March is my mom’s birthday month. How time flies, parang kailan lang I was busy preparing for our Norway trip para umabot sa 60th birthday celebration niya and now, mag-iisang taon na pala ang nakalipas. I was thankful for that opportunity because I don’t know when it will happen again. It just so happened na online classes pa sa school ng anak ko so we were able to go to Norway.
My mom lives across the miles, so nabibilang ko lang sa daliri yung times na magkakasama kaming magcelebrate. According to my blog posts, we were able to celebrate in year 2013, 2019 and 2022. Anyway, since we can’t be there for her birthday celebration, I just made a birthday card so at least yung card ko makaattend. Hehehe!
The past few months, I slow down on crafting but I still buy crafting materials and tools. Well, “I am not a craft hoarder, I’m the curator of an extensive private craft supply collection”. hehehe! And because, I bought a lot of Distress Oxide, dies, and embossing folders, I am pressuring myself to use them.
So just like our anniversary card, I designed the card using clipart, then print and die-cut. I also used my Distress Oxide to color the embossed paper. I am still practicing my blending skills using Distress Oxide.
Actually, I only need one card but I want to maximize the watercolor paper so, I ended up with 4 designs. The envelope can fit two so I sent two cards to my mom but I am not sure if it will make it on time.
This has been on my draft for the longest time, this is already an old post because this happened way back in 2016. In fact, nakabalik na nga kami ng Cebu last year na hindi ko pa rin nabablog. So before ko iblog yung Cebu 2022, let me reminisce about our 6 Days Trip in Cebu.
My husband had a short business trip in Cebu and since it was summer vacation, we decided to join his trip so my husband filed a vacation leave so we could extend our trip. Our initial plan is to go to Bantayan Island but the stars were not aligned so we changed our plan. And because of that, we stayed in 3 three different hotels.
Cebu City Marriott Hotel
For the first few days, we stayed at Cebu City Marriott Hotel, closed na itong hotel na ito and it is now Seda Ayala Center Cebu Hotel. We liked this hotel because it is near the shopping mall so we ate our breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the mall. You can read my Where to Eat in Cebu blog post for our food trip.
Since my husband was busy working, my son and I just stayed at the hotel, there is no playroom so swimming lang ang activity sa hotel. But still, we enjoyed our staycation here.
Cebu Parklane International Hotel
We did not extend our stay at Marriott Hotel so after 3 nights, we moved to Cebu Parklane International Hotel para maiba and makamura din. My husband was already on leave so finally, we can explore Cebu. I wanted to visit some tourist spots that we haven’t visited during our previous trips.
We’ve been to Cebu few times already so konti na lang pinuntahan namin. We visited and revisited some tourist spots like Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, Heritage of Cebu Monument, Basilica De Sto. Nino Church, Magellan’s Cross and Taboan Market.
We had a Day Trip at Shangri la Mactan before so I decided to have a Day Trip at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan but my husband booked an overnight stay instead. Yey! It was a good decision because even though we only stayed for one night, marami kami nagawa so sulit ang bayad. My son was still a kid so he had fun at CrimZone.
Another memorable experience for this trip is we experienced our first business class trip, it was our first Domestic Business Class Flight so kahit saglit lang biyahe sa Cebu, nabusog naman kami sa food. Check my Economy Class vs Business Class via Philippine Airlines blog post.
When I hit my 40s, I won't deny that there are times that I feel nervous or scared because it seems that I am nearing my senior year. I can't help but ask, do I still have more time to do what I want in life? Do I still have more energy to travel? Can I still eat the food that I love? Am I physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually prepared for my retirement years?
Speaking of growing older and nearing home, I would like to share the movie that I recently watched and a book that I've read about nearing home.
A Man Called Otto
Just this week, we watched "A Man Called Otto", it is a film adaptation of “A Man Called Ove” novel. This is a comedy-drama film starring Tom Hanks. He played Otto Anderson; a 63-year-old widower and retired man who lives in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After his retirement, he felt that he no longer has a purpose in life so he planned to end his own life but his attempts were always interrupted by his neighbors.
This movie shows the struggles, challenges, or problems that we may face as we grow older. When that time comes, do we feel useless? Ineffective? Bored? Depressed? Whatever we feel, it is not a reason to feel hopeless, and let us remind ourselves that “God has a reason why we are still alive”
Billy Graham Nearing Home
Two years ago, I’ve read the book “Billy Graham Nearing Home” and according to his book, the best way to meet the challenges of old age is to prepare for them now, before they arrive. He said that growing older was not something to be denied or dreaded; it was to be embraced as part of God’s plan for our lives.
I always pray that I will reach old age because I have so many things that I want to do, so many places I want to visit and of course, I want to see my future grandchildren. I just hope that when I am old, I won’t be a grumpy old woman.
I will share my Top 11 quotes from Billy Graham Nearing Home book.
