A new countryside destination is drawing food lovers and leisure seekers to Barangay Cabetican as Casa Esmeralda and its signature restaurant, ESME, offer a blend of nature, hospitality, and Kapampangan cuisine in a serene setting. The nearly two-hectare property is a joint venture of Philippine basketball star Jayson "The Blur" Castro and Chef Felix Asuncion.\
A Dream Built on a Dike
The property holds deep personal significance for Castro, who traces his roots to Betis in Guagua and Sasmuan, where he was raised by his grandmother . Acquired during the pandemic, the land was originally intended as a retirement home named after his grandmother, Esmeralda. What started as a private family retreat expanded into a staycation destination and, finally, the culinary hub that is now ESME . The location is a full-circle moment for Castro: "During the summer, I would jog along this dike. Back then, it was just barren land, but I dreamed of buying a lot in this exact area" . The partnership between Castro and Asuncion grew organically, with Castro noting, "I continue to learn from Chef Felix—not only about the restaurant business but about life".
Elevated Kapampangan Cuisine with a Modern Twist
At the heart of the estate is ESME, a restaurant that showcases dishes inspired by Kapampangan flavors with a modern touch. Chef Asuncion's philosophy is to preserve the heart of Kapampangan cuisine while introducing subtle Asian twists. "We put pride and honor on how we can elevate and represent Kapampangan food. As a chef, I want Kapampangan food to stand out," he said . The menu features creative takes on classics, including the 2-Way Sisig, which combines both grilled and fried versions on a single plate; Beef Satay Kare-Kare, which fuses grilled satay with creamy peanut richness; Bakareta (baked caldereta); and Thai Fried Chicken Bringhe . The restaurant also serves as a platform for other local producers, featuring a dedicated section for homegrown goods like chicharon and mamon tostado.
