So, last August 29 the UP Library and Information Science Students Association (UPLISSA) celebrated its 47th year and I celebrated my 23rd year. Thanks to PenPen Restaurant, we all had a blast!


Lemme share to you the things I liked about PenPen:
1. The FoodOf course! What else would a restaurant be famous for?
Before the party on the 29th, Stoi, Pancho, and I went to PenPen Resto to check out the place. The two hesitated to come with me at first because, it is far. (Any place that is more than 5km away or cannot be reached by any jeep coming from UP is far for us, okay.) So, I told them that it's my early birthday treat. (I am
that desperate to try out Ping. Ahemm! *clears throat* I mean, PenPen!)


Pancho ordered the Double Burger Steak with plain rice, which he thought tastes okay. Stoi ordered the Beef Caldereta with plain rice, which made her miss her mom, whom according to her, cooks caldereta waaaaay better than that. The caldereta was tasty but, the potatoes and carrots in it were overcooked. I ordered six pieces of Mini Cordon Bleu with garlic fried rice. The Cordon Bleus were delicious but its bland dip, I didn't like. My garlic rice was flavorful though. The servings were pretty small for its price. We were already hesitating to consider Up↑Stairs room to be the venue for our party after we got disappointed by the food we ate. The owner's charms made us reconsider (see item no. 10). Thank God we changed our minds!



At the party, we had Spicy Bicol Express, Baked Bangus Belly, Chicken Adobo, Molo Soup, and Veggie Salad, plus plain rice served buffet style. Man, I tell you they are all delicious, worth every penny we spent. Everyone were so full and still went for second/third servings. We also ordered the Crispy Liempo and Chicken A La Kiev to go with our beers, which didn't last longer than a minute on the table. They went straight to our mouths and down to our bellies. Yummy! =P




2. The Ambiance

PenPen was like a more
sosyal version of Lutong Bahay in UP Diliman. It is an upscale
carinderia. The place was simple yet elegant (with all the paintings and photos on their warm-colored walls.) Downstairs can seat more or less 20 people. UpStairs can accommodate roughly around 30-40 people.
This place gives you the feeling of eating at home. Where else can you do this? (see picture below)
We were very much at-home that we feel like sleeping after a hearty meal. Sarap!
3. The WiFi
It is free! We were able to stream and give real-time updates about our event.

4. The UpStairs Room
The best party room ever!



5. The Mirror UpStairs

Since we're all self-proclaimed self-portrait-addict (too many self. can you smell the vanity in here? haha!), we came to love that mirror UpStairs. :D


6. The Lovers' Couch UpStairs
The couch at the far end is built to bring comfort to everyone. However that night, single people were out-of-place at that couch. Hence, we called it the Lovers' couch.

7. The Booze

Aah yes! Great for all parties. You'll be glad to know that they offer very affordable drinks for alcohol-thirsty people.
8. The Location
For someone who's having a hard time following directions (like me), it is fairly easy to find. The first I went there with my friends, I had to ride a cab. The second time, we were able to find a way for poor people (like me) to commute to the place.
DIRECTIONS:
For those who will drive or ride a cab going to PenPen:
1. From EDSA, you can turn right to E. Lopez-going to ABS-CBN, then turn left to Tomas Morato. Go straight, til you reach Sct. Castor, the street before the intersection of Roces Ave and Tomas Morato. Turn right to Sct. Castor, look to your right and you'll see PenPen Resto.
2. From EDSA, turn to Timog Ave. [where GMA NETWORK is]. When you reach the intersection of Timog Ave. ang Tomas Morato [there's a Rotonda(?)], turn left to tomas morato. Go straight, til you reach Sct. Castor, the street before the intersection of Roces Ave and Tomas Morato. Turn right to Sct. Castor, look to your right and you'll see PenPen Resto.
3. From EDSA, go to Kamuning Rd. . Go straight til you reach tomas morato, then turn right. the street after the intersection of Tomas Morato and Roces Ave is Sct Castor. Turn left to to Sct. Castor, look to your right and you'll see PenPen Resto.
For those who are going to commute:
From UP, ride a jeep going to Pantranco. tell the driver to drop you off to Delta. Then, cross the footbridge going to KFC. Then, cross the the other side. Ride the jeep going to project 2-3. tell the driver to drop you off to scout castor. PenPen is on the other side of the road, in front of 7-11.
9. The Staff
They were really friendly and approachable. Inasikaso talaga kami! They were able to put up with our kakulitan, even waited for us to finish until 3am. That's why they are deserving of our humble tip.
10. The Owner
Well, other than the fact that he is really handsome, Ping Medina is very friendly and accommodating. Despite being a famous celebrity, he is a very down-to-earth guy. And, did I mention how handsome he is?

We will definitely come back, soon!
[Photo credits: My mobile phone. Sir Igor Cabbab. Iya Agbon. Google Maps.]