FOODIE THOUGHTS: Circles Buffet, Makati Shangri-La

Who does not love eating? Everybody does. That's part of man's survival. But sometimes, man raises the ante by indulging in food. Food that is not your usual fare. Food that is considered a luxury, something that you do not get to taste in your daily lives. We do this for the experience and sometimes, to reward one's self.

I happen to get the chance to experience one of the best buffets in town..Makati Shangri-La Hotel's Circles Cafe. I dined here before but I just had their mango crepe and a shake for my merienda. So now, this is the real deal.

We got a reserved table ready so upon arrival at the cafe, we went directly to our place. The cafe was packed even though it was a weekday. Goes to show how popular this place is and a sure proof that people flock here for the great dishes.

For my 2 platefuls (yes, I just had 2), I filled it with shrimps, salmon, ribs, etc. To be frank, I don't really check out the names, I judge what to get first based on their appearances or how they were presented at the buffet table. Of course, when you eat at expensive buffets, you have got to taste their more extravagant or prime offerings. Which I did. But the dish that I really enjoyed the most was the rib with the mint sauce. The sauce complimented the taste of the ribs so you can't help but get seconds, or thirds, of it. A must-try!

And for my dessert plate, I was so full already so just tasted some of them, check out the photos below. The pie was great together with the milk sauce, I think. It was so soft and flavorful but not over-the-top sweet, just right for my taste.

I could not ask for more. Maybe just a bigger appetite next time around so I would get to taste everything. But this has been a great foodie experience. 

RESTO FACTS:

Circles Event Cafe

Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City

(02) 840-0884

I ♥ BOHOL: Hinagdanan Cave

This is actually the first cave that I have entered. I was excited yet a bit fearful because I am not sure what I am letting myself into. But excitement persisted so off I came down the narrow stairs into the semi-dark void known as the Hinagdanan Cave.

Located at Dauis City, this is Bohol's most accessible and most popular cave. This was not included in our original itinerary because we were asking too much from a very reasonably-priced vacation & tour package. So we added P500, that's already for the 4 of us, and we got to experience this cave in the island of Panglao. A wish that came true because I was not able to come here on a previous trip because I arrived late, compared to my family who arrived 2 days earlier.

What I found out when we were down there, it was hot and humid. We were sweating profusely but that did not stop us from camwhoring. We went to every possible nook and cranny that we can go to and had our pictures taken.

One attraction that the Hinagdanan Cave has is the old writings on the cave walls. It looked like a snake with a human head or something else. You won't see it with your bare eyes but once a camera has taken a shot of it, it will turn up. Magic! Haha! Amazing! It sort of gave me the creeps just thinking what was the inspiration for that artwork but at the same time, enchanted with the discovery.

Our guide was a master at taking good shots from almost every camera. We were happy with our pictures and we gave him a P50 tip and after we left, we heard him say to a friend that he was going to buy a big bottle of beer already. Ah, life's simple pleasures.

And after our tour, the rain poured down for a good 30minutes. =)

So hot in here!

The water scared me because it looked very black and menacing but  lots of people were swimming. Ah, I envy them!

Pose! Pose!

I wonder how old these artworks are..

Going up! Going out!

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Dauis Church

Truly, Bohol is a province filled with wonderful people..terrific landscapes..and most of all, beautiful old churches. Very very old churches, to say the least.

Take this church, Dauis Church, located in the pristine island of Panglao, was started in 1863. The more older and original structures were burned down so this was renovated already. This is of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classic in architecture. Once you go inside, it's a different vibe. A pleasant one that makes you think of its history in its early years during the time of the Spaniards.

I wanted to take lots of photos but unfortunately, my camera's battery died on  me. But I was glad to have taken these shots for souvenir. The sun was setting fast at this time and we were bone tired and a bit dirty but so happy with all the places that we have been to.

Our hard-earned money well spent. =)

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Rio Verde River Cruise

You should not pass up a vacation in Bohol by not experiencing their famous river cruises. Your vacay won't be complete without it. 

My first time in Bohol..I did not experience anything. I was just in Tagbilaran for official purposes. My second time this year, last May, my family and I passed on the chance because of lack of time. We just took a picture along the riverbanks. And the third one is always the charm, like what most people suspiciously say, and we did have the chance to get on one and float away. Yay! 

I do not know the exact price of this river cruise/lunch buffet but I guess it was between P300-P400. We got it included in our vacation package , that's why. But our package cost was very awesome! 

This river cruise ran for an hour, along the Loboc-Loay river. It was so relaxing, just enjoying the feel of the breeze on your face. The food fare consists mainly of seafoods, chicken, pork and fruits like watermelon and some local desserts like kakanin. I enjoyed all but i liked the pork barbecue best because the meat was so tender and the glaze is sweet. The seaweeds are also great . By the way, drinks are not included on the base price so it's an additional P30..either h20 or softdrinks. While eating, we are being serenaded by a local man who croons old songs in his own special way.  

After eating, we just sat back and enjoyed the view..the mangroves, the water, the wind..just communing with nature. Ahhh...sweet life. 

                                       

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Calape Church

There are only 2 churches in the Philippines that are considered heritage sites or churches with a Gothic-style theme. First is the San Sebastian Church in Manila and second is the Calape Church..or San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church as most known to local Boholanos. This is something that this little town is truly proud of. This is where most of my Boholano relatives hails from, so, I am proud of this as well. =)

This church was founded in 1802. Wow! Such a long time ago. Good thing, these churches are mighty sturdy. This church is so beautiful inside and out. The exteriors are very old in design and colorful because of its blue color amidst some greenery and the interiors is very monotone but its design makes you think of European designs. Marvelous! This church is a must-see, it's a winner and you won't regret seeing this. -)

Gothic-style San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church

at the altar area

I was glad to have had the time and attend mass..especially it was their fiesta that day

In line to go up the altar and pray to Calape's patron saint..St. Vincent Ferrer

at the grotto at the side entrance of the church

Calape's Munisipyo..so serene and peaceful in this town 

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Albuquerque Church (in the town locally known as ' Albur')

Bohol is a province that I really really love. The ocean, hills, picturesque landscapes, kind people..perfect! Plus, this province is full of old churches. Almost every town has one. and a lot of them are centuries old already.

I though Albuquerque is in New Mexico in the US only but apparently not because Bohol has it too. But it is known to local Boholanos as Albur. They have an old church here that dates back to 1869. What attracted us to it initially was its facade. The trees lined up in the path made it so inviting, unlike other churches that seem so cold in personality per se. We just stopped by quickly for like 3 minutes, just enough time to take a photo, then hop in again in the car to proceed with the original itinerary. Our Bohol trip was filled with sidetrips such as these so we really felt that we got our money's worth. So great! And so fun! =)

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Sandugo (Blood Compact) Site

A great view of the ocean..A small space with a statue of a group gathered around a table 'toasting' each other..That's the Blood Compact Site. This was where early Philippine history has started. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a bond of friendship with Datu Sikatuna during 1565. How? They made a cut on their left arm with a dagger, poured it in a cup with wine and drank it. That was how it was done in those days. Blood Compact. Sandugo Hmm...is this still being done nowadays? Just wondering. =)

There is another place in Bohol claiming that it was the original marker but hey, it was just a ritual. What is important is that it happened and of course, the significance of that event in our history. Either way, it transpired in Bohol.

You should not miss going to this place when in Bohol. It's not complete without it. The scenery is a big bonus. The view from this landmark is beautiful! Magnificent.

Check it out! =)

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html