CPR. Naaah, not the medical/first-aid procedure. Long before initials became the norm in addressing bosses, the entire Philippine nation had CPR. CARLOS Peña ROMULO. My generation still remember those history quizzes back in Grade School where United Nations, Gen. MacArthur’s landing at Leyte and liberation were associated with CPR. As when I remember my father’s generation refer to him as Mr. United Nations. Always, with Filipino pride.
Sourced from the Net. This photo inspired the bronze statues representing the Leyte Landing of General Douglas MacArthur, then President Sergio Osmena, then Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo , etc.
From the staircase to the private function room (good for 80 pax) on the second floor, this portrait of CPR would greet the visitor.
Mr. United Nations, impressive orator, diplomat, soldier, Filipino patriot, journalist and author. An achiever at a very young age, he was no ordinary teenager. Wet behind the ears, he was already a reporter at age 16, a newspaper editor by age 20, and a publisher by age 32. He is also the co-founder of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. During the Japanese Occupation, he made sure the Philippines was not forgotten, chronicling the plight of Filipino fighters, his voice heard by as many Americans while he agonized just thinking of his family back in the Philippines. But more than all these, his legacy extends to this Filipino restaurant — Romulo’s Cafe.
Bangus Pate. Bangus is milkfish, flaked and made into a pate that are served as appetizers with Crostinis.
This Tuna Sisig is ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
You can start and end with the appetizers and NOT feel cheated. The Bangus Paté and Tuna Sisig are must-try appetizers. No pork in your Sisig? No liver pâté? I’m telling you. You won’t miss your pork and duck liver. Filipino ingenuity at work here.
Crispy Squid. Oh this is a favorite!
Fish Rolls
And there’s the crunchy squid and fish rolls. I can down these appetizers with a cup of steamed rice and wear a smile all night. All 4 appetizers so savory, and healthy. No guilt pangs. YET. 😉
Fried Tilapia
Pinakbet with Bagnet. A Northern Philippines (Ilocano) dish.
We TRIED staying healthy, but not for long. The deep-fried, splayed Tilapia served with 3 sauce dips is both a gustatory and aesthetic delight. The BAGNET in the Pinakbet stole the scene from the shrimps adorning the veggie dish. Too tempting. It broke all resolve to have a Meatless Friday — of course, others were dead set early on to break the rule 😉 — and so came the Crispy Pata and the Lengua .
Can’t stay away from meat? Try the Crispy Pata.
Lengua. (Ox Tongue)
Good company, good food, good service and a place so charming. The high ceiling, black-and-white motif, and tastefully-designed interiors all combine perfectly to highlight the framed photos hanging on the walls. Each one a lesson in history. CPR giving a speech — this little man standing tall amidst prominent Americans and other foreigners in the audience. CPR in a family photo, in earlier times and late in his years. CPR doting on his grandchildren. What a legacy!
Suman Con Latik. A very Filipino snack food with a twist!
Framed photos such as these are each a lesson in history. CPR is very much a part of the Philippines’ wartime and post war history.
A doting grandpa, more than anything else.
lifeisacelebration 
I’ll keep this cafe in mind when I visit Pinas. Where is it located?
You’d find it along Jupiter street (parallel to Buendia). Cross streets are Makati Avenue and Reposo Street in Makati City. Resto is Nearer the corner of Jupiter and Reposo Streets.
Li, truly a wonderful evening with you and our dear friends, now etched in our memory through your great blog. CPR was the Secretary of Foreign Affairs when I joined the service and like the many others in the service at that time, I was always in awe of his brilliance, his place in the global stage, charmed by his wit and inspired to do more for our country. And to this day, his legend lives on. Yes, indeed, the restaurant and its cuisine are a tribute to his legacy.
Indeed! You’re lucky to have met, worked with and for a legend!
Wow, must check out this place since I work in Makati ❤
sarap ng pakbet.
Hahaha. Sarap talaga!