We'll Tell You - A&W Couple's Blog

ABBEY: Stella Maris Beach Danang Hotel Stella Maris is our hotel of choice upon landing to Da Nang. They picked us up in the airport and was welcomed warmly upon arrival. The hotel is having that open concept so I was surprised to see our sink outside the washroom. Haha. Breakfast is also provided but I found the meats on the dryer side. They have a bar at the rooftop where the horizon shows the mountains and coast as far as your eye can see. Boat Tour Catching a good view of the Dragon Bridge is through the boat tour. For 150k VND, you’ll board the boat while a plate of guava and watermelon is waiting for you. It was breezy and the boat will cruise with music and lights. A cultural show is rendered for more entertainment. The highlight is the Dragon Bridge where it spits fire and water. The attendant gave us another plate of fruits which we truly enjoyed.  Sun World Ba Na Hills  We’re not sure if we’ll be able to go to Ba Na Hills during our trip. The website is not translata...

ABBEY: Going to Vietnam? Try their flag carrier. That’s what we did. We booked our return flights: Singapore to Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang. We got notified that our Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh flight will be moved to an earlier schedule. But they made up for it (after asking them) by giving us lounge access while waiting for our Singapore-bound plane. And they assisted once we were in the airport.  There is enough leg room for me and very comfortable during the flights. However we encounter delays going to Vietnam. The food is nice but the moment that is memorable is when they gave us a couple of complimentary cold Vietnamese coffee on our way to Da Nang and with a note; very touching and we appreciate it. Value Fares with Vietnam Airlines | Singapore - Ho Chi Minh - Danang - Singapore  YouTube Videos: https://youtu.be/Kg3gSlkSnMg | https://youtu.be/cLrTvWznDx0 WILL:  On my online search, I have noticed that Vietnam has its budget airline and some of it says that it is ...

ABBEY: Sailing at Marina Bay, let’s go! You will be transferred by some kind of dingy boat to the sail boat.  We were aboard a bigger boat this time. It took a couple of minutes before we caught wind and the skipper used this to explain to us the safety protocol and assure all of us that it won’t capsize. However he told us that this is not “really” sailing as we won’t get wet. Haha. It’s good to cruise in Marina Bay; you’ll get different view of the Singapore skyline. We were also given the opportunity to put the sail up (it was hardwork) and not only that but also to be a helmsman.  Imagine steering the wheel of the boat. Wow! Don’t worry it is fun and you’ll be guided. Until next sailing! FREE and RELAX Sailing Adventure in Singapore🇸🇬 Setting Sail with DBS Bank / How to book DBS Sailing WILL:  Be creative how you’ll date your partner. No budget to splurge? Don’t worry DBS is there to help you “wow” your loved ones for FREE. DBS Sailing is free for all. Yes for all. ...

ABBEY: I do have a case of thining hair at the crown. Can be hereditary as this was the same with my uncles. The best that I can do is to give more care to it. We went to PHS Hairscience at Wheelock Place and gave my head the treatment it deserves. I got the Signature renew scalp treatment. My scalp was assessed and it was oily and have patches of dirt. Haha. Next step is shampoo. I can’t believe you can shampoo that many times. You get that cooling effect from the menthol. A serum was jet-sprayed to my scalp for better absorption. On the next visit (yes I came back a second time), a balloon-like contraption was put over my head and the serum is applied this time by steam. Both sessions are rejuvenating and you can feel that all is clean up there. We bought shampoos and tonic to keep the scalp and hair healthy. PHS HAIRSCIENCE®  Singapore🇸🇬 | Scalp and Hair Loss Care and Treatment Review, Promotion & Freebies WILL:  If something is hereditary and the signs of those are ...

ABBEY: The Cartier’s Into the Wild experience was held at Bayfront Pavilion, Gardens by the Bay. It was a guided tour where you can see how the Cartier Pathere unfolded and evolved.  Three concepts; naturalist, abstract and graphic were displayed. The process it takes for a single piece of jewelry takes so much time and passed to different artisan. Now I knew how those spots are placed specially the eyes as they require time, skill and precision. At the end of the tour you can relax while you sip your coffee, tea or juice and take a snap with the panther to take home with you. Panthére de Cartier - BEST CARTIER PIECE | Singapore 🇸🇬 First-ever Cartier Into The Wild Experience WILL:  We experienced first hand how important the customers’ feeling for Cartier. They treated everyone like their VIPs. They got us hooked-up by that.  Cartier’s Into the Wild Experience is pretty immersive. You will be greeted with a poem by a famous Ah Boys To Men lead actor. Then touching the ...

