John and Yoko Restaurant Alabang Town Center

Had dinner with my wife at John and Yoko Alabang Town Center a couple of days ago after work.  Since the menu seemed very appealing,  We decided to give it a try.  The menu consisted of mainly Japanese food with a modern twist.   They also serve Salads and Pizza among others.  We found ordering very difficult, since there We a lot of items that looked good but there was little description on Menu to help us on our selection. Since We were not really that hungry, We just decided to sample the menu. 

Jamba Juice Alabang Town Center

Since We were already at Alabang Town Center, We've decided to might as well try Jamba Juice after eating lunch at Bon Chon Chicken.  Jamba Juice, is located in the newly renovated side of Alabang Town Center facing Commerce Avenue, just beside Crispy Kreme.

Bon Chon Chicken Alabang Town Center

Finally, got to try Bon Chon Chicken at Alabang Town Center which is located at the ground floor of the newly renovated wing of Alabang Town Center.  Arrived at Alabang Town Center around 11 am just in time for mall opening hours a couple of weeks ago and decided to eat lunch at Bon Chon Chicken.   We were so early, that We were just the 2nd group of customers to walk into the restaurant.  But still, it was surprising to see that they were already preparing orders for delivery.  We were not really that hungry as it was still early and We ate our breakfast late, so We asked the lady at the cashier what their best seller was.  She recommended that We try their Thigh Ricebox meal w/c comes  with your choice of regular soda or Iced Tea. We order a 1 pc. Soy Garlic Thigh Ricebox for Php 95, since We were not really fans of spicy foods.   We also tried their Fish & Chips Box for Php 145 and  a Blueberry Torte (Korean Yogurt) for dessert worth Php 70.  They even serve alcoholic beverages in their menu and I guess the Spicy Chicken works well with beer.  The place seemed small, probably fits around 15-20 tables.  It amazed me to see that the place was already filled-up, by the time We got our orders.

Congo Grille Westgate Alabang

Had our company Christmas Party last December 23 at Congo Grille Westgate Alabang.  We chose Congo Grille as they offer party packages for small groups of 10-15 persons.   For less than Php 4000 you can set-up a party package good for 10 persons.  Add another Php 2000 and you can get an additional party package good for 5 more persons.  So for less than Php 6000, We were able to set-up a party package for 15 persons minus the hassles of food preparation and  looking for a venue.  Not bad for a small office consisting of 11 persons.  We also decided to reserve an enclosed space inside Congo Grille to make our Christmas Party more private.  We also reserved use of their sound system, which is of course free of charge and inclusive of the party package. We paid a deposit of Php 2000 for reservations and We were all set for the Christmas Party.  It also helped that We made our reservations at least a month before the actual event so We were given exclusive use of the only enclosed area in Congo Grille.

The enclosed area is big enough to accommodate a group of 10-15 persons. We were still able to use the area to hold some games and activities. Although We were not able to secure the sound system as originally promised, We brought our own speakers and MP3 player to the venue.  Cheers to Technology.

Party Venues in Alabang

Searching for the ideal Party Venue can become quite a challenge, specially during Holiday s and peak seasons.  The size of the attendees also comes into play as the usual size for each event usually ranges from 50 pax and up.  Arranging a party for a small group of people (5-10 persons), requires extra creativity. Luckily there are now establishments that cater to these types of gatherings.  To give you some help, here are a list of restaurants in the Alabang area that offers party packages for small groups of 5-10 persons:

SUPERBOWL OF CHINA ALABANG

Had lunch last Sunday at Superbowl of ChinaFestival Mall.  There were a lot of people last Sunday, maybe it was because of the Sale or people just wanted to get out after days of rain.   We’ve gone to Superbowl of China before and We particularly liked their Birthday Noodles because the serving is big and the noodles are quite tasty even without the other flavorings.  Fortunately, they had a promo for a 50% discount on their Birthday noodles worth Php 130 (original price Php 270). This promo is good from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2011 only.  Would have helped though if the discount promo board was made more colorful or placed near the entrance.  Would have been nice also if their promos were mentioned by the waiters prior to ordering.  We only knew about the promo only after  We paid our bill.  Nevertheless, this is still a good deal as you save 50% for this item.  You can also go to their website and print out their discount coupon and avail of their dish of the month promo.  They also serve free chips to help you pass the time while you wait for your order.  We also ordered a Dimsum Combination platter (Php 260), Sliced Beef with Broccoli (Php 320), and Mango Sago (Php 90) for dessert.  Had a nice meal and had some left overs to take home.  The Mango Sago sure seemed good, I wasn’t able to try it as my son finished it all. Visit their website for more details.

