Don’t be afraid to dine in the dark
Inside The Westin Manila’s immersive concept Dine in the Dark (DID), guests, including yours truly, are completely shrouded in darkness. And I mean, cloaked in pitch black nothingness. Smartphones and smartwatches or any light-emitting gadget are also not allowed and need to be surrendered prior to entering.
It’s an unnerving experience as you snake your way through a labyrinthine route to reach the table in the conference-room-turned-makeshift-restaurant, navigate through the three-course menu, and identify the flavors and ingredients.
But there is one guiding light amid the inky void: our bright beacon of inspiration John Paul “JP” Bustillos, who made the experience as brilliant as the idea behind DID.
Sitting with the discomfort of darkness
A former BPO manager, Bustillos is one of six visually impaired guides employed by The Westin Manila to lead guests throughout the experience—escorting them to the table, helping them maneuver around the table from start to finish, and even showing them how to build mental maps.
But, in my opinion, the bigger objectives at play here transcend the mystery menu crafted by new executive chef Francisco “Kiko” Santiago, which—don’t get me wrong—is purposely crafted with textures, temperatures, and flavors that respond to the isolated environment.
What DID does best is encourage guests to sit with the discomfort of the darkness that is the norm for people like Bustillos, perceive a world without sight for at least an hour and a half, open up about each other’s feelings, and perhaps create meaningful new connections.
“In this fast-paced, tech-dominated, and digital-heavy world, in-person communal experiences such as DID are a wonderful reminder of the value of personal connection,” explains general manager Alexander Dietzsch.
“The experience invites you to slow down and savor every moment—to be fully present and appreciate richness and goodness beyond what meets the eye.”
Raising awareness
The social enterprise was established in Bangkok in 2012 by Julien Wallet-Houget, a Swiss, French, and British social entrepreneur, aiming to raise awareness about life with visual impairment and support disability employment advocacy in the hospitality industry.
In one of our many conversations with Bustillos, he said that better employment opportunities for visually impaired people offer significant value in not only uplifting the community but also breaking the stereotype that they can only work as massage therapists.
Not that there is anything wrong with being one, but treating it as the default option rather than addressing the systemic barriers that limit the career opportunities of persons with disabilities can further alienate the disabled population.
For example, Bustillos and his background in BPO translates beautifully in the hospitality and foodservice industry, thanks to his excellent communication and active listening skills. And while special considerations are needed to recruit persons with disabilities, the key is simple—highlight their strengths.
Understanding a lived reality
During our DID experience, confessional and sometimes somber reflections on life naturally emerged. But instead of fearing the reality of the outpourings, they became a means to understanding and sharing someone’s lived reality.
We learned that Bustillos lost his sight in 2022, not at birth like most would probably assume, but after developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. An admittedly proud individual who thrived in his previous profession, adjusting to life after his vision loss took some time, physically and psychologically.
But as he tells his story over Santiago’s beautiful mystery courses (revealed outside the room after dinner), Bustillos epitomizes the sheer human will to endure and adapt in the face of immense trials and tribulations. His optimism, enthusiasm, and humor made me think that, yes, major life shifts are unavoidable but we must forge on, find peace, and not fall victim to destabilizing hopelessness.
And to do it all flashing a genuine smile like Bustillos does is all the more impressive. As does The Westin Manila, who joins various establishments in the Philippines that hire deaf, autistic, and other persons with disabilities in the pursuit of greater inclusivity in the hospitality industry.
Inclusivity in the hospitality industry
It also makes good business sense. Research makes a case for why disabled employees can impact the hospitality workplaces. From higher retention rates and positive contributions to customer experience to a more supportive workplace culture and even favorable guest perception and attitudes toward equal, diverse, and inclusive hiring, employing people like Bustillos correlates to operational advantages and a reassured sense of branding.
In The Westin Manila’s case, being a Michelin-recognized, 5-star wellness-forward hotel also means providing a welcoming space for a sector of society that rarely feels seen.
Yet at DID, Bustillos opened our eyes in the most affecting way. We came in expecting a unique culinary experience (which it was, really) and left with an eye-opening glimpse of life without sight. And in many ways, this is an immersive concept for the visually impaired community as much as it is for us.
Because, at the end of the day, there is a difference between looking at someone and truly seeing them for who they are—ambition, joy, autonomy, humanity and all.
Offered at P3,990 nett per person, the concept is also designed to cater to groups, including events and team building. Book a table via https://qrco.de/DineInTheDarkMNL
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