Vikings Bags Awards at WOFEX 2015 and Guess Where is Their Next Branch?

I have always believed that behind every delicious dish is an excellent cook. With my favorite buffet restaurant that offers widest selection of sumptuous cuisine then there must more an just an excellent cook. 

Vikings Group Chefs Jonathan Jota, Anton Abad, Mark Wilhelm Ragudos, Jennifer Gumboc, Don Aries Jerome Duenas, Joel Mondelo, Mark Reyes, Charles Andrei Santos and Raphael De Jesus won top honors for the country and their restaurants Vikings, Niu by Vikings and Four Seasons Hotpot City. 

Yes, award winning chefs are behind the incredible feast we enjoy whenever we visit. The chefs spent four days battling the best of the best at the Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) of the World Food Expo 2015 (WOFEX) which is the only World Association of Chef’s Society (WACS) endorsed competition in the country. This competition is an avenue for Filipino chefs to gauge their skills against chefs from other countries, and gain international recognition for their culinary expertise. 

They received a total of 13 medals across different categories. Chef Jonathan Jota won a gold medal for the Quick Fire Salad Category, winning Silver Medal is Chef Anton Abad for the US Beef category, Chef Mark Wilhelm Ragudos for the US Poultry category and Chef Don Aries Jerome Duenas for the Creative Breakfast Challenge category.

According to Over-all Coach Chef Jonathan Jota, "The Vikings Team placed 3^rd on overall performance for the Professional Category at the PCC 2015, beating international competitors from Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Local Hotels and De Luxe Restaurants." 

With over 1,200 competitors from more than 15 countries, we couldn't be more proud for our awesome Filipino Chefs and all-time favorite Vikings who took home the  “People’s Choice Award for Favorite Buffet” 

Vikings is one of the places I truly miss in Metro Manila because they have always been a part of our special occasions. But can you guess where is their next branch? 

Yes, they will be opening a branch here in SM Bacolod. Yipee! Tentative opening date is sometime in September. I am just so excited and definitely, we know where to celebrate the coming birthday of Val. 

Bacolod Blog Series: You've never been to Bacolod if you've never been here!

I have always believed that every place has one iconic spot that almost all tourists visit. One where you should take the "mandatory" shots. Places such as Merlion Monument in Singapore, Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Magellan's Cross in Cebu and The Ruins for Bacolod.

The Ruins in Bacolod was a mansion built in the early 1900s by the Lacson family, one of the famous clans in the sugar industry here in Negros Occidental. The largest structure in the area that has a beautifully landscaped garden and a 4-tier fountain that added to its majestic view.

Photo by Jeric Tancontian

For more than 100 years, this structure in a 900+ sq meter property still stands firm and provides a picture perfect background to all visitors. They are also one of the favorite venues for a prenuptial shoots. Aside from taking pictures and enjoying its rich history, one can also relax and have coffee in their Mediterranean cafe. 

TIP: The best time to visit is actually around 5pm or early in the evening when the lights have been lit up. 

So, whenever you visit Bacolod, make sure to drop by at The Ruins. The roads are already cemented and it is very accessible even if you don't have private transportation. There are tricycles at Brgy. Bata that can bring you there. Entrance starts at Php 40 for students and senior citizens and it Php 95 for adults.

5 Things Why You Need to Experience Subic Bay Yacht Club

Subic is one of the easy escapes from the busy and crowded Metro Manila. It approximately takes a 3 hour drive via NLEX. Whenever we hear about Subic, we immediately think of Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari as our primary destinations. Definitely, those two should be part of your itinerary however, I would highly suggest that you also experience the Subic Bay Yacht Club. 

Subic Bay Yacht Club is all about experiencing the good life. A luxurious and elite experience that even if we don't get to do it everyday, it would definitely be a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

For years, this place was a membership only facility which means that it was exclusive to those who have the 6 digits for the fee. The luxury and exceptional experience were only limited to those with fortunes. However, today, the premiere marina is extending their membership to non members to feel, enjoy, eat and have the a great experience at the club. 

It is located North West of Manila and is set with Zambales Mountain range on the Eastern part and the tranquil Subic Bay that opens to the South China Sea on the west. A perfect paradise with safe harbors and pristine flat waters. A vacation destination with elegant design. An exquisite service and warm hospitality.

Now, let me give you 5 reasons why you should visit the Subic Bay Yacht Club:

1. It's a paradise

In the hustle and bustle of city life, whether you're from Manila or in any parts of the world, Subic Bay Yacht Club offers the million dollar view of the bay and surrounded by mountains. We love to escape stress and just to look at the pristine and relaxing view gave us that moment that we all need, the feeling of rejuvenation.

2. Accommodation

The different choices of rooms with the options based on your budget and need. They have rooms for as Php 6,000 per night. They also have a variety of accommodation at Subic Bay Yacht Club. All are spacious and elegantly designed to satisfy the discriminating taste of every member and guest. Each room and suite offers a balcony, with selected suites having a marina vista.

3. Food

Breakfast is always grand at Subic Bay Yacht Club. The variety of dishes in a buffet set up makes one likes to go back and to start the morning right. (This is my top reason to visit them) 

4. Pool and Jacuzzi

The elegantly designed swimming pools are just part of the complete package. Everyone who checked in can use this facility. You can just relax in this place while checking out the different yachts over the bay which is just 20 feet or less away from the pool.

All rooms are equipped with a jacuzzi in case you want complete privacy relaxing in our own room.

5. Hospitality

The Subic Bay Yacht Club take pride on superb customer service. You can feel how friendly, professionally trained and naturally accommodating all the personnel from the bell boy to the managers on duty.

For more information:

Subic Bay Yacht Club

Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

047 252 5211- 047 252 6586

marketing@subicbayyachtclub.ph

www.subicbayyachtclub.ph

Bacolod Blog Series: Calea Pastries and Cakes

Bacolod City is now officially our home! After our "epic journey" traveling by land, we have finally settled down. (Hooray!) More details on the road trip, here. 

Now, our next stop is to explore this place since Masskara Festival will be celebrated in a few months specifically in October. I have decided to create a blog series featuring our latest discoveries in this beloved city. 

I love sweets and I'm really crazy about desserts. So, my first featured post is all about Calea Pastries and Cakes. 

Whenever you mention where's the best place to have cakes, locals would immediately mention this place. Known as "the home of the country's best cheesecakes", Calea Pastries and Cakes should be on top of your itinerary whenever you visit Bacolod.  

They offer a wide selection of cheesecakes, imported chocolate cakes, refrigerator cakes, and muffins which will make you go gaga on what to choose. 

Here are some of our favorites.

Strawberry Cheesecake

Blueberry Cheesecake

Oreo Cheesecake

Chocolate Mousse

I won't go over a detailed review of how they taste but I'll tell you. Everything is so good.

But can you guess what's the best thing about their cakes? They are super affordable. Each slice is around Php 95 only. They also offer coffee and blended drinks just like your typical coffee shop.

Calea has several branches in the city: Robinson's Place Bacolod, The District/ Ayala Northpoint, and the main one at Lacson Street. 

So, next time you're in Bacolod, consider dropping by here. Just a heads up. This place is really popular among tourists so, it gets pretty crowded sometimes.