Graduation Treat at Buffet 101

You can also read first My Centennial Paulinian Graduation

After the ceremony in school, we headed at Buffet 101 located at San Miguel by the Bay, Mall of Asia. It's near Microtel. Buffet 101 is an eat and drink-all-you-can buffet. I was really excited to try the foods at Buffet 101 since I read several good reviews on the place. 

Upon entering the place, I was greeted by the lavish interiors, posh ambiance and spacious dining are making the entire restaurant sophisticated and hotel-like. I must say that interiors pa lang worth na yung price ng food, what more pa kaya when I started tasting their wide food selections.

Finally, I'm at Buffet 101

Our bebe Karl with my medal. :) Aba, jan pwede magsimula ang lahat. :)

What a great reward! :)

I did my usual routine kapag kumakain sa buffet, libutin muna lahat at take some photos. Makita ko pa lang yung mga foods parang nabusog na ako. Haha! They had several selections from Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, American, Korean, Thai at iba pa na hindi ko na ma-recognize. They had everything from meat to seafoods to soup to salads to breads to sweets to drinks. Halos lahat meron na. :)

I wasn't able to take photos of everything since I got too excited and overwhelmed with what I saw. Hehe! Anyhow, enjoy my some of my shots. :)

FOOD PORN: 

Crispy Garlic Crab

Tuna and Salmon Sashimi

I forgot the name of this dish

Maki and Sushi Section

Another shot of the Maki and Sushi Section

The buffet area

Salad Section

Cold Seafoods

Dessert Section

Candy Station

Seafoods for grilling

As my usual start for every buffet I went to, I had tempura and several sushi and maki. I must say na ang sarap ng tempura. Umpisa pa lang ng pagkain ko, winner na agad. The sushi and maki also tasted great. Kaya sa round 2 ko, I tried again the other sushi and maki na hindi ko na-try sa round one. I also took several pieces of Salmon Sashimi and Tuna Sashimi dahil super favorite ko yun. Sa lahat ng buffet na nakainan ko na merong mga sashimi, sa Buffet 101 yung pinakamakapal at malaki yung cut. Fresh din siya kaya nag-enjoy talaga ako. :)

After trying my favorite Japanese foods, I tried the grilled and meat dishes. I asked the chefs to grill some lamb chops and angus beef. It is important pala to know your table number when you asked the chef to cook your food request since they will deliver it at your table. It was my first time to taste those to grilled foods at nagustuhan ko yung pagkakaluto. I also tried the crispy crab na crispy talaga kaya I was able to eat it's soft shells.

We enjoyed the grilling station kaya seafoods naman pina-grill namin. We asked them to grill some squid, fishe (I forgot the name), yung parang mini-lobster and yung scallops. My favorite was the scallops since it tasted heavenly. Ang sarap talaga!

Round 1

Part of the eat-all-you-can buffet was their drink-all-you-can section. I asked for several servings of watermelon shake. It was definitely refreshing and it did not easily made me feel bloated, or sadyang gutom lang talaga ata ako. Haha! :))

After all the heavy entrees I ate, it was now dessert time. I went first to my favorite, which was the Blueberry Cheesecake. It also tasted good. Kung hindi lang ako super bloated, nag-round 2 pa ako nun. Among all the desserts, yung blueberry cheesecake ang blockbuster at madali maubos. I had to wait for a few minutes to get a serving of it. I also liked the Chocolate Volcano ata yun. Basta yung chocolate cake with chocolate filling sa loob. It was too sweet for me but nevertheless, I enjoyed it. Minsan lang naman ako kumain ng super matamis eh.

Since matagal nga mag-replenish ng Blueberry Cheesecake, I got a marshmallow filled with Chocolate from the chocolate fondue. I sprinkles some candies. I also had some gummy bears and gummy burgers, my favorites. This desserts reminded me of childhood. :)

Blueberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Volcano

Remembering my childhood. :)

The pros:

• Sophisticated interiors, posh ambiance and spacious dining area
• Great tasting foods
• Wide selection of foods and drinks
• Friendly staff and fast-delivery of grilled foods

The cons:

• Slow replenishment of foods
• Not-so-good plating kaya hindi ko napansin yung ibang food

Overall, my family enjoyed our dining experience at Buffet 101. Sulit ang price. We will definitely go back here. I will also try Vikings and Sambokojin in the near future. :)

My super satisfied family

Price:

