Michi Photostory

August 26, 2014

Birthday Staycation at Crimson Hotel

Ten days before my birthday, my husband reserved a room at one of the resorts in Batangas. He called to let me know that he had already booked a room for my birthday celebration. However, two days later, he called again to follow up on the confirmation letter and found out that we were actually on the waiting list. He called again last Tuesday to check if there were any cancellations, but unfortunately, all guests had already prepaid their reservations. Since my birthday fell on a long weekend, that was probably why the resort was fully booked.

I told him about the Crimson Hotel Rainy Day Promo, so he tried to book through their website, but the rate showing online was different. He decided to call the hotel directly instead, and luckily, he was able to reserve a room three days before my birthday. It’s definitely better to call to avail of the promo rate!

Check-in Experience

Fast forward to my birthday—since Alabang isn’t too far, we left the house a little past 12 noon. We had lunch at home first to save money (hehehe!). I had already seen photos of Crimson Hotel’s lobby, but I was still amazed when I finally saw it in person. Sa sobrang laki, naging playground ng anak ko habang hinihintay namin si hubby. I thought we still had to wait until 2 PM, but they allowed us to check in early—at 12:50 PM! Yehey! The staff even escorted us to the elevator.

As usual, we requested a king-size bed, but it was no longer available, so we settled for twin beds, which were a bit small for three people. Still, we loved the bed, pillows, and comforter—these are the things I always look forward to during staycations.

Sharing with you the photos of the room.

Afternoon Tea Time

We stayed in our room while waiting for Afternoon Tea Time at 3 PM, which was included in our package. We were excited since it was our first time to experience tea time—lakas makasosyal! We were asked if we wanted coffee or tea, and about twenty minutes later, they served a lovely three-tiered stand filled with cookies, pastries, and sandwiches.

Swimming and Dinner

After tea time, we went back to our room because my son wanted to swim. Since it was a long weekend, the pool area was quite crowded. Good thing the pool was big, but it was hard to find an available chair. Sa bar chair na lang ako nakaupo habang hawak ang towel at ibang gamit.

Later, we got ready for our buffet dinner at Café Eight. They had a promo for birthday celebrants—yay, I got a free dinner! Good thing I brought my ID with my birthdate. My son, being only five years old, was also free.

It was my first buffet dinner in a hotel, so I was really excited. But when we entered the almost-empty restaurant, I felt a little sad—the food selection was quite limited. There were only about four or five food stations, and honestly, I was a bit disappointed.

I’ve tried buffet lunches and dinners in several restaurants (and even in other hotels like Acaci and Tides), so I had high expectations, thinking dinner would be more special. But as Shakespeare said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” Hehehe! Imagine, my husband was able to try every single dish—first time yun! At least, I only had to pay PHP 1,500 for him, and my meal was free.

My plate—good thing there was salmon! I also loved the mango crepe.

The carving station only had roast beef, but the meat was dry. I was expecting a seafood station, but there wasn’t any. The buffet spread wasn’t bad, but there was nothing special either. Still, the service was excellent, which is something you don’t always get in buffet restaurants.

After dinner, one of the servers told me to wait for my birthday cake. He sang “Happy Birthday” while handing it to me—bawi na sila dun! It was my first time experiencing that, and I really appreciated it.

My plate, omelet was not in the picture. I love the walnut twist bread.

Breakfast and Check-out

After our tea time and buffet dinner, we still had buffet breakfast the next morning. I wasn’t expecting much after our dinner experience, but surprisingly, I enjoyed breakfast even more! I got full because all my favorite breakfast dishes were there—bacon, ham, sausage, and daing na bangus.

Before we checked out, my son had one last quick swim.

Likes

What I loved most about our stay at Crimson Hotel was the excellent service. The staff were friendly, approachable, and always wore a smile, which made us feel truly welcome. The room was also very comfortable—the pillows, bed, and comforter were soft and cozy, perfect for a relaxing staycation. I also appreciated the thoughtful amenities like the bidet and even a phone in the toilet. The swimming pool was spacious, and my son really enjoyed his time there. I also loved their birthday promo, where I received a free dinner and a birthday cake—such a nice touch that made my day extra special! The afternoon tea time was another highlight of our stay, and of course, the free Wi-Fi and shuttle service added great convenience.

Dislikes

On the other hand, there were a few minor things I didn’t like. First, there was no bathtub in our room, which I usually look forward to when staying in hotels. Second, there were no laundry bags available. I normally bring my own whenever we travel, but since I packed at the last minute, I forgot to bring one. I assumed Crimson Hotel would provide laundry bags like other hotels, but they only had laundry baskets. When we asked, they gave us a plastic laundry bag, which was just enough for wet clothes. Lastly, considering that the buffet price isn’t exactly cheap, I hope they can improve the variety and quality of the buffet spread in the future.

