Understanding the PICC Food and Beverage Policy
The Philippine International Convention Center, a premier event venue in the country, maintains a strict food and beverage policy to ensure guest safety, venue cleanliness, and adherence to its exclusive catering arrangements. While it may be tempting to bring your own snacks or drinks, the general rule is clear: outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the convention center. This rule is a standard practice in many large-scale venues to manage food quality, hygiene standards, and security during events.
The policy is designed to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees and is part of the center's official house rules. The only consistent exception to this rule is sealed, clear plastic bottled water or water in reusable bottles. This allows guests to stay hydrated while still maintaining the venue's policy. Any other form of outside food or beverage will be confiscated at the entrance by security personnel.
Exclusive In-House Catering by Via Mare
To address the dining needs of its guests, the PICC partners exclusively with Via Mare, one of the most reputable catering and restaurant groups in the Philippines. This partnership ensures that all food served within the venue meets high standards of quality and safety. Guests attending events at the PICC have several dining options available through this arrangement, from casual meals to fine dining experiences.
Via Mare operates dedicated dining areas within the complex, such as the Amorsolo restaurant and the PICC Cafeteria. These outlets are strategically located to be easily accessible to event-goers, providing a variety of meal and snack choices. For large-scale events, banquets and catered meals are arranged directly through Via Mare as part of the event package, ensuring that a full dining experience is available on-site.
Event-Specific Considerations
While the general policy is consistent, some specific types of events may have different rules, particularly concerning dining within event spaces. For example, during concerts, eating and drinking inside meeting rooms is prohibited. However, this prohibition does not apply to designated 'dinner concerts' which are allowed in specific areas. This distinction highlights the need for attendees to be aware of the specific rules for their particular event.
Organizers and attendees should always consult the event-specific guidelines provided by the PICC or the event host. For instance, different security and food protocols were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, although standard rules have largely returned. Being mindful of these variances is key to avoiding any inconvenience or delays upon entering the venue.
Outside vs. Inside Dining Options at PICC
| Feature | Bringing Outside Food | Dining Inside PICC |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed? | Generally Prohibited | Yes, through exclusive caterer |
| Beverage Exception | Sealed bottled water/reusable water bottles | All beverages served by in-house vendors |
| Venue Access | Items will be confiscated at entry | No restrictions for items purchased inside |
| Location | Prohibited in most areas | Available in restaurants, cafeteria, and event-specific areas |
| Cost | Free (but not allowed) | Varies based on menu and venue |
| Hygiene & Safety | Not regulated by PICC | Guaranteed by exclusive caterer |
Frequently Asked Questions and Guidelines
To further clarify the policy for visitors, the PICC maintains a clear set of house rules that are often reiterated at event entrances and on their official website. These rules protect the venue's integrity and provide a safe, managed environment for large crowds.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- Food and beverages: Except for water.
- Deadly weapons: For security reasons.
- Pets: With some exceptions for service animals, though not explicitly stated in the cited rules.
- Drugs and contraband: Standard event security protocol.
For more detailed information, visitors can refer to the official PICC website [https://www.picc.gov.ph/].
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to "Is food allowed in PICC?" is a definitive no for outside food and beverages, with the specific exception of bottled water. The venue mandates the use of its exclusive catering partner, Via Mare, for all dining needs, whether at dedicated restaurants like Amorsolo or catered banquet events. By understanding and respecting these rules, event attendees can ensure a smooth and pleasant experience at the Philippine International Convention Center.
