Celebrating Raj's 11th Birthday at Makati Diamond Residences

To celebrate my son's 11th birthday, we booked a Two Bedroom Suite at the Makati Diamond Residences.  

We love that the Makati Diamond Residences is located just across the Greenbelt Malls, which was one of my celebrant's requirement for his to follow birthday gift hunting and shopping.  

The hotels luxurious lobby and top-of-the-line amenities and health and wellness facilities not to mention it's very amiable staff was very impressive.

We arrived two hours earlier than check-in time and was swiftly ushered to the hotel's Club Lounge.  We were offered drinks and snacks, while waiting for our room to be ready.

No wonder, the room took a while to finish - 

My son's birthday surprise :P

The room was nicely decorated ~

 Our accommodation is a two bedroom suite, linked by a seating area. 

One of the two (2) bathrooms (no need to rush while doing your thing)

My comfortable staycation bed ~ 

NOTES:

Guests staying at one bedroom suites or higher has Club Lounge access (open from 6am to 10pm)  Amenities and services include:

• Complimentary food and beverage privilege (breakfast from 6am-10am; evening cocktails from 5pm-7pm; refreshments, including beer, coffee/tea, chilled juices and soda from 6am-10pm)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Local calls
• Welcome drinks and snacks
• Access to the business center and health club amenities, including indoor lap pool and fitness center and TRX sudio
• Shoe shine service
• Use of meeting room for two (2) hours, including use of tablets and laptop inside the Club Lounge
• Private cinema access (for those staying in a two bedroom suite and loft units)

Guest have multiple dining options using the Dining Card, which allows guest dining choices outside the hotel.  Check this link for additional information ~ Makati Diamond Residences Dining Card

FINAL VERDICT

• My family enjoyed our stay at the Makati Residences. We had a comfortable and relaxing, worry free staycation.
• Location is A+ (30m to Greenbelt, 500m to Landmark and Glorietta area).
• Very good and amiable staff made our stay extra memorable.
• Unfortunately we were not able to explore the business center and health club amenities as we only stayed overnight and there was also so much to do outside the hotel.  

For booking and inquiries, please visit Makati Diamond Residences webpage ~ Makati Diamond Residences

Makati Diamond Residences 

118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village Makati 

Philippines

Trucklines: +632 3170099 or +632 8789699

www.makatdiamond.com 

 

Holiday Inn Makati: Our Favorite Makati Hotel

For my birthday, my family treated me to a staycation at the Holiday Inn in Makati.

 

My boys figured, mama could go birthday shopping, while they stay and relax (and yes, maybe play their video games) at the hotel.

 

Mama shops while the boys play (in mama's terms: no whining kiddos)...

 

It was such perfect timing too, as Glorietta Malls was running a weekend sale.

  

My loot! Yahoo!

 

 

Holiday Inn in Makati is the newest of the Holiday Inn hotels in the country.  The hotel just opened in 2013.

 

True to the Holiday Inn branding, Holiday Inn Makati distinguished itself as a family hotel ~ with it's children friendly activities and promotions.  Their "Kids Stay and Eat Programme" is a real come on.

 

 

We stayed in a twin  deluxe room, which was stylish and spacious at 32sqm.  It comes equipped with all the basic conveniences.

 

Comfortable beds...  

 

 

A 32inches cable tv (which kept my boys occupied the entire time, while mama went out to do her birthday thingy)...

 

 

 

A loaded mini bar ~ (my boy had his eyes on this Holiday Inn promotional teddy bear).

 

 A safety deposit box to keep your valuables safe, when you go out.

 

 

An iron and board, robes and sleepers...   

 

 

Separate shower and toilet (with bidet, yehey)...

 

 

Toiletries were also of good quality.

 

We paid extra for our breakfast though, since we got a room-only package.

 

We had  breakfast at "Flavors" their in-house restaurant.  Breakfast was good, but with find their spread quite limited.

 

 

Dessert on the other hand was great.

 

 

VERDICT

1. Holiday Inn Makati is a great choice if you are up for some shopping.  The hotel's direct access to the Glorietta Mall was so convenient. 
2. Being located the Makati Central Business District (MCBD), it is also a smart choice for business travelers.  
3. Customer Service is unquestionable. An A+ from the doorman, receptionist, room attendants, concierge and staff at Flavors.  

