Banzai The Great Teppanyaki Theater: Top 10 Must Try Buffet Tips (SM By the Bay)

There are so many buffets in Metro Manila.  So what makes Banzai The Great Teppanyaki Theater worth trying?

Bonus Perks
For non-food perks, Banzai has an art gallery with three-dimensional paintings and costumes.  It also has The Great Teppanyaki Show every Sunday.


Top 10 Must Try

1. Sashimi Specials
Don’t start by stuffing yourself with Maki and go for the sushi instead.  Banzai offers the freshest selections (arranged by cost hierarchy) of Sea Urchin (by request), Salmon, Tuna and Squid.

2.Salad Fever
Banzai has an intensive make your own salad bar and top-notch ready made salad selections which includes: Penne with Dried Fruits Salad, Grilled Squid Salad, Kenya Beans with Tuna, Mixed Soba with Kani and Roasted Sesame Salad, Kilawin Tanigue, Pineapple and Kyuri, Kani Salad and more. The Spicy Salmon and Seaweed Salad are my favorites.  You can also try the Thai Beef with Kyuri Salad and Brocolli with Orange Valley Dressing.

If you don't like the seaweed in salad form, you can have the Miso Soup with seaweed and tofu instead.

3. Cash Out at the Chinese Cold Cuts Station
Get the most out of your cash by devouring over their Roast Duck. Don’t forget to put some plum sauce. Their Roast Duck is really of premium quality!

4. Try the Teppanyaki
There are lots of variety at the Teppanyaki Station: Beef Teppan, Beef Misono, Pork Teppan, Chicken Teppan, Tuna Teppan, Fish Teppan, Salmon Teppan, Ebi Teppan, Oyster Teppan, Yasai Itame and  Noodles.  In addition, there's also Japanese Hamburg and Okonomiyaki.

5. Mix Some Monggolian
A lot of diners tend to miss out on the Monggolian Station.  But, it’s actually good because you get to choose your favorite ingredients (thumbs up that they have liver added there!) and the chef will make it taste really delicious.  You can choose whether sweet or spicy blend.  I like that they use premium sesame oil which delivered great flavor.

6. Suckling Pig and Mains Pigout
I don’t know how Suckling Pig (used to be Wagyu Roast Beef) got into the Japanese genre but it’s worth the pigout.  The Tuna  Belly, Paella and Main Dish Specials are also worth the try.  Mains that were available during our visit were Spicy Pork Ribs, Slow Cooked BBQ Pork, Japanese Curry, Steamed Salmon with Miso Sauce, Wok Fried Eggplant with Bean Curd and Buttered Mix Vegetables.
  

7. Go Happy with Yakitori and Teriyaki
Enjoy some of their saucy and tender Chicken Teriyaki.  And, also pile up some Bacon Wrapped Asparagus to your hearts content.

8. Tempting Tempura and Katsu
Satisfy your tempura cravings from the Tempura amd Katsu Station. Request for a freshly cooked batch of the Ebi Tempura, Chicken Karaage and Pork Katsu and delight yourself upon every crunchy bite.  There are also Tempura Pumpkin, Sweet Potato and Eggplant.

9. Drink and Be Merry
Buffet rates are inclusive of the wide selection of drinks: Blue Lemonade, Red Iced Tea, Milo,Hot Cappuccino,  Hot Latte and Hot Oolong Tea.

10. Don’t Diss the Dessert
Twirl all you can with their Soft Served Ice Cream with two flavors: Vanilla and Green Tea Matcha.  Cool up more with their Shaved Ice, Ice Cream or Halo Halo.  Cake selections such as the Cookies and Cream Tart and Chocolate Chip Cookie are skippable except for the Creme Brulee.  Health-conscious ones can go for their Fresh Fruits, Minatamis na Saging or Ginataan.

Breads and Bread Toaster

Beef, Pork and Chicken Gyoza

Ramen

If you’ve got more tummy space, you can also go for the Breads (with a cool rolling toaster), Gyoza, Ramen, Japanese pizza (Shrimp Enokie Pizza, Chicken Teriyaki Pizza etc.) and Takoyaki.

