This post is a synergy between a food review ofΒ Mabuhay Restop in Rizal Park, Ermita (near Manila Ocean Park) and a write-up on a unique musical-comedy travel show called “Manila Vanilla!”Β . Actually, it took me a much longer time to publish this, since it’s my first time to write on both the food/restaurant plus a live performance. In the end, I decided to go with my normal format for food review and just share with you the highlights of the show. So here it goes… π
A little intro: My mom invited us to Mabuhay Restop as she purchased vouchers from MetroDeal two weeks ago. She wanted to experience what was said to be “the best of Philippine pop culture” while enjoying the dinner buffet served by the restaurant. She deserved to laugh, smile some more and just have fun as she’s going through a lot lately. Well, so did the rest of us.
Review of Mabuhay Restop and Manila Vanilla! (Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila)
Ambiance: β β β β β
Everything here is screaming hello,Β Filipino pride! Mabuhay Restop positions itself as both a museum and a travel cafΓ©. The business is devoted to promote Filipino culture and heritage in creative ways while making a difference. This is seen clearly as there are several displays and merchandise on the first floor from various regions of the country. The products are truly Filipino-made. Pieces of dining furniture looked sturdy and familiar like those in typical Filipino homes.
The counter serves as a one-stop place for guests to inquire and know more about trips and tours being arranged and community services where they can help. As a Gawad-Kalinga advocate, the owner of this restaurant/social enterprise is inclined to offer volunteerism tours and other avenues to provide visitors with an opportunity to create better lives for communities who need it most. I’m a fan of the idea. *clap clap*
The second floor was really where we got busy. One side put forth more impressions of Filipino arts and crafts with paintings and decorations positioned everywhere, while the other side didn’t fail to attract hungry folks for food and entertainment.
The dining area was spacious, with lots of seats for maybe a hundred people, fronting the stage show. The buffet table was strategically arranged at the far end, so diners can get food with convenience without obstructing the view of the other audiences. I thought this place can be an ideal venue for conducting seminars and gatherings for large groups.
Service: β β β β β
Reservation was made and confirmed through email with ease. We were given our table number when we arrived and we were treated well throughout our stay. The staffs were pleasant and always had a smile on their faces. They were accommodating to all requests and came to assistance immediately when we needed them.
Food: β β β ββ
The buffet spread looked pretty neat and delectable with favorite authentic Filipino dishes available. There were the likes of Sotanghon Guisado, Shrimp with Alavar Sauce, Beef Caldereta, Bangus Tamarind, Adobong Kangkong and more.
Sadly for me, the food tasted decent but overall mediocre. It wasn’t very memorable but fair enough to satisfy hunger or some craving for home-style Filipino food in a warm and casual setting while in Manila.
Price for Value: β β β β β
Considering the price of food only, I would have to give 3/5 stars. However, there’s more to food in Mabuhay Restop, as we knew and expected. I was super amazed by Manila Vanilla! and I had zero negative things to say about it. π
Manila Vanilla! β A MUST-SEE CULTURAL SHOW WITH A MODERN TWIST
Learning that Manila Vanilla! was written and directed by one of the most prominent directors in the Philippines, Nestor U. Torre, plus the fact that its music was selected by the very accomplished Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab, we were much in delight.
Packed with humor and song-and-dance numbers, the musical tells the story of a Filipino family who’s venturing into a bed-and-breakfast business while showcasing the beauty of the country. While they’re at it, both foreigners and locals can get to know more about quirks and idiosyncrasies of Filipinos in a creative and entertaining way.
Many of the audiences that night were game to sing along familiar tunes such as “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit” by Leah Navarro, “Mamang Sorbetero” by Celeste Legaspi, “Magellan” by Yoyoy Villame, “Da Coconut Nut” by Smokey Mountain, “Sanaβy Wala nang Wakas” by Sharon Cuneta, “Balut” popularized by Katy de la Cruz, etc.
Filipino folk dances like tinikling, maglalatik, and pandanggo sa ilaw were also brought to light, as the GK Tanghal Performing Arts group performed these in between scenes.
I enjoyed the show so much that I want to see it again! π Yes, for real, haha! Time seemed to fly and it didn’t feel like we were there for over two hours. When we were back home, I searched for YouTube videos uploaded featuring Manila Vanilla! but I can’t find a good copy. I’d be happy to run across one next time.
Not to forget, before the show ended, the performers asked for those celebrating their birthday in the month of October. We all sang the Happy Birthday song for them. Later, Sales and Marketing Director at Mabuhay Restop Billy De Jesus, called one representative of each table to come up on stage. It was me for ours.
The Filipino folk dancers taught us steps which seemed easy to follow and we danced without music.
