How far would you go for your child (or your love one) to stand out in a crowd ?

After I sourced the materials from where else but Ylaya Street in Divisoria, Manila amidst the traffic and thick volume of shoppers beating the holiday rush, my wife Tina began her part.  She hand-sewn a Santa Claus’ hat from scratch.

Our 5-year-old son, Gabby attended his preschool’s Christmas Party in this hat, which was painstakingly-made with so much love by his mom.  He and the rest of his batchmates joined an all-white-in-a-Santa-hat-themed party yesterday, 18 December 2009, 09-11AM  in Shakey’s Pizza, Tomas Morato in Quezon City.  It was the signal of the start of their 2-week-holiday break before their classes resume again come January 4th next year.

Can you spot our kid?

Tina and I didn’t want Gabby to just wear like what the others will be wearing so we exerted a little effort for our son’s look to be more “porma“  a bit edgy.  Honestly, the lunatics in us were hoping that there’ll be an award  a prize for the cutest attendee just like when Gabby won similar title during their school’s Halloween Party this year, but yesterday was none.

Actually, I brought the materials to a nearby seamstress and paid PhP 80 for labor of sewing but when I showed the hat to Tina, she was disappointed with how it was done (cliche “you get what you paid for” applies) and decided she’ll do it herself.

Before I went to Manila to buy red and white satin for Tina to use for the hat, we strolled Rustan’s and Crossing’s department stores inside Shangri la mall and bought his white cropped pants and some holiday trinkets which Tina had to accesorized Gabby’s look.

We got his Hotwheels sneakers from Landmark in TriNoma and made him wear a pair of knee-socks (remember local basketball player, Samboy Lim?) in red and white stripes and his cheap black bow tie all from SM department store.  Glad to see his legs looked like candy canes of an elf!    Can you imagine we spent more than a week going through malls in Mandaluyong and Quezon Cities to as far as Divisoria just for our son’s 2-hour-occasion?

While Gabby and his schoolmates were having fun with the games and tunes of Nobody and Jai-Ho ringing over our ears, my wife and I had 2 orders of Shakey’s Super Platter (passing on their Bunch of Lunch) which has a soup, a side salad, a piece of fried chicken, a pair of mojo potatoes, 2 slices of thick crust Hawaiian pizza and an oatmeal cookie for dessert.  We had a pitcher of house iced tea to share.   We were satiated over the brunch but we favor dishes from another pizza bistro place.  

Gabby didn’t win in any of the games neither he bought home a prize except for a bar of VanHouten Fruit and Nut chocolate (yes, sugar load again!) but we’re happy to exposed him in an event made specially for kids of his age. 

Can’t wait to join their educational field trip this January 15th and to attend their declamation contest on February (FYI : Gabby won 3rd place this year with his poem FOR  MY  COUNTRY out of 51 students). With our son’s activities, I feel I’m a kid again!

How was your pre-Christmas parties?

First of all, I suppose congratulations are in order.

You are one hell of a salesman, good sir, and anyone who would dare claim otherwise is a liar.

Your approach to this electoral campaign is textbook branding. Every single commercial and television appearance of yours promotes only one message repeatedly:

I was poor, hence I understand the poor.

Never mind that you now have more than 15 subdivisions and a freaking highway.

Never mind that you haven’t been to Moriones in years, except perhaps to shoot one of those scenes in your commercial.

Never mind that you have not offered anything substantial in your years as senator and congressman.

Never mind that you have a constant influx of botox injections, rendering your eyes nigh impossible to keep open.

The fact that you were ONCE poor should be enough for all of us to root for you.

Just one thing, sir, if I may.

Here’s my teensy-weensy little message, from the bottom of my heart to yours:

STOP PANDERING TO THE POOR YOU FUCKING IDIOT.

Now I know that there are a lot of poor people in this country. I can tell you now that I’m two gas price increases away from actual poverty. I’m not being cute, too. It’s true. The middle class in this country is permanently teetering on a precipice.

But then again, people in the slums are not the only people in this country.

You keep telling us you’ll help the poor.

How?

By taxing us employees yet again so you can play hero with your feeding programs and dole outs?

Excuse me Mr. Villar, but real life is not your freaking Wowowee.

We can’t just all dance and sing and cry and beg on national television so some TFC subscriber will pity us and give us a fistful of dollars.

