yaniconquistadora: PRECIOUS MOMENTS Manila Showroom: A Restaurant and Giftshop

I've been eyeing this heavenly place for months and wish to have quality time at their SamBrew Cafe branch before with a close friend even for just a cup of good coffee and a plate full of pastries, but my hopes of visiting never materialized until one Sunday morning I found myself wandering inside this restaurant and giftshop called Precious Moments. Precious Moments is a brand which is known worldwide and has been a leader in the collectible industry for over 3 decades now. Hence, this place in Baranggay Palanan in Makati is widely-known by figurine and doll collectors and enthusiast here in the Philippines. It was suddenly like a dream-come-true situation for me to finally trod a mystical space like this. And from the bottom of my heart I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ms. Joy Felizardo, a foodie friend and the one I consider an older sister for inviting us over this place; and more so to Mr. Jojo Sonillo, President of Precious Moments Manila, who joyfully and with great hospitality welcome us into his dear showroom.

Allow me to review this place primarily as a foodie, therefore this will be filled with lots of gastronomy and just tidbits of information about the giftshop. In my succeeding posts I will share to you how amorous this place is for those who are fond of collecting figurines, collectible dolls, decors and knickknacks. So lets hit this place as a gastronomist first, alright? ^_^

As you enter the restaurant you will be first greeted by a life-size endearing teardrop-eyed Precious Moments Angel. No security guard to warmly welcome guests, but an angel that creates a positive vibe at the beginning of your journey. As you walk further, a gaudy dining area adorned with hundreds of collectible porcelain bisques, collectible dolls, Christmas decors and souvenirs surprise you. It can be likened to a home I dreamed of --- filled with items you can cherish and treasure for generation. I abruptly felt the spirit of Christmas as soon as I see the the lighted Christmas tree and innumerable small to medium and large furnishings that collide to create a magical scenery.

To my surprise, there is a second floor where events, meetings, seminars or could just be a romantic and perfect meal can take place. So here's the flight of stairs I conquered dotted with medium-sized white Christmas trees. I love the nostalgic vibe these decors bring and I know you too when you started planning on visiting this place.

Still another tear-drop eyed Precious Moments Angel by a huge Christmas tree greeted me on the second floor. You won't feel tiring stairs as soon as you behold this gigantic figurine. If I can recall it right, this one is worth over 40 thousand pesos and one of the most marketable item especially when ber months set in.

Charmingly simple dining hall with long tables with a set up in such a way having a systematic arrangement from dinner wares to flat wares and glass wares. Just awesome! Reminds me of an affluent big family's house or a mansion of some sort.

After a refreshing glass of iced tea was served, this soup followed marking the start of a gastronomy that is truly worth-remembering for me. This soup is good for 3-4 persons. Served hot and savory considering the amount of ingredients used. Very warming and nutritious.

Seafood and Spinach Soup PhP230

Crab Sotanghon PhP90 per 100 grams

Sweet & Sour Lapu-Lapu PhP110 per 100 grams

Braised Pata Tim PhP465

Orange Chicken PhP310

Yang Chow Fried Rice PhP235

Butterfly Prawns Szechuan Style PhP390

Creamy Carbonara

Korean Squid PhP330

Seaweed and Century Egg Platter Php310

My very own plate. It was brunch time and though I came in with an empty stomach I did not bother to return to the buffet table for more helpings. But that does not mean that the food is not good, it is actually good tasting with impressive presentation of Asian cuisine menu listing which guests have an option to be a la carte or buffet type. Love and care were successfully expressed through their sumptuous food selections.May I refer to you this page for the special events packages. I surely would like my god daughter or god son or perhaps my future nephews and nieces to celebrate their christening, birthdays or any social gathering that is life changing at this very place. So precious just like the too many to be numbered Precious Moments item surrounding you.

There is always room for dessert especially if it is as good as this Mango Float. Layers of slightly sweet cream and ground graham crackers with mango pieces in between. A perfect meal ender for every diner. I heard they have cake selections that are to die for which regular customers are constantly looking for. Certainly, I will try most of them on my future visits. I will surely tag along my close friends in here, have some coffee and cakes too!

When the time that I need to answer the call of nature, I went to this washroom which I though is the toilet area. When I saw how creative and neatly done it is, I went back to my seat and grabbed my bridge cam so that I could show to my readers how it appears. Problem is I was not able to make a shot of the bathroom where it is equally tastefully done and groomed.

Macadamia Hazelnut Latte PhP125 Cookies and Cream PhP125

Cappuccino PhP70

Coffee is always considered to be a perfect meal-ender as long as it has the kick needed to stimulate the drinker. Other ordered for hot drinks while some had ice blended beverage like I did. They call their coffee concoction as SamBrew, which is after the name of one of the principal owners of Precious Moments Manila, Mr. Samuel J. Butcher. They used to have a coffee shop at the ground floor of Dona Carmen Bldg. still in Palanan, Makati but then the owners decided to merge the cafe with the restaurant and giftshop. Hence, this place known as Precious Moments Showroom.

The restaurant aspect of the company’s operations covers services including dining, take-out, delivery and catering. Snack, lunch and dinner are served regularly but starting October 15, 2012, this place shall be closed every Monday.

Since I am a certified foodie, I was able to take home that cook/foodie figurine. How? Watch out my next post about the giftshop and the Precious Moments Philippines Collectors Club. Make sure you visit me again for good news and updates.

This place promises you to achieve excellent shopping and dining experience each time. It is not only your tummy that is meant to be full but your eyes as well. Filled with wonderful creation that teaches you how to love, share and care. My first visit naturally warms my heart and soul. Fur sure there will be a lot of visits from me at your shop and restaurant. . .

"Cherish those precious moments because someday they will be all you have."

-Unknown

Have a blessed Sunday!!!!!!! ^_^

PRECIOUS MOMENTS MANILA
4227 Laredo St., Brgy. Palanan
Makati City, Philippines 1235