Once again, I was invited by GMA News TV’s Pop Talk to guest as a food reviewer. What a privilege! The whole day was dedicated to jumping from one restaurant to another and celebrate the goodness of food in our country. Just imagine the food cargo we had to carry in our bellies, non-stop eating. With me was celebrity Natalia Moon, chef James Bicaldo and the energetic host Tonipet Gaba.

Our objective was to evaluate all 3 restaurants with its respective themes based on the following categories – Food, Place and Price (value for money).

54 Maginhawa St., cor Mahusay, UP Village, MM, Philippines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CafferaPh

Caffera, a hidden camera-themed cafe in UP Teachers Village, is owned by graduating business students from University of Sto. Tomas. Space was maximized in the studio-sized cafe. Wall art, lights, decors, coffee mugs and other items revolve around its said theme, all cameras everywhere.

99% of its menu stick with the sweets. Savory plates are still not part of the picture, which I think is lacking in the cafe as of today. Despite that, a number of hot and cold coffee selections could satisfy a thirsty man.

I’ve been framed – literally!

Natalia impressed me with her filipino literacy. For only 2 years, this Aussie learned our language fast!

Brave students of UST took the risk of opening a cafe. Good job guys! 🙂

57 Dragon St., Midtown Subd., San Roque, Marikina City, MM, Philippines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caffepiansa

Caffe Piansa, jail-inspired restaurant, became the highlight of our food adventure because of its unique theme. Naive to the idea of being in a courtroom and entering a jail, I had mixed emotions in this restaurant. It felt real! As you enter, you could get your mugshots, sit at tables situated inside jail room or by the courtroom.

If you watched our Pop Talk episode, then you saw how the place could be close to reality.

Menu is composed of comfort fusion dishes. We were able to try their pizza, pasta, Spanish rice meals and a few more items that’s the total opposite of jail food.

The gang couldn’t stop observing all sides of the jail-themed restaurant. Just a few inches away, Caffe Piansa’s ambiance can already be the extended jail of Marikina.

65 Mariveles St. cor Sultan, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, MM, Philippines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tobeys-Games-Cafe-Manila/380470332031625

Gamers, this is your spot!

Forget your gadgets and put your Clash of Clans to sleep for a moment when you’re in Tobey’s Game Cafe. Take your friends with you in this cafe as you discover new board games like Cards Against Humanity or maybe play the classic Snakes & Ladders you know.

Of course, there is food to accompany you while getting “board” with the games.

Tobey’s Game Cafe may not be the best place to eat but it is a place to have fun, socialize face to face and interact with your friends.

Have you visited any of the restaurants we reviewed on Pop Talk?

Share with me your thoughts! 🙂

Cheers,