We can’t all just win Camella Homes, can we?

And no, sir, I don’t suppose you actually understand.

If you understood the poor, you would know that asking kids to hold up cardboard signs that say “gusto ko ng ulam” just to play up the sympathy card in your commercials is not appropriate, it’s downright obscene.

If you understood the poor, you probably wouldn’t be sitting there discussing corned beef techniques with none other than Mr. Argentina, Boy Abunda.

If you understood the poor, you would know that they don’t need dole outs handed under large banners of your name.

They need a chance to make their lives better, the same way you made your life better.

They need a shot at success, not your empty “I am one of you” rhetoric.

So please, Mr. Villar, reconsider your pitch.

Say something substantial, something concrete.

Otherwise, please.

GET OFF MY GODDAMN TELEVISION.

Last Saturday, the electoral district of Willagee had a by-election after its MP, who was the former State Premier, resigned. The campaign and voting went well despite seemingly unnoticed. The campaign mainly consisted of print ads in community papers and distribution of leaflets in letter boxes of residents. If there was some exchanges between the candidates in media outlets, the topics will mainly be on policy concerns and what they can offer. Voting is also compulsory here in Australia, anyone who fails to vote risk paying a fine. I think the fine is to cover the cost of the materials and preparations allocated for each voter. Voting started from 8:00am to 6:00pm by 7:00pm votes have been counted halfway and before 9:00pm the winner was already known.

In the Philippines, in the light of the Ampatuan massacre, compulsory voting might be a hard call. The basic right of exercising our voice by means of voting has become a privilege that ruling clans and deranged leaders have made exercising this almost impossible. Of course, as with any other case, the carnage (or even the case of people not being able to vote) could just be an “isolated incident” as most of the government authorities would like to put it. However, the government could not even go to some areas to carry out development projects because of problem with insurgency and lawlessness, so an isolated incident will depend where you are in the country. In light of the government’s inability to protect its citizen and deliver services, the Philippine government has resorted to seeking help of powerful clans by giving them some ‘legal’ power to establish their own private army. Delivery of services is assured while insurgents are kept at bay.

Philippine election has always been marred with mudslinging between candidates. A Philippine Daily Inquirer opinion clearly called on potential candidates to present a clear platform for people to examine. This is a good call, however, majority of the voters would likely be voting based on personality unless a cultural shift in the country is achieved. From a culture that always believes that the most popular is the best to a culture that examines what is best for the community. It might still be a long way but I think the country is slowly getting there. It will take a huge and strategic voter’s education to start this cultural shift.

The automated election is underway, let’s see if we will be able to know who is winning by 8:00pm on 10 May 2010 or wait until hackers tries to fix how to slash and pad votes in favour of the few ‘lucky’ ones. I hope the latter will not come to pass.

This is my 5th post in a series…

As I walked several meters away from Willy’s Rock at Boat Station 1 in Boracay; I left my wife, Tina and our 5-year-old son, Gabby shortly while they were busy playing on the powdery sand,  I came across this exquisitely themed beach front restaurant and bar at the far end of the white beach on our second day in island last week.

With wooden tables and large cushioned couches in vibrant and attractive hues,  I didn’t pass the chance to sneak in and inquired about their lunch and dinner. 

At half hour past 9 in the morning, I found myself too early for KASBAH, an amazing Moroccan food place located at few meters from the shores of one of the greatest beaches in the globe.

The gemstone colors of tables and seats and Moroccan lamps all over the place are so fascinating that one may experience a slice of Northern Africa.  With priceless ambiance and authentic interiors, I can only expect nothing but the best cuisine.  

The moment I entered Kasbah, I asked a staff for their menu. I became interested with some tangine and couscous in a heart beat. 

I was too early to spot Kasbah; I was told they usually open 11AM onwards.  The chef and his staff were not yet around when I came.

I could have tasted Seafood Tagine and Saffron, Couscous Lamb Tagine and perhaps Baklava for dessert…

No worries…

No regrets…

There’s always a next time ..

Have you experienced Morocco in Boracay?

This is my 4th post in a series.

