Christmas season is hands-down the best time to visit the Philippines, what with all the joyous reunions you can attend to catch up with family and various groups of friends. Great if someone else is planning the get-together for your group, but what if you’re assigned to or would like to plan one of your own?
If you’re rushing to get reservations and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you: Depending on who you plan to meet or what you want to do, we’ve collated a list of restaurants, hotels, and events places to book so you don’t have to worry about the research. We’ve got everything from staycations to fine dining, brunches, and night caps—because we know visiting Pinoys would want to lessen prep stress and just enjoy the holidays with loved ones more, especially given your limited time in the country.
If you want to host a grand Christmas reunion with the whole clan
Venue: Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary in Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Would you like to see all your relatives this Christmas after a long time away from the Philippines? Go all out in this beautiful new events space that can accommodate your entire clan, located just outside Metro Manila yet still accessible to everyone.
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Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary is exactly what you’d expect it to be: a picturesque venue for events that’s fronted by a calm lake. Located within the grounds of the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate in Laguna, it houses several areas where you and your family can create memorable moments. The biggest indoor facility is Banquet Hall, which can house up to 360 guests and offers a rustic yet elegant vibe with its wood-clad ceilings and drop lights. For a break from the festivities, pass through the sliding glass doors and take a stroll by the lake. The entire venue comes complete with a sound system, and you can coordinate with them regarding decor and catering, among others.
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For more details, visit their website. For inquiries, write to [email protected] or call (+63998) 964-3181.
If you want a simple potluck, but you don’t want to do it at home
Venue: Linden Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig
Approximate room cost: Starting at P3,400 (with kitchen)
The Linden Suites is a four-star hotel along San Miguel Avenue in the Ortigas business district. This old gem boasts of honest service at a lower cost compared to other glitzier hotels in the area, which makes it a good choice if you want an “at-home” get together without worrying about preparing your house for visitors (especially if you haven’t really unpacked since you arrived back in PH).
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We recommend booking rooms with kitchen and dining areas. Their Deluxe Room with Kitchen starts at 60sqm, which is enough space for two to three families to move about. If you think a quick swim is a good idea to whet everyone’s appetite, the pool is open for all guests. Just make sure to tell front desk that you’ll be having visitors and only the allowed number of people will spend the night.
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Visit The Linden Suites for more details and to book your stay.
If you are looking for a unique dining experience (and happen to have vegans in the group)
Venue: Secret Supper Club, Ermita, Manila
Approximate cost per head: P750+
Seating capacity: Maximum of 15 pax
If you and your barkada would like to try something different—and you or one or more of your companions happen to be vegan—try the Secret Supper Club, a scheduled, by-reservation, long-table gathering in a patio somewhere in Ermita. They offer two setups: The first is the regular pre-arranged events, with the last of the year happening on December 16 (do note that seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are only a few slots remaining as of this writing). The second is private dining, which we would recommend to keep things cozy among family and friends.
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Either way, Secret Supper Club comes up with a unique four-course, plant-based menu for each gathering. As it is a “secret club,” the actual location is not disclosed until the day before your reservation. Walk-ins are not allowed as seats are limited. As long as you’re open to new tastes, you’ll definitely enjoy this warm and intimate experience. For private dining bookings and to know more, message them on their Instagram page.
If you want a tita brunch with your amigas
Venue: Rustic Mornings by Isabelo
Address: 11 I. Mendoza Street, San Roque, Marikina City
Approximate cost per head: P600+
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded area that’s perfect for (literal and figurative) tea, then there’s nothing like Rustic Mornings by Isabelo. Now celebrating 10 years in the food business, Rustic Mornings is a classic go-to for good food and conversation. They’ve recently moved to a new location, still in Marikina, and continue to offer both indoor and al fresco dining in what almost feels like a garden in your lola’s house.
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The menu includes classic Filipino favorites such as Beef Tapa, Pork Tocino, and Crispy Boneless Dilis, as well as an array of platters that offer a mix of waffles, chicken, omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausages—the works. They also offer group platters for P990, which is worth it if you’re a big crew with plus ones.
Rustic Mornings easily gets full, so it’s always best to reserve a table. You can contact them at the following numbers: (02) 425-8610, (02) 681-2461, or (+63917) 700-5810. Visit rusticmornings.com for more details.
If you want to do videoke with the family
Venue: Rockstar KTV
If you want to be considerate of your neighbors regarding late night singing—and do not want to worry about what to eat and drink, so you can all focus on having a good time and singing to your heart’s content—book yourselves a room at Rockstar KTV, which has branches at SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City and Glorietta in Makati.
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Consumable (read: can be used for food and drinks) rates at the SM Aura branch start at P2,500 for a Standard room good for 2-4 pax, P3,500 for a Superior room good for 5-6 pax, and up to P10,000 for a Deluxe room good for 10-15 pax. For a group of 15-20 persons, get the Premiere room for P15,000; or the Suite that’s good for 30-40 persons at P30,000.
Meanwhile, there are more room types at the Glorietta branch, with similar consumable rates that start at P2,500 for a Standard room good for 2-4 pax. They also have a Party room for 6-8 pax at P3,500; Superior room for 8-10 pax at P5,000; and Deluxe good for 10-15 pax at P7,000. Rooms for bigger groups start at P10,000 for the Premiere, good for 15-20 pax; P25,000 for the Suite, good for 30-40 pax; and P35,000 for the Presidential room that can accommodate 70-80 pax.
Room rates for both branches are based on three-hour use, with additional room charge per hour of extended use.
