FOOD: Yakiniku Adventure with Tajimaya MOA

We Filipinos love to eat. Sometimes we eat 3 main meals plus 2 snacks in between main meal. I for one is guilty of that. 

Buffet restaurants in the Philippines caters to different market classes. We all know some of the old but still running buffer restos like Kamayan, Cabalen, Kamay Kainan. Also luxury buffets like Vikings and Buffet 101. Not only that, some new entrants in Yakiniku buffet like Sambokojin and Yakimix.

Make way for Tajimaya

A week after going back to Doha, I want to try the ambiance of Vikings at San Miguel by the Bay. However, weekends are always full in that branch near MoA. So my friend suggested to try Tajimaya. It was a new name for my ears so one Friday we decided to try their offerings.

Sample Menu from their FB page

 

My friend and I went their at Dinner time. The restaurant is not as crowded as other restaurants around Mall of Asia (it was Friday night by the way). We opted their buffet worth around 590 PHP including bottom less Ice tea, different sets of meat (squid, shrimp, US Beef, Pork and Chicken) with rice, hotdogs, raw dimsum and some greens and side dishes.

More than what I expected!

Though they have common rule in this buffet set-up: No Left-overs for the second through nth time of additional set.

So that was our experience trying out this wonderful restaurant. 

You can check them out on their branches listed below:

SM Mall of Asia

2nd Level, North Veranda

Entertainment Mall

Pasay City

One Rockwell

Makati City

Crossroads Mall

Banilad, Cebu

Must-Try: Buffet Set

Macoy's Rating: 4.5 Plates

FOOD: J.CO, Your not-so-ordinary-donuts!

I was fascinated last year when I came back in Manila. People are waiting for hours just to buy a box of J.Co donuts. I said to my friends, "What's the fussed about that donut? It's just like Krispy Kreme". They told me, "You should try it and see for yourself". So before I leave Manila few weeks ago, I told myself, I should try J.Co donuts.

My position as I arrived J.Co Mall of Asia

So 2 days before my departure to Doha, I tried to go to J.Co Mall of Asia. As soon as I arrive to that branch, the line going inside was so looooong! So estimated time from this vantage point: 2 hours!

And people still coming!

As soon as I near the door of the branch, the people keeps coming and coming. One expat (which is an Aussie) passed by and asked me why do people line-up for that store. I just told him, it's a new store here :)

From that point estimated time to reach the door: 1 hour.

Donut Menu c/o J.CO Facebook Page

Before I enter the store, I asked for sample menu so that it will be easier for me to choose once I stepped inside the store. As you can see, J.Co donuts offer unfamiliar flavors like Avocado DiCaprio, Mona Pisa, Blueberry More and others. Also the prices per piece is more expensive than Krispy Kreme. However, if you buy 1/2 dozen to 2 dozen of donuts, the price is much cheaper than Krispy Kreme. Waiting for couple of hours pays off once you have your donuts!

One Happy Kid :)

And after 2 hours of falling in line and waiting for my turn, I got my half-dozen J.Co donuts! I chose 2 Alcapone, 1 Blueberry More, 2 Jcoccino and 1 Choco Caviar Chocolate (from top to bottom). Also, if you order a drink in J.Co, it comes with free Glazzy donut!

So for my verdict:

The donuts is not so sweet and soft. The flavors are extra-ordinary and you will want some more.

Must-Try(s): Alcapone, Jcoccino (Donuts)

                   

Macoy's Rating: 4 Plates

(Rating includes efficiency of staff, crowd-control, price and taste)

So head-down on your nearest J.Co Donuts near you:

J. Co Alabang Town Center

Ground Floor, The Gardens(Expansion Wing)

J. Co Eastwood

1800 Building, Eastwood Avenue

J. Co Greenbelt 3

Level 3, Near Greenbelt 3 Cinema

J. Co SM Megamall

Ground Floor, Megastrip B

J. Co SM Mall of Asia

Ground Floor, North Parking Bldg.