 

MamaSpeaks and the kiddos will be back! 

 

Holiday Inn Makati is located at

Glorietta 1 - Palm Drive, Ayala Center

Makati City

 

For inquiries visit their website: www.holidayinn.com 

or call 909-0889.

Glorietta's Midnight Madness Sale (November 28 - 30)

Here is something for budget conscious mommies.

Make the most out of your Christmas' Shopping money by taking advantage of Glorietta's Midnight Madness Sale with discount deals up to 70% off happening this Nov 28 to 30.

                                   

They will also be having Flash Sales (1 hour per night shopping spree)  participating stores with FLASH SALE poster will give out additional 20% discount.  That is up to 90% in savings. 

Watch out for the Flash Sales schedule:

Nov 28: 12nn-1pm

Nov 29: 11-12pm

Nov 30: 7-8pm

Midnight shoppers also get a chance to receive gifts from Glorieta, if they shop at five (5) Glorietta stores and restaurants

There is more, lucky shoppers, also get a chance to win a Subaru Forester or Philippine Airlines tickets for two (2) when shopping at Glorietta.

Let us Shop and be Merry!

Glorietta Holiday Mall Hours have extended to give you more time to shop! 

Share this good news to your friends and peers! Follow @iloveglorietta and use these hashtags #‎glorietta‬ ‪#‎iloveglorietta‬ ‪#‎MakeChristmasMoreMeaningful‬ #FlashSale #GloriettaFlashSale

PINOCCHIO - OnStage

 

My children love theater plays, however, it is not very often we get one for very young audiences. 

 

I was happy to learn that Repertory Philippines has brought to life one of my beloved classical fairy tale, Pinocchio.

 

(Photo courtesy of Repertory Philippines website)

 

My boys were both awestruck to see Geppetto's puppet.  

 

They both loved the Blue Fairy, as she waved her magic wand to bring Pinocchio to life and later she transformed him into a real boy.

 

And they hated the nasty Coachman and the conniving duo, SignoreVolpone (fox) and Signore Gatto (cat). 

 

My five (5) year old was sad to see Geppetto laments the lost of his puppet boy.  My son was so immersed in the play and was worried when Geppetto, while looking for Pinocchio, made his way through the audience and existed the scene using the Fire Exit.

 

He asked, "...Why is Geppetto looking for  Pinocchio inside the Fire Exit? What is Pinocchio doing in the Fire Exit?"

(oh so many questions) 

 

The play was crafted with the young audiences in mind. It invited sing-along and viewers' interaction. The props, setting and casts costume were colorful to hold the target viewers' attention.

 

The casts were equally enthralling.  They were very good, especially the lead character Pinocchio.  I was amazed to learn after, that Pinocchio is played by a real kid, who belts out songs and acts like a pro.   

 

 

The play was a success in teaching good values such as, obedience and love for study, but not over bearing (which was good).  

Highly recommended!

For a different kind of educational entertainment, please come and see  Pinocchio at the OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1.

 

Pinocchio runs from August 16 to December 14. 

Tickets are available at TicketWorld.

 

Yehey for RUB ribs & bbq

I was introduced to Rub's Ribs and BBQ by officemates as a treat  for our unit's monthly birthday celebrants.

I was never a fan of grilled anything, so the invitation came as a must attend rather than a wanna go.

The branch we visited is located at

Baler St., cor. Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air Makati.

The place is a bit cramped and small, with just enough sitting for about 50-60 pax.  I strongly suggest you call to reserve a table if you intend to come for lunch or dinner.  

I ordered Chicken Cajun pasta while the rest of my officemates had family brunch servings of ribs with side dishes.

Serving was hefty. My team of 4 boys shared a platter and looked full...(or kinda full)...

My order was spot on. The chicken was tender and delicious. I was not really hungry, but was able to clean my plate easy. 

(Sorry not much pictures here, I was busy munching and babbling with office mates I forgot to take photos)


The guys who ordered the BBQ ribs said they will be back for more and requested for the restaurant's flyers. So I guess that means the ribs were delicious.

VERDICT
RUB's is a delicious affordable alternative to otherwise expensive all American grilled restaurant. I am not yet a grilled/BBQ convert, but getting there!

