snapped and scribbled: April 2012

Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Three - Recreation

We only had an overnight stay at Manila Hotel. I regret not being able to use the gym and the pool. I was either staying in the room marveling at the beauty of Intramuros or hanging out at the lobby lounge.

Intramuros

The Pool

View Deck

Piano music in the afternoon (Saturday)

Orchestra Music in the evening (Saturday)

Cultural Show (Sunday morning)

Previous: Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part One - The Hotel

Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Two - The Food

We checked in at Manila Hotel around 1pm and have not eaten lunch yet. Buffet lunch at Cafe Ilang-ilang is until 2:30. I know I will not enjoy a "time pressured" lunch. We opted to have a light meal at the lobby lounge.

The two ladies assigned at the Lobby Lounge were too busy folding table napkins while chatting. We were trying to get their attention for a few minutes but they were too inattentive. We were only two tables away from them. My husband approached them instead and asked for the menu.

After we ordered, the girl started setting the table.

free peanuts!

We waited for fifteen minutes for the food. Enjoyed listening to the old lady playing the piano while waiting. I approached her and asked if it's okay to take a picture of her.

I thanked her and she smiled when I told her she's got the best job in the world! I'm not trying to flatter her. I'm sincere! I know because I also play the piano :)

Iced Tea

Clubhouse Sandwich for hubby

Fish and fries

Verdict: The fish is malansa and the fries too greasy. :(

We stayed in the room the whole afternoon. Then my husband attended their company's 10th Anniversary Celebration. I went down around 8pm. I was actually planning to go to the Tap Room Bar. I asked the receptionist about the schedule of the Jazz Singer. I still need to wait for one more hour.

Meanwhile, the orchestra was playing a beautiful song. The lobby lounge almost fully occupied by Korean guests. I shared a table with two Korean ladies. They are great audience. They clap after every song.

I only ordered a drink. I don't feel comfortable eating a full meal while sharing a table with strangers. I was glad the lady assigned at the lounge is very attentive! (If I remember it right, her name is Sheila.)

It was past midnight when I got hungry. I called the room service and ordered Kare-Kare (oxtail and tripe cooked in peanut sauce with vegetables).

The Kare-kare is soooo DELICIOUS!!! The veggies are crunchy and the tripe tender. Very generous serving. This is good for 2-3 persons already and costs only P500.

Verdict: Two thumbs up!!! :D

Breakfast the next morning was at Cafe Ilang-Ilang. I checked out the buffet. I don't know why dishes don't look appealing. May be because of the delicious Kare-kare I had six hours prior to breakfast. I don't feel hungry.

lettuce, cucumber, pineapple and smoked salmon

beef dimsum, pork roast, bacon and garlic rice

half bowl of congee with a slice of century egg

pork bun and chicken siomai

Next: Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Three - Recreation

Previous: Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part One - The Hotel

Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part One - The Hotel

"Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience."

What do General MacArthur, The Beatles and Me have in common?

We all stayed at Manila Hotel.

The first time we were at Manila Hotel, it was when Manny Pacquiao arrived from a fight against Hector Velazquez in September 2005. We did not stay here. We were going to Coco Beach and the private van picked us up at the hotel. My first impression of Manila Hotel -- dated!

In 2008, Manila Hotel started renovating the rooms and updated the facilities. All of the rooms are now fully refurbished. Just in time for the centennial celebration on October 2012.

I booked a Superior Deluxe room for an overnight stay. The rates are surprisingly cheaper compared to Mandarin Oriental where we stayed a month ago. I paid PhP7995 (USD190) nett inclusive of buffet breakfast for two and free wifi. Check in was fuss free. We arrived 1pm and the room is ready. Valet parking very efficient.

The room is located on the far end of the 12th floor beside the corner room.

Intramuros and the Golf Course

This is the view from our Superior Deluxe room on the 12th floor.

Senso Memory Foam Mattress

I was delighted Manila Hotel uses Senso Memory Foam mattress. We have the same mattress at home. It's very comfy for my back. I had the most restful hotel sleep that night.

