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.

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.

Even the trash can was sensor-driven. You just pass your hand over the can and it will automatically open

Bedside table complete with the doodads. Note the wireless keyboard, remote control and alarm clock with iPod dock.

The bathroom of the signature suite had all the space. You can even jog in your own place here

The receiving area. It seems red is the predominant color in this hotel. Maybe because it’s considered lucky by the Chinese?

I love the aquarium-like design of the swimming pool.

Resto where the guests can take their breakfast.

The bigger suites have this patio complete with a couple of receiving areas, indoor plants and a jacuzzi.

Don’t forget the full-service butler at your command in each of the rooms.

Other must-sees in this hotel are the Bali-style Royal Villas sized at 500 square meters with their own massage rooms. The Presidential Suite, on the other hand, has its own private swimming pool, a master’s bedroom jacuzzi, and individual bathrooms!

Thanks to the Resorts World – Hotel & Sales Marketing team led by AVP Christine Ibarreta, Director of Sales Cynthia Blas & Miguel Capistrano. We had a blast!

Call 908-8000 for special packages starting as low as P7,148 ++ per night. Yes, this swanky hotel is not as expensive as you think

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.

Food establishments and shopping brands in the complex have been carefully handpicked to reflect the Filipinos’ love for bonding and coming together through dining and shopping experiences.

Retail brands that can be found here include Stoked, All Flip Flops, Aloha Boardsports, L-Time, Quicktime, Sebago, Bratpack, Restoerun, RUNNR, Payless Shoesource, Aerosoles, Nine West, Bench, Cushe, Hush Puppies, Aldo, GEOX, Alberto, 158 DB, Officine, C2.

Likewise, pamper yourself with services from Bench Fix, Nailaholics, Nisce, Montessori Di Maria Bambinella, LBC and Globe.

Restaurants in Solenad 2 include Toastbox, Krispy Kreme, Max’s, Seafood Island, Sumo Sam, Gerry’s Grill, Bo’s Coffee, FIC, Serenitea, Breadtalk, Pancake House, Pho24, Army Navy, Fruitty Froyo and LZM.

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.

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!

I didn’t take many pictures when I visited, but the sprawling basketball court, tennis courts and badminton courts are all of international standard.

Their 550-square meter gym was also impressive as it was equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment like Kinesis One, a stand-alone, multi-gym. The machines even have iPod docks. Of course, there are shower and changing rooms as well as segregated male and female locker rooms.

Aside from the gym, the sports club also has a spa complete with sauna and steam rooms and a dance studio for yoga and other group exercises.

At the end of the day, members can hang out in the open air pavilions overlooking the pool or take a break in the juice bar, snack bar and coffeeshop. That’s what I did at the end of my tour which was given by the club’s sales manager Lea Rivera. The interior design of the resto is also posh and I liked the food served the same catering company that maintains Kulinarya in Rockwell.

Lea informed me that they are now preparing for Phase 2 of the project which will include six-lane bowling alleys, a game room, more restaurants, function rooms, a grand ballroom for special occasions like weddings, a beauty salon, business center and library.

It’s worth noting that the owners of VSC grew up in BF Homes themselves. VSC president Mike Garcia, recalled how his childhood in BF inspired him to come up with a complex where residents can enjoy sports and recreational activities while interacting with each other.

“I grew up going around this whole place on my bike. We used to hang out in a nearby club with its Olympic-sized pools, but it burned down in the 80s,” he said.

The Village Sports Club
El Grande cor. Tropical Avenue
BF Homes Paranaque

For membership inquiries,
call 514-2211, 836-2772
or email thevillagesportsclub@gmail.com

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)

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

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.

Midas is so far the only hotel in Manila to have an exclusive Ladies Floor (on the 8th level) and am curious to see this. Maybe it’s perfect on your next bachelorette party. It appears that they’ve tied up with luxury brands like Lancome Paris for a beauty and pampering package for women guests.

But the server at 2702 lobby bar also told me they have an exclusive men’s floor on the 10th level as well.

At present, the whole establishment is managed by Genesis Hotels & Resorts. Am interested to know if the hotel will be transformed into a casino one day since their official website refers to midashotelandcasino.com (okay, my lips are sealed on this one)

The dining aspect looks good, judging from the food at the Piolo-Bea presscon – succulent beef roast along with a tasty pasta dish and some melt-in-your-mouth macarons. I had to get seconds!

Midas Hotel 2011 rack rates:

Deluxe room – P7,360 ++
Deluxe 1-bedroom P11,500 ++
Junior Suite – P8,740 ++
Junior Grande – P9,660 ++

Executive Room P10,580++
Executive 1-bedroom P14,720++
Junior Executive Suite – P11,960++
Junior Executive Suite Grande – P12,880++
Royal Suite – P27,140++

- inclusive of complimentary continental breakfast, coffee, tea and mineral water

Address: 2702 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines
Telephone No. 902-0100

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.

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.

From April 18-30, enjoy EK Biki Waterworld’s pre-grand opening promo rate of only P250 per person.

Starting May 1, 2010 admission rate is P350.

