MMLDC’s Areva Pavillion

We had passed by the MMLDC compound along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo hundreds of times, literally, but never ventured inside. We had been told that they had a restaurant that was open to the public but, for one reason or another, we never went. Perhaps, because the gate looked too imposing. Prohibiting, actually. Like it was telling everyone to keep out rather than come in. Well, we finally went there recently and we had a very, very pleasant surprise.

No stupid security check at the gate. The guard will ask your name and where you want to go and that’s it. Security check is unnecessary, actually, since there’s no other way out but through the same gate. So, anyway, we told the guard we wanted to inquire about the facilities and we were allowed in. After parking the car, we went straight to a huge pavillion designed like it was sitting on the beachfront (overlooking the swimming pools) rather than high up on the hills. We asked for the menu and chose our orders.

What can I say? The food, the drinks… everything was great! Best of all, the service was superb. The waiters were polite and thoughtful without being intrusive. The setting was perfect. Foliage all around, natural ventillation and the kind of peaceful calm that one craves for every so often. The price was friendly too. PhP 600.00+ pesos for two clubhouse sandwiches, two pasta dishes, a can of soda and three fresh fruit juices.

After the wonderful meal, we asked for directions to the butterfly house which, we were told, was an attraction of MMLDC. Turned out there were no butterflies. However, there was an aviary. We opted to walk instead of taking the car–it wasn’t that far and the view was just lovely. Huge mango trees with branches heavy with fruit. The ripe mangoes were literally falling to the ground (watch out, slippery!). We went camera crazy when we got to the aviary. Colorful tropical birds everywhere! Macaws, cuckatoos, peacocks, parakeets, pigeons I had never seen before, toucans… You will have to visit my new photo blog to see the photos. Just click here.

View photos of the wonderful food we enjoyed at MMLDC’s Areva Pavilion.