“The gift of old age is remembrance”
“Enjoy life - it has an expiration date”
“We should never get too old to learn or too old to smile”
“As long as we are still breathing, we are leading the way”
“Retirement should not put us on the shelf. We should use this time in our lives to rest from our labors but lift up others who are carrying heavy loads”
“Loneliness, loss of purpose, depression, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, fear of the future - there and a host of other emotions are common among retirees”
“Look for the Lord’s purpose in every circumstance and in every face or voice you encounter daily, for the time He has given you is not without purpose”
“Retirement isn’t something that just happens if you live long enough, and it isn’t even a reward for your years of hard work; it is a gift from God”
“One day you may not be able to do everything you once did or everything you would like to do. Instead of feeling guilty or frustrated or resentful, however, thank God that you can still do some things - and make it your goal to do them faithfully and do them well”
“Life is seldom easy as we grow older - but old age has its special joys - the joy of time with family and friends, the joy of freedom from responsibilities we once had, and the joy of savoring the little things we once overlooked”
"People either seem to get better or to get bitter as they grow older"
Since we live in the South Luzon area, Batangas is our go-to place if we are looking for a quick getaway. We’ve been to San Juan, Calatagan, Lipa, and Mabini; you can check the different resorts that we have visited in this blog post. We usually go to San Juan, Batangas simply because, maraming options na resort but after our visit to Lilom, we decided to explore Anilao. So when my mom was here for a vacation, we planned to have a weekend getaway.
I let my husband search for the resort and he discovered Solana, he inquired via call and email. Since we are a group of 4 people, the resort gave us two options per different types of room, we can choose a double sharing rate or a quadruple sharing rate, and we chose the latter.
In Lilom Resort, fixed ang rate per head regardless of the number of persons in one room but here, they have different rates from single to quadruple. It is cheaper if we will share one room and we chose the cheapest accommodation which is Sea View Room.
Option 1A: Sea View Room (2 rooms) PHP18,600
Option 1B: Sea View Room (1 room) PHP15,800
The rate includes 3 buffet meals, from lunch on check-in day until breakfast on check-out day. Additional PHP700 per head if we want to have lunch after check-out. To confirm the reservation, full payment is required within 48 hours via credit card or bank transfer. We need to send proof of payment and fill out the guest registration form.
Solana Resort
On the day of our trip, we left after breakfast because my husband wanted to go to the mall first before going to the resort, he bought some swimming stuff pa. We arrived at the resort past 12NN, and the guard informed us to wait for the staff. We were all shocked when we saw the stairs because we were not informed na may ganito pala, I asked the staff kung ilang steps and if I remember it right, he said 250 steps. Waah!
According to their website “Solana is nestled in the hilly, coastal peninsula of Anilao, Batangas” so ito pala meaning nun, para na rin kami naghike sa sobrang taas. Going down is easier but going up is not, good thing my senior mom is used to hiking.
When we reached the reception, the staff asked us to sign a “Sports Activities Release, Waiver and Outclaim” paper and we were advised that we can take our lunch already. After few minutes, the staff gave our room key but of course, inuna muna namin kumain at naubos energy namin sa pagbaba.
Buffet Meals at Solana Resort
I’m not really a fan of managed buffet, feeling ko kasi nasa birthday or wedding event ako na may naglalagay ng food. I was excited about our buffet meals pa naman pero managed buffet pala sa Solana so hindi ko na nakunan yung buffet spread, I just took note of the food and drinks that were prepared.
For lunch, we had corn soup, stir-fried squid, sweet and sour chicken, liempo, veggie lumpia, mango sago, banana, iced tea, and coffee. It is a complete meal but my son only ate liempo and I only tried the soup, squid, liempo and dessert. This was my husband's plate so may apat na ulam per meal. He likes the veggie lumpia.
For our dinner, we had grilled chicken, beef kaldereta, fish steak, stir-fried pechay, pumpkin soup, kalamansi pie, and pineapple juice. I like all the viands for our dinner.
For our breakfast, we had an egg of our choice, garlic rice, chicken tocino, embotido, daing na bangus, hash brown, bread, yogurt, banana, and four seasons juice.
Solana Resort offers an a la carte menu too, so if you want some snacks, sandwiches, hot plates or desserts, you can place your order. You can see their menu in your room.
Breakfast time: 7AM to 9AM
Lunch time: 12NN to 2PM
Dinner time: 7PM to 9PM
Sea View Room
After lunch, we went to our room. The room and bathroom are spacious so even if we are four people hindi naman masikip. There is a desk and wardrobe rack. The toiletries are complete, they provided shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and even cotton buds. No coffee and tea but there is a jar of water. Wifi is free pero hindi abot sa room and data signal is also weak.
We only stayed for one night at Solana Resort and we experienced rain showers but it did not stop us, because we still enjoyed the pool and sea. Mas okay yung trip namin last November kasi hindi maalon, nakapagkayak, snorkle and swim kami.
Anilao is indeed a diving site, no need na magrent pa ng boat kasi marami ka na makikitang fish and corals kahit sa malapit lang. I saw a sign board "Sharks happy place, stay on shore so they do not swim away" may nakita kami na school of fish kaso ang layo so not sure kung sharks ba yun.
