Why Ramboy's Lechonan and Restaurant Lost a Customer...

Don't get me wrong. The food remains of top quality. The waiters and servers were nice and happy to be of service. They always served us with a smile... 

Yet, there will always be that employee whose soft skills is--to say the least--missing in action. Frankly, some people in the food industry will always require extensive people-skills training.

Lack of Extended Courtesty CAN Ruin a Good Meal Experience 

That's why I will never eat a Ramboy's Riverside Boardwalk again. Honestly, it shouldn't be a big deal. After all, my overall eating experience was nothing short of satisfactory. Still, I can't get it through my head that Mary Grace not only lied to me, but she just stole away the lingering taste of what should have been a good, memorable meal with my mom. 

Got tired of adding the embedded map. Here's a picture instead.

My mom offered to pay for dinner. She had two five hundred peso bills. I told her we'd split the bill instead (hoping to pay for the entire meal with my credit card). Still, she reasoned out that we needed the change for taxi fare. So, to accommodate her request, I asked the waiter if they could replace our 500 peso bill with 100 peso bills. He went back to the cashier and relayed our request. 

A few seconds later, he came back apologizing, saying, "Ma'am, sorry. Wala." So, I told him, "So, kung mabayad kami sang 1000, wala kamo change?" (So, if we pay you with 1000, you won't have change for it?") With a smile, he went back to her and made a second attempt to Ms. Grace who acted mataray (I think the correct English term that fit that same description would be "bitchy"). Annoyed that she was asked a second time (apparent through her hand gestures and an unforgettable frown on her face), she answered, "Wala gani." 

In short, she would never allow this request. We paid in cash, by the way. And we got the exact change. No hundreds went missing in the making of this post.

Meal for two. Two main dishes, one fried rice, one leche flan, a can of Mountain Dew and a can of Del Monte's pineapple juice. Price is steep. Affordable nonetheless.

I'm not sure if it's the sight of her being annoyed by such request (We were seated near the cashier, and I saw how the entire conversation between them transpired.) or the way she told the guy "wala" in a high-pitched, irritated tone or the way she lied (saying "wala" which means "none" rather than "indi pwede" which means "we can't"), but this really struck a nerve.

Rather than make a scene, I just asked for a name. When he returned with her first name, I asked him if she didn't have a surname. He went back to her again, and she finally peered through the glass display to where we were. I gladly smiled. She wrote it down and passed the piece of paper to him.

Miss Mary Grace Arcenio, smile! You're now Google-searchable.

A good restaurant meal always comes along with two things: good food and good service. If one is lacking, then the experience isn't worth revisiting. 

No matter how great Ramboy's ox tongue, fried rice, and kinilaw na tanguige was, it's a shame that I would never come back to their Boardwalk branch. 

Ramboy's is located at the Riverside Boardwalk,

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Starbucks Coffee Southpoint, SM City Iloilo Review

I know, I'm the worst person for judging Starbucks Southpoint in SM City Iloilo. But this is still the worst Philippines Starbucks branch ever.

This is what "Dagdagan ng extra whip cream sa taas." means. Starbucks Southpoint will charge you an extra 20 php for something that's normally given for free.

If you've gone to other branches, particularly the ones in Ateneo, Marquinton, Eastwood, or even Gateway, you'd definitely understand what I mean.

Perhaps the top picture wasn't as clear on the amount of whip that their frappes could normally have. This is how Starbucks Frappe is served in Starbucks Marquinton in Blue Wave Marikina.

Even the fucking Starbucks Drive Through understands what "Dagdagan mo ng whip sa taas, ha!" means.

Just in case, someone decides to ask for proof that Starbucks Marquinton did not charge me additional for "Extra Whip on Top".

Sometimes, I can't help but question the Southpoint's staff's exposure in this kind of environment and quality service.

White Mocha, Dark Mocha, Choco Cream Chip, and Java Chip

If anybody's wondering why I'm not comparing Starbucks to local cafes, it's because Starbucks is known worldwide for consistent quality and excellent customer service. If people won't start demanding what is rightfully expected from a branch, that branch will end up with substandard performance and a crew that will continue to believe that their worst is good enough.

