Freshly cooked, surf and turf barbecue cravings satisfied!
Journeyed down south for a little dinner with creator friends as we experienced "BARBECUE NIGHT" in Wyndham Garden Manila Bay. I've never been here, and the place is pretty new as they opened last January as part of the Wyndham chain of properties. It's got a noticeable bridge that sits across Nobu COD, and you wouldn't miss it because the name of the hotel is also displayed across it (Roxas Boulevard). If you're a healthy chap, you can go down on the right side and just climb up, else, just take the next u-turn in Seaside Drive if you're coming from Manila.
After alighting my carriage (ha?), we just asked the concierge located at the lobby about the Barbecue Night, they just mentioned it's at the second floor so we took the elevator on the right side and turned left at the pool area. That's where their main dining area is called Garden by the Bay. A stones throw away is their poolside bar called Al Fresco which serves drinks, cocktails and mocktails. We went there for the barbecue and true enough, we could already smell what's cooking!
Seafood, chicken, tuna, salmon and pork skewers were available to consume! Just put it in a plate and hand it over to the good looking chef and wait for it to cook.
Here's a short tour of the food and the place, please enjoy!
I'd gladly suggest you do take advantage of the meat, the pasta, salads and desserts. They've got a pretty mean Crunchy Pork, but I'd suggest you to indulge in the grill area where everything gets prepared ala minute.
According to Chef Andrew Ko who heads the hotel's F&B, this Barbecue Night is open for all, not just those that stay in the hotel. This is done every Fridays and Saturdays, and only costs Php 1288++. Please reserve in advanced (call +63 939 921 1771) so you don't run out of space since it gets packed at times. Service is good, the food is also great. What more can you ask for?
Two entities, one known for Publishing, Travel, Government and Business while the other delves into Lifestyle, Brands, Entertainment and everything Online. Orange Magazine PH is taking a leap into having their work published in well known LAKBAY Magazine (and vice versa).
Orange Magazine PH and I go way back, not that I've worked there because this site is older. They're currently celebrating their 17th year and wanted publishing to happen. It's tangible, the stories are forever, not seasonal or plain trendy. Here's some of the things we talked about during the signing ceremony at the SAVEA Bay City Manila Hotel in Paranaque City.
There wasn't much convincing involved, just good old recognition that they could benefit from this partnership. Lakbay Magazine has been distributed in various corporate settings, airports, local and international spots. Orange Magazine PH's online presence is huge, always in the hottest events and brand launches, including celebrities that mirrors what's happening in the country. These folks obviously know what they're doing, and with each others expertise they could help each other grow. While these may be a phase, they're quite eager to put their content on print and online, something Jeman Villanueva (who owns Orange Magazine PH) always dreamed of. This is a very promising start, and Lakbay Magazine will take charge on Travel content while Team Orange will concentrate on Lifestyle, like a working marriage.
Honestly, I'm super happy for them. They get to help each other reach more people.
Some of their supporters like Tai Chi (a cool stick and liniment brand) gave folks massages and loot bags with Guyasteen Coffee and Kuchi Kuchi Cooling Powder in them, and SAVEA Bay City (who's pretty new) actually helped them with the event and made things happen. I can't wait to see the actual printed magazine be done in a few moons. They're also testing the waters so if you're keen to support them, this is the right time to actually do it. Message Lakbay Magazine if you want copies as they do give these away for FREE. If you're interested to be part of it, contact them there as well.
I'd like to take this bit to congratulate both LAKBAY Magazine and Orange Magazine PH for the wonderful work they're about to embark on. Thanks for including us on your special day!
Quezon City is my hood. I've known the people and history here because of our familiarity with the families who live here. For us, Tomas Morato wasn't just a name for a street, but the first Mayor of Quezon City 1939 to 1942. He was a loyal friend to President Manuel L. Quezon, and we heard he never divulged his location to the Japanese back in the day. Today, his family lives in a compound in the middle of Tomas Morato. The property is huge and they now dedicated a part of it for The Tribute Tower, a mixed use building that houses THE TRIBUTE HOTEL, the DON TOMAS restaurant and condominium units meant for the Morato family.
To tell you honestly, I haven't heard of The Tribute Hotel prior to this visit. This was built and delayed during the pandemic (understandable). But just hearing there is one made me so excited because there are little to no hotels here despite the popularity of the area. The actual building sits almost at the corner of Scout Gandia and Tomas Morato Avenue (99 Scout Gandia Street Quezon City). It's pretty huge, so you wouldn't miss it.
I wanted to stay here merely for a "Staycation", I wanted rest and refuge as it's been a while since I got sleep. Checking in was a breeze, the lobby was enough to fit people before going to the room and they served a welcome drink. There were no lines, so when they handed me my key I went up and connected to WIFI because I still had work LOL.
We also got to talk to the GM Christian Guballa who also is part of the Approche Hospitality Management Corporation who manages The Tribute Hotel and several other Sta. Lucia Realty properties.
After a good nap, we headed on to have dinner at the hotel's very own restaurant called "DON TOMAS". It was also a Friday which means they've got an acoustic band to play for patrons who choose to have dinner and a few bottles at this place. Food is good as they've got international dishes served at this place named after the Mayor. Thanks to Chef Erwin Rarugal who made arrangements for us to dine with sampler dishes since we couldn't make our mind choosing what's good for dinner. Take a look at this!
Here's our short interview with Chef Erwin Rarugal. He also does the food in other properties of Sta. Lucia Realty, experience is good.
There are 2 Room Types in The Tribute Hotel, but you can always merge rooms for groups.
They have conference rooms that could fit over a 100 folks, and stay here too.
What's good is that they have an INDOOR POOL which you can enjoy even on rainy days! Plus a gym in front if you need it.
Plus a really good view of the neighborhood and nearby attractions in Tomas Morato!
If you like what you see, go head on and take refuge at THE TRIBUTE HOTEL. They can be contacted via their social pages (facebook.com/thetributehotel) or their website thetributehotel.ph. This property is managed and operated by the Approche Hospitality group. They currently have good rates and I'm going back soon!