When in Manila, it’s a must for you to understand that Filipinos are romantic by nature, always looking to indulge in love songs and stories that touch the heart. To cap off the month of love, four couples were chosen to take part in a sumptuous al fresco dinner in the best restaurant the north has to offer, with great food to satisfy the palate, and captivating music from one of the most renowned singer/composers that the Philippines has produced.
Date with an artist
On February 28, 2013, contest winners Mark, Jay, Armin, Donn and their dates were treated to a night of romantic revelry. They shared how their love story began, and reminisced precious moments involving a song or an album by Ebe Dancel. In fact, the romantic crooner even surprised the bride in one of the guests’ wedding receptions.
Ebe has been churning out romantic hits that tug at your emotions ever since he introduced himself to the local music industry. He consistently delivers timeless hits and his songs are always a good source to serve as a backdrop to romantic endeavours. What better way to indulge in musical revelry than in a restaurant that emanates the same romantic vibe.
Ebe serenades the couples with his hit songs.
Setting the mood
Conveniently hidden near the thoroughfares of Xavierville is a dining haven highlighting a wonderful blend of diverse culinary traditions. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge features seafood, rich meat, pasta and various salads. The atmosphere immediately grows on you once you enter the gates. You are first welcomed by the pleasant garden accentuated with capiz shells, where you walk by a fountain well and a collection of locks hanging by a wall. The locks have couple’s names written on them, and it stands as a symbol of their everlasting love.
Creative idea: Guests of the restaurant are asked to write their names on the lock, hang it on the garden wall then throw the key at the well as a sign of everlasting love!
The amount of detail and attention put into the design was quite impressive. Old woodcrafts and rustic articles that exude a certain sense of antiquity, with high ceilings, candelabras and mood lights, the overall atmosphere makes you think, “This is exactly what I want in a dinner date”.
Inside Ninyo Fusion Cuisine & Wine Lounge. A quaint and homey place.
The place is truly fitting for a romantic night such as this, and the couples were lucky to be able to experience the best that Ninyo has to offer. A degustation feast was eventually brought out, consisting of Honey Glazed Grilled Salmon, U.S. Hanging Tender Steak and Burnt Cream with Butterscotch Floss for dessert. The guests and the organizing committee delighted in the quality of food served. Some of us were even more amazed when we toured the quaint cellar and function rooms located in the second level.
Tucked at the 2nd floor of the restaurant is their wine bar.
