Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant Cagayan de Oro: Celebrating Their 17th Year Anniversary with an All-Out Buffet

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are.

~Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

 Last year 2015, I was able to get a free Banana Fanna from Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant after subscribing to their recently launched and official website Bigby's Cafe. It is a fried sugar coated banana (saba) that was sliced like a fan drizzled with syrup and topped with vanilla ice cream. It tasted like heaven partnered with their Strawberry-Mango Shake. And that was also my first time to enter their restaurant in Centrio Ayala Mall. I did take my time there, enjoying the dessert all by myself. Hoping that I'll be able to get another taste of that Banana Fanna one of these days. *fingers-crossed :D

And just last Last December 8, 2015, they celebrated their 17th year anniversary. In line with their celebration, they offered a buffet for all of its loyal and first-time customers. And that time, I, along with my other 2 friends went for the buffet.

I took the opportunity to take pictures of the interior that was adorned with pieces that will take you to the other parts of the world.

No doubt many Kagay-anons and even celebrities and foreigners drop by and spend quality time at Bigby's to enjoy their great food.

In the above picture is the spot that can be seen at the far left of the restaurant. It is my favorite spot where I got to enjoy their Banana Fanna for the first time. (This specific dessert really left an impression to me. :D)

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Photo Source: Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant FB page

Anyways, going back to the buffet day, not long before more guests arrived who were also thrilled about Bigby's buffet, my friends and I did take our food by turns so as not to leave our table unattended. The above pictures were some of the menu displayed for the buffet, and I just grabbed those pictures from Bigby's Facebook page since I felt shy taking pictures on that day (other guests might get annoyed if I pursued taking pictures that time LOL. And here's what consisted my plate. :D

And since I'm not a regular customer of Bigby's, I am not familiar with the dishes they served during the buffet. But looking at the portions, there you can see slices of calamares, carbonara, lechon manok, fried chicken... and others. LOL

That was my first plate but I took another round, and more of fruits and desserts. Man, that was the most satisfying dinner I had in my life.

I also got to share some quality chitchats with my 2 friends that time. Seemed they also enjoyed the food as well as the ambiance. I couldn't agree more to them.

The next time, I would like to try their Titanic Ice Cream since it's already summer time. I'm also intrigued with their Rack-a-Bye Baby Back Ribs since theirs are the most talked about. And to that Banana Fanna, I'm eyeing on you. :D

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Donatello's Kitchen Cagayan de Oro: Affordable French and Italian Dishes Yet Taste Near Authentic

"Not only are pasta dishes delicious, but they are also great, easy options for a quick dinner during a busy weekday."              ~Marcus Samuelsson

 I'm not really fond with cuisines that are unusual to me. I'm used to traditional Filipino foods, fastfood products and street foods, but not with international cuisines. I like some but not really a big fan. It's just that, I'm not confident to eat them because I may end up not liking them and that my money will go to waste. But trying different cuisines has been on my to-do list to make my life not so boring. Risky but I think the experiences are worth it. No matter how good or bad they can be. 

Just like the Chicken Alfredo Pasta that my friend and I had in a restaurant in Ayala Centrio Mall. I didn't like the taste. It's too oily for me so I handed my plate to my friend. He liked it while I gulped the beverage I ordered with it instead. It saved me from the too-oily taste. Ick. But that was way months ago. It didn't halt me from trying new tempting dishes.

Image Source: Elton Ladd Batinga's Facebook

Located at Divisoria Arcade, R.N. Abejuela Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Donatello's Kitchen offers French and Italian dishes in a platter.

So basically, what a platter will contain are a piece of Grilled Chicken on one of their 6 sauces (depends on what you prefer) and your chosen 2 of their 8 side dishes (depends on what combination you can think that is best).

Alfredo, Marinara, Pesto, Gravy and Chili paste are their 6 sauces. Their side dishes are plain rice, Java rice, Mac N' Cheese, mashed potato, Alfredo Linguine, Marinara Linguine, Pesto Linguine and young corn and mushrooms. They also have refreshments to choose from which are lemonade, mint iced tea and calamansi juice.

The first time that I visited Donatello's Kitchen's stall in Divisoria Arcade (beside Dunkin Donuts) was when I was with my friends (work-related friends in which we had an interview with the owner and was an honor for me to join them). And honestly, I wasn't unsure about their menu. I don't recognize them, except the refreshments. LOL :D

When we were asked what platter to have, I instantly looked at their menu and tried to figure out what combination that works well. I ended up choosing the marinara sauce for the grilled chicken, Mac N' Cheese and Pesto Linguine. That was weird right? Even the owner asked me if I'm being sure of having those combination. I just nodded. I wouldn't know if I will not try it.

