MATAM-IH offers authentic Kapampangan cuisine in a fascinating ambiance of an elegant, classy and modern rendering of our indigenous peoples’ culture, arts and crafts and our Hispanic tradition, with the convenience of high-tech gadgetry. MATAM-IH is an Aeta dialect meaning delicious. Their well-trained food
attendants are genuine members of the Aeta and Abelling indigenous people of Capas, where
the largest concentration of the Tribe are found. They are also known as “Kulots” with their distinctive curly tresses, eyelashes and golden brown skin. During the day, MATAM-IH presents our Hispanic heritage and indigenous arts and crafts in the form of antique-style wood and steel furniture and décor. At night, the struggle between the old world and the new in terms of decor, lighting and effect seems
to abate with no sides winning, but with the same breath-taking effect. The old and the new simply, magically co-exist. The main hall was named after Apu Namalyari who was believed to dwell in Mt. It is the biggest hall which prides in its unique bird cage chandelier and a giant fish trap called Balisasa, an olden crude but effective fishermen’s implement. To the
sides are six safari-type tents named after the major Aeta Sitios of Capas town namely Sitio Manabayukan, Sitio Taliktik, Sitio Yeyang, Sitio Manibukyot, Sitio Tarukan, and Sitio Pilien. There is also a summer veranda which is called the Sitio Kalangitan Café which is a cozy hide-away over-looking the entire restaurant and beyond. There are also side recreational amenities like the “Adiu-Adiu” (another Aeta appreciative expression) where one can try out the primitive bow and arrow to hit the target, “Sana” which is a replica of the traditional balon or wishing well and “Dugang” (a Kapampangan term which means wheel of a carabao cart) where you can find an instant
answer to any particular question that one can think of.
