Vancouver harpist is Manila’s ‘real thing’

Noelle Cassandra, Asia’s only harpist, singer and songwriter, is not a new name in the Philippine music scene. Noelle, originally from Vancouver, Canada, has successfully and creatively innovated the harp into her own classical pop. Her debut record with Dyna and her latest self-titled album under Viva Records have been warmly received in all record stores nationwide.
Noelle has performed with established names in the entertainment industry such as Kuh Ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera, John Lesaca, Tots Tolentino, Jose Mari Chan, Richard Poon, Willie Nepomuceno, and Josh Groban.
Recently, Noelle ventured into the food business, according to the Philippine Star. She is one of the founders of the Philippines’ first Coca-Cola-inspired restaurant called The Real Thing Diner, which opened last November 2010.
“Coca-Cola needs no introduction,” Noelle says. “Billions upon billions of people worldwide drink their products every day, making it the world’s most valuable brand. I asked myself how interesting it would be to use Coke in food. And so there and then, the Real Thing Diner concept was born.”
“Our aim is to provide our customers with unique food and drinks at reasonable prices. We also want to transport our diners to the world of Coke when they enter our restaurant. A truly 100 percent Coca-Cola experience,” Noelle adds.
At The Real Thing diner, guests are transported to the land of Coca-Cola. The color motif is dominantly red, white and black; Coke memorabilia line the walls and shelves. All in all, it is truly a Coca-Cola experience.
The Real Thing diner is on the second floor, Il Terrazzo Building, 305 Tomas Morato corner Scout Madrinan St., QC. It is open every day for lunch and dinner. For information, call 352-4320 or visit www.therealthingdiner.com.