I felt I gained 10 pounds  kilos after our brief family break in BORACAY  last week.   You can’t blame me, the island itself is an epicurean paradise; there are tons of gastronomic temptations…

Can you resist this?COUPLE ICE, PhP 260.  This is one of  Red Bean Halowich’s refreshing delights.  Thinly shaved ice available in  2 flavors- either milk or mango serves as the base.  We chose mango ice.

Toppings include corn cereals and red mung beans and a ton of tropical fruits -slices of bananas, pineapples, mangoes, watermelons and cherries with a huge swirl of vanilla soft ice cream.       

The moment we walked through D’mall in Boat Station 2 and saw Red Bean Halowich’s window display, we never had second thoughts of entering their airconditioned restaurant to try their iced sweet treats. We only ordered that big bowl and a glass of iced tea for Gabby.  Couple Ice, second to their biggest serving, is huge enough to be shared by 2 to 3 people.   The bowl reminds me of Red Mango’s, except that Halowich’s is more enormous in size and contains ice, not frozen yogurt.  Nevertheless, we love it.  Ask my family.

While Halowich offers the best alternative to the famous Pinoy Halo-Halo,  ARIA  for us (my wife Tina, our son Gabby and I) is another must-try restaurant in the island.  A vibrant and relaxing vacation in Boracay is never complete without tasting the best pizza and best pasta from ARIA CUCINA ITALIA.

The fast and friendly wait staff who attended to our table told me that Aria is owned by an American restaurateur with some foreign partners; they also co-own Cafe del Sol, a coffee shop beside Aria and a Japanese restaurant located in the middle of D’Mall.  

This was my plate from Aria…

Gabby was asking for pizza on our second day at the beach.  As we try not to eat anything that can also be found in malls and Italian restaurants and fastfoods  in Manila, we sat in Aria and gave in to our son’s request.  We ordered…QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 475 +.  It’s hard to overlook Aria’s finest woodfire oven-baked pizzas.   Aria’s version of four-cheeses pizza is light yet satisfying and flavorful.  The amazingly delicious crust is topped with four different cheeses : pecorino, feta, parmesan and mozzarella.    Gabby had his smile up to his ears when the pizza arrived at our table.

BOSCAIOLA, PhP 370+.  A creamy sauce of mushroom, ham and parmesan cheese on pasta of your choice.  We had the white sauce on penne. Wow, sarap!  

There are many choices in Aria’s menu that are worth a try.  There are insalata or salads, meat dishes, antipasti and other flavors of pizza and variants of pasta.  Did I tell you already that Aria has wine selection too ?

What to have for dinner in Boracay ?

A few meters from the shore, as dusk comes to the island, beach front restaurants transform the coast line into a seafood and meat buffet, al fresco dining.    

What’s a  BORACAY VACATION without sampling the freshest catch from the sea?  The spreads, which include fruits and some desserts, mostly cost PhP 250 per pax nett, excluded of drinks.  While the price of the buffet is so affordable, would you believe that a 1.5 liters of Coke regular costs PhP 140 (regular Manila price around PhP 37 to 40 only).  But heck, we have to try the seafood buffet here even for a night. 

On my plate…

On Tina’s…

The gluttons in us had two rounds of the spread and a plate of watermelons and few servings of maja blanca and other kakanin and that’s it.  Yes, the crustaceans are fresh; there were garlic and boiled rice even some pasta and fish dishes include Lapu-lapu and Tuna; there were grilled pork liempo and fried chicken too; there were adobong pusit (squid), crabs, baked oysters and mussels and shrimps which I like the most but sorry there were the usual “lutong-bahay” taste.  In simplest terms, there’s nothing special about the buffet we had. 

My wife and I have this ordinary rule of thumb when dining out : we try to eat something reasonably priced, that can’t be prepared easily; something gourmet, or unusually present at our table at home.   And even though we’re satiated after that seashore pig-out, I still felt a bit disappointed. Perhaps, I was expecting more from the spread.  At any rate, try it as well, you might like it.  As what I usually post here, ‘to each his own’.

What’s best with our eat-all-you-want- dining in Boracay or elsewhere (including hotels in the Metro), our 5-year-old son still eats for FREE   Although he only ate soup and few servings of fruits, we’re still happy that we didn’t pay a cent for his plate.   

Another must-try in Boracay is LEMON i CAFE  located at the heart of D’Mall in Boat Station 2. This resto boasts of all-day-breakfast ala carte menu, delicious entrees and of course, desserts.

