Here are the different diners at SM City Cebu Foodcourt with their brief histories:

GOLDEN BOWL DIMSUM

Golden Bowl Dimsum Express started our by an invitation from an SM Foodcourt tenant friend way back in 1997. It was the first Dimsum in a Foodcourt in Cebu. The name Golden Bowl Dimsum, at that time, came from the existing restaurant business, Golden Bowl City Dimsum Restaurant, “Bowl” for the smaller store, “City” for the big one.

Golden Bowl Dimsum Express offers different variety of traditional Hongkong style Dimsum and other Chinese cuisine. Their Steam Rice is known to most Chinese community as the original and the best tasting Steam Rice in Cebu. Steam Rice is originated here in Cebu. It was created by a Hongkong chef, Chi Keung Leung. It was created only by accident, the oven for baking was out of order and chef was forced to create a new dish to replace unavailable menus.

Steam Rice was and still a hit to the Cebuano Market.

RIC’S BARBECUE

After 15 years of operations in SM Foodcourt, Ric’s Barbecue owner Jingle Benitez-Polotan knows by heart the ingredients for a successful restaurant.

“It’s our food. I know that if your food is good, people will always come back for more even if there are a lot of restaurants around you.” says Benitez-Polotan, before adding “It’s the service also” that matters most to our customers.

Benitez-Polotan knows fully well that this formula works.

Ric’s Barbecue, an unassuming diner located at SM city Cebu’s Foodcourt, sfter all is turning 15 years, a pioneer at the mall which also celebrates its anniversary every November 27th. Over the years, this restaurant manages to stay ahead becuase it serves tasty Filipino favorites such as pochero and barbecue.

She also has SM City Cebu to thank: “It’s good business. We’re happy with SM, how they take care of us. Plus, it can really draw a crowd especially the foodcourt. It’s interesting because the people dining here really have th money to eat as much as they want.”

ISLAND GRILL EXPRESS

Island Grill Express opened its first outlet fifteen years ago at the SM City Cebu Foodcourt. It specializes in Ilonggo and Cebuano dishes with its “siunugba” or grilled meat and seafood as constant bestsellers. Other favorites are their crab relleno, camaron rebosado, tinolang isda, pinangat and La Paz Batchoy.

They are proud to say that they have been constantly in the number one slot in terms of sale. Island Grill Express presently has two outlets in Cebu and three franchised outlets in Davao and soon in General Santos City.

VENETIAN COFFEE BREAK & DESSERTS

Venetian coffee started on October 16, 1998 as a coffee cart at the SM Foodcourt in SM City Cebu following the Italian concept of “coffee-to-go”.

With its growing number of patrons, Venetian Coffee expanded from a small cart to a coffee shop; this time associating its brand with the businessmen & entrepreneur clientele.

Venetian Coffee became a place for business meetings with its wide array of coffee blends and pastries.

On December 11, 1999, Venetian Coffee opened its 2nd coffee shop at the 3rd level of the same mall.

FOUNTAINHEAD

Fountainhead Bakeshop started as Linda’s Bakeshop in the early 70’s and evolved from a home based business to what it is now; an institution of 31 years.

From delicate sponge cakes, to chiffon and chocolate cakes, the bakeshop grew under the enthusiasm of Mrs. Erlinda Francisco who specialized greatly in large tiered cakes for all occasions and home made baked goodies like ensaymadas, leche flans, well-loved brazo de Mercedes and the like…

When the first store was birthed in Manalili St., Cebu City, the flag bearer, Fountainhead Tasty Bread came into being as well. This gread joined the elite force of great tasting cakes and with many other new concoctions, which now contribute to the Fountainhead we all know now. They have many stand-out delicacies from bread, cakes, and pastries enough to wow the customers.

MAMA GIE

Started in 1980 managed and operated by spouses Alfredo E. Costales (deceased) and Virginia P. Costales. The name “MAMA GIE” wa derived from Virgnia’s nickname Virgie or Gie for short and was widely known to friends and peers as “MAMA GIE”.

By July of 1994, the name of the company was called MAMA GIE CORPORATION.