Starbucks Philippines

bad Starbucks experience

Starbucks coffee

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Bluejay Coffee: One of Iloilo's Dining Treasures

Bluejay is another Ilonggo-owned cafe that's withstood the test of time.

Who doesn't enjoy a good cup of coffee? Drinking coffee is one of the things Filipinos have grown to love. From the oldest tatang to the youngest estudyante.

Bluejay Coffee has many branches, but this one is the branch situated within the Smallville Complex.

Coffee-based concoctions have now been a staple for social gatherings, friendly chitchats, studying hyperdrives, and even first time dates.

Presentation-wise, Midnight Chocolate Cake stood out from the pastry crowd. It was a little too moist though, perhaps after having been refrigerated for awhile.

Back when Bluejay first opened, I wasn't a big fan, especially with the cost of their drinks. Now, however, I just can't get enough of their hot chocolate.

Now, this is a feel-good hot chocolate drink!

Throughout the years, it seems that Bluejay Coffee and Deli has strove to win the masses by adding value meals, cakes and sweet treats into their menu. They sure are doing it right, particularly in the price department.

For 88 php. this Chicken ala King pasta comes with an orange juice drink.

While I've always been a fan of Coffeebreak, it just breaks my heart that the quality and quantity of their drinks have dwindled in the past decade.

Same value for a different kind of pasta, this Baked Penne is also available with a 12 oz juice.

My favorite Bluejay place is in Ayala Technohub at Glicerio Pison Ave., Diversion Rd., Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

You may contact them via the telephone number 333-3961 or the email blue_jaycoffee@yahoo.com

The Ultimate Cheese Sandwich

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DoVa Brunch Cafe: Iloilo's Dining Treasure

Don't let the word cafe stop you from entering DoVa Brunch Cafe. It's a restaurant and brunch cafe that offers good food and great atmosphere. Some of their best-sellers include the Cornflake Friend Chicken & Waffle, pretty much anything with their scrumptious waffle, and deep-fried Cheese Ball appetizers.

DoVa Brunch Cafe entrance. The waiter was nice enough to take the picture for me.

Dova is often full during meal times. In fact, I suggest calling them for a reservation if you really want to eat there exactly at lunch or dinner time. Better yet, you might as well enjoy an early or late lunch.

True to their Ilonggo hospitality, Dova's servers remind me of the best Outback and Alfredo Steakhouse waiters. They're attentive, nice, and eager to please. You'd probably feel guilty for not leaving them a tip. 

Hummus Plate for 195 php. I personally do not like this Greek concoction. I'm more of a waffles kind of person.

Prices at Dova are at the higher end of what Ilonggo restaurants normally charge. Although affordable, don't expect to pay for a JD or Hungry Ninja meal. We ordered a Hummus Plate appetizer, two full entrees consisting of a Beef Brisket plate and a Bacon and Sausage Waffle meal, and two drinks. All in all, our total damage amounted to 970 php.  

Now, this is what you call an all-American meal with salty and spicy sausage, crispy bacon and overflowing maple syrup on top of a buttered waffle. Bacon and Sausage with Waffle for 240 php.

Is Dova's food that good? Yes. In a span of one week, I've gone their twice to satiate my palate and experience that Afrique's vibe in another setting. Try their Grape smoothie, it reminds me of my Cibo days.

Tiny Tidbit: You're probably wondering where the name came from. According to Panay News, Dova is the last two syllables of the name of the Chef and owner of the place itself, Chef Miguel Cordova.

The most expensive entree in our order, Beef Brisket with Black Rice. The meat was tender while the gravy and black rice was quite tasty. What I didn't like about this 350 php selection is the amount of fat on the beef. Maybe I could request a fat-trimmed one next time.

Dova is located at  Huervana Extension Street, LaPaz, Iloilo City. It's across the tennis court within the LaPaz Plaza. They're open from 9 am to 9 pm.

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Eleos at Molo: One of Iloilo's Dining Treasures

I came across this tiny resto by accident. Because of the Greek symbol used on its name, we had to ask their server how the name was pronounced.

