A charming bed and breakfast in Dagupan
Ithe 7,500-sqm lot was supposed to be converted into a trading post for farmers hauling their produce down the tambac river and into the old Dagupan railway station.
have passed through Dagupan City in Pangasinan several times previously, typically for quick pit stops at random cafes. a weekend with friends last summer allowed me to stay overnight and explore more the city’s nature spots, old churches and, of course, its culinary delights.
Together with four other travel writers and our host bong esguerra, we arrived at el Jardin by Ciudad Fernandino a couple of hours after lunch. The property is well-known among locals for its beautiful al fresco setting, where guests can enjoy a sumptuous meal under the vines and stars. It also accommodates events and has five rooms for visitors to spend the night.
The rooms are modestly sized with a simple decor expressing a provincial vibe. The best thing about it is the view out the window of Tambac river.
Family property since 1920s
Bong’s mom, Cynthia esguerra, warmly welcomed us with a wide smile, as if we were long lost relatives due for a catch-up session.
Mother and son shared the history of the place. el Jardin was originally purchased by bong’s great-grandfather, Sotero esguerra, in 1926. The 7,500-square meter lot was supposed to be converted into a trading post for farmers hauling their produce down the Tambac river and into the old Dagupan railway station.
After Sotero’s passing, half of the property went to bong’s grandfather nicholas. The property was neglected for decades following WWII until Cynthia’s husband and bong’s father Fernando went back to Dagupan City in 1986.
Small improvements gradually turned the area from a chicken farm to a warehouse storing construction and utility materials into a modest farm where native tree species, vegetables, and ornamental plants thrived and blossomed, giving the place a green character.
Already a business owner for more than a decade, having operated
Spanish-Filipino-inspired cuisine
After a wonderful afternoon filled with fascinating talks and a brief tour of the surrounding nature spots, which included a picturesque cruise along the waters and mangrove forest of Tambac river, we returned to a gourmet dinner set up in the garden of el Jardin by Ciudad Fernandino.
Cynthia’s daughter, Carmina, and her husband Mon Camacho joined us. both chefs worked extensively in various restaurants before they decided to focus on the family’s restaurant business.
Chef Mon, in particular, specializes in Spanish cuisine, which is why the paella
dishes he served us that night — Paella Negra
and Paella Laing Con Bagnet — tasted so much better than the ones I’ve had before.
WealsoenjoyedSopa de Mariscos, Bangus al Jorno, Gambas, slowcooked beef belly, and the El Jardin Salad,
Apple Crumble Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse, and Panna Cotta.
Before we dug into the main course, we indulged in another lively socials with the esguerra family over freeflowing Sangria and an appetizing charcuterie board of various cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and biscuits. Under a clear night sky, star above illuminating the trees and vines around us, the ambiance was perfect. no wonder the place is fast becoming a popular venue for bespoke private dining, intimate gatherings, and romantic dinner dates for couples.
The next morning, I awoke to birds chirping and the delicious aroma of our breakfast — dried tuyo, sausages, tapa, sunny-side-up eggs, fried rice, and fresh salad. I could not help but wonder when I would be able to visit el Jardin again.
El Jardin by Ciudad Fernandino is located at 185 Tambac-Tebeng road, barangay Tambac, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.