June 13, 2015

Magnum Manila Review ~ Heaven Sent Dessert

What do you say to a Magnum Bar, with three (3) of your choice toppings, on a super hot afternoon? 
 
It was obviously a big YES (with a huge GRIN) for me and my boys. 
 
I have been wanting to try Magnum Manila's "make-your-own" ice cream bar, but the long queues is such a turn-off.  
 
We were back at SM Aura last week, and the queues were not as long ~ Yipee!
 
 
 A DIY Magnum Bar cost P100. 
 
 
 
After paying, a crew takes in your choices of three (3) toppings...
 
(Tip: There are so many toppings to choose from, if you are not certain, get the toppings labelled "best seller")
 
 
 
 You  would be asked, whether you want a vanilla or a chocolate bar; and preference of chocolate coating: dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate.  

 
 
The ice cream bar is dipped into the chocolate coating and the toppings are then sprinkled to the ice cream bar, and "tada", the bestEST Magnum Bar ever!!!
 
 
 
 My choice: vanilla ice cream, dipped in dark chocolate with almonds, marsh mallow and choco dots for toppings. 
 

 
My boy is so proud of his own ice cream creation. 
 
I guess we will be back again soon (hopefully without queues)!
 
 
 
Magnum Manila is located at the 5F Skypark, SM Aura
Check out their facebook page for details: Magnum Manila
 
 

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