Some reunions deserve more than just space and good food. They ask for time that is unrushed and wrapped in a setting that lets conversations unfold naturally. On a quiet Friday afternoon on January 23, my friends Rochell, Adel, and Paolo found exactly that at Seascape Village in Pasay, a waterfront lifestyle destination tucked beside the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) Complex and just steps away from Manila Bay. The area houses different restaurants and avenues for fun activities.
We arrived at around 4:30 p.m., early enough to enjoy the calm before the dinner crowd rolled in and just in time for golden hour. This was a long-overdue college reunion, made even more meaningful by Paolo, my balikbayan college bestie visiting from Australia. Two of our college friends were seeing him again after years almost a decade. We wanted somewhere relaxed yet special, familiar yet elevated. Seascape Village felt like the common ground.
At that hour, the complex was quiet and breezy. The sun dipped low, the bay shimmered, and live music setups were being prepared at what the night would soon become.
WATCH:
@randomrepublika Long-overdue college reunion → golden hour, fresh seafood, lobster thermidor, paluto market finds, and laughter by the bay. Yatai made sharing easy for us! The live music + pickleball options are reasons to return to the village next time. Perfect pre-show hangout as we prepared for #BagetsTheMusical. 🌅🦐🎶 #SeascapeVillage ♬ Halika Na Lika Na – Maxie Andreison
Why We Chose Yatai
Given the options we checked on TikTok, we initially considered Golden China, but dinner service was set to begin closer to 5:00 p.m. and time was of the essence. We wanted to settle in, catch up, and savor the moment before heading to a show later that evening.
That led us to Yatai Asian Cuisine, an Asian fusion restaurant and cooking service conveniently located beside Seascape Village’s paluto market.
Yatai offers a wide-ranging menu that spans fresh seafood, Japanese dishes, Filipino comfort food, and Korean and Chinese favorites, making it an easy choice for groups with varied cravings. It’s casual, welcoming, and ideal for sharing.
Paluto (Explained) and Why It’s Optional
One of Seascape Village’s signature experiences is paluto, but it’s important to note that it’s completely optional.
Guests may:
• Order directly from Yatai’s menu, just like at any restaurant, or
• Choose seafood from the nearby wet market-style stalls, have it weighed in front of them, and pay a separate cooking fee for Yatai to prepare it according to their preferred style – steamed, grilled, buttered, or thermidor, among others.
The process is refreshingly transparent. Prices are clearly posted, seafood is weighed in plain sight, and there’s no pressure to participate. For those who enjoy hands-on, communal dining, paluto adds an interactive layer. For diners who prefer simplicity, Yatai stands perfectly well on its own. There are ready-made dishes you can order.
Inside the Paluto Market
For those curious to explore, Seascape Village’s paluto market features several trusted stalls, all operating daily and known for consistent freshness:
• Gracie (We chose this by recommendation!)
Daily, 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
A popular stall with a wide seafood selection and efficient service.
• Kurt Ilonggo Seafood Stall
Daily, 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
Known for Ilonggo-style seafood options and straightforward preparations.
• Sharon and Lorna
Daily, 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
A Bisaya favorite with a steady stream of regulars, especially during dinner hours.
For someone long accustomed to condo living, stepping into the market felt like a small thrill. Spotting lato (seaweed), a rarity in supermarkets, was a simple but meaningful treat.
The Meal and the Mood
At Yatai, the food quietly but confidently stole the show.
The shrimp dish was the clearest marker of freshness — the shells slipped off effortlessly, almost falling away on their own. This is a detail seafood lovers immediately recognize as a sign of quality. There was no sticking, no struggle, just clean, firm pieces of meat that tasted as fresh as they looked.
The lobster thermidor was rich, flavorful, and indulgent without being overwhelming. The sauce was well-seasoned and balanced, enhancing rather than masking the sweetness of the lobster. Even the rice, often overlooked, deserved special mention. It was fragrant, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce and broth.
The steamed pampano was equally memorable. Simply prepared, it highlighted the fish’s natural richness and delicate texture, proving that when ingredients are this fresh, restraint is the best seasoning. It was cooked perfectly.
It was the kind of meal that encourages lingering, second helpings, overlapping stories, and laughter filling the pauses as we reminisced the good old times we also shared meals on campus.
Music by the Bay & Lingering Longer
As daylight faded, Seascape Village eased into evening mode. Music by the Bay, the complex’s regular live music program, began to fill the open-air walkways with sound — turning dinner into a laid-back alfresco experience. Sadly, we didn’t get to experience this as we had to leave early but we saw how the mood was being set as we had a quick stroll in the area.
Beyond the dining experience, Seascape Village provides a venue for other activities. It has open promenades, small specialty shops, and pockets of entertainment.
An activity option we wish we had time to try was the pickleball.
PickleBay: Where Dining Meets Play
Adding a playful, active layer to the waterfront experience is Seascape PickleBay Court, a dedicated pickleball space perfect for casual games, friendly matches, or organized open play, before or after dinner.
Seascape Picklebay Court
Check Available Time Slots
Reserve your game at the Seascape Picklebay Court by selecting an available time slot. If your preferred time is not listed, it has already been booked.
Adjusted Rates
• Court rental: P300.00/hour (maximum of 8 pax only)
• Additional pax: P50.00/pax/hour
• Seascape Paddle: P50.00
• CODI Paddle: P150.00
Contact
Viber: 0916-436-3088
It’s an easy way to break a sweat and meet new people!
The Perfect Stop
By around 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., we wrapped up not because we wanted to but because the night had another chapter waiting. Seascape Village’s location made it an ideal pre-show stop before heading to the much-talked about Bagets The Musical at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Why Seascape Village Works
Seascape Village understands that good nights don’t need to be rushed. Come early for the sunset. Choose between a restaurant meal or paluto (or have both). Stay for live music, squeeze in a pickleball game, or simply walk by the bay. There are events happening, too, like mini concerts and holiday-themed activations.
That Friday, it gave us exactly what we needed — time, warmth, and a waterfront backdrop that made reconnection feel effortless.
If you want your own metro escape, try Seascape!
Email: seascapevillageph@gmail.com
Phone: (02) 8640-9955
Address: Atang Dela Rama Street corner Zoilo Hilario Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines (beside Sofitel)
