Michi Photostory

As I mentioned in my post, my son has no Trick or Treat event in their school. He is now in grade school so they have few activities that require costume. I searched for different places here in the South where we could join, I posted here the list of Trick or Trick events for 2015.  


We decided to join the “Li’l Monster Mansion” of Taal Vista Hotel because of the location, price and costume. My husband just called the hotel to reserve and he was advised to pay the fee on the day of the event.

P799 for adult 
P399 for kid 
Less 10% discount if you have SM Advantage card or BDO Rewards card 

I’ve read in their post “It’s a Halloween party that’s sure to be a fright. Come dressed in your scariest best and celebrate the night” so I decided to have a Dracula or vampire costume because I just need a vest and cape. I asked my family if they have vampire costumes and my sister-in-law replied that they have a costume so I borrowed it. Good thing that we will be going to my cousin’s wedding so I was able to get the costume, a week before the event.

My son used his graduation attire so I just used the cape and vest of my nephew. I was happy that I did not spend anything on the costume. I did not do any make-up anymore para wholesome pa rin ang hitsura. 

Last October 31 off we went to Taal Vista Hotel, it’s been years since the last time I visited the place. Three years ago we had staycation in this hotel and I was not impressed with the service but I’m happy to say that they improved the service. The staffs were smiling and approachable na. Keep it up!


We went there early and I was surprised to see that not all are wearing scary costumes, kahit ano pala pwede. After paying the fee, they gave us these tickets. While waiting we went to the photo booth. The event is from 3 to 6PM but it did not start on time so while waiting they allowed us to eat popcorn. 


Balloon Twisting and Games

When I booked a room in The Manila Hotel, I immediately checked for different reviews including their restaurant which is Cafe Ilang-Ilang. I’ve only seen a few reviews but I did not see any bad reviews. Our reservation includes two free buffet breakfast in Cafe Ilang-Ilang so I was excited to try their food.

We usually go to the restaurant at the start of the buffet para konti pa tao but we woke up late so when we went to the restaurant there were a lot of diners. Hence, I was not able to take more pictures and check the different stations.



Cafe Ilang-Ilang interiors are very different from other restaurants, the tables and chairs are not all the same and it varies in size and style. It shows elegance, pangmayaman ang peg. Since the restaurant was almost packed, we were not able to choose a good spot but at least there is already available table for us.


For the very first time, I have to pay for my son’s buffet breakfast. Kids rate is P724.99. Waah! It is very expensive for someone who only ate cereal and bread. We have an option for a la carte but checking the menu, the price is close to the buffet rate so we chose buffet and hoping that he will eat more food para sulit.



After eating my bread and butter. I checked the other station and I realized that Cafe Ilang-Ilang has a good variety of food when it comes to the heavy meal. Maybe that is why the buffet rate is P1450, I’ve seen a lot of choices that I have not seen in my previous hotel staycations. They even have turkey, Canadian bacon, bacon, different sausages and many more. My favorite is tinapang bangus.



I don’t know if it is only me pero sobrang nilalamig ako sa restaurant nila and bilis lumamig ng food. So it is really better to eat one meal at a time. I usually get a lot pa naman para di na tumayo pa. Lol




For dessert stations, the choices were few and there were Filipino delicacies like sapin-sapin, maja blanca and many more.


Overall, we had a great buffet breakfast at Cafe Ilang Ilang. The service is superb too. If I have a budget I would love to try their lunch or dinner buffet.

Cafe Ilang-Ilang Buffet Breakfast Rate 

Adult P1450
Kids P724.99

Watch the video here "Lunch at Cafe Ilang Ilang"
Read: Dinner Buffet at Cafe Ilang Ilang

Cafe Ilang-Ilang of The Manila Hotel 
One Rizal Park, 0913,
Manila, Philippines,
Telephone: 632 527 0011 Fax: 632 527 5348

A month before my son’s birthday, I’ve been searching and inquiring in different hotels and resort where we could celebrate his 7th birthday. We even went to Philippine Travel Mart just to check for promos and discounts. Fortunately, we found a good deal in The Manila Hotel and we booked a Superior Deluxe room. Finally, the search is over. 

The Manila Hotel is not just an ordinary hotel, because it is rich in history, considered a Philippine landmark and home to high society. It was the year 1898 when Judge William Howard Taft ordered to create an urban plan for Manila. Daniel Hudson Burnham drafted the plan and William Parsons continue the work of Burnham in the year 1908. After four years, The Manila hotel was opened in 1912.




I’ve been to Manila Hotel when I attended my ex-boyfriend now husband oath-taking after passing his board exam. It’s been a decade so I was really excited for our staycation. We packed our things and went to the hotel. 

While walking to the entrance door, we were immediately welcomed by their staff, picked up our luggage and placed it in the scanner. Amazing, parang airport lang ang hotel. The lobby was so grand and even the uniform of the staff was so elegant, it seems that we were transported in Spanish era. 



We went to the reception and showed our confirmation letter. We thought there was a problem with our reservation but we were surprised that they upgraded us to Luneta Suite. We paid P4000 for an incidental deposit.



My husband informed them that it was my son’s birthday and the complimentary cake was delivered to our room. Not just a slice but a whole cake. I love Manila Hotel. 



When we entered the room, my son immediately asked, “where’s the bed?” because it was his first time to stay in a suite room so he did not see the bed when we opened the door. Let’s have a tour.

With welcome fruits, complimentary water, coffee, and tea.

