Buffet Restaurants in Baguio Review

My standard of a superb eat-all-you-can buffet is that of Yakimix in Manila. I wish that a branch would open here in Baguio soon. However, Baguio folks also have our own buffet restos sprouting recently.

My husband and I had a breakfast buffet invitation from our friends one Saturday, so even if the temperature is down we had to pull ourselves up for a morning meeting.

Citylights Hotel offers the breakfast buffet for hotel guests as well as walk-ins like us. That day, hotel guests ate at the groundfloor cafe and walk-ins at the 2nd floor function room.

The array of dishes fitted a standard breakfast for Filipino tummy. There were two choices of rice, the plain rice and the fried rice. The viands consisted of around eight varieties ranging from the basic scrambled eggs to fried dried fish. They also had a table for fruits, breads and pancakes. Coffee and iced-tea are over flowing at another corner. And soups too.

I wanted to start on pancakes but it took them more than 15 minutes to replenish the pancake tray. I didn't want to waste time so I grabbed a plate and started off with the rice set. The dried fish was cooked crispy, the eggplant with alamang was tasty but it was too oily, the other dishes could have been more delectable if it were served warm. The chafing trays should have been lighted to maintain the warmth of the food. Even the soup isn't warm. In a cold place like Baguio, it would be proper to serve most meals warm. I love their overflowing coffee. They should have served more variations of fruits, that time we only had slices of papaya. Overall,for a price of P220 per head, it was good but I could give a higher rating if the flaws mentioned above would have been addressed.

Incidentally, we have also scheduled a lunch buffet at the same day with the kids. This time, it's at the new Buffet Republic located at 2nd Floor of the building beside Baguio Centermall. Since it is newly opened, they are advertising an opening promo price of breakfast or afternoon meryenda buffet at P120 and Lunch buffet at P180.

What greeted us as the elevator door opened at the second floor was a wide hall where the restaurant is. A staff by a makeshift counter greeted us to take our payments before we can enter the place.

We immediately started lining up to the buffet table to choose our stuffs. There were 7 trays lined up the center table. Two trays for the plain and fried rice. Five trays for 1 chicken dish, 2 pork dishes, 1 fish dish and 1 vegetable dish. The side buffet table was where the salads, desserts, dumplings and the drinks are.

For the promo price, the quality of food was satisfying albeit a little inadequacy of choices. The food presentation was inviting. The fruit salad tasted good, it wasn't very sweet as some commercial ones are. Here, watermelon and papaya were fruit choices. I loved the taste of their cucumber salad. What was also good which I noticed was on the coffeemaker side were choices of different sachets of sugar. They had white, brown and the artificial sugar used by diabetics. I don't have any complaints about the staff, they refilled the trays the soonest they see that a particular food is running out. The place however, was too wide. The ceiling was too high, it doesn't make you feel cozy. The chairs are like the ones you see at a fastfood. They didn't have backrest, just stools. If only they would improve on the interior to make it more a little classy, then I would be really appeased.

The Salad and Desserts Corner

Fish Dish

Vegetable Dish

Pork Dish

Fried Spareribs

Fried Chicken

We also tried dinner buffet at Kamayan Restaurant at Quezon Hill, Baguio City. The ambiance of the restaurant was really inviting, likened to real house. My guess is, it was really a house converted into a restaurant.

That night, we were the only group when we got in. It was about 7:30 pm then. After some time a couple came in. The whole time we were there, there were only two groups, so we enjoyed the place like it were ours.

Around nine dishes were served. It was really disappointing because they were too ordinary every-day meal. The dishes looked like it has been reheated over and over. I couldn't even remember what dish I liked the most because they seemed to taste all the same. My daughter enjoyed her small crabs though, and she used her bare hand to eat. There prices were P279 buffet per head, P299 buffet with a glass of iced tea and P320 buffet with bottomless iced tea. We got the one with bottomless which we regretted because we never asked for some refill due to the fact that their iced tea was too sweet. Their logo states, "Home of Lechon Cebu", but it was not included in their buffet choices. :-(

With so many buffet restaurants opening in Baguio, Kamayan would better improve on their menu for them to compete.  