ABBEY: This is the third Hermes exhibition we attended. But this one really showcased how the products are sourced and be made in to an art.  I related to the silk screen of the scarves as I did that process back in the days. And they’re doing it large scale and with help of machines. We also saw the ceramic paintings, hand gloves and saddles. They even offer how to stitch and create your own bookmark. And boy, that is no joke but fun.  The time spent on every product is remarkable.  Authentic Hermès Bookmark for FREE - Trained by Hermès Artisan Hermès in the Making Exhibit WILL: This will be our third time to attend an Hermes Exhibit. First was held in Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, second was in ArtScience Museum and the most recent was at Marina Bay Sands Events Plaza.  Of all, this is one of the most hands-on! We got the chance to mount a Hermes Saddle, color a scarf design, and the limited Hermes-Bookmark sewing session. The artisans are all from France and so...

ABBEY: We have a mission coming to this restaurant at Regent Hotel. Basilico offers a buffet of cheese. And not just cheese; we’re talking of burrata, fresh mozzarella and with truffle. And they didn’t disappoint even though the burrata is not that gooey or runny. But still they’re creamy, bouncy and delicious. I ate them with artichoke, cherry tomatoes and asparagus. Along with that they also have pecorino, piemonte and asiago cheese as well as cold cuts like mortadella and salami and salad. For hot food we got porchetta, honey glazed chicken, baked salmon, grilled chicken and beef stew. Pasta like pesto, spaghetti with squid ink and beef lasagna are also available. And to wrap we have a couple scoops of vanilla and chocolate gelato and pralines.  ALL YOU CAN EAT Italian Burrata, Mozzarella with Truffles and Porchetta | Luxury Buffet in Singapore WILL:  We watched a travel show that showcased how an Italian farm makes burrata cheese and it hit us hugely that we went out to lo...

ABBEY: We visited The Awfully Chocolate Bakery and Cafe at Katong. This is their flagship store and we came for brunch. I had their Breakfast Plate that comes with bratwurst, scrambled eggs, pancetta, tomato and arugula and croissant.  The eggs are creamy and went well with the croissant and bratwurst. I washed them down with classic dark hot chocolate. While eating we keep on seeing orders of cake slices going out. We can’t help but to order their all chocolate cake with scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh cream and we weren’t wrong. The cake is decadent and delicious.  What you see is what you eat and taste. I also saw the rich chocolate flowing from the tap. Should I try that too? Haha. BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE SHOP AND FAMOUS CAFE IN SINGAPORE - The Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe WILL:  Awfully Chocolate is one of the finest/high level bake shop here in Singapore. They are a local bakeshop that expertize in making chocolate cakes and other chocolate products. Recent...

ABBEY: We’re looking for a place to catch up with our nephews and nieces and Mama Lou’s provided just that. We talked about their careers and lovelife over dinner.  We got two pizzas (spinach and goat cheese and pepperoni), three pasta (Vesuvio, ravioli spinach, and truffle) and fried chicken. I recommend Vesuvio not only with the beautiful presentation but also with flavor and the kick at every scoop. The raviolis are creamy and the chicken is crispy and juicy. As with the pizza they are good; dough and toppings-wise. Good thing we went there early before a long queue built up. Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen - Ayala Malls Vertis North  WILL:  Trinoma is just unlikely to be the same as before. It feels that the mall is gloomy and lost it glory. It is crowded too! Luckily I found Vertis North Mall that housed many new restaurants like Mama Lou’s.  We waited 30mins to have a seat and immediately order the things that appetized my eyes. For pizza we had Pepperoni and pizza...

