I've been living a couple of blocks away from Merced for roughly 3 years, but I only visited this bakehouse/restaurant a few weeks ago when I forgot my keys to our house. I wasn't in the mood for fastfood, so I just decided to walk to Merced.
With their conspicuous cake displays, affordable prices and proximity to the EDSA - Quezon Avenue intersection, it comes to no surprise that Merced has been around (and survived) for 40 years. I've already tried Merced products because SM Hypermarket in Centris Station (Quezon Ave.) sells some of them in their "bread section" or whatever that area is called.
Merced has plenty of pastries to choose from. Some are baked in their kitchen, while some are obviously sourced from other places. The prices are quite lower than the usual cake shops and they sell many local products (e.g. cassava chips, toasted pastillas, etc.). But I settled for one order of bibingka (P50), which tasted good. Nothing spectacular though. The place wasn't crowded and only a third of the restaurant was occupied. I find their choice of centerpiece for the tables a bit tacky - large potted plants that are big enough to block the view of one's companion.
The waiter seems to be all alone, but he was very attentive and refilled my water even if I didn't ask for a refill. There is a closed area reserved for functions. And customers can get made-to-order cakes for a reasonable price. With a little work, a fresh coat of paint and a change of table decorations, I might consider going there again and not wait another 3 years. read more