The same year 1994, MAMA GIE Corporation was offered aspace at SM City Cebu Foodcourt. MAMA GIE’s concept of Kapampangan foods was approved. Setting up of a foodstall in SM Foodcourt was a brilliant and wise move of MAMA GIE to corner the market. Indeed, MAMA GIE ranks no. 1 in terms of SALES at SM City Cebu Foodcourt since the 2nd quarter of 1998. The reason for its success, “good food, fast service and quality not to be compromised” is the philosophy they have instituted among their works. The top favorites are Boneless Bangus, Lechon Kawali as well as other top seller menu items.

FISHPORT GRILL

Fish Port Grill Express opened last July 26 of 2009 at SM Foodcourt, SM City Cebu. Fish Port Grill is a seafood fastfood restaurant where they serve mainly tuna dishes. They serve tuna in different ways but they are known for their grilled tuna belly, panga, and tuna bicol express.

Their Grilled Tuna Belly is served with achara. It is marinated for a few hours. Then the tuna belly is grilled and glazed with their special marinade which makes it taste juicy and mouth watering.

For spicy lovers, it is recommended to taste their Tuna Bicol Express. Tuna Bicol Express is served with coconut cream and season with salt and pepper. Minced siling labuyo and spada to make the tuna spicy.

They may be new in the food industry but if you are looking for delicious and inexpensive meal, go to Fishport Grill Express, savor and experience the taste that is distinctively different from the rest!

FIESTA CEBUANA

From the picture of 1st time tourists in search of a place to eat in a 1st time island, Fiesta! Cebuana was born in December 2005. Fiesta! Cebuana serves fine celebration food called from an heirloom of recipes passed on to one of its owners from a great grandmother. Fiesta! Cebuana is happy food, a modest expression of Cebu island happiness. 365 days in a year, one could partake in a true island feast in 365 different ways. Fiesta! Cebuana is love, protected from  generation to generation, as a priceless heritage from the past.

KING WAH CHINESE CUISINE

Travel is always the best way to experience culinary diversity and Mrs. Evelyn Lim can personally attest to this. Her travels to China, Hong Kong and to other countries allowed her to savor the different dishes each country had to offer. Enlightened on the joys one can get from gastronomic delights, she was then inspired to share the wonderful experience to the Cebuano people.

Wanting her dream to become reality, she opened King Wah Chinese Cuisine. Established on May of 1994 at the SM City Cebu Foodcourt, King Wah Chinese Cuisine made sure that it can provide the best dishes at affordable prices garnished with impeccable customer sevice.

Through this delightful food house, Mrs. Evelyn Lim made good with her promise to serve the patrons with authentic Asian dishes that was not only unique but also quite delightful to the palates of Filipinos as it combined the savory taste of Filipino cooking with that of the sophistication of Chinese cuisine.

King Wah Chinese Cuisine will always stand to its vision of serving the people with hot, fast, affordable and exquisite Chinese-Filipino dishes.

SMOKEY’S

Smokey’s was conceived and developed by Pure Foods Corp. in 1982. It specializes in hotdog based food products. The first Smokey’s outlet was opened at the Quad Carpark in Makati City in November, 1982. Provincial expansion began in 1989. To date Smokey’s can be seen in every conceivable corner in the Phils. Especially in malls, schools, hospitals, etc. In the year 2002, Smokey’s is now part of San Miguel Pure Foods Corp.

Smokey’s SM Foodcourt opens together with the opening of SM City Cebu in 1993. Over the years, it has delighted customers at SM Foodcourt, SM City Cebu with its plain hotdog sandwiches an hotdog combinations. A trip to SM Foodcourt is not ocmplete without Smokey’s.

Yummy huh? But unfortunately I wasn’t able to taste those foods except for the Black Forest cake from Fountainhead because I was already full beforehand. So there, it was like we’re having a feast in the SM City Cebu Foodcourt.

Other highlights of the event include the live blogging contest which is to blog about the event. The hosts of the event would be the judge and the fortunate winner of the contest was Michael Sinjin Pineda of the Cebu Bloggers Society. After the contest was the distribution of certificates plus a gift pack from Del Monte to each of the bloggers who joined the event. Of course, I received mine. Thank you so much.

See more photos here.

Tomorrow October 14, 2009 at 10:30 in the evening is the deadline for the submission of entries in order to vote for the PBA 2009 Bloggers’ Choice Award (Visayas), yet I am still making this entry today. It is not too late. I can still cast my vote.

