Mercato Centrale, the country's premier night food parks, adds new locations as the Christmas season has begun.

"We're expanding locations for the month of December. But they're limited to Metro Manila because my job is to continue helping our existing vendors grow," Mercato Centrale co-founder RJ Ledesma told the Daily Tribune in a Zoom meeting.

Ledesma said the public can also visit its food parks next month in three locations, namely McKinley Hill in Taguig, SM Taytay in Rizal, and Paseo de Roxas in Makati.

Other locations include Acacia Estates in Taguig, Robinsons Mall in Antipolo, Walmart along E. Rodriguez in Quezon City, Festival Mall in Alabang, Robinsons Bridgetowne in Pasig, and One Calle Industria in Quezon City.

Unique offers

Ledesma said the public can expect unique food items at the food parks as Mercato Centrale also offers mentorship on how food entrepreneurs can ensure their businesses not only succeed but also thrive.

"We have to carefully curate the types of vendors we bring into the park so there'll be a great selection of food. People want to experience a good variety of food, quality of food, and value for money because when you go to the food park, it's an investment of your time," he explained.

"We assist vendors to develop unique food concepts. What makes you stand out? What is your secret sauce?" he continued.

Moving forward, Ledesma said consumers in different parts of the country will have a taste of various and interesting foods as Mercato Centrale's partners become more established and contribute to furthering national economic growth, as well.