My city on a plate: Victor Basa


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Follwing the pop-up bars of Fabio Ide and Frank Magalona is Victor Basa with a pop-up he likes to call the Explorers Social Club.

Happening on Tue, Aug 25, Victor, along with Coco Quizon, Julius Valledor, and Slick Rick has envisioned Quantum Cafe in Makati to look like an underground bar from the ‘70s. The pop-up will celebrate whiskey as the quintessential drink, and will have art and music as its main theme.

With a pop-up called ‘Explorers Social Club’, we had to ask Victor to take us around his ‘hood and explore the many dining options there. “I’ve been living in Ortigas my whole life. It’s a great place,” he begins.

Victor’s answers were typical of an Axe Black man: understated, relaxed and very comfortable. Read more about his city!

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR LOCALE: It’s right in the middle [of Metro Manila]. You can get to either Makati or Quezon City with no problem at all. It also has a great selection of restaurants that are less than five minutes aways.

BRUNCH: Sentro 1771 (Capitol Commons, Camino Verde Road, Pasig. +63 2 9418277. 7am-10pm) is a really great brunch place — restaurant in general. It’s flooded with light and has a wonderful ambiance. Its Dried Beef Sirlion Tapa (PHP350) really hits the spot!

LUNCH: Gostoso Piri-Piri (51B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig. +63 2 4777330. 11am-10pm) is a great place to have portguese chicken. The sauces are out of this world! The servings are pretty hefty too. It’s always fresh and has a clean taste that doesn’t make you feel too guilty about pigging out.

DINNER: When I have guests to take out for dinner, I like Korean BBQ because it isn’t so formal. I’ll take them to Ye Dang (88 Meralco Avenue, Pasig. +63 2 6361461.10:30am-11pm) along Meralco Avenue. It’s great for breaking the ice and having a few laughs while cooking for yourself on a tabletop.

DRINK: I drink liquor or the taste so for a good selection of Single Malt and good music, I drop by Borough (G/F Podium Mall, ADB Avenue, Pasig. +63 2 5708906. 24/7). If I want a little bit more rowdiness, I go to Tipsy Pig at Capitol Commons (Capitol Commons, Camino Road, Pasig. +63 2 5704620. 11am-4am).

The Explorers Social Club is happening on Tue, Aug 25 at 8pm. Quantum, 9590 Kamagong cor Bagkitan Streets, Makati. +63 2 5190757. Click here for exclusive invites. 

Photos of establishments from their respective Facebook pages.




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