I am voting for the Cebu Bloggers Society’s mother site-www.cebubloggers.com. I’ve been in the organization for 8 months now, and with that span of time, I experienced a lot of good things. I can truly say that I am very proud to be part of the Cebu Bloggers Society. Along with its members, we’ve become more than just a group but a family. The CBS blog represents all of us. Because of that, many have been influenced and became part of our group.

The organization, being true to its main purpose of promoting Cebu through blogging and along with its highly competitive members, has achieved a new level of reputation both online and offline. The group is now exploring the field of new media (internet broadcasting), wherein it recounts facts based from genuine sources through bias-free citizen journalists – no other than the Cebu Bloggers Society members.

I know and we know, that Cebu Bloggers Society deserves to have the Special Award. So cast your votes now while there is still time.

Good luck and more power to CBS!

To know more about Cebu Bloggers Society, click here.

Related post: Philippine Blog Awards: Visayas Region

The Philippine Blog Awards 2009 which will be held this coming Ocotber 18, 2009 at the Ayala City Sports, Cebu Business Park (fronting Marriott Hotel) at exactly 7PM and is first to happen in the Visayas Region.

There are 4 categories in the upcoming Philippine Blog Awards 2009 Visayas Region, these are:

• Best Visayan Blog: This award goes to the blogger whose blog showcases his talent in blogging in any of the Visayan Languages.

• Visayas Bloggers Choice: The Visayas is now a growing community of Bloggers from Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and more. There are a good number of impressive blogs but some stands out above the others. This awards goes to the blogger whose blog is the talk of the town—the influential blog, the inspirational blog and the example. This award will recognize the blogger who is well respected in the Blogging communities in Visayas.

• Best Visayas Locale Blog: As we have different travel blogs showcasing the different beautiful places a travel blogger goes to, this next award focuses on a Visayan blog which will promote one’s hometown or city here in Visayas. This award goes to the best blog which talks about a certain blogger’s hometown or city.

• Best Visayas Nature Blogger: When one comes to Visayas he/she may have the different choices of experiencing the Life of nature. We cannot deny the white sand beaches, the rare virgin forests filled with exotic wild life and the beautiful waterfalls that are located in this region. We recognize the blogger who best presents these best things in life found in Nature.

For interested Visayas based bloggers, just fill-out the Pre-Registration Form and reserve yourself a seat.  Complete details at Official Website of The Philippine Blog Awards.

Source: McCoolot.com

I posted my entry late due to conflict in schedule. August 1, 2009 Saturday. The Sumilon Day Tour and our Acquaintance Party was on the same date in different time and venues. It was a must for us to attend the acquiantance party since it would be our last year. I can’t be in two places at the same time. I was having doubts on joining the Sumilon Day Tour. But wait ’til you see what Sumilon Bluewater looks like which made me erase all of my doubts.

Embrace the charm of island living in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort

ESCAPE FROM THE USUAL AND DISCOVER TRUE SERENITY

AT SUMILON BLUEWATER ISLAND RESORT

As early as 6 o ‘ clock in a stormy Saturday morning last August 1, 2009 outside the North Wing of SM City Cebu, the 35 lucky bloggers were packed up and readily waiting for their convoy to Sumilon. As soon as the latter arrived, off they go. I was very much lucky to be included. The trip to Sumilon was remarkably enjoyable since most of our companions are members of the CBS family. There were many magnificent views along the road. Most of us haven’t eaten breakfast so Sir Ruben Licera or Kuya Bentot-as what he prefers to call him, made us stop at Jollibee in Car Car, Cebu for us to have a delicious breakfast meal. As soon as we arrive in Oslob-where the pump boat that would take us to the island is waiting for us, the management pampered us with refreshment just like in Maribago Bluewater in Mactan. We were stunned to the magnificent view of the island from afar. The ocean and the weather were not so friendly that time. The boat ride which took us to the island danced in rhythm with the waves-which gave me a terrible splash. But that’s nothing when they toured us around the island. It was so beautiful, I didn’t mind getting wet.

