Well, I'm actually missing the Kapangpangan dishes. Perhaps after staying in Clark, Pampanga for more than a decade I definitely acquired the Kapangpangan palate. And it's interesting that The Manila Hotel's Ilang-Ilang will be having these festival of Pampanga Dishes.  

Diners can expect to indulge in an array of well-known Kapampangan dishes encompassing traditional favorites like Kalderetang Bibe, Ningnangang Hito at Dalag (grilled catfish and freshwater eel), Kapampangan Bringhe (Filipino style paella cooked in coconut milk), Tidtad Babi (Kapampangan version of dinuguan) with puto, Suam Mais, Sipo Egg, Saleng Manuk, Lengua, and the classic Sisig.

Other delectable dishes include Pako Salad (fern salad), Pizza with Sisig, Aligue Pasta (seafood pasta in crabfat sauce), sweets like Tibok Tibok (made from fresh carabao’s milk topped with latik), Kalame Duman (sticky rice cake), Sans Rival, Sasmuan Polvoron, Barquillas, Cashew Mazapan, Panecillos Cookies and Turrones de Casuy.

These dishes are part of the rotating selection at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffet. Alongside these offerings, diners can still enjoy Café Ilang-Ilang’s popular favorites which include a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Korean, and Italian, among others.

“This is The Manila Hotel’s way to enlighten our guests about diverse culinary tastes. Being the culinary capital of the Philippines, these Kapampangan dishes rightly take center stage at Café Ilang-Ilang,” said EJ Yap, The Manila Hotel’s assistant director of food and beverage.

For inquiries and reservations, please call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

For those who savor Chinese cuisine, Red Jade presents special set menus designed to provide a gastronomic journey for couples and families alike. The menus feature tantalizing dishes such as Roast Goose Hong Kong Style, Pan Fried Lamb Chops with Honey Red Wine Pepper Sauce, Steamed Sea Bass with Celery Sauce, Fried Red Brown Rice and Baby Abalone in Pumpkin Sauce, and Salted Egg Ice Cream, among others. Available for lunch and dinner from February 13 to 15, 2024, the set menus are priced at Php 4,688 nett per person, with a minimum of 2 persons per order.

For those yearning for an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration, The Manila Hotel’s in-room dining set menu ensures a cozy and romantic experience within the comfort of one’s own space. Available from February 13 to 15, 2024, between 6PM to 9PM, the set menu includes Fresh Pink Lumpia of Prawns and Pomelo in Dalandan Honey Dressing, Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil Foam, Fettucine Pasta in Light Smoked Salmon Cream, Roast US Beef Striploin, Swan of Choux Pastry with Strawberry and Praline Cream Filling, and Pink French Macarons. The set menu us priced at Php 3,888 nett for 2 persons.

An Afternoon Valentine Rendezvous

A special Merienda Espesyal afternoon tea set, best shared by 2 persons, will add sweetness to one’s daytime celebration. With its charming combination of sweet and savory bites that include Pink Salmon Sandwich, Ganache Tartlet, Valentine Chocolate Pralines, Panna Cotta with Berry Compote, Mini Bibingka, Pink Sapin-Sapin, paired with a choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Priced at Php 1,180 nett per set, Merienda Espesyal is available at the Lobby Lounge from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM this month of February.

Valentine Goodies at the Delicatessen

From intricately prepared chocolates to irresistible pastries, the Valentine’s Goodie Counter at the Delicatessen is poised to become the go-to destination for those seeking a delightful pairing of love and culinary delights. Available until February 16, indulge in these exceptional treats crafter to elevate one’s Valentine’s celebration.

Love To-Go with M Takeout’s Offers

Enjoy a sumptuous Valentine’s Day celebration without leaving home. M Takeout presents to-go boxes that bring the romance of fine dining to one’s dining table.

The Valentine’s Grazing Box offers an assortment of charcuteries and delectable treats featuring mouthwatering premium deli meat like Country Pork Terrine, Parma Ham, Italian Salami, sweet bites such as Pralines, French Macarons, Maltese Chocolate Balls, Choco Chips Cookies, Heart Shaped Jam Cookies, Butter Cookies; and creamy cheese like Danish Brie and Edam Cheese. The platter also includes Garlic Cheese Spread, Cherry Tomato, Gherkins, French Bread, Soda Cracker, Ritz Crackers; fresh fruits such as Chocolate Coated Strawberries, Grapes, Dried Apricots, Dried Dates. Available from February 12 to 16, 2024, the Valentine Grazing Box is priced at Php 3,388 nett with an option to add a bottle of Conquesta Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay wine for Php 4,188 nett.

