Must Be That Girl!

Parkmall Mandaue

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 07:35:00 +0000

Consolacion Parish Church

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:01:00 +0000

Cebu is abound with churches. The ratio of the churches to the towns of Cebu is one-on-one, and in the city of Cebu, one could just turn around a corner and find one. And inspite of the numbers, the churches are not empty symbols of Christianity here, but they are mostly always full on Sundays which make them thriving and vibrant communities.

A Sunday Mass

Consolacion Church filled up with church-goers

Montebello Villa Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 09:49:00 +0000

Before international brand hotels came to Cebu, Montebello was one of the first nice hotels established in Cebu. I think it first came into operation sometime in the early 1970's. Although probably considered old, still it has a certain charm that can still compete with the new kids on the block today. In fact many Cebuanos probably will go nostalgic remembering some important events of their lives being held here.

What I like about Montebello is that it does not feel like a hotel. It's more like feeling like a guest or visitor of a relative or friend who has this grand beautiful villa. It has a spacious garden and a medium sized swimming pool. And although their restaurants are not quite grand or fancy, but from what little food I've tried, they were quite tasteful...

Lobby

Front Desk

Some rooms on the ground floor

Our room on the second floor

Their bathroom is nice but small but still okay

Function Room

St. Joseph Parish Church and Mandaue City Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 12:56:00 +0000

Mandaue City is the industrial hub of Cebu. It is the home of probably 90% of the manufacturing companies in Cebu. It is vibrant and is still phenomenally growing. Business establishments gobble up every remaining space available and traffic has become horrendous. The price of progress indeed...

St. Joseph Church from across Mandaue City Hall

St. Joseph Church up close

Church architecture is modern

That is Mandaue City Hall across the church

That's the rotunda across the church and City Hall

The chapel of Our lady of Manaoag at the side of the church

Our Lady of Manaoag in St. Joseph Church

THE INTERIORS OF THE CHURCH

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Kit beside Senor Santo Nino

SM City Consolacion (Cebu)

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 04:46:00 +0000

It was a surprise when SM chose to build a mall in Consolacion. Located next to the vibrant Mandaue City, Consolacion is laid back and provincial. But personally, I agree that it is a good investment because progress is pushing Metro Cebu to move outwards the city center - northwards and southwards. And in the north, real estate developers have been developing housing subdivisions up to the towns of Compostela and even Danao.

For now, SM City Consolacon is more basically functional compared to SM City Cebu and perhaps to the coming SM City Seaside. Hopefully we look forward to a more varied choices especially in restaurants and shops.

Burger King - Ayala Center Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 15:33:00 +0000

Kit and I have a new favorite burger resto - it's Burger King! And judging from their full-packed house, I guess we are not the only newly converts. Burger King in Ayala Center Cebu is located near the cinemas and the rooftop gardens. After our lunch, we walked about in the gardens because our tummies were quite full. It was a beautiful day...

Planet Grapes Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:28:00 +0000

Last Aug 22, Kit gave me a dinner treat at Planet to celebrate my special day. We had our dinner at Planet Grapes in Ayala Center. Actually the dinner was nothing fancy, but we added a little wine to make it different from our usual fare. Having wine with meals is - we realized , an acquired taste. We have been so used to parties where sodas like Coke and Pepsi complement the served food. We laughed and fought the urge to ask for Coke. Thanks, Kit!

The Birthday Girl

City Time Square - Mandaue

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 03:13:00 +0000

Another addition to the burgeoning food scene in Cebu is the City Time Square in Mandaue. I also used to wonder where this place is because it is somewhat new, only to find out it is just behind Park Mall. If you have left Cebu or Mandaue for quite some time already, this is the Reclamation Area in Mandaue, that is now the host of a lot of ongoing building construction. In a few years time, gone will be the empty and vacant lots, and it will be the home of several new hospitals and perhaps malls and office buildings.

City Time Square is a 2-level building which hosts a number of dining establishments. Since Park Mall is near , people now have more choices when it somes to dining preferences.

Name Marker in Front of the Building

Quite Visible from the Street

Connecting Bridge to Provide a Short Cut

Parking Spaces are provided

Right side if looking from the street

Left Side if looking from the street

View from the second floor

Stairs to the second level, there is also an elevator

Park Mall is actually just across the street

Small at only 2 levels

Achimisul - A Taste of Korean in Mandaue

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 16:34:00 +0000

With all the hyped-up interest in Korean telenovelas, music, and entertainers - plus the fact that there are now a lot of Koreans in Cebu, it is just natural that a few Korean entrepreneurs would put up some business here.