One of these days, we will be trying other buffets here in Baguio. I will be updating this blog once I'm ready.

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This is an update to this old blog on Baguio Buffet Restaurants.

The Heritage Hotel Buffet. 

This buffet resto has been a hit since last year.  Within the 4 times I have been there, the pork lechon belly was my favorite. The skin was crispy all the time and the meat was tender and juicy. It is chopped right before your eyes. The server would give small serving perhaps to control it but you can always ask for more. Which I always did. haha  The meat is best with its lechon sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and calamansi.

My teenage son's 8th plate of lechon belly. :-D

Japanese cuisine will always melt my heart in a buffet.  The first time I visited this place there was shrimp tempura on the Asian corner. I indulged, totally, really! However, with the several other visits, it was no longer included.  I think one has to pay it separately when you request for it to be cooked. They also have different makis but I find it lacking with ingredients compared to what Japanese do with their cooking. Korean side dishes will always find a place on my plate.

Small portions to start with..

The Italian corner where the kids would surely enjoy. One can find pizzas and pastas to feast on. On the opposite side, one can find a display of traditional Philippine cuisine such as pinapaitan, karekare, etc. 

The dessert corner is where my daughter with sweet-tooth stayed most of the time. The choices were limited though. Not so inviting especially to adults who have eaten variety of cakes and sweets.

For a P398/pax of eat all you can. Why not? Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is based on my personal experience, the food we ordered and the treatment we got. Others may have other judgement.

A Little Bit of Hong Kong

“You can leave Hong Kong, but it will never leave you.”
― Nury Vittachi, Hong Kong: The City of Dreams

Indeed, this country could give you more and you will never tire even for how frequent you visit. It's me and my son's second travel and my husband's 8th, yet we couldn't get more of it.

To travel with the whole family is really memorable especially that it's my daughter's first time to fly. She was really excited and the take off was really funny as we hear her utter "Oh my gosh! It's scary," yet the smile not leaving her face. We boarded on a Cebu Pacific plane. We got our tickets at a cheaper price. We booked our flight 3 months before so we were able to get the promo at around P10,000 for the 4 of us. But of course there are plus, plus, plus...you know, they say that when you travel from the Philippines there are much to pay for. First plus payment is the travel tax to be paid at the department of tourism. For adults you need to pay P1,620 each and for children 11 years old and below, you need to pay 1,010 each. So that's P5,260 for us. We had to take our car to go to the Clark airport in Pampanga so we allotted P2,000 for the fuel. There is a park 'n fly arrangement at the airport which you can leave your car at their parking lot for P90/day, which is I think very convenient.We left ours for 4 days and it was in one piece when we got it back. Then at the airport you will have to pay for terminal fee which is P450 each person multiplied by 4 for a total of P1,800. The flight went smoothly, the only complaint we had was the food. We paid P350/pax for a Cebu pacific meal but it looked and tasted like it came from a can of flavored tuna meals when it came. It was the idea of my husband to opt for a plane meal so the kids could experience it but we were just disappointed. Better to take out from McDonald's or Jollibee.

It was really cold when we arrived Hong Kong on March 3, 2013. From the airport, one needs to take many kinds of transport. For package tours, you will be fetch by a private bus arranged by your agency. Some could take the taxi, train or the bus. We took the 2 decked bus for us to see the view while going to the main island, it costs HK$120 (P660) per adult and HK$60 (p330) per child. It took about 30 minutes to arrive at the Central, Hong Kong where we stayed.

 On the way there, we passed by one of the longest bridges in the world which is the Tsing Ma bridge. It was Sunday, so we saw many Filipinas when we alighted at the Central station. It was like a market day, I saw many balikbayan boxes being packed on the side walks getting ready to be shipped and the lines were long at the remittance centers. How my heart melts as I see these workers eagerly sending their hard earned money to their family back home. Oversees workers are indeed honorable.  We were met by a relative, who was eager to show us our flat for the tour. We are grateful for Filipinos around the world, you'll never get lost.

A particular Sunday sight at HongKong Central.