On the afternoon of our first day in Boracay, Gabby was looking for McDonald’s or Jollibee for his favorite staples.  To no avail, I and his mom asked him of other food he wanted to chow down.  Thankfully, he pointed to a cake on a glass window display from Lemon i Cafe.

TIRAMISU, PhP 120+.    This is one of the best Tiramisu I’ve tasted, hands down.   Gabby’s picky palate likes it too.

For most travelers like us whose budget isn’t sky’s the limit,  finding affordable food places that offer combo-meal that also doesn’t disappoint is so comforting. 

D’Mall also has ANDOK’S that offers budget-friendly meals like… PORK SINIGANG, PhP 69.   Andok’s big bowl of sour soup of pork and veggies is surprisingly delicious!  The string beans, kangkong and tomatoes are  fresh. FYI, we haven’t had anything from Andok’s in Manila other than its grilled chicken + gravy + atchara or pickled papaya. Now, we know that there’s more of it than lechong manok.

SIZZLING SISIG, PhP 145.  Lipid-rich Sizzling Pork Sisig is one of Pinoy food favorites.  Since we don’t eat it on a daily basis, I guess having it on a plate during a (self-declared) holiday is logical enough (*defensive*).   Tina and I like this, malinamnam!  (tasteful, compared to other restos’).

We also sampled Andok’s PORK BARBECUE, PhP 22 per stick and Gabby was delighted with Andok’s LECHE FLAN, PhP 34.

And I almost forgot, our brief stay in the Boracay was made special each morning with FREE breakfast inclusive of the package we availed from ESCONDIDO BEACH RESORT.  A plate of toasts, fried egg, butter and strawberry marmalade plus a cup of coffee is quite simple but good enough to start our days in the island.  

When you have a chance (again) to be in one of the world’s best beaches, take your vacation to the fullest by defining your digestive pleasure. If  without dietary or health restrictions,  go ahead, by all means, INDULGE!  

Up next :  More Boracay posts…

I know it’s off season.

But we all need a break.

Our son is excited.

And so are we.

It will be his first domestic plane ride. 

It will be his first travel to the beach.

It will be our first time to be there.

Weather, please behave.

You’ve been furious lately.

We had enough.

Give us a little time to relax.

Can’t wait for Sunday

Video en Youtube para los amantes de los fierros con terribles choques de Turismo Carretera.  Disfrútenlo!!!

One day, my family and I were enjoying  brunch at a luxurious hotel in Makati;  the next day we found ourselves having another extraordinary breakfast in a rustic quaint comfort food place in Marikina City. Regardless of the place we’re at, the important thing is we’re having family fun, fun, fun

I was surprised when my wife, Tina agreed to my suggestion that we’ve to try PAN de AMERIKANA for breakfast.  Even  it would take us approximately 20 to 30 minutes less traffic to get to its location at Concepcion, Marikina City from our place in Quezon City, we wouldn’t care less.  After seeing it on a local morning TV show and learning that it’s owned by the same family who runs the school I attended during my High School (OLOPSC), the more I became interested to try its 1950s wheat pandesal and other affordable yummies.

With empty stomachs, we hit the roads to Marikina and reached Pan Amerikana around 10AM.  Pan de Amerikana greeted us with its facade…

Where in the metro could you see a wooden windmill? LOL, only in Marikina! It’s really interesting!

The place isn’t only a bakery but an all-day restaurant as well.  It has lots of fascinating things that may amuse you while you dine or simply can provide you a venue to kill time by playing chess on tables or on the ground, literally.

There’s this giant chess set much to delight local tourists like us especially the kids.  It was a bigger chess set than the ones we saw in Island Cove Resort in Cavite early this year.  Gabby was really excited to get hold of those black and white pawns. 

At the counter, there are lots of regular-sized chess sets that diners can borrow for FREE after presenting a valid ID.

Do you play chess?  Shame on me, I don’t, LOL.   So when Gabby asked me to play with him, I thought we can just delay it until the day we both learn the game, LOL  For that moment, we just had it as props for photo-ops! hehehe

Pan de Amerikana boasts of not only chess sets but a distinctly Filipino ambiance…There’s an overload of arts and culture that is truly Pinoy! Look at the kalesa  parked near those bikes and a woven rattan hammock that’s so inviting.

