A Birthday Dinner at Cabalen, Mall of Asia

Cabalen @ Mall of Asia VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

It was hubby’s birthday.  Our original plan was hubby to fetch me in my office, then proceed to Blue Wave Macapagal and meet a friend there.  But there was a sudden change.  It turned out to be me and hubby together.  Anyway, it was Friday night and both of us were very hungry so a buffet will definitely satisfy our hunger.  This is actually how we celebrate things, eat or travel.  We no longer like crowded and noisy places like bars etc.  I never thought that I would hate loud music during those days when I was playing my favorite tapes/CDs on our old karaoke/component at high volume.  Maybe it’s sign of aging (sure it is!) hahaha.

We dropped by first at Yakimix.  It would be Php620 for each of us.  Since we were on a waiting list and were too hungry, we decided to visit Cabalen which we have passed by going to Yakimix.



THE MENU

Cabalen’s menu is more of Filipino dishes, specializing Kapangpangan cuisine and with only slight number of Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes.  And the price is Php398 per head.  We saved Php444 (for 2 persons) by not choosing Yakimix that time.



THE FOOD

I picked Monggo Soup with Tinapa instead of Bulalo.  The taste is good.

For the appetizer, I ate Fresh Lumpia, Mangga Repolyo Salad with Bagoong Alamang and Crispy Kangkong.  All of those are delicious in my humble opinion.  I always love Fresh Lumpia or Lumpiang Hubad topped with sweet and thick peanut sauce.  And I was surprised that their Crispy Kangkong is really crispy.  I wanted to eat more of those but I controlled myself since there were more dishes that I needed to try.

For the main course, I ate a little of; Gininsang Kangkong with Shrimp, Kare Kare, Adobong Manok, Menudo, Beringhe and plain rice.  All of those are good except for Beringhe.  I guess there was something with the spices mixed that made me dislike it.  Btw, Beringhe is a Filipino version of Paella.

Aside from Filipino dishes, I also had assorted Maki and Vegetable Tempura.  I didn’t find any Shrimp Tempura on their buffet table.  Anyway, what would I expect with their inexpensive buffet rate.  The assorted Maki is small as compared to Maki of other buffet restaurants like Saisaki and Vikings.  But it has an advantage; I didn't have the hard time putting one inside my not too big mouth, thus easy to chew hehe.

They also have Siomai which I haven’t tried.  When I got that plate (above photo), Siomai was not yet refilled on the buffet table.  I have told myself to return for it but I eventually forgot.  Maybe because I was starting to get full after eating those (below photo); Chicken Pandan with Gravy, Pinaputok na Tilapya, Rellenong Bangus and Atsarang Papaya.

For desserts, they have Halo Halo (with only 5 ingredients I think), Kakanin (Maja Blanca, Pichi Pichi), Ginataang Halo Halo and fresh fruits.  I didn’t take Halo Halo.  I just had a small piece of; Maja Blanca, Sweet Banana (Minatamis na Saging Saba), Sweet Beans and Marshmallows dipped in Choco Fountain.

Drinks or beverages are not included in the buffet.  But just add Php40 on top of Php398 buffet price, you will have bottomless lemon or red iced tea.

THE AMBIANCE

Cabalen at Mall of Asia has spacious dining areas.  There are lots of dining tables and a bit number of diners even on a Friday night.

The lights on the ceiling caught my attention.  It has a Filipino touch, quite innovative and simple as compared to big chandeliers found in some of the luxurious hotels in the country.

It was six years ago (if I’m not mistaken) the last time we dined at Cabalen.  The buffet table designs and lightings are different now, better than before (of course).



The buffet tables are really small.  So don’t expect too much when it comes to number of dishes.  Anyway, the buffet price is very affordable and majority of the foods are delicious (I as well asked hubby about that last phrase).



And, this is for someone interested..

Till next time! 

Cabalen Filipino – Asian Buffet

G/F Entertainment Mall

SM Mall of Asia

556-4874

Website:  http://www.cabalen.ph

Pizza Hut Palm Card for a Frugal Pizza Lover

I’m a pizza lover.  I have tried different brand but for me, Pizza Hut is still my number 1 favorite pizza.  Some may agree or disagree.  Anyway, each of us has different opinion and taste preference.

