Newsletter

Step through our gates and be transported into a world full of lush greenery awaiting to enchant you. The Makati Garden Club is a rare oasis of calm and beauty in the heart of the city, a place where everyone is invited to slow down, and wander through our lovingly tended gardens—one of the last remaining open green spaces in Makati.

Since June, we have taken a short pause to close Café Maria Luisa for a complete transformation, giving it a fresh new look and inviting a talented new chef to bring exciting flavors to your table. This October, we are thrilled to welcome you back to an even more delightful experience, where the charm of our gardens meets the warmth of delicious dining.

Keep an eye out for our announcement as we prepare for the grand reopening in mid-October—we can’t wait to share this new chapter with you.

Meet the Cafe Maria Luisa Team!

We are proud to introduce our incoming team of Makati Garden Club members, who will be overseeing Café Maria Luisa.

Anne Catherine “Trina” Hernandez

Trina’s journey began in the fast-paced world of corporate finance, trading at BDO Private and BPI. But while numbers and markets shaped her early career, her heart was always drawn to the flavors, energy, and creativity of food and hospitality. That passion led her to take a leap into the restaurant scene, where she successfully brought to life a Spanish dining concept that married her business acumen with a love for great food.

Today, her vision for Café Maria Luisa is inspired by the charm of a classic French bistro—warm, inviting, and brimming with character. Trina will be ever-present, greeting guests at the front, fine-tuning details in the kitchen, and ensuring every plate and every interaction reflects her commitment to comfort, quality, and community. For her, dining is more than a meal—it’s an experience, thoughtfully crafted and grounded in a rock-solid business strategy.

Chef Tanya Chua Mercado

What drew the MGC Board to Chef Tanya was her unwavering passion for sustainability. Dedicated to the farm-to-table philosophy, she brings hands-on experience in farming and vertical gardening, aiming to grow fresh produce right in our own MGC gardens. As the founder of Sunshine Kitchen and Stockpile—celebrated all-day brunch concepts known for inventive comfort food—Chef Tanya consistently showcased her commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients. Her eco-conscious cooking style aligns perfectly with MGC’s vision, blending mindful resource use with the rich flavors of seasonal harvests. We look forward to enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of her labor at our tables. Chef Tanya will be the Executive In-house Chef of Cafe Maria Luisa.

Mia Angelica Ibarra

Fondly known as Chef Lica, she brings to MGC’s Cafe Maria Luisa a unique blend of culinary artistry and wellness expertise as a Consultant Chef. A MasterChef Asia 2015 finalist, she is celebrated for reimagining traditional Filipino flavors with a nutritious, modern twist. Her career began in finance, but her calling led her to the kitchen, where she now serves as Executive Chef for Kim King’s Wellness. There, she promotes wholesome, flavorful cooking that supports a healthy lifestyle through innovative culinary concepts. At MGC, Chef Lica will guide the wellness-focused direction of the Café’s menu, ensuring that members and guests enjoy dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious.

With the unceasing rains and monsoons, plus the on-going renovations at the Garden Club, the Board is suspending all meetings until our Grand Opening of the Cafe in October.

In the meanwhile, do keep well and healthy, Stay in touch with us.
We look forward to having you join us with a flurry of activities planned for the forthcoming holiday season!