Kapitolyo Hotels

Kapitolyo in Pasig is synonymous with exciting and diverse food destinations in the east side of the metro. But this charming neighborhood has more to offer other than its gastronomic delights that surely suit the modern urban lifestyle.

At A Glance

Historically, Pasig was used to be a part of Rizal Province. Although Barangay Kapitolyo is in Pasig and as its name suggests, it is not where the old Rizal Provincial Capitol was located.

But the Barangay started as Capitol Subdivision, the first subdivision in Pasig developed in the early 50s by Ortigas and Co. It was then turned into a corporate unit of government called Barrio Kapitolyo in 1953 by virtue of Republic Act 1245 and had its first election on January 19, 1956. It was then converted into Barangay Kapitolyo in 1974 because of the Presidential Decree 557. Today, the once laidback Kapitolyo has made its presence known in the radar with its booming commercial activities.

How To Go

By land

Take the MRT-3 line and get off at Shaw Boulevard station. Then exit the station facing the Greenfield District Pavilion 2. Walk along United Avenue beside the Teleperformance Building until the jeepney terminal at the corner of United Avenue and Mayflower Street. Ride a jeep going to Pasig and drop off at Petron Gas Station along the roundabout/mini rotonda in Shaw Boulevard.

Ride a jeep either at United Avenue or EDSA Central Mall terminal with Pasig Palengke or San Joaquin placard and drop off at Kapitolyo. It is Kapitolyo when landmarks like Ynares Sports Center is on the left while Petron, BPI Bank and Mercury Drugstore is on the right. The jeepneys heading to Antipolo will also pass through Kapitolyo though it’s harder to alight in that route.

Getting Around

Taxis are the most convenient transportation to go around. Tricycles or auto rickshaw are available as well to get from one point to another. But for an alternative and healthier option, walking around may do the trick as traffic isn’t so bad within the area and it still has the quiet residential atmosphere as well.

Tourist Attractions

Kapitolyo is a known area for houses being turned into some of the best hole-in-the-wall food hubs in the metro. A foodie or a convert-to-a-foodie can’t help but to come back for more so wouldn’t it be nice to know about a thing or two about some of food institutions in the district.

Known for its pork barbecue and home-cooked Filipino dishes and one of the institutions in the local food landscape, Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig has an interesting story to tell. Back in November 1941, this casual family-style restaurant only sold soda to passers-by where its owner, Rosa Francisco or Lola Rosa, named it as Three Sisters’ Refreshment Parlor in Poblacion, Pasig. It then turned into a small panciteria after the requests of the customers for something to eat. After rebuilding it past the war years and relocated in Kapitolyo, it got its new name Three Sisters’ Restaurant of Pasig which was derived from a radio jingle of a talcum powder called Three Beauties. From then on, it has gained a lot of exposures that even famous Filipino celebrities such as Nora Aunor held press conferences in the restaurant.

The charming clutter of mixed Filipino, Chinese, Spanish and American antiques and pieces of Cafe Juanita has been around for quite some time even before the rise of the food joints in Kapitolyo. Since the early 90s, this restaurant takes you into a different world and trips you down memory lane with its eclectic interiors and home-cooked favorites like sinigang and adobo and other timeless Filipino and Asian dishes. Doughmakers bakery has been around the block, serving a selection of breads and hot pandesals ever since to Kapitolyo’s old-timers.

Top Things to Do

Looking for a food trip with different options that’s all in one place? Try Gastro Park with 15 stalls of different and unique eats to fancy such as milkshakes with cotton candy, nachos with pad thai, Indian food, and liquid ice cream with liquid nitrogen mix to name a few.

For a one-of-a-kind spa experience, visit Ace Water Spa and indulge on its relaxing hydrotherapy spa that offers soft, moderate, and hard massages. And if in need of an artsy therapy, drop by at Heima Store at Brixton Street for a purchase of quirky designs and custom-made furnitures or paint and sip Friday nights away at the cool Cevio Art Haus, wherein emerging young Pinoy talent in modern art are showcased.

Where to Eat

One will never run out of food choices in Kapitolyo-verse that will perfectly fit one’s taste, mood, and budget. For a taste of Filipino-Mexican fusion food, Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina tops the category. It offers Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and nachos prepared the Filipino way, served in generous portions but in a relatively affordable price.

Featuring Filipino cuisines in a surprisingly delightful twist that is the Locavore. It did a bold move by reinterpreting dishes that turned out to be a work of genius such as Sizzling Sinigang, Ginataang Kaldereta, and Lechon and Oyster Sisig. And it’s always a great morning at Kanto Freestyle as it serves an all-day breakfast 24/7. Comfort is where the fluffy peanut butter and banana pancakes which is the best-seller here. Other breakfast dishes like beef tapa, tuyo, and longganisa are also offered.

Nightlife

To cap a long busy day, one may head to a neighborhood pub at St. Patrick’s, an Irish-themed pub at East Capitol Drive that offers an array of local and international liquor, wine, and beer brands. And be sure not to miss out its famous Caramel Beer. A hang-out place overlooking Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Makati area, Sky High Bar at Ace Hotel and Suites is the place to be. Ideal for groups or couples, it offers drinks and foods perfect for a celebration or just chilling out.

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels to stay in Kapitolyo that caters both to business and budget travellers. For a cosmopolitan experience, there is Ace Hotel and Suites in Brixton Street. For a place near Capitol Commons, Privato Hotel is recommendable. And if on a budget, Victoria Court Hillcrest fits the bill.

Travel Tips

• For the foodies, remember that Kapitolyo has two main streets: the East Drive and the West Drive. East Drive has more of the budget-friendly food strip while West Drive are for fine dining experience.

• It is much enjoyable to go food tripping in group so that food and cost can be shared too.

• Better come to a food hub during off-peak days and hours to avoid long queues, unless, patience is your virtue.

• Sometimes, parking spaces might be limited within Kapits food haven so it would be wiser to commute.