Michi Photostory

May 22, 2016

Restaurant in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

If you stay in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, you don’t have to worry about food because they have different restaurants that can satisfy your wants. You can choose from Azure Beach Club, Tempo Lounge, Saffron Cafe and Score Sports Bar. They also have a Pastry Shop where you can buy bread, pastries, and other desserts.

Read: Staycation: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

In short, you will never get hungry inside the resort but of course, the price is not budget-friendly. Hehehe! During our overnight stay, we ate at Azure Beach Club and Saffron Cafe.

Lunch Azure Beach Club

While waiting for our room, we had lunch first at Azure Beach Club which is located on the beach front. The location is very relaxing because you can see the seascape.

The restaurant offers different Asian cuisines, but we had a hard time choosing food because I’m not sure if my son will like it. Just to be safe, we ordered Bollywood Pizza P410 ++ and Mie Goreng P390 ++. While waiting, they gave us complimentary mixed nuts.

We were surprised to see the food because it is really good for 2 to 3 people.

Dinner at Saffron Cafe

At that time, my husband’s officemate in Cebu invited us for to attend his birthday party in Mactan. (it just so happened that we were in Cebu and birthday celebration niya) But because we were so tired already and we don't want to go out anymore, my husband declined and we just ate at the resort. Goodbye free dinner. Hehehe!

We had a late dinner at Saffron Cafe because we wanted to finish the Pilipinas Debate first. It was past 9PM so it was really late but thank God the restaurant was still open.

We ordered Crispy Pata P700++ and extra rice. The meal is already enough for 3 people. They served us complimentary bread while waiting.

Breakfast at Saffron Cafe

Our room package includes a free buffet breakfast at Saffron Cafe. I was happy with the buffet spread because they have a lot of choices here compared to Crimson Hotel. We left with a happy tummy.

Read: Crimson Hotel

Lunch at Saffron Cafe

Our family loves Filipino foods so we always go back to Saffron Cafe. While browsing the menu the staff asked us if we want Children’s Menu. Akalain mo may kid menu pala, it was not offered to us when we ate dinner.

We ordered Kare-Kare P650++and Chicken Run P250 ++. While waiting, they served us complimentary bread and mushroom soup.

Saffron Cafe offers buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner but since we are not big eaters and we are on a budget, we chose ala carte. Anyway, we enjoyed our food trip in each restaurant and we’re satisfied with the service.

May 20, 2016

CrimZone at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Planning for a vacation is not easy because it takes time to research and to decide which activities you will include in a day especially when you have kids. You also have to consider the location, facilities and amenities of the hotel or resort. Thank God that we reserved a room at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan because my son really enjoyed our staycation.

Click here for video

My son loves staycation, he gets excited every time he sees me packing for a short getaway. He really remembers those activities that he enjoyed and he always asked me if I take videos or pictures because he wants to see or watch them over and over again.

As of now, he can’t forget our recent staycation in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. One thing that I like in this resort is the CrimZone, it is the comfort zone of kids. I’m pretty sure that kids will not get bored even if you stay in the resort for a few days. If you want to have time for yourself, you can leave your kids here for a fee or just stay and bond with your kids.

Read: Staycation: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan.

If you are planning to book this resort, this post will give you an idea of the different activities in CrimZone. Every morning you will receive a piece of paper to inform you of the schedule of activities for that day (adults and kids). If you don’t want to bring the paper with you, just visit CrimZone and check the whiteboard for the schedule.

During our first day, we immediately checked CrimZone. There were slides, merry-go-round, toys, books and TV for movie marathon. Actually, my son forgot that we will swim so I have to remind him that we need to go to the beach and we will just go back to the play area tomorrow. Parang ayaw na niya umalis, hehehe!

The following morning, as promised; we stayed in CrimZone after we checked out. Sharing with you the activities that my son joined.

Face Painting

First activity is face painting but my son prefers hand painting. Hehehe!

