SKY DINING | SKY LOUNGE BY BLUE ELEPHANT RESTAURANT REVIEW [PHOTOS]

 

 

–          ★★★ ½

Ever wonder where those open air, top of the building, socialite restaurants we see in the movies? Well, there’s one in the Queen City called Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant.

Located at the 19^th floor of Apple One building, Cebu Business Park just across the Ayala Center Cebu mall.

Ayala Center Cebu bird’s eye view at Apple One.

Sky Lounge is a high class dining experience literally and metaphorically. Metaphorically, the experience makes you feel like one of the Alta Sociedad having an elegant dinner together with the people you like, or a business dinner; and Literally because it’s on top of a classy building… really, really high, made me drowsy, capturing the city view due to the fact that I have Acrophobia.

The Panoramic City View at Apple One

Talking about the view; it’s best to capture the moment in a night sky where you can see the city lights all around the 180 degrees view on their Al Fresco, and inside their glass windowed V.I.P. rooms.

The Al Fresco or the outside seating at Sky Lounge

Prior in going to Sky Lounge, you have to make reservations ahead of time due that in its very exclusive and few table seating space, also famous dining spot: plenty of people visit to have that top of the city dining experience. Also, there’s a P300.00, consumable on both food and drink, table fee.

The V.I.P. room at Sky Lounge

The food is in Thai cuisine, perfect for those who want extreme flavorful foods, like me.

Try their best-seller Seafood Curry in Coconut Shell that costs P280.00 that culminates seafood experience. I loved every bit of it, even though I was worried that it comes with shrimps which could kill me, but thank God, it didn’t include shrimps with it.

Seafood Curry in Coconut Shell

Also, try their huge Barbecue Ribs which is also P280.00 that taste good to the bones. And try their Bangkok Express which costs P180.00, similar to Philippines’ Monggo or Monggos but rich in flavor and my favorite of all. All the foods are well cooked and are good for 2-3 people already, which compensate the price range of P180.00 – P380.00.

Bangkok Express

Barbecue Ribs

Although the place seems to be a perfect place to dine; we had a couple of troubles faced throughout our dining course. First was the dinner reservation that wasn’t in the list. I did a reservation four days before the date and unfortunately we weren’t in it. We had to wait for a couple of minutes for them to get a seat for us. Then when we seated there, we had to call the attention of the waiters to give us the menu who seems to be profoundly deaf at that time, making them hard to call; and isn’t that protocol? Plus the waiting time for our order to arrive reached for about 40 minutes, and that’s really, really long.

To culminate it all up, the place is great, food is great but the service did not compensate for all the good things I experience there, and it’s not just me who’s complaining. I’ve read lots of it on some websites, and I was already this close to losing it.

They have to REALLY fix it, because unlike Bucket Shrimps; I’m planning on going back there for another review maybe sometime in the future.

My Tip? Don’t go there really  hungry.

Check out Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant.

Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant at Apple One

CONTACT

Tel. No. – 262-9088 or 511-7600

Facebook – Sky Lounge by Blue Elephant

RATINGS

Place – 4

Seafood Curry in Coconut Shell – 4

Barbecue Ribs – 4

Bangkok Express – 5

Service – 1

Value for money – 3

OVERALL – 3.5

CAFÉ FUN | CAFÉ NAMOO REVIEW [PHOTOS]

 –          ★★★★

With an extensive popularity of Korean themed café’s in Cebu, there’s one that opened recently this 2014 and like just some other café’s, it’s comfy but with an addition of fun.

Café Namoo is located at 2F Northgate Centre, Banilad, across Gaisano Country Mall and surely a true blue Korean themed one because of its obvious interior design that looks like an expanded and bigger version of Café Noriter. You can stay seated on their double-deck style compartment seating that is really exciting with comfortable pillows that is perfect for friends who you can chat with for hours and hours or with lovers who could stay and relax.

Post-it notes are all over the café, just like some of the Korean themed café’s you will see downtown, like Noriter, Sunday 2PM, and Café Maru. There are non-sense posts around, posts of love and some advertisements, just like what I did.

