Where are you spending Valentines Day?

I've been pestering my husband and asking him where we are spending Valentine's Day. It happens 3 days before my birthday but I feel the need to celebrate it nonetheless. Top of mind choices are a dinner buffet (which I assume are now on waiting list) and an overnight stay somewhere.


Executive Suite, should have an LED TV though.

Lancaster is one hotel with a Valentine's Day promo, sounds cheesy but this room look lovely. I can easily imagine me and my husband working on that table! Both of us are inseparable from our notebooks.


The bed at the Junior Suites.

Love Above the Metropolis

Buffet breakfast for two, two glasses of wine, complimentary Internet connection, and complimentary shuttle service to Ortigas shopping malls. As a special treat on February 14, guests get a long-stemmed rose.


Rates for this package are as follows:

PHP 2,900 for the Junior Suite
PHP 3,350 for the Executive Suite
PHP 4,800 for the Deluxe Suite
PHP 5,900 for the Lancaster Suite

Promo is valid from February 1 to 28, 2011

I am still undecided. I bet we'll just stay at home and watch TV! Or, surprise me.

Where I'm Staying at this New Year | Dusit Thani Hotel

Okay make that next year's new year.

If I had mind reading powers, I would've planned differently and booked a hotel room. But hey, you on the otherhand have time to change plans and reserve a room here.

New Year's Eve Countdown - December 31, 2010 only

Deluxe: Php 9,788 ++
Suites: Php 11,788 ++

New Years always stresses me out, the smoke, the noise, and gory visuals of amputated fingers. Forget all that at Dusit Thani's Devarans Spa.

Inclusions:

• Crossover Dinner for 2 persons
• New Year's Eve Countdown party with unlimited drinks for 2 persons
• 20% discount from Deravana Spa
• In-room wine
  

I'd love to wake up to this pool instead of the warzone-like scene New Year leaves behind. And I'm also excited to see if my 7 month old knows how to swim :)

The Crossover Dinner takes you across Dusit Hotel's 4 restaurants for a spectacular fest.

Basix which serves International Food

Umu for authentic Japanese Cuisine

Tosca for exquisite Italian food, Manila's latest fine dining restaurant

Royal Thai dining experience at Benjarong

I think I'll try the famous Dusit Crossover Brunch this Sunday, first day of 2011! So far, I've only dined at Basix where I spotted Amazing Race Asia winner Richard Hardin.



Time to race to Dusit and begin the year with a luxurious feast!The Crossover Brunch happens every Sunday, 11.30AM to 3.00PM. Php 1,600 for adults, Php 800 for kids aged 6-12, for kids under 6, it's free of charge.



For reservations contact 867-3333 ext. 3888

See you!

PLACES: Ecoliving Weekend at NUVALI

Ride this bus to Nuvali

Here's another road trip for you and your friends or family - head to Nuvali in Laguna for a one of a kind nature tripping. From Makati, it only took us an hour to reach Nuvali - the latest development of Ayala Land. Read: bird watching, man-made lake, boat riding, fish feeding, and Bonifacio High Street style of a resto hub.


The future EDSA

I did not expect Nuvali to be so huge, according to our guide this will be the new metro manila. We were actually passing through the future EDSA, 6 lanes of a road that was carved from the mountains. Although, everything will be finished in 40 years but with the pace of development, it could be much sooner than we think.



Let us wish Ayala Land will keep its promise of sustainable development. Because who better take care of the environment than private units and NGOs. They are working together with the Haribon Foundation to ensure that bird counts do not decrease. In fact, more species are being discovered in Nuvali.


Nuvali Bike

I am excited at the idea of two bus lanes which will be operated by Nuvali (same idea as The Fort bus which is ideal), one walking lane, and two bike lanes.


Bird Watching Point

First stop was the watch out point for birds. A tall nipa hut that is overlooking wide greenery can be climbed up together with your binoculars. Spot for a number of bird species or take photos of a rare sight of trees and shrubs, I heard this spot can even be rented out for events as long as they happen when the sun is up. Since the area is mountaneous, the atmosphere is cool and breezy. I wonder if you can setup a picnic here?



Before we headed to lunch, my husband and I checked out some houses including a "green" house where it is naturally cooler because of green technology implemented. This could be as simple as having the right number of windows, having double-sided walls which protects from heat, and having plants to naturally provide shade and fresh oxygen.


Couldn't help but play house.

There are many choices of residencial areas in Nuvali, each subdivision/village varies on land cuts and affordability. Whichever area you please, all the attractions are within your reach. According to our guide, bike trails will be plenty and that means fit family time. Though, you can also enjoy Nuvali without buying a property (like us).