It was a nice surprise when a Korean restaurant opened in Insular Square in North Road Mandaue beside Siknoy a Chinese restaurant. The ambiance is simple, modern, but nice. Aside from the Korean food which we curiously tried, there seems to be a hint of Japanese with the presence of Ramen and Bento boxes. Our palate is still getting used to the newly acquired taste. So our level of enjoyment is still in the infancy stage.

Most people still prefer to go to Jonie's or Siknoy's. But I wish Achimisul will not give up but instead will try to give a good fight and eventually survive...

Entrance to Achimisul

The Nice Korean Owner

Interior of the Restaurant

Nice Table and Chairs

Spicy Ramen

My Chicken Bento

My teacup, Chopsticks, and the reliable Spoon

My Korean Dish

Tokyo Table In City Time Square Mandaue

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:05:00 +0000

For sometime I have been meaning to try Tokyo Table, but it was only last July that I got to do it. And so with much anticipation, we visited it one beautiful Sunday afternoon. I thought we could make it by lunch but it was already around 1:30 pm when we arrived and it turned out that Tokyo Table will be closing at 2:00 pm. I should have turned around but we were already at their door and were quite famished already, so we decided to stay.

The Good:

It's true, there is indeed a wide array of choices from Filipino and Chinese favorites, Japanese favorites, and perhaps some Korean... There is a Salad Bar, and the desserts are the best! You can go back over and and over again until you are fully stuffed and couldn't find space in your tummy. Even the softdrinks are unlimited! What can beat that!

The Not-So-Good:

It's a bit expensive at Php 840 per person. Come early for lunch so you will be able to enjoy your meal (Lunch is between 11:30 am- 2:00 pm). It's not exactly as super delicious as I have imagined. But don't mind me, perhaps I expected too much.

Nevertheless, me and my sis still found the steep prices worth it in terms of the variety of food available...

Doorway

Entrance to the Dining Area

Interior of the restaurant

Ingredients for Grilling

Salad Bar

Japanese Section

More of the Japanese Section

Soup and Rice Section

Decor Above the Buffet Table

All Time Filipino Favorites Section

A Wide Array Of Dessert Choices

Grilling at our Table

Cafe Sarree (Rustan's Ayala Cebu)

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:09:00 +0000

I wondered where goes Yum-Yum Tree. Yum-Yum Tree used to be the restaurant of Rustan's Supermarket (even in their Makati Branch), and one of our (me and my former officemates from UBP) favorite dining places. Instead, Rustan's Cebu has Cafe Sarree now.

Anyway, my sister and I wanted to try out Cafe Sarree - and so one beautiful Sunday morning, we headed out to have lunch there.

It was not particulary big in area. Ambiance is cozy and casual. My sister ordered their honey-glazed pork chop, and I, as a salute to Yum-Yum Tree ordered Spaghetti (with meatballs).

I am not a big fan of pork chops but they were so tender, that it felt like they melt in my mouth. And I kinda like it. My spaghetti is a bit on the sour side because according to the girl who waited on us, is more on the tomato-based Italian taste and not sweet like the Filipino recipe that we are so used to.

One thing I would like to commend is that, they are generous in their serving. Their pork chop were really chops since they came about in 3's and the thickness of each piece is just the right size for me. Their spaghetti came in a huge bowl, and could be shared by two. Which means they were worth their price. Maybe it will not be our last visit to the place ...

Apple-Lemon Ice Cooler

Nice Interiors...

Honey-Glazed Prok Chops

Spaghetti With Meatballs

Surprisingly, the serving was Huge...

Kit, famished and eager for her food...

HUKAD Ayala Terraces

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 10:59:00 +0000

Hukad in Ayala Terraces, seems to be always full whenever we pass by, judging by the number of people patiently waiting outside to be seated or served. And so our curiousity was really piqued. Yet it was also difficult for us to get a seat whenever we plan to eat there.

One day we were surprised when we got lucky and found ourselves a table inside. But our excitement turned to disappointment. Service was slow. I was not impressed with the drinks I ordered. The worst part was the fish that I ordered turned out itchy when eaten. It means it was not fresh when bought or maybe it has popped in and out of the freezer already. The only consolation was the ngohiong. Perhaps it is not fair to draw a conclusion based only upon a few orders. Maybe I will come back and try again...

