Icon Hotel North Edsa Manila

ABBEY: Since we visit Philippine as fast as the blink of an eye, we need to maximize our time there. So it means we're either in our friends' house, cafe, or restaurant. Going back home is not an option for us due to security reasons. We always plan to crash at a hotel to spend the night. And then we came to know of Icon Hotel North (near North EDSA MRT). 

In their name itself, the hotel is all about worldwide icons like Steve Jobs, Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe. They named each room with an icon and treated their guests as star. As promotion, a 12-hour stay costs approximately 1300 pesos. This includes buffet breakfast for two, wifi, and a premium room. They accept cash and credit cards for payments. 

WILL:  After working for almost 5 years in Singapore we don’t have a home that we can call our own. When we go back to Philippines, we always stayed at our parents’ home. And every time we’ll hang out late, we always decide to go in a hotel to check-in rather than bothering our parents. We are so lucky to go to Icon Hotel in EDSA. Thank you Denise for the recommendation. Why we are lucky? We got a decent room in a very affordable price.

The lobby is wonderful. The room is neat. The sheets were clean. Oh they have quilt, awesome! We only paid Php1,299.00 for 12hour stay with breakfast buffet. Although they offer only 5 main courses it is still better than nothing. This is a family hotel, a budget hotel that you can spend time with your whole family. You can totally relax as you cannot hear the honking of buses and revving of the vehicles. They also housed a pool and a mini theatre at the lobby. Almost perfect until I got to touch their faucet. Please scrub it before the bacteria will build up on that small portion of your room.

Concierge is always smiling and ready to accommodate all your needs. Salute to this brand new hotel. Already recommended to my family and friends. Please do check them out.

Monster Curry Singapore at 313@Somerset

ABBEY: This place reminds me of a sad moment as my then girlfriend will leave Singapore after a month of visit. But the good thing is, we had good food at Monster Curry at 313@Somerset (Food Republic). 

So we visited it again. At less than 15sgd,  I got a large portion of chicken with matching dark Japanese curry sauce. Combining each bite with white rice and my hunger is solved. The curry sauce's spiciness is just the right amount; not too salty nor bland. 

WILL: January 2010, it was the end of my 2-month vacation here in Singapore. We spend our afternoon on a movie date and I craved for Japanese food back then and we found this great place in 313@Somerset. That was the 2nd saddest parting we have. That spot. It was all clear. The teary eyes and emotional voice.

After 4 years, we re-visited the place, now with a full smile. We see things brighter. We just reminisce the past and now putting an end of that sad part and replacing it with a great happiness. We well appreciate now the view of passing pedestrians and vehicles from level 5 of this building. We are so happy.

I ordered pork katsu. I love the taste but it would be lovelier if they have a wasabi. The serving is too big, I ate the ¾ and the rest was covered by husband.

This place is recommendable for a great food, great view and affordable price.

Underwater World Singapore and Dolphin Lagoon - Sentosa

ABBEY: I wasn't aware that there are two marine life attractions in Sentosa until last week. One is the SEA Aquarium near Waterfront Station. This is considered as the biggest aquarium in Asia. And the other is at Siloso point, the Underwater World. We went to Underwater World upon my sister's visit. 

At 4PM, the show started for pink dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon. They are wonderful creatures, very graceful and intelligent. They showed how they can sing, wave, pass through a hoop and give their signature jumps. Fur seals also joined them in exhibiting their tricks like how fast they can swim and catching rings. 

I hope Sentosa management takes good care of them. Not much difference between SEA Aquarium and Underwater World, both have clear tunnels filled with fish, rays and sharks. The walkalator in Underwater World is a plus though.

WILL: As we need to be more picky on the activities we should do on Abbey’s sister second visit, we chose to go to Underwater World of Sentosa instead Jurong Bird Park. Why? We need to give Ate Rizbeth non-tiring tour. All we need to do is to sit and watch the dolphin show and explore the aquarium which is all air-conditioned. So less sweat, less stress for the family of three.

We arrived 30 minutes before the show at Dolphin Lagoon. We picked the best spot which is not so close to the pool and yet there is blower to puff away the heat of the 25^th day of October.

The show started and the arena was filled by spectators. The dolphin is really an adorable creature. So Cute! So when the host asked for a volunteer that will interact with them I never falter to raise my hand and shout “me-me-me!” And yes she picked me! I am so excited to be in a photo with a dolphin for second time. Yes! Second time. The first when I was only a grade school student. I paid Php150.00 to be kissed by a dolphin. Now it is free! A long interaction and got a chance to touch their fins and head, command them to clap and sing. A great experience. Please do visit them. Pink dolphins really made my day.

After the exhilarating event we went back to the Underwater World. The spider crab is really fascinating. Their room is quite congested because it is Saturday. All tourist congesting the island of Sentosa, haha! Anyways. I enjoyed their magnified aquarium.

Thanks Dolphin Lagoon crew. Abbey’s nephew cannot get over of the show. He is still teling “Ninang? Bopin?” (means Godmother? Dolphin?)