Officially, it’s that time of the year again when ever-present Christmas decorations are all over the office and the uptick in events on our calendar includes partiesβin addition to lengthy meetings and discussions. And as the “holiday party season” reaches its zenith from the first weekend of December, we all fear the wrath of the gaining extra calories, with more food on the table than usual. If you don’t want to see food, close this window right now. Else, come over to the dark side 
, and have fun while it lasts.
Following corporate tradition, the newbies in the IT division of our company have put together a Christmas feast for everyone. Last year, I was one of them and we gathered in CaiXa Resto and Bar. This time, we had it in Bagaberde 101, another ideal venue for events, functions, special occasions and celebrations.
The theme, though not necessarily evident, was about Bangon Pilipinas in honor of the victims of supertyphoon Yolanda. We donated a lot of money to contribute to charity but still spared some budget for ourselves to enjoy for the night (date: December 6, 2013). Games, jokes, raffle draws, talent presentations, food and the booze did wonder to our brain cells and kept us all satisfied. π
Review of Bagaberde 101 Grill and Bar (Pasay City)
Ambiance: β β β β β
The place can accommodate 200 to 400 people, with over 50 tables around the entire dining area. Two bars are placed at the opposite sides across the main dining hall. Rest rooms are conveniently located beside the stage in front. Interior design and fixtures were without frills; lights extending from the high ceiling provided excellent illumination that was enough to see by.
The live band played good songs and we were much entertained before the real program hosted by our very own teammates commenced.
Service: β β β β β
There was a good ratio of party attendants and servers, and while requests kept pouring in, staff came as congenial and friendly. Some even volunteered to take us pictures and posed to have their photos taken as well. π I was most glad to consider their “helpful action” when food in the buffet table got replenished and served very quickly after each variant was depleted.
Food: β β β ββ
The party organizers chose the food for us. Filling up our “stomach real estate” were the following dishes:
Vegetable Spring Roll with Vinegar
Lemongrass Chicken
Fish Fillet with Aioli Sauce (garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and egg yolks)
Grilled Liempo
The food quality was overall okayβsomewhere in between yay and nayβyet not as impressive as that one putting all grills and/or friers to shame. The fish fillet and vegetable spring rolls lacked crisp; and the chicken lacked flavor, herbs and aromatics. I’m sorry I couldn’t report anything for the liempo affair. My eyes lit up because of hunger and not because of having a “feel-good” awe for the batch.
For drinks, we could order anything from the bars though with an added “pay as you order” fee.
Included in the buffet package were these options: mango juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, iced tea, soft drinks and San Miguel beer (light). I tasted the iced tea and pineapple juice. Both were too sweet and I regret ordering sugary drinks instead of plain water. π
Price for Value: β β β ββ
Just like last year, the fee per person depends on the position. (Again, I paid PHp 1000.)
For the purpose of rating the food prices for their value, I thought it’s fair to base judgment on the content on the menu. Pulutan (Fries, Calamares, Buffalo Wings, Gambas) prices average at around PHp 250; Sisig delights, PHp 225; Grilled Meat/Seafood, PHp 195-275; Sandwiches, PHp 150; Pancit and Pastas, PHp 260; Fruit Shakes, PHp 105; and Local Beers, PHp 75. Looking reasonable? Head out to Bagaberde 101 Grill and Bar yourself to find out. π
Operating hours: Tue – Sat: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Been to Bagaberde only once. The experience was awesome because I got to watch and meet Nina. The food was okay though, but that was 2008 pa.
That was a long time ago pala. Hey, you know what? I thought Bagaberde has just opened like this year. Haha this shows that I am unaware of my surroundings.. shame is on me (I’m just working near its vicinity)! π
a good venue for corporate Christmas party π or even for big parties with friends.
Yes. They have artists and DJs nightly from Wednesdays to Saturdays and ballrooms every Tuesday.
I love the live bands and Lemongrass Chicken!. I think this is good for the family.
Haha yeah if your family is hip and modern, this is an ideal place to hang out. π
i actually like the food in Bagaberde.. It’s just that its a bit out of the way.
Oh. They offer typical “pulutan” food but really edible ones.
The food looks fine. I want some lemongrass chicken and liempo.
The light scent of lemongrass on the chicken is tempered only briefly, so it takes a few bites for it to build up, before suddenly punching you in the face with flavor.
Haven’t been to Bagaberde but this looks like the perfect meeting place for friends this Christmas.
The area is huge so there’s plenty of room for you and your friends. From what I remember, there’s also an al fresco setting outside.
I should visit the place with friends before Christmas then.
Haven’t been here but based on your photos and review, it’s a nice place to have parties like corp parties or even personal events π Mura din yung food nila ah.
Hehe yup medyo mura compared to typical bars that have live bands din. Most people patronize the drinks here as well so if you feel like you want to have some fun, this is a good and cheaper alternative to high-end restobars around.
The place seems okay naman and the foods, quite impressive. But sorry my dear gone are the days that I frequented bar places.. π
Haha ok lang yan, Papa Leng. Ako nga I don’t frequent bar places even in my youth. π
The place looks great especially if you’re into music and want to have some food and beer to accompany the night. It’s even better if you’re with friends and family! π
Yeah. I bet marami ring ganitong places in Davao. When we went there, we saw super sikat yung Jack’s Ridge, right? Generally it’s known as a place to hang out and enjoy the cityscape at night. π
I really love the way you make your review. And based on the pictures I saw here, it really captures what you want to imply to your readers. Your photo looks even more detailed.
Thanks, Pal Raine! π I am really glad that you appreciate my photos now that I’m shooting using my DSLR. π Newbie pa lang hihi.
never heard of the place and it looks so interesting.. their prices are really affordable.. π
Yeah. When you go to MOA compound or at the World Trade Center, you will surely notice the big sign “BAGABERDE” outside. It’s in green! π
I heard about this place already but haven’t tried it yet. Great review though! π
Thanks, Erin. Bagaberde is pretty famous; for foodies, it’s like a world and a “league on its own.” π
Sarap ng food! I would be willing to forget that the doctor put me on diet for the rest of my pregnancy if those foods were put in front of me haha
You wouldn’t want to overeat; just eat enough and you can still have these food. π
The ambiance looks great but with their food I agree with your ratings based on what they have served.
Well, they have plenty more options. Maybe next time I’ll try the grilled seafood and sandwiches for a light but satisfying meal.
Nakapunta na ako dito sa Bagaberde 101 grill and bar!, yeah I agree, their chicken lacked flavor hehe may kulang eh. :))
I think their recipe would be more fantastic if they add caramel and fresh turmeric. The combination of the two herbs will give the dish an improved taste.
Up until now, we are unaware if we’re going to have a Christmas party. Haha. π
Bagaberde seems to be an “okay” place to hold events. Maybe they should work a little more on foods nalang. π
In our team internally we also are not sure. Probably we’ll have it in Vikings a week before Christmas. π
this is a nice review of the place.am actually looking for one to hang out this weekend:) something new with live bands!
Thanks, Carol. After hanging out at Bagaberde, you may pamper yourself to a nice spa session at Wensha. π
Feeling comfortable in this kind of food circuit, especially their splendid service in serving foods to their customers and their ever ready βhelpful actionβ.
Yup and because of that, I would love to visit again on a weeknight with family next time ’round.
Looks like a cool place to hang out with friends
Yes, it sure is. Great music, good vibes, good times. π