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‘Places Etc.’ Category

  1. Maxims Tower at Resorts World Manila: a high-tech hotel

    August 11, 2011 by ajay

    I’ve always been curious about the Maxims Tower beside the Marriott Hotel in Resorts World Manila. With all of the rooms consisting of spacious suites, it is reportedly the only six-star hotel in the Philippines. Thanks to friends from the hotel industry, we were able to do an ocular of the hotel last night (with a mental note to check in here in the future). With all the space and gleaming furniture, I couldn’t help but say the place is massive and impressive indeed.

    If am not mistaken, the regular suite at Maxims is 48 square meters. They’re fitted with basic cooking facilities and have individual balconies with a view of the airport road ( Resorts World is across NAIA 3). Thank God, unlike in McKinley Hill, there’s no humming of the airplanes which can be heard from here.

    Maxims Tower

    Anyway, I couldn’t help but notice how high-tech the rooms were with their iPod docks and 42-inch Internet TV with own wireless keyboard. Room service can be ordered via a touch pad complete with visuals – no more flipping through pages.

    P1090113

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    Category Places Etc. | Tags: ,, | 2 Comments

  2. Solenad 2 opens in Nuvali – Sta. Rosa, Laguna

    July 24, 2011 by ajay

    Solenad 2

    Mark your calendars – July 29 is when Solenad 2 opens. It is described as the newest retail playground with a unique outdoor environment in the next “it” destination south of Manila, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna.

    A series of fun activities are scheduled during Solenad 2′s opening weekend from July 29-31. Relive your high school memories and bring out your inner competitive side in one of the game booths. Spend time with family and friends, while you munch and crunch on sweet treats. Move and groove to the popular beats of today’s most sought after bands – Urbandub and Taken By Cars.

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    Category Places Etc., Shopping Etc. | Tags: ,,,,, | 4 Comments

  3. The Village Sports Club, BF Homes Paranaque

    June 5, 2011 by ajay

    BF Homes Paranaque is a republic unto itself. It deserves to be so, being the biggest subdivision in Asia (or so they say). We don’t live here, but I’ve always loved going here. Number one reason…. the FOOD, and simply just hanging out. There’s no dearth of good things to do: my “secret” boutiques are here, and so are my sweet cozy spots for relaxing – be it getting a massage, having my nails done or simply sipping latte in the coffeeshop while enjoying the free wi-fi, of course!

    Most recently, somebody pointed me in the direction of The Village Sports Club which is like the Wack Wack, Manila Polo or Palms of BF denizens (this is also open to outsiders too!). I didn’t know there is this oasis in BF Homes until I saw it, all of 1.8 hectares with the right amount of greenery. First impressions: it’s a great place for family bonding.

    The playroom with rubber cushion, books and toys wins points for me. It is one place I can imagine my one year-old daughter frolicking in.

    Village Sports Club, Paranaque

    One great highlight of The Village Sports Club is its swimming facilities. One need not go to faraway water parks because everything’s here: a 25-meter, eight-lane lap pool, the lagoon pool for relaxation, the kiddie pool, toddler wading pond and water playground with its own interactive toys and equipment. Definitely a spot for kids to enjoy!

    Village Sports Club, Paranaque

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  4. Midas Hotel, Roxas Boulevard: a first look

    May 17, 2011 by ajay

    The CLEAR event was a good excuse to check out Midas Hotel where Piolo and Bea Alonzo held their presscon. I’ve been curious about Midas which was formerly the Hyatt Regency hotel along Roxas Boulevard, until the family of Jose Mari Chan (the singer) decided to sell it to new owners. Hyatt was popular during its heyday and one of my last memories of the place was having lunch with a fortuneteller at the Tempura Misono. I forgot his name now, but he was good! (sabi nya kasi yayaman daw ako! hahaha)

    I digress.

    Midas would have been just another hotel I’ve visited if not for the trio of expensive Hermes Birkin bags on display in their separate showcases at the lobby. A man said they were part of the Hermes collection of the wife of Midas owner “Zaldy Co” (honestly, I’ve never heard of the guy)

    Hermes bag @ Midas Hotel

    The Hermes theme continues throughout the ground floor in the form of what looks like orange Hermes boxes that’s incorporated into the whole design

    Midas Hotel

    The hotel brochure says that’s a fiver optic chandelier hanging over there (see pic above), and the Italian furniture is by Poltrona Frau and Philippe Starck.

    Hubby said it was an anomaly that no toilet could be found on the ground floor. The next CR was 12 floors up, in the Penthouse level. Maybe they don’t want to encourage tambays? But what if I am a hotel guest who wanted to hang out or entertain in the lobby? Does this mean I have to go up my room? Weird indeed.

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    Category Places Etc. | Tags: ,,, | 3 Comments

  5. EK Biki Waterworld opens at Enchanted Kingdom

    April 26, 2010 by ajay

    This long, hot summer makes us wanna beat the heat, literally! We’re now left with two choices, it seems: stay indoors with the airconditioning in full blast, or dive in where the water can caress our skin. For the latter, we can now choose to go to Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa which has opened the first and only world-class inflatable water park, in cooperation with BikiWorld of South Korea.

