Only few Tagaytay restaurants allowed to operate for dine-in

TAGAYTAY CITY,  Philippines (UPDATED) – The Tagaytay Tourism office has released a list of restaurants that can resume dine-in operations at 30% capacity under Cavite’s general community quarantine (GCQ), most of them opening their doors on Wednesday, June 17.

So far, only 16 out of hundreds of restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and eateries have passed the safety protocol inspections done by the city health office, the business permit and licensing office, and the Tagaytay Tourism Council (TTO).

These restaurants passed the Department of Tourism (DoT)’s guidelines and were allowed to resume dine-in operations on June 17:

• Balay Dako
• Breakfast at Antonio’s
• Bulalo King
• Casa Celina
• Ihawan Republic
• Leslie’s Restaurant
• Senior Alvios
• Tower Ground
• Viewsite Canosa
• Viewsite Mahogany
• Chowking
• Greenwich
• Jollibee Serin
• Jollibee Crossing Mendez
• Kimchi Restaurant Serin

The following restaurant was allowed to resume dine-in operations starting Saturday, June 20:

• Ribchon

Each passed the required safety protocol plan of the TTO and the inspection of the Task Force and local government. The TTO has issued each establishment a sticker, certifying  that it passed the inspection with an updated business permit.

Based on the TTO Memo Circular No. 2020-004, all employees must undergo body temperature scans before their shift and must always wear proper food safety gear like hairnets, haircaps, facemasks, face shields, gloves, aprons, and shoe covers.

Cleanliness within the premises is a must, as well as disinfectant mats at the entrance and a distanced table and seating arrangement. Restaurant establishments must put signages about proper hand washing and other safety guidelines. 

All employees must observe proper hygiene and good grooming. Walk-in costumers must wear a facemask upon entry.

Buffet and salad bars are prohibited, while leisure facilities are temporarily suspended.

Seating capacity should at least be one meter between the customer and one and half-meters between other chairs and tables. Face-to-face seating is allowed, but only with a transparent divider.

Online money transfers are highly encouraged. Cash payments will be received via small trays.

Tagaytay is considered to be the second summer capital of the Philippines, after Baguio. Its cool climate has made it a favored destination, as well as its proximity to Metro Manila.

Tagaytay is also a famous tourist destination, thanks to the views of the Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake. 

Tagaytay receives a seasonal influx of tourists during the Christmas season and Holy Week, since the city becomes a pilgrimage destination with its churches, shrines, and retreat houses.

On January 12, Taal Volcano erupted, causing businesses in upland Cavite to close. They began reopening in the first week of March and closed again on March 17 due to the total lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. – Rappler.com