Take time with your loved ones: January 2012

Where We Eat in Manila Philippines Continued...

Manila Philippines-- As promised last night, I'll be posting up more food blogs on this site. Just a quick recap,we paused on my post birthday dinner at Corniche and Sky Lounge, Diamond Hotel Manila, Philippines. All of these were taken on my birthday month, January.

Next,we also traveled to Traders Hotel's Latitude Restaurant, Coffee.com and T Lounge. And at the last phase, I gave you the feel of Dusit Thani Hotel's Sunday Family Crossover Brunch.

For now, I'd rather accelerate a bit to cover more photos and tickle your taste buds,again.

Filipino style fried boneless butterflied Pla-Pla at Abe, Mall of Asia (Pla-Pla or giant Tilapia is known as St. Peter's fish in other countries)

Suman sa Lihiya with Tsokolate Eh or Ah at Cafe Adriatico --soft steamed molded sticky rice in coco milk that melts in your mouth--topped with coco syrup (coco jam in a more liquified form) and paired with thick hot chocolate. This is simply, "wow!" and has been my favorite version of "suman" since 12 years ago.


Love this gratifying Mango Tapioca dessert at Makan Makan Asian Food Village, Ocean Park Manila.


Nachos Appetizer at T.G.I. Fridays-- succulent and filling. It was served to me gratis for my Bistro Circle membership.

Big servings, kid-proof and extra friendly ambiance-- just a few reasons why we go to T.G.I. Friday's regularly. This, in particular, was taken at the Global City (Bonifacio High Street) branch.

TGIF--Grilled Jack Daniel's Pork chop for the big boy


The celebratory atmosphere is just beginning. After the TGIF staff sang a birthday song for me, I've got to blow this candle without delay...just before my icecream melts.

At Conti's, Nuvali -- try this mocha layered cake. Great with brewed coffee or hot tea.


Adobo at Conti's. Its small serving is ideal if you're planning to take a dessert or to try other entrees.


Conti's-- Strawberry cream pie for my niece Kaela

Some sort of banoffee pie, also at Conti's. I forgot the name, but I never forget how good it was.

Not many restaurants offer danggit; and my craving for danggit brought my feet here at Conti's. By the way, Guernica's is another fine restaurant that serves danggit.

Wish granted...See how happy I am?!


Here's a refreshing watermelon shake from Xin Huang Hong Kong Cafe, Mall of Asia

T.G.I.F. Mozzarella is best eaten when hot. Otherwise, you can't pull it the way he does.

We don't leave Fridays without having this burger, for dine-in or to-go.

Fridays French French Onion Soup-- I just like the cheese on top;the soup,though, is too salty for me.

Dulcinea's Churros con Chocolate remains unmatched,I think. I love the crispy churros,perfectly paired with the thickness and texture of Dulcinea's version of Spanish chocolate.

Look at how simple and tasteful Cafe Adriatico and Abe present their wide variety of fresh tropical drinks.

If you think you've seen them all, you might just be dreaming! What you see is just the tip of the iceberg of the wide selection of luscious breakfast menu at Corniche.

Fridays Creamy Fettuccini Pasta Alfredo with freshly diced tomato is my delectable choice for tonight.

My salmon plate for lunch at Cafe Adriatico

A delectable steamed fish fillet in soy dish at Flavors of China

Presenting the Classic Savory Chicken. I was hesitant to feature this due to the poor quality of my cellphone shot;however,I don't want you to miss this recommendation. (In fact, a lot of my craving Facebook pals freaked out in hunger when I posted this.lol!) Today, there's no reason for you to drool as there are Savory branches offering delivery service.

Another low-quality mobile phone shot which I, nevertheless, am posting up to show how much I enjoyed Guernica's low-sodium caesar salad, pumpkin soup and garlic-butter bread, not to mention the elegant homey ambiance.

Kudos to Crisostomo turn of the Century Filipino Dining (Resorts World Manila/ Nuvali) for introducing our very own Filipino flavors in such a flattering level! Sinigang,pinakbet,grilled tuna,crispy pata--name the Filipino dish in your wildest fantasy, and it will be served here perfectly.

1521, a cozy Filipino restaurant in Burgos Circle, is another fine recommendation. The culinary presentation is ideal for new palates familiarizing themselves to Pinoy Cuisine. The way Filipino dishes are presented at 1521 is adapted to international taste (so, if you expect authentic tasting native dishes, this might not be the place you're looking for).

By the way, if you feel that the more famous SMOKELESS GRILL Restaurants at a reasonable per pax price are too crowded, try Sambokojin (though, prior reservation is recommended).

Recently, my family found a new home at Kulinarya Kitchen. Whenever we visit Rockwell (Powerplant Mall), we would always crave for the menu offered in this restaurant. I love the way Kulinarya presents its dishes--enticing color,never dry, always gourmet.

Here's my favorite entrée at Kulinarya Kitchen: Grilled Prawns Thermidor in red sauce, with bell pepper and cream on top, served with rice.