ABBEY: Instead of flying to Bicol we chose the 12-hour bus ride and it is with Isarog Bus (Skybus with Comfort Room). Don’t ask why Skybus when it is only a bus. We preferred to board it at PITX than in Cubao; anyway the fare to PITX is free at the time of this writing and PITX is a newly-built transport hub.  Not that much feature on the bus aside from USB port, lazyboy-type seat, and CR. But you’ll definitely be able to sleep in comfort. Please do bring your own jacket or blanket. There are stopovers for you to stretch and buy quick snacks. A good feature of the bus is that a beep will sound whenever the speed reaches 80-90kph. With this you’ll be assured that the bus will cruise at recommended speed.  The 6PM timing really worked for us. It allowed us to sleep almost the whole duration of the trip and woke up refreshed and ready for our Bicol day activities. Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi - Manila | Skybus with CR  Bicol Isarog Transport | Manila - Legazpi ...

ABBEY: I was hooked when I saw the blue and white buildings of Residencia del Hamor. It’s like Santorini. This is where we stayed in Sorsogon.  Welcome drinks were served upon arrival and a few moments later we were led to our rooms. Each room has its own balcony facing the pool and beach. This is a good place to see the sunrise. A big bed is at the center of the room and you have a kind of living room as well. Extra beds can be requested for other guest but of course for a fee. The restaurant served as our dining table. I liked their crispy pata; you can eat all except for the bone. Haha. I had espresso martini at their bar to wrap up the day.  And in the morning we walked the stretch of the beach which is very therapeutic. It is indeed a relaxing stay. LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Santorini Vibes LUXURIOUS SANTORINI VIBES BEACH RESORT IN SORSOGON - Recidencia Del Hamor Beach Front in Santa Elena - Exc...

ABBEY: This is our stop at Albay; a condotel. They picked us up from the bus terminal and straight to Gloria Tree. A few moments after we were given our rooms (2 storey, 2 rooms, 3 baths, kitchen and living room) they served us breakfast. This is super early checkin at 5AM. We just thought to drop in the bags and come back later but lo and behold, we have the whole house to ourselves.  The sheets are clean and smooth. They can improve with their amenity kits though; the soap is thin and the toothpaste tube won’t last you a couple of brushes. The place is adjacent to a park so you can jog or have a brisk walk in the morning. You can snap a good view of Mayon at the rooftop.  Our bill costed us for 2 days/1 night stay and breakfast add-on for our arrival. I must admit that this is not a first choice for our stay but with the service they provided before our trip, we preferred them over a hyped-resort. LUXURY VACATION IN BICOL  - Gloria Tree Mayon & Park View Residences...

ABBEY: We were looking for Pinoy cuisine and we found Guevarra’s. For Php699.00, you can have a delicious lunch buffet. They do have lechon, bacon bagnet, angus tapa, baby back ribs, chicken barbecue, laing, paella, caldereta, and chicken skin.  For dessert, you can enjoy choco pudding, halo halo, flan, and cakes. I keep coming for more lechon and baby back ribs; falls of the bone and melts in your mouth. Be sure to eat as much as you want. They are strict in sitting times as another batch will be served after you.  Only later we knew that Chef Laudico is a celebrity chef. Celebrity or not, the food is great. End of story. Haha. Cheap Lunch Buffet in Manila Philippines | Php699 Nett Lunch Buffet at Guevarra's by Chef Laudico Cheap Lunch Buffet in Manila Philippines | Php699 Nett Lunch Buffet at Guevarra's by Chef Laudico WILL:  If you are an expat that didn’t have a chance to visit Philippines due to COVID there’s a possibility that you really do miss to indulge in authe...

ABBEY : After a 4-hour hike at Masungi Georeserve, our chosen place of relaxation is at Estancia de Lorenzo. It’s a couple of hours drive from the nature park but all worth the travel as the resort is quiet and peaceful.  We stayed in a two-storey villa which has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. They have two restaurants, a sports bar, pools, a banquet hall, and spa. Off to the spa we go to rejuvenate our aching body. In the morning we took a dip at their pool and were suprised to see a crocodile pen nearby.  Our stay also included breakfast. I got their version of bangsilog (bangus, sinangag and itlog) with matching brewed coffee.  Great stay at a great place. But be sure to checkout on time, else you’ll be charged even for a minute. BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MATEO RIZAL - FAMILY PRIME VILLA QUEEN SIZE BED BEST RESORT IN RIZAL PHILIPPINES | ESTANCIA DE LORENZO SAN MAT...