Figurine Painting

We missed the 7:30AM Figurine painting activity but I was glad that we can still avail of this activity. The activity is not free, you have to pay P250 but you can take home the finished project. If you’ve been following this blog, you know that my son loves to paint.

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh

So he paints while watching movie. In the end, I already helped him because we want to eat lunch na and hindi pa siya tapos, though finishing touches na lang naman. Hehehe!

Read: Restaurant in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Amazing Kid’s Race

My son and I love watching Amazing Race so we really waited for this activity. We have no idea that there will be a prize for the winner and my son won the Amazing Kid’s Race. The prize is 15 minutes kayak or bracelet making, we chose the latter because my husband and son don’t want to change clothes na. Everything was packed na rin kasi.

Bracelet Making

This was an easy activity, all he needs to do is put his chosen beads and the staff will be the one to tie them. Voila, he gave me the bracelet. Hehehe! Bracelet making activity is P125.

My son wanted to join the Obstacle Course but we have to say goodbye to CrimZone because we need to go to the airport.

May 18, 2016

Staycation at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Two years ago I celebrated my birthday in Crimson Hotel in Alabang. I had a great time during our staycation so when I learned that they have a branch in Cebu, I immediately added it to my bucket list.

Read: Crimson Hotel in Alabang

Last month, while I was planning for our Cebu itinerary; I decided to have a Day Trip at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. I inquired about the rates and they immediately replied. But a few days before our trip, our plan changed and my husband called Crimson Mactan to reserve a room. If we can’t go to Bantayan Island then go to Mactan.

After our breakfast in Cebu Parklane International Hotel, we already checked out, and off we went to Crimson. We arrived past 10AM, my husband gave us our confirmation voucher and our IDs; while waiting they served our welcome drinks and we played sungka. We had fun playing sungka, it’s been a long time since I played this game and I’m really looking for this toy.

Read: Cebu Parklane International Hotel

As expected, the room was not available yet but we are allowed to use the facilities. The staff gave us a resort map. We left our luggage with the concierge and went to the locker room so we can put our valuables.P500 deposit is refundable.

We roamed around the resort looking for an available beach chair but unfortunately, no available chair. We decided to have lunch at Azure Beach Club. While waiting for our food bill, the staff called and informed my husband that our room is already available. Yey! Early check-in (past 1PM).

We paid (via credit card) for our reservation before we went to Cebu because pre-payment (one night stay) is required to reserve a room. Additional P3000 for incidental deposit upon check-in. The staff gave us a key card and we went back to the concierge to get our luggage. We rode a golf cart on our way to our room.

Let us have a room tour.

The bathroom has this folding door/window that you can open, I love this because I can see my son while playing in the bathtub or you can also watch TV while inside the tub. They provided basic toiletries like shampoo, soap, bath gel, lotion and a dental kit.

The fridge has complimentary drinks and snacks (one time only). Two softdrinks in the can, 2 beers in the can, 2 bottled water, 1 Peanut Kisses, and 1 Kitkat.

We just took a rest first and off we went to the beach. The beach was still packed, ang hirap makahanap ng bakante. Don't forget the swimming shoes at mabato yung beach. We all know that the sand was imported somewhere just like in other resorts in Mactan. We transferred to the pool because the beach was closed already.

We had a late dinner at Saffron Cafe because we watched the Pilipinas Debate. We missed the event at the beach tuloy kakapanood. Hehehe!

The following day, we were surprised to see a note in front of our door. It was a piece of paper where the time and activities of the day were listed. This is nice because you can plan your stay.

Then we went to Saffron Cafe for our free buffet breakfast. The buffet spread is better than the Crimson Hotel because they have more choices here.

After eating we went straight to the beach, I was glad that it was not packed as yesterday. It’s Monday so I guess, most of the guests have already checked out. We killed our time here while waiting for check-out. There are beach toys that you can borrow.

We went back to the room to prepare because the check-out time is 11AM. Our flight was 8PM so we still stay inside the resort, again we left our luggage in the concierge and bags in the locker.

