SumoSam Officially Opens in Harbor Point Subic!

SumoSam opened its first branch in Subic, located at the 2^nd Level of Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone--- bringing the best in contemporary Japanese cuisine with the concept of unparalleled value for money, taste and style to Metro Olongapo. I was invited to witness this event as it is a very important milestone for SumoSam and their partners, and boy was it well-attended!

Upon entering the store, you're greeted by the good-looking crew. Take note, this crew member didn't know I was attending the event and just mistook me for a curious customer but she explained the menu quite impressively. Props for knowledgeable staff! Looking through the glass, I saw that even just a few weeks into operations, the place is packed by locals and foreigners alike. Perfect place to impress a date or hold a business meeting while enjoying Japanese food.

True to its commitment to bring the most exciting East-meets-West Japanese food to Filipinos, SumoSam offers its unique dining experience to the City of Olongapo and the highly progressive town of Subic. The food rises to the expectations of a diverse, international community by marrying traditional to modern Western cooking. 

Conveniently located at Harbor Point Ayala Mall, its elegant and welcoming youthful interiors is the perfect setting to enjoy an impeccable collection of sushi, sashimi and tempura after a day of shopping; or a comforting bowl of slow-cooked Ramen and scrumptious rice bowls for travelers. 


Celebrity chef Marvin Agustin opened the festivities by a ceremonial slicing of sushi, a tradition for every Sumosam store opening. Vice President and Director for Business Development, Raymund Magdaluyo and franchise partners Dondon and Marilyn Adao joined Marvin as they welcome guests to try out the festive selection of steaks, seafood and sushi to enthusiastic guests.

Highly successful business couple tandem Dondon and Marilyn Adao.

Celebrity Chef Marvin Agustin does the honor of leading the sushi-slicing ceremony. It's a tradition for every restaurant opening. VP and Director for Business Development Raymund Magdaluyo, and the First Lady and former Governor of Olongapo Anne Gordon opened the festivities with Chef Marvin.

 It was so adorable how one of Chef Marvin's twin sons was watching in awe as Daddy slices the giant sushi!

Vice President for Business Development Raymond Magdaluyo shares the concept behind SumoSam, and how choosing the right partner will determine the success of a SumoSam franchise. He relates that by the end of 2012, 20 SumoSam restaurants will by then be open to serve diners all over the country.

The timeless legend of Sumosam as the Champion Eater, Legendary Fighter rings true in a vast menu of carefully handcrafted dishes guaranteed to satisfy Japanese food cravings. Animated images of sumo wrestlers indulging in generous servings of Japanese food is a telltale sign of what Sumosam offers—the thrill of Asian fusion cuisine offered in generous servings designed to attract the young, upbeat cosmopolitan market. 

Placing an order for Japanese food may be a little intimidating, but by having photographs of each dish in the menu immediately makes the process an adventure on its own. One can choose from a delectable set of salads and starters such as the Kani Pomelo Salad, Spicy Tuna Salad, Steamed or Fried Gyoza and Tofu Steak, as well as a variation of kamameshi bowls and noodles such as Seafood and Sausage Yakisoba. Main courses like Beef Teppan, Chicken Teriyaki, Bacon Asparagus and more mouth-watering meat items, and seafood of the highest quality namely Salmon Wasabi Cream, Local Marlin or Malasugui and Seafood Teppan Platter. Finally completing the list are the Amazing Kani Roll, Las Vegas Roll and Philadelphia Roll. Just one look at their menu and you know exactly what you want to eat! 

Luke Mejares provided the night's music and entertainment. I had the pleasure of meeting him before the show, we happened to have common friends so I wasn't as shy to approach him for a photo!

And of course, I couldn't resist to ask Marvin for a photo because I loved him since Esperanza days! I've seen him so many times now but I still get kilig.

Oh, and to top it all off, the most curious thing happened. Well, I am that kind of person who's always lucky at raffles and contests. I won P2000 worth of gift certificates from SumoSam Subic! I wanted to die of stage fright. LOL. I actually kept calling Luke "Lucky Charm" the entire night because of all the names in the fish bowl, he called mine. Here am I having a funny moment with the show's host and Luke Mejares.

These sweet ladies approached and congratulated me on my small "win" LOL! It's the first time I've met them, it felt like I've known them all my life (not exaggerating.) On my left is Marvin's aunt and to my right is his Mom.

For themed events and parties, Sumosam Harbor Point Ayala Mall offers catering services and functions, open on Sundays to Thursdays at 10am to 9pm; Fridays to Saturdays at 10am to 10pm. The 80-seating capacity dining area assures ample space to have good conversation and hold get-togethers with loved ones.

Look at all the food they served all the guests! It was so yummy, I had to use all the willpower left in me to stop eating!

Just look at my plate! 

Slam-dunk favorite!

And of course, all that food and fun will not be possible without the efforts of our friends from SumoSam. Beside me is SumoSam Bosses Joy, Chef Mae, Marketing Manager Tina Papera, digital artist Gelai Racca and Operations Manager Ton Ortiz. The couple in black are managers of the Subic Branch Sherry My Perez and the gentleman's name escapes my mind right now. 

Thank you SumoSam for the fun weekend soiree to Subic! 


For inquiries, call SumoSam Subic at 251-1014 or visit them at 2^nd Level, Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Subic Freeport Zone. Visit their facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ilovesumosam or Twitter @ilovesumosam for more updates and events.