I realized and recognized that the steps were of tinikling when one of the male dancers reached out to my hands. Then, the other performersΒ behind us held the bamboo poles which they tapped against the ground in rhythm gracefully.Β OMG, I was even the first to try it!
My feet hurt every time they got caught by the bamboo poles. Obviously, this dance isn’t my expertise, but it was A+ for experience. π
Dining at Mabuhay Restop and getting entertained by all Manilla Vanilla! performers had really gotten our money’s worth!
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Wow! The place is now gorgeous. When I visited them, the interiors were so plain and some parts were still unfurnished.
A pity that the food downgraded though. I loved the food during my visit.
Hmm.. but the show looks more lively now as it required more audience participation.
Sharing my post http://www.traveltripsters.com/2012/12/mabuhay-restop-travel-cafe-and-museum.html
Ohh so this restaurant has been running for the last two years pa pala. I don’t know why we haven’t been here before when we had passed by the road several times en route to Manila Ocean Park. π I like it when performers onstage call on the audiences’ attention and engage with them. It’s also a way of making sure that everyone is still mentally present with them haha.
The place is really wonderful. Wish to visit this soon! π
They have regular shows so watch out for the next available performances. You can check their Facebook page for announcements and deals. π
Looks like a modern Filipiniana concept of a restaurant. Nice idea, love it.
The good news is that it’s located in Manila just near our place! π
What a great place to eat. The decor is great and look at that yummy food.
Yeah, I’ve nothing bad to say about the decor. All pertained to a consistent theme. It was really like going to a warm and hospitable Filipino home served with Filipino food nonetheless.
I love musical comedies! Sounds like you had a wonderful time!
Yup, we really did! It was a one-of-a-kind experience. We haven’t seen a comical musical for the longest time as a family. This one rocked. π
Looks great, very authentic. Will definitely visit if I’m this side of the world… Hopefully soon!
Yay! This restaurant has a lot to boast about the wonders and beauty of the Philippines. π
Wow, whatta unique and fun place to visit! I love it when people try to preserve what’s unique about their cultures and interpret it into their business! And you’re totally right, even if the food is mediocre, when they have something more to offer then we’d be more likely to be drawn to the place! Btw, sounds like your family’s been going through something, i don’t know what it is but i hope you all are feeling better now!
Thanks, Mindy. My mom is sick and she has been complaining on the tingling sensation from her legs all the way to her upper body for months. Definitely we are very affected as she’s acting depressed and tired all the time. That’s just the main concern since she’s the lead of the household.
Anyway, about Mabuhay Restop, I really do suggest that they improve on the food quality and taste and maybe add more variety to the buffet food to satisfy more diners.
I am one of those people who check the food images first before the post. This time however, it made me check the designs and the native-like naturality of the place before anything else. You’re lucky to have found this.
Yup, I was lucky that my mom persuaded us to go to this place. π Admittedly, I’m not a large fan of Filipino food. The reason why I came was primarily because of Manila Vanilla! Great that I wasn’t disappointed at all. Feel free to visit and check it out as well. π
The food looks great, and it looks like an awesome atmosphere. It looks like you had a fun experience!
Yes, it was a fun night. π
This looks like my kinda place!! Both fun and yummy π
It seems that Mabuhay Restop has got it all – tourist packages for travel in the Philippines, authentic Filipino food and great entertainment to cater to everyone. π
Very interesting place to dine- love the line “screaming hello, Filipino pride!”- makes it even more a must-go place:) Though I sense that it’s more of the EXPERIENCE they offer than the food itself. Maybe they should improve on that part, just saying. Hope to dine there soon.
JeniG of Kalikotpepot
You are right! π This is one of the places I can definitely recommend to balikbayans (OFWs), fellow locals and foreign tourists in the Philippines.
How Fun! This looks like a really great place to visit with friends
As they have two floors that can be occupied by many people, you can invite your friends and family here. π
Everything looks so festive and yummy!
Yes, Mabuhay Restop is an ideal place where you can have good and memorable experiences and some newfound knowledge about the Philippines. π
The show looks pretty interesting and its nice to see that they try to incorporate both culture with food … Definitely value for money …. Now … Show us the video of your tinikling!!! If I know yout sister or mom shot a video of it!!! Ilabas mo na yan!!!
It was embarrassing but I just had to do it for fun and experience combined! No, they don’t have one. I’m not sure if they even know how to use my camera bwahaha. Lucky me. π
Very nice looking place. That drink lots extra nice and festive. That buffet looks great.
The kinds of food offered were limited to only a few, but I guess most diners that night had appreciated and enjoyed the dishes anyway. Maybe it was just my taste that didn’t like it. Try eating here to see if it’s for you. π
The food looks really good and I love the dΓ©cor. The show looked like a lot fun.