Grilled Chicken on Marinara Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Pesto Linguine

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Here are the other platters created by my friends. Our orders are a bit different to each other for we decided to try all of what they have in their menu. *wink

Grilled Chicken on Gravy Sauce with Java Rice

Grilled Chicken on Pesto Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Mashed Potato

Grilled Chicken on Chili Paste with Alfredo Linguine

Grilled Chicken on Marinara Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Young Corn and Mushrooms

Mint Iced Tea

Lemonade

Honestly, I felt excited when we were served with our respective orders. Especially the grilled chicken. It smelled great while being grilled. After taking a lot of pictures of these platters, we dived into eating them.

I really liked their grilled chicken. Tender and well-grilled. And the marinara sauce. I didn't expect that it would really complement with the chicken. Well, I'm fond of tomato sauce so Marinara was a best choice for me. And the Mac N' Cheese! Haven't tried it before so I was really fascinated about it. Since I like cheese, Mac N' Cheese became an instant favorite of mine. But not the Pesto Linguine. Not my usual take with pastas such as Spaghetti, Macaroni and Carbonara. It was my least favorite. But I bet it would be a favorite to Pesto buffs.

Take Out Packaging

Overall, my visit there with friends was great. The food was delicious, I'm winking to that grilled chicken, and was a pleasure to meet the owner who was so kind.

For those who are really into french and italian dishes, Donatello's Kitchen is always there for you. Prices range from P79.99 to P149.99. They also offer delivery. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during weekends and extended on weekends. Visit Donatello's Kitchen facebook page for promos and updates.

Commonly, French and Italian Cuisines from restaurants inside malls and target areas are expensive. Not a doubt. Glad that Donatello's Kitchen is already here in Cagayan de Oro to provide Kagay-anon cravings with this kind of cuisines.

When in Cagayan de Oro: Be With Nature at Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park

 

"Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced."

~John Keats

 I can no longer accurately remember the times that I was able to travel to far places. But I know that I've been to Marantao, Lanao del Sur and maybe Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. I'm still unsure because I was too young then. But the memories that I was at those places kept on coming back. At least, I can still remember a bit of where I've been before. And that sooner, I'll be able to travel more. Fingers crossed!

Last month, on October 17, 2015, the company that I was currently employed held a team building activity at Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park. Yes. You heard it right. Dahilayan can become your option for Team Building. Especially when your company or group is situated in Cagayan de Oro City, the venue is just an almost three-ride away. Located at Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines.

I won't be tackling about how our team building went on but about the views, the rides, and more about Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park.

So basically, Dahilayan is consisted of two parks. The Adventure Park and the Forest Park. Both parks are separate businesses. True. But they are not competing with each other.

Dahilayan Adventure Park

This park offers extreme and exciting rides, and being popular with their Zipline rides. Other rides are Dropzone 120 ft Freefall Ride, Flying Lizard Canopy Glider, Python Roller Zipride, Ropes Course and Skytower Base Jump. The prices of the rides ranges from P200 to P750.

Python Roller Zipride

Ropes Course

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Dropzone 120 ft Freefall Ride

Some of my officemates, including our boss dared to do this Dropzone. It looks very fun but I don't know if it feels the same when you are already lifted at 120 ft from the ground. And as an acrophobic person, I don't know. i just don't know. Just seeing them on high cause shivers on my spine. LOL

Skytower Base Jump

I witnessed some of the individuals that tried to conquer this Skytower Base Jump. I really admire their bravery. Freefall is a big deal. I'll definitely pass to this ride. :D

There are also mini-shops located here to cater your thirst and hunger. From teas, coffees, soft drinks, snacks, etc. Later in the afternoon, sweet corns are being sold by locals.

Fore more information about the rides and bookings, you can visit their official website.

Dahilayan Forest Park

This park offers also offers heart-pumping rides but the place is more family-friendly having cottages, larger cafe area and other amenities. Mentioning rides they have Forest Luge, ATV and Buggy Trail Adventure, Barrel Train, Bungee Bounce and Net Trampoline, Hanging Bridge, Forest Putt Mini Golf, Zorb and Treetop Adventure. And their newest addition is the Bumper Boats.