Pizza

Takoyaki

Hope you find this Travel Tripster Tips useful!  Enjoy! =)

Related Posts:
Banzai The Great Teppanyaki Theater Tour By Tsinoy Foodies
Banzai The Great Teppanyaki Theater by Crumpylicious
 

Banzai The Great Teppanyaki Theater
Address	Bldg J, Seaside Blvd, San Miguel by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Budget Per Person	500-1,300 php	Banzai The Great Teppanyaki  Theater Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 10am-10pm
Reservation Required	No
Contact	(632) 552-7368 | (63917) 706-7328

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Victory Liner : Quick and reliable way to get to Baguio

Whenever I have a spontaneous inclination to go to Baguio for its cool climate, I always choose Victory Liner as my means of transportation.

It has a lot of bus stations to choose from so there's definitely one that will be conveniently located near you.  Moreover, they have an hourly departure schedule.

If you're in a hurry, you can opt for their buses that take the sc-tex with only one bus stop or the deluxe which has a sleeper and a restroom.  The SC-Tex will have an approximate travel time of 5-6 hours.  The deluxe will be have an approximate time of 4-5 hours.

Since budgeting is my style, I normally take the regular ones.  It's travel time is approximately 6-7 hours.  The prolonged hours is usually due to the traffic in EDSA so travel on non-traffic hours if you want a shorter travel time.

I find their bus fare reasonably priced for the comfortable and safe ride that they provide.  In fact, I usually sleep through it.  But, if you're not a sleeper like me, their FREE WiFi will surely entertain you throughout the ride. 

Tip: If you're a student, avail of the student discount

To check out the schedule and rates of Victory Liner trips, visit their website.

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Widus Hotel & Casino: De Luxe Class Hotel (Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga)

During our 3 days and 2 nights stay for the Metro Angeles Food Tour 2014 (#MAFT2014), we chose to stay at Widus Hotel & Casino, Pampanga's first and only  De Luxe Class Hotel  (or 5-Star Hotel).

Widus Tower Suite (fronting the Casino and Parking Area)

The Widus Tower Suite has a drive way.  It is also conveniently just across the Widus Casino and Parking Lot.

Widus Tower Suite Front Area

Widus Tower Suite Lobby

This is the Check-In and Out area for both Widus Tower Suite and Widus Tower Two.

W Coffee and Prism Lounge (ground floor lobby area)

Salt Restaurant

Salt Restaurant offers daily breakfast buffet from 6 am to 10 am.
 

Widus Tower Suite Hallways

Pool Area with Bar (Between Widus Tower Suite and Widus Tower 2)

Thee Pool is 4 feet deep with a shower area, bar and cabanas.  It opens at 7 am and closes at 10 pm.  There's a life guard on duty during those hours.

Pool Slide and Fountain

Widus Tower Two

We stays at the Widus Tower Two which is on the back part.
 

Widus Tower Two Front Desk

Widus Tower Two Lobby

Widus Tower Two Smoking Area

This is a nice refreshing spot for smokers.  The pond has a lot of fishes.

Widus Tower Two  Hall Way

The entire Widus Tower Two including our rooms were carpeted.


Widus Tower Two Executive Double Deluxe Room 

2 Queen Beds with Lamp Desk, Switches, Air conditioning Control and Outlets in  Between, Single Couch and Desk

The rooms are very clean.  The beds are top-quality.  I couldn't help but doze off as soon as I lay down.

Desk with Lamp, Mirror, Phone and Lots of Outlets

We found it very convenient that the desk had 3 AC power plugs.

32" television LCD/plasma screen with Cignal Cable, Mini Bar with Drawer and Mini Ref and Closet with In Room Safe

The 35 sq.m. room is very spacious for two.  The closet is huge.  You can hang loads of dresses there.  It also has an extra pillow. 

Mini Bar Cups and Items

Along with their coffee/tea make are coffee, creamer, sugar and cups found in the drawer.  Other items can be availed of for additional cost.

Bathroom with Toiletries, Phone and a Window View of the Bed Room

The bathroom is remarkably squeaky clean.  It was so cool that there is a phone at the Bathroom.   Couples can also be pleased by the window view.  They also have a hair dryer, two glasses, two toothbrush sets, one show cap, three soap bars, one shampoo, condition and lotion set, two face towels,floor mat and two bathing towels available.  Our only concern is that there was no bidet and exhaust system installed.

Hot/Cold Water Shower

Balcony (1st floor back view)

Some rooms have Balconies with a better view than ours.

Overall, Travel Tripsters recommend staying at Widus Hotel.  The rooms are very clean.  The 24-hour room service is superb!  We had an excellent stay. 
 

