Baliktanaw Café: Café, Family, and History in One!
Once a dental clinic, the location became a restaurant called Casaño. Rumor has it that Marcelo’s was once used as a fictional establishment name for it on TV, leading to confusion on Google Maps. However, the venture didn’t last long either, as the Reyes family later bought it for its vintage charm, which caught the eye of the eldest, Ms. Celeste Reyes, who has a fondness for vintage-style houses and furniture.
A little tidbit: A local from Marikina said that it was really “Casaño”. The name “Marcelo’s” was only used for a TV program at ABS-CBN before.
The family then considered renovating it without significantly changing its core design and maintaining its vintage appeal, mainly to serve as the Reyeses’ family home at first. But fate had other plans, as the youngest member of the family thought of turning the al fresco area of the house into a coffee shop. And so, it began. With the help of social media platforms, Baliktanaw Cafe grew and started offering indoor dining with something new—the pastas. Eventually, the owners decided to add an all-day breakfast, which began this May of 2025.
What’s in a name?
Baliktanaw, as a name, tells a meaningful story of history and family, reflecting on its past. The establishment is a place for reconnection and nostalgia for family. The owners are a family of four siblings; its name is inspired by the timeless act of family members enjoying each other’s company while eating at a dining table, reminiscing about their good old memories together, hence, “Baliktanaw.”
The people behind this are a family living in Marikina: Reynaldo De Guzman Reyes, father; Vivian Natividad Reyes, mother; and their children: Celeste Natividad Reyes, the eldest; Ronald Allan Natividad Reyes, the second; Ray Angelo Natividad Reyes, the third; and Camille Natividad Reyes, the youngest.
Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:
Inspired by the owner’s old-soul appreciation for vintage aesthetics, the cafe was carefully designed to feel like a cozy, nostalgic home where customers can gather and enjoy a meal as if it were their dining table, sharing company. Additionally, the owner selected all furnitures, from the lighting to the tables; even the most minor details are thoughtfully planned.
Resto Format:
The dine-in experience is currently available, but it will eventually shift to online deliveries.
Price Range:
100 to 400 PhP
Specialties:
One of their best-sellers is the Tapa series, which features different types of meat like horse, wild boar, and deer. These meats are local and come from a farm in Batangas. Baliktanaw Cafe also offers a selection of pastries, including the Biscoff Cheesecake, one of the cafe’s most popular items. They also serve Filipino dishes in a clay pot, accompanied by three cups of rice, called “Sikreto ni Ate.” The concept is that customers have to order it to discover the secret. For drinks, they offer classic coffee options like lattes and cappuccinos. Be sure to try their Takipsilim (Salted Caramel), Noong Araw (Spanish Latte), Kanela De Crema (Cinnamon Latte), and Fresa De Crema (Strawberry Milk).
Other item selections from The Menu of Baliktanaw Café!
Location:
Baliktanaw Café is at 172 J.P. Rizal St., Barangay San Roque, Marikina City 1801 (A few meters away from Our Lady of the Abandoned Church and Sunday’s Breakfast)
For details and queries, you may contact:
- baliktanawcoffee@gmail.com
- 0921 464 3893 – Odie Rodrigo (Store Supervisor)
- 0977 797 2857 – Dexter Loredo (OIC/Manager)