Crowne Plaza Manila Hotel Staycation

 

What to do on a long holiday-weekend?

 

Yup, you got that one right: A family staycation at one of Ortigas premier hotels~

Crowne Plaza Hotel

 

We booked ourselves a corner Deluxe Room.

 

The room is spacious (about 50sqm.), enough for my boys to run and play around. 

You don't get this much space abroad. 

 

The room has a floor to ceiling window that overlooks the hotel pool (which it shares with Holiday Inn hotel next door). 

 

 

 

My son, found his spot.  He claimed this comfortable side chair with foot stool for watching TV.

 

There is a 42inches LED TV hooked to good selection of local and international channels (obviously ours was tuned to the Nick and Disney channel the entire time).

 

  

 

Complimentary coffee and tea

 

 

Huge bathroom, with a separate shower and bath tub.

 
 
 

 

Yes, there is bidet

 

 

 

 

 Basic toiletries...

 

 Bath robe and a safety box, completes the room.

 

 

 

VERDICT

• Location is A+. We love that it has a direct access to Robinson's Galleria mall.   
• Service is great as expected of an IHG hotel. Staff are amiable and efficient.
• Our room is spic-and-span. However, age is catching up and would soon require renovation and probably some upgrade,  I remember the last time we've stayed at his hotel and it was immaculately clean, smells new too.
• Buffet breakfast is good with a wide selection of food, but fails in comparison to our previous visit. 
• Overall it is a nice family hotel.  We would love to come stay again, just by its location alone.

 

For reservations and inquiries, please visit their website:

CROWNE PLAZA

 

 

 

Midas Hotel and Casino Review ~ A Posh Boutique Hotel

I snatched a Midas Hotel deal via a group buying website, which I thought was perfect for my husband's birthday staycation.

 

The package we got is for an executive room, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two (2), access to the executive lounge, high-speed internet access, use of fitness center, and free transport to the SM Mall of Asia (although we did not use the free transport, since we used our own car).

 

Location was perfect as we have plans of going to DreamPlay at the City of Dreams, located just a few minutes away the hotel.

 

 

 

 The Midas Hotel lobby is posh and modern.

The executive rooms are clean, but basic.

The pictures presented in the web are way-way better.

 

 

We opted for two (2) single beds, which were quite comfortable.  The linens and pillows smell fresh and new.

 

 

 

(The beds are a bit small, but the plush daybed made up for the lack of bed space. My youngest laid claim to this one!)

 

The room is equipped with flat TV, with plenty of channel options to keep everyone entertained.

 

 The bathroom though small is spic-and-span.

 

 

We had a clogged sink early in the day, right after  check-in, but maintenance was fast in fixing it.

 

The bath tub and shower in one.

 

 

 

 

Open bar with coffee and tea making facilities.

 

  

 

 

Bathrobes were provided.

Robes and towels smells fresh and new, as well.

 

I was surprised to see a complete ironing set nicely tucked inside one of the closets ~  very nice. This would come in handy especially for business travelers.

 

The safe works and is easy to use.   

Executive rooms come with Bulgari bath toiletries, impressive.

Complete toiletries set for two.

 

 

 

Guests billeted at the Executive Floors enjoy exclusive access to the Sunset Lounge for complimentary spread of gourmet snacks and hors d’oeuvres, and choice drinks from 4 pm to 8 pm. We were, however, unable to try this one since I don't want to leave the kids alone in the room.

 

 

VERDICT

• Staff are well-mannered and welcoming.  I felt so at home, with staff greeting us nicely, opening doors, carrying our bags ~ admirable customer service.
• There is no indoor parking, but they do offer valet parking for free to hotel guests, very convenient.
• Wi-Fi is complimentary ~ fast and reliable. My boys went gaga downloading games.
• There is no swimming pool, but my youngest made do swimming in the bathtub.   
• Buffet spread is plenty, but just so-so.  The pastries, however, were exquisite.  Since our package is just for two (2), we paid extra for the kids at P400+ each.

 

 

 

We were so into the pastries, we forgot to bother taking photos of the buffet spread...my bad!

 

 

 

I call this place ~ Pastries Haven!

 

Overall we had a satisfactory stay.  It is a decent hotel for business travelers, but not so much for families.  Although it is just a short distance the SM MOA, StarCity and DreamPlay, traversing to and from the areas of interests may pose a bit of inconvenience.