Overall, even though the buffet dinner didn’t quite meet my expectations, we still had a wonderful stay. It was our first time receiving a free dinner and birthday cake, and that made the experience special. We truly had a great time at Crimson Hotel.

Update:

Old Hotel Name: Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila

New Hotel Name: Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila

Read: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan Klook.com

August 22, 2014

Lunch at California Pizza Kitchen

I first learned about California Pizza Kitchen when HSBC had a promo but since Alabang Town Center is far from where I live and I don’t know if their pizza is yummy, I did not redeem the free pizza using my credit card slip.

Every time we go to Alabang Town Center I always see this restaurant but it was only last Sunday that we tried this restaurant after my lab test in Healthway. Since it was our first time we just availed the P999 promo + P120 for 1 pitcher of iced tea. The promo includes your choice of salad, pasta, and pizza. The meal is good for 3 to 4 persons.

While waiting for the order, my son was preoccupied with the “Create your Own Pizza” activity. The activity is nice because it is not the usual coloring activity.

He took it home and asked me to cut the pizza. Hehehe!

Since I don’t eat salad, my husband ate everything. I tasted the pizza and pasta and bigla ko nanghinayang. Masarap pala food sa CPK. Waah, I should redeemed the free pizza.

I don't eat olives but I enjoyed the olives of this pizza, wala after taste. I could say that the P999 promo is worth it.

Related Post: California Pizza Kitchen 2015

August 20, 2014

Lunch at Pancake House

Even though I have some not so good experience when it comes to food and service in Pancake House restaurant, I do give chances so I still eat in this restaurant. I shared it before my not so good experience in their Boracay branch and would you believe it happened again in Festival Mall branch.

I ordered the same meal which is Hot Roast Beef and same experience, ang tigas ng kanin and even I informed the staff about it, mukhang nireheat lang ang rice sa oven. So I did not eat the rice anymore. I was thinking na pag dinner, do not order any rice meal.

Well, my husband and son were satisified with their order. What I like in Pancake House, they give activity sheet and crayons so my son has something to do while waiting for the order.

Well, this happened November 2013 so after several months we tried this restaurant again and hoping na ok na. Two weeks ago after my check-up in New Sinai, we went to SM Sta Rosa to eat lunch. We ordered Pork Vienna and because my son wanted fried egg, my husband ordered Arroz a la Cubana. Nag Pancake House kami para sa egg, hehehe!.

My husband said, I should try the Country Sausage because it is delicious. #promise He ordered and I was shocked sa sobrang liit and for me, ok lang lasa. Naovercooked lang daw sabi ni hubby. But I think this is not worth it for P100+.

Can you suggest any meal that I should order in Pancake House?

August 13, 2014

6 Days in Malaysia and Singapore with Kid

Last year I’ve mentioned in my Things to do in Singapore post that how I wish I could go back to Singapore and visit Universal Studio Singapore and Legoland Malaysia. I never thought that after one year this dream will happen.

Read: Things to do in Singapore

I already posted our Malaysia and Singapore trip but just in case you haven’t read it yet, I’ll be sharing with you our 6 days itinerary. Since we seldom go out of the country, I make sure to visit two countries in one trip if possible para tipid din sa travel tax. Hehehe! So we visited 2 countries and 3 cities in just 6 days.

Day 1 Petronas Twin Towers

Our first leg is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia via Cebu Pacific, we stayed in Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang, a quite new hotel in Bukit Bintang which is walking distance to shopping areas and Petronas Twin Towers. We reached the hotel past 7PM so we had dinner first and went to Petronas Twin Towers. If you want street foods, you can also visit Jalan Alor but we did not do this since we have kids in tow.

Read: Sky Hotel Bukit Bintang
Petronas Twin Towers

Day 2 DIY Kuala Lumpur City Tour

Our second day was Half Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour and Batu Caves. We’re supposed to go to Batu Caves after lunch but my son was not in the mood already so we went back to the hotel. For our half-day city tour, we were able to visit Petronas Towers, National Monument, Istana Negara, National Mosque, KL City Gallery, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, KL Tower and National Palace.

Read: DIY Kuala Lumpur City Tour

Day 3 DIY Singapore City Tour

We checked out early for our Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight via Air Asia, I chose the airplane over the bus because I dislike long land travel. After one hour we reached Singapore, we had lunch at the airport and off we went to South East Asia Hotel, it is our accommodation for three nights.

We took rest for an hour and we started our DIY City Tour. We started our tour at Clark Quay and we wanted to visit the following places; Asian Civilization, Fullerton Hotel, Merlion, Esplanade, Makansuntra, Helix Bridge, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands.

