Historic birthday lunch at Dekada

For Momay's 10th birthday last summer (May 13), we treated him to a modest Filipino-style lunch at Dekada in Glorietta 3, Ayala Center.

Dekada prides itself with the tagline "Historic Filipino Cuisine".

Dekada is taken from the Spanish word "década" which means "decade", thus suggesting an ambiance of historicity in its menu. And true enough, the names on the food list comes as a mouthwatering reminder of Filipino History because they are a mixture of both familiar Filipino meals and historical names.

La Laguna salad. Because we're Lagunenses. =)

Pancít bihon guisado (with lechón caualì).

Lechón manóc (whole).

Palitáo (flat, sweet rice cakes made from malagquít rice) with muscovado sugar.

Buco halo-halo especial with condensed milk for dessert.

Saráp to the bones! (apologies to that other place).

We got Momay's birthday cupcake from nearby Vanilla Cupcake Bakery.

Customer service, at least on this branch, is fantastic! The smiles from the staff are genuine. Before we ordered our food, my wife asked permission if we could eat the birthday cupcake we bought from another establishment (Vanilla Cupcake Bakery) because it was for Momay's birthday. This would have been a problem for other establishments (we've already had our share of experience of it, that's why Yeyette had to ask permission), but not with Dekada. And while we were already enjoying their superb meal, the staff surprised us with a birthday gift: a chocolate ice cream for Momay! And they even sang a hearty "Happy Birthday" for him, bringing tears of joy to Yeyette who is easily moved to heartwarming deeds.

Happy birthday, Momay!

What do Momay and this friendly waiter have in common? Their first names are both José, and they both share the same birthdays! Happy birthday, Momay and José Balón!

Even the set up of the place is unmistakably Filipino. The decors piled up in various corners remind one of those old cluttered shelves in homely ancestral houses. The design of the tiled floor entrance is similar to those seen in a bahay na bató. Books, a vintage radio, old records, and other trinkets will make you feel as if you are eating in your own ancestral home. The cushioned seats are designed with familiar Filipino images such as old cameras and faces of patriots.

All in all, Momay's birthday lunch in Dekada cost us only ₱1,246. And the six of us were already stuffed!

❤L❤A❤F❤A❤M❤I❤L❤I❤A❤V❤I❤A❤J❤E❤R❤A❤

Our verdict:
Food: ★★★★★★★★★★
Ambiance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Customer service: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value for money: ★★★★★★★★★★

Dekada is located at the second level of Glorietta 3 in Ayala Center, Macati City. Special thanks to Manager Gerald de la Cruz and all the staff for making our brief stay there very enjoyable and memorable. For the complete photo album of Momay's 10th birthday, click here.