Michi Photostory

June 29, 2014

Dinner at La Fiesta: A Taste of Filipino

The Philippines is known for Fiesta; we celebrate Fiesta in different provinces and cities. There are provinces that are really famous for their festival, such as Cebu, Quezon, Bacolod, and many more. Filipinos love Fiesta, and even I, who am not a Catholic I love Fiesta because Fiesta = Tons of food. I always look forward to attending Fiesta because I can taste a lot of dishes for free. Oh yes, an eat all you can event.

Update 2018: Lunch at La Fiesta

Who doesn’t love eating all you can eat or buffet? I personally love buffet, it is something I look forward to every time we have a hotel staycation. Buffet restaurant is also my choice if we have a celebration and get together. You can see here and here the hotel and restaurant buffet that we have tried.

Buffet = No Leftover and No Diet

Do you know that there’s a new buffet restaurant in SM by the Bay Mall of Asia? La Fiesta Restaurant is the "Largest Filipino Buffet" with over 200 dishes, and as of this writing, they are now open for their second week. From its name, expect that they serve Filipino dishes originating from different Fiestas all over the country.

I received an invitation to try La Fiesta last week. If you’ve been reading this blog for quite some time now, you know that I don’t usually attend blog events because of my location, and most events fall on weekdays, but when I’ve read that I can visit on my preferred date and time, I gladly accepted it.

Yesterday, we drove all the way to the Mall of Asia. You won’t get lost because the La Fiesta restaurant is just beside the MOA Eye. We were there past 5PM and I asked the staff if my son was still free or not. We went inside the restaurant to check my son’s height, and I was glad because he is still free. The children's rate is based on height.

At 5:30, they opened the restaurant and started calling the names on the reservation list. The place is huge, measuring 1200sqm with 150 tables and 500 seats, so they can really accommodate a good number of guests.

We did not waste time anymore, and we started checking the food station. I guess they have 7 to 8 stations of food. They served grilled seafood, street foods, noodles, pizza, various types of barbeque, sisig, soup, fruits, desserts, and many more Filipino dishes.

Let the photos do the talking.

Our favorites are lechon de leche and papaitan.

Funny story. I was falling in line for ice cream, nung turn ko na I asked the server if there was mocha, and he said “wala po ma’m.” I pointed at the white ice cream and asked kung vanilla yu,n and he said yes. I went to the table and started eating my ice cream, and waah! It is not vanilla ice cream; it is durian ice cream. Nalito na yata ang server, and why I was looking for vanilla and mocha ice cream, Filipino, and Fiesta nga ang theme. Anyway, my husband enjoyed the durian ice cream. Hahaha!

Likes

1. The waiting area is spacious enough, you can stay in a bahay kubo or in these comfortable sofas.

2. I love the interiors. The place doesn’t look crowded, even though guests have started to arrive, because there is enough room for you to move.

3. I like the idea of serving different Filipino dishes, especially those foods that you don’t normally cook or eat at home, like Papaitan, Sisig, and Dinuguan.

4. Plus points because the buffet rate includes unlimited drinks, I guess over 20 types of drinks, such as soda, juice, and even beer, are unlimited.

5. The service is good from the waiting area up to your table. There are staff everywhere who gladly assist you with all your needs. You can see the smile on their faces, you can hear welcoming remarks, and you can really feel their energy. I hope this kind of service will remain.

6. They offer acoustic bands, local folk dances, and harana while eating every day. There is a live cultural show every Friday, Saturday (dinner), and Sunday (lunch and dinner), but we missed it because we left early.

7. I could say that the buffet rate is worth it because of the all-you-can-eat food + unlimited drinks.

Dislikes

1. One thing that I dislike in the buffet restaurant is the children's rate. I was happy because they did not charge my son yet. Imagine if I were to pay P380 and my son only ate one cone of dirty ice cream and 1 pc of yema. #lugi.

