A new Old Manila rises

EVERY room should have an ambience, but a dining room or restaurant needs

an added dose of it. To create a mood that will heighten the eating experience,

space is interpreted along the lines of a theater set. Guests appreciate the effort

exerted in choosing the tablecloth, plates and silver, the dramatic centerpiece as

well as the solicitous service.

What is suitable décor for dining places varies.

By convention, red was considered a good background as it stimulated the

appetite. Portraits were supposed to be the right stuff to line the walls. Solid

colors were favored over pale ones, as they were believed to create a cordial

mood allowing diners to savor their food. Strong patterns were thought to

interfere with digestion.

But today, diners can eat surrounded by vivid patterns and still enjoy the food.

A sparsely decorated room can, in fact, make diners feel uneasy, like they were

in some consecrated space. Good tablecloths and seat covers cover the

ravages of time or other flaws, provided the fabrics are integrated with the

room and don’t give the perception of being an afterthought.

In a bid to widen its market, Peninsula’s Old Manila has transformed its

traditional style of décor into a more relaxed setting, reflecting the present

approach to entertaining. The fine dining scene in Manila is in a slump. It’s not

necessarily due to the economic situation. Trendy and casual restaurants are

giving the hotels a run for the money. Today, informality is a keynote in dining.

Although Old Manila is a still a favorite among connoisseurs, it had seen better

days. To enhance the dining experience, Old Manila has come up with

something more contemporary aside from the creative cuisine of the new Chef

de Cuisine Nicolas de Visch and the guidance of the new food and beverage

director Larry E. Cowle.

As part of its promotion, the Peninsula is collaborating with local artists. Art is

one way to change the environment. Impy Pilapil has been a loyal clientele and

a friend of the Pen. She frequently attends the cooking demonstrations. The

hotel invited her to display her works in the restaurant.

Old Manila chucked in its paintings depicting the 19th century images for

Pilapil’s scintillating artworks. The main mural is titled "Ocean," Pilapil’s favorite

subject. It is a glass relief fused with handblown glass pebbles and wavy

etchings.

The walls are filled with huge canvasses in splashes of vibrant colors, contrasted

with shapes in white, designed by Pilapil. There are unexpected decorative

touches such as a tree called "Sea Blossoms," made of handblown glass

pebbles and white marble and Pilapil’s curved glass sculpture, accented with

solid colors. Pilapil’s artistic trademarks dominate the menu design.

Lighting is very important especially with all the new artworks. Old Manila

installed picture lights so diners can appreciate the paintings. They also create a

romantic mood and provide restrained lighting.

Instead of buying new furniture, the chairs are covered with white canvas

imprinted with images of traditional and modern Filipinos. The tables are

covered in silk blend fabrics in tan and black edging. Even the dining

accessories have been modernized. The underplates and ashtrays are made of

stainless steel. Napkin rings are coils of mixed beads. Soon the hotel will

incorporate Pilapil’s glass plates.

All these are meant to highlight the new menu, which is lighter, fresher and a

fusion of Asian and European influences.