They have plenty of beverage offers that you will see on their counter, but then, I’ve noticed that the marquee above the counter was blank, and I hope to see the entire menu there one day.

Try their Ice Choco Latte for P145.00 that is a satisfying treat, also their famous and best-seller Java Chip Frap that costs P170.00 and is a real best treat they have. Their beverage offers ranges from P140.00 – P170.00.

Ice Choco Latte

Java Chip Frap

What lacks is that they haven’t yet any cake offers which I think will be available soon.

But what’s interesting in this café is the ‘Balloon Room’ which the name speaks for itself and it’s a true pleasure to seek. You can enjoy plenty of balloons and experience your childhood once more. This is what Café Namoo differs from the others, and it’s fun.

Check out Café Namoo and experience the goodness of Korea once more.

CONTACT

Cellphone: 0927 364 7138

Facebook: Café Namoo

SCHEDULE

10:00AM to 1:00AM

RATINGS

Place – 5

Choco Latte – 3

Java Chip Frap – 4

Value for money – 5

Overall – 4

MORE PHOTOS

VALENTINE’S DINNER | THE BEST RESTAURANTS DOWNTOWN

It’s the loveliest day of the year once again, where hearts are full of joy and of course the main point of it all: LOVE. Valentines has always been a tradition for everyone around the globe who believes that love is important, that it should be celebrated.

You do not need a special someone to enjoy and celebrate Valentine’s Day; of course, love comes in all forms; husband, wife, friend, pet, and even family.

To include with the celebration of Love, here are some fancy restaurants that you’d have to book AHEAD of time before the date February 14 comes, so you’ll have a sure seat, and inconvenience will surely be avoided.

1. LANTAW SA BUSAY at Busay, Cebu– ♥♥♥♥♥

With the city lights ahead of you, plus the cool breeze and the relaxing time atop of the mountain; you can NEVER go wrong in this place. No car? Well, it’s not a problem. Click the picture to know how or click here to read more from Lantaw sa Busay.

2. RODEO GRILL at Archbishop Reyes– ♥♥♥♥

Outside Rodeo Grill

If you want something Western-ish or Cowboy-ish date, well, Rodeo Grill is the perfect spot for you. With very, very affordable dishes yet super delicious; you’ll have a Wild, Wild West Valentine experience. Click here for more of Rodeo Grill.

3. SIMPLY J’s at N. Escario St. – ♥♥♥♥♥

Panorama of the second part of Simply J’s Restaurant

If you want an American inspired date, very high class and very intimate; Simply J’s is perfect for you. It’s perfect for you to take your partner or parents. Click here for more of Simply J’s.

4. KUYA J RESTAURANT at N. Escario St. – ♥♥♥♥♥

Kuya J Restaurant Panorama

With affordable and delish foods, plus a family ambiance; Kuya J is perfect for a family date this Valentine’s. Click here for more of Kuya J.

5. DISTRICT 50 at J. Centre Mall – ♥♥♥♥

District 50 Panorama

A sweet 50s inspired date on a Valentine’s Day is very fancy. With their affordable and good offers; you can always look back to the times when Frank Sinatra was the crooner. Click here for more of District 50.

6. LA VIE PARISIENNE at Gorordo Ave., Lahug – ♥♥♥♥♥

inside La Vie Parisienne winery

After dinner? Well, this is not a restaurant, although just beside this fancy winery is; this place is romanticism. You can tell by the Parisian inspired theme, and Paris is just LOVE. Click here for more about La Vie Parisienne.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

VIVA, PIT SENYOR! | SINULOG 2014 [TIPS] [PHOTOS]

(Tips are usually in Italics)

VIVA!

It’s once again the Festival dedicated to Sr. Sto. Nino that contributed to the inception of Christianity in the Philippines and defined Cebu.

Cebu, known as the Queen City of the South, is famous for the Sinulog Festival that gives tribute to the young Jesus, Sto. Nino, which was brought by the Spanish people (via a statuette) that was led by the Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan.

