Sharing to you my article on Fairmont Makati Hotel.
http://petitemommma.blogspot.com/2014/02/holy-week-at-fairmont-makati.html#gpluscomments
Fairmont Makati
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Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod
Looking for a church around Bonifacio Global City? Sharing to you an article I wrote about the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at SM Aura Premiere.
Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod
Patio Pacific Boracay Review Part 2 (2013)
We had a great time at Patio Pacific when we checked-in there last year. This year, we decided to get them again as our home in the island.
There had been changes in the resort. Here's what we've noticed:
- A new manager. Previously it was an expat who manages the resort but this year we were met by the manager, Carlos, who accompanied us to our room (which is cool since it was the manager who welcomes the guests)
- Additional toiletries. Nice! We don't get only soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Now, there are cotton buds, dental kit, shower caps, etc.
- Limited menu. Last year we ordered in-room service for lumpiang shanghai and it was amazing, this year they don't have it anymore in their menu. Their menu has changed.
- Servers during breakfast. It's a buffet breakfast but they now have servers for every dish?? Nagtitipid siguro :)
The same friendly and homely atmosphere were still present. Will still recommend it to others.
NAIA Terminal 4 (formerly Domestic Airport)
For our trip to Boracay this year, we opted to get airlines that have lower prices - Zestair and Seaair (managed by Tiger Airways). Both airlines are using the old domestic airport in Pasay, now called as NAIA Terminal 4.
It's been almost 4 years since we last used Terminal 4 and we found several changes in the terminal.
- Better checking-in counters
- Larger waiting area
- they have a prayer room
- Breastfeeding station
- Kiddie Lounge
Good thing I checked online the terminal and found about the new amenities like the kiddie lounge. The kiddie lounge is open from 2AM (first flight out) to 8PM (last flight out) daily, catering to kids up to 7 years old. The room has a slide, a mini house, TV, and table. I spoke with the KTL guardian and she said that they used to let the kids play with toys but they got broken. Now these are just displayed on the shelf.
Don't forget to pack a pair of socks for your kids and yourself (or guardian) as this is needed to use the facility.
Check out the terminal's website here.
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| Kiddie Lounge |
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| Departure waiting area |
Patio Pacific Boracay Resort Review
Travel period: May 7-9, 2012
After booking our flights for Boracay, I began to search available resorts in the island for our accommodation. Since our planned trip is on the on-peak season of Boracay, there were several resorts that I shortlisted was full. Hubby and I were looking for a resort that is child-friendly, has reasonable rates, near the beach and has transfers. Armed with exciting fingers, I searched for the perfect getaway for my family.
Summer time in Boracay is a very busy time for tourists and resorts. AA resorts on Station 1 (non-beach front) were charging from Php3000-4500 per night with free breakfast – a hefty amount to pay. In June 2010, off-peak season, Hubby and I rented a room at Casa Fiesta on Station 1 for Php1,500 a night. It was a beach-front room with aircon, ref, cable TV and a veranda overlooking the fine white sand of Boracay. This year we are travelling with our 1 year old son so we looked for a place that would cover our transfers and breakfast.
I saw discount offers at Ensogo.com.ph for La Carmela Boracay and Patio Pacific Boracay Resort. In 2010, my family checked-in at La Carmela and they were disappointed with the narrow hallways and crowded rooms with almost no cellphone signal inside their rooms. This left me with Patio Pacific Boracay, a Triple A Resort (www.patiopacificboracay.com). After some research, I found out that Patio Pacific was awarded the best resort in Boracay. Several guests of this resort have great feedback about the place.
After Holy Week, I sealed the deal.
After Holy Week, I sealed the deal.
I called first the reservations office of Patio Pacific to ensure that our travel dates have availability at their resort. After confirmation, I bought the voucher from Ensogo.com.ph (Costs Php8,800 instead of Php17,000) and emailed the reservations office the details of our travel and voucher. Within the day, I got their confirmation voucher and additional instructions for our transfers.
Here’s the detail of the deal we got for Patio Pacific Boracay Resort:
• 3 days / 2 nights Deluxe Accommodation for 2
• Round-trip airport, land, and boat transfers (Kalibo or Caticlan)
• Daily breakfast
• 1 ala carte lunch and 1 ala carte dinner for 2
• Welcome drinks• Free use of gym and wall climbing facility and swimming pool
• Free 2 personal accident insurance coverage for 2 adults (Cocolife)
Our 1 year old son did not have additional charges in the duration of our stay and transfers.
We flew in from Manila-Caticlan on a Monday morning. And will fly from Kalibo-Manila after our Boracay escapade. The team in-charge of our transfers is the company Island Star Express. My review on this can be viewed here.
