“NOOOOO!”
That was our reaction when we heard that Magnum Manila will be closing on July 26.
“We knew going in that it was only going to be for a year,” said Brian Chanyungco, senior brand manager of Selecta.
“We will picket outside the Magnum headquarters,” we said. “We will start a revolution.”
We were only half-joking.
It’s been 14 months since the pleasure pop-up store opened in April, and people still can’t get enough of it.
“We can’t believe how amazing this has been for all of us,” said Magnum brand manager Andrea Huang.
The store has used three tons of Belgian chocolate to create over 150,000 Make My Magnums. “That’s 10 hectares of cocoa beans,” said Andrea.
The store has been so successful that Magnum’s global teams took notice. They wanted to know: What was their secret?
Brian said, “What’s working here is the passion of the people.”
“It’s really simple, it’s really the Filipino talent that shines through,” Andrea added.
Magnum Manila has been such a success that award-winning chef Miko Aspiras, who has been with Magnum Manila from Day 1, has flown to Malaysia to create the desserts for the pop-up there.
Miko created a final lineup of desserts for Magnum Manila’s last few months.
Asked what they will miss about Magnum Manila, Brian and Andrea had the same answer: the people.
“I’m really gonna miss the staff. You can really see the power of the brand through the passion of the people that serve it,” said Andrea.
Miko said, “I want people to remember the café for its creativity, the craziness… We tried to push the boundaries of ice cream.”
Magnum Creative Director Raymond Gutierrez said, “We launched it big, and we will end it big. We have a lot of surprises lined up, we won’t end it quietly.”
Andrea said, “Come and experience this before July 26. Be part of our family and be part of this while it’s still here.”
Here are ten things we will miss about Magnum Manila—ten things you need to try before it closes.
1. Make My Magnum. Making our own Magnum—choosing the ice cream, Belgian chocolate coating and toppings—is a thrill that hasn’t gotten old. We’re going to be sad when we can no longer do it.
2. Triple Belgian Chocolate Cookie Skillet. This has been a mainstay on the menu, and we’re not surprised. The mix of cookie dough and vanilla Magnum is a comforting treat.
3. Crepe Du Jour. Miko’s tribute to the French staple is as beautiful as it is delicious. Brian said, “The crepe is excellent especially if you’re in a light dessert kind of mood.”
4. Magnum Anniversary Cake. Miko created a super-moist ombre honey cake with layers of cream cheese and honey comb pieces, and topped it with a dark Belgian chocolate-dipped vanilla Magnum bar and honey cereals.
5. Campfire S’mores, our favorite. Miko elevated the American invention by creating a chocolate ganache and graham tart, and topping it with a milk Belgian chocolate-covered Magnum that’s enveloped in freshly torched marshmallow fluff. “The marshmallow fluff is whipped fresh when you order,” said Miko.
6. Magnum Popcorn. “We topped the Magnum with bacon, Prosciutto, maple and white chocolate,” said Miko. It’s an odd combination that really works.
7. Make My Heart Melt. It was supposed only to be a Valentine’s offering, but people loved it so much that they had to keep it on the menu. This isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. Watch as your Magnum Pleasure Maker pours hot caramel sauce over a luxurious Belgian chocolate dome to reveal the decadent dessert inside. (See video below.) You must try this.
8. The Magnum desserts may be the superstar, but this restaurant’s savory dishes shouldn’t be ignored. Chef Him Uy De Baron’s Cajun-Spiced Chicken Poppers have been one of the reasons we keep going back. A friend visiting from New Zealand ate these once and couldn’t stop thinking about them.
9. Carbonara with Cocoa Dusted Bacon and Sous Vide Egg. Comfort food at its best.
10. Salmon Steak with Soba. A great way to start a meal before attacking the desserts.
Magnum Manila is located at 5/F, Sky Park, SM Aura Premier. Follow @Magnum_PH on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (MagnumPH). Use the hashtags #MagnumManila #MagnumNoworNever.
Watch a Magnum Pleasure Maker serve an order of Make My Heart Melt: