Enchanted Halloween at Edsa Shangri-la Hotel

Moms like me need little helpers when it comes to celebrating special holidays, and that includes a spooktacular halloween! I am not alone when I tell you that many of us have discovered a more peaceful, comfortable, safe, enjoyable, and yes, practical way to let our kids enjoy trick or treating.


Here's a photo of me and Ashton in costume. I am supposed to be a soldier and he is a prince.

For this year's halloween, I fully depended on Edsa Shangri-la Hotel (my favorite hotel so far from all I've stayed in). We enjoyed New Year 2012 here and were not disappointed, so we thought we'd do the same for halloween.



Daddy is a minion from Despicable Me

Most of the time, parents bring their kids to malls. We've tried that but were exhausted by the end of all activities. It involved a lot of leg and guess work. Will my kid enjoy, will he bring home some candies, what activities are there?




Not at Enchanted Halloween, it was our most comfortable halloween yet! We arrived 30 minutes before the event. Lined up with other kids who are all cooperative in their costumes. You can really feel the halloween spirit here haha :)



There were lots of booths to keep kids busy. From face painting to photo booths which were all included in the ticket fee (We paid Php 1,080 for each of us). Our hands were already full from freebies even before the event started.

 


Isla Ballroom was transformed into an enormous enchanted forest. Everyone of course, had seats here and we all comfortably ate our set lunch. It isn't a buffet but you get your own food from the 'enchanted' spread.



Here's our lunch of spaghetti, nuggets, hotdog, and fried chicken Shangri-la style.

 
 
I believe desserts were unlimited and I fancy the halloween cupcakes. Some had witches on them! Sorry for the lack of good photos, my hands were full.



 Ashton is just two years old so he didn't get to play any of the staged games. If your kid is 5 and up I am sure they'll have fun. After the games, there was a Mad Science Show. Ashton was not interested BUT there's an alternative 'Barney' room for the likes of him.



Ashton and I trooped to the Make your own halloween bag room aka 'Barney room' because there's a large TV playing Barney. It was a lifesaver for us! Ashton watched Barney and colored his bag away with my help. This while we waited for the official trick or treating to start. This is such a good idea to have an alternative in case toddlers want a quieter space.



Then, we were all ready to collect goodies from Shangri-la hotel's restaurants. The kids are all very cute lining up for candies.

We also went home with the official goodie bag which had even more candies and kiddie snacks inside. Ashton was satisfied.




If you ask me, I am definitely repeating this next year. We now have two family traditions inside Shangri-la Hotel and we are very pleased they always surpass our expectations :)

Staycation at Maxims Hotel, Resorts World

Having a sleepover inside Resorts World is a dream come true. It's hard to decide how to spend your time leisurely with all that's in store.

It becomes more challenging if you're staying at Maxims Hotel. Here's what our suite looked like:



I love that our suite came with a mini dining area. My son Ashton hates to eat in busy restaurants so we had our meals in room a number of times.



First time to enjoy my burger inside a 6 star suite!

The bathroom is any girl's dream, there is a makeup mirror, a chair for you to sit while doing your makeup, a bath tub, a shower, and an enclosed toilet.

Two sinks for him and her? The vanity mirror and seat inspired me to fix myself up:)


The bathroom also boasts of a spacious bath tub but I never got to use it. We prefer the infinity pool!

Space nowadays is a luxury and Maxims was able to provide that in many ways. Our room number is 803 and it had the BEST view of NAIA 3. Ashton is obsessed with airplanes, it was amazing for him to see planes actually take off from the runway.



Then, there's my partner's untouchable corner which is the work area. He loves how it is detached from other furniture, plus it had a hi-tech touch phone for calling the butler. If I may say, butler in Maxims is just another term for room service. You don't really get someone like Batman's Alfred.




However, I can vouch that their service can easily pass 6 stars. It's hard to find a hotel with excellent service and during our stay, it was made stress-free by staff. All my requests were granted without second thoughts.



Use this to call for room service, or there's always the traditional phone beside your bed.


Some things I asked for: for them to setup our dining table with plates, for them to pack leftovers, for early check in, and for late checkout. I was given a smoking room but we were not smokers, to compensate they gave us a huge ionizer in the room that cleans the air. Our room didn't smell bad at all.

 

It was tempting to cocoon inside our room all day, under heavy soft sheets, and watch cable TV. But, I wouldn't miss not enjoying their resort style pool area!




They had private gazebos with white couches, even this place had the luxury of space and privacy. The infinity pool was gorgeous and was just right for both kids and adults. The water was crystal clear and we were all very relaxed and comfy while enjoying the swim under the sun.

 
 

For me, this made our stay very worthwhile. I feel like I went to another resort to relax. We packed up to rest just before heading again to the mall area. There are lots of restaurants to choose from. Our favorite is Mr. Kurusawa and there's also Red Crab. We just ask for food to be taken away so we can enjoy them inside our room.



