Trick or Treat | Fun and surprises for kids at Rizal Park's Halloween Party!

Get ready for an unforgettable Halloween kids party as Rizal Park Hotel once again opens its ballroom doors on October 29, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The hotel is bringing back the magic of Halloween, turning up the excitement this year to a whole new level with a thrilling lineup of activities and surprises that will keep children and parents alike entertained throughout the day.

For just ₱1000, which admits one kid and one adult companion, attendees will enjoy access to all the festivities including a magic show, puppet show, and a bubble show.

But the fun doesn’t stop there – this Halloween Kids Party is packed with exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy. From the treats parade and photobooth to face painting, inflatables, and a scavenger hunt that will have kids and parents working together to solve riddles and uncover hidden treasures. headtopics.com

All kid attendees are also invited to participate in the Best in Costume contest for a chance to win an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for 2.

Photo credit: Carolina Grabowska on Pexels.

When hunger calls, fear not! This event features food kiosks with delectable treats, with prices starting at ₱100. As an added treat, all ticket holders can avail the lunch or dinner buffet at Cafe Rizal for only P999 on October 29. This year’s Halloween party is sponsored by Tiger Sugar, Advance Paper, Benby Enterprises, Ultrafresh Diapers, and Arce Dairy Ice Cream.

To secure your tickets, call or Viber 09276687839. Purchase now for a day filled with laughter, creativity, and Halloween thrills that will bring families closer together.

 
To know more about Rizal Park Hotel and its facilities follow 

https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and 

https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/

Revisiting Club Laiya.

It's been years since I last visited Laiya. If I remember correctly, my last trip to the beach was in the summer of 2015. And that's because all the succeeding (Philippine) summer seasons until before the pandemic, we were enjoying spring in South Korea. That's approximately seven years of not being able to visit the beach!

So much has changed in Playa Laiya since my last visit, hence, this blog post update. For starters, the entire resort community is now known as Club Laiya, which encompasses not just the beach park, but also the pool deck, club house, and all the amenities, walkways, and forest trails within the area. 

Speaking of amenities, they now have Cocoons, which are perfect for overnight stays. These cute and quirky cylindrical pods are fully airconditioned and come with a queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a safety deposit box. 

Back in Laiya after almost seven years!

Aside from being cozy, this accommodation is also Instagram-worthy with its beach-themed mural paintings on the exterior, and starry night-themed interior. However, there are no bathrooms inside the pods. No worries though, since the clubhouse's bathrooms and shower rooms are just within an arm's reach. In addition, the pods also have a nice view of the pool and the beach, both of which are just a few feet away. 

Cocoons at Club Laiya. Rates start at Php 5000.

Eye-catching murals.

More of our Club Laiya experience after the jump!

Complete the ‘Premium’ Experience at B Hotel Alabang.

Foodies need not look any further if they want to enjoy the best of Filipino food and more. B Hotel Alabang’s Prime Café offers the Philippines’ most sought-after dishes as well as other favorites from around the country.

This boutique hotel in Alabang may not be the largest in the area, but it is packed with everything you need in the city. A relaxing and homey accommodation, an outdoor Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation, a gym, a function room that can accommodate up to 80 persons, a well-known Filipino restaurant, and a Pastry Corner for the best-baked concoctions in the Metro.

“We take pride in providing good quality of service. Being the number 1 TripAdvisor hotel in the Alabang area is an honor for us, and I believe that this achievement is proof of the quality of hospitality that we have always strived to provide our guests,” said Ms. Glennis Narciso, Hotel Manager of B Hotel Alabang during a media get together.

One aspect of their service that they are highlighting is their very own restaurant – Prime Café. This restaurant offers an impressively wide variety dishes and of particular note is the top-notch Filipino cuisine that it is known for. Their chefs headed by Sous Chef Andrea Urcia put their heart into every dish that they serve, especially the ones that boast rich flavors.

Prime Café offers buffets and Bistro a la carte and is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Lunch buffets are scheduled every Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and cost only Php 750 per person. They also offer breakfast buffets every weekend from 6:00 am to 10:00 am which only costs Php 650 per person.

And even if you are in the North area, you may still get to taste the best Filipino and also international cuisine at B Hotel in Quezon City headed by Executive Sous Chef Vincent Odejar. The Lobby Café in B Hotel Quezon City is known for specializing in international cuisine that will surely give you a delicious journey for your taste buds. Serving ala-carte dishes and buffet breakfasts, the Lobby Café is also a feast for the eyes as it is to the tummy. It has also a cool vibe that perfectly matches the hotel’s industrial architecture.

B Hotel Alabang and B Hotel Quezon City are 4-star hotels that are both managed by The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts. If you are looking for great amenities and exceptional service at a price that won’t break the bank, these hotels are definitely your best choices.

For inquiries and reservations, you may contact B Hotel Alabang at (+632) 8828 8181 or visit www.bhotelalabang.com, and B Hotel Quezon City at (+632) 8990 5000 or visit www.bhotelqc.com.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Money When Traveling.