Then there’s this antique grinder of something which led me clueless, if it’s a coconut grinder or an ice crusher. Can you please identify ?  I found this collectible old piece few steps next to Popeye!

There’s also that miniature  pugon or  brick-oven to depict where the famous pandesal are baked.  

The dining area has laid back atmosphere.  It’s only provided with large units of electric fans, at times, it can become humid; the entire area is roofed so everyone is safe from inevitable downpour.  There’s also a place where dripping water serves as fountain…  

And did I mention already that the entire food place offers FREE WI-FI ACCESS? A lot of people across ages came in with their laptops and chargers doing school or perhaps office stuffs while having brunch.

As I went to the counter to order and pay for my food, I saw these striking things that can stimulate one’s interest : A tiny set of dining table and a small billboard with schedule of  activities offered by Pan de Amerikana. 

So did we try those 1950’s wheat Pandesal ? Of course!

PAN de AMERIKANA’S WHEAT PANDESAL, PhP 5.50 each.  It’s humongous! So rich and fibrous, very filling. We took them home as our afternoon snack. 

  PAN AMERIKANO (mega-sized pandesal) gained its popularity when the Americans arrived during the 1940’s. It looks like a giant baguette that was processed like the pandesal. It was during the 1960’s that it suddenly disappeared and was replaced with rectangular loaves. Then came the famous Nutri Bun (monay shaped bread -3 -5 times the size of the pandesal), which was a hit during the 1970’s.

More than that Harley Davidson on display and FOR SALE and the other things we saw at Pan de Amerikana, the one that really caught my attention was this wooden posting in front of the  big bike and a concrete bridge; figure out why…. 

Although this restaurant observes self-service policy, there are wait staff who will bring your tray to your tables; so we were handed a customer-number that was creatively Pinoy!

We also tried their pandesal with chicken and sardines, at PhP 25 each.  Tina had the SARDINES PANDESAL,  I had the CHICKEN PANDESAL; equally must-try!

Gabby wanted ARROZ CALDO with EGG, PhP 28 and a cup of HOT CHOCOLATE, PhP 25…

The arrozcaldo was good, but Gabby failed to finish it.

Before going to this place, I’ve heard that two of its specialties are WAKNATOY, PhP 35/order; a dish similar to menudo and EVERLASTING, PhP 35/order; which is I’m more familiar with. Everlasting is Marikina’s own.  I grew up with that dish made of grounded pork with green peas, some hotdogs, boiled egg and carrots for garnishing; similar to embotido but steamed in an aluminum container.  My relatives in Calumpang, Marikina and my late Lola used to cooked the best Everlasting, even better than that of Pan de Amerikana which was a bit soggy and has a bit poor consistency.  Nevertheless, their version satisfied my craving for Everlasting!

The servings of each dish were good enough for a diner with regular appetite. And I must say the prices were very budget-friendly.  After feasting on my pandesal, I dunked my spoon and fork at Waknatoy and Everlasting and sipped brewed coffee, PhP 15/ cup, in between. 

Tina ’s breakfast choice other than Sardines Pandesal was DAING NA BANGUS MEAL, PhP 48. 

She enjoyed that boneless dried milkfish with vinegar. Perfect meal to start a day!

There were also desserts like Halo-Halo, Saba con yelo and others but we’re just so full to try those sweets.

With Pan de Amerikana’s homey ambiance, friendly service, free-wi-fi access, and to top it all – most affordable food, Tina and I envied the people living within the area. After rising from their beds or coming home from schools or offices, they can just go straight to Pan de Amerikana and savor that family-friendly bonding moments.

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PAN de AMERIKANA, 92 Ordoñez St., Corner Maroon Concepcion Dos (near World of Butterflies) Marikina City/ Tel # (63-2) 934-0667 and 475-2398. Branch : 118 Katipunan Ave., White Plains, Quezon City.

September 20, 2009 - Two days after my 33rd birthday, my wife, Tina gave me her present : a confirmed reservation for the two of us, with our son, Gabby who eats for FREE at Dusit Thani’s Family Sunday Brunch Buffet! It was our second time to experience such gastronomic adventure in 4 different themed restaurants of Dusit : Benjarong – Thai;  Basix -Asian-Continental;  Tosca-Italian;  Umu -Japanese; Our first dining experience of such epic proportions at Dusit was only last March and can be viewed here; it was such a blast, we had so much fun!  