The show was superb. I wasn’t expecting that the songs would linger long in my mind. I had the last song syndrome for days! π
This looked like it was very fun. The food looks amazing and made me drool a bit π
If you’re fond of Filipino food, these dishes will make you do a thumbs up! π
What a fun looking place! Everything looks so happy and festive.
It’s a great venue to host celebrations. π
Oh my gosh, I remember doing dances with those sticks when I was growing up in school. I still remember them too! Now if I had some good food to go with it, I’d be set!
Haha I’m sure you will enjoy your time here! I didn’t know that it’s hard to focus keeping the dance steps while minding the bamboo poles put together to clash into my feet! I must practice harder to be more prepared next time. π
Like you, I have never noticed this place before. I’ve been a resident of Manila since forever and yet I have no idea about these cool places the city has to offer. Too bad the food didn’t meet your expectations, but the place looks good naman and you looked like you had fun on stage!
Ah yes, for the most part, the show and the participation made my night! π
Between the food, the show and the atmosphere, that’s really a fun place to go. That dance looked tricky!
If there’s one key takeaway that night, it’s that dancing “tinikling” is quite difficult! Those dancers must not be underestimated. π
Everything looks so wonderful. I especially love the swirly wall separators.
They’re artsy and overall pleasant to keep a warm home.
What a fun looking place and the food looks amazing!
I just loved that the place featured so many Filipino things that are real and unique only to us. π
Wow! Looks like a lot of fun! I love the wall decor of the coffee shop – so unique!
Actually I didn’t notice those designs when we were there because the place was so packed with people and I was busy taking pictures careful not to take one frame with strangers on the background.
There should be more places like this to showcase our culture. Way to go Roch for doing the tinikling.
Yup! Thanks, Franc. π
Haven’t been to mabuhay resto before. i love paintings..and their decorations really exude pinoy vibe and pride. What I love about it the most is the owner’s inclination to do services for a cause
Yes, that part got me inspired to do things more for service of the nation as well. That’s like giving back to the community for a good cause.
I’ve been to Mabuhay Restop. The Filipino food is delicious!
Wow, I’m glad you liked it! There’s always something to love about Filipinos.
Oh wow.. I don’t think I knew or ever heard of this one – I probably should visit it soon.
Yup, it’s just near Rizal Park and in the compound of Manila Ocean Park. A good idea is to book a day with your family in this vicinity and explore the tourist spots in Manila at the same time. π
Great review. Looks like a nice place to visit and experience.
Thanks, Bonnie! π This is just the tip of the iceberg of what great things you can see and do in Manila.
The food looks yummy. Thanks for sharing it with us. Looks really fun place to spend with friends & fam.
Hey, Juliana, you’re welcome! π Truly, there’s no place like the Philippines. Mabuhay Restop shows that with creativity.
That food looks delicious! And I love the screens(?) in front of the windows, they are such a fun design.
They’re all pleasing to look at. If you’re into these designs, then probably you’d appreciate them more when you’re there. π Visit this place soon!
My mom has a friend that is from the Philippines. It’s one place that I’d love to visit someday!
Great! π I’ve been reading a lot of travel posts these days and also looking at the places to visit of travel bloggers. Most of them also has the Philippines in their bucket list.
This looks like a gorgeous place and the food looks delicious.It looks like you had a wonderful time dancing. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I definitely had loads of fun here. For sure, I will revisit this place to catch another live show. We can even try to book a tour here.
Looks like you had a fun time. The food looks yummy π
The food was yummy enough but no wow factor for me. This is maybe because I had tried more Filipino food that’s more palatable in other restaurants and I can tell the difference quite well. I can assure you though that they’re likable anyhow. π
I love all the bright colors. It looks like everyone had a great time!
I loved them too. The ambiance is indeed perfect for any festivity going on.
Wow! That looks like so much fun and the food looks delicious!
You’ll come out having a full stomach once you enter this resto, with plenty of interesting finds to catch! π
TThis sounds like a nice place to try someday. I love that you were very honest in your review.
Yup, always am, Kristin. π
I so appreciate the Filipino culture. Thank your sharing what appears to be a really enjoyable experience.
What better way to showcase Filipino culture than Filipino food, folk dances, local jokes/humor, original songs and music and crafts, right? π Mabuhay Restop really has them all.
Looks like such a cool fun place to visit.
Mabuhay Restop is a good discovery place for us. You’ll learn a lot about Filipinos and the Philippines in your first visit-guaranteed! π
I was actually curious about the taste of their food but now I know they are mediocre.
Yup but they can always improve for better days next time.