The Valentine’s Hot Box offers a unique and indulgent experience that will make one’s Valentine’s Day celebration at home both special and memorable. The hot box is a self-heating portable food box that allows one to enjoy a hot meal anytime, anywhere. The Valentine’s Hot Box offers a proper feast with savory mains such as Grilled Minute Beef Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, BBQ Pork Ribs, Garlic Prawns with Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce and Java Rice with a side of Sweet Mashed Potato and Buttered Vegetables. Available from February 12 to 16, 2024 at Php2,888 nett.

For inquiries and reservations, contact +632 8527 0011, +632 5301 5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

On February 10, guests can enjoy a lively dance performance featuring a dragon, lion, amusing monk, and God of Fortune. This centuries-old tradition symbolizes good luck and prosperity, filling the Grand Lobby with vibrant energy and setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Dubbed "The Greatest Love of All," this pre-Valentine concert is set for Feb. 9, 2024, at 6 pm, taking place at The Manila Hotel's Tent City. The lineup features prominent figures such as former Press Secretary Atty. Mike Toledo, former Executive Secretary Atty. Salvador Medialdea, and The Manila Hotel President and former Senator Joey Lina.

Joining them on stage will be a talented ensemble including Beverly Salviejo, Nina Campos, Jenny Sugay, Rachelle Rule, Rachel Verns, Pam Esquivel, Bobby Alvarez, Egay Rubiano, Jeffrey Panado, Egay Banaag, and the Adeodatus Children’s Choir (Baseco) accompanied by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Steering the musical direction is Rodel Colmenar, while George Sison-Tagle and Paul Dizon oversee the concert's overall direction.

CFDC member organizations include Rotary International, Lions Club International, Kiwanis International, Junior Chamber International, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, The Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Rizal, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Crusade Against Violence, and many more.

In tandem with government, the CFDC was formed to confront a serious problem troubling the Philippines: malnutrition during a child’s First One Thousand Days of Life – a very critical period when the impact of poor nutrition can be profound, long-lasting, even irreversible.

Thus, The Greatest Love of All is not merely an entertainment spectacle but a collaborative initiative to generate funds for the nutrition program of NGOs in the barangays. The CFDC welcomes everyone to participate in this meaningful cause, helping make the nutrition efforts a success and contributing to the goal of fostering “smarter, stronger, taller” Filipinos.

For more information on tickets and sponsorships, please contact John Gacutan at 09620668526 or +632 85270011 extension 1006.

As the Lunar New Year approaches, The Manila Hotel invites guests to usher in the Year of the Dragon with an auspicious start through its Tikoy Early Bird Offer.

Nian Gao, also known as tikoy, is a traditional delicacy that holds great significance in Chinese culture. This sticky rice cake has been enjoyed for centuries during the Lunar New Year festivities and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

The Manila Hotel’s fine offerings of handmade tikoy are an essential indulgence during this season. Featuring delightful variations such as Almond and Red Bean—each promising to satisfy discerning taste buds. The Manila Hotel’s Tikoy is priced at a regular rate of Php 1,288 per box.

Patrons can take advantage of the early bird offer, securing an exclusive discount by making advance reservations. From January 20 to 31, 2024, guests can enjoy 30% discount on orders of 5 boxes or more. From February 1 to 11, 2024, guests can avail 10% discount on purchases of 5 to 9 boxes, 15% discount on purchases of 10 to 19 boxes, and 20% discount on purchases of 20 boxes and more. Orders may be redeemed from February 1 to 11, 2024.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-184301 Series of 2024.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of The Manila Hotel Chairman Basilio Yap, Vice Chairman Dr. Emilio Yap III, President Atty. Joey Lina, and Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta; along with esteemed guests including the City of Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna Pangan, City of Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Department of Tourism NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, US Ambassador H.E. MaryKay Carlson, Nigeria Ambassador H.E. Folakemi Akinleye, and Miss Philippines Air 2023 Kerri Reilly. The Office of the President Chorale added to the festive spirit be serenading the audience with traditional Christmas carols.

“As we aspire to be a part of every family’s Christmas celebration, may our lit Christmas tree serve as a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to embodying the spirit of Filipino traditions this holiday season,” said Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel Director of Sales and Marketing.

Furthermore, in the spirit of giving and sharing, The Manila Hotel has chosen the House of Refuge as the beneficiary of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The House of Refuge is a halfway house which gives shelter and provides the basic needs of street children.

With the Christmas Tree now aglow in the Grand Lobby, The Manila Hotel is set to continue spreading holiday cheer and preserving the spirit of Filipino traditions throughout the festive season.