When we got to the resort, we were immediately greeted and welcomed by the staff. Patio Pacific’s front desk office is along the main road, Boracay Highway Central. Hubby, me and our son were given shell necklaces and welcome drinks which quenched our thirsts.
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| Front desk |
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| Welcome necklace |
I showed the front desk officer our confirmation voucher from their reservations office and a copy of our e-ticket flying back to Manila. An incidental fee deposit of Php1,500 was also requested from us.
It was only 1130AM and guests from the previous night are still to check-out so our room was unavailable yet. We were informed that we can leave our baggage at their front desk while waiting for check-in time at 2PM. We left their office and headed to find a place to eat at the D’Mall.
It was only 1130AM and guests from the previous night are still to check-out so our room was unavailable yet. We were informed that we can leave our baggage at their front desk while waiting for check-in time at 2PM. We left their office and headed to find a place to eat at the D’Mall.
We went back past 1and found several Chinese/Taiwanese tourists who are waiting for their shuttles. The front desk was very friendly and my son kept on going behind the desk to give his charms a “test” on the ladies. He did win their attention. LOL.
The Room
They told us that our room is still being cleaned and we had to wait a few more minutes. After 10 minutes, the front desk officer said that she will transfer us to another room, which was ready for checking-in. Delightedly, we followed their staff and directed to our room, Room 305, located on the 3rd floor at the west wing of the resort (at the other side of the road, near the beach).
We were soooo happy when we entered our room. It was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I had expectations already after seeing pictures from their sites and travel reviews but I must say I was still surprised. The room was well kept, clean and smells good. It has good air-conditioning and the size is just about right for the three of us.
My son, Vito, was only wearing his diapers when we entered the room. He walked straight to the comfort room and headed to the shower area. It was his way of signaling me that he wants to take a bath. I can see the smile on his face.
Here are some pictures taken of our room:
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| Deluxe Room |
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| Sofa bed |
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| With complimentary soap, shampoo and conditioner |
Resort Facilities
Patio Pacific Boracay has a swimming pool, wall-climbing facility, bar, gym and a restaurant.
There’s also a bar at the swimming pool area. They serve drinks (fruit shakes etc.) and you can have these charged to your room. They also have a small cart for ice cream near the pool. Also, you can borrow beach towels. Be careful if you have kids with you, their pool depth is at 5 feet. They have a very small area at 4 feet.
Their gym opens at 6AM. Just show/inform them of your room number if you are to use this facility. Don’t forget to bring your workout shoes.
Garden Café, their restaurant opens their breakfast buffet at 6AM. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or food brought for room service, food was heavenly to our mouths and tummies. Patio Pacific’s staff made dining very delighting. Reviews on their food and room service can be found here.
We weren’t able to explore the other side of the resort (East Wing) where other rooms and the Vanilla Lounge were located.
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| Garden Cafe |
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| pathway going to Boracay H-Way |
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| Hotline for Boracay activities |
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| Mini fish pond |
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| Pool and Gym Areas |
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| Wall Climbing facility |
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| Jack Daniels |
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| Front Desk Office |
The resort has a road leading to the famous sands of Boracay which was very convenient. The road is between Nandaya Resort and a small store/resto. It’s the same road being used by Real Maris. Patio Pacific is at Station 1 of Boracay and is near D’Mall. Convenience, privacy and relaxation at its best.
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| Pathway leading to the back of Patio Pacific and then to the narrow road going to the beach. 3 minutes tops from pool to Station 1 beach. |
We really had a great time in our stay at Patio Pacific. The resort has a great team who were always there to help and ready with a smile. The facilities and food were just bonuses.
Patio Pacific Boracay is being managed by a relatively young foreigner whom you will find roaming around the resort in Patio Pacific t-shirt, shorts and a cap. He also helps out cleaning tables at the resto. You won’t mistake him for a guest since he can speak Tagalog and his clothes say Patio Pacific all over him. I personally saw the respect that his people give him.
The ladies and gentlemen of Patio Pacific Resort - from the guard who took pictures of me and Vito to the servers and room cleaners - they all make Patio Pacific. It was because of them that made our stay worthwhile. Kudos to the people who make Patio Pacific. They truly deserve to be called the Best Resort in Boracay. We’ll definitely go back here.
Patio Pacific Boracay
Reservations Office
8452222 or 28 local 25 or 24
Email: sales@patiopacificboracay.com
http://www.patiopacificboracay.com/
Island Star Express
Dates of Travel: May 7 and May 9
Our transfers in our trip to Boracay were handled by Island Star Express. They are the partner of Patio Pacific Boracay in delivering their guests from the airport to the resort and vice versa. Since we took a package from Patio Pacific, I am not aware of the fees Island Star Express charges for transfers. Please check their website for fees.