(Near SM Hypermarket)

J. Co SM Fairview

Upper Ground Floor, Main Building

J. Co Trinoma

Lobby Level near North Carpark Entrance

and Mall entrance North Ave. side

For more information, you can visit their Facebook Page or http://jcodonuts.com.ph/

FOOD: Jambafied! at Robinson's Magnolia

It's already March and you know what it means? Summer! So before the heat rise on this season, time to look to quench our thirst.

One afternoon, I fetched my brother from his school and we decided to explore the newest mall in Quezon City - Robinson's Place Magnolia. It was a redevelop piece of land, once a manufacturing plant of our famous Ice Cream -  Magnolia.

Sample menu - courtesy of JambaJuice.ph

That hot afternoon crave me for a shake. While strolling the Al Fresco area of the mall, we saw the new branch of Jamba Juice! So I ordered my favorite drink: Strawberries Wild!

Before falling in-line you must follow this 3-simple rules:

• Choose your Size
• Choose your Drink
• Choose your Boosters (Free 1 booster in every drink you order)

My Drink: Strawberries Wild

So I ordered my drink and I chose "Daily Vitamin Boost" as my booster. There are a lot of boosters to choose from just look on your local stores near you. The ambiance of the store is good enough to chill and the place is a "No Smoking Zone". Plus, the store has a Photo Booth and a free Wi-Fi access.

Funny Faces!

So head down to your nearest Jamba Juice store and order your favorite smoothies. Also catch their Jamba Juice Fender Blender truck in some places this summer!

Robinson's Magnolia

U/G Floor, Al Fresco Area

Aurora Blvd., Quezon City

Other Branches :

Bonifacio High Street

Alabang Town Center

SM Mall of Asia

SM City North Edsa

SM Megamall

Robinson's Place Manila

Visit their FB page: JambaJuicePH

Must-Try: Classic Smoothies

Macoy's Rating: 5 Plates

TRAVEL: Airphilexpress goes to Batanes

Photo by Airphilexpress

Want to explore more in the northern Philippines? Add to your bucket list this summer, airphilexpress will fly to Batanes starting May 1, 2013.

You can book your flights starting today, February 21, 2013.

For more details, visit their website: www.airphilexpress.com

TRAVEL: SEA Air's New Destination

Photo from FlySEAir FB page.

Had you planned your summer vacation this year? Check out SEA Air's new destination - Laoag!

Here are some places you may want to visit in Laoag, Ilocos Norte:

Sand bashing in La Paz

Fare starts at Php 599 from Manila.

For more details, check their website: www.flyseair.com

TRAVEL: 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Up, Up and Away!

It's the annual hot air balloon fiesta again! Have you marked your calendars this year? The 18th Philippine International  Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be this week starting February 21-24, 2013 at the Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Freeport Zone.

Tickets:

You can buy your tickets at the gate on the said event. You have also an option to buy it thru SM Ticketnet outlets. For ticket inquiries, you may call 833-3264 or 384-0085. Ticket prices is only Php 250.

A must-see: The Breitling Team will be performing on the said event.

Vicinity Map

Event Schedule:
(This schedule of activities may change without prior notice)

21 February 2013 - First Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM  Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM  Hot Air Balloon flight
07:30-08:00 AM  RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM  Meynard Halili€ Aerobatic Show
08:30-09:00 AM  Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
09:00-09:15 AM  Radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration
09:15-09:45 AM  PT13 Stearman
09:45-10:30 AM  PNP Sky Diving Exhibition
10:30-11:30 AM  AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
11:30-12:00 PM  Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
12:00-12:30 PM  German aerobatic glider flight
12:30-01:00 PM  KAP / KTP Kite Flying Exhibition
01:00-01:45 PM  Airlink / WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha flyby
01:45-02:30 PM  AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
02:30-02:45 PM  FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
02:45-03:15 PM  Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demo
03:15-04:00 PM  ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
04:00-04:30 PM  RP /U.S./ Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding exhibition
04:30-05:00 PM  Skydiving and Tandem jumping Exhibition
05:00-05:30 PM  Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
05:30-06:00 PM  Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers


