THE newest events place that will soon make a mark in the local events industry in Pampanga has finally opened its doors to the public on March 5, 2020. Aptly named The Banquet, the events center is strategically located across the main entrance of Saint Jude Village, along Lazatin Boulevard in the City of San Fernando.
The Banquet is the brainchild of the successful yet very humble couple Engr. Renato and Maila Tiopengco-Santos who are also behind the success of the TioSan Catering Services brand, known for its delectable cuisine and superb food choices at friendly prices. Anyone booking at the Banquet will discover that delicious food should be the least of their concerns. Joining the couple during the opening were their supportive and equally talented offsprings, Rowinz and Keena Aday, Chef Niko Santos who has made Topchillog at R-Place Building one of the chillest places to hang out in the City, and the charming youngest of the brood Kyra.
The events place is designed to accommodate corporate events and personal milestones “where moments and memories meet”, as their tag line goes and comfortably seats up to 250 persons. Floor to ceiling wooden shelves that make an instant instagrammable background accentuate the well-lit foyer which leads to the grand staircase, are filled with delightful old school curios and collectibles and make every angle picture perfect. The walls are adorned with abstract paintings done by a relative newcomer in the Kapampangan art scene, architecture apprentice turned visual artist Jayson Balingit of Lubao, whom we have to watch out for.
The second floor’s layout gives a balcony feel as it overlooks the main events hall, enriched by a white textured molded wall panel that serves as a sophisticated backdrop to the mini stage area. Behind the stage is a spacious and cozy lounge and make up room which has an en-suite restroom, perfect for preparations and touch ups in between events.
The building was constructed by the talented Santos brothers, Engineer Ato, with his younger brother Nelson, a well-respected academician and practicing architect, in collaboration with the Baluyut family’s GPPC1982 Construction. GPPC’s design team led by seasoned structural and engineering consultant Engr. Prospero Baluyut Sr. provided immeasurable inputs for the interior layout, furnishings, lighting design, and tastefully done decor by Interior Designer Georgina Baluyut Gabrillo and her brother Architect Perry Baluyut.
Architect Perry shared that the design team crafted the “luxury within reach” concept and brought to life TioSan’s shared vision of providing top class services available and accessible to everyone without breaking the bank, so to speak. The GPPC team with the guidance of their father dedicated a tremendous amount of effort from the planning to the execution phase to minimize unnecessary expenses and focused on effective yet practical ways to achieve an elegant vibe for the venue. And what a coup that the design team pulled off in creating a fresh, vibrant, posh, and contemporary events place!
During the formal opening on March 5, the ever supportive Santos and Tiopengco families were in full force, together with their friends. A close friend of the family, Reverend Father Larry Miranda officiated the mass and led the blessing, while the ribbon cutting was performed by TioSan couple together with their design team Architect Nelson Santos, Engr. Prospero Baluyut Sr., Architect Perry Baluyut, and Dr. Georgina Baluyut Gabrillo. Also in attendance to extend their support were Michele Montemayor and Robert Canlas, prime movers of the Central Luzon Events Suppliers Association. A sumptuous lunch buffet of signature specialties by TioSan Catering capped off the opening of The Banquet, the first of many celebrations of moments, memories, and milestones. Congratulations!