The reservations team of Patio Pacific gave me instructions prior to our flight for our transfers. When we landed at Godofredo Ramos Airport in Caticlan, my name was being flashed by an officer of Island Star Express. They helped us with our baggage and directed us to a coaster waiting. Each one of us was given a sticker to post on our clothes to indicate we are their guests. We thought that we would fill the coach but got surprised that aside from my family, a woman and her child were the only passengers of Island Star Express for that trip.
The coaster headed to Jetty Port in Caticlan. Our transfers did not include the terminal and environmental fees being collected at the Jetty Port. We handed out Php100 per pax for our fees to the Island Star Express personnel and they paid the fees on our behalf. Our son is only a year old and did not have any fees to pay.
We boarded the boat filled with Filipinos and foreigners and headed to Catigban port. It was a short 10-15 minute banca ride from the Jetty Port to Catigban port. During the trip, my son was getting the attention of Russian gentlemen who were with us in the boat. They were smiling and saying “hi” to him.
At Catigban port, another team of Island Star Express greeted us. We boarded a multicab and were brought to our resorts. Again, we were the only passengers of the vehicle. There were several checkpoints that we stopped – checkpoints of Island Star Express.
Going back to Manila
We bought tickets from Zest Air for a Kalibo-Manila flight. Since our flight from Kalibo is at 1:45PM, the front desk of Patio Pacific informed us that our transfers will pick us up from the resort at 9AM.
Just a few minutes after 9, our shuttle picked us up from Patio Pacific. We had two more stops along the way to pick up other guests from La Carmela before we headed to Catigban port. Again, we gave our terminal fees to the Island Star Express officer. The terminal fee for Catigban port is cheaper than that at the Jetty port. I could not remember though how much it was, sorry.
We boarded a boat from Catigban port to Jetty port. When we got to Jetty Port, we were informed that our bus will come at 10AM. The people of Island Star Express directed us to wait inside the Jetty Port. When we saw the people who were with us at the shuttle leaving the area, we followed them. We found out that our bus was ready for boarding. We had to wait about 20 minutes more to have other guests come in before we leave for Kalibo. The bus was more than half full of passengers.
At first the bus air-conditioning was poor. You can feel the warmth of the sun as we traverse the road to Kalibo. The temperature got better after a few minutes. The road to Kalibo reminded me of the zigzag roads to Baguio – though this is worst! I felt sick to my tummy and was literally counting down the kilometers more remaining before we get to Kalibo. After more than an hour, we were dropped off in front of Kalibo International Airport.
Overall, the service of Island Star Express would differ if your batch travelling is a small group from a big one. On our transfers from Caticlan airport to the resort, we were accommodated very well. We got enough assistance we needed. However when we left the airport for Kalibo and joined a bigger group, the assistance was lessened. I felt like I was part of Amazing Race because we had to walk fast to follow the ISE coordinator at Catigban port and at the Jetty Port. Also, the coordinator only spoke to one of the groups with us about the next steps. Our names were not even called at the Jetty Port when the bus was ready for boarding. We should have been well accounted for. It felt like we had to keep up with them – it was just a good thing that Hubby and I are both good observers and were able to know where we should go, when, and how we should do it.
Overall, I will give Island Star Express 5 stars out of 10 because of poor service on our way to Kalibo.
To know about my reviews for Patio Pacific Boracay, please click here
Island Star Express
http://www.islandstarexpress.com/
Long Overdue
I think it has been ages since my last entry in this blog. Will try to update this soon.
Thanks for dropping!
Ace Water Spa
Ace Water Spa is an indoor therapeutic spa in Quezon City which utilizes Ultrasonic Jet System (Hydrotherapy Massage) that massages specific areas of the human body and when combined with heat results to better blood circulation.
The Spa has a 25 meter lap pool, waterfalls, lazy river, hot herbal pools, steam, sauna. They got spacious locker areas where you have an individual key for it. Free use of head cap, shampoo and shower gel (in dispensers inside the shower rooms). And what I liked most were the hair dryers available at the changing area.
It is important to note that proper swimming attire should be worn in this facility. Fitted swimwear should be worn inside the spa. They only allow fitted bathing suits for women, trunks or cycling shorts for men. Board shorts or beach shorts are not allowed. Also, don't forget to bring your own towel. They have towels for rent at a rate.
Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the spa. However, they offer free soup at their Cafe Lounge after you have used their facilities.