    The latest attraction is called EK Biki Waterworld which consists of six giant inflatable pools with water slides, games and rides that families can enjoy in a safe and hygienic water environment,” according to EK’s top executive Dr. Cynthia Mamon.

    Ms. Phil. Earth 2010 during the EK Biki Waterworld Launch

    Photo shows candidates of Miss Earth Philippines 2010 trying out the water rides at Enchanted Kingdom’s newly-opened EK Biki Waterworld. The pageant’s Best in Talent Competition was held in the theme park.

    Kids at EK Biki Waterworld
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    Category Places Etc. | Tags: ,,,, | No Comments

  6. Enchanted Kingdom & places to see in Sta. Rosa, Laguna

    April 9, 2010 by ajay

    Since it’s summer, a visit to the Enchanted Kingdom theme park in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna is a treat my kids can’t refuse. Thankfully, there was an invitation from the park management for the family to enjoy their rides. Specifically, it was the Easter Day launch of their new attractions like Zoori’s Adventure, Tweeter and Bungee Fun.

    Luckily, South Luzon Expressway had very light traffic that day and our drive from Paranaque was only 45 minutes or so. Enchanted Kingdom was also not crowded and the only thing bearing down on us was the summer heat. It was also hubby’s first time to see the park which is the Philippines’ own version of Hong Kong Disneyland. He only had positive things to say ;)

    New EK attraction: Zoori's Adventure

    P1010140
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    Category Places Etc., Road Adventures | Tags: ,,,,,, | 3 Comments

  7. Velocity Bar @ the Marriott Hotel Manila: five-star lounging

    March 23, 2010 by ajay

    Now I know: this was the best place in town to watch the recent Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey boxing match. If only that one didn’t turn out to be one heck of a peek-a-boo fight, courtesy of Clottey :D

    The city’s newest five-star hotel, Marriott Hotel Manila, presents Velocity Bar – a topnotch sports and entertainment bar that will be the hang-out of expats and dyed-in-the-wool yuppies in due time. A hole-in-the-wall this is not, as this place has lots of couches, lounge chairs and private rooms to accommodate as much as 200 people at a given time. In two simple words: huge. And posh!

    What to expect here: large LCD screens scattered in strategic areas, state-of-the-art sound system, and we even spotted a Nintendo Wii console just in case you want to engage in your own fun games.I figure that the bar is ideal for true-blue sports and gaming aficionados or those looking for a new hang-out to chill in.

    Marriott Hotel Velocity Bar

    Marriott Manila Velocity Bar

    Local beers are priced at P175 while imported ones (like Stella Artois, Budweiser, Grolsch etc.) cost P225. However, a great bargain can be had during their Happy Hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily when selected drinks like San Miguel are offered at a 50 per cent discount.

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    Category Places Etc. | Tags: ,,,, | 1 Comment

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    December 3, 2009 by ajay

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  9. Asian Food Museum by Makansutra now open at Manila Ocean Park

    September 5, 2009 by ajay

    Mostly, I like the Manila Ocean Park because it is one of the few places in Manila where you can enjoy the city’s natural beauty without spending much. Ever since Baywalk closed, this is now the place to gaze at the beautiful sunset and watching the panoramic expanse of the Manila Bay while sipping a drink and enjoying the time with your family.

    The best things in life are (almost) free!

    It is good that MOP doesn’t charge an entrance fee just for entering their complex. After offering the mermaid show, the people behind the Makansutra Asian Food Village unveiled yesterday the Asian Food Museum for a peek at Asian food history, culinary cultures and traditions.

    Asian Food Museum

    Asian Food Museum
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    Category My Manila, Places Etc. | Tags: ,, | 7 Comments

  10. Eastwood Mall & its state-of-the-art cinema

    June 14, 2009 by ajay

    Faraway Eastwood in Quezon City is one place I’d think twice about going, but when almost-neighbor Sasha offered a treat of free movies at the spanking new Eastwood cinema plus free pick-up in their family car, I had no choice but to say YES!!! :D

    Traffic along C-5 was smooth that day, which made going to Eastwood such a breeze – less than 30 minutes! Arriving there, I couldn’t help but be transported to another world. The new Eastwood Mall was far from crowded and did not look like the populous boxes of concrete in Manila. It looked every inch immaculate and upscale. I also liked nice touches like the man-made water structure and walkway bridge in the outside garden.

    Eastwood Mall

    The high ceiling, escalator and cavernous middle kinda reminded me of Shang-ri La Plaza mall in Mandaluyong, except that Eastwood has better scenery outside. I dig the airy sunroof (if that’s how you call it.)

    Eastwood Mall

    We’ve hardly done a tour of the mall and it was time to catch the 1 p.m. movie. We met up with Tinay of Megaworld who was going to show us the mall’s high-tech theater, with the uber-comfy fully reclining seats.It was heaven and relaxing indeed, plunking down ourselves in the plush chairs which fully reclined just by flicking a side lever.

    Eastwood Mall cinema

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    Category My Manila, Places Etc. | Tags: ,,, | 5 Comments

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