We stayed in the CrimZone so my son can play and join different activities like face painting, figurine painting, Amazing Kid’s Race, and bracelet making. I will share it in a separate post.

Read: CrimZone

We prefer Filipino foods so we had lunch at Saffron Cafe. After our hearty meal, we went back to CrimZone again. :)

Read: Restaurant in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Before going to the airport, we had a quick shower. So if you want to visit Crimson for a day, don’t worry because the bathroom is clean.

On our way to the airport, the concierge staff asked about our flight time because taxis are not always available, and he gave us 3 options. But thank God at may napadpad na taxi. Hehehe!

Likes

1. We like the room because we have enough space to move around.
2. We have complimentary drinks and snacks.
3. The service is good, especially in the restaurant, CrimZone, and reception. They are all friendly, approachable and they always smile. Some even volunteered to take our family picture. Even the housekeeping staffs and gardeners greet us.

"There is one lang in the concierge na medyo off sumagot. He said, “Paano kayo papasok kung wala kayo key card”. Hmm, di lang agad napakita yung keycard at namisplace, may side comment na ganun. We stayed in other luxury hotels and resorts and first time ito.

He even stayed in our room na pagkatagal-tagal na parang waiting for tip. My husband just said that he left his bag at the locker (which is true) so wala siya maabot but the truth is kahit may wallet because of your attitude, no tip."

Other concierge staff naman are good. :)

4. The waves on the beach are unpredictable but they provided life vests for guests. I did not bring any toys so I was glad that there are available beach toys that we can borrow.

5. There are so many activities for both adults and kids every day so you will not get bored.

Dislikes

Hmm, the staycation is almost perfect kung hindi lang doon sa isang staff sa concierge. The only thing I don’t like here is the price, hehehe! It is expensive so even if we want to stay long, nakakabutas ng budget.

I suggest that they have staffs in the beach or pool area that will supervise, we experienced that in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa. After the guests left, they will immediately pick up the used towels and prepare the beach chair for the next guests. So guests have an idea that the beach chair is really available. In Crimson, di mo alam kung wala na ba tao o pang reserve nila yung used towels dun.

Read: Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa

We really had a great time in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, I even told my husband na bitin ang 2 days and 1-night namin. I hope next time kahit 3 days and 2 nights stay. That’s the end of our Cebu trip, back to reality. Click here for video

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
Seascapes Resort Town, Soong,
Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu

May 17, 2016

DIY Cebu City Tour and Taboan Market

We were not able to visit Bantayan Island so we’re thinking if we could just have a day trip in Oslob and swim with the whale shark but since we wanted a relax vacation, we just settled in Cebu City Tour.

Five years ago, we were not able to finish our Cebu City Tour because it rained so I listed again those places that we haven’t visited.

Read: DIY Cebu City Tour
Mactan City Tour and Taboan Market

1. Archbishop’s Palace of Cebu
2. Museo Sugbo
3. Casa Gorordo Museum
4. Yap - San Diego Ancestral House
5. Heritage of Cebu Monument
6. Colon St.
7. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
8. Cebu Cathedral Museum

We rode a taxi from Cebu Parklane International Hotel, our first stop is Casa Gorordo Museum, unfortunately the taxi driver has no idea where is the museum. Waah! Thank God for Waze and internet connection so the driver followed it.

Read: Cebu Parklane International Hotel

We reach our destination and I was surprised to see the tarpaulin, “Casa Gorordo Museum is CLOSED for upgrading”. My friend has just visited this museum and I’ve seen her pictures so I was not expecting that after few days, the museum will be closed.

From the museum, we walked to Yap - Sandiego Ancestral House. The house really looks old, it is over 300 years old already. Entrance Fee is P50. I was thankful for the tour guide because he volunteered to take our photos. Yey, for family pictures.

You can already see the Heritage of Cebu Monument from the ancestral house. The monument presents the highlights of Cebu's history from the time of Rajah Humabon up to the beautification of St. Pedro Calungsod.