2. The children's rate is based on height so lugi rin if your children are tall.

3. I was looking for shrimps because that’s my favorite, but I did not see at their grilled station. #nagkataonlangba

La Fiesta Buffet Rate

Mon-Sat Lunch P550
Mon-Sat Dinner P750
Sunday and Holiday P750

Children Rate
Height 3.5" ft below (FREE)
4.5" ft below (P380)
4.5: ft above (Adult rate)

Lunch Time - 11:00 - 2:00pm
Dinner Time - 5:30 - onwards

Leftover price P950

Overall, I do recommend La Fiesta if you are into a buffet and if you want a place for get-togethers, reunions, or celebrations. You can bring your friends or family who are balikbayans and foreigners so they can experience our traditional foods.

La Fiesta “Largest Filipino Buffet”
Bldg 1 SM by the Bay, Seaside Blvd
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
5561111/5561222/5561333

June 27, 2014

Philippine Airlines Experience

Like I always say, our family always travels on a shoestring so Philippine Airlines is not always our option. I always book our flights on low-cost carriers especially if there is a seat sale. I booked our Manila to Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight last August and I was waiting for the promo fare for our Singapore to Manila flight.

I could not wait any longer for a seat sale so last December, I was checking and comparing the fare on different airlines. We chose Philippine Airlines because the difference is less than 2k from low-cost carriers. We all know that we have free meals and free baggage allowance already in PAL.

I tried Philippine Airlines when we went to Cagayan de Oro for our Camiguin trip. But the food is nothing special, just biscuits and coffee. Hehehe!

But international flight is different, there is a small pillow that you can use, and a headset if you want to watch movie or sound trip. You have a full meal, there are appetizers, main course, and dessert.

Now I know and experience the difference so if ever I have extra budget, I will choose PAL but if the budget is limited, low-cost carrier is still fine with me, especially for short time travel.

June 24, 2014

Glimpse of Changi Airport

When my husband’s officemate learned that we're going to KL and Singapore, he offered us a free pass to Singapore Zoo, but unfortunately, the only schedule available is our last day in Singapore so we did not accept it, sayang! We need to check out at 12 noon so mabibitin lang kami sa Singapore Zoo. I think I need one whole day to enjoy Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari, maybe next time.

Read: 5 Days in Singapore with Kid

So we stayed in our hotel till check-out and went straight to Changi Airport. I returned our Singapore Pass in Bugis Station to claim the SGD10 deposit and bought a one-way ticket to the airport.

Changi Airport is huge, so you will not get bored, but our feet were already tired from our six-day trip so we just relaxed and enjoyed the free wifi.

After check-in, we ate at Paradise Inn Restaurant, I forgot the name of the meal that we ordered, but it all tasted good.

Then we walked towards to boarding gate, stayed for several minutes in Social Tree. It is a new attraction that allows travelers to instantly share photos in social networking profiles. Took some photos and waited for our departure.

June 19, 2014

Singapore Flyer and more

Our six-day trip to KL and Singapore are still not enough, I still have long list of places that I wanted to visit or revisit. I mentioned in my Legoland Malaysia post that we went to Singapore Flyer to avail the coach transfer of WTS travel agency.

Since we’re still early for our bus schedule we have time to stroll. We’ve seen Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay from afar. I’ve reading a lot of good reviews about the garden.

We checked the Singapore Flyer and praying that someday I can conquer my fear of heights so I can ride this.

We’re supposed to go to River Safari on our sixth day but we decided to stay in the hotel until check out and kill our time in the airport. #tired Well, I hope there will be next time to visit the place that we missed.

Read: River Safari

June 06, 2014

Dinner at D’ Banquet

I was clearing my photo folder and I saw our photos when we dined at D’ Banquet. I discovered this place when we were looking for Amira’s Buco Tart.

