Toyz for the big boys

It’s flattering when someone tells you that you look like they just stepped out of a magazine. But how would it feel to step inside the pages of one?

The newly-opened Toyz Café inside Crowne Plaza Hotel answers that question. Inspired by local men’s magazine Toyz, it is a one-of-kind resto-bar that caters specifically to the interest of men 21 years old and above.

According to Mel Macasaquit, Toyz Café president and CEO, the red and black colors of the walls, the racetrack shape of the overhead lighting fixture and the leather seats are from the look and feel of a Formula I racecar.

There’s not much activity in the bar — no loud disco music, no angry cover bands, no flamboyant comedians. That’s because Toyz Café wants to be known simply as a place where people with common interests can have a nice conversation with a drink in hand, or one where they can meet and make new contacts.

“We’re not out to become a super club or the “in” place to go in Manila. We know who our target market is and it’s enough for us to capture them so we can be assured of longevity, steady sales and referrals,” he said.

The business philosophy is justified. The first two Toyz Café (on Carlos Palanca St., Makati City and inside Lancaster Suites Condo Hotel along Shaw Blvd.) that have been around for a couple of years now boom still despite competition.

He added that he follows a simple rule for everyone who works at Toyz Café: Treat customers as if they were kings.

“Anyone who steps into our place is automatically treated as VIP,” said Mel. “Because we rely more on word of mouth, we want everyone to have the best experience here so that they do the publicity for us.”

Mel himself sees to it that customers get the personal touch. He mingles with them most nights but doesn’t necessarily introduce himself as the owner. He also sticks to his rule of not drinking while on the job so that he is always alert to the customers’ needs.

“One thing I am proud of about Toyz Café is that we’ve never had security problems. Maybe because we choose our market well? I also discovered that if you don’t dim the lights too much, customers don’t become reckless. I don’t know, there’s something about the dark that makes some people go crazy,” he said, smiling.

Of course, and before anything else, Mel ensured that Toyz Café bar chow and cocktail list are at par with the best any bar in the metro could offer. Apart from the resto-bar, Mel said the brand will soon venture into the apparel and scent business.

“I want our name to be known worldwide. I don’t see why we have to franchise a foreign brand when we could very well start our own fire in our own backyard and then fan it globally. We have the best writers, the best girls, the best food…we can do it.”

And with Toyz Café, he shows that the games boys play can also mean serious business.  

Green architecture

Did you know that green surroundings consisting of gardens, fields or forests, and other natural settings have a restorative effect on the mind? And architectural design actually plays a pivotal role in how people think? The concept of green architecture not only helps sustain the environment but also positively affects people’s mind.

These new research findings regarding architecture and its effect on people have resulted in better architectural designs in the new developments for business centers. Such is the case with the new Rockwell Business Center. Its campus-like atmosphere provides for the best balance for a life of work and leisure.

Located in Ortigas Ave., Pasig City, this three-building development is guided by the same vision that built the prominent Rockwell Center in Makati. With its park-like atmosphere and al fresco dining choices, it is a place where work productivity can be maximized and made to go beyond the office walls. For details, call at 793-1057 or 738-3570.

At Rockwell Tent in Makati, a one of a kind shopping experience will happen on Oct. 16 to 18, 2 p.m. to 12 midnight through its Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar. It is shopping till midnight for one-of-kind-Christmas gifts that include non-fashion items, knick-knacks, home accessories and other unique gift ideas. The Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar comes after the successful Multiply Artisans Bazaar.