Pillows, pillows and more pillows!

The sitting area

The Mini Bar

Disappointing! The outlet for the kettle is not working. There is only Chips Ahoy and Mixed Nuts on the shelf. The mini ref is also not fully stocked.

I was checking out the booze

iPod Docking Station/Alarm Clock

The Bathroom

Newly redesigned bathroom with Italian marble, bathtub and waterproof LCD tv

A separate walk-in rain shower room

Acca Kappa toiletries

Up next: Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Two - The Food

Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Three - Recreation

OPM2Go

STOP Piracy!

NO to nakawload!

Launched last March 28 at Eastwood Citywalk, OPM2Go is an online store where you can download an original song for only P15. Spearheaded by OPM2Go Chairman Mr Ogie Alcasid, the project aims to revive the Philippine Music Industry by encouraging the music lovers to shun away from piracy.

It is about time that we Filipinos support each other. The price of the songs is very affordable. The money you pay will go directly to the artist. Even the old songs are available for download. You are assured of the quality of music you download.

Why waste money buying pirated cds?

Why download illegally when you can buy it for P15?

A TRUE music lover does not steal.

Don't make yourself a thief.

BUY.

SUPPORT.

To quote Mr Ogie Alcasid --

"I hope that both the industry and music lovers will realize that we are trying to do more than just sell songs; that we also want to be part of something bigger than what we can imagine."

LET US ALL BE A PART OF THE SUCCESS OF OPM.

Chef Laudico's Bfast

Exactly a month ago, we checked-in at Mandarin Oriental. We decided to take a walk at the nearby Ayala Triangle and find something to eat. It was almost past dinner time but most of the restaurants there are still full of diners. We passed by CBD and Chef Laudico's Bfast and noticed the almost empty dining areas. I didn't like the food at CBD when we ate there November last year. I was a bit hesitant with Chef Laudico's Bfast because there was only a couple eating and they were almost finish. But they look happy with their meal so we decided to give it a try.

Bfast boast of being an eco-friendly restaurant. The interiors and furnishings are made from recycled woods, coffee sacks and old jeans.

The plates are made from 100% recycled materials and are BPA and melamine free. At first, I thought the plates and tumblers look cheap but when I read about their Be Green campaign I understood the choice of dining wares.

Health facts posters hang on their walls. I find them very interesting to read while waiting for our order.

We were offered to try the buffet but it was already 830pm and I don't feel like eating too much for a late dinner. Also I saw those cleaning stuff on the right side.... eyesore!!! I almost rushed out of the restaurant.

We checked the menu and here's what we ordered:

Pugon Roasted Chicken. Tamarind and oregano spiced roast chicken with special lechon sauce served on garlic rice and vegetable stir fry. PhP138

Special Beef Stew. Braised beef in meat sauce topped with garlic mushroom. PhP168

I sooo love the Special Beef Stew! The beef is so tender. The sauce so yummy. I'll definitely come back for this! Oh well, actually I also want to try the Lechon Kawali Binagoongan - crispy pork belly in coconut binagoongan sauce (PhP148), the Chili Garlic Fish Fillet - broiled cream dory with chili garlic ginger soy glaze (PhP148) and the Chicken Mango Madness - roasted chicken on fresh salad greens, cashew, grilled tomatoes, green mangoes in bagoong vinaigrette (PhP148). I'll definitely have a hard time choosing next time.

I skipped dessert because I don't really eat dessert in the evening. But if I were to choose, I want a slice of mango pie :D

Tender Bob's

We were at Shangri-la to buy some stuff. I have a favorite restaurant here but today, we decided to try Tender Bob's. I've been wanting to eat at Tender Bob's. I have actually bookmarked their website months ago and browsed the menu a dozen times.

Weekend is my cheat day. I am allowed to eat almost anything I fancy. I don't eat much pork at home. My diet is limited to chicken, fish and vegetables.

Guess what I had for lunch?!