"PUSO" Design Lamps

Ngohiong

Cebu Pardo Church

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:28:00 +0000

For a long time, I have wanted to take photos of the Pardo Church, unfortunately I never got the chance to drop by. One beautiful Sunday in March (2015), me and my sis went to visit our dear relatives in Pardo Cemetery, and since the Pardo Church was just a walking distance from the cemetery, I finally got my longtime wish.

I am not an expert on church designs or structures, but compared to the other churches in Metro Cebu, Pardo Church looked quite old by far. And that is where its charm lies.

It was undergoing renovation or probably repairs when we visited. I have observed that although the interiors of the church were kept to its original design, it was repainted for upkeep. That's good!

Outside the church, progress has changed the look of Pardo. But thankfully, Pardo Church retained its historical look.

Quest Hotel Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 09:55:00 +0000

Kit and I wanted to spend either the Christmas Eve 2014 or New Year's Eve 2015 in a hotel for a change. So I made a reservation with Quest Hotel for December 31, a lucky shot because it was the only one available at the time of booking. Sadly it was not realized... We were not able to make it.

Thankfully, Quest honored our reservations (because it was fully paid in advance), and let us avail of it after the Sinulog season. We went there one February weekend, just when Quest was busy in preparation for the coming Valentine celebration.

Entrance to the Quest Hotel

The Hotel Logo at the entrance

The Hotel Lobby

Going to the elevators

The view from our room

Our room

Went swimming in the early morning

The skyline from the pool

Their restaurant

Buffet Table

Kit forced me to join her in this heart thing...

The hallway - our room in on the right

Quest Hotel is mid-sized and still basically new. It is very clean. Has complete amenities like safety deposit box, TV, hot and cold shower, toiletries. Their staff are warm, courteous, and very hospitable. Their price, for me, is just right. Not too expensive. I would love to come back again...

Quest Hotel And Conference Center - Cebu
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines
t: +63 32 4025999
f: +63 32 4025986
e: CebuInfo@Quest-Hotels.Com

The Year That Was 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 09:20:00 +0000

Compared to 2012 and 2013, the year 2014 was way much better - because I didn't have to contend with the pain of losing some beloved members of the family. Thank God! nobody close to me died that year...

The highlights:

1. A wish came true when Kit and I were able to spend a day in Alegre Beach Resort last March. The place was truly dreamy. It did not disappoint...

2. For the first time in years, I together with my sister got to travel again. And this time we got to travel to Davao. It was my long time wish to see Davao, and it came true when I got invited to visit our Davao office and meet the team for the first time.

3. I got to visit Bohol again. The first time I visited Bohol was with Tita Dorie and the Credit Card team back in the late 1990's, which was centuries ago... My sister and I got to tour the old churches which were destroyed during the 2013 earthquake. We also had a wonderful stay at Amarela Resort.

4. Kit (my sister) got her wish to join a government agency.

5. Before Kit got her wish, we had a lot of food trips around Cebu City. And because of this, I got back into blogging again and went on to become a finalist for Best Cebu Blogs.

Of course, I didn't win, much to my disappointment. Kit teased me that I actually got what I wished for because I originally said "I would be happy just becoming a finalist!". Which became true. I don't think I will try to join again this year. I am happy already as it is. What I really want to do now is to have new directions for my blog...

Anyway, here's to the new year 2015. I wish you will be as eventful as 2014 in a more positive way... And I wish there will be more travel destinations to conquer!

One Sunday at Insular Square North Road Mandaue

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 18:18:00 +0000

Last November 23, after mass we trooped to Insular Square to dig out our very last money from the ATM, and planned to go home and curled up and watch TV. There was no budget for gallivanting. Unknowingly there were small surprises in store for us...

Insular Square is a decent mini-mall which is approximately about 10 minutes from our place. It is already populated but I guess it still needs to flex a lot of muscles to invite more interesting locators. It is in a good location and has a parking area, but for those who don't have cars, it is difficult to get a taxi - a problem if we buy a lot of groceries from Save and More.

Front Facade of Insular Square

The Signages are quite obvious from the road, you won't miss it when you pass by

There are only 2 levels, and this is the second level

View of Ground Level from Second Floor

Parking Area

Our favorite Mooon Cafe

Beauty Parlor and Store for the Doggies

I love this branch of Rose Pharmacy because there are fewer customers and waiting time for orders is not too long...

