Festive Filipino ways at Mabuhay
MANILA, Philippines - Mabuhay Manor is not just a balikbayan hotel by heart but also by stomach. See, balikbayans have missed the Philippines so much that they would want to experience Filipino life again in their own country, by way of festive Filipino dishes.
With this in mind, Mabuhay Manor has put together a palate-pleasing buffet breakfast that balikbayans (who missed classic Pinoy favorites), foreigners (who want to taste local cuisine), and locals (who find comfort in familiar dishes) will surely love. “This is a great way for the hotel to let them taste our versions of Filipino favorites,” says GM Dennis Sebastian.
The specialty Pinoy favorites of the hotel’s a la carte menu are warmly reminiscent of the town fiesta familiar to Filipinos everywhere. Sebastian takes pride in the fact that they have the complete lineup, from appetizers to desserts, done the traditional Filipino way.
“We know that Filipinos who lived abroad for a long time are craving for all things Pinoy. In fact, the ingredients for our do-it-yourself halo-halo are made from scratch. They are not of the store-bought bottled variety. We make them ourselves. We have been receiving nothing but positive feedback,” he says.
Sebastian tell us that their other outlet, Sutukil, Cebuano in origin, is an entertaining interactive eating experience, where guests can choose fresh seafood and meat and poultry items on display, then cook it the way they want it right before their eyes.
The hotel’s do-it-yourself halo-halo buffet has received positive feedback from guests. Mabuhay Manor’s summer offerings have also been enjoying quite a buzz in the tourism scene. Sebastian shares that the hotel made a tie-up with entertainment centers Star City and Ocean Park in Manila.
“We have a P8,888 package that’s good for a family (two adults and two kids) and it includes a three-day, two-night stay, shuttle to and from Star City and Ocean Park, buffet breakfast and family-style dinner.
Sebastian notes that the hotel’s popularity extends far beyond the corners of this country. He happily relates that, due to good word of mouth, they get foreign visitors from as far as Europe.
“One time, we were surprised when Belgians turned up at our check-in counter. They told us they found out about us because of their Filipino neighbors who only had nice words to say about Mabuhay Manor,” he says.
What continues to attract guests, particularly the balikbayans, is Mabuhay Manor’s effort in bringing back old-time, back-to-basics Pinoy hospitality and old-world charm.
“When they came here, they can expect to chat with our staff,” he says. “We know balikbayans want to have someone to talk to, and so we have time to accommodate that particular need. We make it a point to ask it ourselves: what do you do when you have visitors at home?” Even at the lobby and its F&B outlet Sala, guests can expect Filipino delicacies and lunch items. The fiesta theme also extends here.
“We have those classic Pinoy komiks in the lobby,” Sebastian says. “Pinoys miss those days when they could sit back and read komiks. Our in-house balut vendor still goes around the premises, as well as a shoe-shine guy who will polish your shoes for free!”
So for balikbayans wanting to relive the way of life that grew up on, Mabuhay Manor has the goods — whether it is just for rest or for purely gastronomic reasons. This is already a fiesta in anybody’s book.
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The Mabuhay Manor is located at 2933 F.B. Harrison corner Ortigas Sts., Pasay City. For more information, call +(632) 519-7893 to 98 or log on to www.mabuhaymanor.com.ph.