Last Mother’s Day we went to Tagaytay to have our dinner and decided to try the D’Banquet. According to the menu, “It is a fine dining, pasalubong center and events venue in the heart of Tagaytay.” We ordered the P99 steak, Sinampalukan na Native Chicken P150 and Ube Halaya P140.

The steak was ok for its price, my husband and son enjoyed the sinigang while the ube halaya is just ok, we still prefer the Good Shepherd Ube. If you are looking for affordable meals in Tagaytay, I do recommend this because the price is inexpensive. #sulitmeals

May 28, 2014

Day Trip at Legoland Malaysia

I was really busy and I can’t believe that I haven’t posted our Legoland Malaysia experience. Anyway, we visited this place last February because my son loves Lego and we even watched the Lego movie before our trip, #everythingisawesome

Prior to the trip, I’ve made my research on how to get to Legoland Malaysia from Singapore. There are a lot of pieces of information but I decided to avail coach transfer from WTS Travel Agency. Actually, you can book your tickets online but I decided to buy the ticket when we get there.

Update: But if ever we will go back to Legoland, I will book our ticket at Klook

To save money, buy your ticket at Klook

Read: How I Purchased my Ticket at Klook

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Singapore to Johor Bahru - DIY Itinerary + Private Driver

Klook Exclusive: Legoland Malaysia Hero Access Pass and Meal Voucher in Johor Bahru

After our breakfast, we went to WTS at Singapore Flyer but we missed the 9:30AM trip so we have to wait for the last bus trip which is 10:30AM. It is better if you buy the package because it is much cheaper but since I still have Malaysian Ringgit, I just avail the coach transfer at SGD20 per person (Round Trip).

The travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes including the two immigration stops in Singapore and Johor Bahru. Finally, we reached our destination. We bought the ticket first, they also accept Singapore Dollar so no need to exchange money if you came from Singapore. We paid in SGD and RM.

Legoland Malaysia Entrance Ticket
RM140 -adult
RM110 - child
SGD56 - adult

Click here for the video

We arrived just in time for lunch so I immediately checked the map to locate the food shops but my son was so excited to check the theme park so we checked the Lego City Zone first. My son tried the Junior Driving School and we rode the boat in Boating School. Then we convinced him that we should eat our lunch first and with a heavy heart, he followed us to the Market Restaurant.

My husband ordered Roast Chicken and Fish and Chips at RM28 each, the meal includes soup and soda. I shared my meal with my son.

After lunch we moved to Lego Technic Zone, we tried the Technic Twister and Aquazone Wave Racers. My husband rode Project X while my son enjoyed the Water Splash. We can’t take the heat so we went inside the Lego Mindstorms and Lego Academy.

Next stop is Lego Kingdom Zone, my son wanted to play in The Forestmen’s Hideout but my husband convinced my son to join him in Dragon’s Apprentice. It was a roller coaster and my son was so scared when I checked their picture. My husband and son were shouting all throughout the ride so they decided not to ride the “The Dragon”.

My son rode the Royal Joust and we tried the Merlin’s Challenge.

We moved to Imagination Zone, where my son and husband played lego in Build and Test and rode the Kid Power Towers. We also watched Lego movie in Lego Studio. After the movie, we walked to the Land of Adventure Zone and tried the Pharaoh’s Revenge and Lost Kingdom Adventure.

The last stop is the Miniland Zone, where you can see famous landmarks in different Asian Cities, these landscapes are built out of Lego. #amazing.

Of course, we rode the Legoland Express Train and kiddie train for my son.

Our last activity for the day is this. #maslalokaminapagod.

We finished the tour in a few hours and we spent the remaining time eating and checking the Big Shop. We bought some souvenirs and rest while waiting for our bus.

Note: During our trip, the place was not crowded so no long lines and sometimes we were the only people on the ride. It was really hot so we spent a lot of money buying drinks. I live in a tropical country but still, I can’t take the heat so I suggest you visit this place in the colder months, maybe December or January. #limitedshade Bring extra clothes, umbrella, cap and face towel.

