Monday, December 7, 2015

DINING IN BUFFET 101



There are only two best buffet restaurants in our country – Buffet 101 and Vikings. After our fine dining experience in Niu Vikings, we celebrated our eldest son’s birthday in Buffet 101 Robinsons Magnolia. I cannot compare the two but they have the same quality cuisines and great ambience, the price is just the same. In Buffet 101, we experienced a smorgasbord of the world's finest dishes with a 5-star luxury dinner buffet. Feast your eyes on various cuisines – Japanese, Chinese, Italian, American, Filipino, and other fusions. Buffet 101 offers a unique drink-all-you-can experience – choose from draft beer, fruit shakes, fruit juices and soft drinks. There are wide array of different kinds of fresh, baked, and confectionary desserts to choose from.  

The bright sparkly lights and the 5-star interior will surely capture your attention. 




They have a wide variety of seafood and desserts. The hot items in chafing dishes are a wide array and so are the sweet temptations. Being a regular coffee drinker, I can vouch for the goodness of Buffet 101’s Italian espresso and mocha. I went around to look for desserts and I found the area of my favorite halo-halo and ice cream. It's "make your own halo-halo". But, I concentrated on my choices on fresh fish and shrimp dishes which were fairly good.  

  
Japanese maki, sashimi, and sushi Boat Basket...

  
More makis...




Just by its name you’ll know that Buffet 101 will focus on the very essence of buffet-style dining. That means you choose the food that you like from only the best and wide array of choices possible. Dig in to comfort food that only Filipino and American dishes can provide. Feel pampered with the wide array of Italian culinary masterpieces. Enjoy freshness with the Japanese dishes on offer. Feel festive with the many colorful Chinese delectable and other delights.


Gummies station


 Assorted fruits


 Not so healthy food?


Seafood chowder with pastry and fries


The price per head is already inclusive of the drinks and you can have a lot of option from sodas, juices to fruit shakes and they also serve beer. This is an international cuisine so from sushi, dim sum, vegetables, steaks to adobo - they have it and if you are craving for shrimp or prawns their servings never comes short they just keep on replenishing them. 

And a Basaynon dinner... 


Of soup, angus beef with broccoli


With tempura, pancit and fries...


Buffet 101 has a Birthday Promo 2015. Celebrator must bring an Original and Valid Government-issued I.D with picture and with the birth date imprinted on it, both local and foreign I.D’s as proof. Promo period is from January 1 – December 31, 2015 at Any Buffet 101 branches nationwide.




You may contact:

Buffet 101 Robinsons Magnolia
2/F Robinsons Magnolia, 
Aurora Boulevard cor. Dona Hemady Ave., 
Quezon City
Tel. Nos: 961-3025 or 961-2926




Sunday, December 6, 2015

BEST HOTEL IN BORACAY



Asya Premier (Best Place to Take a Break from Boracay’s Energy)
Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, Aklan

In one of the world’s most popular destinations lies hidden a resort that has preserved the sense of seclusion and romance of an island steeped in legend. On a stretch of fine white sand, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a riot of flowers, Asya Premier Suites Boracay is where the world stands still. Hide away in our stylish resort…its intimate spaces and privacy gives one the feeling of being in a truly exclusive private beach resort. Bask in the warmth of this secret summer beach, while the lively party scene beckons just a leisurely walk away. At Asya Premier Suites Boracay, relish the exhilarating feeling of having your own private beach in the fabled Boracay island of the Philippines.

Asya Premier Resorts shows the exact opposite of the island’s personality. Tucked away in the secluded portions of Boracay, Asya Premier prides itself with its intimate spaces surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a burst of flowers. You can bask in the warmth of this secret summer beach with your friends if you prefer intimate bonding.

Rates: P15,574+/room                       Website: www.asyapremier-boracay.com


 The Lind (Best New Resort in Boracay)
Station 1, Barangay Balabag, Boracay, Aklan

The Lind Boracay, with its amazing location on the premium spot on White Beach’s Station 1 and its cosmopolitan approach to coastal luxury, is arguably the best new resort in Boracay. The Lind has curated views of the beach and the famous Boracay sunset from every window, balcony, nook and cranny. The rooms and spaces, incredibly designed and styled; the service experience, warm and luxurious. It’s worldly boutique aesthetic in a Philippine resort setting.

Setting out to become a bastion of the au currant and the classic, The Lind brings a unique blend of cutting­ edge design and Filipino hospitality to the island of Boracay. This beachfront property is not so much a retreat as it is a lifestyle locale. With 119 rooms and suites, lush greenery, sprawling swimming pools, a world­ class spa, bars and restaurants, and a number of events facilities, guests of The Lind can experience every indulgence and luxury in coastal living without ever leaving the hotel.

