Gourmet’s Cafe – Manila

Before booking this venue THINK TWICE. If you want na ma-hassle then go ahead. People here are only nice before the event. If you already booked this venue REMEMBER to take photos of every corner yung kaya i-ZOOM IN even the slightest detail lalo na yung wall mural and wooden walls inside. Otherwise, they will charge damages for scratches that were not even proved to be caused by the decor. In fact, their wall panels have so many scratches prior the event. We had our event here last March 2024 and they didn’t gave back our deposit, because of the scratches daw on their wall mural which is dubious cause yung scratches were located at the lower left bottom ng mural (see photo, red circle) and yung arc design (see photo, green circle) sa issue just leaned on the door, so paano magkakaron ng scratches yung bottom left at hnd yung door? We asked for photos since nkalagay sa report they took photos IMMEDIATELY pero they didn’t provide. We even got the report with ZOOMED IN photos ng mismong scratches (which could have been taken days after) 4 working days after the event. We asked for time stamp na lang for when those photos were taken pero they didn’t provide. They have also forced our event contractor, take note yung batang staff ang kinausap which could be easily intimidated, to sign a document which we don’t have any knowledge, otherwise hindi nmin yun papayagan na i-sign. Why we have been left out samantalang kmi ang nka-sign sa contract or if not, they should at least went to the head coordinator and not just the staff. We have been in contact with Lily Rose Malagar asking for proofs cause we don’t have any issues paying for the damages if it is really ours, but she just said that they are waiting for the cost from their contractor. The dispute is not even settled and instead of solving the issue first, she’s much eager to contact their contractor and not us? September is almost over, more than 6 months after the event and we never heard from them. I think it’s not that hard to provide us with what we have requested.

Ramon Magsaysay Center is an architectural icon. Unfortunately, it needs few repairs especially the elevators. In the morning, there is a long line going up, and it's difficult to get a ride down in the afternoon. They have 2 new elevators now and are fixing one more. Their centralized AC are new so it's very cold inside the offices. Their events venue is one of my favorites in the area. It's very spacious and has high ceiling. No accredited suppliers, so you will not be limited. The open plaza is a nice congregation area before the event.

The building is very old but built to last. The amenities did not foresee the future since it no longer offers parking spaces for visitors and it has no plans to expand for that purpose. I can smell old-aged floor wax around the hallway. I can see dying lights on the ceilings, and some tough woodworks at the comfort room doors.

Nice place at a very reasonable price. But no alloted parking space you have to find one for yourself. Add more lights because the venue is a bit old and dark.

A service-oriented building in honor of Ramon Magsaysay. Be an awardee for selfless service for Asia!