Seafood Feast at Aling Tonya's Paluto in SM Mall of Asia

It’s always a treat when our group goes for a weekend meander that usually leads to a food tripping. Aside from having a good bonding, we like to pamper our cravings once in a while and for the simple reason that “we love to eat,” period! (Grin) 


This past weekend we decided to do some wandering at SM Mall of Asia and tried the notable restaurant of Aling Tonya’s Seafood Paluto which I’ve always heard with lot of good reviews. And since it’s Sunday, we chose to pay a visit first to Baclaran church (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) before going to the mall. We weren’t able to attend the whole mass due to heavy traffic in Las Piñas, so we just knelt down, lit some candles, and prayed. 


It’s almost lunch time when we arrived at SM Mall of Asia, so we went straight to Aling Tonya’s restaurant located just right beside the MOA “Eye” (Ferris wheel). The concept of this restaurant is akin with “Dampa Restaurant” proliferating all over the Philippines. It is a group of eateries placed near a seaside where you can choose your favorite sea foods from a row of market stalls then let the restaurant of your choice cook everything the way you like them to be. In Aling Tonya’s you can just go there and order from their menu, but if you’re on a budget you can bought the sea foods from the nearest market and bring it to the restaurant to cook the recipe you want for a minimal cooking charges. For your convenience, call Aling Tonya’s in advance to reserve your seats inside the air-conditioned room or if not, you will be placed outside by the seaside but with a great view and a chance to see beautiful sunset. The restaurant was busy with a baptismal celebration when we arrived, without any reservation still we’ve got a table and placed our order right away. We ordered Sweet and Sour Lapu – Lapu, Nilasing na hipon and Sweet Chili Crab. It took us just 10 – 15 minutes waiting time upon completing our order, which I believe is a quick service out of a function. 

Nilasing na Hipon

Sweet Chili Crab

Sweet n Sour Lapu-Lapu

Silence dominated while we’re eating for hours. Why Silence? Simply because we are so busy cracking and enjoying the sweet chili crab hahahaha. One may say, “How’s the food?”, and one will mouth “Sorry, I’m busy!!!” and everyone laughs! Admittedly, the food was so good; the shrimp is so crunchy and tasty while the sweet and sour fish is so zesty and delicious. And the Crab? Oh God, It was so succulent, coated in rich sweet chili sauce.  The taste is so delectable that can make you savor every strip of it. Inelegant as it may seem, we all found ourselves lapping the sauce off our fingers and the crab’s shell. Oh my! We didn’t want it to end. 

Mouthwatering Crabs

The Aftermath:

It’s one heck of a wonderful experience and we’re all satisfied and full. We definitely recommend Aling Tonya’s Seafood Paluto to anyone looking for a sumptuous sea food trip  along Mall of Asia. They also have branches in Macapagal Avenue, Dampa in Sucat Parañaque, Seaside Ortigas Avenue and Seaside Daang Hari in Alabang. 


For other details and reservations you may contact them at:
Aling Tonya’s Seafood Paluto (SM By the Bay Mall of Asia)
+632 710-0260

Aling Tonya’s Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/ALINGTONYAS


Budget for 4 – 5 persons P2,000 – 2,500


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Happy Food Hunting, Happy Eaters!

The friendship we made at Virgin Island Cebu

It is -ber month of year 2010 when we visited for the first time the province of Cebu and Bantayan Island is first on our itinerary. Bantayan Island is located on Northernpart tip of Cebu City. The name “Bantayan” comes from the Cebuano term that means “A Place to Watch”. It was once a lookout place called as “Bantayan sa Hari.” The people who lived on the island adopted the term that described the purpose of being there and shortened the name to “Bantayan Island”.

Why choosing Bantayan Island among other destination spot in Cebu? Simply because we want a total relaxation in a restful & tranquil place where we can hear is just the sound of the beach waves cascading the shore line, embracing the fresh air and the sunlight kissing our skin. Even we know that it will be a long tiring trip, we are certain that it’s gonna be a worthy adventure.

breathtaking view during sunrise

Magdagdag ng caption

view from our cottage

We started our 2nd day of stay in Bantayan Island by a sumptuous breakfast in the middle of huge coconut trees. What a comforting way to start the day, isn’t it?! After our breakfast we started preparing our things for an island trip in “Virgin Island.” To minify our expenses we bought drinking water, rice, seafood and vegetables from Bantayan market and had it cooked on the island.  We paid 1000php for the boat rental good for 8 pax which Eddie (Budyong resort staff) arranged the night before our island trip. From Budyong beach, reaching Virgin Island takes 30 minutes boat ride. Make sure that you go there as early as 7 or 8 in the morning to fully enjoy the island. The island is a privately owned island prohibiting anyone for an overnight stay. You will be charged for an entrance fee of 100 pesos per head and 150 pesos for cottage rental.  Moreover, boatmen will wait for you in the island anytime you want just before it gets dark or unless highest tides begin to pile up. They’re also in charge in preparing and cooking of your food just make sure that you have an extra budget for the liquor they will get from this small store that will be charged to you afterwards. (Believe it or not, it is the tradition on the island, lol)

  

 Virgin Island has a powdery white sandy coast line and clear blue waters that suites an enjoyable snorkeling. It is a lovely, peaceful and tranquil place for fresh air and relaxation. You can simply enjoy here the sun, sand, and sea while unwinding or just roam around the island for a few minutes. On the right side of the island is a snorkeling spot where you can see that the water is very clear while on the left side is a scenic view of rock formation good for photo op.

 During lunch time we’re pleasantly surprised that there are plenty of scrumptious foods on our table. Crab, Fish, squid, grilled eggplants, red eggs & tomatoes and big oysters – so fresh and luscious food. We’re so glutted after the extraordinary feast! The feeling is so great knowing that eating with your travel buddies and at the same time enjoying the scenery of white beach Virgin Island is a wonderful memory we will never forget in our entire life. 

food feast

 Furthermore, after enjoying our pig out session four Korean tourists arrived in the island. Since we’re the only group in the island and because we’re notable for being hospitable we immediately approached them and asked to join us. They didn’t hesitate and started a conversation by introducing themselves & ours and asking more about the Philippines that we proudly answered. Sab, Daniel, Young and Yelena are all studying English in Bacolod, since it’s their semester break they got time to explore the neighboring towns. Several minutes of conversation have passed when they invited us to swim and play volleyball, which we never realized that we’re starting to be comfortable with each other. 

  

Conversation with the Koreans

enjoyed playing volleyball with them

Team Philippines hehe

with Daniel

on our way to Ogtong Cave

After our enjoyable bonding everyone decided to take a side trip to Ogtong cave and while on board our respective boats the fun continues as they were waving their hands to us, throwing jokes and playing around. It was a magical moment for us because we never expected to be that close with them like we were old friends not seen each other for a long time. Such a wonderful adventure we will treasure forever.




Continuation of our Bantayan Island Cebu Adventure here