After we unpacked, we went out for a lunch. We missed Hong Kong's white and roasted chicken. During this travel we learned that the cheapest/basic regular meal is worth 32HKD, that's P176/person/meal. Hahaha I was the convert queen during the whole travel. So it made me sane not to spend much when I got to compare the price in the Philippines. :-D 

A regular meal.

There was no time to take a rest on the first day so after lunch we boarded the ferry going to the other side of the island. By the way, if you are a tourist, it is advisable to take coins with you, you will be needing them a lot as you trot from one location to another. Anyway, the other side of Central, Hong Kong is Kowloon where one can see Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. This is where tourists would flock at night to watch the symphony of lights. Dancing lights coming from the different buildings can be viewed while cuddling on a bench made especially for that event. This is the best time to take pictures as you can see HK's trademark of tall building and colorful lights.

A posterity shot with my Erik.

The second day was spent where the child in you will be revived. Disney Land, of course! We decided to take the subway this time. It was cool because there is a part where there is a train interchange and the train going to Disneyland is designed with it's famous characters. The excitement starts from there.

Erin inside the Disney subway.

Look at the train windows, aren't they awesome.

As we approach the entrance, one can find the ticket booth.

1-Day Ticket is available at HK$450 (about P1,925) per adult and at HK$320 (about P1,760) per child 11 years old and below. And as I review the rates, I now understand why I saw many oldies in there, their ticket rate is at HK$100 (P550).

Tip: Buy your take out food and drinks from the main island because the food price here is really expensive. Buy ticket elsewhere, I can't remember the building but it's where OFW sends their remittance, it's cheaper.

There were many new rides and attractions compared to when we got there in 2007. However, our favorites are the following:

1. Space Mountain - it's a roller coaster ride in a dark indoor where you can only see lights of planets and stars. It was a blast! It would wake you up from the long trip going there if you make that your first ride. My kids liked it much!

2. The parade of characters - this moment is when your dreams come alive. Seeing the princesses in person and getting to shake hands with Buzz or Mickey is breath taking.

She was lucky to get a hug from the princess.

We come in peace with Buzz Lightyear.

The legendary childhood princesses.

Erin was chosen to participate in some kind of a musical number by the Lion King  group.

3. Encounter with Stitch - I wasn't there to experience it since I had to reserve our place in time for the fireworks display but my love ones sure had fun. They kept on laughing remembering the event. It's an interactive discussion with stitch on a live audience where he makes fun of them.
The whole experience enchanted everyone and we are just so happy our kids experienced it with us.

Though we were tired from yesterday's activity, we didn't waste time for this day's next adventure. We met a  cousin who eagerly lead us to The Peak. It is the highest mountain on HongKong Island, it is 552 meters above sea level. To make the experience exciting, we took the peak tram instead of riding on a bus. The ride would elevate you to almost 90 degrees in order to reach the top. Quite scary but for the adventurer, all you need is to trust it is of the best technology. We went around Kowloon after our Peak moment. We had dinner at a restaurant before we bid farewell to our cousin, who went back where Jacky Chan is living. ;-)

Inside the tram going up the peak.

The view from the top overlooking Hongkong Island.

On our final day, we were suppose to go to the beach, at Repulse Bay since we thought the Ocean Park is closed under renovation but I think I made a mistake, only some of the attractions are closed so after verifying that the park is open, we headed there. It took us time to find where the bus going to the Ocean Park is, anyway, we found it after some sign languages made by the locals. Ticket price for general admission is at HK$ 280 (P1,540) and HK$ 140 (P770) for children 11 year-old and below. You can't bring in food or drinks here. One must buy everything inside, it's business.

The Ocean Park family tourists. :-P

Ride to the cable car on your way to the theme park.

It was a blast spending the day where many rides and attractions were in store for the young and the young at heart.

My daughter insisted I should ride with her, thanks to this brave lil girl who let me  conquer my fear.

See how they are having fun.

The Rapids gave us a shower on this warm day.

The ride where I was the only one screaming, what a shame! :-D

Underwater venture.

Promoting and protecting nature by showing how these dolphins interact with the human.

At the end of the day, it's your family's joy the most important.

