ALBA (CAPITOL COMMONS)

Once upon a time, before the pandemic....

It's the super pamatay belated birthday of my dear Mareng Gail and as tradition permits, I will be treating her to her restaurant of choice.

DRATS... este... MAGALING! MAGALING! He he he he he!

Her choice for the night was ALBA in CAPITOL COMMONS because she was craving for some good ol' Spanish food. I have eaten with the family in ALBA many times before but I haven't tried out their dinner buffet (P933.00 per pax).

I guess there's always a "tindig-balahibo" first time for everyone and I'm glad that I'm going to do it with a friend.

Wait. No pun intended and suggested AT ALL there. Ewwy. Kadire.

:P

We're in ALBA!!!!!!!!!

FINIO (TOMAS MORATO)

It was Friday and the Yub and I were deciding where to go for DATE NIGHT!!! You know us, we're okay anywhere, as long as it fits our super low standards and budget. He he he he he!!!!

Good thing that during breaktime (stress on the BREAKTIME), I was scrolling thru Facebook and saw this ad for FINIO. I checked it out and can't believe how at the low price of P295.00 you get to eat crispy pata and mongolian barbecue ALL YOU CAN!

But wait, there's MORE!

Besides the eat all you can Crispy Pata and Mongolian Barbecue, you also get some hot dishes, a salad, plus pasta, and drinks!!!

HUWAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!! How can that be??

It's true Mike! He he he he he!

Anyway so when I brought it up with the Yub, I didn't need to say that it is only P295.00, because he was already tumbling for joy at the thought of having Crispy Pata as much as he can.

That's AMAZING! (Well moreso that he knows how to tumble pala... he he he he)

Now how did we find our dinner?

Basa basa lang pohzzzz....

He he he he he!

We're in FINIO!!!!

LA VITA ITALIA IN MARCO POLO HOTEL

Sunday is sacred for family days and I could not imagine spending the last day of the weekend without them. It is also on this day that the Yub and I usually plan something special with the little guys (we have always stressed the importance of Sundays for family and made sure to always reserve the day only for them). That's why when MARCO POLO MANILA invited ERICJAZ FOODIES and the boys for the LA VITA ITALIA buffet in CUCINA, we were excited that we will enjoy it as a family. The great thing too is that besides being back again in the "hands" of Forbes Travel Guide's 5-Star Awardee, MARCO POLO MANILA, we will also get to meet world champion of pizza acrobatics Chef Pasqualino Barbasso and taste his creations.

Of course, THE YAPPY BUNCH is fine anywhere as long as we're together. But if you add to the mix authentic Italian pizza, pizza making lessons for the kiddies, and pizza acrobatics by a world champion, (not to mention CUCINA'S popular buffet serving fresh and mouth watering dishes), THEN, WE. ARE. SO. SOLD.

Heck, I'll even desert the kids for that! He he he he! Family Shmamily.

That's a 180-degree turn for you.

OH I'M KIDDING.

See what delicious food does to us?

Check out our buon appetito Sunday lunch in CUCINA, MARCO POLO HOTEL, and see how you too could have the same authentic Italian experience!!!

THE YAPPY BUNCH spent the first day of the Ber months in CUCINA!!!

AN UNLIMITED SEAFOOD NIGHT AT DIAMOND HOTEL!!

ERICJAZ FOODIES was recently invited by DIAMOND HOTEL to experience their UNLIMITED seafood every Friday night.

UNLIMITED seafood? Is that even possible??

APPARENTLY with DIAMOND HOTEL, it is! And I'm not talking about the usual meh shrimps or mussels here. You'll actually be faced with bushels (YES BUSHELS) of the special seafood that you'll probably serve to your VIPs(ha ha ha ha)  like rock lobsters, mud crabs, blue crabs, alupihan dagat, garoupa, etc. etc.

Every Fridays for dinner, the CORNICHE restaurant of DIAMOND HOTEL is featuring SEAFOOD ALA MINUTE where for only P2,990.00 nett you could have plates upon plates of seafood cooked your way! Not only that, you could enjoy your unlimited servings of seafood with your usual favorites from DIAMOND HOTEL too (I call the sushi and roast beef!).