Widus Hotel & Casino
Hotel Address	5400 Mac Arthur Highway, Clark Freeport Zone,  Pampanga City, Philippines
Contact	(6345) 499-1000 (632) 840-1430	Reservation Required	No (Encouraged)
Payment Options	Cash	Public Transport	None
Room Types	Room Amenities		Price
Widus Tower Suite: Deluxe Rooms	good for 2 persons 29.5 sq.m. room 1 Queen or 2 Twin Beds air conditioning  balcony/terrace mini bar coffee/tea maker  mini ref. desk 29" television LCD/plasma screen in room safe separate  hot/cold water / bathtub / shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		11,000 php
Widus Tower Suite: Junior Suite	good for 2 persons 43.5 sq.m. room 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed air conditioning  balcony/terrace mini bar kitchenette coffee/tea maker  microwave oven mini ref. desk 32" television LCD/plasma screen in room safe separate  hot/cold water / bathtub / shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		14,000 php
Widus Tower Suite: Family Junior Suite	good for 3 persons 43.5 sq.m. room 1 King, 1 Single Bed and 1 Sofa Bed air conditioning  balcony/terrace telephone mini bar kitchenette coffee/tea maker  microwave oven mini ref. desk 32" television LCD/plasma screen in room safe separate  hot/cold water / bathtub / shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		17,020 php
Widus Tower Suite: One Bed Suite	good for 2 persons 57.5 sq.m. room 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed air conditioning  balcony/terrace living room mini bar kitchenette coffee/tea maker  microwave oven mini ref. desk 29" television LCD/plasma screen and 32" television LCD/plasma screen DVD Player in room safe separate  hot/cold water / bathtub / shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		20,470 php
Widus Tower Suite: Presidential Suite	good for 2 persons 85.5 sq.m. room 1 King and 1 Sofa Bed air conditioning  balcony/terrace living room  mini bar dining area kitchenette coffee/tea maker  microwave oven mini ref. desk 50" television LCD/plasma screen DVD Player in room safe separate  hot/cold water / bathtub / shower jacuzzi hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		N/A
Widus Tower Two: Executive Suite	good for 2 persons 58 sq.m. room 1 King / 1 Queen and 1 Double Bed air conditioning  balcony/terrace living room coffee/tea maker  mini ref. desk 29" television LCD/plasma screen and 32" television LCD/plasma screen in room safe separate  hot/cold water shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		N/A
Widus Tower Two: Executive Deluxe Queen Room	good for 2 persons 33 sq.m. room 1 Queen Bed air conditioning  balcony/terrace mini bar coffee/tea maker mini ref. desk 32" television LCD/plasma screen in room safe separate  hot/cold water shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		N/A
Widus Tower Two: Executive Double Deluxe Room	good for 2 persons 35 sq.m. room 2 Queen Beds air conditioning  balcony/terrace coffee/tea maker mini bar mini ref. single couch desk 32" television LCD/plasma screen in room safe separate  hot/cold water shower hair dryer 24 hrs. cable TV (Cignal) Free WiFi access breakfast Buffet for 2		N/A
General Amenities	Lounge Smoking Area Pool Gym Casino	Parking	Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating		Widus Hotel & Casino Map
Location	★★★★
Room Comfort	★★★★★
Cleanliness	★★★★★
Service	★★★★★
Price	★★★

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Magaul Bird Park at J.E.S.T Camp: Aerial Amazement with Winged Wonders Bird Show and More in Subic

A few weeks ago, I visited J.E.S.T Camp with my friends Roch and Justin.  After more more than a decade, I'm quite surprised with the development of the Subic Area.  The last time I went there was with the family in a hiking adventure with Aetas to Boton Falls so I guess that was really ancient.  I'm ecstatic to see what's in store for us J.E.S.T Camp.

J.E.S.T Camp is an adventure park that offers activities like the Aerial Adventure (Tree Top Obstacle Course), Goliath Swing (Swing Over A Cliff), Wildlife Walk About (Jungle Trek) and Wall Climbing and Rapelling.   There's also the Jungle Surivival Demo show every 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30pm and 4:00pm.   J.E.S.T Camp also offers team building packages just inquire.

The newest attraction at J.E.S.T Camp is the Magaul Bird Park.  It is also paired with the Macaw Market where you can buy dolls and shirts for souvenirs.  And, a Bird Shop where you can buy birds.  It also has the Winged Wonders Bird Show.