Klook.com

* This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

May 20, 2014

Inang’s Pansit Malabon

If I will choose between pasta and pansit, I prefer pansit but I don’t cook pansit at home except for instant pansit canton. Maybe because I feel that my home cooked pansit is not yummy, minsan matabang and minsan maalat. Hehehe! So I prefer buying pansit if I want one.

A couple of weeks ago before our home renovation, I saw ‘’Inang’s Pansit Malabon” so we ate pansit malabon and pichi-pichi for lunch. It is good to know that we can buy Pansit Malabon in Binan, Laguna. It is something that I really missed because I used to eat this if there’s celebration when we live in Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. The price is not expensive too and it is available in different sizes.

Inang’s Pansit Malabon
122A Nepa Highway San Vicente Binan, Laguna

Nanay’s Pansit Malabon
37 Gov. Pascual Ave. Concepcion, Malabon City

May 09, 2014

Dinner at LZM Restaurant Solenad

If you still remember my post, I tried LZM Restaurant just this year and we enjoyed our bulalo order. When we visited Solenad 2 last March, we saw the LZM restaurant so we tried it too.

We ordered Pork Binagoongan P270, Sizzling Squid P310 and Rice P110. As I was checking the menu, I noticed that the price is not the same or I don’t know if there’s price increase already.

My husband enjoyed the sizzling squid but I was disappointed with my pork binagoongan, I can really taste the garlic and it makes the dish bitter. The interiors are very different from the Cavite branch but the place is much smaller. I like the service here because it is fast and efficient.

May 08, 2014

DIY Clock

My son’s lesson in his summer class is “Telling Time” and I heard his teacher reminding them to study their lesson. So when we got home, I checked his notebook and I saw his seatwork 5/10. My son got only 5 correct answer and I can’t blame him because he is not really familiar with clock.

When he was in Nursery, they learned how to tell time per hour. This school year, they taught how to tell time per 30 minutes. I always tell him that 1 = 5 minutes, 2 = 10 minutes and so on. But he is still having a hard time so I made a DIY clock yesterday so it will be easy for him to remember.

I checked whatever materials I can use at home.

2 paper plates
Numbers from scrapbook materials.
Sharpie Pen Fastener
Glue
Paper and Washi Tape

1.Pasted all the numbers at the side of the paper plate.
2.I made 2 clock hands, one short and one long and cover it with washi tape to make it colorful.
3.Fasten the clock hands and paper plate.
4.Cut the side of the paper plate per number and write the conversion at the back.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

May 07, 2014

Don Henrico’s

It’s been almost a week of not blogging because I was not feeling well since Wednesday, good thing that May 1 was a holiday and my husband was on leave last May 2 so I was able to rest. Anyway, I was checking my photos on my phone and I saw food photos when we ate in Don Henrico’s two months ago. Hehehe! It was not my first time in Don Henrico’s, my first time was when I was still in College. My Baguio trip will not be complete without eating in Don Henrico’s at Session Road.

It was really nice revisiting this restaurant again but this time not in Baguio but in Festival Mall. Of course, I ordered my favorite which is Lasagna P290 and Don Henrico’s Supreme Pizza P310. We always visit Festival Mall but I did not know that they have a branch here medyo tago kasi yung location nila.

Update: September 2017

We had a staycation at Makati Shangri-la Hotel and since hotel foods are expensive we went to the mall for our lunch. We ate at Don Henrico's and ordered lasagna, pizza and iced tea. I just noticed na iba ang presentation ng lasagna sa Glorietta branch. But taste is the same, lasagna is my favorite pasta.

April 24, 2014

Day 4: Universal Studio Singapore

When we first visited Singapore, Universal Studios was not yet there, so it is the main reason why I wanted to go back again. We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary at Universal Studios Singapore. Yes, no fancy dinner or an expensive gift, but I was indeed happy because we’re in Singapore again and my son will enjoy USS. Traveling makes me happy.

