RICO'S CAFE, NENA'S SANCTUARY, PHILIPPINES
Dining Experience, Nestled in Nature
GF + Terrace: 220 m2 / 2,370ft2
Interior Architecture (RIBA 1-4)
Identity by Collaboration Nation
A new chapter begins at Nena’s Sanctuary with the launch of Rico’s Café — a new dining venue tucked into a dense woodland slope by the edge of Sta. Elena’s Big Lake - dedicated to Rico Tantoco who began the beautiful Sta. Elena development over four decades ago. The restaurant is both a casual all-day experience, and a destination for special occasions; its menu celebrating the rich diversity of local culinary tradition, reimagined and refined through a soulful contemporary lens.
A natural palette of tanguile wood, amber glass and soft stone imbues the space with subtle warmth. A sheltered terrace wraps around the restaurant on three sides, with glass doors which fold back so the space flows seamlessly from inside to out. Subtle shifts in texture pay tribute to the site’s landscape and history. A stone-edged lawn shows the imprint of the guesthouse which once existed in this spot; a curved stair sweeps up to a first-floor terrace offering panoramic views across Sta. Elena; and to the west, a flight of stone steps reveals a secret lake-side terrace, to host more intimate events.
Jack Marion - Interior + exterior daytime shots
Paulo Alcazaren - Nightime shots + drone footage
Lighting: Nulty Lighting, London
Local Architects: Rchitects Inc, Manila
Bridal Suites: Moss Manila
Landscaping: PGAA Creative Design, Manila
Signage: Q Works, Manila