So here's thee map of the Magaul Bird Park. 

Here are all the park activities, shows and schedules and their rates.

Magaul Bird Park (Day Tour 200 php)

Blue and Gold Macaw

They have a vast variety of birds.  I saw coloful macaw (Blue and Gold Macaw, Green Winged Macaw and Scarlet Macaw), lories (Red and Blue Lory, Violet-Necked Lory, Black-Capped Lory and Chattering Lory) and lorikeets (Rainbow Lorikeet).  There were also toucans (White-Throated Tucans) and hornbillls (Palawan Hornbill, Rufous Hornbill, Luzon Hornbill and Mindanao Writhed Hornbill).

There are also pigeons (Pouter Pigeon, Fantail Pigeon, Rock Pigeon), Eagles (Honey Buzzard Eagle, Philippine Hawk Eagle), Brahminy Kite and Philippine Eagle owls.

Peahen (Pavo Cristatus)

In the Flightless Section, there' the Peahen, Pheasants (Silver Pheasant, Golden Pheasant and Common Pheasant), Ostrich...

and the Hen.  Magual Bird Park has adequate signs so you always know where you're going and there's lot of informational boards to educate you about the origin, habitat, diet, rarity level and even fun facts about the birds.

Bird Sanctuary

My favorite part is the Bird Sanctuary which had a set up like a natural paradise and birds are flying freely.  You can go close to them and even feed them.


Cuckoo Chitchat

In the Cuckoo Chitchat, you can talk, feed and take photos (50 php) with your choice of birds.   Just take note of the feeding time schedule:

• Parrot 10:30am and 2:30pm
• Bird of Prey 4:00pm 
• Hornbill 11:00am and 3:00pm

Butterfly Sanctuary and Insectarium

There's also the butterfly sanctuary where you can see and touch butterflies and the insectarium where you can learn a lot about insects and more.

Bird Discovery

The bird discovery is an air-conditioned interactive learning hall.  Through lots of their activities, you can learn more about birds.

Winged Wonders Bird Show (250 php)

Every 11:00 am and 3:00pm, they have the Winged Wonders Bird Show at the Amphitheater.  For the opening of the Winged Wonders Bird Show, the General Manager Ms. Katrina Kay Lacap welcomed us and Subic Bay Chairman Roberto V. Garcia gave his congratulatory speech.  In case you're wondering, the park is named after Magaul, the bird in the Filipino creation myth who pecked the bamboo where Malakas and Maganda came from.

The bird show was really an aerial amazement!  Birds where flying across the audience towards the guides back and forth.

Aside from just a display of bird flight skills, we were also being educated about the birds.

I've also been amazed with how Eagles flapped their wings...

There was a fun relay of birds as the audience cheered for their chosen participant.  The birds were couched by Mr. Jordan Bustamante, the Operation Manager of Magaul and the other staff for the Blue and Gold Macaw.

Audience are being called to participate too.

I couldn't help but smile with gladness during the show finale.  There were over hundreds of birds on or above the stage.  There flightless ran while the other birds flew over the skies and some lands on the stage grounds.

The show is approximately 20-30 minutes.  At the end of the show, you can also take a photo of the birds up close.

Aerial Adventure (200 php)

In the Aerial Adventure, you will walk along monkey vines, crawl through barrels and cross rope bridges.  Kids can also play at the Spider Web.

Goliath Swing (200 php)

My Friend Justin Having Fun at the Goliath Swing

My favorite is probably the Goliath Swing.  You will be taken up really high so then release so you can swing offer the cliff in a fast velocity.

Magaul Maze Quest

Magaul Maze Quest

The Magaul Maze Quest is a giant maze where you have to find the 5 stations where Magaul is.

Low Elements

Before leaving J.E.S.T Camp, make sure you stop by the Low Elements and take a breath with this stunning view of Subic Bay Port.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters suggest J.E.S.T Camp and Magaul Bird Park as an addition to your Subic itinerary!

J.E.S.T Camp
Address	JEST Camp, Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Olongapo, Philippines
Budget Per Person	250 php to 1,000 php	J.E.S.T Camp Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (except for the December 24 and 31) 8:30 am- 5 pm
Reservation Required	No (Encouraged)
Contact	(6347) 252-1489 |  (632) 218-9023 (manila) |   (63917) 904-8777

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