I really wanted to give it 5 stars, because the food and ambience may well be the best Tarlac has to offer --- even our mother is impressed 👍( and she used to own a restaurant herself ! ). What could elevate Rustica from a good restaurant to a great dining experience, is more engagement from the wait staff and the female hosts. I think that they need to be less shy to talk to guests and show that the place is special not just because of the food but also because patrons are in for a great time. Smile more 😆. ( mask or no mask, I can tell if a person is smiling ). Ask us how we are and try to make polite small talk. ( say something like how hot it is outside ☀️, and you've got the AC on full blast just for us! ) Make suggestions on what you think is a good fit for our dinner 🍽 . These gestures cost nothing on operations but increases the overall positive experience and the likelihood for better tips! They have such young, and good-looking male and female staff --- and it's a shame we can't be friendly, even just for the the short time we are there. Another suggestion: be confident enough to speak in English whenever appropriate --- even to the locals. It'll elevate your game and give the place an international feel 😎. Lastly, don't appear rushed. If a person just want to fill their belly fast, then there are a hundred fast food places in the city that can cater to that. Look more relaxed and show that you enjoy serving as much as we enjoy the dining experience. 🥘 To be fair, the staff are nice and efficient to begin with, and food is superb... But with just a tiny tweak here and there, I could see Rustica to be potentially, one of the best in the country. Cheers!