Porkchops! :D

Southwestern Chicken for hubby. This is made from boneless chicken legs

loaded with cheese, bacon, salsa & barbecue sauce.

I love the food. I want to try the baby back ribs on my next visit.. and the spinach & artichoke dip.. and the clam chowder and the... :D

Touch Me Not

My favorite past time is browsing online catalog. I can spend the whole afternoon looking for products to add to my wishlist. I have spent hours at overstock.com (will resume browsing after blogging) and saw these interesting products.

Nine Stars Auto-open Motion Sensor Infrared Trash Can Combo

Infrared motion sensor and a hands-free automatic opening lid make it so you don't have to touch the trash can to open it
Both are finger print-resistant and easy to clean and have hidden battery compartments
PhP 4,386

iTouchless 13-gallon Square Extra-wide Opening Trash Can

MX Model touchless trash can features a sensor-operated, extra-wide opening
Trash bin has an infrared sensor with a range of 6 inches
Kitchen accessory closes automatically three seconds after your hand moves away from the lid
PhP 5,347

iTouchless NX 16-gallon Stainless Steel Recycle Bin

This iTouchless recycle can has two separate, 8-gallon compartments with lids. The four built-in wheels help keep your kitchen area clutter-free.
Place your hand or debris within 6 inches of the top-mounted, infrared sensor and the lid opens
Powered by four D batteries or optional AC power adaptor
PhP 12,344

iTouchless Towel-Matic II Pearl White Paper Towel Dispenser

Add ease and intelligence to your kitchen with a pearl white paper towel dispenser. The Towel-Matic II automatic dispenser has an extended scanning panel that tightly grabs on to the towel.
Built-in optical scanner identifies the perforations on the paper towel and stops right at the perforated line
PhP 4,395

If I Could

There are women that become mothers
without effort,
without thought,
without patience or loss
and though they are good mothers and love their children,
I know that I will be better.

I will be better not because of genetics,
or money
or that I have read more books,

but because I have struggled and toiled.

I have longed and waited.
I have cried and prayed.
I have endured and planned over and over again.

Like most things in life,
the people who truly have appreciation
are those who have struggled to attain their dreams.

I will notice everything about my child.
I will take time to watch my child sleep, explore and discover.
I will marvel at this miracle every day for the rest of my life.

I will be happy when I wake in the middle of the night to the sound of my child,
knowing that I can comfort, hold and feed him.

and that I am not waking to take another temperature,
pop another pill,
take another shot
or cry tears of a broken dream.

My dream will be crying for me.

I count myself lucky in this sense;
that God has given me this insight,
this special vision with which I will look upon my child
that my friends will not see.

I will not be careless with my love.

I will be a better mother for all that I have endured.
I am a better wife,
a better aunt,
a better daughter,
friend and sister
because I have known pain.

I know disillusionment as I have been betrayed by my own body,
I have been tried by fire and hell many never face,
yet given time, I stood tall.

I have prevailed.
I have succeeded.
I have won.

So now, when others hurt around me,
I do not run from their pain in order to save myself discomfort.
I see it,
mourn it,
and join them in theirs.
I listen.

And even though I cannot make it better,
I can make it less lonely.

I have learned the immerse power of another hand holding tight to mine,
of other eyes that moisten as they learn to accept the harsh truth and when life is beyond hard.
I have learned a compassion that only comes with walking in those shoes.
I have learned to appreciate life.

Yes I will be a wonderful mother.

If I could.

Holy Cow!

Me and hubby were at The Atrium of SM Megamall undecided where to eat lunch. He saw the menu of Holy Cow and everything seem mouthwatering. As we entered, we noticed the interior design of the ranch themed restaurant is very impressive. My husband told me it reminded him of his stay in Texas.

I browsed the menu and problem! -- it was very hard to choose. I want to try the burgers, then I want the steaks then I want the ribs then... aaarrrgghhh. It was already past one in the afternoon and we haven't eaten breakfast yet.

Okay, here's our first meal of the day.