After the monument, we’re planning to go to Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral but we ended up in Basilica De Sto. Niño church. Toinks! So we took a picture again in front of the church. The church is the oldest church in the country, it was built in year 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Fray de Urdaneta.

If you remember, three years ago this church is one of the churches that has been damaged by an earthquake. I was happy to see that it was now renovated and restored.

Read: Damaged Heritage Sites

Then we went to Magellan’s Cross at the side of the church (few meters walk). Check our photo, time flies so fast noh, our last visit maliit pa anak ko, next time matangkad na siya sa kin.

The wooden cross marks the spot where the first baptism of Filipinos in year 1521 led by Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana. The cross was planted by Ferdinand Magellan.

We ended our Cebu City Tour because my son wanted to go back to our hotel already. He was complaining na ang init-init and pawis na daw siya. Hehehe! But we did not go back to our hotel yet and we went straight to Taboan Market. We rode 06A jeep and we told the driver that we’re going to Taboan Market. Fare is P7 each.

Read: Pasalubong from Cebu

Then we took taxi to go back to our hotel. I swear, amoy danggit kami. The smell really sticks to our body, hair and clothes. Hehehe!

May 16, 2016

Staycation: Cebu Parklane International Hotel

As I mentioned in my previous post, we were supposed to be in Bantayan Island for 3 days and 2 nights but since there was no more room available, we just book one night in Cebu Parklane International Hotel and one night in Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa.

After our check-out in Cebu City Marriott Hotel, off we went to Cebu Parklane International Hotel. If it is not hot and if we don’t have luggage we can just walk (long walk) to our next hotel but we still rode taxi.

Read: Staycation: Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Akala siguro ng taxi, maliligaw niya kami, he was supposed to turn left tapos bigla nagright. My husband said, boss, nasa left yung hotel di ba. Taxi driver said “no left turn po.” Hmmm, wala naman sign na no left turn and bigla siya nag-U-Turn, na mas nagcause ng traffic kaysa sa simpleng left turn lang. Wala pa kasi P50 ang metro kaya siguro gusto kami paikot-ikutin.

Every time my husband goes to Cebu, he always stays in Cebu Parklane International Hotel since this is just near their Cebu office. We went to the reception and I was glad that the room was ready already. The lobby was crowded because there were politicians and supporters who also stay in the hotel. #campaignperiod

The room was not that big and it looks so dark. Parang ang lungkot lang ng dating. I even asked my husband, ganito ba talaga yung room? He said no, mas ok daw yung mga naging room niya dati.

The bed is good for 2 persons only and not good for a family of 3.

The bathroom is small but it has bath tub.

We just took a rest and off we went out for our Cebu City Tour.

After our city tour, we slept and my husband woke me up and asking me kung san kami magdinner. We’re supposed to eat at Kuya J Restaurant pero tamad na ko maglakad pa so he just bought dinner at Sinangag Express.

One thing that I look forward in Cebu Parklane International Hotel is the buffet breakfast at Manuel’s restaurant because we don’t have free buffet breakfast in Cebu City Marriott Hotel. Hehehe!

The buffet spread is good naman, may danggit din. :)

We’re supposed to check the swimming pool but we decided to check-out early at baka matraffic na naman kami on our way to Mactan.

Likes

1. The location is near Ayala Mall.
2. They have 3 restaurants; Manuel’s Restaurants, Bean Date and Kan-Anan.
3. If you want to save money, there are restaurants outside, walking distance from the hotel.
4. The service and food are good.

Dislikes

1. We are a family of 3 and the bed is so small, ang layo sa website photos nila. Room 1111
2. The room looks dark and amoy kulob din pagpasok, maybe because of the carpet near the bathroom.
3. Free wifi but only good for 2 gadgets.

Tip: If your company has a corporate account that you can use in a hotel, use it to get a better rate.

