After two successful runs, The Manyaman Table: A Summer Feast, hosted by Balé Pampanga, has undoubtedly grown into one of the season’s most anticipated dining events. This year’s overwhelming response proved exactly that.
Even before reservations officially opened, guests were already reaching out to owner William Panlilio to secure seats. The anticipation only intensified when the event was finally announced on social media, and all 50 seats got sold out within two hours, with many asking to be put on a waitlist.
Why Balé Pampanga’s Manyaman Table keeps selling out
“This is the third year that we are celebrating summer with the Manyáman party, but this year is different and special. Not only are we collaborating with new chefs who really have diverse styles and approaches to food, this summer celebration is now part of Balé’s ongoing collaboration platform called The Manyáman Table, a series of long-table gatherings that bring together chefs, creatives, DJs/musicians, and storytellers through the lens of Filipino food and hospitality,” says Panlilio. Before this, they had a collaboration with Tao Philippines.
The bait is hard to resist: 10 chefs plus Balé’s very own, are given stalls to serve their contemporary interpretation of a Filipino dish. Guests go around to get food then dine on a communal table lodged in the middle of a forest shaded by tall trees and regaled by live DJ music. Not only is it a great way to appreciate and acknowledge the talents of the invited chefs and our cuisine, but also a wonderful opportunity to meet people from different industries.
Why The Manyaman Table resonates with Filipino chefs and diners
“Going to Balé for the first time is truly an experience on its own,” says Mireia Dining’s Mark Dee, who joined the event for the first time. “I loved how the outdoor dining space doubles as a dance floor with a disco ball. I enjoyed that it was truly a sensory experience with lots of delicious food and drinks.”
Fellow chef Neil Dy of Seva, also a first-timer, had the same sentiment. “Coming together outside the four walls of our respective restaurants and seeing so many familiar faces felt like a breath of fresh air. It ended up being one of the most memorable industry gatherings we’ve been a part of. Having our own booth, serving the crowd, and cooking over wood fire right in the middle of the jungle made the whole experience feel incedibly special and different from our usual day-to-day. It had this rare balance of chaos, creativity and community that reminded us why we love doing this in the first place. We’d absolutely do it again.”
Meanwhile, Tina Legarda of Bamba Bistro and Kumba, has long settled into her groove, having participated in the event since year one. “This may sound corny but it’s really starting to feel like home to me,” she says, “Cooking there has become such a good and healthy breather from the city. I always go back home refreshed.”
Here’s what the guests indulged in during the Sunday lunch feast:
Balé Pampanga
Ann Pansinsoy (Studio Baryotic)
Angelo Comsti (Offbeat Bistro)
Mark Dee (Mireia)
Kennedy Alfonso (Tartufo Ristorante, Bueno Tapas and Wine)
Anton Miranda (Old Boy Bakery)
Pat Go (Your Local, Lazy Suzy)
Tina Legarda (Bamba Bistro, Kumba)
Neil Dy (Seva)
Rhea Rizzo (Mrs. Saldo’s, Little Miss Saldo’s)
Jen Gerodias (Casa Luisa, Cariñosa)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Manyaman Table is a communal dining event hosted by Balé Pampanga featuring Filipino chefs, creatives, music, and contemporary Filipino cuisine.
The event is held at Balé Pampanga in Sta. Rita, Pampanga.
Guests are drawn to its unique mix of outdoor dining, Filipino food innovation, live music, and collaborative atmosphere.
Featured chefs and personalities included Tina Legarda, Rhea Rizzo, Mark Dee, Angelo Comsti, Anton Miranda, Pat Go, Neil Dy, and more.
Chefs serve contemporary interpretations of Filipino dishes through individual food stalls and collaborative dining experiences.
