Note: This post has been in my drafts for a long time now (since February, imagine), and I was planning to publish this once the pandemic is over. However, realizing that the PH government prioritizes silencing their critics over flattening the curve, I have decided to post this today before I forget that I have this in my drafts.
Update: Art Sector Gallery and Chimney Cafe are open for visitors, but they do not entertain walk-ins. You have to book a visit and preorder your food. Since jeepneys are not allowed to operate yet, you can only go there if you have your own car.
Aside from mountains and nature reserves, Rizal is also known for its art galleries. Popular ones are in Antipolo and Angono, but there is also one in Binangonan called Art Sector Gallery, which I went to visit last February 2020.
How to Go to Art Sector Gallery and Chimney Café 360º
From Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall or Junction, Cainta, ride a Binangonan Highway jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Scrapyard Cafe and Restaurant. From there, tricycles lined up beside 7-Eleven can bring you to Art Sector Gallery (drivers asks for Php 200–300), but you can also hire a motorcycle taxi service like Angkas (I was lucky to get one), which only costs Php 70. Beware, however, as the GPS won’t point at the exact location. Better follow the guard’s instructions, or look for an eye-catching white building.
We left at around 6:30 p.m, fearing that we wouldn’t find a ride home. True enough, there were only habal-habal services (Php 75), which dropped us off at a tricycle terminal. It was a scary experience because the path downhill was steep, and there were three of us riding the motorcycle (including the driver).
The ride from the terminal to Angono Highway costs Php 10.
What to Expect in Art Sector Gallery
Even before entering the gallery, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of Laguna Lake. I suggest you come at 3:00 p.m. if you want to take solo pictures at this spot.
Since we went on a Friday, we paid Php 125 to enter. There were only a few paintings, some even familiar; I think I’ve seen similar themes in Pinto Art Museum. My favorite is entitled Jae by Arnica Acantilado, which is hung on one of the walls of the second floor. (I wonder if it’s the name of the dog.)
The white-painted gallery accentuated with black borders strongly reminded me of Pinto Art. What made it different, however, was it had a venue to view the stunning sunset. Pak na pak ang golden hour.
What to Eat at Chimney Café 360º
I wasn’t able to take note of how much each dish was, but I remember paying Php 700 for all of these. The thin-crust pizza was okay, a 7/10. The mango shake (or was it a frappe?) and the pasta need improvements, however.
Things got disappointing when the cashier wanted to charge us with another service fee because we wanted to order more. Often when you order another dish, they’ll just add it to your current bill, right? So you’ll be charged with service fee once. But it wasn’t that way at Chimney Cafe; according to the cashier, “Ibang resibo na kasi.” I asked why they wouldn’t just include my supposed additional order to my first receipt, but he said, “Di po talaga puwede.” Hindi ko sigurado kung dahil ayaw niya ng erasures, o talagang gano’n ang patakaran nila.
In the end, I just decided not to order again. Can anyone clarify if this is okay? This ruined the experience for me, but I would still recommend going there for an astonishing sunset view.
Favorite Picture
Art Sector Gallery and Chimney Café 360º
3:30–10:00 p.m.; 4:00–9:00 p.m. (cafe)
Lot 18 Block 178 Eastridge Executive Village, Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal
https://www.facebook.com/artsectorph/
