frequently asked questions
Food
Do you offer free food tasting prior to booking?
Yes. With adequate advance notice we can arrange for you to taste items before you decide to order.
Do I have to meet you in person to make my catering arrangements?
Most of the arrangements can be made on the phone or by email, if you prefer. We welcome meetings as it gives you the opportunity to discuss your requirements in detail. An appointment at the event venue can also be very useful in helping to plan the logistics and familiarizing us with the space available. Please note that meetings outside of our office have to be scheduled at least three days prior.
How early do I need to contact you prior to my event?
We usually require at least two (2) weeks' notice for orders. During particularly busy seasons, more lead time is required. We always recommend booking a date as soon as your event is confirmed. There is no such thing as "too early" for us.
In the case of an unanticipated event, we try our best to respond quickly. Call us and we will accommodate you if possible.
Can you adjust to food allergies and other dietary restrictions?
Yes. Please provide specific details of your needs so that we can address them properly.
Can you create custom menus?
Yes. We will be happy to work with you in creating a menu that perfectly fits the needs of your event. Please note that we require several weeks of advance notice for custom menus. Contact us as soon as possible if you have special catering needs.
Do you offer vegetarian entrees?
Yes. We have a variety of delicious vegetarian options that can be built into your catering package on request.
Where do you cater?
We mainly serve Metro Manila clients, but have had the distinct pleasure of catering for events in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and even Ilocos Norte.
How do I decide on a menu for my event?
Our service packages are a good starting point, since these provide samplers of our food and drink offerings. Once you've examined the samplers, please contact us by telephone, email, or our online contact form to discuss the full range of options. Let us address any questions you may have and advise you on your specific catering needs.
Can the guests bring outside food/beverage for serving?
Yes. However, in the very slight possibility of food poisoning, the caterer will not be held liable as the caterer no longer becomes the sole food provider for the event.
Also, we might charge a corkage fee should the additional items require additional manpower and serving equipment complement (ie. extra glasses for outside drinks or an additional butcher and serving plates for lechon and/or other viands).
Is there a buffer for the food?
Yes. A 10% food buffer is industry standard. This, however, is not meant to encourage the client to intentionally increase the number of guests by 10% or more.
Should the number of guests look to exceed 110%, our food attendants will portion the food in such a way that will accommodate the extra number of guests.
The caterer will not be held accountable should there be a food shortage if the number of guests exceed that of what is stated on the contract.
Styling
Do you provide customized styling services?
We provide standard stylized themes to choose from for your table centerpiece, buffet centerpiece, and backdrop. For customized themes, we will charge an additional styling fee.
Are tables and chairs included in your catering services?
Yes.
Can we choose the type of chair used?
Kind of. For personal events, our standard chairs are tiffany. If you would like to upgrade to a different kind of chair, we may charge an additional fee. For extreme high volume and budgeted corporate events, we use monobloc chairs with seat covers.
Billing
Can you provide me with a written quote or bill in advance?
We can provide you a written itemized proposal based on your inquiry. This can be sent via email.
What are your payment terms?
Our payment terms are as follows:
10% deposit upon booking/date reservation
40% 2 weeks before the event
remaining balance to be paid 2 days before the event
Do you accept credit cards?
Regretfully no. We only accept cash or checks.
In the event of an event cancellation can we still get a refund?
All payments made to Seafood Ventures Corporation (Alfonso’s Catering) are Non Refundable, Non Transferable in the event of cancellation.
What happens in the event of breakages?
Any major or multiple breakages caused by the client/client's guests will be charged accordingly.
All incidental charges that will occur on the day of the event must be settled in cash during the event. For check payments, only manager’s & company check will be accepted. No personal checks will be accepted.
Event Proper
Miscellaneous
Can you provide liquor/bar services for my event?
Yes. We can supply you any type of beverage services for your event. Whether it's just beer and wine or a full liquor bar, our complete bar services will suit your needs.
Do you make wedding cakes?
No. However, we work with several reputable cake artisans and will gladly refer you to one.
How long is the duration of the catering event and can this be extended?
Service charge of our waiters is good for 4 hours only for one meal, and 8 hours for full board.
Yes, it may be extended provided that an Overtime Fee shall be added for every additional hour. P1, 500 for the first hour and P100/waiter for every succeeding hour. Additional P50/waiter if venue or function is in a building without elevator.
The Overtime Fee shall be paid in full and in cash/Manager's Check on the day of the event.
We have less than 50 guests. Will you still be able to accommodate us?
Yes. However, a Php5,000 surcharged will be imposed. This may be waived depending on day, location, and/or package price upon the discretion of the owner.
How many days before the event can I modify my menu/contract?
For changes involving the food and number of persons, caterer must be advised at least 3 days before. For changes in theme or motif, caterer must be advised 2 weeks before.
Can I postpone the date of my event?
Yes. Caterer must be advised at least 1 month before. In the event the CLIENT cannot yet decide on the new date, all payment made will be valid six (6) months of the booked event.
What happens when on the event date, there is a typhoon and I am forced to cancel?
In case of Force Majeure where such failure is due to fortuitous events beyond the control of and without the fault of Alfonso’s Catering such as, Typhoons, Flood, Earthquake, and other natural calamities or act of God, Labor Disputes, Strikes and other concerned labor actions, accident, Illness and the like. It shall not be the responsibility of the client and its guests to abide by the terms and conditions of this agreement.