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Philstar.com
February 20, 2026 | 9:55am
MANILA, Philippines — Some dinners are meant to fill a table. Others—like Bocca’s Valentine’s menus, available from February 12 to 20—are meant to slow time. On these evenings, flavors linger on the tongue as much as the conversation lingers between diners, and every moment at the table feels private, unhurried, and entirely shared.
“Our Valentine’s menus are designed to let guests slow down, savor exquisite flavors, and immerse themselves in the experience,” said Rosita Lara “Otty” Lumagui, founder and chief operating officer of Bocca, a restaurant known for its French, Italian and Spanish-inspired cuisine.
She also serves as managing director of Worldwide Resource Solutions (WWRS) Philippines Inc., a leader in virtual nursing and an advocate for Filipino talent.
“Bocca turns dinner into a celebration of love that feels intimate, thoughtful and unmistakably special," Lumagui added.
That same attention to detail carries through every touchpoint of the guest experience, from the ambiance to the service. “Bocca was built on the belief that great things happen at the table,” said Pia Camagay, brand and marketing manager of Bocca. “This Valentine’s season, we bring that same principle to celebrating love, in all its forms.”
This approach shaped both the nine-course Long Table and the five-course Short Table, experiences meant to be savored rather than showcased.
Bocca Executive Chef Edgar Grafilo said the menus were structured to feel indulgent without excess.
“We designed both menus to move from light and playful to deep and indulgent,” he said. “Each course has a purpose, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients at their peak rather than visual excess.”
The Long Table, priced at P5,300 per person, opens with Roasted Butternut Soup served with Grana Padano crostini, truffle foam, and lovage oil—warm, aromatic and grounding.
It progresses through Bocca signatures, including the Foie Gras Slider with Wagyu Angus on a milk bun and Squid Ink Arancini with Cheddar Mornay, dishes that invite sharing, glances, and the easy rhythm of passing plates.
Midway through the experience, the menu shifts toward balance and restraint. The Caprese Tonnato Salad, made with locally sourced buffalo burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, and house-made sourdough lavash, arrives without flourish. It is a dish that asks diners to pause, tear, and taste together.
“It captures the spirit of celebration through simplicity and quality,” Grafilo said. “Love and celebration are best expressed through honest ingredients treated with care.”
The Long Table continues with thoughtfully layered courses—Burrata and Squash Blossoms, Tortelloni paired with scallops and caviar, and Pork Loin served with mushroom and pecorino risotto—before building toward a generous close.
The Surf and Turf brings churrasco-grilled porterhouse steak, pommes pavé, and crispy-skin salmon to the table, rich and reassuring without feeling heavy.
Dessert arrives as Spanish Basque Cheesecake accented with cinnamon leche, dates, and chocolate—a gentle, lingering finish that encourages couples to stay a little longer, long after plates have been cleared.
For those who prefer the same romance at a lighter pace, the Short Table offers a five-course menu at P3,300 per person. It begins with Charred Heirloom Mushroom Soup, followed by the Foie Gras Slider and Squid Ink Arancini, before transitioning into Pork Loin with mushroom and pecorino risotto.
The evening ends with Crema Catalana, finished with citron, whipped ricotta and vanilla bean—bright, delicate and quietly satisfying.
“We recognize that guests come to the table with different tastes and appetites,” Camagay said. “The Long Table is for those who want to go all in—an evening that unfolds slowly and luxuriously. The Short Table offers the same romance and refinement, just with a lighter pace.”
Grafilo noted that, despite the elaborate nature of the multi-course menu, each moment is designed to feel personal, allowing diners to savor both the flavors and the company.
“We focus on clarity and restraint,” he said. “Even with complex techniques, flavors are kept approachable and portions intentional. Thoughtful service and attention to detail help create an experience that feels intimate.”
That sense of tranquility flows through the entire experience, letting diners savor each moment without distraction. Set apart from the city’s clamor, Bocca offers a space where conversation lingers and every moment of the evening feels private.
“Our location gives us a certain calm—away from crowds, away from noise—so celebrations feel personal, not performative,” Camagay said.
Guests may enhance the evening with curated cocktail and wine pairings for an additional P1,300, while a P1,000 reservation fee secures each booking. Even before guests arrive, Camagay said, the team is deliberate about every touchpoint.
“Bocca is a place where guests can relax and still experience luxury—two things that don’t always go hand in hand," Camagay concludes.
With Valentine’s Day behind it, Bocca is thoughtfully preparing new offerings, including collaborations with Alliance Française de Manille, pointing to a broader vision for immersive dining.
For Bocca reservations, call (0915) 274 0330.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Bocca. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
