LIST: Here’s where you can take mom for Mother’s Day 2025 dates

3 days ago 13

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MANILA, Philippines – What’s your mom’s idea of a good time? Whether it’s being splurged on with a fancy meal or treated to a day of me-time and pampering, any form of quality time spent with her or just for her is a gift most moms will appreciate this Mother’s Day.

Here are some tried-and-tested, Rappler-approved dining and leisure experiences you can take Mom to this weekend!

Step into the ‘World of Wagyu’ at Steak & Frice

Located in Central Square, Bonifacio Global City, Amado Forés’ Steak & Frice is a casual yet sophisticated steakhouse that recently introduced new prime Wagyu cuts to its menu.

Perfect for treating Mom to a special meal this Mother’s Day, the restaurant’s ambiance is not too formal or intimidating, which makes it a great spot for moms who love good food but prefer a relaxed vibe. And if premium is what Mom wants, this is where you go all out.

The highlight of the new selection is the Japanese Ōmi A5 Wagyu Striploin (12oz) — considered the highest grade of Wagyu with superior marbling that seamlessly cuts through the knife. Before you order, the chef brings out a platter of three Wagyu cuts, showing the marbling and explaining what sets each one apart.

That A5 grade means you’re getting the best of the best — the “A” stands for high yield, which indicates the meat is well-formed and has a large amount of usable meat. The “5” is the highest possible quality score, based on key factors like marbling (the amount and distribution of fat within the muscle), meat color, fat quality, firmness, and texture.

The result? A beautifully marbled steak that’s buttery and rich without being too meaty or beefy. There’s hardly any chew, and no seasoning is needed — although Steak & Frice’s sauce sampler is a nice bonus.

The 12oz portion is large enough for two or even three people to share.

There’s also the American Snake River Farms Wagyu Ribeye (14oz), which combines the bold flavors of American beef with the refined marbling of Japanese Wagyu, and the Australian Mayura Wagyu Tenderloin (9oz), a full-blood Wagyu raised on a unique diet of chocolate and grains.

Each steak order also comes with S&F Rice and S&F French Fries — both come with one complimentary refill. For an even more indulgent experience, you can add Pan-Seared Foie Gras or a Butter-Poached Lobster Tail to your steak.

Prices for the Wagyu selection range from P8,000 to P9,000 — a splurge, yes, but worth it for an expertly prepared steak, shareable portions, and a fine but fun dining experience.

Enjoy bold bites and broth at The Underbelly

What used to be Poison Doughnuts in Karrivin Plaza, Makati City, has transformed into The Underbelly, the newest concept from Tasteless Food Group — a bold, Japanese-forward joint that doesn’t shy away from flavor. Specializing in ramen, atsukemen, and small plates that pack a punch, it’s a casual and classy spot to grab a hefty meal without the pretension, starting at P400 per bowl.

Billy’s Belly Ramen leans on a light but deep pork bone broth with buta kakuni (soft braised pork belly that’s charred) and fried leeks with firm noodles, while the stronger Belly Dip Tsukemen features thick, chewy wheat noodles dunked into a flavor bomb of a sauce made with gyofun (fish powder) and buta kakuni (braised pork belly). The steamed white rice served afterward is the perfect vehicle to mop up what’s left of the viscous, umami-forward sauce.

For the veggie lover who likes a bit of spice, don’t skip the Crunchy Eggplant — breaded and fried until audibly crisp, but still soft and creamy inside. It’s coated in a sticky la-yu spiced ground pork sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once.

The Underbelly is open from 11 am to 10 pm. It also houses Twelve Labors, where you can get coffee, tea, and other refreshments.

Splurge on sushi at Yamazato in Hotel Okura

Inside Hotel Okura in Pasay City is Yamazato, a Michelin-starred name that offers a traditional Japanese dining experience rooted in meticulous technique. First opened in Tokyo in 1962, Yamazato has since expanded globally — from Amsterdam (where it earned a Michelin star in 2002) to Bangkok and now, Manila — bringing with it the signature Okura brand of omotenashi, or “wholehearted hospitality.”