Read: South East Asia Hotel Review
DIY Singapore City Tour
Where to Stay in Singapore
How to Get to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur

Day 4 Universal Studio Singapore

Day 4 is our wedding anniversary day and we celebrated it in Universal Studio Singapore. We all know that the theme park entrance fee is not cheap so we really stay from opening till closing time of the theme park. If you are not tired yet you can also visit SEA Aquarium after USS.

Read: Universal Studio Singapore

Buy or Book Your Ticket
Klook Exclusive: Universal Studios Singapore Ticket 1 Day Pass
Universal Studios Singapore Express Pass
Universal Studios Singapore VIP Tour Experience

Day 5 Legoland Malaysia

Day 5 is reserved for another theme park which is Legoland Malaysia. Yes, we went back again to Malaysia and this time, Johor Bahru. It is more or less two hours away from Singapore and we took a bus from Singapore Flyer. We only visited Legoland Malaysia but you can also visit other theme parks in Johor Bahru.

Read: Legoland Malaysia

Buy or Book your Ticket
4G Sim Card (Johor Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia
Private City Transfers between Singapore and Johor Bahru
Singapore to Johor Bahru - DIY Itinerary + Private Driver
Klook Exclusive: Legoland Malaysia Hero Access Pass and Meal Voucher in Johor Bahru.

Day 6 Back to Manila

Day 6, we still have a half day to stroll or shop but we decided to stay in the hotel to rest our aching feet. After check-out, we went to Changi Airport for our afternoon flight via Philippine Airlines.

Read: 2 Days in Singapore
5 Days in Singapore with Kid

August 05, 2014

No Bake Layered Blueberry Cheesecake

I’m not fond of cheesecake but it changed when I’ve tasted the blueberry cheesecake of Calea in Bacolod, so I search for easy recipe and I’ve found No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake, click here for the recipe. I love the idea of no bake desserts because I can make easy desserts without sweat.

But last week, I wanted to make blueberry cheesecake in a jar so no more slicing and I found No Bake Layered Cheesecake in The Fat Kid Inside site. Inspired by this recipe I’ve made my homemade blueberry cheesecake using five ingredients only.

1 pack of all purpose cream
1 pack of cream cheese
1 pack of Crushed Graham Cracker
1 can of blueberry
1/2 cup sugar or 1/2 cup of condensed milk (I used condensed milk)

1. Using a mixer, whip the cream, cream cheese and sugar or condensed milk until the cream starts to form peaks.
2. Divide the mixture into 2 bowls and set one aside.
3. In one bowl of cream, add blueberry and mix again using mixer to make sure that the fruit is blended.
4. In a glass, add the crushed graham cracker to the bottom of your glass. Press down to compact. Add layer of the cream mixture. Add another layered of crushed graham crackers. Add the blueberry cream mixture and top with blueberry.

5.Place in the freezer and chill to allow the cream to set.

August 01, 2014

Birthday Staycation at The Bellevue Manila

Today is the first day of August and a few weeks from now I’ll be celebrating my birthday but no definite plans yet. This reminds me that I haven’t posted my hubby’s birthday celebration last June. Hehehe! We had a staycation in The Bellevue Manila Hotel before the first day of school, oh yes, huling hirit ng summer vacation.

Last summer, I was checking for different resorts where we could celebrate his birthday but we had home improvement last May and there was an unexpected tuition increase so we decided to have a simple celebration instead. But God is so good, a week before his birthday he received a reward from his company, “overnight stay in any hotel worth P5000”.

I immediately search for hotels where we could spend his birthday. We both decided to stay in any hotels in Alabang area para malapit lang and we chose The Bellevue Manila. We booked the cheapest room which is De Luxe Room for P5,500, there was no promo on the date that we reserved. Sayang hindi umabot sa Father’s Day promo.

Sharing with you the photos of the room. We stayed in the Main Wing where rooms are not yet improved. Just ask them if you want to stay in new rooms but of course, the rate is not the same.

After staying in the room for two hours, we went to Vue Bar to get our welcome drinks and swim too.

Then we went to Pastry Corner to buy cake and ensaymada, good thing they have a small cake. I love their ensaymada, sulit for P65. The Truffle Cake P150 was gone in 60 seconds. lol

My favorite part of a staycation is buffet breakfast, we had breakfast at Café d’Asie. Good thing my son is still free or else lugi na naman. (6 yrs old below)

My plate

We enjoyed our staycation and I told my husband na next time galingan niya ulit para may free hotel ulit kami sa birthday ko. #pressure

Like

1. Service is good.
2. We don’t have a bathtub at home so we really like it if the bathroom has a tub.
3. Bidet and phone beside the toilet are available.
4. Swimming pool is big.
5. Free Wifi
6. I love that they have hot chocolate during breakfast.
7. Pillows are soft and fluffy and the bed is comfortable.
8. There are fast food and restaurants near the hotel.
9. Free shuttle is available.

