THE STORY so far .
At Marlon’s in Epsom, we weren’t just having dinner – oh no, we were on a quest to discover the next Filipino singing sensation, all courtesy of a well-loved karaoke machine that might have seen a few too many Gloria Gaynor covers in its time.
As the first brave soul took the mic, the crowd went silent, forks suspended mid-air. This wasn’t just any karaoke session; this was Marlon’s Idol. Our contestant launched into a soulful rendition of “Bakit Pa?” in a key that only dolphins could probably hear. But did that stop the crowd from cheering? Absolutely not.
One by one, would-be divas stepped up, each performance more... memorable than the last. An uncle in the back was giving his heart and vocal cords to "My Way," while a young woman took on “Total Eclipse of the Heart” with a confidence that could only come from three Mishas in rapid succession. Somewhere between the laughter, off-beat claps, and one very brave falsetto attempt, we were all clutching our sides in stitches, half from laughing and half in a desperate hope we wouldn't choke on our lumpia.
Who would be the chosen one, the Filipino superstar of Marlon's? Hard to say. But one thing was for sure: with every off-key note and every triumphant high-five, we knew we were all winners tonight.
And who needs Simon Cowell, anyway, when you've got a table of aunties critiquing every note between bites of lechon?
Amazed at the spirit of the Philippines a guest who just happened to be eating in the corner wrote to us about their experience at Marlon's spirit of the Philippines.
GREGG RICHARDSON OTHERWISE KNOWN AS LITTLE RICK IN CROYDON WRITES.
As I was halfway through my third Misha and savoring the last crispy morsels of lechon kawali, a sound broke through the cozy hum of Marlons—a sound that could only be described as... spirited. A group in the corner had fired up the karaoke machine, and the first few lines of "My Heart Will Go On" started to drift over.
Now, I’ve heard this song before—who hasn’t? But this version was... unique. Imagine Celine Dion, but with a heavy British-Filipino accent and absolutely zero regard for pitch.
At first, I thought it was a one-off, maybe a dare, but no. Song after song, the group soldiered on, with passion if not precision.
With every chorus belted out on the karaoke machine, the laughter around me grew louder. People were doubled over, snorting and chuckling into their pancit, tears streaming down their faces as someone attempted a passionate (and very questionable) rendition of “I Will Survive.” I couldn’t help but think, I just hope they all survive the meal!
Between bites and belly laughs, there was a real risk someone would need the Heimlich maneuver. I started mentally rehearsing the steps, just in case, because at this rate, someone was bound to choke on their lumpia while gasping for air between the off-key singing and endless laughter.
I tried to focus on my kare-kare, but then someone launched into a ballad with such conviction that I choked a little on my drink. My table was shaking with laughter by the time they hit “Dancing Queen,” complete with an interpretive dance that had me convinced they'd been practicing for this moment their whole lives.
It was all too much. I looked around, wondering if anyone else was trying to hold in laughter, only to see that most tables had joined in, clapping and cheering after every off-key line. Soon, I found myself clapping along, too. Because in that moment, it wasn’t just dinner; it was dinner and a show.
Marlon’s wasn’t just serving Filipino food—they were serving the full Filipino karaoke experience, and somehow, it was perfect.
I left Marlon’s that night with a full belly and a handful of song lyrics stuck in my head. As I walked to the train, I caught myself humming “Dancing Queen,” a little off-key but right on cue.'
thank you Greg were doing our best to keep the heart of the Philippines going .
So to everyone who came to Marlons of Epsom if you made a journey from Croydon Sutton Morden or even London, if you belted out a tune or just laughed along, salamat po! Thank you for making it a night that won’t soon be forgotten. And for those still to come, whether you’re here for the crispy lechon or ready to make your karaoke debut, the stage is yours and the mic is waiting. Marlon’s is always ready to welcome you—whether you’re the next Filipino singing sensation or just here for a great time with good people. Mabuhay, and see you next time! 🎤
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