If you think you’ve seen and been to every nook of upscale Bonifacio Global City (BGC), or smelled and tasted all the delightful dishes straight from the kitchens of its plethora of restaurants, think again.

Every day, every week and every month, claimed BGC art and city program manager Monica Llamas, there’s always something new happening, be it an opening of a new coffee shop or a retail store on Bonifacio High Street, or setting up public parks and even sports and fitness areas or launching a new theme park for kids.

“We are a thriving city,” said Llamas. “Each opportune time we add something new in the BGC landscape. We keep on creating cool stuff because this is our way of showing people that BGC has everything they need. It’s a live-work-and-play city.”

BGC is also a haven to a wide range of gastronomical finds; it has been recognized for its vibrant food scene. One of its most anticipated activities this year is BGC Eats, a food tour featuring the shopping hub’s finest dining outlets, coffee shops and bars.

The food tour, to be hosted by chef-writer JJ Yulo, will be held for four consecutive Saturdays, for people to discover BGC’s most interesting dining places.

Tour 1 on July 26 focuses on the science of food. It features Artha Ting, biologist and “mind mover” from the Mind Museum. She will explain the principles behind all things tasty, making the mind and tummy full by the end of the tour.

Tour 2 on Aug. 2 tackles the aesthetics of food presentation, with tips from food photographer Mylene Chung. She will guide guests on how to shoot dishes that will stir the envy of

Instagram followers. Participants of this tour must bring their own camera or phone cameras.

Tour 3 on Aug. 9 will have beverage pairings featuring Enderun’s assistant dean of hospitality management, Bel Castro. She will share tips on how to enhance one’s dining experience and drink one’s way to a better meal. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

Tour 4 on Aug. 16 delves on healthy eating with Edgy Veggie café owner Denise Celdran, who will offer guests an array of nutritious food options.

Shop and eat

There are two ways to join the tour. First, simply shop at the following establishments: Bonifacio High Street; The Fort Entertainment Center; Crossroads; Bonifacio Stopover; One & Two Parkade; and The Mind Museum.

Every single-receipt purchase worth a minimum of P2,000 from these shops will have two free tickets for one tour. Purchase receipts should be from July 21 to Aug. 16.

Residents, workers or students in BGC are entitled to one free ticket upon presentation of proof of residence, employment or enrollment.

One can also buy tickets (P1,500 each) 15 minutes before the tour starts. Slots are subject to availability.

Tickets may be claimed at the BGC central concierge inside the C1 building. You can choose tour dates at the concierge.

Llamas said the tours start at 3 p.m. sharp and will take approximately three hours. Take-off point is at the Hop On Hop Off Bus Stop located on 9th Street, between Nike and Bo Concept. Each tour will have a maximum of 30 people.

The food tour is also a chance for people to see the current developments around BGC.

“The whole concept of BGC Eats is not only to explore the food scene, but for people to see BGC in a refreshing way,” said Llamas. “People may come here just to hang out, so we have activities for them to go around even if they haven’t done it yet.”

Some of the featured establishments this year include Gustare of Ginny de Guzman, which offers a range of savory and sweet treats such as calamansi sans rival, kisses meringue and canonigo; and Prost at the Fort Strip, which serves a variety of draft beer paired with Hungarian and Italian sausages, goulash, rosti and spatzle.

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