We decided to have our lunch at Jonies, because we were hungry and in need of a quick bite. Food was okay and a bit cheaper compared to other restos around... which is just great!

Because we were happy that our lunch was affordable and within budget, we ventured around and went upstairs to the second level. There were 2 beauty salons but Franzy offered haircut at 50 Pesos. Really? 100 Pesos for both of us?Hmmm.. even an additional tip is still within budget.

The salon from the outside

Lovely Chandeliers

Franzy is ostentatious in its overwhelming decor. But heck, I'd willingly pay 50 pesos to sit infront of those ornate mirrors and be treated like a queen.

Gilded Mirrors and bright red paint

Kit having her hair cut by a sweet stylist

She got sleepy...hahaha

Our day did not end at Franzy Beauty Salon, we went down and had a back and arm massage for 30 minutes by the Blinds for only 75 pesos each... It's not the Spa of course, but we wanted to give huge support to the Blind Masseurs, in our small way.

Went afterwards to Save and More for some fruits and veggies... and decided to call it a day!

The roads were surprisingly empty... But of course, because Manny Pacquiao's fight will be shown on the TV that day! That's why.

When we got home we were able to catch Manny's fight with Algeri on Ch 7, and surprisingly for me - He won! I was actually expecting him to lose this fight, but Manny can be quite unpredictable.

That Sunday was full of small and happy surprises for us...

Cinema 5 - Ayala Center Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 23:20:00 +0000

I think it has been years since we last watch a movie in a cinema theater. The DVD player and home theater is giving the movie cinemas a very good competition. But passing the Ayala cinemas on some Sundays from the chapel, my sister and I became curious on the new trends and developments that went about while we were not looking...

True enough, there is a new movie theater in Ayala Center, the Cinema 5. Last Sunday, finally we decided to try and watch the Interstellar in the latest and newest theater addition.

Bought tickets in a central station

The queue is carefully being monitored by a guard

Buying tickets is fast and easy

Food is available nearby

Cinema 5 is located in the newly added wing near Fudge Restaurant

That's the entrance to the cinema, another guard on watch

We are going in...

Sorry, we were not able to take photos inside, but let me describe the place... Because it is new, it is very clean. It is carpeted. Seats are designed like stairs so that no head block one's view. The new seats are bigger and comes with a head rest. There is a bigger allowance between seats, so that legs can be comfortably stretched. The airconditioning is very cold. And the sound system is great! Everybody is seated, and I noticed nobody comes in the middle of the show. That's good! We should be encouraged to watch a movie from the beginning. When we went out, there was a long line of people waiting to go inside. That should be the way to go. No pushing, no shoving... Overall my sister and I enjoyed our movie that Sunday afternoon.

Honored and Humbled ... BCBA Awards 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 08:32:00 +0000

When I found out I was chosen as a finalist for the Best Cebu Personal Blog Category for 2014, I couldn't believe it! Hohoho-hoho! Crazy happy feeling ... I felt honored and humbled at the same time.

"The Best Cebu Blogs Awards (BCBA) is a yearly Awarding Ceremony of Cebu-based Bloggers. BCBA is the only and pioneering award giving body that recognizes the existence of blogs and bloggers in Cebu’s blogosphere. It acknowledges the existence and importance of Cebu Bloggers in the Visayas and in the Philippines. BCBA aims to recognize the finest blogs by Cebuanos and Cebu-based bloggers which are at par even with their foreign counterparts."

Last November 18, I received the much anticipated Invitation from BCBA for the Awards Night to be held on December 07, 2014 at Avalon in Cebu Business Park. I couldn't contain my excitement at the prospect of meeting Cebu's finest bloggers and the prime movers in promoting Blogging in Cebu.

This is the 7th Awards night, and it is made possible with the help of the following sponsors:

Best Cebu Blogs Awards Sponsors and Partners


BCBA Official Logo

GOLD SPONSORS

Globe Telecommunications Inc.


The Best Cebu Blogs Awards Night Venue is at The Avalon by Primary Homes Incorporated, Your Reliable Partner.

