Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Residence Inn - Tagaytay

It was a lazy Monday last April 4, we decided to go on a road trip, destination: Tagaytay - Residence Inn. I've been to Residence Inn a couple of times before, the last trip was 2006, I didn't know they have an accommodation. We've decided to spend the night here in preparation for the next day adventure.


The view is majestic, add to that the cool weather, 25C during our stay - not bad for summer eh?

We stayed at the VIP Room (Rate:P3,108 from Sunday to Thursday/P3,996 from Fri. to Sat.)



I'd recommend this place for lovers, sweethearts, and yeah adventurous families like mine who can tolerate no television. They do have a television, no cable though and the only clear channel you can get is GMA-7. Not wi-fi ready, so I wasn't able to do the articles I needed to finish.




I wouldn't recommend this place for senior citizens, people with disability and kids who have attention deficit disorder because the steps are steep, the railings are not safe enough for little ones.





My daughter's first reaction when she saw the bathroom (mind you, Julia does not talk too much), "Mom, the bathroom is too small and there's no bath tub". Shower is available but I honestly appreciate they have provided a pail and dipper (water conservation is a must!). The water heater did not function well enough. They didn't provide tootbrush/toothpaste; good thing I'm always ready with it. In fairness to Residence Inn, the bathroom is clean.



The room's interior is very nice, the space was maximized. And the view, oh this view...



The bedroom's interior design is also a welcome sight, although John and I were not able to sleep because of bed bugs.



Staying at Residence Inn is like going back to the basics: basic television (no cable), no wi-fi, tabo at timba, magagalang na mga tao...the staff are friendly, it's like staying at a relatives' place in the province. Talking to them, and hearing Residence Inn staff answer you with a po and opo brings back memories of good ol' days...



All in all, it was the POOH Family that enjoyed this place so much. From left to right, PoohLOY, POOH, PoohNAY, PoohSHA, PoohTAY.








Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Caylabne Beach Resort

Just 90 minutes from Manila is a panorama of pristine beaches and virgin forests. Treat yourself to the best of Asia in this Spanish Mediterranean-themed hideaway nestled in a secluded cove along the rugged coast of Ternate, Cavite. The 160-hectare refuge is best known for its wide expanse of white sand embraced by a boundless blanket of water.




The Caylabne Bay Resort Hotel has everything for everyone. A businessman's haven, a gourmand's dream, and a sportsman's paradise. With its international-standard facilities and guest-dedicated amenities, the Caylabne Bay Resort Hotel in Cavite gives nothing short of a memorable stay. Get ready to dive into excitement. The beach beckons. Go kayaking. Ride a jetski. Take up aquabiking. Cruise the bay. Hop to nearby islands. Gather around the bonfire by the beach. Indulge in the sport of your choice. They have several sports and recreational facilities you can choose from.



Badminton, Tennis, Putting green, Volleyball, Basketball, Aquabikes, Banana Boat, Walking Trail, Mountain Trek and Fishing. Planning a party or a dinner by the beach? El Patio Restaurant offers the best of both Filipino and continental culinary fare in a Mediterranean-inspired seafront ambience. Located within the beach area, it can accommodate seats for 200. Offers full bar and restaurant services.



Best of all, Caylabne is a nice place to commune with nature. Gives that great feeling when one just want to think of happy thoughts.




Monday, February 7, 2011

Thailand and It's Beauty

Thailand's Department of Tourism, in cooperation with Philippines' Department of Tourism and SM Megamall had a 3-day event at the Atrium of SM Megamall sometime last year to promote Thailand's Travel Industry.

Thailand (formerly Siam Thai: สยาม) is a country that lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and Indonesia and India in the Andaman Sea to the southwest.

The country is a kingdom, and Thailand is the world's 50th largest country in terms of total area (slightly smaller than Yemen and slightly larger than Spain).