Forest Luge

I am the one riding this luge ride. :D It was really fun. You don't have to be a skilled driver to be able to run this. You just have to know how to maneuver the vehicle.

Hanging Bridge

Before arriving at Dahilayan, I've wanted to try this Hanging Bridge. Had a goal to conquer all of the hanging bridges in the Philippines and seems I'm 2% done. :D

Zorb

It was my honor to share this Zorb with our boss. Really, it had my heartbeat racing. I couldn't remember how my screaming was but all I know is that I really enjoyed this ride. Definitely one of those extreme activity that I won't forget just like my first white water rafting adventure. :D

Treetop Adventure

Bumper Boats

They also have amenities such as the Forest Cafe, Function Areas, Game Room, Grizzly Bar, Jacuzzi, Picnic Grounds, Forest Animals and Playground, Ponds and Lagoon and Souvenir Shop.

Forest Cafe

Forest Cafe Area

Cottages

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Picnic Grounds

Lagoon

When decided to stay longer at Dahilayan Forest Park, they have accommodations with rooms starting from Standard, Deluxe, Family Suites to Forest Annex. Avail any of the rooms and you'll get 10% off on all rides and a free entrance. Check their website for more information and bookings.

I had a lot of first times at Dahilayan. It was my first time to ride that Forest Luge, to spin around in that Zorb, and to view what Dahilayan has to offer. And hopefully, I can have my second and lots of times to spend there. Of course with family and friends.

And if ever you're asking how was our team building. Well, our team building ended successfully. Just like other team building activities, I can say we've improved as a team.

Whether you are into extreme activities, nature-viewing, or just to enjoy spending time with your loved ones, Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park will always be your best choice. Even if you're with your friends or even by yourself, there can never be excuses not to visit Dahilayan. So whenever you get to Cagayan de Oro, you must not miss the adventures of Dahilayan.

Pizza Republic Pick + Mix Cagayan de Oro: Decide Your Own Pizza Creation and Enjoy Freshness and Uniqueness in Every Bite

"There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap." ~Kevin James

 I've never been a fan of pizzas before. I just hate the slices of onions, the strips of bell pepper. I really don't eat them, but that was before. I started loving pizzas when I also started working. Whenever there are celebrations inside the office, we usually order pizzas. Sometimes, my friends and I go out and visit a pizza parlor to munch slices of pizzas. Then pizzas became my cravings.

You might have heard about some of the well-known pizza restaurants and shops like Greenwich, Shakey's, Pizza Hut, Yellow Cab, etc. Well they are widely known. But there are also shops that are  locally known like of Cagayan de Oro's Calda Pizza and Alberto's. But wait, do you know a pizzeria which can let you choose the toppings for your own pizza? Definitely Pizza Republic Pick+Mix!

Pizza Republic Pick+Mix by Guiseppe Genco can be located at the former Rosario Arcade Strip in Limketkai Center. 

There is so much space inside the restaurant that can cater maybe up to 50 persons or more. The interior is hued with wood colors with numerous light bulbs hanging above. 

They also have their freedom wall. As you can see, there are no available spaces to write anymore. That must mean that a lot of customers have already visited and did write on this wall. Impressive!

Basically, their 10-inch pizza (8 slices) is priced for P245 good for 2-4 persons. But they also have what they call as "pizzeta", 7-inch pizza (4 slices) that costs P145 with a drink of your choice. 

Reasonable price for fresh from italy ingredients and dough, and actual preparation of your own pizza!

To dress up your own customized pizza, there are more than 60 toppings to choose from. Remember, the taste of your own pizza depends on the toppings you chose. But anyway, no matter how your pizza looks like or how weird your topping choices are, a pizza will always be a pizza that you love. And that for sure, your pizza will still taste good. :D

It may take time for you to choose which toppings you'd like but definitely worth the time. A reason for you to get excited about what pizza you will gonna have after it get flamed in the wood-fired oven.

These images were taken during my recent visit at Pizza Republic Pick+Mix together with officemates.

And the image above shows the three customized pizzas we - my officemates and I - had the last time we visited Pizza Republic Pick+Mix for lunch. We were very satisfied with the pizzas we munched.

There may be a lot of pizzerias situated in different corners of Cagayan de Oro, but Pizza Republic Pick+Mix is the only one pizzeria that lets you customize your own pizza. No wonder why it gathered a lot of Kagay-anons during its opening last October. So, how do you like Pizza Republic Pick+Mix? Would love to hear from you!