At Banzai, the more the merrier!

I had a thing with buffet, I know my way up from salmon maki tuna to dessert. Most of the buffet restaurants I know offer the same dishes, but when an invitation came up for Banzai, I now have second thoughts.  I just said yes and trooped to SM Moa. The oriental interiors at Banzai feels like you are eating in Japan with all Japanese food and themes that surround you.  Its homey feel makes you want to stay more and taste all the dishes that is within your reach.

As the holidays draw near, Banzai: the Great Authentic Japanese Buffet offers more reasons to celebrate at the country’s biggest Japanese buffet, where diners can enjoy a wide selection of sushi, sashimi and rolls, teppanyaki, tempura and tonkatsu, yakitori, noodles and ramen, cold soba, takoyaki, and more.

Get more value for money with Banzai’s lineup of promo offerings valid until December 31, and enjoy a sumptuous spread of authentic Japanese food.

Groups of 6 can enjoy Banzai’s 5+1 promo, available during weekdays, weekends and holidays, where one enjoys a complimentrary buffet.

The Birthday promo allows birthday celebrants to enjoy a free buffet when dining with 3 full paying guests.  The celebrant must present two valid photographed IDs to avail the promo, available 3 days before, during, and 3 days after the celebrants birthday.
On weekdays, The More The Merrier Promo entitles guests in groups of 20 of more to a 20% discount.
Senior Circle is for guests aged 75 years and above, who will enjoy a 30% discount on weekday lunch or dinner upon presenting their Senior Citizen ID.

For the Wedding Anniversary promo, married couples enjoy 15% discount 3 days before, during, and 3 days after their wedding anniversary, upon presenting a copy of their marriage certificate and valid photo IDs.

Banzai vouchers are also available on group selling website Metro Deal (www.metrodeal.com) until October 30 (redemption period until November 15) for only P559 instead of the usual P699 for weekday lunch or dinner and Saturday lunch, public holidays not included.

All promos are not available in conjunction with any other promos or discounts.
Banzai is located at Bldg J, SM MOA by the Bay, Pasay City. For more information on Banzai and their promos, visit https:// www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH, follow @Banzai_PH on Twitter and Instagram, or call 0916-3775357; 0999-4713597; (02)552-7368 for inquiries and reservations.

Japanese street food goes to Banzai

Banzai: The Great Authentic Japanese Buffet rings in October with the Japanese Street Festival, a daily dinner offering that brings the Japanese street experience to the local buffet scene.
Located at the SM by the Bay Leisure Park, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Banzai is the country’s largest Japanese buffet, with a seating capacity of 500 and an extensive array of Japanese favorites made from imported ingredients, prepared and cooked the real Japanese way and served in the ambience of authentic Japanese settings.

Banzai’s Japanese Street Festival adds yatai delicacies to the buffet spread: Japanese snacks and finger food traditionally sold at mobile food stalls (yatai) set up along pedestrian walkways during Japan’s matsuris or festivals.

YATAI SPREAD
Banzai’s Japanese Street Festival introduces Japanese street food offerings at its new station that resembles an actual yatai, a wooden food cart festooned with graphic signage and loaded with an array of delicacies, much like the street food that is popular in Fukuoka, Japan.
Banzai’s yatai showcases Niku Buns, steamed buns with ground pork meat, sprinkled with sesame seeds; Bacon Kani, grilled kani stick wrapped in bacon; and Bacon Aspa, grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon.

Other yatai offerings include Squid Balls with Nori, deep fried Nori with squid balls; Kani Aunori Tempura, kani sticks with aunori leaves, deep-fried with tempura batter; Pork “Mimi” Yakiniku, grilled pig ears; and Mutso, grilled pork intestines.

Completing Banzai’s yatai spread are Tomorokoshi, grilled corn with miso, butter, and soy sauce; Dango Balls, sweet Japanese dumplings made with mochiko (rice flour); and Hokkaido ice cream, a mixture of Hokkaido milk with double cream. Weekend diners also get to savor Watame, Japanese cotton candy.

The new yatai station builds on Banzai’s existing street food offerings, including Takoyaki, little balls containing pieces of octopus (tako), a popular street food originating in Osaka; and Okonomiyaki, the Japanese savory pancake.