Pass the giant Far Eastern Hardware Depot is a tiny, cozy resto with three tree stump tables within its glass entrance. The second floor was being renovated for the increasing number of customers they cater to, particularly on weekends and special couple holidays.

Eleos' Cakes and Pastries Indoor Front

Upon entering, Eleos gives us a homely vibe that's only found in Ilonggo-owned restaurants and cafes.

This table is located at the entrance.

Since the place was practically empty on a school night, we had the staff to ourselves. I asked for her to explain the menu since I wanted to taste the best they had to offer, and she summed it up pretty well. Our server was courteous and energetic at the same time.

Greek-themed menu paired with tree stump tables.

Their menus were Greek-themed with budget-friendly meals that had the god names appended to it. e.g. Zeus Delight, Poseidon Adventure.

Zeus Delight is a plate consisting of Eleos' Pasta Deliciosa (I picked their sweet Tuna Caserole), Spare Ribs (a little too fatty for my preference) and Garlic Bread.

So, it's no five-star resto. I'm sure some people will still prefer JD Roadhouse or even Manila's Banapple over it. Still, if you're the type who loves romantic ambiances and budget-friendly menu prices, Eleos is a place to add in your restos-to-visit.

If I remember correctly, Poseidon Adventure has their best-selling Beef Stroganoff. I totally forgot what this particular meal was paired with. It probably has something to do with tomato sauce. Both meals cost 169 php each.

Tiny Tidbit: After teaching us the correct pronunciation, they also shared the meaning of Eleos. The Greek word's English translation is Mercy, which is also the first name of the owner.

This Chocoholic Dream Cake cost 45 php. Not bad for its heavenly taste. It's moist, tasty, and best of all, just with the right amount of sweetness.

Eleos is located at 414 Avanceña Street, Molo, Iloilo City.

Will I dine at Eleos again? Hell, yes!

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8 Places to Enjoy in Iloilo

Say you're on a business trip to Iloilo, or maybe you're just there for a quick vacation. Are you browsing the web for ways to enjoy your Iloilo vacation? Do you want to see some of Iloilo's tourist spots?

Here are just some of the places to visit when travelling to Iloilo.

"I am Iloilo" sign in the Iloilo Esplanade

Just so we're clear, there are a lot of great places to visit in Iloilo, especially now that Iloilo is preparing for the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC) Summit.

1. Iloilo Esplanade

Iloilo Esplanade Entrance Sign

Post Script:

This 1.2 kilometer esplanade celebrates Iloilo citizens' love for their river. It provides a functional, as well as beautiful venue that accommodates varied leisure activities open for all to use and appreciate. It also brings everyone closer to the water's edge, reconnects people back to nature and increases awareness of the environmental balance necessary for the city to sustain those who live within its borders.

A closer look at the newly paved pathway inside the esplanade.

The Iloilo Esplanade was created alongside the Iloilo River. It's a known shortcut from the highway to Molo. It's also a safer walking route to the Boardwalk which leads the path to Smallville, Iloilo's nightlife central.

Iloilo Esplanade's Beauty at Night

The Iloilo Esplanade is a great place for joggers and exercise buffs. At one end of the Esplanade (the one near  Zyron's), group exercise programs like Taebo and Zumba are being held on a daily basis.

The path to Molo and the entrance of the Riverside Boardwalk

2. JD at Huervana St., La Paz

Whenever someone mentions JD, they often refer to the famous JD Roadhouse. Unfortunately, their food quality has begun to decline. The last time I ate there, I was so disappointed with the Palabok (too little sauce) and their famous Baked Mac (too dry).

This JD Bakeshop is located in Huervana St., La Paz, Iloilo City

Then, I was able to eat breakfast at JD La Paz. Boy was my disheartening experience erased.

I just love eating at the place early in the morning. It's virtually empty.

For me, the best JD (in terms of food preparation) is located in La Paz, in front of the La Paz public market, along Huervana Street.

At the top portion of a picture is their new sandwich. I love it. It's way better than their JD Clubhouse Sandwich.

3. Plazuela de Iloilo

Sorry for the sucky picture. Hahaha. I took this shot with a Samsung Galaxy Y.