Here with Tourism Authority of Thailand's Marketing Officer, Elaine Seah

Thailand's culture One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the wai, which is similar to the Indian namaste gesture. Showing greeting, farewell, or acknowledgement, it comes in several forms reflecting the relative status of those involved, but generally it involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head.

Physical demonstrations of affection in public are common between friends, but less so between lovers. It is thus common to see friends walking together holding hands, but couples rarely do so except in Westernized areas.

Thai cuisine is famous for the blending of four fundamental tastes:
sweet (sugar, fruits, sweet peppers), spicy hot (chilies), sour (vinegar, lime juice, tamarind)
salty (soy sauce, fish sauce). Most of the dishes in Thai cuisine try to combine most, if not all, of these tastes. It is accomplished by using a host of herbs, spices and fruit, including: chili, galangal, garlic, lime leaves, basil, sweet basil, lime, lemongrass, coriander, pepper, turmeric, and shallot.
In everyday life in Thailand, there is a strong emphasis on the concept of sanuk; the idea that life should be fun. Because of this, Thai can be quite playful at work and during day-to-day activities. Displaying positive emotions in social interactions is also important in Thai culture, so much so that Thailand is often referred to as the Land of Smiles.

Last visited Thailand in 1999. It was amazing how grand there palace are.

This is what we paid, per person, at that time for a 4 day-3night package. I wonder how much it is nowadays...

John and I didn't stay at the hotel we paid for, instead opted to stay with her sister Mhanette and her family in this posh Bangkok Garden apartment in New Sathorn Road, Bangkok where they used to live.

The largest city in Thailand is Bangkok, the capital, which is also the country's center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities.

Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1995 and is a newly industrialized country with tourism, due to well-known tourist destinations such as Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Ko Samui, and exports contributing significantly to the economy.

Thailand enjoys a high level of literacy, and education is provided by a well-organized school system of kindergartens, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools, numerous vocational colleges, and universities. The private sector of education is well developed and significantly contributes to the overall provision of education which the government would not be able to meet through the public establishments. Education is compulsory up to and including grade 9, and the government provides free education through to grade 12.


A Thai wedding generally consists of two parts: the legal part and the ceremonial part. These are done separately. There is no requirement of government documentation to have a religious ceremony, which is most common with Thai people. This is considered by many to be the real wedding. Normally, weddings in Thailand are Buddhist. A dowry is still common, but arranged marriages are rare.






(Some texts are from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)


Club Mwah!

Club Mwah has been awarded 'The Most OUTSTANDING THEATER CLUB & BAR in Asia many times now. They boast of world class performers and excellent entertainment. It is located at the 3rd Floor, The Venue Tower, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City.

I used to just watch Club Mwah! whenever they were featured in television shows, such as this at Trip na Trip...



Maybe because Club Mwah is just a street away from where I live, I didn't find it exciting to visit. It was my friend Jingle Leomo who kept on bugging me to watch at Club Mwah. It took me years before finally saying yes. We were supposed to watch last January 22, I had to cancel because we went at Subic Grand Seas Resort. Then January 29, but Jingle is not available. February 4, I had no choice but be at Club Mwah though Jingle was with her mountaineering group for a pre-climb meeting (hu!hu! missed you mare...)

It was a 2 hour non-stop show mala Las Vegas

The 'How Much Is That Doggie' was my favorite

Most of the guests who watch were foreigners coming from France, U.S. and other countries.


Club Mwah is a perfect place to bring friends from different nations, or even our kababayans, who wants to see a theater show that is world class.


Club Mwah is also available for corporate bookings all over the Philippines. If you want your birthday or reunions to be as memorable as can be, you may exclusively book Club Mwah. Many showbiz stars, politicians and ex-pats have done this in the past. During those times, we would find our streets full of cars and bodyguards.


Club Mwah entrance fee is P500 (non-consumable)

Here with Chris Nicolas, Club Mwah's Owner, Choreographer and Performer

After the Follies de Mwah show, guests can stay and do some Club Mwah dancing til they close at 2am.