Superbowl of China Alabang

Address: 3rd Level, Chef's Avenue Festival Supermall Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Tel. No.: 556-4174

Telefax: 809-8968

California Pizza KItchen Alabang Town Center

We have always been a fan of good Pizza and Pasta.  Happened to come by California Pizza Kitchen Alabang Town Center and found this promo for BDO Credit card holders.  Spend at least Php 2,500 anywhere with your BDO Credit Card and get a FREE Personal Size Tomota Basil Spaghettini (Php 185) or Marinara Linguini with Chicken (Php 195) or Spaghetti Bolognese (Php 215).  Spend at least Php 5,000 anywhere with your BDO Credit Card and get a FREE Personal Size Pepperoni Pizza (Php 185) or Traditional Cheese Pizza (Php 165).  A nice deal as the serving can be shared by 2 persons.  Odered a personal sized The Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad (Php 375) and tried their Thai Chicken Satay (Php 175).  Had a nice conversation and dinner with my Lady and took home some of or left over Pizza.  The atmosphere at CPK is very homey and the seats are quite comfortable, a definitely recommended r & r venue for family and friends. 

Thai Chicken Satay, Grilled chicken w/ Thai peanut sauce.

California Pizza Kitchen Alabang Town Center

Address:  Corte de las Palmas, Alabang Town Center Muntinlupa City

Telephone:  (632) 8505771

Don Henricos Festival Mall

Don Henricos has always been an all time favorite.  I have been going to Don Henricos for as long as I could remember.  Among our favorite dishes are the tutto de mare and their buffalo wings. However,  I'm just a little bit disappointed that their menu has not expanded much over the years.  Though we enjoyed there new Crab Fettuccini very much.  It could have been nice if they had new offerings such as grilled items and more sea food.  The Eat-all-you-can promo is not very appealing since their food is supposed to be served and enjoyed hot and fresh.  Besides the amount is almost the same as ordering from the menu Ala-carte, you even get to take your left overs home.  Putting their found on the buffet table easily makes the food go cold and Pizza crust tends to become hot when cold. I've been to a lot of Don Henricos branches all around the country.  I've been to Don Henricos Session Road Baguio, Malate and Festival Mall Alabang.  I have nothing but fond memories and great company during my visits to Don Henricos.  However, Don Henricos should really consider a serious make over. Nonetheless, I wish them well and hope to visit again in the future.

Don Henricos Festival Mall Alabang           
2nd Level near Bridgeway Entrance, Filinvest Festival Supermall
Tel Nos.: 850-3915 to 17

Cabalen Festival Mall Alabang

We've been going to Cabalen for a long time now.  Cabalen which specializes in Capampangan dishes and other native dishes has been here since I could remember.  Cabalen is a true Filipino restaurant. I could probably say that I grew up with Cabalen.  This is part of my generation.   I could still remember Cabalen serving ala cart meals and buffets were special luxury.   Now Cabalen is practically the most popular buffet restaurant in the country.  Eat-All-You-Can promos were once though of as indulgences and places to pig-out, has become a venue for a wide range of food choices.  For Php 318 per person you could sample different dishes, anyways you could only consume a certain amount of food at a time.  Aside from their dishes, we always look forward to Cabalens dessert menu which consists of Halo-halo, bico, leche flan and other local sweets.

I think Cabalen rotates the menu on the buffet table as the food served on the buffet last December, where we held our office Christmas party was different from the menu last Tuesday.  This is good as it gives customers and guests options, especially on a buffet table.  Dining at Cabalen is ideal for small occasions and groups of people as get to enjoy good food and hassle free service.  Over-all I have only but fond memories and great conversations at Cabalen.  More power to them and I hope to see Cabalen do even better in the succeeding years to come.

