The beautiful Champagne Room of The Manila Hotel.

In line with its old world elegance, a uniformed doorman in a gentleman’s hat & top coat greeted us, as well a pretty lady in a long blue gown.

My ate’s classic beauty was perfect for the hotel’s elegant setting.

I was floored upon getting inside. I did say it’s been ages since we stepped foot. Has it always been THIS nice???

I love each nook & cranny. <3

Because we got there late (as usual), I didn’t bother taking pictures of the buffet set-up anymore kasi bungi-bungi na. And as expected, the kids attacked the Japanese station first. This is why I take them to buffets whenever possible. So they can have plenty of choices.. hindi stress sa chest!

In the Japanese station were, aside from the usual sushi & sashimi assortments, teppanyaki grilled fish & meats, and yakisoba..

as well as tempura assortments & pork tonkatsu.

My happy plate. <3 Their spicy tuna sashimi (rightmost) is a killer. I LOVE IT!

All other stations are just additions. Their main go-to place is really the Japanese buffet. But they do enjoy the others after they’ve had their fill of their favorite dishes. I’m happiest when my kids are all smiles & happy. <3

I liked Cafe Ilang Ilang’s korean station but I wanted to leave space in my tummy for the more unusual buffet items. So I just gave it a brief wave & went on my way in search of another station that will catch my fancy.

I also skipped the Chinese station but had a forkful of siomai from Kap’s plate. 😛 That’s what husbands are for, after all.

As well a taste of this jellyfish & century egg. You can never take way the chinese in me I guess. 😉

DIY soup station which Kap enjoyed..

Tada! Kap’s bowl of soup. He mixed in everything which made for a most wonderful flavor.

This lechon was begging to be eaten, but I had to constrain myself. I still haven’t seen what I was looking for.

Normally, I go for the roast beef. But I didn’t want to overstretch my tummy and end up not enjoying my night because of a tummy ache. The hickory rib I forked from Ate’s plate was too salty though & it just didn’t taste right so we just set it aside.

And finally my heart started beating wildly! PERSIAN FOOD. NOMS! <3

I wnet crazy with these prawn kababs! <3 So plump! So juicy! So very tasty! <3 It was love at first sight AND bite!

My 2nd happy plate. <3 So very happy plate!

I was going to call it a day, I promise. But then this HUGE cheese wheel called out to me. No one, and absolutely NO ONE, says no to a cheese wheel!

O. M. G. LUST!

Fine. I had a 3rd happy plate. @_@

But I did ignore the freshest catch to balance things out.

In fact I even said no to the dessert station. BUT…

Th dessert gods were smiling at me! SUGAR-FREE!!! <3

With shame, I present to you my 4th plate. Please don’t judge me. :'(

My love for food.. is the reason why my (face & body) remains so very rotund. Huhuhu! I’m cursed!

My wish for you is: that you can eat & eat & eat and NEVER GET FAT. Ever! <3

One of ate’s birthday wishes was a BAKED BY ANITA‘s BERRIES & CHOCOLATE CAKE. So even though it was soooooo out of the way, I made sure I got this one thing right at least!

Happy 20th Birthday, my gorgeous Ate! <3

Our firstborn.. our first everything as parents. Thank you for teaching us. We love you oh so very much! <3

I insisted on 20 candles. Kahit na hirap na hirap silang ilawan. It’s more fun in the Philippines! ;))

No shortcuts, Ate. You deserve all the extra miles coming your way. Remember that. You are special.

My beautiful family. God’s ultimate gift to me. Love & Happiness! <3

I wish you a path untroubled. Happiness everlasting, and love forevermore. <3

20 years. 20 years that you have made my life amazing. Thank you! I love you. Happy birthday my perfect child! <3