22 February 2013 - Second Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain / Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
08:30-08:45 AM PT13 Stearman
08:45-09:30 AM Sky diving exhibition
09:30-10:30 AM AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
10:30-11:00 AM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights and Flour Bombing
11:00-11:15 AM FEATI / PHILSCA Rocketry /RC Demonstration
11:15-11:45 AM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:45-12:15 PM Para-Gliding Tow Exhibition
12:15-12:30 PM KAP / KTP Kite flying exhibition
12:30-01:15 PM WCC / Omni / Airlink / Alpha / Leading Edge flyby
01:15-01:45 PM German aerobatic glider flight
01:45-02:15 PM Car Drifting Display
02:15-02:45 PM Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
02:45-03:15 PM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights
03:15-03:45 PM AOPA- P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
03:45-04:15 PM Sky diving exhibition
04:15-04:45 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
04:45-05:15 PM RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding/Towing Exhibition
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Fly-In, RC Nightflyers


23 February 2013 - Third Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flights
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
08:30-09:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
09:00-09:45 AM AOPA-P Light aircraft balloon bursting competition
09:45-10:30 AM Tandem Sky diving exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM ACFC Ultralight/Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:00-11:30 AM Turbine RC flying display
11:30-12:00 PM Helicopter flight display
12:00-12:30 PM Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
12:30-01:00 PM PT13 Stearman /  AOPA-P Flyby
01:00-01:30 PM WCC / Omni / PPA / CIA / Orient / Airlink flyby
01:30-02:00 PM Winch-launched German aerobatic glider flight
02:00-02:30 PM KAP / KTP Kite Flying Demonstration
02:30-03:00 PM Paragliding Tow Exhibition
03:00-03:30 PM Radio-controlled Jet Turbine Model Aircraft Demonstration
03:30-04:00 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
04:00-04:30 PM Meynard Halili Aerobatic Show
04:30-05:00 PM Skydiving Exhibition
05:00-05:30 PM RP/Malaysian/Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers


24 February 2013 - Fourth Fiesta Day
06:20-06:30 AM Philippine Flag jump
06:30-08:00 AM Hot Air Balloon Flight
07:30-08:00 AM RP / Malaysian / Spain/ Australia Paragliding Exhibition
08:00-08:30 AM Meynard Halili / Aerobatic Show
08:30-09:00 AM Breitling Jet Team Aerobatic Exhibition
09:00-09:45 AM Wings Over Asia / AOPA – P Light Aircraft Balloon Bursting Competition
09:45-10:30 AM Tandem Skydiving Exhibition
10:30-11:00 AM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
11:00-11:30 AM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights and flour bombing
11:30-12:00 PM Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Demo
12:00-12:30 PM Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration
12:30-1:00 PM German aerobatic glider flight
01:00-01:30 PM Car Drifting demonstration
01:30-02:00 PM PT13/ WCC / Airlink / Omni / Leading Edge/ Airlink flyby
02:00-02:30 PM KAP / KTP Flying Exhibition
02:30-02:45 PM FEATI/PHILSCA Rocketry/RC Demonstration
02:45-03:15 PM ACFC Ultralight / Microlight aircraft formation flights
03:15-03:30 PM PT13 Stearman fly by
03:30-04:00 PM Sky diving exhibition
04:00-04:30 PM Meynard Halili aerobatic Show
04:30-05:30 PM RP / Malaysian / Spain/Australian Paragliding Exhibition
05:30-06:00 PM Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, RC Nightflyers, Fireworks


Parking:

If you are going to use your personal vehicle, here is the guide for the parking area within the area of the said event:

Ample Parking for the event.

See you there!

FOOD: The Vikings are Coming!

Vikings sighted! Photo Courtesy of Vikings

Hi Food lovers out there! It's a good news for all of us. The Vikings will be having a soft-opening starting February 18 at SM North Edsa - The Block. If you liked their Facebook page, you will have a 20% discount if you are paying in Cash and 15% discount if you are paying through Card transaction. 

Not bad at all!

For further details, you may liked their Facebook page.

FOOD: Gong Xi Fa Cai! Foodtrippers in Binondo 2013

   

Manila Chinatown

Gong Xi Fa Cai to all our Chinese friends or Kung Hei Fat Choi! Well last Sunday was the Chinese New Year and for our Chinese brothers and sisters its the year of the water snake. I and my ex-officemates went there for another round of food-tripping.