Rates:
Adult - Php550
Kids (4ft and below) - Php250
The rates abovementioned is for use of the spa for maximum of 4 hours. It's worth it, we only stayed for only 3 hours and we got really relaxed after. Ace Water Spa is open daily from 6AM to 11PM. During summer, they also offer swimming lessons.
I didn't have any photos of the area since cameras are prohibited. You can check their website for photos.
Ace Water Spa
399 Del Monte Avenue, SFDM near corner Banawe St.,
Quezon City
acespa@acewaterspa.com.ph
www.acewaterspa.com.ph
Tel Nos. (632) 367-8040 to 41
The Spa has a 25 meter lap pool, waterfalls, lazy river, hot herbal pools, steam, sauna. They got spacious locker areas where you have an individual key for it. Free use of head cap, shampoo and shower gel (in dispensers inside the shower rooms). And what I liked most were the hair dryers available at the changing area.
It is important to note that proper swimming attire should be worn in this facility. Fitted swimwear should be worn inside the spa. They only allow fitted bathing suits for women, trunks or cycling shorts for men. Board shorts or beach shorts are not allowed. Also, don't forget to bring your own towel. They have towels for rent at a rate.
Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the spa. However, they offer free soup at their Cafe Lounge after you have used their facilities.
Free Soup
Rates:
Adult - Php550
Kids (4ft and below) - Php250
The rates abovementioned is for use of the spa for maximum of 4 hours. It's worth it, we only stayed for only 3 hours and we got really relaxed after. Ace Water Spa is open daily from 6AM to 11PM. During summer, they also offer swimming lessons.
I didn't have any photos of the area since cameras are prohibited. You can check their website for photos.
Ace Water Spa
399 Del Monte Avenue, SFDM near corner Banawe St.,
Quezon City
acespa@acewaterspa.com.ph
www.acewaterspa.com.ph
Tel Nos. (632) 367-8040 to 41
Anawangin Cove
Anawangin Cove is one of the famous destinations for campers and beach lovers alike.
Last April 17th, the Human Resources Department went to Anawangin, Zambales for another weekend getaway.
We were divided into two groups, the first one took a coaster while we took a Nissan van. We left SM Cubao at 630 in the morning and started the long drive up.
The drive to Pundaquit, Zambales will normally take you 6-7 hours but if you take the new SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway), you'll cut the drive for an hour or two.
Good thing that our van had great air-conditioning so we didn't feel much of the summer heat!
After two stop overs, we were in Pundaquit, Zambales by 11:30AM. We headed straight to Jimm's Resort as this was where we will meet our boatman.
From the waters, we could see the crowded Anawangin Cove. It is summer, and expected to have lots of tourists. But I never imagined THIS crowd.
As I step on the sands of Anawangin, I felt disappointment. The sands were also gray. I was expecting white, powdery sands as I saw in some of the pics in the internet.
Our group found a place to put up our tents near the restrooms and water pump. We had lunch and rested.
The pine trees were dry and so was the creek. It was a very hot day.
It was my first time to go camping however I didn't feel much of the camper experience. Probably if we went here during low season I would have released the girlscout in me. *grin*
We went swimming for a few minutes and decided to scout the area. I suddenly remembered the pics that my brother took when he was here last year. It was different from what I saw when I went there. It was crowded, noisy, hot, and dry. Nevertheless, I was awed by Anawangin's beauty.
There were men selling hammocks for Php150, sari-sari store, restrooms, and water pumps. It has become commercialized. I hope that the tourism and local government can do something to preserve the beauty this cove has to offer.
During the night, you could hear every group laughing and having fun. I didn't feel like I left civilization due to the noise. Also, it was still warm during the night. We had to fan ourselves so we could sleep. For those who want to have a relaxing and serene camping experience, stay away from Anawangin during summer season.
Sometime during the night, I bet it started around 2AM, we heard loud big noises as if there was a storm or airplane coming. We then realized it was the wind coming from the mountains.
In the morning, my husband and I decided to take a hike on the side of the cove. But when we got there, too many people have started to hike and with that slope, it was an easy target for disaster. We then decided to scout the area instead. On our estimate, there were almost a thousand visitors who stayed the night in Anawangin Cove.
At 8 in the morning, we left Anawangin and passed by Capones Island before we head home. The waters was too shallow for our big boat so we ended up by just glancing the island and its lighthouse from afar.
Lesson: Don't go to Anawangin Cove during Summer Season.
I want to go to the beach!
It's so hot here in the Metro and all I could think about is a vacation. I was not able to have one last holy week and so I intend to take the next step in making my dreams come true.