I've been gone for such a long time that last June, when I visited Plazuela, I was so amazed by the new additions in the place. There were enlarged colorful flower fixtures accompanied by bees and butterflies.

4. Teds at Iloilo

Teds is just Teds. It's famous for its batchoy. I personally don't like eating batchoy, but I'm sure the adventurous palate would beg to differ.

5. Sharetea in Smallville

Okay, so it's not all about local restos. I know Sharetea isn't from the Philippines, but I'd be damned if I don't include them in this list. I would rather drink in Sharetea than in Iloilo's damned Starbucks anytime.

Sharetea is located inside the Smallville Complex. My favorite drink is the Ice Blended Cocoa with Ice Cream. 

Yes, bitter ako because we've had multiple undesirable experiences with them, ranging from a Frappuccino with too much sugar to an over-charged "dagdagan mo ng cream" request.

Ooops! Sorry, wrong tea. Although, my usual Sharetea order does remind me of my favorite Chatime Mousse drink. Mmm...Chocolate...

And besides, at least Sharetea was not responsible for mass food poisoning Iloilo citizens, Dakasi is.

6. Roberto's

Of course, there are other places worth mentioning. This restaurant is particularly amazing as the owners don't allow franchising.

Roberto's is relatively small compared to the massive number of customers that buy their burgers, siopaos, meatballs, shanghais, and fried rice on a daily basis.

Roberto's with their amazing Lumpia Shanghai and Queen Siopao. 

7. Coffee Break

Coffee Break because it's a local cafe

This last picture was taken YEARS ago. I just love Coffee Break's Baked Mac and Tuna Casserole.

As for their Frappes? Let's just say that it has been a struggle for them to maintain their old standard in coffee drink quality, especially when it comes blended iced beverages or frappes.

8. Love & Kisses Pizza Pies

Love and Kisses is a late addition because I've completely forgotten about it. I do have two sucky pictures of my favorite pizza choices.

Love & Kisses is the only pizza place that lets you order Seduction.

Love and Kisses has always been one of my favorite pizza place ever since time immortal. To be more prices, that's two decades ago.  I have enjoyed Love & Kisses' pizzas even back when their tiny pizzeria was located in narrow street within Iloilo Central Market.

And if all else fails, there's always Fantasy, right?

Sure, they're no Afrique's. Then again, Love & Kisses creates a nostalgic atmosphere that Ilonggos have learned to enjoy throughout the years.

There you have it. 8 Places to Go to When in Iloilo

Tags:
8 Places to Go to in Iloilo
8 Iloilo Tourist Spots
8 Iloilo Spots to Enjoy
8 Places to Visit in Iloilo

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Undeniably The Worst Starbucks Branch Ever... Starbucks at Southpoint SM City Iloilo

Like most of you, I love Starbucks. Although somewhat expensive, the fact is, they have the friendliest and most helpful staff, the tastiest coffee, and the extra whipped cream. Who doesn't love the free extra whipped cream? And I thought that this was applicable to all branches of Starbucks. In fact, I've never known a Starbucks to skimp on ingredients...or whipped cream.

And no, I am not talking about the whipped cream that's blended into the coffee. I just want the extra fluff on top of my Frappuccino!

Starbucks' Raspberry Blackcurrant Blended Juice and Mocha Frappuccino

But I was wrong. There's actually one branch which just plain sucks at making Starbuck's prize-winning coffees. To add to the frustration, they don't do "extra whip". They just charge you for it while most branches (all branches I've gone to), give this as a typical freebie.

To cut to the chase, I will never ever EVER go to Starbucks at Southpoint SM City Iloilo EVER AGAIN! Why? Because of the following reasons:

1. Starbucks at SM City Iloilo skimps on ingredients. 

Their coffee neither taste as strong nor sweet as the ones in NCR branches. My top three examples... Starbucks Marquinton (love the extra strong coffee taste), Starbucks Eastwood (a little sweet but still fine) and, my personal favorite, Starbucks at Katipunan Ave along Ateneo (extra whip filled to the brim of the Frap's cover).