Cabalen Festival Supermall Alabang

3/L Chefs Ave Festival Mall, Alabang

Tel#809 6698

Fun Ranch Alabang Party

Been considering to hold my sons 7th Birthday at Fun Ranch Alabang. Last Sunday we were invited to attend a Birthday Party at Fun Ranch Alabang. The size of the party area is spacious and well ventilated to accommodate 100 guests and up. The program area is big enough to hold games, programs and activities without becoming too crowded. You could even place food carts, souvenir booths, and a photo booth inside. I'm not sure if your allowed to select your own caterer, but the food and servings are okay. I would suggest that you select your own emcee to give more variation to you party. As a bonus you even get free 30 mins. of playtime for the kids. However, you have to buy an extra Php 125 per adult companion. Overall, Fun Ranch Alabang is a good party venue worth considering. 

The party area comes equipped with a play area. So guest could play while waiting for the party to start or when the kids get bored.

Alabang Town Center Activity Center Play Area

Whenever your passing through Alabang Town Center with your kids, you could always take them to Alabang Town Centers Activity Center Play area where they could play with the slides and climb the bars. Your kids get to interact with other children and make new friends. There is a small fountain in the area, where kids go and play with the water. Kids have this strong fascination with water. The fountain looks even more beautiful at night as it is illuminated with lights of different colors. Use of the facility is free and you get to rest on the benches near the play area while your kids go around and play. Talk to other parents while you wait and make new acquaintances. You could also take you snack on the benches to keep your kids preoccupied as to take your much needed break. 

Cafe d' Asie at The Bellevue Manila

My wife found this excellent deal at Ensogo. For only Php 650 you can enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch or dinner with unlimited Iced Tea at Cafe d Asie at The Bellevue Manila. Original price for the buffet is valued at Php 1,307 which is a good deal as you get to enjoy a wide variety of foods from their buffet at half the price. Cafe d Asie has an assortment of foods from Japanese, Dim Sums, Mongolian Cuisine, sea food and grilled items. Had a great dinner with my wife and was so full that I wasn't able to sample all of their foods.  Personally my wife is not an Iced Tea lover, but she absolutely loved the Iced Tea that came with the package. Well we could always go back next time to try the other foods on their menu.  Cafe d Asie has a warm cozy feel to it and you could meet casually with friends and family. The staff and on duty service manager was very accommodating and friendly which made our visit more enjoyable and relaxing. The Service manager even told us that we could have our parking ticket validated so we could avail of the free parking.  Kudos to the Service Manager and his team.

Sample their desserts and treats, which is not just eye candy but is guaranteed to tickle your palates.

Too bad the voucher ends on July 27,2011. 

We'll definitely come back to Cafe d Asie at the Belleveu Manila, If not for the food, definitely for the

experience.

The Bellevue Manila

North Bridgeway, Filinvest Corporate City Alabang

Muntinlupa 1781, Philippines

Tel#027718181  

San Mig Alabang Town Center

July 2011

My wife came upon a deal from Ensogo for a Php 500 gift certificate for only Php 250 which is valid for 3 months, from May 7, 2011 to Aug 7, 2011. The promo is valid for a choice of any dish with refillable iced tea at San Mig Alabang Pub and Restaurant. However, you could only use a maximum of 3 vouchers for every visit. This is such a sweet deal as you get Php 1500 worth of food for half the price. What's nice about this deal is that it's transferable and may be given as a gift.  Just make sure you consume the entire amount of the voucher as any unused amount is non-refundable or returned as cash. This voucher is valid for Monday to Saturday only, exclusive of public holidays. We used 3 vouchers for lunch with a total of 7 adults and 2 kids. Had a great time with good food, a nice conversation and with plenty of take-out to spare. I was still in college last time I visited a San Mig branch and it was good to see that they were still open after so many years. 

Visit Ensogo for more deals and promos.

San Mig Alabang Town Center
Address: 2nd Level Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Email: sanmigalabang@pldtdsl.net 
Phone: (02)8420776 or (02)8073595

Tony Romas's Alabang Town Center

July 2011

Passed by Alabang Town Center and was handed a Tony Roma's Alabang Anniversary Card which is good for 25% discount for lunch and 20% discount for dinner.  Unfortunately, we just finished eating lunch. This would have been a nice deal as we have always loved Tony Roma's ribs and grilled items, not to mention their corn on a cob. Tony Roma's Anniversary Card is only valid in their Alabang Branch and is good up to August 31, 2011 only. The offer is only valid on Weekdays and cannot be used with other promotions or packages.  Nevertheless, the discount is still a good deal.