Sinulog is annually held on the 3^rd Sunday of January: Grandiose floats and costumes plus fluid-like dances, true to the name ‘Sinulog’ that came from the Cebuano word ‘sulog’ meaning ‘like the movement of the water’; this is culminated on the last day of the 9 day celebration.

Every year, there are plenty contestants coming from different places in the Philippines contending to win for the best dance interpretation to win in the Sinulog Contest. The Grand Parade will first have to show off the contestant’s dance interpretations in the streets of Cebu City leading to Abellana which will be the arena to show off their fab dances to the judges.

Everyone from various places, Filipinos or Foreigners alike enjoy the mardi gras that gives the best street dance feel due to the loud drum beats that make you move and shout ‘PIT SENYOR!’. Even children are held on their parents’ shoulders to let them see the colorful parade on the streets.

SINULOG 2014

Probably the most crowded Sinulog I’ve ever attended, and also everyone’s opinion.

There are a lot of sight sees that you’ll enjoy in every corner of the city. You’ll have to enjoy every painted faces to street dances people do. Also, henna tattoos are a trend too, and everywhere you go; there are people who cater to giving you that Sinulog vibe.

Fuente Circle is one of the best places to go during daylight; which you can visibly see every float passing by. Some with famous local celebrities that usually defined what is like being a Filipino. But most floats have extraordinary designs. Ahead of the floats are their dancers who usually make stops to some spots to offer a dance to street judges.

People could also try to roam around starting at Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, (Sto. Nino church) dance your way to the crowd at Jones Street reaching Fuente Circle.

The wonderful floats go all the way from morning until the evening. And right after every contestant is done; there the fireworks begin.

I personally enjoyed this year’s Sinulog because it was not sunny at all; everyone loves the sun, and I do, but sometimes it’s just too painful out there; but not this year, it’s purely cloudy, it drizzled in a while but did not bother everybody at al.

 

I noticed the trend of GoPro cameras nowadays that takes videography, photography and selfies to the high level… literally.

AYALA FIREWORKS

Every spot in the city; there’ll be fireworks.

One in Abellana, right after the last contestant is done with their presentation: another one is in Crown Regency in the heart of the city, one at SM City Cebu and the most celebrated and waited is the Ayala Center Cebu Fireworks.

Ayala is not just famous for their mall, but for their annual Sinulog fireworks show that costs them thousands to millions of pesos. But not just that; Ayala Fireworks is famous because of their unique and spectacle show.

They don’t just show you explode here and explode there kind; you will see heart shaped blasts or Saturn shaped or a smiley: all you need to do is ready your camera and tick at the right time when it explodes.

The extravagant firework show always ends up in a humongous firework blasts that lights up the entire vicinity that gives magnificence to everyone that is watching.

If you’re wondering where I had my dinner; Ayala is a perfect place to go. BUT, there’ll be less chance to dine perfectly and fast there. My partner and I ate at Simply J’s Restaurant. I purposefully did a reservation ‘just in case’ we can’t dine in Ayala, and that was the case. But the place is miraculously almost deserted when we arrive there.

There are couple of affordable restaurants just within the vicinity of Ayala mall for you to dine yet not be able to miss their grandiose fireworks show like Simply J’s, Kuya J or Rodeo Grill.

SINULOG NIGHT LIFE

Then the real party begins!

Everyone works their way in Mango Avenue to party! If you ever want to get wet and wild then this place is surely for you. Just make sure you’re ready to get down and dirty because the crowd will be crazy.

Baseline, Alchology, and Yo.u are the bars that you usually hear where the party is to the extreme. Bottles of alcoholic drinks are surely on the grounds wherever you go. Everyone you’ll see is surely drunk when the clock hits 12 for sure.

That surely was the most crowded because I encountered problems passing through Mango Street but nevertheless… still alive!

 

VIVA, PIT SENYOR!

Sinulog 2014 was crazy.

Next year would be another blast, for sure.

MORE PHOTOS!