Finally, we stepped on the island. We were then taken to the Pavilion where we enjoyed our welcoming snacks. We then met Sir Greg Perral, the assistant editor of Pinoyworld, who oriented us about the place. He is the reason why we got there. After the yummilicious snacks, he toured us to their sumptuous rooms for their guests. Thereafter, the CBS folks were back in their camwhoring session then headed back to the Pavilion for lunch. Again, the food were very delicious. Thanks to Chef de Partie Buddy Amodia for preparing such exotic cuisine.

Later that noon comes the exciting part-where in we can do whatever we wanna do! First thing we did was snorkeling but unfortunately the waves just don’t cooperate. Many of us got bruises from hitting the corals everytime a wave would hit us. In short, the snorkeling attempt-failed. I like the next one-the canoeing part! After the incident in Plantation Bay way back year 2004, where me and my mom were canoeing and there were also two Japanese nationals, surprisingly we bumped into them and one of them fell from the canoe and in to the deep water. She drank too much water. Luckily they didn’t sue us. Whew. All I could say was “sorry”. But then, I was canoeing again in Sumilon with my friend Bryan. Good thing nothing bad happened. We were able to paddle smoothly back and forth from the lagoon.

Here comes the most exciting part-to the Sandbar we go! We hiked all the way from the lagoon to the Sandbar-known for its changing shapes and shifting locations. The waves were definitely angry. Despite the strong wind, angry waves, nothing stopped the CBS folks from having fun! But then mother nature really wanted us to stop so she created a horrible sandstorm that blown us away off to the shore. Every bits of sand penetrated on our skin and traumatized us. Who cares? Even that became part of our wonderful and memorable experience in Sumilon.

Thereafter, we  headed back to the Pavilion and dipped into the pool to relieve us from the latter incident. I was able to relax and forget about what had happened. That was the last part of our activities.

It was around 5 o’ clock in the afternoon when we prepared our stuff and get ready to leave the island. Then off to the boat we go. Good bye island paradise. Farewell sweet escape. Til we meet again. Back in the mainland, our convoy was waiting for us to bring us back to the city.

That ends my once in a lifetime experience in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort together with my CBS family. Thank you so much PINOYWORLD. Hope there is a next time. Cheers.

Keep posted for the Sumilon Bluewater video.

Photo credits to ifancy.me, misswilhelmia.com, laagcebu.com, kiatan.com, and bryankarl.net.

Facts About Sumilon Bluewater

• Sumilon  Bluewater Beach resort is owned and managed by Almont Holdings Incorporated (AHI) and is the sister resort of Maribago Bluewater Cebu Beach Resort.
• Sumilon Bluewater’s Resident Manager is  Greg Perral.
• Our Sumptuous food offerings were provided by our in-house island kitchen managed by Chef de Partie Buddy Amodia.

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is located on tranquil Sumilon Island. The island remains as one of Cebu’s best kept secret and is found on the southeastern tip of the mainland. It is 125 kilometers from Cebu City and is in close proximity to Dumaguete. The island has an area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by crystal clear waters with varying aquamarine hues. It is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was made a fish sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of Sumilon Unviversity Marine Reserve. During dives, one will find varied marine species and even occasional even occasional sightings of black tip sharks. Pristine white sand beaches are situated in different areas in Sumilon. Its Sandbar is well known for its changing shapes and shifting locations around the island, depending on the season. On the island, there is a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves. There are also natural caves where fishermen used to seek refuge. On the southside, a lighthouse rests on a protected tree park. Beside it is a “Baluarte”, a historical watchtower built as part of a warning system to thwart slavers and marauders in the 19^th century.

Accommodations

There are fourteen rooms (arranged as eight cottages, each with two adjoining rooms) with private verandas that offer views of the sea, cove, and mainland Cebu. Each room has an area of 48-square meter rooms and accommodates a maximum of 3 guests. The rooms have the following features: ROOM FEATURES:

• Private veranda with lounge chair
• Private toilet and shower with hot and cold running water
• Mini bar
• Ceiling Fan
• Internet Wi Fi connection
• Writing desk and dresser
• Room to room telephone
• Air conditioning

Facilities and Services

The Island Pavilion house the resort restaurant that serves a delectable fare of local and international cuisine. With its octagonal, high “Nipa” thatched roofing. And open-air construction, it boasts of a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and mainland Cebu. Also located in the Pavilion are the Reception Desk, Library and Giftshop. While Swimming Pool and Bar surround the Pavilion. Aquamania, the dive shop at the island, is situated at the eastern beach area. It is fully equipped with snorkeling and diving gears, paddle boats, windsurfing boards, kayaks. Other facilities and services available are:

