Got Soul MNL

I was excited when I received an invitation to this new place in the BGC. It promised a new menu of unique urban dining, coupled with Hi-Fi listening space. At first, I was enamored with the Hi-Fi, or high fidelity, from the acoustics to the intimate lighting, the space became a soulful atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. And as far as I could tell, it was all vinyl, those black – and now multicolored – discs of wonderful warm sound. And then, I discovered that the chef is an old friend of mine, since 2012, when he opened his first restaurant in the Philippines. That’s right, THE Chele Gonzalez. And this time, for the very first time, he’s also one of the DJs behind the booth. Intriguing, and yes, very exciting! In fact, GotSoul MNL Manila dining and music experience offers something truly unique for foodies and music lovers.

Born in Montreal and now spinning in Manila, GotSoul MNL is a listening bar and modern tapas concept that offers a sensory-driven experience that fuses elevated analog sound with soulful ambiance and a curated menu; highlighting modern Spanish tapas and urban global dining with a Filipino twist, wine, signature cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, craft coffee, and whiskey and tequila programs. Surely, GotSoul MNL Manila dining and music experience is not your average night out.

Here are the five most compelling reasons to rush to Got Soul and enjoy a night of amazing music, and of course, awesome food:

1. The Food

Chele, together with Carlos Villaflor, bring a “back-to-back” approach to the kitchen; a collaboration rooted in friendship, fun, and the joy of building something fresh. At GotSoul MNL, as co-founder and curator, Chele merges both passions together; creating an experience where food and music comes together. Curating a menu of his Spanish heritage in the form of tapas, fully seasoned with Filipino flavors to curate unique dishes that are comforting, innovative, modern, and full of flavor.
My favorite, of course, is a unique take on a Filipino banger: the best-selling Sisig Pasta. A dish that feels just like home. Think a creamy Alfredo-style linguine topped with savory crunchy Sisig for a familiar yet fun twist. Beautifully plated, it’s inevitably seen on every table. The Cebu Lechon Paella brings the familiar flavors of the iconic lechon into a unique and soulful paella. Choose between our solo or sharing paelleras, so yes, you can come by yourself to immerse yourself in the music, and the paella! Indulge in the perfect holiday bite with our Jamón Explosion; this dish is the twist on the classic Jamón Serrano filled with a Manchego Mousse and served with crisp puff dough.

2. The Music

After dinner, Got Soul transforms into an intimate dancefloor, with soulful house and deep rhythms that are only missing your grooves. Manolet Dario, famous all these decades, brings on the music together with fellow DJs Jason Soong and Benjo Marquez, and of course, Chele himself.  And because of its world-class TPI sound system and iconic Altec Lansing set up, analog rotary mixer, and limited-edition Technics 1200 turntables, every beat is felt with exceptional clarity and depth. I’m not even familiar with the specs, but let me assure you, taking a seat in the venue, feels like being embraced by sonic purity. As a result, GotSoul MNL Manila dining and music experience really stands out from other venues.

3. The Bar

With a beverage program curated by Marina Wilkis, GotSoul MNL offers dynamic drinks that are world-class yet deeply personal to the Philippines and are inspired by soul and funk music. So, whether one is toasting the night ahead or sipping something thoughtful between sets, the goal remains the same: to create a relaxed atmosphere where vibrant, fresh drinks facilitate connection between people and different cultures. The bar menu also has a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks, with vibrant, tropical flavors, featuring unique sodas, aromatic kombuchas, and specialized iced teas, ensuring the full beverage experience maintains a distinctly soulful and Filipino groove from day to night. I loved the Calamansi and Mint Soda and the Pineapple Tepache, distinctly Pinoy.

4. The Founders

This is a passion project born from a group of friends with a collective drive to create a unique space where their love for music and shared passion for curating memorable experiences blend together, and aside from Chele and Carlo and the DJs, the inspiration behind is Jojo Flores, main founder of GotSoul in Montreal, Canada. Together with Sommeliers Cyril and Pierre Addision, Dee Dario as the GM, and the CEO, and also in charge of the Tequila Program, JP Enriquez. It’s a lot of people really managing a small, intimate space, and that’s what makes Got Soul MNL extremely special. Consequently, GotSoul MNL Manila dining and music experience is shaped by these talented and passionate founders.

5. The Vibe

“Where deep listening meets connection.”
At GotSoul MNL, every detail is intentional. Bold accents mirror the dynamic soundscape, while the seamless fusion of natural textures and contemporary finishes elevates the experience. GotSoul MNL brings the global culture of deep, intentional listening to Manila as the first Hi-Fi listening bar of its kind to prioritize such high-level sound system curation and design integrity, blended with a cuisine of Tapas with such a Filipino flair. It’s one of a kind, a place you’ll want to visit, and immediately, revisit once again soon. Because food with soul is always of the utmost priority here. 

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