Everybody knows the Pizza Hut’s Palm Card. If you have one, you can use it when you buy any family or regular size pizza and a softdrink for takeout or delivery and, you will get the Pizza of the Month of the same size FREE.  Said Card is a must have for a pizza lover who loves Pizza Hut and free pizza, like me.  That’s why I didn't miss the opportunity to get one, a PROMO actually, last October 8 this year.



It’s a promo because:

• I got it for Php249 instead of Php379 original value.  I saved Php130, that’s nice!
• Card is valid for 7 months from date of card purchase instead of the usual 6 months validity period.

Said promo was for a limited time only, from October 2 to 8 this year.  Good thing, an officemate have informed me before the promo ended.

Another thing, Palm Card can now be used for dine-in; either you got the Card during, before or after the promo mentioned.



One Sunday, we attended the Church Mass and then we had our dinner at Pizza Hut SM North Edsa.



We ordered one Regular Stuffed Crust Super Supreme Pizza for Php419 and one Pitcher of Pepsi for Php149.  To qualify for a free pizza, you need to order also at least one Pepsi product.  A one glass of softdrink will do according to one of the service crew.



We had one FREE Regular Pepperoni.  We had three choices that time; Pepperoni, Hawaiian and Veggie Lovers.  Good thing Pepperoni was included since it’s my son’s favorite.  Though my son loves pizza like his mom, he doesn't like pizza with too many toppings on it.  Pepperoni is valued at Php265.  Therefore, we saved Php265++ (btw, there’s a service charge so you should include it in the computation of savings) using the Palm Card.  Can you imagine?  I bought the Card for only Php249 and I already saved Php265++.  And, more savings to come since I still have 7 months to use the Card.



I really love their Stuffed Crust pizza, though I don’t like the Sausage Stuffed.  You should eat it while it’s hot, freshly cooked from the oven.  Love it with hot sauce and a sprinkle of black pepper.  And, these are the two reasons why I love ordering pizza for dine-in aside from takeout or delivery.




Don’t forget to read the details (use of Palm Card) at the back of your Card.  To know more of the details; you may call 911-11-11, visit the nearest restaurant or log on at www.pizzahut.com.ph.

Till next time! 

 

Pizza Hut

Upper Ground Level

SM City North EDSA

EDSA cor. North Ave.

Quezon City

Hotline:  911-1111

Website:  http://www.pizzahut.com.ph

P.s.  this is not an advertisement.  Unless otherwise specified, the author is neither affiliated nor paid for writing this blog.  It is only for the sole purpose of sharing.”

I Miss Ilocos.

My father is a pure Ilocano.  We used to visit Ilocos when I was a kid and during my studying age.  But those visits were more of staying in the ancestral house, strolling around the barrio, viewing the farm and visiting some relatives.  My cousins would bring me to town and buy some goods, etc.  What I loved most was going on the nearby beach or on a not so well known resort.  And I really miss damping myself on their not too wide river located near the ancestral house but not possible nowadays since it’s no longer clean.
 
As I aged, I learned that there are lots of beautiful and well known places to visit in Ilocos.  It was two years ago I think when I had an opportunity to visit those together with friends.

You can go to Ilocos by plane, bus or by private vehicle.  We took the last option.  Though twelve hours road trip from Manila is really too long, we had fun eating and chatting at every stopover we made and my eyes didn't get bored with different views we passed by the road like this one.

Quirino Bridge in Ilocos Sur

We didn't go near those gigantic windmills.  But just a look at Bangui Windmills before reaching Pagudpud was enough to admire and love the place.

Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte

“The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.  The project is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia.”—source: WikiPilipinas

And here, was my very first visit at the famous white beach of Pagudpud, considered to be the Boracay of the North.

Ivory Beach of Brgy. Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Our stay in Pagudpud was more of swimming, beach hopping and dining at some of the quite pricey restaurants in their several beach resorts.

Before we left Ilocos Norte, we have dropped by the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte

“Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines.  After over 100 years, it still functions as a welcoming beacon to the international ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.  The 65-foot-tall (20 m) octagonal stone tower is not the highest-elevated or tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, contrary to popular belief.”—source: Wikipedia

It is really old and kind of eerie.  I heard that the place was featured in one of the Philippine television programs in which topics were about ghosts and the likes.  I never felt any presence of ghost during that visit; it’s a good thing, though.

Our last stop was Vigan, Ilocos Sur (of course).  Friend JM parked his SUV on a gasoline station and we took a calesa (horse drawn carriage) to tour the place.  The Kutsero (calesa driver) was our guide then.


