Sky22 Semi Buffet Lunch Singapore- A Joyful Skyline Feast Perfect for Celebrations

ABBEY: We wrapped up the year with a relaxed brunch at Sky22 at Courtyard by Marriott Singapore, and it turned out to be a lovely choice. Located on the twenty-second floor, the restaurant offers an impressive view of the surroundings. From our table, we could see the ongoing construction of Toa Payoh Sports Centre beside the park, as well as a portion of MacRitchie Reservoir in the distance. The elevated vantage point really adds to the dining experience.

We went for the semi-buffet brunch, where you choose one main course and enjoy free-flow access to the salad bar, bread, soup, and desserts. For my main, I ordered the Wagyu Beef Cheek Bourguignon, which was incredibly tender and comforting. It was served with crispy kale, carrot purée, and mushrooms, a well-balanced and satisfying plate.

The buffet spread was fun to explore. I ended up creating my own version of a “Subway-style” sandwich using tomatoes, pork sausage, corn, and leafy greens. Simple, but surprisingly good. Dessert was just as enjoyable. I filled my plate with dragon fruit, watermelon, and chocolate cookies. There were also ice cream options like lime sorbet, cookies and cream, and chocolate. The chocolate won me over, and I had it both in a cone and in a bowl.

More than just the food, it was a meaningful way to close the year. Over brunch, we talked about everything that happened over the past months and shared our goals for the coming year. It was an easygoing and thoughtful way to end the year on a positive note.

Sky22 semi buffet lunch in Singapore with city skyline views

WILL: Good news — this is a luxury hotel buffet that won’t hurt your wallet. Weekday semi-buffet lunch: $29.50++ per person

Perfect for celebrations without the post-meal guilt (financial or otherwise 😉).

Imagine dining beside floor-to-ceiling windows, soaking in panoramic views of the Novena skyline, with sunlight streaming in by day and city lights twinkling by evening. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed — fancy enough to impress, cozy enough to linger.

Perfect for:
-Birthday lunches 
-Romantic dates 
-Family celebrations 

The buzz is real and growing! Many diners lovingly call it a “hidden gem in Singapore” — and honestly, we love a good secret (until now, hehe!)

Is Sky22 Semi Buffet Lunch Worth It?
Absolutely YES. If you’re looking for a celebration-worthy semi buffet in Singapore with great food, heartfelt vibes, and breathtaking views, Sky22 checks all the boxes.

So go on — grab your besties, your partner, or just your happy self, and celebrate life one delicious bite at a time. Do not miss their LAKSA!! 😋

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Sky22

(W)https://www.sky22restaurant.com/

(A) 99 Irrawaddy Rd Level 22, Singapore, 329568

We Watched Beauty and the Beast at Marina Bay Sands — Here’s Why It Was Worth Every Cent

ABBEY: Before the year ended, we finally caught Beauty and the Beast: The Musical at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, and it was a lovely way to wrap up the year.

The audience was mostly families, with plenty of kids in tow. Some were holding glowing Enchanted Roses, seated excitedly beside their parents. Every time I watch a stage adaptation of a well-loved movie, I find myself curious about how the story will translate to live theatre. In this case, the production truly delivered.

From the opening scene in Belle’s village to the transformation of the prince into the Beast and back again, every moment felt thoughtfully staged. “Be Our Guest” stood out with its colourful, lively, almost cabaret-like energy that instantly filled the theatre with excitement. The visual effects and choreography were engaging.

What made the show even more enjoyable was the humour woven throughout the performance. The cast landed their punchlines well, and the audience responded warmly, especially to Lumière and Cogsworth, who brought charm and wit to every scene they were in.

Special mention goes to Mrs. Potts. The physical endurance required for the role, with an arm constantly raised, is impressive. Chip, appearing as just a head in an open trolley, was also a delightful illusion to watch and surprisingly convincing on stage. Gaston felt like he stepped straight out of the animated film, perfectly capturing the character’s over-the-top personality.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the show. Even though I know the story, watching Beauty and the Beast: The Musical felt like discovering it all over again. It was magical, nostalgic, and well worth seeing.

This Disney Musical Took Over Marina Bay Sands
Here’s What Surprised Me Most

We Watched Beauty and the Beast at Marina Bay Sands
Here’s Why It Was Worth Every Cent

WILL: Running from December 11, 2025, to January 25, 2026, Beauty and the Beast: The Musical brought something genuinely special to Singapore. This wasn’t a simple stage retelling of the animated classic—it was a bold reinvention, powered by cutting-edge technology, breathtaking sets, and jaw-dropping costumes.

The Sands Theatre was packed with families, couples, Disney superfans, and theatre lovers, all buzzing with anticipation. It felt less like attending a show and more like being part of a major cultural moment—one Singapore will remember for years.

If there’s one reason to see this musical, it’s “Be Our Guest.” The number was a full-blown spectacle: explosive color, razor-sharp choreography, and Vegas-level production. The costumes, lighting, and precision dancing created pure sensory overload—in the best way possible. The theatre erupted in applause, and honestly, this scene alone was worth the ticket price.

That said, the second act moved a little too quickly compared to the relaxed pacing of Act One. The Gaston–Beast showdown could’ve used more tension, and while the transformation was magical, it didn’t quite hit the jaw-dropping “wow” moment I was hoping for.