We had no expectations when we booked Solana Resort but when we arrived, kahit nahirapan kami sa stairs, we had no regrets. Even though this resort is old, it is well-maintained. It has a saltwater pool, lounge area and free use of kayak. If you need swimming shoes or fins, you can rent them for PHP100. At the time of our trip, there are only 4 groups of guests so the resort doesn’t feel crowded. Wala nga kami nakakasabay na guests sa pool or beach.
Overall, we are satisfied with the place, food, and service; the only thing that might hinder us to go back is the 250 steps. The staff said, there is another option which is a boat ride kaso additional expense. But if you are still active and young, I can recommend this place.
Eating in the hotel is expensive whether a la carte or buffet meals so we seldom eat at the hotel’s restaurant unless we have something to celebrate. Remembering my son’s childhood days, we used to have hotel staycations so we were able to experience the hotel’s breakfast buffet pero lagi na lang breakfast so several years ago, we started to eat lunch or dinner for the experience.
Aside from travel we also invest in our food trips. Eating in an international buffet is a different experience so even if it is a splurge, you will enjoy trying and eating different cuisines. “My hobbies include eating and complaining that I’ve gained too much weight.”
I was browsing my old blog posts and I realized every birthday ko and anniversary pala kami nagbubuffet sa hotel. My husband doesn’t crave for hotel buffet because he normally eats at the hotel if they have company events or business trips. Anyway, here are the hotel’s restaurants that we have tried for lunch and dinner buffets.
And I still have a long list of restaurants that I love to try, budget na lang ang kulang. I mentioned in my Anniversary Celebration post that we celebrated our anniversary at Fresh -Solaire. My husband just called the hotel, the day before our food trip and we received our confirmation via email. Downpayment is not needed to reserve but make sure you arrive on time.
“Please be advised that our 15-minute reservation/hold time is strictly implemented. If you arrive beyond the allowed period, your reservation is automatically void. ”
Fresh Buffet Rates
Daily
Breakfast PHP 1,300+
7:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Monday to Friday
Lunch PHP 1,999+
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Dinner PHP 2,999+
Unlimited Lobsters
5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday, Sundays and Holidays
Lunch Php 2,999+
Unlimited Lobsters
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Dinner Php 2,999+
Unlimited Lobsters
5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
* Free-flowing drinks all day!
* All prices are inclusive of VAT and subject to a 10% service charge.
The unlimited lobster is quite tempting but because of our Table 88buffet experience, we know that we can’t eat a lot of lobsters so hindi rin namin masusulit yung rate so we chose the lunch buffet.
Solaire Resort has been around for a decade but it was my first visit to the hotel so medyo nahirapan kami hanapin yung restaurant. Upon arrival, the staff asked us if it was our first time and we said yes, then she made an effort to make an introduction to the different buffet stations before she ushered us to our table. Wow, of all the hotels that we have tried siya pa lang yung nagtour sa amin, usually ihahatid ka lang nila sa table and sasabihan na pwede na magstart.
Fresh buffet spread is not that big but they have several stations such as Japanese, Italian, Western Grill, Filipino BBQ, Seafood, Korean, Chinese, Dessert, Cheese and Cold Cuts, Salad, Fruits, and Bread stations. There are so many stations but the food choices are limited if I will compare it to other buffet restaurants that we have tried.
I was a little bit disappointed because I was craving seafood pero ang lungkot ng seafood station nila. Fresh ang name and meron din sila unlimited lobsters for dinner so I was expecting na marami sila seafood but I was wrong, during our visit wala man lang shrimp. Huhuhu! I can’t help myself but compare it to our Marriott Cafe experience.
According to their menu, Fresh Signature Dishes are Lobster Thermidor, Beef Bulalo, Sisig, Four Cheese Pizza with Truffle Oil. Create Your Own Salad, Roast Beef, Kani Salad, California Maki and Solaire Chocolate Cake. Among the choices, beef bulalo and roast beef lang ang natry ko, they are also generous sa beef slices nila, sa iba kasing hotel sobrang nipis magslice ng roast beef.
Some of the buffet stations are managed so sila pa maglalagay ng food and need mo pa sabihin kung gaano karami. Most of the stations are covered with glass shields too so ang hirap magtake ng pictures and dahil diyan, konti lang maayos ko na picture.
Also, when my husband made a reservation, the staff asked if there is any occasion and he said anniversary. It was also noted on our confirmation na anniversary namin so I thought, may pa-cake siguro sila so I brought my mini cake topper pero wala pala. Pinaasa lang ako. But if it is your birthday, they give cake and they even sing “Happy Birthday” so kapag anniversary, doon ka sa dessert station kumuha ng cake. Hehehe!
Eating in a buffet restaurant is a hit and miss too, depende na lang kung natapat ka sa masarap na buffet offerings. So despite my disappointment, inenjoy ko na lang kung ano meron, sayang ang bayad noh. Masarap naman food, ang taas lang kasi ng expectations ko based on the blogs that I’ve read and vlogs that I’ve watched. In addition, ito yung nabasa ko sa website nila.“Continue enjoying our savory rotisserie carvings and lavish seafood selections prepared and cooked a la minute by our team of talented chefs.”
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