Farewell, HongKong for we got to see another world too!

Relaxing at Wensha Spa

"Love yourself. Get some rest," were the words from my favorite inspirational author, Bo Sanchez. Indeed we should do, in order to give more, we should have more.

Work and parenting took its toll so I cried myself out to my husband of the burdens I had for the week. Because he was sensitive of my needs and because he loves me, he told me to take the weekend off and go to Manila to be with him. I didn't know what was he up to, all I knew was I will go to Divisoria to shop for my baking needs.



I hit the road after my work at 12 midnight on Friday. I took the Victory Liner bus. It was good to have a wifi on though it was kinda slow. I arrived at the terminal at around past 6 am. My hubby came to fetch me at the terminal, we had breakfast and I slept, while he went to work. In the afternoon, we went to Divisoria and ogled for great finds. After shopping, we went to Sto. Cristo street where baking materials are famous for. It was getting dark that time so we had to rush, I know hubby was already bored but he was so patient enough to wait for me to finish. At the end of the day, I was very happy. I didn't know that something more was in store for the next day.


On Sunday, at 9 am we arrived at Wensha Spa- Pasay branch. This place is where one can find the amenities of total relaxation and de-stressing. We were disappointed though because the frontdesk told us that the jacuzzi will resume its function at 12pm, the sauna will start operating at 1pm and the dinner buffet will be at 11am, though shabu-shabu is already available at this time. One should go there at around 11am to enjoy its full amenities. We decided to get in and just eat shabu-shabu while waiting for the rest to operate. When you get there you are given a magnetic bracelet after paying for the massage package of P780/pax. This bracelet also serves as your key to your personal locker. There is a separate wing for men and women, the left wing is where you can find men's amenities and the right is the women's. As I enter the women's room, a staff greeted me and asked for my bracelet number. She guided me to the designated locker, showed me how it works and gave me a big white towel and a robe. I asked her where to change and she said its right there and then. You must get ready to get naked around all the women there, which I was quite adamant. But of course I don't want them to think that I'm a killjoy so I hesitantly did it too. Since the jacuzzi was not ready yet, my hubby and I met at the dining area and cooked shabu shabu for our breakfast. Be ready to eat all you got or you will pay for the left overs.





After dining, I went to the wet room to check if it is in function. I saw some group of about 5 ladies already in the jacuzzi. As you enter the wet area, you must take a shower first before going in the pool. The water was lukewarm, which made me relax in an instant. I tried to focus on what the moving little current of water was doing to my body to be able to enjoy the relaxation it brings. The group I was with was noisy telling stories with each other so I had to exert extra effort to concentrate. After 20 minutes, I transferred to the stem bath for about 5 minutes. The sauna wasn't functioning yet that time so I showered again and proceeded to the massage area. By the way, the locker/changing area is complete with hair blower, comb, face powder,lotion and a set of toothbrush. From the changing area, I pass by the dining area and to the right hallway, there I found the massage room. I was ushered to a dimly lit room with two massage beds. I suppose another client could enter there anytime, which happened as I was in the middle of my session . I waited for my masseur for about 3 minutes. She was a medium built woman but my goodness, when I said the massage should be hard, it was really hard. I am a fan of massage spas at my place but this girl gave me one of the best I ever had. I didn't have to tell her but she kneaded and cracked all the right places. After the massage, she gave me a piece of small paper which states something like, "Are you willing to give tip?" I definitely answered "yes" and write on the amount. My husband said his masseur was very good too and guess what, he gave a bigger tip than I. (he he) I slept in the room for a while, then I got a text message from my husband that we'll meet at the dining area for our lunch. Before I got up of the bed, I still had to realize where was I. Perhaps, my mind was too relaxed to even work again.

 We chose the Japanese inspired table set-up for our lunch. The main dinner buffet has now been displayed. I got a little at first, scared not to be able to finish it all. Then I went back for seconds. It's eat-all-you-can so starve yourself before coming. I wasn't hungry for lunch because we already ate shabu shabu for           breakfast which was just 3 hours ago.

Thereafter, it was time to leave the place. It was my first but it will definitely not my last.