This month, I will travel. No, not at the malls. Out of town. Watch out for it. :)
Fernandina 88 Suites
We wanted to spend a night in a hotel with a pool thus we scouted the internet for hotels in Quezon City. The cheapest that we got that has a pool was Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel along P.Tuazon in Cubao. In 15 minutes, we packed our bags and headed to the hotel which was 10 minutes away from our pad.
The lady at the front desk was not accommodating at all. She was just like a mannequin placed there. I did not hear her say a word. Sheez. The man she was with was the one who spoke with us. We paid the hotel room and I was quite surprised that they did not have any deposit for incidentals. We paid Php2850 (plus government tax) for the room.
Below is their published daily room rates:
One Bedroom Suite - Standard Php2,850 (max of 2 persons); Deluxe Php3,150 (max of 3 persons)
Two Bedroom Suite - Standard Php 3,900 (max of 4 persons); Deluxe Php 4200 (max of 5 persons)
Three Bedroom Suite - Standard Php 4650 (max of 6 persons); Deluxe Php 4950 (max of 7 persons)
They also offer cooking charge at Php300.
The one bedroom suite was the smallest room they have so we checked-in and got a room on the third floor. When we opened the room, we got disappointed because the size of the room we got was smaller than the one stated in their website. The place was a bit creepy because of the poor lighting condition. At the kitchen area, you could not find any appliances except for the fridge. They don't have water heater or coffee, neither did they have free bottled water or drinking glass!! This was not we expected for a hotel here in Quezon City. So much for their slogan, "A relaxing haven at the heart of the Metro."
What also made us unhappy was that we paid more than 3k for this room where we could not enjoy it. The airconditioning was old and could not give the right temperature. And their bathroom? OMG. The pressure of the water was so low that the shower was almost not functioning. I called the front desk (since I didn't find their number for housekeeping, I don't think they have one), and informed them about the water. I asked if we could transfer to another room that has better water pressure. The man I spoke with earlier said that there were no more 1-bedroom suites available. And that he has offered the 3-bedroom suite instead on the 10th or 11th floor. He said that they'll just close the 2 other bedrooms and that we would have to pay additional if we are to use that room. I got agitated and declined his offer. I just asked for a pail and a dipper instead. I can't believe this customer service! It was not our fault if their water pressure was low and now we have to pay additional if we asked to be transferred to another room?
Just before dinner, my husband and I went to try the pool at the roof deck. When we got there, no towels were available and that the policy was for you to bring your own towel. Good thing I brought my sarong with me and we were able to dry ourselves before going back to the room.
You could see Cubao from the roofdeck. They have two pools. the small one is at a depth of 3 feet while the bigger one was at 4.5 feet. When I dipped into the pool, I shivered right away because the water was soooo cold. We stayed there just for a few minutes.
They also offered free buffet breakfast for two and was available from 6AM-9AM. Guests are requested to have their buffet from the roofdeck restaurant called 1572 (please click the link for my review of the restaurant).
I think the only good thing about our stay at Fernandina Hotel was the fact that despite their poor facilities and food, the staff were always there to greet you pleasantly.
What also made us unhappy was that we paid more than 3k for this room where we could not enjoy it. The airconditioning was old and could not give the right temperature. And their bathroom? OMG. The pressure of the water was so low that the shower was almost not functioning. I called the front desk (since I didn't find their number for housekeeping, I don't think they have one), and informed them about the water. I asked if we could transfer to another room that has better water pressure. The man I spoke with earlier said that there were no more 1-bedroom suites available. And that he has offered the 3-bedroom suite instead on the 10th or 11th floor. He said that they'll just close the 2 other bedrooms and that we would have to pay additional if we are to use that room. I got agitated and declined his offer. I just asked for a pail and a dipper instead. I can't believe this customer service! It was not our fault if their water pressure was low and now we have to pay additional if we asked to be transferred to another room?
Just before dinner, my husband and I went to try the pool at the roof deck. When we got there, no towels were available and that the policy was for you to bring your own towel. Good thing I brought my sarong with me and we were able to dry ourselves before going back to the room.
You could see Cubao from the roofdeck. They have two pools. the small one is at a depth of 3 feet while the bigger one was at 4.5 feet. When I dipped into the pool, I shivered right away because the water was soooo cold. We stayed there just for a few minutes.
I think the only good thing about our stay at Fernandina Hotel was the fact that despite their poor facilities and food, the staff were always there to greet you pleasantly.
Fernandina 88 Suites Hotel
222 P. Tuazon Boulevard
Araneta Shopping Center,
Cubao Quezon City
Trunk line: (632)911-6954
http://www.fernandina88.com.ph/
reserve@fernandina88.com.ph
inquire@fernandina88.com.ph
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