At Yamazato Manila, the elevated experience is as much about the process as it is about the plate. While you can opt for private teppanyaki dining, the sushi counter is where Yamazato’s spirit is at its best.

Here, you’re treated to an intimate, front-row view of each dish being prepared with exacting care by Yamazoto’s Japanese chef — slices of fish cut and arranged with precision, rice seasoned just right, and courses served one at a time over the counter.

There are three Kaiseki set menus to choose from, all requiring at least one day’s advance notice. The Hana Kaiseki (P7,900) is the most accessible option, with assorted appetizers, sashimi of the day, two servings of four-piece nigiri sushi, chawan mushi (steamed egg custard), miso soup, dessert, and seasonal fresh fruits.

The Tsuki Kaiseki (P9,500) is a step up in variety and quantity, and includes a grilled dish of the day, while the Yuki Kaiseki (P12,000) is the most luxurious of the three, which includes more nigiri sushi and tempura of the day.

No matter which set you choose, the high quality of the fish and dishes remains consistent, and the fine dining experience is unhurried, authentic, and respectful to tradition.

Have a Filipino feast at Manam at the Triangle

Manam’s flagship at Ayala Triangle Gardens isn’t just another branch; it’s a full and unique dining experience. The only Manam location that accepts reservations (up to three months in advance!), this spot offers a spacious main dining room, a breezy Parkside alfresco area, a cozy Sulok space for more intimate gatherings, and even a Bibingka Bar.

What makes this branch special are its exclusive dishes (and honestly, all must-tries), like the Prinilaw, a kinilaw of ulang (local freshwater prawn) with its fried head on the side; the Sinigang na Kurobuta Pork Belly & Piña, a rich, fruity broth soured with tamarind, miso, and charred pineapples, and paired with the softest, fattiest pork belly; the Midnight Beef Ribs Adobo, braised in soy sauce, coconut vinegar, red wine, and garlic confit for a deep, robust flavor; and Beef Cheeks Tagalog, a tender ode to bistek Tagalog’s tangy calamansi-and-garlic sauce.

Even the starters stand out here: the Crispy Asim Sarap Tawilis is crunchy, sour-savory, and addictive (it’s lightly coated in a sinigang mix-like breading), while the Sunog na Chopsuey delivers roasted yet crisp brown-buttered veggies from Benguet (lettuce, baby corn, carrots, bell peppers) with an umami and smoky char.

Mom’s sweet tooth may love the flagship’s new line of desserts: the indulgent Patis Caramel Tart with South Cotabato chocolate and sticky, salty-sweet caramel filling, and the delicate Floating Calamandan Island, a brazo de mercedes-like meringue topped with a creamy citrus crème anglaise. And if Mom loves a good pampalamig (cooler), Manam at the Triangle has a roving Halo-Halo cart where you can DIY your icy treat tableside, plus slushy shake exclusives like the tart-sweet Calamandan.

Manam’s signature Pampalamigs — the creamy Ube + Sago, zesty Mango + Pomelo, and refreshing Strawberry + Camias — are also available here.

Adding to the experience is the ceramic ware by Zambales-based potter Mia Casal, with each plate and bowl hand-molded to be one of a kind. The space itself is its own, too — Filipino nostalgia blends with fresh design; from windows inspired by old bahay-na-bato, to native basket patterns, to collages and art of Philippine life and heritage in every corner.

An afternoon of skin-deep treatments at Remedy Skin Solutions

If your mom is into anti-aging, beauty, and wellness, a visit to Remedy Skin Solutions in Vertis North can be a science-backed way to treat her to skin-deep results.

One new treatment is the ExoSkin that uses NARBEX™, a non-animal, bioengineered exosome technology developed under strict European pharmaceutical standards.

Exosomes are naturally occurring microscopic messengers that help skin cells communicate and repair; they boost collagen production, improve moisture retention, and accelerate healing for stressed or aging skin. At Remedy, each session uses one full vial of pure, highly concentrated exosomes for visibly smoother texture, improved firmness, and a well-rested glow.