Thanks to room service staff for preparing our dining ware in advance. We got to enjoy our favorite Japanese food privately in our room.

If you have a Resorts World Member Card, you get 10% off on restaurants. Good thing I always have mine in my wallet, I got it 2 years ago when we had fun in the casino. I don't really play though but I like using it to get discounts :)





Maxims hotel's elevator is the same as the mall's, so getting around is a breeze. Being connected to Resorts World is probably the biggest selling point of this hotel. For one, cinemas in Resorts World are open 24 hours. When my toddler was asleep, my husband and I got to watch Taken 2 (we had childcare by the way).



Breakfast buffet is of course complimentary, this is the part where I would suggest Maxims to improve. Personally, I don't think it was a 6 star spread. It was modest but nothing fancy. We also ordered some in room breakfast for our little boy, this time it was fancy and we got to bring home small pots of jams. If I would book a suite again, I'd skip the complimentary breakfast buffet and just order a la carte.



This is Ashton's room service breakfast

Our next agenda was of course, Game Zoo! I played Ashton's and I's favorite fishing game. We won lots of tickets and got to swap it with a kiddie tumbler worth 200 points.


Ate M and Ashton are serious



But I am most serious of all, I won 200+ tickets in one day! :)

A stay in Maxims would cost aroun Php 15,000+ a night. I would say this is a really unique entertainment hotel fit for anyone who wants to get the most out of Resorts World. Recommended for balikbayans or for anyone who needs a serious downtime.




If you are budget conscious, you can also consider adjacent hotels like The Mariott or The Remington Hotel. They are all walking distance to Resorts World, I might try one of them soon and share the experience once again :)

The Off Price Show now in Manila - Shop famous brands at discounts

While driving through EDSA, I thought I was dreaming when I saw a bus advertisement about The Off Price Show. I knew it was a regular event in the UK but in the Philippines? Wake up to a 3 day shopping bliss starting from 28-30 September!




I'm so excited to attend this shopping event franchise for the very first time. This is happening at my oddest shopping mecca, The World Trade Center. Would you believe I do most of my bulk shopping there every Christmas season?

Paying full price is a swear word in my thrifty dictionary. For sure smart shoppers will be there early so I'm planning my trip and start at exactly 10AM. This might be a good chance for me to own my first pair of Melissa shoes.

And how many of us daydream about IKEA furniture? I am not brand conscious but the ergonomics and space saving features of this brand is just awesome. IKEA is not all about furniture, they have baby and toddler stuff too. Plus points for my toddler Ashton!

According to my sources, this won't be a mediocre show. All retailers will be selling stock at 50-80% off. I hope this is true because I've got a lot on my shopping list:

- Clothes for Ashton
- Plain cotton shirts & shorts for me (just can't have enough)
- A flat pair of shoes
- Comfy shift dresses
- Polo shirts for my husband
- Quirky stuff from Ikea

Aside from shopping, visitors can also enjoy the food center, and a styling and fashion show.

Here's a tip: Make the most out of your shopping day by wearing flats, bring lots of eco bags, and don't forget that The World Trade Center has a nice restaurant on the second floor where you can dine in peace if you wish. It's also my secret pit stop when my legs are dead tired from all the walking.

Are you excited yet? I am! See you all at The Off Price Show :)

Weekend at Best Western Premier F1 Hotel at Global City

Ever wondered how it feels like to have a prime address in the Metro? To be living just beside your favorite hangout places and restaurants? We were thinking just the same and that's exactly why we endeavored a staycation at Best Premier F1 Hotel.



This curious hotel is just in front of BGC Central where the newest restaurants have sprouted. It's a playground for kids with the vast 'running space' and playful fountains and adults alike with shops and gastronomical adventures up ahead.



 Location is probably the best spiel F1 hotel will ever play. But aside from proximity and deducting that factor - this fine hotel is as good on its own.




Interiors are seriously well-thought, not mediocre at all. We loved our Room 807 which was a Deluxe King Size Bed accommodation. It was big enough for the three of us to occupy without annoying each other.


I love this little corner just beside the bed. The sofa and table are perfect for reading, snacking, and 'Facebook-ing'  

My son Ashton and I enjoyed the bed which feels like it were eating us alive, I like beds like this and I give it a 5 star for comfort, smell, and size. We could stay in it all day, oblivious of the attractions right outside.




It didn't take us long to settle in our room, we found ourselves enjoying the LG LCD television to watch Disney Junior and Lifestyle Network alternately. My husband was rather busy in his own little workspace.



I love the ergonomics in the room, Ashton and I can switch channels without ever bothering the hardworking dad. Did I mention all rooms are WiFi ready? We enjoyed sharing bits & pieces of our stay with our friends via Facebook and Instagram :)



The F1 Hotel Swimming Pool



Next up we tried their swimming pool at the roof deck. Make that swimming pools because F1 Hotel has three of them. 1 for kids fit for toddlers, another for regular swimmers, and a lap pool for the serious swimmers.