So gear up your appetite and get your tummy ready for this fresh from the sea battle. That's what the Yub and I did and we came out mucho victorious! BWA HA HA HA HA HA!!! 

The KTG in DIAMOND HOTEL!

YAKUMI (SOLAIRE)

The Yub and I don't go to Solaire often because it's far from where we live. I have been there for some of their shows (Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, etc) but we only stayed within the theatre area.

One time my officemate invited me and the family to eat lunch at YAKUMI in SOLAIRE because she had a special discount. She said it will be her advance birthday gift to me.

Game!!!!! I answered without any hesitation. I don't even know where it is in SOLAIRE but you know me, when it comes to Japanese I never think twice. Tapos birthday treat pa, so SUGOD MGA KAPATID! ha ha ha ha!

Another officemate was supposed to come with us but they cancelled the last minute. Now who to invite to come with us????

Mam Zeny said I could just invite whoever pa since sayang naman her very big discount. My Mom and Kuya Jon cannot go because they're looking after the business while Andrei naman is on his field trip.

So who else? Hmmmm... Decisions... Decisions.

With that I thought of my kumareng Gail!!!

We were just together last night for her birthday treat to me in DUCK AND BUVETTE. And what better way to say "thank you" by taking her with me to a Japanese extravaganza?

As expected, she said yes. YAYYYY!!! Japanese food here we come!!!

O, iyan na mare "treat" ko sa yo sa birthday mo in December ha?

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! 

YAKUMI!!!!!!!!!!!

ELEMENTS BUFFET BREAKFAST (NEWTOWN PLAZA HOTEL BAGUIO)

While I was deciding where to stay in our BAGUIO TRIP, my kumareng Gail recommended that I check out NEWTOWN PLAZA HOTEL. She said that the rooms rates were reasonable and that the beds were big. She added that breakfast was included in the booking and it was delicious!!!

Oooooh. Really now????

So I booked because of all of those reasons and was generally happy with the hotel when we checked in.

Lo and behold, the FOOD ALPHABET family was also staying there for the weekend and I learned that it's actually their second time there. Of course I asked how they found the hotel and they gave me the same answer: room rates were reasonable and the beds were big. But what really put a twinkle in my kumpareng pogi's eyes was when he said "Breakfast IS included and it was great!!!"

Aba dalawa na nagsasabi non ah!!!!

So I went down with my family hungry and excited for our breakfast in NEWTOWN PLAZA HOTEL. It was, of course, my favorite meal of the day (besides and dinner and lunch... Ha ha ha ha).

How did I find it? Read below and see. You'll all see!!!!!!!

:P

The breakfast in NEWTOWN PLAZA HOTEL was served in their restaurant, ELEMENTS.

Checking their buffet rates, I'd say that the prices are indeed very reasonable. 

A TASTE OF ISTANBUL IN MARCO POLO ORTIGAS

ERICJAZ FOODIES was recently invited by MARCO POLO ORTIGAS to try out their latest featured cuisine, A TASTE OF ISTANBUL.

To be honest, the Yub and I were not really familiar with the dishes from Turkey. We were fans of Shawarma and I loved Indian food but we're not so sure how those fared up to what we will be having later on. I was extra worried too that the Yub was a bit picky with his food (he's got a very sensitive taste AND tummy... he he he he he). But of course, we were still curious with what MARCO POLO ORTIGAS has cooked up for us.

One thing we were sure of however was that since A TASTE OF ISTANBUL will be in the award winning CUCINA restaurant and cooked by a master chef flown in from Turkey just for this event, we know that we will be savoring every morsel and bite of this exotic cuisine. So we didn't hesitate to give our confirmation "A" to the "S-A-P"... ASAP!

Check out our wonderful dinner at CUCINA in MARCO POLO ORTIGAS where we savored the delicious delicacies from Istanbul!

The Chinese Dimpol and I will enjoy Istanbul tonight!!!!!

It was a Thursday and the Yub and were happy that we're right on time!!!!

