Flair Candy Hannah

When my Malaysian friends came here in the Philippines, they asked what other nice Filipino food they can try aside from the local food I had them try already in Northern Luzon.  Probably due to exhaustion from the trip, I couldn’t think of any.  I know there’s a lot of restaurants here in Manila offering Filipino food, but I couldn’t seem to find a restaurant to match their profile.  I wanted them to taste authentic Filipino food, but nothing too much weird that might upset their hungry tummies.  I was sure, on their fifth day here in Manila, that they already had enough too much authentic Northern Luzon food.

I was really happy and excited when Ibayo invited me to dine in their new restaurant by the bay at the Mall of Asia.  Upon tasting a few dishes on the menu, I couldn’t help but think of my Malaysian friends.  I should have taken them here!  If only I discovered it earlier!  Anyway, I don’t think that was their last trip here… They’ll be back ^_^  and I shall take them to Ibayo next time.

We arrived really late and the event was pretty much over.  I know, it was embarrassing seeing the other guests go home T___T.  But anyway, they were very kind to accommodate us and told us to order anything we want.  At that time, Vince and I just arrived in Manila from an out-of-town trip.  We ate dinner while on the road and we were not really hungry so we didn’t order much.  We wanted to try more so Vince and I will definitely come back to dine here

“Ibayo” means next barrio or next town.  I can’t help but also think that it somehow meant “it’s the next barrio Fiesta” which is kinda true.  Ibayo was inspired by the owners of the famous Filipino Food chain Barrio Fiesta.  This bistro style type of Filipino restaurant by the bay was initiated by the third generation entrepreneurs of the owners of Barrio Fiesta.  They carried some of the famous dishes found in Barrio Fiesta’s menu but there are dishes that are purely inspired with a modern twist.  The distinctively fresh new flavor of the White Adobo is only available in Ibayo.

Paella Negra (Black Paella)

I couldn’t get enough of this.  If only I wasn’t full, I could have eaten the entire plate lol

White Adobo

Close up… it’s a refreshing new taste of Adobo.

It’s definitely creamier with the white sauce.  I don’t even know how to describe it well… You have to taste yourself!

This was Vince’s favorite

Cheese stick with Jalapenos.

P 115

Vince loves fresh juice shakes and he loves mixing fruits.

He ordered the Four Season’s shake… It was totally refreshing.

It’s made of fresh Pineapple, Mango, Orange and Guyabano.

I was in the mood for a more liquid drink (ergo, non-shake)

So I ordered a local favorite, Sago at Gulaman!

They serve it in a glass (P 59) or in a fishbowl (P 120) for sharing.

They were insisting that we try drinks on their bar list.  They really do have a great selection and I would have tried if I wasn’t on antibiotics.

Thank you to Abby and Mark for inviting us!

Thank you also the owners of Ibayo for gladly accommodating us well.

I also checked out their menu and the prices are affordable.  I saw “Sizzling Corn” on my menu and I should order that next time.  *whispers* It’s my favorite pulutan!  You can check out their menu at Doc Gelo’s blog.  Warning, highly mouth-watering!

Also, don’t forget to look at their desserts menu!  It’s full of Filipino sweets!

I say Ibayo is a modern way of experiencing Filipino food.  It’s still authentic Filipino food with a very modern ambiance and some snazzy cocktails on the side.  That’s why I thought it would have been perfect if I took my Malaysian friends here.  Maybe next time.  Ibayo is a great place for family dinners and I say it’s for everyone.  It’s also great for after-work hang-out with co-workers or barkada get-together.  It’s a perfect place for everyone who enjoys great food.

Ibayo by Barrio Fiesta

Accross SM Mall of Asia

Bldg G Unit 7-8 San Miguel by the Bay Seaside

Brgy 076 SM Bay City, Central Business Park 1-A Pasay City

Open from 3pm – 12mn on weekdays and 3pm – 2am on weekends

Also open for lunch on Holidays

For reservations and more info, call Monica Asuncion 0906-5002782

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