Enjoy a “twicket” (twin ticket) of an EK Good-Same-Day and EK Biki Waterworld Regular Passes for only P700 from May 1until June 6, 2010.

Guests are required to come in proper swimwear complete with swimming caps.

EK Biki Waterworld is open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays to Sundays with fireworks display at 8:55 p.m. These opening hours apply until June 6, 2010.

For more details, call 584-3535 or 584-4326 to 29.

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

Enchanted’s Space Shuttle Max is the ultimate in adrenaline-pumping excitement. I’ve ridden a ride like this before (out of the country) and that’s the last of it

Something I didn’t see in our previous visits: a lion!

Preggy old me was only allowed to ride the chariot of the Grand Carousel. I wouldn’t have risked it anyway.

Some rides to try in Enchanted Kingdom: Rio Grande Rapids, Anchors Away, Discovery Theater, Roller Skaters, Jungle Log Jam, Swan Lake, Dodgem, Wheel of Fate, Up, up and Away, Bumbling Boulders, Stone Eggs, Exodus, Kart Trak, Boulderville Express, Xtreme Paintball, Rialto, Triassic Laser Tag, SRRX (haunted place), among others.

After our day at the park, we decided not to immediately drive back to Manila and stayed at El Cielito Inn, a business hotel that’s frequented by executives from the surrounding technoparks. We got an Executive Room at a rate of P3,300 a night which was enough to fit the family with its two large beds. Their coffeeshop, La Hacienda, also served decent food. One thing that stood out in this place: its cleanliness. Worth having is the hotel’s Enchanted Kingdom package which would entitle one to four free tickets to the park plus an Executive Room for only P3,900.

The next day, we went to Paseo de Sta. Rosa, a strip mall 10 to 15 minutes away. It is notable for its row of outlet stores and restaurants, most popular of which is the Kanin Club. But KC disappointed me with its “soupy” paksiw na bangus last time, so I just opted for a take-out of their bestselling crispy dinuguan and turon. We actually ended up eating at Bacolod Inasal, after shopping in the little boutiques in the area.

Of course for most people, Sta. Rosa Laguna is just a gateway for the cooler climes of Tagaytay City

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.

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.

Velocity Bar also has a lean and mean food menu consisting of their bestselling Velocity Burger with blue cheese, Sticky Fried Chicken Wings and Szechuan Black n Pepper Squid. Also on offer are salad, pastas, sandwiches, desserts and Asian specialties like Chicken Satay. Prices range from P280 to P780 – a bit on the high side, but then again, what can you expect from a 5-star hotel?

Many thanks to Marriott Manila marketing communications manager Michelle Garcia for giving us a preview of the hotel thru Velocity Bar. We still have to see the whole of the 342-room complex, or taste their buffet But it certainly looks impressive. We love hotels, and am glad there’s another addition to the bustling landscape. And this one’s much nearer to home too

Marriott Hotel is at No. 10 Newport Boulevard
Newport City Complex, Pasay City
Telephone No. 988-9999

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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.

The place is a delight if you’re a history buff or simply a foodie who would like to know the elements of street food culture that is prevalent in Asia. Explore behind-the-scenes stories of the teh tarik stall, the peephole theater box, the five-footed food cart and unravel the mystique behind the Chinese tea ceremony.

Likewise, the walls are filled with large pictures of food that graces Asian tables … yes, even the exotic ones. One part even shows how to make a lumpia (spring roll) wrapper.

The fun part are the interactive games which adults and kids alike can try out for their own amusement.

There’s a Cooking Mama electronic game where the user can cook a given dish by pressing his fingers on the screen, just like you would with your Nintendo DS gaming console.

In the Chopstick Challenge, two people compete in putting little balls with a chopstick unto a bowl. Whoever finishes first, wins!

In the Shoulder Cart Challenge, you try the balance the two-sided cart on your shoulders as if you were a noodle or a taho vendor.

Fun, fun, fun!

Asian Food Museum @ the Manila Ocean Park
behind the Quirino Grandstand
Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila
Tel. No. 5677777

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.

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.)

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.

The movie was another thing: it was downright gory and scary. Nyarks! I could have settled for the Japanese anime version of “Blood: The Last Vampire” instead of all that live action blood-sucking, piercing and stabbing. It didn’t help any that the theater had this really large screen and Dolby Surround Sound system which made it all look real. Ugh.

Plus points for this theater: butler service before the start of the screening, from where you can order your unlimited soda and popcorn.

Tickets for Cinema 7 cost P700 for two persons (or P350 each), although if you arrive by your lonesome, the ticket goes a notch higher at P400 each. We learned that this theater has been doing corporate bookings too. You can get the place for special functions.

Eastwood Mall likes to make its shoppers and customers comfortable!

The cinema’s modern lobby bathed in subdued lights, with a Nokia charging station and ergonomic chairs a la Philippe Starck.

More chairs and sofas in the main shopping areas.

.

The Eastwood complex is certainly one place where I’d make lakwatsa over and over again.

Lakwatsa n. the act of gallivanting.