Dream Out Loud

After a filling dinner at Buffet 101, I unexpectedly had a buffet lunch the next day. The original plan was having lunch and singing our hearts out at Redbox but we were running late so we decided to think of another option. My classmate wanted to have a lunch buffet and since we were heading to Trinoma, we hadYakimix for our first option. When we checked the price, we thought it was reasonable enough and gave in. (Buffet, again?! Oh well.)

Just like my previous buffet, I first attacked the “Japanese corner.” There’s really something about all these tempuras, sushis and makis (their colorful appeal, maybe?) that make me want to eat them first! And it did not disappoint! I think they had more variety served than that in Buffet 101 (not shown in my photos though).

I got all what I wanted and arranged them in my plate so that they’ll be picture perfect! :)

Then, on to the main course. There were lesser food selections here but I still got to love it more.

As usual, I gave up after the second plate and went on to dessert! Of course, I can’t miss out my love for ice cream and had me some scoopfuls which I topped with candy sprinkles, chocolate kisses, and a chocolate chip cookie. I also grabbed a mini chocolate-like parfait and a squared slice of cake and cheesecake. Everything was good except for the cheesecake which did not taste bland and failed in consistency. Is this really cheesecake? Are you kidding me?

Still, I enjoyed much this buffet experience. The price was good and so was the ambiance! Plus, it’s my first Christmas party together with my new batch of friends! I am sure everyone had as much fun as I did! Christmas is indeed one of the most wonderful times of the year! Oh yey! :)

I remember having my first buffet in Manila back when I was in my 1st year of college. It was my good friend’s birthday and he treated us dinner over at Dad’s. When he paid for the bill, I was shocked. Around 600 pesos per head?! Too expensive! (Probinsyanaproblems - when paying that big amount doesn’t seem worth it at all.) I thought I should’ve eaten more and made the most out of his treat.

Fast forward to 2012, here I am. Having my 2nd buffet in Manila (although I used to have breakfast buffets when staying in a hotel, dinner buffets still are different). I don’t usually go for buffets because I really find it too expensive and not that worth my budget. But when one of my friends suggested we have our Christmas dinner in Buffet 101 at Robinson’s Magnolia, I thought - why not?! Minsan lang naman e.And I guess it’s time to give myself a Christmas foodie treat this year!

When I arrived at the venue (I was running late because I had to attend a meeting beforehand), they were already having their 2nd plate. Still, I took the time to appreciate everything they had to serve before filling my plate. True to their tagline, dining in Buffet 101 really gives you that Five Star Hotel Feeling, maybe their chandelier is a factor to that. One of my friends even said that dining here, you really pay for the chandelier, not the food. Haha!

I began my foodie adventure by attacking their Japanese delights.

And had these for my first plate -

I surely enjoyed this as my appetizer. :) 1 round down! So for my next plate, I again ventured what I can take in next.

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I randomly have those Friday nights wherein I can simply sit down and be worry-free. And when I get that chance to chill and go on a Fridate, I try to make the most out of it!

After our final exam this week, all I had in mind was to get back on track and start with my org duties again. I already thought of the things I need to accomplish for the night. And I was beginning to be some kinda OC and a kill joy. But luckily, when I had lunch with two of my classmates, one craved for chocolate cake, I suggested a cake, and the other invited us to have cake over at Katipunan! Hahaha! At first, I was really hesitant. Good thing I eventually gave in and agreed to have a chillax night with them.

So before having our slice of cake, we had dinner at Mom and Tina’s at Regis Center. (Finally! It’s like 4 years since I’ve been wanting to dine here! Haha! OA but true.) I was delighted with the fact that they made an effort in decorating their cafe for Christmas! I had their U.S. Beef Tapa which is not your usual tapa since it’s crispy like bacon only thing is that it’s beef. Huh? Ano raw? Haha! Okay, so it’s like crispy beef strips. And when I was in the middle of enjoying my food, something nerdy came across my mind. Being fresh from an Anatomy exam, those beef strips in my plate reminded me of the intestines we had been observing in our cadavers for our Anatomy Laboratory. Gross? Yeah! But I just have to share that thought since I seldom incorporate what I study in the things I get to see everyday. :)

After having dinner, we headed to Xocolat. So I was able to try out their cakes in their Greenhills branch before but was not that satisfied so I decided to order Churros con Chocolate during this visit.

(I think my friend mistakenly thought I was referring to Xocolat that’s why we ended up here when in fact I was referring to Chocolat, whose Death by Tablea cakes seemed so famous and worth craving for.) Anyhow, we still enjoyed the rest of the night reading magazines, chilling like a boss, and having an exclusive heart to heart talk. Haha! What girls do best. I know, right? :) And I love this candid shot I captured while my friends Zaza (top) and Eulene (below) were busy reading magazines. Glad to see these girls book-free, at least for that night.

I’ve got few more days left til I officially shout out loud - Hello Christmas Break! But still, I’m glad our exams are over and too much Christmas activities are coming up next week in school. Stay tuned!

This post is dedicated to the entire Thomasian Community most especially to our all dearest Thomasian Alumni out there.

The moment we leave the portals of our dearest Alma Mater, it’s really hard not to miss all the great memories we’ve had during our stay. The Thomasian experience is truly extraordinary, I know many of you would agree with me. Many of us appreciated all the events and efforts they have poured to make us feel loved (and maybe reciprocate that love as well).

And for sure, one of the best times you’ve had in UST was during the Christmas season. All those Christmas lights and decorations never fail to take away all the day’s stress and make you surely excited for Christmas. Yes? Yes!

Though I’ve already graduated from UST 2 years ago, I still find time to go back and revisit the place especially during December because I’m always anticipating their Christmas set-up for the year.  And just tonight, I was lucky enough to capture what UST has to offer everyone this year. I know most of you, Thomasian Alumni, would like to check it out yourself right away but cannot find the right time so this post I dedicate to you – not to spoil the excitement but to make you more excited! ;)

Luckily, UST had no classes today so I was free to move around the university and take photos. I had my first take at the Quadricentennial Park. Oh how I miss the Fountain! Still beautiful with matching purple lights to glam it more up for Christmas!

As I walked towards Plaza Mayor, huge parols hanging in the main building captured my attention. Oh so colorful!

Of course, how can I not take a photo of the man who is responsible for our university’s existence? Ola Fr. Miguel Benavidez!

Plaza Mayor was empty (which was a good thing because I had the guts to go around and take my time in capturing the Christmas scenes)!

I’m not sure what the theme for this year is, but what I’m sure is, they are surely loving Christmas trees and deers!

And Christmas tree was back to its old self again (vs. the loud red colored tree from last year which is not a bad thing naman).

So there you have it, a summary of ourUST Christmas 2012! So sad, I won’t be able to attendPaskuhanthis year, I’ve been present for 5 years straight! I’ll be going home early so I just have to miss out. I guess I need to wait for photos of Paskuhan 2012 instead. :)

What (yes, it’s a what and not a who!) kept me company throughout my photowalk? SIMPLE LINE MILK TEA! Nakakamiss e! Hooray for affordable and worth it drinks. The first milk tea place UST had back in 2009 (if I’m not mistaken). Though so many milk tea joints are sprouting in the area, Simple Line still stands strong! Haha!

Feel free to visit my other UST Christmas posts from the past two years here!