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A nice thing about Rockstar KTV is their huge menu. Pick anything from Oysters Rockefeller to sisig, lechon kawali chips, chicharon mix, and good ol’ pizza and crispy pata to share. They also have party platters. Plus, there’s no lack of drinks, as you have a long list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
For reservations, you can either head to their website, call them, or simply drop by any of their branches.
If you want an out-of-town day trip near Manila that the kids will also enjoy
Venue: Casa Mellifera
Address: 133 Beverly Hills Avenue, Beverly Hills Subd., Taytay, Rizal
Approximate cost per head: P600+
Casa Mellifera is a new restaurant in a quaint Filipiñana-style bungalow launched earlier this year by the family behind Wacky Bee Honey, who owns a small apiary in the greener areas of Rizal. The restaurant offers a view of lush surroundings and access to the apiary (a place where bees are kept). If you ask the staff, they can even accompany you in feeding the bees—that’s definitely one experience worth trying!
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The menu consists of traditional Filipino dishes you probably miss, such as Lechon Kawali, Dinuguan, and Pork Binagoongan. You’ll also want to try their Bibingka Waffle if you’re coming in for brunch. Many of their ingredients are sourced from around the area, including honey (of course) and mushrooms.
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Casa Mellifera does not accept walk-ins as the restaurant is located within family property. Advanced reservations are a must. You can save your seats here.
If you want to host a Filipino-themed dinner for foreigners you’re traveling with
Venue: Ilustrado
Address: 744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna), Intramuros, Manila
Approximate cost per head: P500+++
Coming home with non-Filipino family and friends you’ve made abroad? Introduce them to Filipino cuisine by inviting them to Ilustrado, one of the best restaurants within the centuries-old walls of historic Intramuros.
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Ilustrado’s menu is a hat-tip to Filipino taste infused with Spanish inspiration. From their unique take on the quintessential adobo made rich with crab fat to their famous Paella Ilustrado, you and your companions will definitely enjoy unique bursts of different flavors in every dish. Don’t forget to try their Sampaguita Ice Cream to cleanse the palate.
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The restaurant accepts walk-ins, but if you’re a big group, it’s always best to reserve a private room. Ilustrado has two and accepts event bookings, so simply call them at (+63939) 920-6822 or shoot them an email at [email protected]. You may also visit Ilustrado on Facebook for more details.
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If you want a glitzy hotel staycation with lots of activities for the whole family
Venue: Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Approximate room rate: P13,270/night for a 45sqm room with two double beds
Approximate suite rate: P28,500/night for a two-bedroom Grand Suite (with kitchen, dining area, etc.)
A stone’s throw from several malls, restaurants, and activity centers within Bonifacio Global City, Grand Hyatt Manila is a great place to stay if you and your family simply want an all-out staycation (check out their website to book your stay).
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Within the Grand Hyatt itself are eight restaurants to try. One dining experience you shouldn’t miss is Le Petit Chef at The Peak, an interactive food adventure with the smallest chef in the world. Through the use of 3D projection mapping, your family (especially the kids age 4 and up) will enjoy this unique culinary show as Le Petit Chef “cooks” your meals before you in the most creative and imaginative way. (The cost for Le Petit Chef is on top of your hotel stay. You can book the experience via their website.)
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The Grand Hyatt has all the amenities you’d expect of a global five-star hotel: pools, spas, and the like. But what sets this hotel apart is its proximity to various commercial establishments for more dining and shopping options, like Uptown Mall and Mitsukoshi, and the ease and enjoyment of walking around BGC and visiting spots such as The Mind Museum and BGC Arts Center. Every weekend, you can also explore different kiosks and activities along Bonifacio High Street, which is especially festive during the holiday season.
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If you want to wine and dine with former colleagues and bosses
Venue: Blackbird at Nielson Tower, Makati
Approximate cost per head: P1,500+++
The Nielson Tower was once the location of the passenger terminal and control tower of the Nielson Airport, the first Philippine airport with runways sprawled across what we now know as Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. The only remaining pre-World War II structure in Makati, the Tower is now home to Blackbird, a fine dining restaurant that serves contemporary Asian and European cooking—and a popular destination for special occasions.
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Everything in their menu is delectable, but we recommend ordering The Blackbird Seafood Platter as it is a generous helping of tiger prawns, octopus, soft-shelled crabs, and mackerel served with nuoc cham–and it’s good for two!
Blackbird offers private dining, too, if you want to host a big group. The Cabin, which is the former control tower that offers 360-degree views, can hold up to 22 people at one long table. The restaurant also has an al fresco area (garden and terrace) as well as a lounge and bar. Take your pick from available set menus or work with the Blackbird team to create one, complete with wine pairing. Call them at (02) 8828-1937 or email [email protected] for reservations. Visit their website for more details.
If you want a night out with your college friends
Venue: The Curator
Address: 134 Legaspi Street, Makati
Approximate cost per head: P500+++
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Can’t decide between cocktails and coffee when you meet college friends you haven’t seen since your last PH visit? The Curator offers the best of both to enjoy while you catch up. Number 34 in 2023’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars, it doesn’t try to be edgy as many new bars do, but simply offers honest-to-goodness customer service and awesome drinks. Coffee is at the front of the store, cocktails at the back—it doesn’t get any simpler than that.
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Since it’s technically both a cafe and a bar, The Curator has a wide array of drinks and munchies to choose from. If you’re going to order cocktails, you’d want to try asking the bartenders for recommendations. Their menu changes from time to time, so keep that in mind.
The Curator accepts reservations for private events. Simply drop them a line at (+63916) 355-4129 or at [email protected]. Visit their website for more details.
