“Toscana Village evokes Tuscany through arched doorways, terracotta accents, textured stone, and warm wood, a refining backdrop for intimate tasting menus”
AFTER the death two and a half years ago of Roberto V. Ongpin, RVO to a lot of people, or just Bobby to others like me, no new projects by the debt-free Alphaland Corporation have been written about.
For the record, the developments of Alphaland Corporation, developer of high-end properties, are alive and kicking as ever, though the development of another island, Patnanungan Island, not far from Balesin Island, has been put on hold, but the corporation is now concentrating on the promotion of its recently launched Balesin Key.
Balesin Key is an exclusive membership offering that redefines luxury living. It provides members access to three Alphaland Corp.-developed destinations: the Balesin Island in Quezon, the Balesin Pines in Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges, and Balesin City (formerly City Club) in Makati City.
The corporation has a press release that emphasizes the exclusivity and prestige of Bobby Ongpin’s vision for the corporation. Here is what Balesin Key has to offer for the months of October to December 2025.
Balesin Tastemakers
Alphaland’s Balesin Key announces the inaugural Balesin Tastemakers, a three-day culinary series that brings distinguished chefs to two of Balesin Key’s prestigious destinations, Balesin Island and Balesin Pines.
Conceived as a specially curated program running from October to December 2025, the series reinforces Balesin’s reputation for exclusivity, prestige, and destination dining at the very top tier.
“Balesin Tastemakers began with a clear purpose: to bring the country’s most dynamic chiefs into settings that elevate their craft and reward our members’ time,” shares Mr. Alain Borgers, Executive Vice President for Hospitality of Alphaland.
He adds,”Balesin Tastemakers is a deliberate step for us. Both Balesin Island and Balesin Pines can stand on their own, and the unique experience from each location is best expressed through the menus our guest chefs create in the venue. We are presenting three distinct evenings, each shaped by its location, its ingredients, and our service standards.”
Chef Josh Boutwood, Toscana Village, Balesin Island, Nov. 15, 2025:
Chef Josh closes out the series with the theater and rigor that define his restaurant, Helm. helm features in 50 Best Discovery, reflecting its international profile. Boutwood was also honoured by La Liste as a Young Talent of the Year (2021), a citation that spotlighted his Manila portfolio, including The Test Kitchen and Helm.
In 2024, Tatler Dining recognized Helm with the Best Interior Design Award, affirming the restaurants’s immersive design and meticulous craft.
Chef Jorge Mendez, Toscana Village, Balesin Island, Dec. 6, 2025:
Chef Jorge of MoDAN brings the precision and imagination that have defined his rise in Manila’s dining scene to Balesin Island. MoDAN was named Best New Restaurant at the Tatler Dining SAwards 2023, and Mendez received the Rising Star honor in the same year.
He was later recognized as Chef of the Year 2024 by SPOT.ph, underscoring the momentum behind his progressive tasting menus
The setting is central to the experience. Balesin island is a 500-hectare private paradise about 60 nautical miles east of Manila, reachable by chartered flights in roughly 30 minutes, with dedicated lounges and terminals for seamless access.
Within the island, Toscana Village evokes Tuscany through arched doorways, terracotta accents, textured stone, and warm wood, a refining backdrop for intimate tasting menus.
In October, Balesin Pines sets the scene at approximately 1,400 meters above sea level near Baguio, with suites, dining, and two helipads integrated into the landscape for convenient access.
“Balesin Tastemakers reflects what our members value most: rare access, thoughtful craftsmanship, and experiences that feel intimate from arrival to nightcap,” said Mr. Borgers.
“Each dinner is designed as a complete journey guided by sheds at the top of their field.”
I am sure we will be hearing more news about Balesin in the coming months.