• 24-hour Room Service
• Foreign Currency Exchange
• Airport Assistance and Transfers
• Internet Service (Available soon)
• Board Games
• Laundry Service
• Massage Service
• Reception Desk
• Fax and Postal Services
• Clinic
• IDD/ NDD telephone at the Reception
• Safety Deposit Boxes at the Reception Desk
• Tour Service in nearby towns

Resort Activites

The following is listing of numerous activities available in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. Explore the ocean:

• Snorkeling Trips with fish feeding
• Scuba Diving Adventure
• Windsurfing

Discover the Island:

• Afternoon Tea
• Library
• Birdwatching
• Lounging at the Payag-Payag
• Cave Tours
• Romantic Beach Picnic
• Evening Dinner Parties
• Sunset Picnic on the Water (Subject to weather conditions)
• Fishing in the Lagoon
• Hiking in Sumilon
• Sumilon Island Massage
• Island Hopping Tours
• Scenic Boat Tour around the Island
• Lagoon Paddle Boat Adventure
• Trekking

Immerse in Culture and History:

• Tour Neighbouring
• Visit Oslob City

Island Discovery Package

Single                               P 8, 500.00

Extra Person                  P 3, 700.00

Child                                P 1, 500.00

Note: Rates are quoted per person, per night and are subject to service charge and government tax. Group rates are available upon request. Major credit cards are accepted. Rates may change without prior notice. Package Inclusions:

• Roundtrip Boat Transfers (Bangcogon, Oslob-Sumilon-Bangcogon, Oslob)
• Room Accommodation good for two
• Resort breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Welcome Drink and Shell Lei upon arrival
• Complimentary resort activities (Snorkeling, island trekking, bird-watching, paddle-boating, and use of kayaking.)
• Resort Swimming facilities (infinity pool and shifting white sand bar)

Children below 11 years old is free from room accommodation but meals are charged.

Information and reservations:

Bangcogon, Oslob, Cebu (Philippines), Telefax: (63 32) 481-0801, Email: sumilon@bluewater.com.ph

Sales Office-Manila (Philippines), Room 1918 Cityland/ Herrera Tower, 98 Herrera corner Valero Streets, Salcedo Village Makati City, Tel. no. (63 2) 817 5751 and 887 1348, Fax No. (63 2) 893 5391, Email: maribago@bluewater.com.ph

Visit Sumilon Bluewater blog for more information.

Related Posts:

• Day with Sumilon
• Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort Free
• Sumilon Island Getaway
• Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
• Off to sumilon we go
• Sumilon Bluewater Day Tour
• Back from Sumilon
• To Sumilon We Go
• Sumilon Bluewater, Not Jus Your Ordinary Getaway

Isn’t it great to have FREE Wi Fi mallwide? All you have to do is bring your wi fi capable devices and voila!-you can have internet on the go.

July 31, 2009 at 5:00PM in the North Wing Atrium, the launching of the SM City Cebu’s Free Wi Fi took place. The Cebu Bloggers Society were present together with other organization like the PSP Cebu. Some of our co-members joined the photo blogging contest where in they have to upload their photo blog on “What I Love About The North Wing”. Our very own Michael Sinjin Pineda won the 1st place and got himself an HP Mininote 2133 Linux, also Jose Farrugia won the 2nd place and got a Samsung Jet S8003. Lucky for them.

Another highlights of the event were the presence of Dj Nikki Taylor who was on the mix at 5pm followed by the live performance of the Hardwood band at 6pm. Another were the Surf-the-web Trivia Contest where in the first to answer trivia questions on-line would win a Sony PSP or a Nokia E51 cellphone and the Raffle draw which gave away two (2) Sony PSP Slim 3000.

The North Wing Atrium were crowded with people who brought their wi fi capable gadgets. You could see them browsing the internet, blogging, or even playing games on-line. I know most of them are very pleased and happy to know that finally, there is a free wi fi not just in a restaurant or in a coffehouse  but mallwide. The launching was definitely a success!

Here are some of the photos taken during the event:

Photo Credits to Guada and Bryan Karl.