SILVER SPONSORS


Greenwich Philippines

Krispy Kreme Philippines

DONOR SPONSORS

Starbucks Philippines

Payag Payag located at Talamban, Cebu City (near Family Park)


Island Grill Express available in Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu

Cebu Projectors for Rent

MEDIA PARTNERS

Your trusted Blogging Organization in Cebu

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER:

Alvin Asayas Photography

BLOGGER VOLUNTEERS

Cebu Fitness Blog


FaceCebu.Net

EmpressofDrac.com

Geemiz: Accounting Blog

ChannelImperial.com

The Gum Shoes Blog
One Frozen Mind

Thank you BCBA for giving me a chance to be part of this wonderful event! My Salute to all who gave their valuable support!

As for me, couldn't stop myself from counting the days towards December 07, 2014...

Lemon Grass (Ayala Center Cebu)

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 07:37:00 +0000

Lemon Grass is a personal favorite. It is located in the Ground level of Ayala Terraces, overlooking the gardens. It is a small and cozy restaurant that served Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. My favorites are the noodles and the spring rolls, while my sister finds their pork belly very soft and yummy. Yes, I find their food tasteful, and I wouldn't mind coming again and again.

Cebu IT Park

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 14:07:00 +0000

About 10 to 15 minutes drive from Cebu Business Park sans traffic, along Salinas Drive is Cebu IT Park. It is just a stone throw away from another popular Cebu landmark, the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

For those not very familiar with Cebu IT Park, it is the hub of Cebu's Business Process Outsourcing Industry (BPO) and home to most of the information technology and related services companies. Majority of the new working force in Cebu City find jobs here. Hence it can be said, it is the new and vibrant economic hub of Cebu City.

Let's take a peek inside Cebu IT Park...

Arch at the entrance of Cebu IT Park

TGU Tower near the entrance of IT Park

My sister watching the turtles in the water pond along the sidewalk

A turtle playing in the water pond

People love to sit here when the afternoon is cooler

Sidewalk

Cafes at the sidewalk

Taxis are very accessible at the doorsteps

Nice looking skyrises

Plants integrated in the sidewalk landscape - love it!

New Building undergoing construction

Roads interconnecting inside the IT Park

Some jeepneys are allowed to pass within for convenience in moving from one area to another

The Walk

There are many fast foods and restaurants available to choose from

Pretty landscape and trees that provide shade

Pretty fishes in the cute water pond

A high rise building

Globe has its Building here also

Qualfon Building

I'm sure this area is filled with people in the evenings

Skyrise Building 4

Going further inside IT park, more open spaces

The silhouette of some mountains from where I was standing...

I find Cebu IT Park pretty with its tree-lined avenues and beautiful landscape. It has a good location too in the city. It reminds me so much of Makati when I used to work there, only a smaller version. But I think it is in fact much prettier compared to Makati because Cebu is quite small that one can easily see mountain or sea views from the sky rise buildings. It is a good reminder that we are not in a purely concrete jungle. However the only thing that can mar its advantages is - during rush hours in the late afternoon and early evening, traffic in Salinas Drive and neighboring Banilad is really terrible.

Christmas 2014 Is Really Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:56:00 +0000

It can not be denied anymore. The signs are so obvious! Santa Claus... Colorful Ornaments... Christmas Trees... colorful Christmas lights! It means Christmas is just around the corner! I will always love the colors of Christmas!

Passport Renewal In Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 09:27:00 +0000

After patiently waiting for 2 months from filing, finally my passport has been renewed and released. It has been neglected for quite some time because having a sick mother to care, I didn't find any reason to renew it much more use it

But DFA moved nearby, and when our mother passed away... that's when my sister and I decided to renew our passports again...

At the moment, DFA is housed in Pacific Mall in Mandaue City. Location is convenient for people coming from the north of Cebu, but quite far from people coming from the south. I would probably complained too, if it was reversed and DFA is located in Talisay and I would be traveling all the way from Mandaue. I think the ideal location would be smack in the middle of Cebu City, because it is the center of north and south Cebu.

Facade of Pacific Mall

Pacific Mall from the road

Here below is supposedly the entrance, but you have to take the elevator because the office is in the 4th floor. Actually we would rather pass through the mall to get to the elevator.

It is best to read the guidelines here below. We can actually ask for the application beforehand, but we need to get a ticket number for the actual processing - because DFA is strict in the number of accounts to be processed in a day. So what we did, we lined up very early - around quarter to 6:00 AM, because if 500 tickets or numbers have already been given, we have to come back again the next day. I think in Manila, one can actually choose a schedule for appearance. We did try it via the internet, but we found it is not applicable in Cebu.