Weekday Lunch- Php 660

Weekday Dinner- Php 860

Weekend and Holiday Rate- Php 999

Kids rate- Php 499

No Service Charge

My Centennial Paulinian Graduation

A day before Graduation, I went to school to meet Atty. Dela Vega, one of my best mentors. I was part of the irregulars who opted for tutorial class during our Introduction to Broadcasting class. We were only 5 in the group. That' the reason why our bond was different. Kilalang-kilala na kami ni Atty, from our strengths down to our kakulitan. :)  

We had lunch and some pep talks with her. Sobrang na-miss ko ang bonding with her. Na-miss ko yung mga advice nya na sobrang helpful talaga. Kahit saglit lang yung kwentuhan namin that time, I must say na very fruitful siya. I was so touched din when she gave us a personalized cupcake with our names on it. Sweet! :)

See my name on it? Thank you Atty! :)

After lunch, I was scheduled to meet Ms. Marge for our speech rehearsal with her. I was practicing my speech along the peaceful 4th floor corridor facing the chapel. I had the great view of the entire school and I can't help but get sentimental. I have been in St. Paul University Manila for 3 years. It was my home and my Alma Mater. I had several great experiences,met several people and learned several things. I will definitely miss St. Paul. 

The Chapel of the Crucified Christ

When I reached home, I continued my sentimental mood and I took photos of my graduation invitation and my graduation picture. Minsan lang naman kaya go na! :))

Graduation Invitation

Graduation Picture

On the day of my graduation, I was not in my best mood due to some unfortunate things that happened early morning. But to see my proud parents, classmates, friends and mentors were enough to bring back my good mood.

Picture with papa. Infairness, mahusay kumuha ng picture si mama. :)

My Advertising friends. AB Mass Communication major in Communication minor in Advertising kaya ako. Hehehe! :))

The march was one of my favorite parts of graduation. Aba, I lead the entire graduating batch. Ganun pala pag graduation. The top 1 of the graduating batch will lead the March. Astig! Ang sarap pakinggan nung sinabi ng emcee, "The Centennial Undergraduates of 2012 to be lead by Isip, Roscel Morante, candidate of the degree Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication major in Communication, Magna Cum Laude." Sana tama yung pag-quote ko. Basta, unexplainable happiness ang nararamdaman ko that time. :)

Picture muna before the march.

The stage of Fleur-de-lis Auditorium

We went to the usual parts of any program like the entrance of colors, national anthem, invocation and welcome remarks. After that we were presented by Ms. Velarde, the University Registrar and nagsalita din si Sr. Lilia Tolentino, the University President.

After that, another winner moment again for me. It was the awarding of Academic Awards. After calling the academic awardees for the graduate school, kami naman. And yes, I was awarded as Magna Cum Laude. Yahhhhoooo!!! :) My happy parents went with me on-stage. Infairness, nakakawala pala sa sarili pag totoong awarding na. 

I can't explain how happy I was that time. Receiving that recognition was beyond my expectations kasi naman transferee ako. And I went through several disappointments and frustrations bago ko ma-redeem yung sarili ko. Ang galing talaga ni God! Yun talaga...

My winner moment. :)

Si mama ang nagsabit ng unkabogable na medal. :)

After the academic awards, bigayan na ng diploma. I got another award which was a Certificate of Recognition for Cultural Awards in Arts. Funny moment nung kinuha ko yung diploma ko, nakalimutan ko mag-bow sa gitna. Hahaha! I told you, nakakawala sa sarili yung academic award eh. :))

Hello diploma! :) Graduate na talaga ako. :)

After giving all the diplomas, my final winner moment came. It was I who delivered the Address of Thanks at syempre, eto talaga ang moment ko na alam kong pakikinggan ako ng lahat ng nasa auditorium. Bongga!

I seldom encounter stage fright kaya confident ako na magsalita in front of people. This moment was never new to me actually kasi I also gave my Address of Thanks during my Preparatory and Elementary Graduation. Ako na ang geek kunwari! Haha! BUT THIS MOMENT WAS ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. I was scared to get too emotional. Ibang klase kasi yung pinagdaan ko to get this award. From no one, I rose to become some one. From loser, I became a winner. 