Rates: P13,240+/room                                               Website: www.thelindhotels.com                                

Discovery Shores (Best Family-Friendly Resort)
Station 1, Balabag, Boracay, Aklan

Located in one of the best beaches in the world, the resort features 87 luxurious guestrooms equipped only with the finest amenities and a world-renowned spa, within its heralded architecture. It is one of the island’s prestigious resorts and a favorite of the most discriminating local and international travelers.

In January 2012, Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 10th Anniversary Collection ranked Discovery Shores Boracay as among the top-rated 500 hotels in the world, as selected by their readers. Discovery Shores ranks among The World’s Best Hotels in Asia, and received the highest vote as the best hotel in the Philippines (with a 92.93 rating). This is the resort’s second World’s Best Award, bringing honor to the country for their unparalleled “Service That’s All Heart,” and for their excellent facilities.

Discovery Shores Boracay has been inducted into the TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame 2015 after winning the Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years. It likewise took the top spot as Number 1 Hotel Spa in Asia in Travel + Leisure’s coveted 17th annual World’s Best Awards compendium of the best hotels, destinations, and travel companies in the world. The resort also ranked Number 5 on the list of Top 100 Hotels in the world and Number 2 among the Top Resorts in Asia.

If you’re travelling with kids, you need to have certain standards in mind. That’s when Discovery Shores comes into picture. Aside from the world-class service it provides, it basically spoils the guests in such a way that they would not feel the need to be embarrassed to ask even the smallest of requests – be it medicine in the middle of the night, reading glasses during dinner, and baby needs. Priority in the kids’ welfare is also evident in their service. Add to the fact that they always almost remember the names of every guest staying at their resort.

Rates: P13,430+/room                       Website: www.discoveryshoresboracay.com


Henann Lagoon Resort (Most Stylish Contemporary Resort)
Station 2, Main Road, Boracay Island, Aklan

A private escape right in the heart of Boracay, the word “picturesque” becomes an understatement the moment you set foot on its trendy spacious balconies and take in the view of the island’s breathtaking landscape. Boracay’s long stretch of white sand beach and crystal clear waters perfectly complements the resort’s stylish Asian and urban-inspired architecture. You can also pleasure in its 1200 square-meter lagoon swimming pool, the biggest in the area.

Surrounding the biggest lagoon-shaped pool in the island, experience redefined luxury and privacy in the comforts of the resort’s 120 well-appointed rooms and suites. Each of the nine room categories is tastefully designed with a touch of modern elegance combined with Asian inspired interiors that promise to delight all types of guests with its magnificent view of the pool’s crystalline blue water. 

Rates: P8,374+/room                         Website: www.henann.com/boracay/henannlagoon  


Source:  Travel Now

Saturday, December 5, 2015

BEST HOTEL IN BICOL



SIAMA HOTEL Sorsogon (Best Use of Organic Materials)
Sitio San Lorenzo, Bibincahan, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

Siama Hotel is a modern 40-room design hotel part. The hotel is laid-back and elegant, designed to make guests feel the comfort of home and at the same time experience stylish living combined with world class service which cater to the guests convenience. The outdoor meets indoor layout of Siama Hotel complement its majestic surroundings, while the overall look of the hotel demonstrates a variety of natural and organic textures used in both its interior and exterior design. The hotel features the “modern forest pool,” a 25-meter lap pool that subtly sits in the middle of the estate across overlooking verandas of the premier rooms.

The accommodation won’t make guests feel out of place as Siama Hotel is positioned for the travelers to enjoy a prime location just outside the heart of Sorsogon City. The hotel’s convenient location makes Sorsogon’s diverse and lush nature attractions easy to go to. From the famous “Butanding” or whaleshark watching in Donsol, to the crystal clear water in the white sand beach of Subic in Matnog, to the surfing spot of Gubat, to the breathtaking journey to Bulusan Lake, all of which are within an hour or an hour and a half’s reach by land from the hotel.

Rates:  P4,385+/room                                    Website:  www.siamahotel.com

TUGAWE COVE Camarines Sur (Best Place for Birdwatching)
Brgy. Colongcogong, Caramoan Peninsula, Camarines Sur

Nestled in the forested area of the Caramoan National Park, Tugawe Cove Resort is where the jungle meets the ocean, the perfect place to commune with nature embracing the islander’s life. Aside from its azure waters teeming with thriving marine ecosystem, guests can watch different species of birds, such as Philippine hornbill, which are endemic to the area. But the best feature of the hotel is its infinity pool which gives a panoramic view of the Catanduanes Island and the surrounding islets.

