The University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT), one of the most-awaited and competitive college entrance exams in the Philippines, is just around the corner! Yearly, hundreds and thousands of students from different parts of the Philippines take the admission test in hopes of being an Iskolar ng Bayan. For UPCAT 2026, over 140,000 students are expected to take the UPCAT across 117 testing centers nationwide.
In the University of the Philippines Diliman, over 50,000 examinees are expected to flock to the campus on the UPCAT weekend this August 2 and 3. If you are one of those aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan, what better way to reward yourself and manifest your UP dreams than with food!
Here are some Isko-approved food places you should try as a future Iskolar ng Bayan:
Note: While we know you would love to explore more of the campus after your exam, we recommend making only quick stops and avoiding long stays on campus during UPCAT Weekend. With over 25,000 examinees per day, minimizing congestion is essential for everyone’s safety.
-
UP Kiosks
Scattered around the campus, the kiosks are a classic go-to for the whole UP community. Whether it is for students looking for an affordable and quick snack in between classes, or visitors who get entranced by the smell of freshly-cooked pancit canton and kwek-kwek. Plus, every bite is a support to our campus maninindas who have been a vital part of UP for years!
Our recommendation: You can never go wrong with the classic pancit canton and tusok-tusok combo meals. It’s filling and rewarding, perfect after a tiring exam!
-
Area 2
If variety is what you want, Area 2 offers everything from full meals, snacks, buy-one, take-one drinks, and more! You can also get the famous Mango-Graham Shake here in A2, as the UP Community calls it. It’s a great spot for those looking for student-friendly yet delicious meals.
Side note: Area 2 is a narrow residential-commercial street; thus, we do not recommend bringing your ride. We suggest going to the area by walking or riding the jeep! If you have a car, you may park in the designated parking area near the vicinity.
-
Mang Larry’s Isawan, and Rodic’s Diner
No UP visit is complete without eating at these famous food spots — it’s a rite of passage at this point. Come get a taste of the famous isaw at Mang Larry’s! If a filling meal is what you want, try out the Tapsilog at Rodic’s Diner. -
New UP Shopping Center
Yes, you heard it right! The new UP Shopping Center or “DiliMall” is now open. Aside from the commercial food spaces at the ground floor, there are more options at the upper floors!
Our recommendation: More options and seats are available on the second floor. Try out the newly-opened food stalls where you can get more options at an affordable price.
-
UP Diliman Food Hub (Gyud Food)
If you are looking for variety and a little more budget, you may consider Gyud Food. With its food park-style and open-air set-up, you can enjoy the laid-back vibe while you are winding down after your exam. -
University Hotel
Did you know that there is a hotel on the campus? More than housing guests, the University Hotel is also home to multiple food spots like The Patio, What About Coffee (WACO Coffee), and Lantad Grill that are worth trying! If you are with your family, this is the perfect spot that can accommodate medium to large groups, plus their serving size is good for sharing. -
Commercial places in and near UP Diliman
There are more commercial places near the University, such as the UP Town Center, UP Technohub, and more. Most of these places house fast food or big restaurant chains, if you are looking for familiar spots.
Some of these places are hard to find. If you can’t find your way around, the UP Alpha Phi Omega – Eta Chapter has UPCAT Assistance Booths placed around the campus to guide you! From finding your test buildings to getting extra pencil supplies, and even having your pencil sharpened, your ates and kuyas are here to guide you a step closer to your UP dreams!
The UPCAT Assistance Program is an annual service project of UP Alpha Phi Omega – Eta Chapter. Since its launch in the 1990s, the fraternity and sorority arm of Alpha Phi Omega – Eta Chapter has shown dedication to supporting aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan. Manned by resident members and student volunteers, the program offers on-ground assistance booths, free pencils, and campus maps to guide examinees. With the theme “Isang Ikot, Isang Hakbang Patungong Pangarap,” inspired by the iconic IKOT jeepney, this year’s efforts extend both online and on-site, ensuring support from the start to the end of every UPCAT journey.
WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/apoupd/videos/2233399393564403
For more information, you can visit our Facebook page, UPCAT Assistance Program.
Kita-kits this UPCAT weekend!