Update February 2018:

My husband stayed in this hotel for three days and he borrowed iron para alisin yung gusot sa damit niya. He was advised that they will get the iron after 30 minutes. Waah! May time limit ang paggamit, hehehe!. I just hope they will provide iron and iron board in the guest room just like other international hotels.

Anyway, there is a seafood buffet restaurant near this hotel. You might want to try the Isla Sugbu Seafood City Paluto All You Can.

May 14, 2016

Staycation: Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Update January 2018: Cebu City Marriott Hotel is closed now and it is under renovation. Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation contract with Marriott came to an end last December 31, 2017. After the renovation, the hotel will be named Seda.

We had summer vacation in Cebu last month and since we bought our ticket 8 days before the trip, I was having a hard time looking for resort in Bantayan Island. I inquired and reserved in two resorts that we prefer but unfortunately, no more room available. I know that there are more accommodations in Bantayan Island but I don’t want to take risk since it was a long travel.

I’ve been reading reviews online so mas prefer nga namin yung two resorts, fully booked nga lang. So I gave up and let my husband book our hotel in Cebu. My only request is I want an overnight stay in Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa because that is on my bucket list.

Read: Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa

Few days before our trip, I asked my husband where we are going to stay? Siya na daw bahala. Okay, fine, two days before our departure, we still have no accommodation but my husband already called, inquired, and reserved three hotels for our Cebu trip. I was glad that everything was confirmed before our flight.

Cebu City Marriott Hotel

Five years ago, we stayed in Fuente Oro Business Suites, I chose this because it is an affordable hotel and we just really need a place to sleep since we will be out the whole day for our Cebu City Tour. We stayed there just for one night so I was really excited when my husband booked in Marriott Hotel because it is one of the luxury hotels.

Read: DIY Cebu City Tour

From airport, we just rode taxi going to the hotel. The traffic was bad because there is going construction in Marcelo Fernan Bridge. At that time, four time pa namatayan ng makina yung taxi namin. Feeling ko di na kami aabot ng hotel.

The security in the hotel is very strict, it is like going to the airport where they asked the taxi driver’s ID and checked the vehicle. They also have baggage and body scanner just like in The Manila Hotel. The lobby was not grand but of course better than other hotels.

My husband booked a room with King Sized bed but when we got there we were advised that it was not available. After that we went to our room, you need the keycard in order to use the elevator.

Let us have a room tour.

The bathroom has bath tub and rainshower.

Look at the toiletries and freebies, there are mouthwash, liquid hand soap, polishing shoe mitt, scrunchie (hair band), nail file and sewing kit which is not common in other hotels.

We just left our things in the room and off we went to Ayala Mall, it is just at the back of the building as in tatlong tumbling lang. Hehehe! Big savings in transportation because we can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner in the mall.

Read: Buffet Breakfast at Marriott Garden Cafe

View from our room

Since my husband will be busy, my son and I just had staycation in Cebu City Marriott Hotel. We just go out to eat or if we need to buy something. I bought drinks and snacks in Metro Supermarket after our lunch in CnT Lechon.

Read: CnT Lechon

Walkway to Ayala Center and Marriott Hotel

I let my son swam in the pool. Tiis lang sa init. Hehehe! Towels were provided and the staff even asked me if I want water.

I wish they have playroom so we can have another activity aside from the swimming pool.

Likes

1. The room and bed size are good for a family of four. Bed and pillows are very comfortable.
2. Service is good. They clean the room and replenish the toiletries and complimentary water every day.
3. I love the location because it is very near Ayala Mall.

Dislikes

1. No bidet in the bathroom.
2. I wish they have playroom for kids.

All in all, we had a good stay in Cebu City Marriott Hotel, I cannot comment on their food since we only booked "room only" and we did not order anything in their restaurant. Like I said, tabi lang siya ng Ayala Mall.

We checked-out before 12 noon and transferred to Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

Tip: If you are Marriott Rewards Member, use it so you can have the best rate. My husband forgot that he has Marriott Rewards card so we got a different rate but we present it upon arrival for points.