Dislike

1. At that time there was ongoing construction beside the hotel so we were not able to use this pool. Sayang mas type namin ito.

The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts
North Bridgeway, Filinvest City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines 1781
Tel (632) 771 8181
E-mail tbmnl@thebellevue.com
Fax (632) 771 8282

July 31, 2014

Buffalo’s Wings N Things

I always see Buffalo’s Wings N Things restaurant in Nuvali but I haven’t tried it yet. I received a text last July 25 that Munchpunch team sent me a eGift Card for Buffalo’s Wings N Things. I was glad because I know I have reason to go to Nuvali again.

We went to fish feeding area first because it is my son’s favorite activity in Nuvali, bought chocolate cake in Contis and went straight to Buffalo’s Wings N Things restaurant. I showed the text to the staff and she has no idea about it so she went to her supervisor to show the text, She came back informing me that they do not accept eGift card because franchise lang daw yung restaurant. Waah!

We did not leave the restaurant anymore so we ordered Garlic Parmesan + Fries P149 + 29 and Grilled BBQ Chops P249. Every table you can see pack of tissue paper because you can enjoy eating the chicken without the utensils but don’t worry, they have spoon, fork and knife.

1 pound for 149 (promo that day)

Choice of rice or mashed potato

We all enjoyed our order, you can really taste the garlic and parmesan in the chicken and the BBQ chops is so tender and flavorful. I could say that the price is not expensive. There are more flavors of the chicken from mild to spicy and we ordered the mildest which is Garlic Parmesan.

July 26, 2014

DIY Nutrition Month Headdress

Every day my usual routine is to check my son’s assignment notebook once he gets home. Then last Wednesday I saw the reminder that he needs to bring a headdress made of real fruits and vegetables on Friday. Waah! I only have two days to make a headdress.

If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, you know for sure that I’m not fond of vegetables so obviously we don’t have a stock of leafy veggies in our fridge. I do eat vegetables but not really my favorite. Since I have no idea how to make headdresses, I checked Google but unfortunately, I only saw three pictures of headdresses made of real vegetables.

I’ve been talking to my friend and she suggested monggo, fortunately, we have monggo in our house. And because I’m too lazy to go out of the house just to buy a native hat, I used cardboard instead. Cardboard from bedsheet packaging. hehehe!

I started putting monggo on the cardboard part by part. The process looks so easy but you need patience on this project. I need to make sure that the glue and monggo will stay in their place and I have to wait for the glue to dry so it took me two days to do this.

I planned to put malunggay leaves pero mukha na siya lanta how much more sa Friday so we painted the remaining space, printed fruit and veggies, and paste it on the middle.

My son was happy with his headdress and honestly siya lang ang nakita ko na monggo sa school. Hehehe! Most of the students in preschool used sitaw, malunggay, calamansi, cabbage, banana, bell pepper, carrots, and eggplant.

July 14, 2014

Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

It is not a secret here anymore that I always experienced Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. In a span of 7 years, last April is the 4th time that I’ve experienced it. I don’t like it because the severe abdominal pain is no joke. That’s always the sign that I have UTI so I always request urinalysis before going to my OB-Gyne.

Treating my UTI is not easy maybe because of the Methotrexate that I’m taking for my psoriasis, it is also the reason why I always have UTI because it weakens my immune system. It took me six weeks to cure the UTI and I was really tired going to the doctor and undergoing lab tests every week such as urinalysis, urine culture, and KUB ultrasound. Last year I even had a transvaginal ultrasound to check if I have lumps.

My doctor always advised me to drink cranberry juice but I didn’t follow, lagi ko sinasabi na pwede ba coconut juice na lang because I don’t like the taste of cranberry juice. But I realized if I wanted to prevent UTI I should try drinking cranberry juice. I searched the effects of cranberry juice and now I understand why my doctor advised me to drink it. According to organifacts.net, the health benefits of cranberry juice are...

1. Anti-aging benefits
2. Prevents Lung Inflammation
3. Prevents Scurvy
4. Prevents Peptic Ulcers
5. Prevents Kidney Stones
6. Good for Obesity
7. Cures Cold
8. Strengthens bones and teeth
9. Prevents Cancer
10. Avoid Respiratory Infections
11. Prevents tooth decay
12. Sustain Cardiovascular Health
13. Antitumor effects
14. Prevents Urinary Tract Infection

Healthy Balance Cranberry Juice (less than PHP200)
Fontana Cranberry Juice PHP82

Florida's Natural Grower's Pride Cranberry
Tipco Mixed Fruit Juice & Cranberry PHP105

As I mentioned, I don’t like the taste of cranberry juice so I tried different brands so I can choose. So far, I tried Healthy Balance, Florida’s Natural, Fontana, and Tipco. The winner is Tipco, I like the taste.

Michi Photostory

Pages