After I have donated blood last Thursday at St. Luke’s Medical Center, as my humble charity work for my birthday, and revisited Bellini’s with my family on the day when I turned a year older, this buffet brunch is more than enough.  For the moment, life cannot be better than this!

We both love Dusit; it’ll be forever memorable for the 2 of us, because 2 sections of its ballroom served as our wedding reception venue more than five years ago. And the brunch we had  six months back was so remarkable that we promised ourselves that we’ll try and explore other dishes some time.  We even spread the word about this Family Brunch Buffet to our colleagues and friends.

We arrived at the hotel lobby at 11AM exactly half an hour before buffet starts. After paying PhP 1450 nett per pax, the friendly staff gave our wrist bands that rendered access to those 4 fantastic restaurants in Dusit Thani.  We also got a chance to roam around the Japanese garden opposite Umu while waiting…

We like those kois on the pond and that man-made waterfalls…

We shot photos of Gabby at every ‘road signs’ heading to those 4 restos which he enjoyed so much! 

Though she likes Basix, my wifey chose to reserved a table for 3 at Umu for she knows that I like the ambiance of that Japanese restaurant; not to disregard the fact that I’m excited to eat Umu’s teppanyaki again! 

Who can resist the beauty of Umu?

Its contemporary Japanese interiors is so inviting.  With those wooden tablets in black with gold Japanese characters, and a sushi-sashimi station at the center, and a classy atmosphere, everyone is easily drawn to its charm.

After being ushered to our table by a purple-Kimono clad staff, Tina and Gabby went to Basix to get some yummies, while I walked straight to an area in Umu to get some of these…

At the Teppanyaki section, you have the freedom to choose the ingredients you’d like the chef to grill for you at his teppan – from the freshest beef cubes which I skipped;  to thinly sliced veggies, bean sprouts, mushrooms, shelled tiger prawns, pink salmon and lapu-lapu…A dash of salt and pepper and other Oriental seasoning and oil, voila!  

My teppanyaki plate from Umu is always a personal favorite! I just love how those fresh seafoods are grilled to perfection!

I also got goodies that were deeply fried upon request :  prawn and bacon which was sooo good! and ham and cheese, eggplant on sticks. 

I didn’t pass the chance to try another favorite from Umu : SUKIYAKI    Look how those bowls of very tender marbled beef and stock with veggies and soft tofu are prepared…

The glass noodles were soft and thick; the soup itself was never too sweet, neither too salty… Sarap!

Unlike Sukiyaki from other Japanese restos, Umu’s version doesn’t disappoint because of its almost fatless beef.  Isn’t it obvious that I really like Umu? LOL

Other delectable must-try are :  (from left to right)  Tamago rolls, Ika Karaage,  Salad, Cold Soba…

What’s a Japanese restaurant without sushi and sashimi ?

On way to Basix, there’s a lady dressed as Thailander who played the string instrument, Khim.

Basix has this relaxed and cool ambiance…

Tina and Gabby brought to our table at Umu this plate from Basix…

I was informed by the chef at Umu’s Teppanyaki section that Ebi Tempura’s cooking was transferred to Basix.  Because it’s one of Gabby’s favorites, Tina got him generous servings of those battered shrimps. It’s not the best tempura we’ve tasted but nonetheless, OK.  The mussels from Basix were bordering from tasteful to bland;  still we favor Circles Events Cafe of Makati Shangri la when it comes to New Zealand Mussels.

When I went to Basix, I got a slice of Roast Beef and 2 wrapped rolls of Peking Duck.  Peking Duck tasted fine, but I wish they can improve the Roast Beef’s mushroom gravy into a thicker consistency and making it more flavorful.