With office supplies such as ballpen, pencil, ruler, eraser, marker, stapler, staple, tape, and stationary

There are flat tv and mini fridge inside the cabinet (in front of the sofa)

Vanity table with blower, flat tv is inside the cabinet

Beside the bed is an iPhone dock charger/speaker

The bathroom is divided into three sections, sink and bathtub, dressing room and toilet.

At 4PM, we went to the swimming pool, it was not big compared to other hotels but it was good enough because there is a minibar in the pool, just like in Acuatico. 



They immediately served 3 glasses of water, gave us a menu if we want to order and towels were delivered in our nook. My son and husband were in the pool so I ordered Puto Bumbong P221.40 while waiting for them. Yummy!



We went back to our room and we saw two small boxes of chocolate. We decided to order food because we don’t want to go out anymore. Checking the room service menu was not easy because everything is expensive. Hehehe! Good thing my husband was not hungry since we had late lunch at Harbor View. We ordered Spaghetti Carbonara and Robot (Children’s All Day Dining Menu) 



We were surprised when they delivered the food because everything was set up in a table. Unlike in other hotels, meals were placed on a food tray. 



Spaghetti Carbonara P520 + SC - egg, parmesan, pecorino, pancetta, olive oil pepper. 
Robot P320 + SC - Six inches size pizza with tomato sauce, cheese, bacon and ham. 

The pasta and pizza were delicious so sulit na kahit mahal.

Cafe Ilang Ilang 

Of course, the most exciting part of the staycation is a free buffet breakfast and I was so excited because I’ve read a lot of good reviews in Cafe Ilang-Ilang and it did not disappoint me. The saddest part is my son is no longer free, waah! P724.99 is the kid’s rate and P1450 for the adult rate.



There were a lot of food choices, forgive me for not having a lot of photos because I was busy eating. The rate is expensive but you will understand because they are not just serving ordinary breakfast meals. They even have turkey for breakfast. 

Since we have a “Little Chef” party theme, my husband request for a photo with the chef. 



Read: Breakfast Buffet at Cafe Ilang Ilang
Watch the video of Lunch Buffet at Cafe Ilang llang
Dinner Buffet at Cafe Ilang Ilang

Like

1. I love the service from the entrance, swimming pool, room service and restaurant. You will really feel that you are in a luxury hotel. 
2. They upgraded us to Suite and we really enjoyed our stay in the Luneta Suite room. The room and bathroom are big. 
3. When we informed them that it was my son’s birthday, they said that they will try to give a complimentary cake. So we were surprised that the cake was delivered several minutes after we entered our room. It was not just a slice of cake but a whole cake. 
4. I love the facilities and amenities of the hotel. 
5. My son loves their bidet. He called it the toilet machine. 



6. Free Wifi

Dislike 

1. They need to improve the bed, old bed may spring pa yata sa ilalim. :)
2. I don’t know if I’m wrong but I did not see any playhouse so aside from pool, there is no more activity for my son. 

Overall, we really had a memorable birthday experience at The Manila Hotel. We don’t have any regrets in choosing this hotel for my son’s 7th birthday celebration. 

The Manila Hotel 
One Rizal Park, 0913, 
Manila, Philippines, 
Telephone: 632 527 0011
Fax: 632 527 5348

Even though our family is not into big party celebrations, we still have mini celebrations. We also have party theme every year, it started when my son was 4 years old. He is the one who decides for his theme, for the last three years, we had Lightning McQueen, Mickey Mouse and Mario party theme. 

My son loves riding an airplane and two years ago, my son wanted to become a chef so when I joined a contest last year "Artique x Happy Thoughts", I put chef or airplane party theme and fortunately I won the contest. Fast forward to September, my son did not have a theme yet for his 7th birthday. He couldn’t decide so I persuaded him to have Little Chef Party theme and I was glad that he agreed. 



Joyce of Happy Thoughts contacted me last September regarding my prize, I won 1 set themed banner, 15pcs invitation, 15pcs cupcake topper, 15pcs party tags and 10 pcs food labels. I received the party kit few days before my son’s birthday. Sharing to you the party kit.

Invitation



Cupcake Topper



Food Labels

Party Favor Tags



Banner




 My husband bought piñata and I covered it to match our Litte Chef Party theme. 



I was supposed to sew an apron for my party favor, I already bought the fabric cloth but I was not feeling well before the party so these yummy leCHEFlans were my giveaways. 





We love our party kit and thanks to Artique Graphic Design and Happy Thoughts, click here and here for their Facebook Page. 

I’ve been checking Look It’s About Me site for the last two years because I wanted to order a personalized book for my son. But my son is not a bookworm so I’m not really sure if he will like this book. The price is expensive for my budget so I want to make sure that it is worth it. 


Finally, last month I saw their 15% off promo so I decided to order a “Super Duper Birthday Party” book for his 7th birthday. I placed the order last September 19, 2015 and I’m hoping that it will be delivered before his birthday. I inquired last Oct 1, 2015 regarding the status and they informed me that it was already delivered last September 30, 2015. But unfortunately, it was delivered after my son’s birthday. I don’t know why it took them (Xend) 5 days to deliver the book, Makati to Cavite, ang tagal lang. 



Anyway, my son was surprised to see the package after he arrived from school. He liked the book and it is also a great souvenir for his 7th birthday. It is a personalized book so you can see his name “Ethan” on every page of the book.


This is also a nice gift this coming Christmas. Aside from the personalized book, you can order a personalized clock, placemat, card, coloring book, and many more. For more information, just visit their site. You can do a book tour also so you will have an idea of the story, look and feel of the book. 




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