A SOUTHERN LEYTE TREASURE | MAASIN EXPERIENCE

Maasin is part of Southern Leyte and has a crime rate of almost zero. Maasin is a small town with lots of pedicab ride as a means of transportation. People spoke the accent as of the people in Bohol, collocating ‘y’ to ‘j’ like the word ‘Unya’ which means ‘later’ in English, which is somehow uttered as ‘Unja’.

It’s my first time in Maasin, and my first in Southern Leyte too. And this is the hometown of my partner and this is also my first time to spend Christmas away from home and my first time to spend it with someone really special. So, as you have read, there are a lot of first times happened.

But, Maasin is just a small part of Southern Leyte and is slowly progressing to a bigger name. Yet, when I was there; I’ve found good stuffs to visit and try.

GETTING THERE

We had to ride either a Cokaliong ship or Roble that will take us from Cebu port to Maasin port directly, but has the schedule of Tuesdays and Thursdays. In our trip; it was a special one on the very eve of Christmas.

The ride was five and a half hours long, and there was not much in the infinite ocean that bridges us towards our destination. Although, it was for a fact a little bit rainy and gloomy so instead of whining; I just took the chance to savor the grayness beauty of the surrounding. And it did not fail me.

 

WHERE TO STAY?

If you want to be in the accessible part of Maasin, which is just near to everywhere you want to be; try Southern Comfort hotel that priced you cheap with an okay room to stay. Although not really a five star kind, but surely, if you want an affordable and a nice place to sleep; this is the hotel for you.

WHERE TO EAT?

Maasin has a lot of Karenderias specifically what they call McDo. Nope, not McDonald’s, but a comic term ‘Mag-duko-duko’ which translates ‘bowing’ in English, meaning when you eat in that barbecue spot; you usually bow your head as to savor the taste of whatever offer it is in there.

Azotea de Maasin

But there is also a spot in Maasin that has just opened which gives you a city view: Azotea De Maasin. A home-style restaurant located at a high point which in a distant you can see the entire Maasin.

 

Great view with cool wind blowing through my chilling senses that is perfect for lovers and friends.

GRECIAN RESORT

My partner took me together with his cousins in a nearby sea-side with a nonchalant but slowly getting the fame resort named Jaime’s Resort. The beaut is such Grecian that made me fall in love while taking a sip of my cold chocolate drink and having that magnificent façade, facing the vast, blue ocean and telling me how far I am away from home, all behind my wayfarer glasses.

You can also have your stay there in Jaime’s Resort for a steeper price, yet satisfaction guaranteed while staying.

You can also watch or play with the European owner’s golden retrievers that will surely uplift your spirits.

GET LOST

While one of my dreams is to travel the world; I would perfectly like to get lost in a small town like this and discover on my own. It’s perfectly safe, and everyone is surely willing to help you locate your destination.

Maasin is a place with lots of corners plus some traditional houses; a refashion of the Spanish colony way years ago.

It was Christmas time when I got there and the festive is not extravagant as of the one in Cebu; yet you can still see the glimpse of Christmas lights on each house and in their plaza that has a big Christmas tree with a sleigh ride going round in circles for children and adults alike.

My partner took me to places in Maasin at night, specifically in the plaza of their provincial seat that has a humongous field with uncanny trees plus a glance of the clear night sky above. All in a pedicab ride.

The pedicab ride gives you also a straight fact of how provincial Maasin is, and how far the place is from advancement; but that’s a good thing to start with, because, of all the places in the Philippines that’s growing; we also need some places that should remain as what it is. It may have a little upgrading; but I prefer culture over it in this Southern treasure.

Pedicab Ride

By the day, his mother and niece took me above one of the highest peaks in Maasin which was the Monte Cueva Shrine. Its location is atop the mountainous part, and has a thousand steps before you reach the very solemn cave church.

You can see how religiously inclined these people are; and so I can relate. The cave is a dome shaped treasure in Maasin that has a light coming from a trap above the cave ceiling that allows light to enter and illuminate the statue of Jesus praying at the altar depicting the Holy Father talking to him.

I love staying even just a little while in this place, even when I’m catching my breath from the tiring thousand steps we took.