The setup at the roof deck is very convenient, lots of seating available, clean water, nice view, and a private feel. We were just let be by the staff which is amazing. It's hard to get privacy nowadays.



From the pool we could see the gym and that no one was there at the time being. I guess this is what's premier in F1 - really lots of privacy and uncrowded spots.

Food choices

After the swim we dressed up for dinner at BGC Central at Geisha Restaurant. It was drizzling and concierge lent us a big umbrella. Thank you very much.



We also just had to try and get delivery from City Delivery which was also awesome.



The front desk called us when delivery arrived and one of us just had to fetch our midnight snacks from Amici. Note that if you use the hotel phone you will be charged around P35 for a local call.

 

Time spent at Best Premier F1 Hotel really goes by fast. A little later it was already time for bed and with some more Disney Junior shows Ashton fell asleep.



We had the best view of BGC Central at night. It was as if we were looking at a real-life Restaurant City - a comforting view that we could all sleep in at the heart of this bustling little city.

Breakfast buffet at F1 Hotel

Our accommodation included a breakfast buffet for our mini family. I have to say there were decent and modest food choices. A few french bread, Filipino & American breakfast items, and porridge. There were also some desserts.


 
Ashton had pancakes and I had rice with eggs and beef.




It was good enough for the price but I hope F1 improves the choices and taste if possible. Overall, breakfast was nice. The cafe is just beside the pool so children are very excited to skip their meals and go for a dip. It's a nice plan to go back swimming again in the early morning.




If you ask me, I would stay again at Best Premier F1 Hotel for its location. The rooms are a real comfort. The facilities need some getting used to, like tapping your hotel card for you to press a button on the elevator. One time our card didn't work and we went up up up with our bathrobes on right after swimming.



It wasn't a biggie though because you can swap your card with a new one of the 5th floor. Service wise, it could get busy during meal times and you might have to fall in line at the cafe to wait your turn.





In a nutshell, this is a nice hotel to stay in. It's a real value for your money and a good place to spend a staycation with the family. I am looking forward for F1 Hotel's future improvements, they are fairly new in BGC but seem to be going to the right direction :)

How to Enjoy Authentic Teppanyaki at The Marriott

Let's start with some basic Japanese here, Teppanyaki literally means flat grill and this is where teppanyaki dishes are all cooked. Meals are usually served in small bowls that feature a variety of combinations including meat, vegetables, and sauces.


Your choice of vegetables to go with your meat


Small bowls are pure genius because it only means you get to eat and try more flavors. Since Marriott Café come to terms with the fact that Japan will be forever loved for its culinary offerings with a classic appeal, the restaurant added a teppanyaki station for buffet dinner still at P1750 net, grilling only the freshest and meaty choices of seafood, fish, beef, pork, and chicken.


 Japanese sauces to excite your teppanyaki

I tried The Marriott's Teppanyaki station just a few days ago and self-learned the ways to enjoy teppanyaki like a master.





First, teppanyaki can be both main course and appetizer. I started with the usual greens in balsamic vinegar in tandem with Kaisen (seafood) and Gyuniko (beef) teppanyaki.


Kaisen teppanyaki. There are various versions depending on your taste.


You can ask the grill master right there to adjust the teppanyaki to your liking. Spicy, sweet, lots of veggies, etc.


Gyuniko teppanyaki is made of hiqh quality and super tender marbled beef


Now onto the main course, I had teppanyaki rice freshly cooked and requested a sweet and spicy blend.



The grilling station is conveniently beside the sushis and sashimis so I grabbed a few slices of fresh salmon to balance my meal.



I also just had to experience Gyuniko teppanyaki again, this time with rice. The grill master also concocted a Tori (chicken) teppanyaki with gotamari (sesame seeds) sauce.




Japanese food is great with it's foodie neighbours like this Thai-style seafood. We had this made fresh by the chef at the adjacent food station. Be nice and the chef will do this for you :)




It's hard to describe the enjoyment I had in relishing all these food. It was a great discovery and education for my tastebuds. Afterall, we kind of restricted ourselves with the usual Katsudons, makis, and sushis. It's high time we had a real encounter with the art of  Japanese Teppanyaki.

To provide a sweet ending (and because you can still enjoy all the other buffet offerings of The Marriott Cafe), we tried new gelato flavors - samurai style.



Hazelnut nutella and tiramisu gelato with cone - it's included in the buffet


And just to keep things healthy, a dose of fresh fruits that this cafe never runs out of.

The Marriott Cafe remains our go-to buffet place when we want some more privacy and comfort. With the addition of another Japanese feat, I highly recommend you experience their dinner buffet. It won't be long until the cafe switches things around to offer more flavors. So my friends, enjoy all of these while it lasts :)