 

 

 

Location and contact number:

Midas Hotel and Casino

2702 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300, Philippines.
Contact Number: +63 902 0100

  

Fun Day with the Kiddo at Star City

 

It has been ages since my last Star City visit.  I have been wanting to go there with my children, but the distance and the traffic is quite unbearable!

 

 

I was glad, this came up as part of my son's school fieldtrip itinerary.

 

 

 

 

However, it was the last stop in our agenda and my kiddo was already tired. As I was visiting with a child we had to stick with the children's ride as some of the major ones are restricted to adult riders.

 

 

But no worries since, there are still so many rides to choose from:

 

1. Kiddie Bumper Cars (please don't mistake with the huge bumper cars ~ my son is a lot taller for his age and he passed the Adult Bumper Car ride, it was a big mistake as the Adult version was much faster and impact a lot harder).
2. Kiddie Ferris Wheel
3. Magic Tea Cups
4. Rodeo (a variety of vehicles that travel around a loop track)
5. Quack-quack (a duck carousel ride)
6. Magic Forest* (a trip around a mystical forest onboard a vintage train)

 

Other kiddie attractions, includes:

1. Little Tykes
2. Ball Pool

Rides for older kids, includes:

1. Happy Swing* (which gave me a bit of a headache)
2. Dragon Express (a roller coaster ride)
3. The Giant Ferris Wheel
4. Red Baron** (a plane ride)
5. Wacky Worm** (a mini - roller coaster)
6. Tele-combat* (a space ship ride)
7. Grand Carousel**

The ones in "*" are the my son's favorites.

 

Other Attractions we visited included:

 

The Peter Pan

 

 

 

 

 

Toy Chest

 

 

 

Admission Fee Php 65.00
Entrance inside Star City only. EXCEPT Mid-way games, coin operated machines, rides, attractions, Snow World, Lazer Blaster, Scream Avenue and Walk on Water.

 

3 Cheers Ticket Php 360.00
Three rides of your choice (Ride restrictions apply), EXCEPT mid-way games, coin operated machines, Snow World, Lazer Blaster, Scream Avenue and Walk on Water. Entrance fee included. (Ride restrictions apply)

 

Ride-All-You-Can (RAYC) Php 420.00
 

With Unlimited access to the following rides:

• KIDDIE RIDES: Quack-Quack, Kiddie Wheel, Little Tykes, Tea Cup, Kiddie Bumper Car, Rodeo, and Ball Pool.
• FAMILY RIDES: Grand Carousel, Happy Swing, Magic Forest Ride, Red Baron, Super TeleCombat, Dragon Express, Wacky Worm and Giant Star Wheel.
• OLDER KID, TEEN AND ADULT RIDES: Bumper boat, Bumper Cars 1 and 2, Jumping Star, Tornado and Blizzard
• EXTREME RIDES: Star Frisbee, Surf Dance, Jungle Splash, Star Flyer and Viking Ship
• ATTRACTIONS: Toy Chest (Coming Soon), Peter Pan, Time Tunnel, Pirate Adventure, Dungeon and Gabi ng Lagim

 

Additional fees required for the following attractions:

• Snow World Php 150.00
  Unlimited same day entrance. (Ride restrictions apply) Entrance fee excluded.
• Star Dome: Heart of the Dragon Php 80.00
  Good for 1 (one) entry. Entrance fee excluded.
• Lazer Blaster Php 100.00
  Good for 1 (one) game only. (Ride restrictions apply) Entrance fee excluded.
• Scream Avenue Php 120.00
  Good for 1 (one) film showing only.(Ride restrictions apply) Entrance fee excluded.

 

VERDICT

• I love that most of the rides are indoor. Given the country's hot and humid, or sometimes rainy weather, air-conditioned indoors is really welcomed. 
• Price on my personal opinion is affordable, considering the number of rides and attractions to choose from. 
• The rides are also located near each other, so you would have covered the entire place without wearing your feet off.   
• There are numerous food outlet around and merchandize aren't that difficult on the budget.
• Rest rooms and common areas are clean. 

 

For a worthwhile bonding experience with the kiddo ~ consider a trip to Star City!