After we got our number, we paid the fees. Then we began to line up for the encoding and picture taking (one does not need to submit pictures anymore because it is done in front of the processing officer). But the good news was, we do not need to line up standing because benches were provided. We sat down while waiting. However for a very busy day, there is an expected long period of waiting...

After encoding of name and picture taking, we were advised to come back after 6 to a maximum 7 weeks for the release of the new or renewed passport. When I asked for express processing, they said there is no more express processing. But how come it is still pasted in the schedule of fees? They should have taken it away, so the public will not be misled...

Encoding and Picture Taking Area

Releasing Area

Actually I find the whole process smooth and even fast, even if there is a waiting period. I also realized being located inside a mall is very advantageous, because it is easy to find food when we get hungry. It is also cool inside the mall, and even when there are a lot of people we don't get to suffer much heat.

Cabalen SM City Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:58:00 +0000

Cabalen is nicely located in the SM City Cebu. It is beside one of the entrances of SM City, and very near the parking area. It is quite popular, and almost always full especially during lunch, because it offers Buffet for only 298 Pesos per head excluding drinks. For a Buffet, that's quite very reasonable already, considering the place is nice and in a mall. Food is Filipino, simple and all-time home favorites. Nothing spectacular.

Although the place is already big, I still find there is little breathing space in between tables. But that's okay for me. Small price to pay... although I would prefer to be more comfortable!

SM City Cebu

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:30:00 +0000

A new wing was added to the old SM City Cebu, and it was named North Wing. Here below is the facade of North Wing...

The new wing is more spacious, more elegantly designed, and houses the high end boutiques. The ground lobby acts as an alternate Activity Center, or most often exhibits. Additional fine dining restaurants are also found here.

Beautiful Chandeliers

Christmas Tree 2014

Mango

Forever 21

Duty Free Philippines

This is part of the old wing where most of the restaurants are located (Ground Level).

The photos that follow show, the old wing, which has a simple rectangular design, and very easy to navigate. Most of the fast food restaurants are located here, and most of the stores ...

Taxi Bay Area across the entrance of the North Wing

Road in front of the Entrance of the North Wing

The changing skyline in the North Reclamation Area... a new hotel has been built - Bayfront. Look at the clear blue skies. Just beautiful!

But it would be more beautiful if only SM will add more gardens to the mall.

Tsay Cheng (Grand Convention Center)

noreply@blogger.com (Must Be That Girl) — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 13:31:00 +0000

The Grand Convention Center is one dining destination that is independent and not part of a mall. It houses 3 restaurants namely: Tsay Cheng, Grand Majestic, and Seafood City - thereby giving a wider range of choices to its customers, although they are focused mostly on the Chinese cuisine.

It is indeed grand, as can be seen below. Just recently it has undergone renovations, and when it opened back, came back with 3 restaurants.

It is located along Archbishop Reyes Ave. (Banilad), a 5 minute drive from Ayala Center Cebu. It is easy to find because it has a huge signboard that can be easily seen from the road... here shown below.

After the renovation, they have moved the entrance to the side (shown here below)...

A spacious parking area is provided for their customers... so there is no need to worry where to park. Unless the complex is unusually full.

Entrance

View of the car park from the lobby

Straight from the entrance door is Tsay Cheng

To the left of Tsay Cheng is Seafood City

To the right of Tsay Cheng is Grand Majestic

Tsay Cheng has an elegant interior and nice furnishings. Ambiance is fine dining. If you want to host a dinner or lunch for a group of people, you can choose the tables below. Curtains can be drawn to separate your table from the other tables.

The next 2 photos below show the common area. We found our way here, and observed some of the tables can be arranged for smaller groups, like 2 or 4 persons...

If you want exclusivity, you can choose one of the rooms here below, which has a capacity of about 24 persons. Doors can be closed to provide privacy. However this is available for a set menu with a minimum worth of 8,000 Php.

The food is a bit on the pricey side, as expected for fine dining. But the portions are big, and quite tasteful. I fell for the place that I began dreaming and thinking of hosting a dinner here one of these days...

I investigated the other restaurants to check what they offer, and found that unlike Tsay Cheng which is A la Carte, Grand Majestic offers Buffet. in Seafood City, you get to choose live fresh crabs, prawns, lobsters, fishes, from a huge water tank, and have them cooked. Hmmm... another 2 dining destinations on the list. Will try them one of these days...