KULINARYA FESTIVAL AT BAYVIEW PARK HOTEL

Last May 23, Bayview Park Hotel, one of the famous hotels along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, gave a taste of Bicol to its guests and bloggers for the “Kulinarya Festival” that is about to kick off on July 2011.

(photo shows Atty. Eugene Yap & Chef Gilbert Soriano at the Coffee Shop)

Warm welcome is given to the group by Precy Mendoza, Marketing Assistant, Chef Gilbert Soriano and Atty. Eugene Yap, Vice President & General Manager of Bayview Park Hotel. In a brief interview with Atty. Yap, he said the Department of Tourism, represented by Assistant Secretary Domingo Ramon Enerio III, and some members of Hotel & Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) met about the call of President Noynoy Aquino in promoting Philippine tourism. Trusting P-Noy and DOT with their sincerity of the project, they immediately gave their nods to ASEC Domingo Enerio III. Atty. Yap added that their answer to this call of the President is not only promoting tourism through the different destinations in the country but as well as promoting the local cuisines found in those destinations. Thus, Bayview Park Hotel came out with “Kulinarya Festival.” The idea is a month-long festivity offering famous and authentic cuisines from different provinces of the archipelago.

Bicol Express

At the dry run of the festival, Bayview Park Hotel Chef Gilbert Soriano prepared authentic dishes from the Bicol province with Bicol Express leading the list, followed by Adobong Manok na may Gata, Tinadtaran, Pancit Bato (this is just like the ordinary pancit canton, said Chef Gilbert, the only difference is the vinegar that is being added to the noodles but unfortunately, I didn't use the vinegar not knowing where to use it), Malaswang Isda (which is originally named Nilaswaang Isda of Bicol as mentioned by Chef Gilbert), and of course not to forget the Pili Nut sweets and other delicacies such as the ever colorful and favorite among locals such the sapin-sapin, biko, maja blanca and ubi halaya.

Pancit Bato

Understanding that not all of the tourists and guests visiting the hotel are into eating spicy food, Chef Gilbert made sure that the spiciness of the dishes he prepared is acceptable enough to the palate. However, there were extra chilies at the side for those who wanted their food more spicy and hot.

Tinadtaran

Though not a spicy eater, I enjoyed the food on my plate and in fact took pleasure of eating it all particularly the Tinadtaran which I later learned from Chef Gilbert is grinded shrimps wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in coconut milk. A favorite food is again added in my list. Love it!

Adobong Manok na may Gata

After the sumptuous buffet, Bayview Hotel's Marketing Assistant Precy Mendoza delightedly showed the facilities and the rooms of the hotel. Bayview Hotel has 283 rooms comprising of Superior Rooms, De Luxe and Executive Suites. It has a swimming pool and a fitness center located at the 10th floor. Promo packages are available to local and international tourists who are staying more than a day in the hotel. Father's Day Promo will be available come June. Party packages are also offered such as birthday party, weddings, and family get-together. By the way, room packages are inclusive of free buffet breakfast.

Sweet Pili Nuts and Banana Chips

For those who are craving for savory and authentic Filipino food, you may visit Bayview Park Hotel and enjoy a satisfying buffet lunch at the Kulinarya Festival happening in the whole month of July. Buffet Lunch cost Php600 per head, and for reservation, just call (632) 526 1555. Simultaneously celebrating Kulinarya Festival are HRAP members namely the Century Park Hotel, Discovery Suites, Café Illustrado, Bacolod Chicken Inasal and Serye Restaurant.