If you are going to stay for several days, ask if they could offer a discount. They gave us 10% discount for our three nights stay.

Cebu City Marriott Hotel
Cardinal Rosales Avenue
Cebu City 6000 Philippines

May 13, 2016

Fisher Farms Bangus Barbecue

Two months ago, while doing our grocery at S&R, my husband checked the free taste of Fisher Farms Bangus Barbecue and he liked it. It is one thing I like in S&R, there is always free taste, it gives you an idea of the taste of the product. Ang hirap pa naman bumili kasi lagi maramihan yung packaging nila, so if di mo type, sayang talaga bili mo.

I just can’t remember the exact price because I bought it before Holy Week pa, hehehe! The box includes the boneless milkfish and barbecue sauce. No need to cook in the stove, you just need to reheat it in a microwave oven.

You have the option to pour the barbecue sauce on top of the fish or just place it in a separate container, which I did because my son is not fond of sauces.

The bangus is good and I would like to try the other products like Fish Nuggets. If you have limited time to prepare for baon, this could save you time.

May 14, 2016 Update: I just went back to S&R and the price is P249.95.

May 12, 2016

Mother’s Day Celebration

Mother’s Day is like an ordinary day in our family but I want to have a rest day on that day, lol. I don’t want to cook and I don’t want to wash dishes. In short, the kitchen was closed last Sunday.

My husband just bought breakfast after going to the wet market, we ate leftovers at lunchtime and went to Tagaytay for our dinner. This time we traveled all the way to Twin Lakes. We left early because we know na traffic sa Tagaytay.

Sonya’s Garden

We dropped by at Sonyas Garden, we always go to their Country Store just to buy our favorite Hispanic Bread. Two packs lagi kasi kinakain na namin siya sa biyahe. There are times na freshly baked yung bread so mainit init pa talaga kaya masarap kainin. One pack is P150, nagmahal na siya. When we first tried this bread nasa P120 per pack lang. Hehehe!

Read: Sonya’s Garden

Twin Lakes

We always pass by this place if we’re going to Batangas and I’ve seen a lot of restaurants that it is on my bucket list. There is basement parking and no fee for that.

Amira’s Buco Tart Haus

We checked the place so we can decide kung san kami magdinner. I saw Amira’s Buco Tart Haus here so I went inside. Amira’s Buco Tart Haus is like a one-stop shop for pasalubong but of course, the famous here is their very own tart which is available in different flavors.

I bought one box of Buco Tart at P180. Have you tried their blueberry cheesecake tart? I was planning to buy this next time.

Read: Buco Tart

The Farm Organics

I’ve been meaning to try their food after I watched it on Kris TV but I didn’t know that they have a branch in Tagaytay. We took advantage of the brunch buffet which is only available every Saturday and Sunday, from 10-7PM.

Adults P550
Kids (5-12) P290

The buffet spread was not that big but it was enough to satisfy your hungry stomach. We were not really hungry that time because we ate Hispanic bread, hehehe! But we decided to eat early dinner since wala rin naman magawa sa Twin Lakes kundi kumain. Hehehe!

They have baby back ribs, grilled salmon, roast beef with buttered vegetables, lechon belly, pasta in aligue sauce, bacon, longganisa and bulalo. You can choose adobo rice or plain rice. There are salad, champorado, pancake and omelet. 3 types of pastries and 3 kinds of fruits. The buffet includes organic coffee or cold freshly brewed iced tea.

Since it is a buffet from 10-7PM, you can’t expect hot or warm food, tapos nasa Tagaytay pa. So I told my husband baka mas ok kung lunch time ang buffet or we will try to order from their menu para mainit yung food.

The foods that we have tried are hit and miss, I enjoyed the grilled salmon and champorado but I did not like the lechon belly. My husband enjoyed most of the food except for the bacon, I don’t know ang alat niya. My son only ate omelet, rice, and brownies. Lugi na naman ko sa bayad, buffet tapos egg lang gusto. Waah!

Read: Food Trip in Tagaytay