Oh travel, a favorite pastime for many, which allows us a chance to disconnect from our “mundane” lives and get to experience something new, fascinating, and at times, surprising. If you’ve been saving up for a while, you’re more than likely looking forward to a fabulous trip.

Of course, everyone wants to make sure they get the most out of their money when traveling, so how do you make sure you have a great time, without throwing it out the window? We’ve put together ideas to help you plan ahead, so that your money and time is well-spent.

The cast of Busted, a Netflix original series, led by Yoo Jae Seok.

Look For All-Inclusive Deals

Whether you’re traveling to Huatulco, Oaxaca in Mexico or to the shores of Bali, Indonesia, there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from that can save you plenty of money while providing you with an amazing vacation experience.

There are plenty of all inclusive resorts USA as well, if you’re not looking to go very far on your trip. The reason why all inclusive resorts can be great for your pocketbook is that you get everything from lodging to food, activities and more. With various options from basic to premium in many resorts, you get to choose the type of package that works best or you and your budget.

If you’re looking for a vacation that allows you to not worry about pulling out your card every time you want to get a drink or snack or simply want to sit back and relax without worrying about a thing, an all inclusive resort is a great way to get the most out of your money and have a terrific vacation.

Looks familiar?
That's the lobby of Hotel del Luna (2019), which stars IU and Yeo Jin Goo.

Look For Affordable Accommodations

On the flip side of the coin, you may be heading to a destination where you want to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the city. All inclusive resorts are more for the vacation where you don’t want to do anything but relax and be pampered but aren’t so conducive to getting out and about and seeing the sights and sounds of your destination.

Instead, you may want to look for accommodations that are located in the city, near the places and things you want to see and do. While 5-star hotels can be great, if you’re looking to get the most out of your money, a homestay site like Airbnb or an affordable vacation rental could be a better option for you.

Kim Ha Neul and Lee Sang Yoon in On the Way to the Airport (2016).

Look For Cheap Flights

Whether you’re staying at an all-inclusive spot or a nicely-priced vacation rental, you can save a lot of money on flights, which can help cut down on costs for your trip. From different sites that offer great deals regularly to looking on certain days that are known for cheaper flight deals, to switching up the route, there are often great deals to uncover for your travel to your desired destination.

This is when planning in advance can be very helpful. When booking a couple of months out from your desired travel date, you may find prices to considerably lower than if you look more than a few months away from your trip or too close to the date of departure.

Some flights charge for choosing your seat and others or the type of luggage you want to bring, so make sure to consider these details which could save you money if you know about them ahead of time. If you don’t care that you don’t get a window seat for a 5-hour flight or you can travel with a simple backpack for your trip, you could save money in this way too.

In Conclusion

You’ve worked hard for your money and while you may have saved for this trip, you don’t have to overspend to have a good time. From the comfort of an all inclusive destination to the dollars saved by getting any seat on the flight, there are ways to get the most you can out of your money while still having plenty left over.

My First Airbnb Experience + Tagaytay Food Trip.

Last week, our sixth-graders had their spiritual retreat at the Carmelite Missionaries Center of Spirituality in Tagaytay City. Worried about the fact that our kids will be out of town, on their own, for the first time in their lives (yes, yes, we're paranoid stage mothers like that, lol) my mom squad and I tagged along. We did not spend the night with them at the retreat house, of course. But we did stay close by, at a vacation home along Kabangaan Road which we rented through Airbnb.

Roadside sign to show you the way.

Secured fence + front entrance to the balcony.

Listed as 'Modern Splendor Tagaytay', this charming bungalow is everything you'll want in your dream home - immaculate interiors, posh furnishings, wide hallways, a spacious and modern kitchen. I fell in love with the place as soon as the caretaker, Kuya Dan, ushered us in!

The living room with extra beds on the side,
plus a 55-inch curved Smart TV with Netflix.

The dining area and kitchen.

Side by side fridge with ice cubes dispenser.

Kitchen bar counter.

Love their fully-equipped kitchen!

And the Himalayan Salt Lamp for that zen effect, haha.

The house has 2 bedrooms fully en suite (ergo, there's an adjoining bathroom), each with beautifully dressed beds. Both rooms are air-conditioned, as well as the common area. 

One of the rooms inside Modern Splendor.

The bathroom, complete with towels for the guests.
There's hot water, and a hair dryer, too.

Guests are allowed to cook in the kitchen, and can use all the utensils in the kitchen cabinet. We chose to dine outside, though, but we did use the some of the plates and cutlery, and the electric kettle for coffee and tea, which were provided by the hosts, Letecia and Donald.

Pool table + outdoor dining area. 

Garden + undercover carport.

This swing seats two! :)

Aside from the classy interiors, Modern Splendor also boasts of an outdoor entertainment area complete with a pool table, dart board, videoke machine, and a barbecue grill. There's also a wicker swing to complete that country home feels!

With my Mom Squad. :)

Groufie mirror shot!