BAMBOO CAFE BREAKFAST - ANVAYA COVE

THE YAPPY BUNCH are in ANVAYA COVE and after a great Saturday full of swimming, we woke up the next day happy and excited!

Syempre for more swimming! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

HOWEVER, we have to fuel ourselves in order to have the energy to fully to enjoy what ANVAYA COVE had to offer. With that, we all knew that we should get up and get our day going.

Breakfast IS after all the most important  agenda at mornings.

NEXT is swimming. He he he he he.... 

That morning, we decided to walk going to the clubhouse. We could actually call for a golf cart to fetch us but we decided to go on foot since it was a lovely and sunny day.

See what I mean?

A MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL IN DIAMOND HOTEL!

ERICJAZ FOODIES were invited for dinner one stormy weekend in DIAMOND HOTEL to try out their MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL at their CORNICHE RESTAURANT and we were excited.

Yep! Like Speedy-Gonzales-on-steroids-partying-like-there's-tomorrow-on-an-endless-Cinco-de-Mayo, excited! He he he he!

I don't normally accept invites these days but the thought of having Mexican food and my other favorites from CORNICHE, plus seeing the Kain Tulog Gang is enough to make me get braver in tackling a possible "carmageddon" ahead. Hopefully though, we won't get stuck at anything that would force us to cancel.

And by some sort of miracle, everything did work out! I was able to get out of work early and it was a smooth, traffic-free ride from Quezon City to Roxas Boulevard. Would you believe it only took us an hour? Yep! As waze predicted!

As expected, it was a festive and fun night! It was great seeing our foodie family and our tummies were thankful for all the colorful and tasty Mexican dishes served in the buffet of CORNICHE RESTAURANT. We were glad to join this fiesta.

Viva La Mexico!!! AY!

We're at the CORNICHE RESTAURANT!

I really thought that we'll be the only diners that night because of the typhoon but CORNICHE RESTAURANT had a fare share of guests that Friday.

NIU BY VIKINGS (PODIUM)

It was a Friday and the Yub and I were particularly excited because not only was Monday a holiday ("Yipeee!!!") but we were also officially starting the long weekend with a date that we're both so looking forward to.....

We're going to have dinner at NIU!!!!!!

The fine dining buffet version of VIKINGS just opened their second branch in Ortigas Center.... The Podium!!!!!

A SABADO DE FIESTA IN SAMBA - SHANGRI-LA FORT

Even if we have a very tiring and busy workweek, the Chinese Dimpol and I always make it a point to have some "gimik" time with the little lords. Besides the usual mealtimes (breakfast ftw!!!), we would usually plan simple outings with them that's outside our usual schedule (like Mati's Kali lessons and movie movie time at home). That's why we have reserved our weekends with them because the Yub and I believe that family time is always the best time. Not only that, since the little lords are fast growing up, I know that soon they'll be going out with their posse and girlies leaving the Yub and I all pathetically alone. He he he he! Wawa us!

Imagine our excitement when one Saturday, THE YAPPY BUNCH were invited to have lunch in Shangri-la at the Fort! I have read about this Peruvian feast and was really looking forward to trying it out with the boys. The great thing too is that we'll be having this great lunch with our other foodie friends from the KAIN TULOG GANG (KTG). It's been a long time since I saw them last and it would be great to catch up again.

Saturday. The boys. Chinese Dimpol. KTG friends. Samba. Shangri-la Fort.

Truly a fiesta of a great time! 

My gang this Saturday!!!!

FLAVORS RESTAURANT BREAKFAST (HOLIDAY INN)

THE YAPPY BUNCH are having a HOLIDAY INN AND SUITES staycation and we are enjoying every minute with the boys!

Of course, part of that "enjoying every minute" is eating. That's why even if we were all soooooooo snug and comfy in our soft beds, we all got up and got down for breakfast! 

Let's go! I'm hungry!

Yup! Even if it's breakfast, we always change into something decent and presentable. It may be trivial to some but we believe in giving respect to the food and to others by not being sloppy bedheads.

HUWALASTIK!!!!!!!!!!!

