Antipolo was a favorite gimik place among our college buddies in the 1980s. Back then, Eagle’s Nest was an isolated hilltop where we’d park, drink beer and listen to music blaring from the car stereo. Now there are rows of restaurants and bars in the area, including one also named Eagle’s Nest.
Tipulo
But what brought us back to Antipolo recently was Tipulo—a restaurant inside the First Pacific Leadership Academy compound (formerly the Meralco Management and Leadership Development Center). Named after the tree from which Antipolo got its name, Tipulo has a rustic, laid-back appeal: fresh air blowing through its open, clubhouse-like setting; dining chairs designed with native touches; and a menu showcasing Filipino food.
Among its standout dishes: Ensaladang Bagnet with crunchy good lettuce and a sweet-salty dressing with just a hint of bagoong; Boneless Crispy Pata stuffed with lemongrass; perfectly fried Crispy Hito with Mango Cilantro Salad; and the piece de resistance—soft and chewy Beef Caldereta.
The energizing meal reaches a climactic finish with Cashew Mango Torte which is made by the restaurant’s own chefs.
The 150-seat Tipulo has set a three-night Valentine Special on Feb. 13-15 with a five-course meal and a live performance by conservatory-trained musicians. The events start at 6 p.m.
Tipulo, First Pacific Leadership Academy, Km. 27 Sumulong Highway, Antipolo; tel. 6963051 loc. 618
19 East
We never tire of going south to 19 East—a “bar and grill” in Sucat at the boundary of Parañaque and Muntinlupa that boasts a refreshing ambiance because it sits on a hill overlooking Laguna de Bay.
Its main room, called the music hall, holds nightly live gigs; it’s got one of the best sound systems in the city which naturally attracts the country’s best bands.
Outside the music hall is a garden with tables and chairs for those who like an alfresco setting; at one corner of the garden is a roofed area with billiard tables for those in the mood to play with friends.
Wowee Posadas, 19 East owner and musician, has constructed a view deck near the center of the garden. That’s the best spot to hang after watching a gig; the breeze coming from the lake feels so good, we are transported back to our carefree youth as the beer keeps coming.
19 East Bar and Grill, Km. 19 East Service Road Sucat, Muntinlupa City; tel. 8376903; find 19 East on Facebook for February gigs.
Pangaea in City of Dreams
Pangaea is a club in the newly opened City of Dreams Manila casino-hotel complex in Parañaque. It has a cosmopolitan vibe—the reception area has bookshelves full of real books; inside, more shelves on the walls contain vintage-looking travel suitcases; there are Caucasians among the wait and bar staff.
The records being played by DJ Marc Marasigan on opening night last Feb. 2 were gladly not EDM, at least while we were there between 10:30 p.m. till 1 a.m. It’s still dance music, but the kind that makes us groove without feeling like we have to take ecstasy to enjoy it.
We hope the DJs get adventurous enough to play all kinds of dance records.
Former Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger is flying to Manila to perform at City of Dreams’ other club, Chaos, on Feb. 14.
City of Dreams Manila, Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque; tel. 8008080; visit www.cityofdreams.com.ph
