With Salo Sala, Ella Pangilinan Miranda shakes things up
I’ve known Ella Pangilinan Miranda since high school, and although she’s now a famous content creator, she’s also a real friend. Since we both got married, we’ve grown closer, bonding as two of the few in our age group who have “settled down” by society’s standards.
She’s saved my butt more than once: During a tearful dinner, she gave me super practical advice on how to delegate and streamline wedding planning. She helped me figure out how to host a murder mystery dinner (I unwittingly chose the most lavish Gatsby theme, but she guided me on how to make it simple yet elegant). And to top it all off, she gave my husband and I an air fryer, which we initially turned our noses up at, but has since become a godsend in our kitchen.
So it didn’t surprise me when, for her birthday month, Ella chose to celebrate by hosting something both personal and generous: a cocktail-making class.
It was the perfect way to toast not just another year, but also the beginnings of Salo Sala, her project-turned-community dedicated to the art of gathering and entertaining. And from there, the night unfolded the way only Ella could pull off: equal parts effortless, thoughtful, and just a little bit extra.
A birthday toast with purpose
“I noticed that hosting can be overwhelming, especially for new homeowners or newlyweds,” she shares. “Salo Sala started so that I could share what I’m learning about hosting and entertaining with a community. We’ve started with a resource page on Instagram, and have workshops lined up.”
Her first workshop, the cocktail-making class, was both symbolic and practical. “I thought it would be nice to start this during my birthday month and with my friends. I chose a cocktail- or welcome drinks-making class because I wanted to start with something not so overwhelming. The idea of a welcome drink seemed perfect to welcome people to the community, into your home.”
One gimlet at a time
To design the class, she teamed up with Jeff Dadivas of Manila Craft. “I basically asked him if he could share basic techniques and easy recipes that would make newbies feel like they’re equipped to make basic cocktails (and mocktails), and understand how they could eventually customize those,” she explains.
With crowd-favorites like gin, vodka, and tequila on the menu, it was approachable for everyone. “The Gimlet, the first drink we made, was my favorite because it gave me confidence. It was a great base for what I could eventually customize.”
The atmosphere was just as thoughtful: “Everyone I invited knew each other, so I wanted all of us to feel most relaxed and able to connect, especially as we don’t always get together. We had a free-flowing merienda cena spread too, to make it casual.”
At the heart of hosting
For Ella, hosting is less about the perfect table setting and more about how people feel. “I make sure to consider creating the environment where people feel at home but also with that ‘little extra’ touch.”
To her, a great host is prepared and present. “Prepare ahead of time,” she says. “Planning with the guests in mind—like dietary restrictions, seating arrangements, curation of guest list. [A great host] is actually present during the gathering itself!”
And the payoff, for her, is incomparable. “As a host, it is always the best feeling seeing that everyone is enjoying themselves, but even a better feeling when I know I myself am enjoying, too, because I was able to successfully prepare [this],” Ella says. “I love enjoying myself, too, knowing I was able to make it happen, and not stress [out about it] during the actual gathering!”
A community called Salo Sala
“The name Salo Sala is inspired by the Filipino word salo-salo, which means a feast or communal gathering, and sala, the living room, where we welcome, gather, and connect,” Ella explains. “It represents both the heart of the home and the act of coming together.”
She adds that, “At its core, Salo Sala is about adding a little extra to everyday gatherings, whether through thoughtful hosting, approachable learning, or simply feeling confident enough to open your home. We’re creating a space that’s both a resource and a community… something that feels warm, encouraging, and rooted in culture.”
And this is only the beginning. “We’re working on more workshops and in-person experiences, and I’m so excited to keep growing this with the community, one gathering at a time,” Ella ends.
Ella Pangilinan Miranda’s hosting tips
Start small: “By having someone over for coffee or merienda. You don’t need to start with a sit-down dinner. Casual is fun, too!”
Prepare ahead: “My friend Rocio Olbes once told me, ‘Plan with everyone in mind,’ and it stuck. This means dietary restrictions, seating arrangements, and even the guest list.”
Be present: “The best hosts aren’t just busy in the kitchen—they’re part of the gathering.”
Make guests feel cared for instantly: “I always aim to make guests feel like they are immediately cared for and thought of the moment they arrive.”
Add that ‘little extra’: “Things that can elevate a space or make people feel special like a place card, fresh flowers on the table, or mood lighting.”
Don’t forget yourself: “It is always the best feeling seeing that everyone is enjoying themselves, but even a better feeling when I know I myself am enjoying too because I was able to successfully prepare.”
Quickfire with Ella
Shaken or stirred? “Shaken!”
Hosting uniform: “Colorful dress.”
Most-used item: “My colorful Le Creuset Dutch oven. You can make almost anything in it, plus, it also serves as a cute serving dish.”
Cocktail you thought you’d love but didn’t? “Mojito.”
Hosting motto: “Our tagline! Gatherings that feel like home.”
