Located near the Municipal Hall of Muntinlupa City, this cafe was born out of a near year of feasibility study and desire to have a place where people can enjoy good coffee and food. November of 2013, Initially their doors were opened to see the reaction of the people in the area. By December of the same year, it was officially opened to the consuming market of the South. Qaldi is now born.
How to get there?
For those in the south of the metro, this cafe is located across agro Homes / Puregold-Agro in Muntinlupa City. Just a few steps away from Max's restaurant. Situated inside a compound like business area, neither close nor far from the national road. If coming from Alabang, commuting, take the jeep going to Muntinlupa / or Pacita / Imus (as long as it is going to make use of the national road and not the expressway). After Soldier's Hill, you will see Puregold agro on the right side. Alight and cross to the other side. Walk Towards the said business compound area. Qaldi is the next establishment after the small bank branch and just near Max's Restaurant. If coming from Laguna (San Pedro City - the first city of Laguna), take the jeeps going to Makati or Alabang. After the municipal hall, make sure to look at your right so that you Max will not miss the restaurant. Puregold Agro You have also to use as your landmark. If you get to reach Soldier's Hill, you have missed the mark and need to walk back. It is a short walk, so you do not have to worry of the distance. If you are coming from the north using the expressway, make sure that you take the Susana Heights exit, and use the direction Stated above (the one coming from Laguna). I n other words, you will not get lost if you follow the directions.
The facade
Coming from the national road, you do not get to see the place immediately. You see the signage by the NR telling you that it is within the area. You will notice a gate and an al fresco area too. Go to the al fresco spot. Now you are facing Qaldi . The first thing you would see are the rows of low back benches, equipped with futons and matching tables. A triangle stand bearing an image of the interior serves as a welcome sign. Fitted with glass wall, you get to see the interior immediately. The first set of glass walls bear some hangings showing what this restaurant has to offer; giving the first timers an idea of what is in store for them. There is also a set of high chairs that can be used by customers, giving them a view of the activity inside the establishments. The chairs, tables and futons are in black giving it a good contrast to the colors Within.
The al fresco area is capable of sitting 23 people comfortably. During the day, and I would be true to this, this spot is for the sun-lovers. During the late afternoon and that would be around 4 or 5pm, you could now enjoy the place without the heat of the sun.
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| The entrance |
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| Al fresco area |
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| High-chairs |
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| Menu 3 |
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| Menu 1 |
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| Menu 2 |
Designed and managed by Joon Tianzon, a graphic designer by profession initials now a restaurateur, this place bears clean lines in terms of structure. The wall is colored in light yellow, something Between sunshine and egg yolk yellow. With strategically placed lights, not to mention the central chandelier that also serves as a focal point When you enter the place, this place GIVES you a relaxed but dynamic feeling. Qaldi is a two-level establishment set to cater those who would like to do business in a relaxed atmosphere and those who simply wants to unwind, chill and enjoy a drink or meal. The first level is open to all; diners and those who would like to do some work using THEIR gadgets can enjoy the relaxed but dynamic atmosphere of the place. The second level is split into two. The one at the left is for the planned cyber cafe that career minded individuals can use. Right now it serves as a seminar room capable of housing 15 people or so. The one on the right are two small meeting rooms capable of housing 3-4 people. When combined, it could also serve as a meeting room to a group of no more than 10. With enough power outlets, you can bring your tools and make a presentation for your intended target.
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| Lower level |
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| Interior |
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| The 1st thing to see |
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| A view of the 2nd level from the main entrance |
On two corners, it is fitted with a round table and a circular sofa to match, giving the impression of an intimate space. Capable of sitting 6 people comfortably but in reality it can sit up to 8. Long tables are placed for groups (6-8) and some space for small groups (2-3 people). Upon entry, what you would see is a long table and couch, capable of sitting 12 people. barkadas For, this spot is for you.
What I love is the central mirror. So Victorian! The vain in me speaking.
The other side of the dining area is the busiest part of the whole establishment; the bar / counter and pastry display area. Equipped with an LED screen that plays images of the what the restaurant has to offer. Images are clear and it present the offerings in an enticing way. Normally the display is pastry filled with what is available for the day. If you get to be observant , you get to see how your drinks, both hot and cold, are PREPARED; similar to that of known coffee and / or fruit drink shops in the market.
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| The counter area |
The people
Mr. Joon Tianzon is quite new in the F & B industry. He was a graphic designer and worked abroad are first priority led him to His present work partners. Teamed with individuals who are keen in business, he was able to present to them the concept of a cyber cafe and coffee bar in one. Presently, he is learning the ropes of managing a business in the F & B field and is showing promise of making this cafe a big hit in the city that it is located.
The staff is cordial and pleasant to look at. Same with the managers, most of them are new in the industry. Most of them are trained by the vocational's leading institutions in the Philippines are priority is TESDA, they all show promise and commitment to THEIR task. The only thing that needs to be done, like stone or any rough diamond, They need to be polished to perfection. How to do that? Good leadership, daily experience and openness to feedback. They are attentive to the need at times but on moments of quite times then faced with a sudden crowd, They are like diesel; needs to be heated first to be active and attentive again.
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| Mr. Joon Tianzon (extreme right) with business partners |
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| During normal activity the day |
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| The staff |
Thoughts to ponder
To make it big in the F & B industry, one needs to take in a lot of factors in consideration. The target market, the staff, the management and a clear goal from all parties involved. This is also a collaboration. A collaboration Within and outside of the whole team forming this establishment. Presently, they all need to be ready for what is there in the market. The lean and peak season and time. The ever changing and dynamic Consuming public and the most important thing of it all is They wish the image that have to give and with the public. As mentioned, the place and people shows promise. It is up to them to make it into a reality that people can see, feel and enjoy in the years to come.
(Part II: The Food)
Truly enjoyed my first visit at Qaldi several weeks back with friends. The shop has a very warm and friendly ambiance that would make the client look forward to being there often. Keep it up, Qaldi!!!
TumugonBurahin