Boat ride, around Php 30

And off we went to ride the boat on a man-made lake. This will be the same boat that will transport workers and residents of Nuvali to places they want to go to. It's also the same boat that will let you feed these guys:


Fish feed about Php 10



Fish feed is available, lots of hungry Japanese Cois! I can't wait to let Ashton experience this for himself. These days, we can't hardly connect with nature and fish feeding will make anyone beam and release all tension.



When the fishes are full, it's time for us to get lunch. Lots of choices here near the boat dock such as Pig Out, Kanin Get It, and Italianni's. Of course, Starbucks is just at the corner. My husband and I enjoyed an awesome Crispy Pata at Pig Out.


Pig Out Staff. They break into cowboy dances during lunch time! :D fun fun fun


This Crispy Pata's skin is like a peking duck's. Thin, crispy, easy to eat and sinful!

Definitely coming back for more of this food and this trip. That's what you can expect from a trip to Nuvali. To know more about Nuvali and how to get there, visit http://www.nuvalievoliving.com/

Dining: Morning in UCC Café Terrace at Resorts World

These days, I am rarely impressed. But one morning I took my breakfast inside Resorts World, at UCC Cafe. The silence of the place and the wonderful lighting was the best morning greeting
for me.



No caffeine-starved yuppies lining up. Relaxed, I called the waitress for the menu and ordered a cup of their houseblend brew, chocolate French toast, and a kani sandwich for my companion.



It was the best looking French toast I've ever seen, stylishly cut in squares so it fits a bite perfectly. The choco-half-dipped sticks reminded me of Pocky, and even the sticks were enjoyable to nibble on. Topped with whipped cream, dashed with powdered sugar, and drizzled with chocolare sauce. What a good morning it was.



My companion and I agreed on how their bread were fresh and crisp. Good quality of food aside from the impressive presentation and service. I wish they do not change.

Now I know where to go for a relaxing morning, away from all the buzz, and embraced with lots of sweetness kicked with caffeine. Everyone deserves a good morning :)

Point your fingers to Nail-a-holics!

It's so easy to forget about our fingers especially when our hands are full (read busy mommies and working ladies). I'm guilty of not having a proper mani and pedi since I gave birth eek.



So yesterday, I thought it would be nice to try Nail-a-Holics in SM Mall of Asia. I've seen them since they opened in June and their shop is such an eye candy with the colorful sofas, their beach wall paintings, and just everything from their logo to their floor are super cute!



Me and my blogger friend Earth looking at nail-a-holic's extensive menu

I went crazy and asked for a Seasurf Manicure, Pedicure, and Foot Spa with Algae Wrap that comes with a free hand and foot massage. Woot! Simply delicious when someone else is doing it for you when you've always been busy doing things for others right?


My nails enjoying a soak, I hear them say ahhhh

Honestly, nail-a-holics is the best nail salon I've ever been too. I am tired of noisy salons where attendants take forever to look for their tools especially foot soaks that drip on the floor, with water that's either to hot or dead cool. Yes?

No wonder I spotted these fashionistas at nail-a-holics too!


Beauty addict Shen


Stylekit Jane


Bea with her cool GE camera

At Nail-a-holics, they're focused on tips and toes so you are sure you're stepping on the right place. There's generous space to comfortably tuck yourself on soft sofa seats with good choice of pillows. Trained and uniformed attendants are focused on you, their tools are clean and organized, and they use the sushal Orly nail polish!

I actually stared in awe at the lady taking care of my hands as she worked on my cuticles like a surgeon without any ouchie boo-boos. My nails looked so neat after cleaning, all she had to do was buff them and they shone like glass after. I skipped the nail polish because I wanted to enjoy the smooth squeeky clean nails I've missed so much :) I took note on how using cuticle oil and nail buffer would already make a big difference.


My tootsies getting a massage

Then, the Algae wrap which was 'whitening' gave my legs a nice glow especially that I was wearing shorts yesterday. I received more than a couple of compliments on how my legs looked great, thanks to Mr. Algae. Girls, get this done before going on a date!

The complimentary hand and leg massage was kinda bitin but of course, if you want serious massage then you can ask for nail-a-holic's Huntington Beach Therapeutic Foot Reflexology. My husband did and it stopped him from complaining too much on why he was at the nail salon with me. In the end he said nail-a-holics wasn't just for girls and he loved the foot massage so much it is now his go-to place when his feet are tired. How macho is that?



Nail-a-Holics is right when they said this was one family place where everyone can be happy. Even barkadas can enjoy spa parties here, just make reservations :) The mani and pedi I got felt more than just that, it was destressing, rewarding, and energizing. It was another level of getting primped at nail-a-holics. Now point your browsers to www.nailaholics.com and make your fingers and toes happy!