There are tons of choices to choose from the spread at Basix;  the buffet duration of 11:30 AM to 3PM is just not enough! Too many food, so little time, LOL

What makes Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch creatively unique compared to other Live-cooking / open-kitchen buffets in other hotels is that diners in Dusit can burn calories immediately after munching.  How? One has to walk from the base-station of choice (for us :Umu!) to the other 3 themed restos.  I view it as Dusit’s advantage rather than its opposite.  Diners may take the grand winding stairs, or on our case, who were tooooo lazy to walk, take the lifts to go to the mezzanine where Benjarong and Tosca are located.  At the lobby, there are interesting characters to cheer up kids and the kid-at-hearts –  just like this smiley stilt-walker who’s always ready for a photo-op :D

Being a Thai hotel in Manila, it’s not surprising that Dusit Thani’s Benjarong boasts of ambiance that’s so elegant and enticing to the senses. The entrance to Benjarong has a wall adorned with ceramics that will lead you to the main dining area.

But, I guess my palate isn’t partial to Thai dishes, whether mild, or super spicy. I only like their desserts.

YAM SOM O : Pomelo Salad,  and YAM PLA DOOK FOO : Crispy Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad 

YAM SAI KRAWK BACON THOD : Spicy Bacon Wrapped Sausage

MEE KROB KRATHONG : Sweet and Sour Crispy Vermicelli in Pastry Cup.

My Thai plate had a bit of everything…

I like those Thai sweet treats with coconut milk and glutinous rice…

KHANOM TAKO : Sweet Water Chestnut and Coconut Cream in Pandan Cup -> sarap!

KHANOM SOD SAI : Stuffed Glutinous Flour Ball with Grated Coconut and Sugar -> yum!

KHAO NIAO MAMUANG : Ripe Mango with Sticky Rice -> I love mangoes; i like rice! Tasted like bico.

Let’s leave Benjarong and allow me to take you to TOSCA, the Italian Restaurant of Dusit Thani in Makati…

Tosca is noted for its sophistication and class… the atmosphere is made subdued and comfy by a musician who plays the piano while diners enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine…

FREE FLOWING ITALIAN SPARKLING WINES, anyone ?  This is another edge of Dusit Thani’s buffet. In other hotels,  rates do not include beverages, but in Dusit, you can enjoy Italian wine flavored with either Dalandan or Raspberry to your hearts content! Other drinks available are Lemongrass Juice from Benjarong, Iced Green Tea from Umu, Dalandan and Raspberry Juices from Basix all in bottomless servings! Plus the staffs are always ready with smiles, which I most like!

There are wide array of food to be cooked and prepared upon request, from pasta to pizza, to salads and more. 

I so wish our stomachs are bottomless too, LOL   We can only eat as much.

I asked one of the chefs in Tosca to prepare me a personal-sized pizza. As he began to knead the dough I requested all toppings available except for olives. Tina and I aren’t fanatics of olives.  He politely told me to return after 5 minutes as he bakes my pizza.  It was delicious; the bread alone can stand sans toppings!  As I enjoyed the pizza freshly made from Tosca, I failed to savor other Italian dishes like that Turkey Breast Stuffed with raisins and sage on roasted tomato cream (photo beside pizza); it looks delicious as well.

One rule that Tina and I have learned from buffets :  MAKE ROOM FOR DESSERTS !

After my wife entrusted Gabby to the very accomodating staffs of KIDS’ STATION at the lobby, Tina and I became so busy with desserts… (Gabby opted to play and watch his favorite cartoons, Spongebob rather than stuffed his tummy like his parents, LOL).   We had ice cream from Tosca, as we look upon Gabby.   

DESSERTS from TOSCA : DIVINE!

DESSERTS from BASIX : SUBLIME!

Care for some D-I-Y  HALO-HALO or CHOCOLATE FONDUE that tastes like Hershey’s?

While Gabby became occupied with having his face painted for FREE, Tina and I sat at Basix and had blueberry and mango crepes!  I had mine topped with almond flakes.  

BENJARONG SWEETS : EXQUISITE…

DESSERTS from UMU :  TOOTHSOME…

Half hour before 3PM, we took time to photograph Gabby with the friendly balloon-maker and the man on stilts…

It was another memorable fun day with my family.  What a way to welcome my 33rd year!  The buffet was only icing on the cake;  I am so grateful to our good Lord for my family’s health and safety.  I am just thankful for having Tina and Gabby!   

We love Dusit Thani’s Sunday Family Crossover Brunch!

Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City/Tel (63-2) 867-3333 Every Sunday 11:30 AM to 3:00PM/ PhP 1450 nett for adults/PhP 725 nett for children 6 to 12 years old.