Sweater weather. :)

My mom squad and I truly enjoyed our overnight stay at Modern Splendor. Our hosts were nice and very responsive to my inquiries, and the caretaker was quite attentive to our needs. The place is cozy and commodious, and is situated in a quiet area that's close to the city market, restaurants and convenience stores, and just minutes away from Picnic Grove. I would definitely recommend this home if you need a place to stay while in Tagaytay.

Oh, and speaking of restaurants, here's a glimpse of our Tagaytay food trip. We pretty much did nothing but eat and shop in Tagaytay, I felt like I gained a kilo overnight, haha!

Carmela's Banana Cakes.

Banana Chips by Carmela's.

Lining up for Ube Jam at Bahay Pastulan.

Special Ensaymada by Cecilia's.

One of the best buko pies in Tagaytay.

Grilled Seafood platter.

Crispy Pata.

Bulalo.

Dinakdakan.

Best piaya ever at Balay Dako.

Balay Dako Deli.

Pasalubong goodies at Balay Dako.

Shopping for flowers while watching the Tagaytay sunset. :)

We had planned to have dinner at Balay Dako, but alas, the restaurant was closed because they were having their staff Christmas party that night. We visited them the following morning so we can buy piaya for take-out. My friend's mom had raved about their piaya so much, and boy oh boy, she was not kidding. Balay Dako's piaya is exceptionally good! Another reason to visit Tagaytay again soon! :)

Staycation Ideas in Metro Manila.

It can be said that staycations became prevalent when people became super busy with life. Suddenly, no one has the luxury of time to come up with a full-on itinerary anymore. Add to this the costly airfare and accommodation rates. At least with staycations, all you need is a place to chill and spend the night with loved ones. Where you can rest and experience an extra comfortable home while enjoying fun activities with your favorite people. Especially in this rainy season, when going to the beach doesn’t sound exciting due to the sun’s absence.

Yes to staycations!

Staycations are easy to plan – you can compare prices online and think of indoor activities good for all ages if it’s with the whole family. You can choose the best location depending on the things you look forward to whether it is food, night life, or an event nearby. The whole planning can be done remotely! If you’re about to get onto it, here are some staycation ideas:

The Gramercy Residences.

The Gramercy Residences
An affordable staycation option, The Gramercy Residences features a New York-inspired luxury tower. Young professionals and tourists alike stay here to relax for its Instagram-worthy location. You can enjoy the infinity pool with a great view of the Makati skyline at the 36th floor. Other than this, they also have a kiddie pool, lap pool, and steam room and sauna for men and women. You can book a room via Zen Rooms or Airbnb at 1,800 pesos.

Azumi Boutique Hotel.

Azumi Boutique Hotel
Here you can enjoy an infinity pool with a pool bar with the Alabang cityscape in the view. Guests prefer this hotel because interestingly, the pool is salt water and free of chlorine. Definitely good for your skin! Azumi Boutique Hotel is a good choice for those looking for a unique experience.
As for the rooms, Azumi Boutique Hotel is modern and eco-friendly. Its rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow natural light inside. You'll find it at the Madrigal Business Park, close to some of the famous retail & dining options in Alabang. Rates start at 2,300 pesos.

I'M Hotel.

I’M Hotel
Looking for a 5-star hotel in Makati? I’M Hotel has an iconic acrylic-bottomed infinity pool - meaning, you can actually see the bottom of the pool! As a guest, you may also see the lobby area while at the pool, so this is a good thing if you're waiting for someone to arrive. The poolside features murals and lounge chairs. There are also colorful bird cages and sun lounges in the pool area itself. In total, there are 400 rooms and 182 suites in I'm Hotel. Indulge in a club lounge, the Onsen spa (considered the largest spa in Manila), and an upmarket food hall with a variety of dining options for 5, 600 pesos.

Discovery Primea.

Discovery Primea
In search of a good hotel at 7,000 pesos? Discovery Primea is another 5-star hotel in Ayala Avenue, Makati City. It also boasts a beautiful 20-meter infinity pool. After all, it wouldn't be a complete staycation without a nice pool! Discovery Primea has a bar/lounge, in-house restaurant, spa, as well as business and banquet facilities other than the elegant suites. To add, it is walking distance to Glorietta and Greenbelt malls for those who want to stroll, shop and eat in this business district. Worth your money!

Jade Hotel & Suites.

Jade Hotel & Suites
 Have at least 1,500 budget for your upcoming staycation? Jade Hotel & Suites is an affordable option in the expensive city of Makati. But, what are its bestselling points, you may ask? It has a 14-meter infinity pool on the roof deck with a view of the Makati skyline. Jade Hotel & Suites ensures their guests have access to everything they need during their stay.

They have more than 30 well-appointed rooms and sumptuous complimentary breakfast buffet for everyone. This hotel is also the best choice if you want to be 10 minutes away from Glorietta by car. So, you can have a quick trip at the mall, say, you forgot your swimsuit! You can also visit some cheap eateries in the vicinity. Best of both worlds, they say.

Have you ever heard of an unhappy staycation story? Never, right? It is always a happy ending! Quality time and great memories you’d want to go back and do all over again. So, what are you waiting for? Get a pen, paper, calculator, and plan that staycation with your loved ones for the coming weekends and holidays!