Hey Manager! This is how extra whipped cream is supposed to look like. And it's freaking free in all the other branches you aren't working in!
Starbucks Green Tea by Terry Johnston, CC BY 2.0

Is it too much to ask the same level of taste and quality from Frappuccinos of the same store name? Doesn't Starbucks pride itself in keeping quality and service at its finest?

I won't be attacking the lack of telephone numbers/ hotlines in the receipt... But how am I supposed to make a complain?

Oh wait... here it is!

Southpoint SM City Iloilo        

Southpoint SM City Iloilo, Benigno

Aquino Ave., Manduriao, Iloilo, Iloilo

(033) 333-34-90

Add-on shot for a premium ingredient... Sure!

I can't wait for the time to come when Starbucks starts to charge its customers additional for using their electricity and Wi-Fi. Although I doubt that'll happen in NCR, I won't be surprised if it does at Iloilo.

2. They charge you for "Extra Whip on Top". 

Yes, dear friends. Starbucks at SM City Iloilo charges extra for extra Whipped cream which has always been free in all the other branches. This is the second time I've been charged for Extra Whipped Cream. The first time (same branch), the manager explained that "Double Whip" does cost additional since whipped cream is blended in the drink and on top of the fluff. Extra whipped cream on top, however, (which is often confirmed by the cashier or barista) is FREE- no matter how many Frappuccino blended beverages you've ordered.

This is how Starbucks Frappes should look like. No extra charges involved, unless you want an entire espresso shot!

According to their Shift Manager Ms. KLQ, they DO charge extra for premium ingredients. And since whipped cream is a premium ingredient (obviously another ingredient they want to skimp on), then an additional 20 php is added to your bill.

Thank the coffee gods the condiments are free!!!

And to further agitate me, she adds that it will only be charged once for the two coffee-based blended beverages where the whipped cream will be split in half. Does this mean people who request for "no whipped cream" get a 20 php rebate on their payment?

I didn't know Starbucks has been opened for franchise! It truly sounds like a businessman's imposition rather than the beloved store group people from different nations have adored. Apparently, it's not enough that you're paying 180php for a Venti Frappuccino.

3. Something is definitely wrong with Starbucks SM City's whipped cream.

Let me give you a recap of that, their Frappuccino isn't as tasty, they charge an additional 20 php for Extra Whipped on Top (a typical freebie in all other Starbucks branches), and their whipped cream isn't smooth or fluffy (To be honest, you're better off in Coffeebreak. And I'm not even a big fan of theirs anymore!).

Coffeebreak is one of Iloilo's pioneer cafes. And the whipped cream on top of their Frappes are perfect.

I'm supposed to think this is okay? It's not smooth and fluffy. Something is wrong with this Starbucks branch's whipped cream.

Perhaps it's because the staff of Starbucks SM City Iloilo has yet to experience the taste and level of service other branches are currently offering. Heaven forbid I'd get the excuse that this Starbucks is in the province! I know Ilonggos are better than that.

This is how the Starbuck's Whipped Cream should look like.
coffee tiramisu cappuccino by hirotomo t, CC BY-SA 2.0

Perhaps it's because they have yet to internalize what Starbucks embodies.

It has always been, and will always be, about quality.

-Starbucks Mission Statement

Perhaps the managers are just plain too busy  to impose strict quality control.

Perhaps they're too busy to compare their service with other Starbucks branches that they're confident enough to say that anything extra costs extra (probably except cream, sugar and anything in their condiments table).

Perhaps its because no dissatisfied customer has ever confronted them yet.

I don't know. One things for sure, I will never EVER EVER EVER go to Starbucks at SM City Iloilo ever again.

Starbucks Philippines
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STOP Buying Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co. (PPLIC) Plans NOW!!!

WHY?!? I finally compiled some 2012/2013 news and opinions on Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company (PPLIC). The latest is dated August 31, 2013.

Deceptive Marketing. I've seen this report a long time ago. Surprising how only Mr. Anthony Taberna was brave enough to do an expose on the Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co.

The only thing I could find in GMA News Online is this (dated April 12, 2013)

“Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc. is financially sound, as it remains to be a stable and strongly capitalized company, duly-licensed by our government regulator, the Insurance Commission,” Philippine Prudential president and chief executive officer Gregorio Mercado said in an e-mailed statement.