Well here are some of the highlights of what happened last Sunday.

D' Gang at Sincerity Restaurant

We started our trip during lunch time. We never thought that it will be the same as last year. The number of people is not as many as last year since we enter the arch of Chinatown in front of Sta. Cruz Church. However, all the famous restaurants are packed with people so we opted out to eat at Sincerity Restaurant.

Sincerity Restaurant 
497 E. T. Yuchengco St., Binondo, Manila 
Must Try: Oyster Cake
Macoy's Rating: 3 Plates

Here are some restaurants we went to but we opt out to take-away the food.


Wai Ying Fastfood
927 Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila
Must Try/s: Dumplings and Milk Tea
Macoy's Rating: 4 Plates

Dong Bei's handmade dumplings. This restaurant will only make your dumplings upon order.

Dong Bei
Yuchengco St.,Binondo, Manila
Must Try: Steamed and Fried dumplings
Macoy's Rating: 4 Plates

The famous Estero Fastfood. The hidden gem of Binondo for  food-trippers

Estero Fastfood
Estero, Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila
Must Try: Fried Frog Legs 
Macoy's Rating: 3 1/2 Plates

Frog Legs! Yum Yum!

All of my ratings are based on the food quality, efficiency of the staffs and also value for your money.

Binondo after  lunch time

After we ate our hearts out, we stroll around Binondo so that we can glimpse what's happening on the streets.

The crowd during the festivities

Picture taking while strolling!

It was like a huge festival with lion dances in front of the stores, most of them are kids ranging from 9-12 years old. Here you can see ati-atihan meets the lion!

Fire-eating. More Fun in Binondo!

Ati-atihan or Chinese New Year?

Rawr!

That's for now. I hope you subscribe to my blog, Thanks and Happy Reading!

*Acknowledgement: Thanks to Arn Borres for providing me his pictures here for my blog. You may add him on his FB to check some of his work of art. Thanks brother!

TRAVEL: The 20th Travel and Tour Expo

The annual travel and tour expo of PTAA

Once again, PTAA is having its 20th edition of Travel and Tour Expo with a theme of "Gateway to Gateways". If you are looking for bargain for hotels, airline tickets or a tour package, this travel expo is for you!

The event will be on February 15-17, 2013 -just after the Valentine's day. So better save up so that you can enjoy the discounted offers of each exhibitors.

Here is the schedule for the 3-day event:

Venue:

SMX Convention Center Halls 1, 2, 3 & 4,
Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Opening Hours:

15 February - Friday
10 AM - 9 PM

16 February - Saturday
10 AM - 9 PM

17 February - Sunday
10 AM - 7 PM
Ticket booths close 30 minutes before end of show hours

Entrance Fees:   

General Admission: PHP 50/day
Senior Citizen: PHP 20/day


Here are some participating Theme Park/ Entertainment / Gaming Companies: 

Amazing Show
Dahilayan Adventure Park (Zipzone)
Dahilayan Forest Park
Enchanted Kingdom Inc.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
PAGCOR
Solaire Resort and Casino
Tree Top Adventure Phil. Inc.
Zoomanity / Zoobic Safari

*It looks like Resorts World Manila will not be participating instead Solaire Resort and Casino which will be opening most likely this year will be participating for the said event.

Here are some participating Airlines for the said event:

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Vita Travel Services Corp.)
AirAsia Inc.
Air China
Airphil Express
All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
Cathay Pacific
Cebu Pacific Air 
China Airlines
China Southern Airlines
Dragon Air
Hawaiian Airlines
Japan Airlines
Jeju Air
Jetstar Airways
Malaysia Airlines
Philippine Airlines
Qatar Airways
Royal Brunei Airlines (Global Air Service Corp.)
SEAIR
Singapore Airlines
Skyjet Airlines
South African Airways - Aerotel Ltd. Corp.
Thai Airways
Tiger Airways
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines (Aerotel Ltd. Corp.)
Zest Airways

For more information regarding the said event, you can check their website at
http://www.ptaatraveltourexpo.com or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/TravelTour-Expo/292342770208