Then we get to see the shrine that has a Mother Mary statue right above the highest peak facing the entire beauty of Maasin.

Maasin on broad daylight

Also, I got the chance to pray in their old church that offers Latin masses for people who understands the language.

I never got the chance to visit the other shrine in Maasin which was more famous due to time constraint.

You can sense the true rural form that culminates calm and peaceful. You can also feel the growing need for advancement, but still grab a hold to the most important thing which is the Culture.

I wished I had more time exploring the growing wonders of the place, but maybe next time I visit, then it has plenty more for me.

Sunrise upon going home to Cebu

MORE PHOTOS

Inside Maasin’s Church

The Cave Church’s entrance

CRAB MADNESS | CRAZY CRAB RESTAURANT | REVIEW [PHOTOS]

 

–          ★★★

I can’t eat seafood that’s anything orange in color when cooked.

Unfortunate, right?

But I’ll introduce to you a fan of Crabs, Shrimps and everything seafood: My Partner and he’s the one who suggested a superstar restaurant offering crab madness which is Crazy Crab.

Housed at the Ground floor of Gaisano Country Mall, M. Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Cebu City; the restaurant is gallant enough to let you choose the size of your crab and weigh in accord to its price.

The crab is a true delish, rich with flavors to die for that you can’t wait to take a mouthful.

The place is huge while the walls are full of crab shells with personal messages from customers who dine there. Mostly, they’re Koreans. And while waiting for a quite a longer time for your crabs to be cooked; you can wander around and read the readable messages on the wall.

You can also obviously notice the aquarium full of live crabs that’s fun to look at from your seats.

But don’t fret if you’re intolerable with these kind sea foods because they also have other offers that won’t cause you allergies. You have to try their chicken wings that has also a good taste.

And the price range? Oh it’s budget friendly meals which ranges from P120.00-P200.00, while the one I aforementioned about the fact that you can choose your own crab has the price range of P300.00-P400.00; it’s not a shock, since their crabs are reasonably huge enough.

 

SCHEDULE:

Mall hours

CONTACT:

Facebook

Or

Tel. No.: 416-2344

RATINGS:

Place – 2

Crab (meal) – 5

Chicken Wings – 3

Service – 3

Value for Money – 4

OVERALL – 3.4

BEFORE

After

SOMETHING NEW DOWNTOWN | ULLI’S: STREETS OF ASIA RESTAURANT REVIEW [PHOTOS]

–          ★★★

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We all have the knowledge about the extension of the Ayala Mall in Cebu that has opened recently in December. And comes with that are new stores to check out!

The new Ayala Cebu rooftop garden

Also, there has been an exciting improvement on their new extension which is the rooftop garden that is a place for friends and families to roam around.

And one spot that rose quickly to fame is Ulli’s: Streets of Asia. Located at the rooftop garden in the new wing of the Ayala Mall; although they we’re in the soft opening when we got there, Ulli’s is a Laguna Group owned restaurant which offers you variety of modern Singaporean/Asian street food style.

PLACE and SERVICE

The place is crowded at times yet is warm and cool. The service is quite fast and the crew is smiling and that’s a plus for us customers. I love the fact that when we waited for our food, they have their complimentary snack which was the nuts, and I love something to chew in my mouth every time, so this is really a perfect snack for me while waiting.

 

FOOD

The food is quite steep for most; yet try their platter that has three of four kinds of barbecue: Shrimp, Pork, Bacon and Squid, that are a true delish. The price range is from P150.00-P500.00 and unfortunately has small serving.

But nevertheless, the platter was flavorful! In drinks, you should try their Sentosa drink which is really good.

RATINGS

Platter – 3

Sentosa Juice – 4

Ambiance – 4

Value for Money – 2

OVERALL – 3

THE BEST OF 2013

2013 was a great year for new restaurants since the knowledge and the need of some people in Cebu or the lovely visitors are wide and they now wanted variety of experiences.

It is also a great year for coffee houses, specifically Korean owned ones, because of the calm and warm ambiance they have that’s what Filipino’s wanted from the very beginning.