Tony Roma's Alabang Town Center
2nd Floor, Expansion Wing, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
Tel#(632)7711388

Buddha Grove Spa Alabang

May 2011

Since We weren't actually able to celebrate Mother's Day. I decided to treat my wife on a very special date. I know that she's been stressed out lately with work and a couple of things. So I decided to treat Her to a Spa treatment. So I surfed through the Internet and came upon Buddha Grove Spa. The location is ideal as it is located at unit 105 Civic Prime Building Alabang, just in front of Festival Mall. The Buddha Grove Spa is just around the corner from the Muntinlupa Fire Station and 7 Eleven. I usually pass along this area on my way home from work, though I haven't tried to check or inquire before. They offer packages and discounts to a wide variety of massages and treatments which is quite attractive and tempting. For less than 1000 Pesos you can choose between a package of Massage with facial, Massage with body scrub, etc. So I went there to book an appointment for 7:30 P.M. as my wife was still on her way from work. I could have called to book ahead of schedule, but I wanted to survey the place first and talk to the receptionist personally to know more about the services they offer. On first look, the place seems clean and the receptionist was gracious enough and helpful in explaining the different treatments and packages, which made it easier for me to select a package. However, I asked her if it would be okay to change my selection as it would be a post Mother's Day gift for my wife and I would want to give her a package that she didn't feel comfortable with or liked.  Thankfully, she said okay and I booked the appointment for 7:30 P.M. in a couples room for 2 package treatments for the both of us. The receptionist told me I could wait for my wife in the lobby. But I declined her offer since it was still early and I wanted to walk around. My wife arrived around 7:00 P.M., 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, so we decided to ask the receptionist if we could start with our appointment so we could finish earlier and have dinner before going home. Fortunately they agreed to accommodate us since the time slot we occupied was still free. As expected my wife looked at the list and decided on a different package. She suggested that We try their specialty massage since it should be the best package the Buddha Grove Spa has to offer. So we decided to take the Buddha Grove Signature with moisturizing and soothing Argan Oil massage therapy. This treatment is supposed to be 3 types of massages rolled into 1 session. It is a combination of Swedish, Thai, and hot stone massage. For 999 Pesos it's a very nice package for a 1 hour and 30 minutes session. Before proceeding to the actual session, they asked us to fill-up some questionnaires asking about some details regarding to past medical conditions and medical history. This is nice as this means that they are not only concerned on performing the treatments, but it also means that they are also concerned with the effect that these treatments and oils have on their customers. After completing the forms we were escorted by our therapists to our room. The therapist assigned to me was quite small as I had some doubts if she could actually handle me. But to my surprise she was able to man handle me as if I was a rag doll. The therapist might have been a descendant of the terminator, as she was able to track down, pin point and exterminate every cold spot in my body. She would often ask if the pressure was to hard or if the stones were to hot. Which I thought was nice as I thought that they are still checking if I was still conscious or breathing. She was so engrossed in what she was doing as the normal 1 hour 30 minute session lasted for 2 hours. After the session we were allowed to rest for a moment and offered some cold water and ginger tea. We left the

Buddha Grove Spa feeling relaxed and refreshed and left a tip for our therapists. We thanked them for the experience and planned for our next visit. We ate dinner, went home, had a good nights rest, and woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Vivere Skyline

Skyline, located at 5102 Bridgeway Ave., cor. Asean Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City Philippines. Experience fine dinning with family, friends, and special someones atop the 31st floor of the Vivere hotel. Overlooking the scenic view of the bay and the city, experience a magical moment with excellent food while enjoying the view, listening to music and an excellent conversation. An ideal place to spend Valentine's Day. However, reservations are in order to ensure your accommodations.

Enjoy a romantic candle lit dinner with your special someone.

Savour excellent gourmet food at affordable prices.

Tel. No: (+632) 771-7777 Fax No.: (+632) 771 0158

Operating hours:

Sunday – Wednesday – 5:30 am – 12:00 am
*Thursday – Saturday – 6:00am – 1:00am


*Accepting reservations daily

Dress Code:

Casual Attire is permissible.
No Sleeveless Shirt (for men) and Slippers allowed.