 

 

Please check the Star City webpage for the latest promotion and park schedule updates here:  STAR CITY ~ MORE RIDES, MORE FUN!

 

 

 

Star City Location Map

 

Addicted to Toys! ~ Yexel's Toy Museum at Boom na Boom Complex

 

 

Do you love toys?

 

 

I have long been hearing about the Yexel's Toy Museum in Las Pinas.  I have been wanting to go there for sometime now, but it is quite far from where I live and never got the time.

 

 

I was glad to learn we would be visiting the Yexel's exhibit at the Boom na Boom, CCP complex as part of my son's school field trip (I think I am more excited to join this fieldtrip than my son)!

 

 

 

 

 

This toy collection, by  Yexel Sebastians  started out as a hobby~of personal toy and eventually was transformed into a museum. 

 

The original Yexel Museum is located at 52 Sampaguita Road, Pilar Village, Las Pinas City and was first opened to the public in 2012. 

 

The one we visited at Boom-na-Boom complex is just an exhibit, but was okay, since we still managed to get some awesome pictures and best, my son had a great time posing right next to his favorites:

 

 

Taz, Dash and Finn

 

 

 

 

  

 

Yexels Toy Museum at Boom na Boom Complex,

Pasay City is open Mondays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm.

Ticket Price is P300.

 

 

For questions and inquiries, please check out Yexel's facebook page - Yexel's Toy Museum and Art Gallery. 

Pyrolympics 2014 (Can't Wait for Next Year)

 

 

Next to Christmases and Birthdays, my boys look forward to the annual Philippines International Pyrolympics Competition. This is obviously fast becoming an yearly event for my family!

 

The competition normally scheduled, Saturdays of February and March held at the SM Mall of Asia, Bayfront.

 

This year, we got to see Spain and UK fireworks display.

 

If you haven't seen one yet, I strongly encourage you to do so and bring your entire family along.  The displays are truly world class.

NOTES:
If you have cash to spare, I recommend an overnight stay at Microtel Hotel, their Sunset View Rooms, have a perfect view of the bay.

Ocean Park Manila

 

I accompanied my four year old son during his school Manila Ocean Park (MOP) field trip last November 2012.

 

The park boasts numerous atractions, which will surely keep your kiddos busy and occupied ~ you would be begging your child to leave, when it is time to go home.

 

The park has 15 Attactions:

1. Oceanarium
2. Trails of Antartica
3. Aquanaut Voyage
4. Shark Encounter
5. Jellies Exhibit
6. Fish Spa
7. Glass Bottom Boat Ride
8. Revolution - Musical Fountain Show
9. Marine Life Habitat
10. All Star Bird Show
11. FantaSea
12. Penguin Talk Show
13. Bird of Prey Kingdom
14. Back of the House
15. Swimming

Since we were there for a school field trip  ~ we were only able to see:  the Oceanarium, Trails of Antartica, Jellies Exhibit and the Penguin Talk Show (which was a big hit with the kids). 

 

 

THE OCEANARIUM

 

Welcome to the Oceanarium :D

Sorry, camera flashes strictly prohibited inside the Oceanarium..

 

 

Posing with the sharkies :P

 

 





There is an activity corner at the Oceanarium - my kiddo ain't taking a rain check :P



 

MOP has a spectacular view of Manila Bay. I am sure the view is better at sunset!

TRAILS OF ANTARTICA





On the way to the Trails of Antartic!

Pakitang gilas si Mr. Penguin.  My kiddo's eyes were glued to the baby penguins as they swam.

 

 

Temperature freezing... brrr!

Ma look, its Santa :P

JELLIES EXHIBIT

 



My kiddo quite amazed to see jellies for the first time :P

PENGUIN TALK SHOW

 

I was too engaged with Mr. Penguin, I forgot to take pictures - I got this one though!  My kiddo enjoying the show!!! 

 

 

 A trip to MOP is educational  and entertaining!  We would definitely be back.

Next time will bring the entire family and stay at the H20 Hotel to make the most of MOP!

 

MOP: Rated A for kiddos and kids at heart  :D

 

Address:Manila Ocean Park behind Quirino Grandstand Luneta Manila

Trunkline: +63 2 567 7777

Facsimile:+63 2 567 2309

Email:inquiry@manilaoceanpark.com