Refreshing H20 Hotel

Last week, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel H20. It is the new hotel inside the Manila Ocean Park that features Aqua rooms, read: aquarium wall inside your hotel room. Aside from pretending like you are the little mermaid, the room provides a refreshing stay with its unique theme and lighting caused by the wide aquarium wall.


I love this thermos set inside our room which let us cook instant noodles for snacks. Why not bring your own sachet of hot chocolate powder so you can enjoy a mug before going to sleep?



Then, there's the bathroom and toilet that would literally make you feel like a fish in a bowl. The bathroom is made up of glass walls that is see-through (perfect for couples but could be quiet uncomfy for simple room mates).



What I like though are their 'designer' toiletries that are all in blue. Then, there's the perfect shower head that feels like rain on the skin. One thing missing is the bidei on the toilet x.x

The entire bedroom has mirrors that reflect every corner of the room. It is hard to miss anything that is happening even while you are watching your favorite show on their wide LCD TV or surfing the Internet (for a fee).


The Aqua room's working table is spacious with organized sockets and Internet cable.

Their spacious bed which is lined with what seems like ostrich leather is very interesting. Personally, I felt like I was staying somewhere outside the Philippines but I wish their airconditioning system were cooler. Noted that when we stayed they were still on a dry-run.


Makansutra's hot chocolate is a perfectly sweet morning treat

Our stay had free breakfast buffet at the Makansutra food village which was quiet simple with dried fish, pork and chicken adobo, rice porridge, noodles, eggs, and yummy hot chocolate and tasty coffee, Makansutra style. What made our morning brighter was the view of Manila bay. You could enjoy their breakfast at Al Fresco seats over at White Moon Bar.


White Moon Bar in the morning

Overall, Hotel H20 is a pleasant place to stay in. Check in at 2:00PM, have a refreshing shower and arrange for afternoon drinks at the White Moon Bar just before the sun sets. Dinner would be nice at the Makansutra for something exotic. Then just chill and relax inside your aqua room :)

The Boutique Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay

I have been wanting to try accommodations at bed and breakfast hotels in Tagaytay. Who wouldn't want to relax and escape in this place that's super close to Manila but offers a different cooler climate.



The Boutique bed and breakfast is one BnB I often pass by when driving through Aguinaldo Highway. It looks new, simple,and modern - which I thought was perfect for young couples looking for a romantic getaway. After searching and reading through the Internet and blogs, I knew I wanted to stay here for me and my partner's quick honeymoon :)

I booked the I Escape room for about Php 5,595.00 via email (kudos to the efficient staff of The Boutique) and coordinated with them via SMS. Reservations must be paid at Metrobank but I requested if I could just pay them on my booked date as I am running out of time. Luckily, they agreed and it was super hassle-free.



We arrived at around 1PM but check-in time was 2PM. The staff asked us to personalize our Pamper Me basket which is also included in the room package. We chose from their different types of soaps, shampoos, scented oils, and lotions. These were then placed in a basket with loofa scrubs, other toiletries, and hotel slippers. Sweet <3


Upon entering the room I was already in love with The Boutique. lots of pillow, luxurious linens, perfect lighting, and a nice sight of a mini garden from the window and the shower room.

Inside the closet were two comfy bathrobes that my partner and I quickly found ourselves in. We were also surprised to receive refreshing welcome drinks.



As usual, after 5 minutes my partner had setup his laptop and used The Boutique's free WiFi which had reliable speed and reach. I also accessed the internet with my N95 using their free WiFi service.

After resting and having dinner outside The Boutique, we awaited for our free cold facial stone massage. Guests have to book this in advance, just tell the reception the best time for the masseuse to visit your room. The massage is good for a couple and it was just the best way to cap a long day.

A handful of chilled stones are used to massage and rub the face.Then the masseuse gives a relaxing head massage while your eyes are covered and cooled by some stones. It was just enough for us to say 'aahhhh'. What I like best is that the two masseuse did not hand any envelope or ask for tips :) We were peacefully left lying on the soft bed.



Then we decided to grab some DVDs from their in-house DVD library. When we got back to the room, they sent us our free hot chocolate, cookies, and freshly popped popcorn to enjoy with our action movie. I have never stayed in a hotel so thoughtful.

The morning after, we were awaken at around 8AM with a bountiful breakfast in bed that we chose earlier. It included fresh fruits, I had pancakes while my partner had rib eye corned beef.

If only I could, I would stay in this place longer. But I guess the magic is in short and sweet stays for one to have something to look forward to.

Before leaving, they even handed me a small surprise as a thank you for our stay. Thank you The Boutique for making our quickie honeymoon a memorable one ^^ Visit their website at http://www.theboutiquebnb.com/ for more information



Not to forget that The Boutique has a spacious viewing area with fun and comfy native furniture that you can lounge in. Also, the Samsung HD TV is equipped with cable TV and sound systems ;)