We rode the MRT to VivoCity Shopping mall and took a leisurely stroll to Resorts World Sentosa, where USS is located. The Sentosa Boardwalk is 700 meters long, but you won’t get tired because there are travelators, and you will enjoy the panoramic view of the bay. Take a quick stop for pictures.

At the end, you will see a booth where you can buy tickets and pay $SG1 for the Sentosa entrance fee. The waiting time is long, so if you have time, make sure you have your tickets already. Book your tickets here. Adult $SG74 Kid $SG54

Upon entering the theme park, we secured a map and schedule of shows and we immediately look for New York Zone to watch the Sesame Street Stage Show.

Then we moved to Sci-Fi City Zone to ride Transformers The Ride: Ultimate 3D Battle and Accelerator. Next stop was the Ancient Egypt Zone, my husband rode the Revenge of the Mummy and after that, we tried the Treasure Hunters.

We ate our lunch in Discovery Food Court. My husband ordered a set meal at $SG11.50 each and 1 Jura Cup Coke for $19.80 ($SG2 for refill).

After eating our lunch, we went to The Lost World Zone; my husband rode the Canopy Flyer while I accompanied my son in Dino-Soarin. Since we didn’t want to get wet, we moved to the next zone, which is Far, Far Away.

We rode Shrek 4D Adventure, Magic Potion Spin, and watched Donkey Interactive Live Show.

Next stop is Madagascar Zone; we rode Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round. We missed the Madagascar Boogie show.

We went back to New York Zone to watch the Rockafellas and moved back to The Lost World Zone for WaterWorld Show. Be ready to get wet here, and if you don’t want to get wet, make sure you do not sit in the front rows.

We watched the Lights, Camera, Action, and I was really amazed by how they produced and created light and sound effects. Then rode the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase.

We explored the Hollywood Zone and watched Mel’s Dinettes and The Cruisers. Our tour is not complete without riding the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. My son got scared at the end of the ride where the dinosaur will eat us. Hehehe! Fortunately, we did not get wet except for my husband.

Finally, we watched the Monster Rock Show and went back to the hotel.

Universal Studios Singapore is not that big compared to Hong Kong Disneyland, so you can enjoy the park even for a day.

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Universal Studios Singapore Express Pass
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* This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

April 22, 2014

Buko Tart in Tagaytay

Though we frequently visit Tagaytay, we don’t always visit the pasalubong store especially if we are always in a hurry to go home or if we don’t want to eat sweets. We love buying Spanish Bread from Sonya’s Garden, Cassava Cake, or Sylvannas from Rowena’s and Tawilis from a vendor outside Rowena’s. But we haven’t tried buko tart or maybe because I’m not fond of buko pie.

When we went to Stilts Calatagan, we went home early because my friend wanted to buy a buko tart. We went to Amira’s Buko Tart but unfortunately, all tarts were sold out so we went to Loumars.

I bought 1 box for P160, one box contains 9 pieces of buko tart. I tried it and I love it because it is not sweet and you can really taste the buko. Now, I prefer buko tart than buko pie because it is smaller. #madalingkainin

Then last Good Friday, I went back to Amira’s Buko Tart to try their famous buko tart that was featured on Kris TV. One box is P170 for 9 pieces of buko tart. I tried it and I liked it too.

Update: October 2019

It's been a long time since we went to Tagaytay. My husband paid a visit last month and he asked me kung ano gusto ko pasalubong. I told him to buy Buko Tart, I did not mention any store and this time he bought at Rowena's. Like the other stores, one box contains 9 pieces of Buko Tart for P230. I noticed the price increase since 3 years ago na rin yung last na bili namin. The buko tart tastes good too.

If you'll ask me which is my favorite, honestly, I can’t tell the difference, they all taste good. Nagkakatalo na lang sa price. Hehehe! You can comment below regarding the updated price.