I never leave town during the Holy Week holidays because Metro Manila is the best place to be in… no traffic… the city is peaceful and quiet.
This year, I decided to spend the Easter weekend at the Belmont Hotel Manila because it is tucked far away from the city center and is right beside a church, the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Its location made it very easy for me to perform my Easter religious obligations.
I decided to avail myself of the hotel’s “Sampaguita Wellness Staycation Package,” which came with an upgraded room and many freebies. Aside from a free 60-minute massage at its spa, it also includes a discount on its Sampaguita-inspired Signature Menu.
It was such a pleasant surprise to see in my living room a platter of fruits, another one with chocolates, and a refreshingly cold Sampaguita juice served in a coconut shell. But what I liked the most was the potted sampaguita plant, already with buds, which I could take home with me. This marketing initiative is, indeed, unique and definitely sets the hotel way above its competitors!
I also discovered that, in celebration of Filipino Food Month, the hotel has Pamana, a special Weekend Dinner Buffet that showcases the bold, vibrant, and deeply rooted flavors of Kapampangan cuisine. This is brought to life by acclaimed chef and entrepreneur Felix Niño Asuncion, CEO of Asuncion Family Ventures, Inc.
Held every Friday and Saturday, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Café Belmont, Pamana, which translates to “heritage,” invites diners to explore one of the Philippines’ most revered culinary traditions. Pampanga is celebrated for its unique ingredients, time-honored cooking techniques, and richly layered flavors. Through Pamana, guests are offered a meaningful experience that honors these traditions while presenting them in a fresh, inspired way.
During its launch, Chef Asuncion declared, “Pamana is more than just a meal. It is the story of who we are as Filipinos. Each dish we serve honors the hands that came before us, the land that has nourished us, and the memories that continue to shape us. With this buffet, customers not only savor the depth and richness of Kapampangan cuisine, but also feel the warmth of our heritage and the soul of our people.”
Recently honored as Asia’s Visionary Leader in Empowered Entrepreneurship, Chef Asuncion’s curated specialties include: Asadong Matwa, a sweet and savory pork stew, slow-cooked the traditional way, inspired by heirloom recipes from Pampanga’s kitchens; and Begukan Babi, a robust, umami-packed pork dish simmered in bagoong, showcasing the bold flavor profile that defines Kapampangan cuisine.
These standout dishes, among others, embody the essence of Pamana, a celebration of heritage passed down through generations, enriched by Chef Asuncion’s personal flair and culinary creativity. I learned that all ingredients are selected from Filipino farmers and producers, and dishes are prepared with mindful practices to reduce waste, in support of the communities that preserve our culinary traditions.
Chef Asuncion is known for championing Filipino food heritage, mentoring young culinary talent, and integrating eco-conscious practices into his work. His award-winning journey and his inspirational book, Always Forward: The Story of Perseverance, continue to empower the next generation of Filipino chefs and entrepreneurs.
Belmont Hotel Manila’s Sampaguita Staycation Package continues to attract families, and the popular Pamana Weekend Dinner Buffet is available every Friday and Saturday at Café Belmont from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Additional information on the hotel’s unique offerings may be obtained from info@belmontmanila.com and (02) 5318 8888.
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YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:
IN A NON-SMOKING AREA: If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and we will act accordingly.
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