Also, junctions for friends or socialite groups have also started to sprout in the queen city like of some cupcake houses or in La Vie Parisienne.

Well, summing it all up to the best of the best in 2013 from all the restaurants, coffee houses, cupcake houses and everything in my blog that we’ve been.

So here’s the roundup.

BEST RESTAURANT: KUYA J

 

Having variety of flavorful offers, my favorite is their baked scallops; Kuya J doesn’t offer you only good food but also good service and ambiance. With stylish contemporary façade; you could never go wrong in this place.

READ MORE FROM KUYA J HERE

BEST COFFEE/TEA HOUSE: CAFÉ NORITER

 

Undoubtedly, the most talked about Café this year was Café Noriter. With the warm and cozy ambiance and a fun ‘no-chair-just-sit-on-the-floor’ theme; Café Noriter will surely make you feel comfortable in all sides of the café.

READ MORE FROM CAFÉ NORITER HERE

BEST CUPCAKE HOUSE: CAFÉ CAW

 

A cupcake house which is also in the category of a coffee house; Café Caw is the best cupcake house there is in town. With variety of delish offers, from cupcakes to coffee/tea; Café Caw is the best there is to offer when we talk about the spot itself.

READ MORE FROM CAFÉ CAW

SPECIAL – HOT BOITE: LANTAW SA BUSAY

 

According to Carrie in The Carrie Diaries; Hot Boite means ‘cool restaurant’, and I couldn’t think of anything but Lantaw sa Busay. With lots of good dinner offers; the mountain top location that has a beautiful, beautiful city view; Lantaw sa Busay is the best there is when it comes to having a cozy pigging experience.

READ MORE HERE FROM LANTAW SA BUSAY

SPECIAL – THE JUNCTION: LA VIE PARISIENNE

 

A Parisian delight; La Vie Parisienne is now done with their renovations and now has a splendid, splendid theme. With colorful faux cherry blossom all around the spot; La Vie Parisienne is the best there is to meet with friends and experience an alta sociedad mood.

READ MORE HERE FROM LA VIE PARISIENNE

SPECIAL – FUN PLACE: TRICK ART CEBU

 

With more than 50+ designs; you could have fun in their still paintings that sure to make you feel be a part of.

READ MORE HERE FROM TRICK ART CEBU

…

So that’s the list of the best of 2013. I hope you tried all of these places! Happy New Year!

NOT YOUR ANOTHER KOREAN COFFEE HOUSE | CAFÉ MARU [PHOTOS]

 

Cafe Maru

–          ★★★★

I love coffee houses because of the calm ambiance and the ultimate chill-out experience you’ll have, except for those who are over popular and over populated ones like Starbucks and Café Noriter.

But Café Maru at Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Talamban, just across the entrance of Sto. Nino village; is a serene Café, not known much to the public which I liked about and for me their best asset.

Cafe Maru

With offers that ranges from P120.00-P300.00 that doesn’t really differ from other Korean coffee houses, and free charging, either laptop or phone; you will enjoy the serenity in this café.

You can also have fun in putting up post-it notes on the walls, or hang your pictures just like Cafe Noriter’s or Sunday 2PM Cafe’s.

SCHEDULE

Opens at 2:00PM

Closes at 12:00MN

RATINGS

4

Cafe Maru Panorama

 

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS | CHRISTMAS TREES IN CEBU

What do you think about Christmas?

For me, whenever I hear the word Christmas; I always think about the Joy it brings. Although, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, according to a song, but truth is, lately, it’s been one of the hardest times because of the fact that most people face loss, tragedy, longing and lack in the time of happiness.

But whatever heartache we might have, Christmas is there to serve as an inspiration to us, making us realize that everyone here on earth deserve to be happy.

And this Christmas, I claim happiness.

Here are some shots that my partner and I made in front of some Christmas trees downtown.

Now figure out where in the Queen is the location of each Christmas Tree, including the wreathe!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! And may Lord Jesus Christ bless you and your family!

Cheers!

-Don