Sillon: An unassuming, laidback nook along Metropoli Drive
A feast for the senses.
And how can it not be? Talk about taking your good old favorite Filipino breakfast, coupled with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, in an unassuming, laidback nook with soft, mellow music to boot—a perfect way to de-stress and detach yourself from a tiring, harried day.
While that alone is already an attractive proposition, the Sillon All Day Breakfast offers even much more.
A visit offers a trip down memory lane, and a taste of the past, when life was much simpler and less complicated.
Tucked at the heart of the highly urbanized and modern metropolis, Sillon allows one to relax, just sit back, and savor the moment, serving as the perfect pit stop for anyone seeking to take a breather.
Sillon All Day Breakfast, which opened last November 2014, is located along Metropoli Drive cor. E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. in Quezon City.
“This is not my first foray in the food business as I already franchised other local food brands. However, I must say that Sillon is the one place that perfectly mirrors my persona, meaning my appreciation and affinity for anything old and beautiful,” explained owner Mila Guerta Robles.
Indeed, Sillon is more than just your regular coffee shop and breakfast nook. It is a well thought out corner whose interiors could feed your soul, and would allow you to appreciate the beauty of the glorious past.
“Sillon was not something that I planned on putting up because I was really bent on having a franchise. But the thrill of putting up something that could allow me to truly express myself was just really hard to pass on,” Robles added.
Everything you see in Sillon is a reminder of the past.
Rich Filipino culture, history
Tucked behind a sea of giant modern day shops and restaurants, Sillon stands proud with its old intriguing charm, enough to entice and make one come back for another serving.
“I was challenged to come up with something really unique but close to my heart. So when plans and concepts were finalized, we started frequenting flea markets and antique shops in Bulacan, Quezon, Tagaytay and other similar places to find and score items that we needed to achieve the look that I have wanted Sillon to carry,” she related.
A self-confessed foodie and traveler, Robles has done a good job in designing Sillon despite having no formal background in the field of design and architecture. If anything, Sillon was a reflection of her persona and desire to preserve the rich Filipino history, culture and traditions.
From the old frames that lined the walls of Sillon, to the candelabras, plateras and sillon chairs that were tastefully designed and placed in every nook and cranny of the restaurant, one could readily see the labor of love that was put into this project to achieve such desirable and intriguing look.
Every piece of furniture, fixture and trinket that diners would see in Sillon has an interesting tale to tell—conversation pieces shared while enjoying some Filipino comfort food that one has been accustomed with.
“The design inspiration is really Filipino. From the music to the chairs and tables, everything you see here is a reminder of the past that carries that homey and welcoming feel,” Robles said.
“While it mirrors my personality, Sillon really is a fusion of all things local and Filipino. This establishment is a showcase of the things that we, as a family, truly appreciate and value,” she added.
Sourcing the pieces
The tables at Sillon were made from either old doors or windows that were sourced from various areas in the country. The photos and old album covers that lined the walls were meanwhile from the collection of his husband.
“It was easy to put things together because most of the items here came from our house. The old sombreros and photographs that you see lining the walls were from my husband’s original collection,” Robles further shared.
“Everything that you see here would likely remind you of the past. The building may be modern, but once you enter Sillon its like you are being transported into a different era. I’m happy with how it turned out and that I’ve given diners a good alternative. Sillon will always have that feel that would make you easily feel at home,” Robles concluded.
Sillon allows one to just relax, sit back, and savor the moment