I shared my college experience during my speech. I let them see who I really was, a normal college student who enjoyed the fun of college life. I let them understand that everyone can be successful kung ibibigay mo yung best mo. Hindi lang puro talino dapat, proper attitude at faith kay God din ang kailangan for success. :)

There were several instances during my speech that I was about to cry pero buti na lang at napigilan ko. Baka kasi hindi maintindihan ng listeners yung pinagsasabi ko. Sayang naman. 

My final winner moment. :)

The ceremony ended at syempre, picture taking na. I had photos with my chairperson, my classmates, my friends and syempre my family. :)

With Ms. Lalaine Vitug-Mallari, my program chairperson

My ABMC Family. I will definitely miss them. :)

That's me. :)

With my very supportive parents. :) too bad di nakasama buong family ko. 2 lang daw pwede isama eh. :(

With my friends. Ma-mimiss ko lalo sila. :)

With my super love na ate lady guard and kuya guard. Sayang at hindi kumpleto mga tropa kong guards...

I finally reap what I sow... :)

Up next: My Graduation Treat at Buffet 101

Bohol Adventure: Day 3 and Flight Back to Manila

Read First: Bohol Adventure: My first airplane ride
                 Bohol Adventure: Day 1
                 Bohol Adventure: Sunrise (Day2)
                 Bohol Adventure: Bohol Bee Farm and Blood Compact Site
                 Bohol Adventure: Baclayon Church and XZOOTIC Animal Park
                 Bohol Adventure: Loboc River Cruise and Tarsier Conservation Area
                 Bohol Adventure: Man-Made Forest, Chocolate Hills and Day 2 at Alona Beach


It was our third and last day at Bohol. I woke up at 5am in order to see the numerous stars at sky. I was never disappointed and was truly amazed of the vast sky covered with stars. I savor every moment of it since I will never see it in Manila.

While waiting for the sunrise, we, again, strolled along Alona Beach and enjoyed the fresh morning breeze.

Kuya Ren, on the other hand, took and early deep at the beach and was able to catch several sea creatures near the shoreline. He was able to catch a starfish, a sea urchin and a small octopus while I was able to see a sea snail. It proved how shallow and clear the water at the beach was.

Kuya Ren's early catch

Happiness ang nakahuli. :)

The sea snail na nakita namin

The tiny octopus daw

After enjoying the beauty of the beach in the morning, we had our delicious breakfast. I had Pancake breakfast and I must say that I was very satisfied with my breakfast. It tasted good.

Rendcel's breakfast

My heavy breakfast. Yummy! :)

Before we left Lost Horizon Beach Resort, I took some photos of its amenities. Let me commend their great service, clean and spacious rooms, delicious foods, relaxing swimming pool and Jacuzzi and very friendly staff  at an affordable prize. The resort definitely add up to the reasons why my Bohol trip was fun and memorable. I definitely recommend the place to travelers and tourists that would visit the beach. We would definitely stay here again on our next trip to Bohol.

The way to our rooms

Walkway going to the beach

Rooms facing the pool and the beach

 We had our prayer for our safe trip back to Manila before heading to the airport. I also took my final photos with the beach since I would definitely miss it. I walked barefooted along the sands to savor the place since I would wait for almost two years to see it again.

Ang mga bakasyonista

My super duper love ko na family :)

We checked in at Tagbilaran Airport 1 hour before our scheduled flight. After checking in, we waited at the boarding area. It has 2 floors but most of the people stayed on the ground floor making the area congested. In order to kill the guests boredom, some blind singers and musicians entertained the place. Souvenir shops were also present for last minute shopping however, the items were pricier than the souvenir shops we went the other day.

Airphil Express counter at Tagbilaran Airport

We finally boarded the Airphil Express bound to Manila at around 11am, waited for almost 20 minutes before the plane took off. Our flight was almost full of passengers. Since I was seating at the window area, I was able to see again the aerial view of the country. The most fun part was to see my next destination, Boracay. Yehey! :) I promise myself that we should visit the island very soon.

 And I'm leaving on a jetplane. Don't know when I'll be back again... :(

You are my next project... Wait for me BORACAY!!! :)

After more than an hour, buildings and several houses became evident in my sight. Finally, we were back in Manila. Hello pollution and hello stress. Haha! We finally touched down at NAIA Terminal 3, left the plane and boarded the shuttle provided by Airphil Express that would bring us to the arrival area.

 Hello Manila!!!

Nevertheless, my trip to Bohol was a great way to relax, have fun and enjoy the beauty of the Philippines. Bohol was definitely a great vacation destination. Till we meet again Bohol...