Tickets started from S$70, which is remarkably reasonable for a Disney Broadway production of this scale.

Final verdict: 9/10. A must-watch for anyone who loves world-class theatre, Disney magic, and unforgettable live performances.

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Disney's Beauty and the Beast

(W) https://ticketing.sistic.com.sg/mbs/booking/537BB0226

Where to Eat in Manila: Must-Try Filipino Restaurants for Balikbayans & Foodies

ABBEY: Manila never runs out of dining options, whether you are looking for comfort food, classic Filipino dishes, or a relaxed place to unwind. During our stay, we managed to try several restaurants across different parts of the city. Here are the places we ate at and what we ordered.

Nono’s Comfort Kitchen and Bakery

We arrived in Manila in the afternoon and walked from our hotel to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. While strolling around, we stumbled upon Nono’s Comfort Kitchen and Bakery, which felt perfect for merienda time.

I ordered the Arroz Caldo with Bone Marrow and Tokwa’t Baboy. The rice porridge was flavourful and comforting, topped with garlic bits, crispy wonton strips, egg, and gelatinous bone marrow. A squeeze of calamansi brought everything together. Paired with tokwa’t baboy, it truly lived up to the restaurant’s “comfort” promise. Even though it was still early, we tried Engkanto beer since it was buy-one-get-one, and it was a good deal.

Casa Reyes Bistro

After our hand and foot spa, the sun had already set, so we headed to Casa Reyes Bistro for dinner. We chose to dine al fresco, which added to the relaxed evening vibe.

I ordered pork barbecue served with unlimited java rice in a tiny caserola and a side of atchara. The barbecue was tender and sweet, while the atchara added a nice sour and tangy contrast. We also shared a serving of crispy pata. The skin was impressively crispy, and the meat inside was juicy. Dipping it in the toyo-suka helped balance the richness. For dessert, we had the Bibingka Cheesecake. It had that familiar char flavour from the coal, though the taste was just average for me.

Lechoneria

We had lunch at Lechoneria before watching a movie with ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia. Given the restaurant’s name, I probably should have ordered lechon, but I went with the beef caldereta instead.

Aside from lechon belly, Lechoneria also serves other Filipino favourites. My order came with rice, soup, and ensaladang talong. The beef was tender, and the thick, mildly spicy sauce went perfectly with rice. I mixed the eggplant, onion, and tomatoes with a small portion of bagoong on the side, just to be safe. It added balance and completed the meal nicely.

Where to Eat in Manila: Filipino Food Spots Balikbayans Will Love

Where to Eat in Manila: Filipino Food Spots Balikbayans Will Love

Where to Eat in Manila: Filipino Food Spots Balikbayans Will Love

WILL: Are you excited to come back to the Philippines and indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine? 🇵🇭

As a balikbayan, one common problem is time—we only have a few days to explore different provinces and taste their local food.

Good news: Manila brings the flavors of the Philippines to you.

Restaurants in Mall of Asia, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and nearby lifestyle hubs now offer Filipino specialties from different regions, plus Western comfort food. If you’re wondering where to eat in Manila, here are some restaurants worth your time and money.

1. Nono’s – Comfort Food with a Homey Feel
**Mall of Asia / Ayala Malls Manila Bay

I ordered Nono’s Homestyle Chicken and Waffles (Php 555), and it did not disappoint.
- Waffle texture: crispy on the outside, chewy inside
- Chicken: tender and juicy, not dry at all
What I loved most was the homey ambiance and their exceptional service—the staff was attentive without being intrusive. This is one of those places you’ll definitely want to come back to.

2. Casa Reyes Bistro – Classic Filipino Dishes Done Right
**Ayala Malls Manila Bay

We were seated outside, and surprisingly, it wasn’t too hot or humid. Service took a bit longer, but that’s expected—Casa Reyes is not fast food, and everything is made to order.
I ordered their Crispy Pata (Php 1,195) à la carte.
- Plenty of meat (good for 3 people)
- Crispy skin, flavorful inside
- Great value for the price
Unlike other versions, Casa Reyes’ Crispy Pata is generous and satisfying. Definitely worth indulging in when craving classic Filipino food.

3. Lechoneria – A Surprise Favorite for Kare-Kare
**SM Mall of Asia

When you hear Lechoneria, you expect lechon—and yes, that’s their specialty. But what truly caught my attention was their Kare-Kare Baka Set (Php 555).
And wow. Thick, rich peanut sauce, Deeply flavorful and Comforting and nostalgic.
Grabe, nakakamiss ang ganitong klaseng kare-kare. The thickness was just right, and the flavor really hit home.
Keep it up, Lechoneria—your kare-kare is outstanding.

If you’re a balikbayan, tourist, or local foodie with limited time, these restaurants make it easy to enjoy Filipino cuisine without traveling far.

Whether you’re at Mall of Asia, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, or Newport Manila, you’ll find dishes that bring comfort, nostalgia, and great flavors—all in one city.

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Nono's Comfort Kitchen & Bakery

(W) https://nonos.ph/

Casa Reyes Bistro Filipino

(W) https://www.casareyesbistrofilipino.com/

Lechoneria Lechon Belly and Filipino Favorites

(F) https://www.facebook.com/Lechoneria.PH/