Mamang Kutsero brought us to Bantay Church, Bantay Bell Tower, Burnay Pottery, Baluarte and Calle Crisologo.

Bantay Church, Bantay, Ilocos Sur

St. Augustine Church or Bantay Church is one of the oldest churches in the country, particularly in Ilocos Sur which was built in 1590.  It is located in Bantay, one of the Municipalities of Ilocos Sur which is a few minutes’ ride away from Vigan City, capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur.

Near or just a few meters’ walk away from Bantay Church is the Bell Tower or Bantay Belfry which lies on a hill.  A Filipino film/movie Panday was shot there.

Bell Tower, Bantay, Ilocos Sur

This is a sample of Burnay Jar, an earthenware made with the use of pottery wheel, oven and of course skillful hands.

Burnay Pottery, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Friend RC tried to make one but eventually failed.  So skillful hands are very much needed hehe.

Baluarte or fortress is like a zoo ‘cause you will find different kinds of animals there and it’s actually owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a popular political figure in the country.

Baluarte, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

And a must visit place in Vigan is Calle Crisologo.  It feels like being transported back to Spanish colonial time in the Philippines if you are there.

Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

It’s nice to visit Calle Crisologo at daytime and night time as well.  Pictures in this post were actually old and I consider two years age as old.  Majority of the photos were taken by my OLD mobile phone’s 5MP camera, OLD but still using it at present huhu.  Anyway, I already got my DSLR and how I love to bring and use it there.  Ilocos is a perfect place for photoholic like me.  And yes, I MISS Ilocos.  Haaay…

Till next time

Lunch at Lutong Macau, Jupiter

I really can’t count how many times we have had our lunch at Lutong Macau in Jupiter St. Makati.  Jupiter, Makati has been known for lots of restaurants found along the street and it’s quite walking distance from our office.

When we had our lunch there last Friday, I realized that said restaurant is worth to be shared in this site.  So here it is but since it wasn’t actually planned, I haven’t brought a camera.  I just used my mobile phone's camera instead.  That would suffice I guess.

Btw, one thing I like about this restaurant is that they serve complimentary house tea.  Just ask for it if ever the waiter forgot to offer.

Hot Prawn Salad was one of our orders.  It’s been our favorite lately.  It’s an appetizer but we used to eat this with Yang Chow Fried Rice.  If you tried this, you’ll probably ask for more—rice please ahehe..

Hot Prawn Salad

Whenever we (me with my officemates/lunch buddies) dine there, Yang Chow Fried Rice is always included in our list of orders.  If you’re a group of fried rice lovers and find it expensive instead of plain rice (of course), why not try my officemate’s suggestion.  Order both, fried and plain, but more of the former and then ask the waiter if they could mix those for you and your buddies.  That’s reasonable..

Yang Chow Fried Rice

This is our all-time favorite, Fried Squid with Salt and Pepper.  They served it with their vinegar sauce.

Fried Squid w/ Salt & Pepper

We used to order Lechon Macau and Fried Spareribs with Salt and Pepper.  But we ordered Lutong Macau Fried Chicken instead which we didn’t like after.

Lutong Macau Fried Chicken

The first time we ordered Lutong Macau Birthday Noodles was when we dined and at the same time celebrated one of my lunch buddies birthday there.  Since then, we always include this in our list of orders.  We like their homemade saucy noodles with veggies, quail eggs, liver, meats and mix seafood.

Lutong Macau Birthday Noodles

We didn’t order desserts that time.  We were so full and our order of Lemon Iced Tea-Bottomless did the major part of that fullness.  Anyway, we already have tried Almond Jelly w/ Lychee and Mango Sago w/ Lychee.

They have a lot of meals, beverages and desserts to choose from.  Here are the menu lists I downloaded from their website.  Just click for a larger view.

source—www.lutongmacau.com

Aside from Jupiter St. Makati, they have branch at G/F Megastrip SM Megamall B.

me w/ my lunch buddies

Jupiter branch has spacious dining area.  They also have round table with lazy susan for a large group of diners; and function rooms.  You may call their hotlines for table reservations.

And here is one of our photos inside/dining at Lutong Macau Jupiter. >>>>

Till next time! 

Lutong Macau

116 Jupiter Street

Bel Air Village

Makati City

896-7777/895-3333

Website:  http://www.lutongmacau.com