SODAM KOREAN RESTAURANT AGAIN

One Sunday night, my BP Family met up craving for some Korean food. And when deciding where to go, they asked me for recommendations. Now even if there were many Korean restaurants offering all you can specials, there was only one place that I strongly recommended that would surely give us all a great time at a very practical price!!

SODAM KOREAN RESTAURANT!!!!!!

SODAM is located in San Juan and it is my favorite among the Korean restaurants that offer "Eat All You Can" dishes.

SAMBOKOJIN FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY (2018)

The Chinese Panget and I celebrated our 15 years of married life and I guess based on what I called him, you'll see what's the excitement level is in our marriage.

MEH!!!

Kidding! Although yeah, I got to admit that we are so comfortable with each other that we could do undesirable things (FARTING RULES!!!) while the other one (aka the hub) cannot get mad.

Tee Hee!!!!!!

Okay. If I was going to give any kind of advice to young lovers out there (siguro naman may karapatan na ako at 15 years na kami), it is VERY important to get somebody who loves you sooooooo much and is very committed. Of course it should be both ways, but you should study your partnership: if you are the temperamental type who loves excitement and movie-style romance, etc. etc.,, then make sure to marry someone who will still love you amidst all tantrums and is willing to stay on even after the 10th time that you dramatically asked him/her to leave.

Yeah... Yeah... Guilty as charged. But infer, LOVABLE din kasi ako. O ANO???

Don't forget also to pray to St. Joseph and ask for the partner who is meant for you. I cannot count how many times I beamed with pride when the Chinese Dimpol shows how he is a much better husband than this person and that (sobrang bait naman kasi niya). But then I think, maybe it's also because of our partnership and how we are both thriving with each other.

If you prayed for the right person to be your partner, then always think that God has a reason why you two are together during the times that you think you two are incompatible (trust me THAT will happen a lot too). It's normal so don't just always follow your feelings. Just follow your faith and commitment that is based on LOVE.

NAAAAAKS!

Anyways, for this year's anniversary, the Yub and I did not book a staycation or had a romantic dinner by our twosome. We decided that since our marriage formed a team that caused us great happiness and purpose, we thought of celebrating this momentous 15 year anniversary with our dearests Mati and Andrei!!!!

Yes because our wedding date is officially our FAMILY ANNIVERSARY as well!!!!

For that night, we were not looking for someplace swanky or sosy wosy, we just wanted somewhere that served our delicious food. With that, the little lords chose SAMBOKOJIN (our buffet favorite) because the food selection there is a win win for everyone. I made reservations to ensure good seats because Fridays could be a bit hectic.

And that night was, as expected, very unforgettable for all of us (especially our tummies... har de har har!)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US, Yub, Mati, and Andrei!!!!! I love you all soooo much!

WOHOO!!! THE YAPPY BUNCH is 15 years old!!!!!!!

That night, the Yub and the boys picked me up from work!!!

Grabe when I saw them all tall and handsome like this I can't help but reminisce how when I was younger, boys didn't give me a second glance. Nobody took notice of me that I'm usually just the 3rd wheel or the wallflower.

But now naman, WOW!!! I got all for myself these 3 super kind and super pogi men who sometimes fight for my affection and are my knights in shining armour (especially when there's ipis... agawan sila kung sino papatay... ha ha ha ha!). With that, I cannot be more thankful!!!!!!!!! 

And we're here!

LATITUDE BUFFET (HOTEL JEN MANILA)

After about 2 weeks, I thought it was the end of my birthday celebrations. Then, surprise, surprise! HOTEL JEN MANILA called me up saying they also wanted to join in on the fun and invited my family to dinner at LATITUDE!

WOAAAAH!!!!!! Ika nga ni pareng Michael Corleone, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in"... but with FOOD! He he he he!

I'm happy pa that with HOTEL JEN MANILA extended the invitation to my Mom. Of course, birthday celebrations are MORE fun with her.

Check out our wonderful family Saturday dinner at Latitude to celebrate ME being 33!!! Getting older is indeed better with fun, family and delicious food!

He he he he he!

We're here at LATITUDE in HOTEL JEN MANILA!