Highly recommended for families.

Rub's has branches in Kapitolyo Pasig (near Ace Water Spa), South Rallos and Quezon City.  

For reservations and take home you may call 625-2939

Stay, Eat and be Merry at New World Hotel Makati

   Our latest staycation was at the New World Hotel Makati. 

My husband had to work overnight on his birthday and I can't bear the thought of him spending his special day alone, so we decided to hang around.

 

Since he would be working at New World Hotel tonight (all smiles), we were able to get special rates. 

 

Our package included welcome drinks and noon tea buffet. 

 

Our receptionist personally seated us at the lobby lounge as we were served welcome drinks. Since our room was not yet available, we decided to take the noon tea as well.

 

This is the good life!

 

One of the yummiest cup cakes I have tasted. 

 

My kids went gaga over the sweet deserts and pastries.   They easily filled their plates with baked goodies they can eat ~ a real sugar overload!

 

After we finished and the kids had their fill, a bellboy took our bags and helped us to our room. 

 

We stayed in a superior room with a king size bed, plus a complimentary extra bed to fit us (2 adults and 2 kids) comfortably.

 

The room was quite small (made smaller with the additional bed set-up) and there were no real space for the kids to run around and play. The room was also a bit outdated, but it was clean and well maintained.  

 

The room has everything we needed ~ cozy beds, minibar, cabled television, wifi, It even has an umbrella and bath robes. 

 

 

We were just settling in, when the bellboy knocked and gave my husband a chocolate mousse cake.  What a surprise!

 

We just had noon tea and now an entire 8 inches round cake (less than two hours since we came in New World and I think I already gained a pound or two).

 

Too bad there is no candle. 

 

 

Our room has a lovely view of the pool and the Greenbelt. 

 

 

 

The buffet breakfast at the hotel's Café  1228 is amazing. Choices are varied and all very delicious 

(oops, again another pound or so).  

 

 

 

VERDICT

• Location alone is AAA+. The hotel is just a few steps away the Greenbelt Mall, Landmark and Glorietta.  It is an absolute shopper's dream hotel.
• Breakfast is superb.
• Excellent service, from the moment you enter the hotel. Staff very cordial and accommodating. 
• The extras we got made our stay really memorable.  We will be back for sure. 

 

Restaurant Alert: BRASAS Gostoso

In search of good food, one work day ~ my lunch buddies and myself found ourselves seated at a Latin American Restaurant located at the recently opened SM Jazz Residence  :BRASAS (literal translation glowing piece of coal).

 

Our group of three ordered the house specialty Patacones as appetizer and Chivito al Plato as main dish.

 

Patacones are fried plantain fruit, which tastes a lot like baked banana chips only chewy like toasted potato fries.  It was topped with mixed salsa and shredded meat. 

 

For our main course we had Chivito al Plato for sharing, which was a combination of grilled pork, chicken and beef.    

 

We found both meals very gostoso (delicious) and filling.

 

The experience was an authentic Latin American one, with popular salsa and raggae rhythm as background.  I was really loving the place - brick-wooden walls, with hardwood chairs and tables. 

 

 If not for the poor ventilation (that leaves you and your coat smelling like "tapa") and the rather slow attendants (who took their time: a good 15 minutes to bill us and another 15 to punch our order, considering we paid cash),

I would have given Brasas an 8 out of 10.

 

If you are not in a hurry and this is your last stop for the day, 

I recommend this place a try, however,

if you have an afternoon meeting I would suggest you head straight to another restaurant next door.

 

 

 

 

 

This Brasas branch is located at SM Jazz Residences in Nicanor Garcia Makati.

 

Café France - lunch dates

Lunch at Café France is a default option, whenever, me and my lunch-buddy husband can't seem to decide on where or what to eat. 

 

The Café France branch we frequently visit is the Valero branch in Makati. It is conveniently located just a few meters away from where we work. 

 

Ambience is relaxed and food is delectable. 

 

Our favorites Adele and Pierre lunch trays - pasta, half sandwich (bread of your choice), soup, fruit juice and chocolate for dessert!

They also have promo set meals at discounted prices.  Equally as good!

For complete, delicious and healthy meals - I suggest you give Café France a try...