THE MANY TASTES OF JAPAN
Banzai’s new yatai station is only one of the many stations showcasing the myriad of tastes of Japan, including a wide selection of sushi, sashimi and rolls; teppanyaki; tempura and tonkatsu; yakitori and grill; noodles and ramen; cold soba; takoyaki, kaniyaki and gohan; Japanese pizza; bread, salad, roast, hot selections, and desserts. The restaurant also has an all-unlimited menu of beverages, including soda, beer, iced tea, juices, coffee, and iced Milo.

The restaurant also gives a true taste of Japan through its unique décor, divided into different areas showcasing significant periods in Japan’s rich history and unique districts of Japan: Dotonbori, Old Japan, the castle area, the Sumo arena, Modern Japan, and Osaka.

Capping the Banzai experience is the Trick Art Gallery featuring seemingly-3D Japanese scenes such as sumo wrestling, a ninja dojo, and a day at the market, where diners can take photos in full Japanese regalia.

The Banzai Street Festival runs through the weekends of the month of October. Banzai is located at Bldg J, SM MOA by the Bay, Pasay City. For more information on Banzai and their promos, visit https:// www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH, follow @Banzai_PH on Twitter and Instagram, or call 0916-3775357; 0999-4713597; (02)552-7368 for inquiries and reservations.

Melissa marks its 35th year with the grand display from famous collaborations

Melissa, the stylish, colorful and cherry scented jelly shoes celebrates its 35th anniversary last October 9, 2014 at SM Aura Premier,  and marks its coral year with its grand display of collaborations from  the famous designers, Karl Lagerfeld, Viviene Westwood, Jason Wu, Gareth Pugh, J. Maskrey, and the Campana brothers.  The show was hosted by Nikki Gil,  a Melissa lover herself, and well attended by the movers and shakers of the fashion industry.

 On its three and a half decade of giving us shoe fashion like no others. Melissa has become my favorite jelly pair since my eyes laid on it, I acquired my first Melissa throuh my first salary. My first pair never runs out of style and fashion, I could easily pair it with any outfit that I desire without compromising my style. It has been in the country since 1979. Made of patented MELFLEX technology, a hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible material that revolutionized the shape, feel, and versatility of ladies footwear. The 35th anniversary presents the most colorful and drool worthy collection from Melissa, the all famous designers lent their genius to the  prettiest jelly pair.

For Melissa’s Holiday 2014 collection, Taiwanese-Canadian power couturier Jason Wu, choice designer of First Lady Michelle Obama, introduces several amazing shoe creations inspired by his handcrafted, classicist aesthetic. With goddess-like straps, golden weaves, and sleek ribbon-looking textures, Jason Wu redefines today’s femininity with chic effortlessness with the Melissa + Jason Wu collection, available starting this October.

Renowned furniture innovators Fernando and Humberto Campana have built a world-recognized empire through the use of mundane materials in ground-breaking devices. For Melissa’s Holiday 2014 collection, the Campana brothers updated their bestselling Campana collection with glittering accents to match the cheer of the season. By November, Melissa + Campana Fitas and Papel designs will also be offered in newer, bolder colors will hit the stores.

Melissa has once again teamed up with legendary fashion designer, punk provocateur, style icon, and royal-knighted Vivienne Westwood for a collection that dwells on the designer’s heritage of anglophilia, lighthearted quirkiness, and rebellious sensibilities. With lovely floral prints popping off muted colors, the latest Melissa + VW creation is set for release in December, the perfect start to a New Year.

Melissa revives its veritable iconic shoe, the Aranha, the pioneer Melissa shoe first produced by the brand in 1979. Inspired by a spider, the Aranha features a strappy, closed-toe sandal in newer colors and transparent varieties meant to please a new generation of Melissa followers.  Your favorite Aranha will be up for grabs on February 2015.

Paris-based designer and Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld, most known for his tongue-in-cheek aesthetics to match his chic material choices, delivers two masterpieces set to be a prelude to summer. A classic baby doll with a unique twist, and an architectural shoe of intertwined lines and nude tones, the new Melissa + Karl Lagerfeld duo, gets these extraordinary Paris designed shoes in stores on March 2015.

In giving back for all its 35 years of international fashion success, Melissa will be offering limited edition shoe bags perfect for the jet-setting and globetrotting shoe lover. These shoe bags will help take your favourite Melissa pair with you wherever you go, helping you conquer the world in style and comfort. The offer will be for a limited time only in 2015, so watch out for the brand’s announcement!