ExoSkin is also paired with radiofrequency microneedling for those who want deeper skin regeneration and collagen remodeling for dry, dull skin. Here’s what to expect: You’ll start with a consultation with the doctor, followed by cleansing and application of a topical anesthetic, which needs to sit for about 45 minutes — feel free to take a nap, read a book, or have a quiet chat with family.

The microneedling portion comes next, and if it’s your first time, prepare for a bit of discomfort — the pricking sensation can be intense in certain areas of the face, though tolerable. Your mom’s pain threshold may be put to the test, but beauty is pain, right?

Downtime is minimal but present — you may experience redness immediately after, and small spots may surface depending on your skin’s sensitivity. You can cover it up with a bit of concealer, but it’s best to allow a few days for full healing. Once recovered, the effects begin to show: skin appears glassier, brighter, with more even tone and texture!

Unwind in Tagaytay at Anya Resort’s Niyama Wellness Spa

Coupled with Tagaytay’s cool air and Anya Resort Tagaytay’s peaceful environment, the resort’s “Serene MOMents” promo, available until May 31, combines a restful stay, pampering treatments at Niyama Wellness Center, curated dining experiences, and little surprises for your mom (and yourself)!

Guests can choose between two packages: Nurture and Nourish, a mother-daughter spa experience priced at P9,999 for two, which includes P2,000 worth of dining credits, a 60-minute signature massage, and a 30-minute express facial; or Just for Mom, a solo experience starting at P4,999, inclusive of a 60-minute Filipino hilot massage, a 45-minute Ultimate Glow scrub, a 15-minute facial gua sha, and a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift.

Bookings are open until May 30.

Indulge Mom’s sweet tooth at Venchi

Why not go beyond flowers and surprise your mom with her guilty pleasure — a custom chocolate mix from luxury chocolate brand Venchi?

With the Venchi Mix Selection (P900 per 100g), you can customize a box at any Venchi Philippines branch (BGC or Podium). Choose from Venchi’s signatures like Cremino 1878 (white chocolate and almond paste, in between layers of silky Milk Gianduia and Piedmont hazelnuts); Pistachio Cremino (white chocolate and pistachio layers); Chocoviar Arancia (extra dark chocolate shell with a blood orange center, rolled in 75% cocoa pearls for a cacao-nib-like crunch); Nougatine (crispy caramelized Piedmont hazelnut crumbs wrapped in dark chocolate); and Espresso Café for the coffee-loving mom (layers of coffee intensity paired with cuor di cacao for a balanced bitter-sweet bite.

Founded in 1878 in Turin, Italy, Venchi has over a century of chocolate-making tradition, using high-quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and inventive textures.

Go crazy on a shopping spree at Rustan’s Department Store

Supermoms don’t always wear capes and almost always don’t have time to shop for themselves, so why not treat them to a shopping spree? Rustan’s has curated thoughtful and luxurious picks for every kind of mom, from beauty must-haves to kitchen staples and travel-ready essentials.

For the glam mom, consider the Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder and Irresistible Nude Velvet Perfume, OPI’s Big Apple Red polish, and the BaByliss Hair Dryer Brush for salon-level looks at home. For the jet-setter mom: Maison Margiela’s Afternoon Delight fragrance, Artdeco Blush Couture, Clarks sneakers, or a chic American Tourister Frontec Spinner in Apricot Blush.

On-the-go, active moms may appreciate the Nuxe Light Sun Fluid SPF50, Guess Iconic Eau de Parfum, and the roomy High Sierra Camille Backpack for daily runs or errands. Foodie mom might want to upgrade her kitchen with the Westinghouse Pizza Oven, KitchenAid Cast Iron Casserole in Dried Rose, or new cookware like Tefal’s Cook & Shine set or Beka’s Mandala Wok Pan.

Prepare a picnic at home

If you’re celebrating Mom with a home-cooked feast, don’t forget dessert! Local bakery Crumbs and Grubs — located in Mapayapa Village, Quezon City — has it covered with its signature Strawberry Crinkles.

Made with real, sweet strawberries from La Trinidad, Benguet, and crafted from the secret recipe of a former ADB executive chef (yes, those famous crinkles), these soft, moist, and sweet-tangy treats are a light but satisfying finale to your meal. You can order online. – Rappler.com

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