The "Momo Cafe" Experience

What was a supposedly Banapple lunch, turned out to be an unexpected trip to Momo Café.  Banapple was as always full house and the Momo Café's half empty seating and inviting ambiance lured me and my lunch buddy-husband to Momo.

 

The restaurant is classy and hip, with prices a little upscale for most Juans, although for the serving sizes and food quality, I think pricing is just right. 

 

Momo serves international dishes ~ which all seems delicious based on the menu...

 

 

We were served garlic bread with special pimiento dip while we wait for our orders.

 

We ordered, melted crab and spinach 3 cheese dips for starters, followed by slow roasted herbs US roast beef fingers.  Love them both!  Writing this blog, makes me want to go back!!!

 



The crab, spinach and cheese dip was simply divine. I can't believe it has spinach in it (even my boys will love this concoction) .  Their roast beef fingers melts in my mouth - just heavenly. 

 

We finished with a dessert called "Milo and Mamon MMMmmmm Good", for obvious reasons.  Never knew before that your regular mamon, topped with whipped cream, condensada and Milo could taste this good. 

VERDICT:  Thumbs up!  Good place for a date with your special someone (buti nalang full house and Banapple  :P)!!!

Calda's "Big Pizza"

 

For an impromptu office birthday "merienda" for hubby - I got him this huge 36" pizza from Calda's Pizza.   This humongous pizza is just perfect for a group of 20 hungry men (and women :P).   It comes in various flavors to choose from.  To make choosing easier, Calda allows mixing of variants.  I got him Granchi and Filipiniana.

 

I am not a huge pizza fan, but the size of this pizza was just amazing - it makes me smile and so I just had to give this one a try. 

 

VERDICT - taste is nothing to rave for. It was Italian inspired, thin crust with mozzarella cheese with regular pizza toppings, unlike most pizzas , however, this one was not oily...  with its size making it extra especial.

 

P.S. Yup, while I munched on my first piece of Calda's, I can't help but wonder, how they deliver such huge pizzas (it must have been difficult not to mention dangerous to navigate Manila traffic..) and managed to fit it inside the building elevator!  Hmmnnn... that I got to see...

 

CALDA PIZZA MAKATI BRANCH

is located at # 7274 Malugay St. Collective Bldg. Makati City.
with tel. no. 478-5127

The Safest Thrill Ride Invented

Time Zone's Fun Rider 5D is so cool!

My kiddos enjoyed the ride that seemed so real especially to my 4 year old's wild imagination.   

My four year old had so much fun, my eight year old begging for a fun rider horror ride...

There are plenty of theme rides to choose from - my boys got the Crazy Coaster. 

It was a 15 minutes thrill ride for the boys with lots of screaming and laughing -  the price was worth it.

Enjoy the Fun Rider 5D with your family at 

Glorietta 1, Ayala Center,  Makati City

Cerveseria's tasty Paella

 

I was craving for a decent meal, after a week of fast food galore and was so happy I bumped into, a group buy online offer on Cerveseria's tasty Paella...

 

The voucher says good for four,  I think they forgot to mention "provided not so hungry".

 

 

I guess we were just famished,  my husband and I literally devoured everything.

Wish come true... good food!!! - My son wasn't interested though.

 

 

The Paella comes with free fruit shakes, that were just divine. 

 

Very good ambiance - just perfect for an enjoyable family meal.

 

The restaurant has floor to ceiling bookcase which serves as a divider to a more private seating. Furniture and lighting(courtesy of chandeliers which kind of resembles melted candle), gives the place a Goth theme.  Really unique. 

 

The place has limited seating though and if you intend to come on a weekend, I would suggest you call in advance for reservations.

 

Truly one of the best paella I have tasted.  Will be back!

 

Cerveseria is located at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati.

Contact Numbers: 7574791 / 09178944325.

Ayala Triangle - Lights and Sounds

Family time at the Ayala Triangle, Makati CBD.

We were happy, we were able to catch the final show for 2011.  Apparently the night we came is already the last night of the Lights and Sound show. The Triangle was full packed and the restaurants by the strip were equally full sitting. 

My sister and her BF.

This is an amazing and worthwhile activity that your family is sure to enjoy. 

The Ayala's must spent a fortune putting up such a spectacle.

I hope they do this on an annual basis.

Mesmerizing...