The saints come marching to BGC

The beloved Quezon City restaurant makes its way to Bonifacio Global City with a new Asian-forward menu that blends craftsmanship, creativity, and comfort

- FELICIANO RODRIGUEZ III

Half Saints has always blurred the line between nostalgia and newness. Its story began in Quezon City, where food felt like both a memory and an idea, shaped by two chefs who believed that dining could be personal without being pretentious.

Now, that philosophy unfolds in Bonifacio Global City, where Half Saints opens its newest branch with a bolder, more Asian-forward menu that captures the same balance of craft and creativity that made the original so loved.

The new space at Milestone Building on 5th Avenue mirrors this sensibility. The design plays with texture and contrast: stone against copper, sharp lines softened by a sculptural rope installation. The atmosphere feels modern yet rooted, like a lived-in sketch of the future.

When Half Saints opened in 2018, its founders, chefs Christine Roque and Jo Arciaga, left corporate life to chase something more meaningful. Their Quezon City flagship quickly became known for its inventive plates and sincere storytelling through food. That same spirit, now shaped by local ingredients and Southeast Asian inspiration, continues in BGC.

"Everything we serve is house-made, from the breads and condiments to the mix-ins for our cocktails," Christine said. "We avoid ultra-processed shortcuts and put in the long hours where it matters."