For more Melissa's you can place your order here http://www.melissaphilippines.com/search.php?mode=search&page=2

This Melissa style is on my wishlist.

Delicious food and endless fun come together at Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is the perfect destination for an easy escape, whether for a quick day tour or an overnight stay. Conveniently located 15 minutes from the Mall of Asia, Island Cove allows you to get away from the madness of the metro without having to go too far.

Island Cove has four food and beverage outlets, helmed by Executive Chef Jomar Medrano. The Fishing Village is a Filipino-themed restaurant that offers a unique experience that is much appreciated by balikbayans and tourists. Facing Manila Bay, the Fishing Village has 21 bamboo huts atop the water and has spectacular views of the Manila and Makati skylines. Guests can go fishing and may have their catch cooked or can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite.

Top recommendations are the Pinoy Boodle Feast and the Lechon sa Buho. Sangley Point features western-style cuisine and must-try items are the baked baby back ribs, burgers and their home made bacon barbecue. iCafe offers coffee, shakes, quick meals and sweet treats. Bayside KTV serves pica-pica such as baked oysters and mussels.

There is something for every member of the family at the Island.  You can even bring the family dog, because yes, Island Cove is pet-friendly, allowing guests with dogs to enjoy the facilities. Aside from dining at the restaurants, you can spend hours at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park.

They just added a 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park to the Oceania Water Park (which is now aptly renamed as the Oceania Swim and Splash Park). The splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia. Safety is of paramount importance so they installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) to minimize the possibility of accidents. The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park retain the 4 giant slides and giant inflatables. The whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and their splash park is the biggest in Mega Manila. It is also notable that all their lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross.

You can also visit the Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Aside from feeding crocodiles and monkeys, you can take photos of ostriches, Bengal tigers, Philippine deer, and a 15-foot python. If you want more thrill, their Adventure Zone has one of the largest paintball arenas in the country and an airsoft game site. You can try their Island Cove Maze Challenge too. Their other outdoor facilities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a 1.4-kilometer jogging path, several playgrounds for children and a giant chess set. Bikes are available for rent.

If you prefer to stay indoors, they have billiard and table tennis tables and a game room with Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles. If you like to work out, you can visit their full service gym.

For those who like to sing, the Bayside KTV would be perfect. It has nine private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30. Each of its unique rooms has up-to-date equipment that plays more than 3,000 songs in Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese and Filipino.

For those seeking relaxation and stress relief, the Island Spa is for you. It offers various western and oriental massage treatments.

Island Cove has accommodations that serve guests and clients of every need and budget. You can choose from 86 hotel rooms, 14 two-bedroom duplex cabanas which can accommodate 4 to 6  persons each, 3 single detached 2-bedroom cabanas and two dormitories for 16 to 20 persons. The hotel complex has a jacuzzi and pool exclusive to checked in guests.

Managing Director Gilbert Remulla says that they are doing a year-long renovation of all their hotel rooms, cabanas and dormitories. They just finished with the first phase and target completion by the middle of 2015. The new rooms will be more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms while maintaining its Mediterranean feel.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a great place for events, socials and conferences. They have 2 main ballrooms that can fit between 300 to 500 people, 10 air-conditioned function and meeting rooms (including an air-conditioned tent), various non-airconditioned pavilions and function areas.

Island Cove is capable of catering and organizing events for as many as 14,000 persons. They have a concert park where they hold concerts from time to time. They’ve had David Pomeranz, Sharon Cuneta, Side A Band, Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Randy Santiago, Louie Heredia, Chad Borja, Nonoy Zuniga, Sitti Navarro, Jed Madela,  The Company, Bamboo, Ely Buendia, Aiza Seguerra, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Spongecola, and Cueshe. They have also hosted wellness events, food festivals, dog shows and sporting activities. And have served as venue to TV shows such as ASAP, Umagang Kay Ganda and Unang Hirit. Movies and soap operas have frequently used Island Cove for their out-of-studio location shoots as well.


Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, only 15 minutes away from Mall of Asia. For more information, log on to www.islandcovephil.com, call (046) 434 0210 or email inquiry@islandcovephil.com.

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