ODD! Since they're still roaming the malls, surely ABS-CBN or XXX must have done a follow-up on it. But I couldn't find one.

I'm surprised that nothing popped out regarding the policy holders who filed administrative and criminal charges against PPLIC. You'd think there's a conspiracy going on. Of course, that's probably just my imagination going wild.

Stay away from this glass-paned place!

It just baffles me how this company has remained afloat even after the many complaints on their agents' ethics. Now, we hear that their license has been revoked.

How in the world are they still selling their "pre-need plans" in malls?!?

Okay, so perhaps they're talking about a different Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co.

Then again, there's this. 

MANILA - (UPDATED 5:16 p.m.) About one hundred plan holders of Danvil Plans Inc trooped to the Inusrance Commission (IC) on Thursday, asking the regulator to revoke the license of Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co for the sudden termination of the benefits of their paid-up policies.  Source: Danvil planholders sue Philippine Prudential Life Insurance for cancelling benefit

Oh, so they are talking about the same company. Unfortunately, this isn't about their intimidating tactics as stated by a lot of comments in our previous blog post called The Battle with PPLIC. This is about them abruptly terminating their plan holder's policies.

One of the more pressing concerns is that even with this heat, they continue to roam in malls promising their potential customers a good investment while Danvil planholders sue them for simply promising 30% as arranged by Philippined Prudential Life (different from Prudential Life).

As Mr. Satur Ocampo stated in Philstar News titled "Insurance, pre-need scam: A public-private partnership"

The planholders also questioned why the IC, while allowing their benefits to be terminated, had allowed PPLIC to continue to operate with license and sell its insurance and pre-need products. That’s duping the new and potential planholders, they said.

Furthermore, according to Satur Ocampo's Parallels: Pork barrel, insurance, pre-need scams, Emmanuel Dooc, Insurance Commissioner had already promised closely monitoring the firm since 2010... I still don't get why they've gotten this far as to mess with 4000 policy holder's plans under the "protector account" due to a "technicality clause".

As  Mr. Saturno is imploring expedited action from government officials, I am asking readers and plan holders to be very vigilant while passing through malls. The most recent comment in this blog was dated October 22, 2013. This means they still have their license to operate.

Learn the facts (No matter how limited they are) and READ YOUR POLICY! Do what Antionette did in her comment (as posted in our latest PPLIC blog post titled "Is PPLIC LABB PLUS refundable?" Latest update on this blog link is dated Feb. 7, 2015.) Fight for your consumer rights and see how they react to it. This isn't about investing soundly anymore, nor is it an emotional rant on how we felt we were scammed. This is about big companies taking our hard-earned money, promising us financial stability and terminating it due to "technicalities" average consumers, like us, don't fully understand.

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Where to Eat in Iloilo: Roberto's

There's no denying that Roberto's is definitely one of the best places to eat at when you're in Iloilo. They have lumpia shanghai, meatballs, burgers and siopaos. I won't even call it Chinese cuisine because it caters to Filipino taste, too.

My favorite order would be Roberto's fried rice and lumpia shanghai (spring rolls).

Give or take facing-out a couple of spring roll varieties, they've been selling the same menu ever since.... FOREVER. I mean, it was my sister's favorite place to eat at when she was still young (and now she's 39). What's more amazing is the fact that the taste of their food has remained the same for decades now- unlike other restaurants. I guess that's because Roberto's never opened for franchise thereby maintaining a certain quality.

Roberto's Meatball Sauce has as much right to be featured as all their other selections.

They're cheap and the food is well worth the wait in line, especially when there's often a long line of customers outside. 

Just to give you an idea of how much their food actually cost. Of course, prices are subject to change without prior notice.

For those who have eaten the Queen Siopao, you must be familiar with the fact that a) it has its own selling schedule and b) it's a giant siopao (yes, giant small bun!). I recall one of our friends saying that when one eats Queen Siopao, one has to have rice on his plate because its filling is enough to complete a main course.

Total damage... 240.49 php for the three meals inclusive of Iced Tea plus S.C. discount. Not bad for good food.

Roberto's is located at J.M. Basa St., Iloilo City

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