Manila: 3 Buffet Breakfasts in Makati

3 breakfasts over the past 3 days in Makati - just to see how they fared compared to each other:

1) Circles, Makati Shangri-La - fabulous buffet spread with sections dedicated to Western, Japanese, Indian and Filipino cuisines. Longganisa sausages were fab, also good garlic fried rice, pork adobo and crisp daing ng bangus. Honey-baked ham, roast beef, various types of sausages, egg tortas - the choices were incredible! Above average ensaymada at the fabulous pastries/bread section. Also had an incredible section dedicated to Filipino traditional dessert items (kakanin). Loved the bibingka. Fresh fruit juices, dairy section, fresh-cut fruits (including some incredible mangos). LOVE this place. Rating (IMHO): 9.5 out of 10.

2) Escolta, Peninsula Hotel Makati - smaller spread than Circles'. Also have dedicated Western, Filipino, Japanese sections. Some Indian choices - dhal, naan bread. Not much choice of Filipino native desserts - but ensaymada tasted absolutely fabulous - better than Circles', and the chef offered to warm up the pan de sal for me - nice, personal touch. Daing ng bangus also tasted the BEST of all 3 breakfast places I ate at. Corned beef Pinoy was a rich-tasting & substantial breakfast entree. Love the banana bread, too, and little jars of jam at each table. Service was great, smaller dining area, but bright skylit room was a definite plus. Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

3) Paseo Uno, Mandarin Oriental Makati - dark, claustrophobic dining area with service stations clustered together awkwardly. I didn't feel comfortable at all here - but was coincidentally shown the only table with nice view of the pool outside, so that helps alleviate the feeling of overcrowding A LOT. Service was very attentive - like the 2 earlier restaurants. Asked chef at the Egg Station for 2 eggs over-easy. She made one egg, sunny-side up - despite my repeated requests - obviously did not understand English. Pork tocino (despite being served in the hot section) was cold & hard. Pork adobo and Pancit Canton next to it were also all very cold. Come one- this is NOT a turo-turo stall!! Pan de sal stuffed with corned beef was awful - dry, cold & hard. Hot section was not impressive, though mini-quiches were quite cute & tasty. Also had carvery - ham & roast chicken, but not as impressive as Circles and Escolta's. Salad/fruit and cereals/dairy sections were pretty standard, but bread/pastry section fell FAR short of the other 2 places. Rating: 6 out of 10.