I feel a sense of assurance every time I’m invited to a Lexus event. They are always curated, and the hospitality is always impeccable. But the invite to this occasion was the day before an out-of-town trip, so I was hesitant. Then Lexus Philippines brand officer Nadinne Capistrano offered a driver, and my hesitation wilted.
As much as it goes against the image (cue Maja Salvador) of a motoring editor, I don’t like driving in Metro Manila anymore. The eternal gridlock, the lack of common sense in other drivers, the bad roads—all of these have sucked the joy of being behind the wheel.
So on the day of the drive, I mean ride, a Lexus RX350h arrived at our office in Makati. I was whisked to the Lexus Manila showroom in Bonifacio Global City for a welcome coffee and to rendezvous with the other media. Then we all went up to Alfonso, Cavite, for dinner. Our destination was Asador Alfonso, Chef Chele Gonzalez’s newest restaurant, located 75km or about an hour and forty five minutes from BGC.
I want to tell you that the drive was relaxing and scenic. But the Lexus cocoon actually made me productive. The insulation from the outside world let me answer emails and messages efficiently. The RX350h was not superhuman, and I felt road imperfections. But I’m sure Lexus will kaizen this in time.
As the last message and reply was fired off, I sank into the seat and enjoyed the A/C. The next thing I remember we were pulling into a massive compound, and a beautiful structure loomed ahead.
Asador Alfonso is not just a restaurant. It’s a four-story structure designed by renowned architect Carlo Calma, with all the floors versatile enough for different functions. We even saw a DJ setup on one of the top floors. The ground floor is where the main dining area is and where the food is prepped. It’s a beautiful and spacious kitchen.
After a quick tour of the new Asador, we sat down for the main event. We had a seven-course meal to kick off my food vlogger era. I’ll let the photos do the talking.
Esparrago/white seasonal asparagus from Navarra
Carabinero/flat grilled spanish red prawn
Jamon de wagyu/homemade cured A5 Japanese wagyu jamon
Setas y trufa/sauteed mushrooms, egg yolk, seasonal shaved truffle, and cured pork jaw
Tosta de Boquerón/toast of bread with Boquerón marinated in vinegar, parsley, and extra virgin Olive Oil Matrimonio, and spanish anchovies
Of course the highlight was the lechazo: slow-roasted Spanish suckling lamb, a variation of Chef Chele’s signature roast suckling pig. It was crispy, juicy, and tender all at the same time. The lamb was perfectly prepared, with no hint of gaminess.
Chef Chele has another hit in Asador Alfonso. Reservations are already said to be piling up. But for this Lexus experience, it wasn’t just the food that made the evening memorable. It was the ride, the hospitality, the company, and the little touches that made the small event a success.
After the dinner I sat in the backseat of my RX350h again, where the driver would take me straight home. With a full stomach and the road motions that always lull so many of us to sleep, I expected to doze off until Pasig.
But I stayed awake most of the drive. The RX350h surged ahead, its hybrid powertrain effortlessly and silently moving through the night.
There’s a profound experience to be had in watching the world go by, something you can’t really do behind the wheel. When you’re driving, everything exists in your periphery. The backseat gives you a chance to ponder and pause, to observe without needing to look, to discover that amazing can be experienced in quiet moments.