Still at Kulinarya Kitchen, check out how they present their Salmon plate.

Oh,well, since it's late, let's make a full stop for now. I hope you liked the additional menu. I'll be right back for more.

Note: For 2014 updates, please check my posts (earthwideconcepts) on INSTAGRAM

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Manila, PHILIPPINES-- My friends from the international community who haven't been in the Philippines are curious about the places,establishments,hotels,bars, and restaurants we have in the country. Some of them, especially the urban Johns and Janes, are hesitant to visit the Philippines because they have no idea of what to see here.Well, fortunately, I can show them a lot , because I am a self-proclaimed and hubby-certified foodie! So, let's get the ball rock 'n' rollin' in the city ...


My birthday is in January. Just like Christmas, having a monthlong birthday celebration is not very unusual to us. But,thanks, because three days to go, and it will be February-- and that means, I can probably start with my diet. This photo was taken at my favorite hangout, Corniche Restaurant at Diamond Hotel in Manila,on one of my post birthday dinners. Let me take you to the rest of my birthday feast.


Here's a better view of my seafood plate


A little of everything-- Peking Duck, Steak, Hong Kong Style Chicken, Salmon (they had crispy pork,but I didn't try it)


Yey, grilled prawns for me!

I went to the seafood station to get some oysters; and next, to the French station, to try a little of every fine cheese they had. I put the cheeses on top of these oysters and requested the chef to bake them for me. Then, I got a couple of wedges of lemon from the Japanese station and drizzled them with Japanese soysauce. Excited about the yummy result? Presenting my own version of Rockefeller Oysters!

Sushi Plate for my hubby

Tropical Fruit Bowl (never mind the Cherry on top!)

Ready to blow the candle on this birthday Mango Crepe a la Mode

A closer look ...

My son Zekie praying for his carb plate-- mashed potato,pizza,bread

Somethin' from the dessert station

Now, we're ready for our next stop...

Still at Diamond Hotel, and this time, we're ready to relax a bit and listen to some nice music at the Sky Lounge, located on the 27th Floor

At the Sky Lounge, Diamond Hotel: Behind us is a stunning night view of the Manila Bay


My sons Zecheriah (L) and Ezekiel (R) enjoying their mock cocktails while listening to retro and jazz music Traders Hotel's T Lounge, Latitude and Coffee.com Traders Hotel Manila Philippines-- If your eyes are too dizzy to choose from hundreds of entrees which other fine buffet restaurants offer, Latitude at Traders Hotel will not disappoint you with the chef's simplified recommendations. Coffee.com -- Since Traders Hotel is located near Day by Day Christian Church where we attend worship service on Sundays, we often visit Coffee.com for afternoon snacks and unlimited flow of coffee. As the name implies...YES, free internet access! Traders Hotel's T Lounge. Club rooms at Traders Hotel Manila offer afternoon tea and cocktails to hotel guests. Love that cozy atmosphere with the matchless beauty of Manila Bay on your background. Dusit Thani Manila's Sunday Family Crossover Brunch Dusit Thani Hotel, Manila Philippines-- Make your Sundays extra special by taking your family to Dusit Thani, and experience an unforgettable Sunday Family Crossover Brunch. Imagine indulging yourself with kingly gourmet buffet spread, any way you want, from all of Dusit Thani Hotel's restaurants: Tosca (French-Italian) , Basix (Asian Fusion), Benjarong (Thai) and Umu (Japanese) First off, you'll be given this colored band. Green for adults (today) and purple band for the kids (today)... The band is your pass to all of the 4 participating Dusit Thani restaurants for their Sunday Family Crossover Brunch where you can eat anything at/to your heart's content from 11:30 am- 3:00 pm ... Restaurant #1--TOSCA: Although there are 4 restaurants to choose from in this Crossover Brunch, you will need to come back to the restaurant where you are seated. My family is stationed at Tosca Italian Resto. Thanks Senior Manager on PR and New Media Danelle Ruth Palang for arranging everything for us perfectly (not to mention that it's her day off). By the way, Mushroom Risotto is a yummy must-try! Restaurant #2 UMU-- Here is where we had Tepanyaki and Sashimi . UMU's tepanyaki is a champ! #3 BENJARONG--- Hmmm... felt like I had no space left for more food, and so, I just grabbed my drinks from the bar. I really enjoyed the interior as it gives an impression that you're in another country, specifically Thailand. Restaurant#4 BASIX-- Here is where I grabbed my tempting desserts! When you come here, try checking out their dimsum, pecking duck and a lot more. Again, I have no room for more real food at the the moment... More than the food, Dining at Dusit Thani is an experience. It is for this reason that we keep on coming back here regularly. Compared to other local 5-star hotels, I noticed that it is at Dusit Thani Manila, where you can feel a real welcoming atmosphere where the hotel staff will never get tired of greeting you and pampering you...and how they treat their guests is just spectacular. Note: For 2014 updates, please check my posts (earthwideconcepts) on INSTAGRAM