RUSTIC MORNINGS IN HOLIDAY INN AND SUITES!

It was a Sunday and that means THE YAPPY BUNCH will be out for our usual family day -- something that is very sacred to us. I promised myself that, like with my family, even if the little lords have their own gimmicks or families in the future, they will still reserve Sundays for mass and lunch with us fuddy duddies. Basta, whatever happens, we will always be together. NAKS!

For the last day of the week, the Yub and I received an invite to check out RUSTIC MORNINGS' collaboration with FLAVORS RESTAURANT in Holiday Inn and Suites.

RUSTIC MORNINGS and FLAVORS RESTAURANT? Now those are two worthy sites that have already captured my heart and tummy before, and they're going to "work" together???

Woah!!! That's definitely a kablooey in my tummy!!! We would be crazy to miss this, so we are definitely IN!

Wait. I forgot if the kiddies are included in the invite?

Meh. I'm sure they'll be fine at home with whatever. We ARE talking about RUSTIC MORNINGS serving brunch with FLAVORS RESTAURANT here!!!! He he he he!!

Oh I'm kidding. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Or am I?

If you see their mouth watering spread though, you might think I'm not. Ha ha ha ha ha!

OH. YEAH.

Summer was in full swing that Sunday that's why HOLIDAY INN AND SUITES was a cool refuge for the hot weather. 

When we got to FLAVOR'S RESTAURANT, a familiar face greeted us.

MIREIO'S LUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET

THE YAPPY BUNCH was in for something super special one weekend, and I'm not just talking about the usual buffet or breakfast. We're doing it the French way, and I cannot be more excited because well, we all know how they are and their cuisine -- extraordinary!

And after trying out the MIREIO LUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET, I will forever add a word that would be synonymous to that experience -- unforgettable!!!

Well either that or sacre bleu, but I'm going for "les dikomalilimutan" for now. He he he he he! 

MIREIO LUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET!!!!

GRAND SIERRA PINES BUFFET BREAKFAST

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having an ultra fun weekend in BAGUIO while staying at the brand new GRAND SIERRA PINES HOTEL. We had a cozy room and the little lords found fun activities to do here and there.

I have to admit though that what seals the deal for me in hotels are the food. If breakfast was MEH, it would give me enough reason not to book there again.

I'm glad though that in GRAND SIERRA PINES, we had a delicious breakfast that made me excited to get up the next day (which is rare, I promise).

Check out how our mornings were made better (and more delicious) by GRAND SIERRA PINES!  

Wohoo! Let's EAT!

FAMILY LUNCH AT JOY NOSTALG HOTEL

Usually every Christmas day, THE YAPPY BUNCH would either stay at home the whole morning or visit some of our relatives. This year, my ate thought of treating the family to a Christmas lunch to do something different (especially that our Daddy is not with us).

With that, she suggested to go for JOY NOSTALG HOTEL!!

Heading out to Ortigas this Christmas day!

Since we're going out this holiday, my sister said we should wear something "nice".

Sayang! I was planning to be in jammies the whooooole day!!!! 

When we got to JOY NOSTALG, an adorable Labrador was there to greet us.

I love hotel dogs! They're always big and fluffy and lazy! Ha ha ha ha ha!

For lunch, we'll be at the NOSTALGIA main lounge!

DISNEY EXPLORER'S LODGE BUFFET BREAKFAST (2017)

THE YAPPY BUNCH had a staycation in DISNEY EXPLORER'S LODGE, and included in our room package is a buffet breakfast for 2 in their restaurant, DRAGON WIND.

Of course, we cannot just have breakfast by our lonesome. The little lords SHOULD be with us! So for that morning, it's going to be ERICJAZ FOODIES with the boys. Yay!

We were all looking forward for the breakfast buffet because one: we were hungry, and two: the little lords wanted to see some DISNEY characters! And, DISNEY being DISNEY we had a delicious hot meal, plus a side of Mickey. It was no surprise though because after all, it IS the place where dreams come true!

Yup! No matter how mababaw it is! He he he!

Our DISNEY EXPLORER'S LODGE breakfast!