owner Tony Fernando says Campfire has a similar concept, except that it has a real grill at the tables where customers can do their own barbecue. Campfire’s specialty, incidentally, is Corned Beef Bulalo which is perfect for the cool weather in Tagaytay.

 

ony Fernando, wife Reza, granddaughter Natalia Grace, sonin- law Miguel Uytengsu, daughter Katrina at Campfire & Grill
Tony Fernando, wife Reza, granddaughter Natalia Grace, sonin- law Miguel Uytengsu, daughter Katrina at Campfire & Grill

 

The Campfire, like TSJ, will also feature live gigs. The Bleu Rascals played last night.

 

The Campfire Grill, roof deck, Eco Hotel Containers, SVD Road corner Tagaytay-Calamba Road; message @thecampfireandgrillbbq

 

The Campfire Grill, Tagaytay
The Campfire Grill, Tagaytay
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