The resort welcomes you with 23 cabanas that exude the warmth you desire, plus essential provisions that include free satellite Internet access. Then it brings you to an infinity pool with a scenery looking out over the horizon that compensates for every step uphill. Down to the private white-sand beach with a coral-encrusted reef, which you can call yours any day you’re here. Furthermore, the RestoBar doesn’t only serve sumptuous meals but also lets you savor a 360-degree view of the ocean in between mouthfuls.

Rates:  P4,717+/room                                    Website:  www.tugawecoveresort-caramoan.com


MISIBIS BAY Albay (Best Place to Kayak)
Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay

Tucked away in the lush province of Albay, known for the perfectly shaped Mayon Volcano, a breathtaking tropical paradise awaits those who seek a perfect balance of tranquility and adventure. Misibis Bay is a private island resort where ultimate relaxation and exhilarating adventures come together. Misibis Bay's stylish architecture and interiors allow guests to completely immerse in incomparable relaxation. Guests can also thrill over the abundance of activities within the resort or around the province.

This 5-hectare island resort may be reached via a 50-minute flight from Manila to Legazpi, then a scenic travel by land (50 minutes) or by a fast watercraft (30 minutes).

Rates:  P5,738+/room                                                Website:  www.misibisbay.com


WALING-WALING ECO VILLAGE Camarines Norte (Best New Eco-Resort)
Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Calaguas island has several beaches but the best beach is Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach). The island is located in the province of Camarines Norte about 300 kilometers from Manila. Getting to Calaguas is most affordable. It is driving distance from Manila that would take 5-6 hours drive on good roads to the town of Paracale. A 27 kilometer boat ride will take guests to the island. Boats also depart from the town of Vinzons.

Waling-Waling Eco-Village has 14 cabanas that can accommodate 6 day trippers and can sleep 4 persons. It has a common bathroom with flush toilet and cold shower for guests. To blend with the environment, natural materials were used in construction. Locally sourced plants were used for landscaping. True to its name, the resort has been wisely constructed using only natural materials, and considerations in design have been made to reduce the resort’s carbon footprints, like the use of solar and wind power for lighting and water heating.

Rates:  P3,500+/night (max. of 4 persons)  Website: www.walingecovillage.com


THE ORIENTAL HOTEL Albay (Best View of Mayon Volcano)
Taysan Hills, Sto. Nino Village, Legazpi City

The serene and exceedingly intimate destination hotel offers the best views of Mayon Volcano from its infinity pool deck and each room’s balcony. The ambience is welcoming and laced with quiet sophistication, beginning from the expansive glass windows and skylight ceilings in the lobby that light up the space. Similarly, the accommodations awaiting guests are contemporary and airy, and come replete with all comforts of urban living. Its 4-star facilities are equally impressive: 2 ballrooms, restaurant, limousine service, and Wi-Fi Internet access.

Convenient services, such as tour assistance, airport transfers, and valet parking are available, too. Indeed, with these amenities, coupled with accessible location and proximity to key attractions, there’s no doubt The Oriental Legazpi, winner of the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, is one of the best in the area.

Make sure you ask for a room with a mountain view so you can marvel at the volcano in private, but if you want an even more unique experience, head over to their infinity pool where you can swim with Mount Mayon as your backdrop.

Rates:  P3,393+/room                                    Website:  www.theoriental-legazpi.com

ELLIS ECOTEL Albay (Best Ocean-Themed Hotel)
3rd Floor, Embarcadero de Legazpi Port Area, Legazpi City

Ellis Ecotel is located in the City of Fun and Adventure known for the perfectly shaped Mayon Volcano. The hotel is situated at the heart of Embarcadero de Legazpi, a  waterfront lifestyle hub at the Legazpi City harbour. The hotel gives an illusion of seafaring with its distinctive nautical-themed interiors and panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Ellis Ecotel is perfectly suited for business, leisure and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events). The hotel is a no-frills affordable option for tourists without sacrificing quality, cleanliness and service. The small sized-rooms are compensated by the sprawling decks that offer amazing views of the city harbour and the splendid Mayon Volcano.

Rates: P1,100+/room                         Website:  www.ellisecotel.com


GOTA VILLAGE RESORT Camarines Sur (Best All-Weather Cabanas)
Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Hidden in its own private cove in Caramoan, Gota Village was once home to many international Survivor seasons. A trip to here is a worth taking even though it entails a whole new kind of adventure (a one-hour flight, around four-hour land travel, and a 30-minute boat ride) Although their cabins are not as fancy as their sister’s in Hunongan Cove Resort, they give the best and most comfortable experience to those who won’t hesitate to come here at any time of the year. Perfect for both warm and cold seasons, it’s almost impossible to accommodate the whopping number of foreign and local tourist wanting to stay at the resort.

Rates: P2,500+/room    Website:www.facebook.com/Gota-Village-Resort-Caramoan-Island