Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex

ABBEY: You want to have a body massage which also includes a buffet? Head now to Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle. We availed their promo for 1500Php only. That’s definitely a deal. 

This is my last hurrah before going back to work. They offer shower, sauna, steam room, cold and hot pools before the massage. Bathrobe and shorts were also provided as well as dental and shaving kits. 

The place is serene and relaxing. I really like the warm bean-bag-like-strip placed on my nape and back. I slept a little during the massage session. 

An hour later I found myself at the table eating jap chae (Korean stir-fried glass noodles), siomai, dumplings, soy chicken while sipping berry-flavored teas. 

We also spent sometime in lazy-boys at the lounge. If not for my flight we would have gone for another round of food. Hahaha. 

Thanks Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle.

Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex
Wet Area

Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex
Lobby

Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex
Body Scrub Area

Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex
Lounge

Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex
Dining Area

WILL: Abbey will be the last one to leave Manila. 12pm we checked-out at The Heritage Hotel and instead to sit and wait for 7pm at NAIA Terminal 3, we opted to stay at Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club. It was located just a block away from SM Mall of Asia. 

We arrived around 1pm and without a reservation haha! Luckily, there are available masseurs by 130pm. With that 30-minute leeway, I spend it using their facilities like hot pool and sauna(swimming attire only). Please remember to clean-up before using those! Oh! Did I mentioned that their showers were complemented by Shiseido Line? Great right? 

While in sauna, an attendant approached and stated that my room is ready. Excited with my Sports Massage! How was it? Yes! It is a deep tissue massage. The masseur totally felt what aching part to be kneaded. My shoulders and my foot! Yeahbah! Oh! The hot compress put on to my back is a BLAST! Hayyyy! Sarap! 

After 1 hour of total relaxation, I went to their dining area. Abbey is already munching there! Haha! What I love on that buffet? The siomai!! They keep on replenishing the steamer, I keep on getting the siomai! Haha! The selections of tea is quite amusing too! 

It is too early for us to go to the airport. We walked out from the dining area and just sat and lounge at their "viewing area". Too cold in there? Get some free coffee or tea. 

We left the premises around 430pm. Just enough time for Abbey. 

So instead of paying a lounge at the airport. Here at Marina Bay you will pay only Php1500 for massage and buffet. Beat the traffic and spend quality time with your loved ones at this quality, clean and luxurious spa.

***

Marina Bay Spa and Lifestyle Club - Mall of Asia Complex

(W) https://www.marinabayspa.com

(H) Monday to Thursday - 11:00am - 12:00am (last call at 10:00pm / Friday to Sunday -11:00am - 2:00am (last call at 12:00am)

(A) Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Seaside Blvd. Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300

(T) +63 834 1888

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines

ABBEY: We checked in at The Heritage Hotel for the last night of our vacation. While checking in, the dragon dance started to celebrate Chine New Year. We got twin beds with toilet and bathtub. The sheets are clean. 

We went down and checked their pool in the late afternoon. Then on the next day we had a breakfast buffet. They offered eggs (omelette, sunny side up, and hard-boiled), breads, ham, sausage, nasi lemak (this is a suprise), juices, coffee, and tea. Nothing much special about the stay but we got a good sleep.

Now for the areas of improvement:

1. Check-in takes too much time. I think we waited for almost 45 minutes to an hour before we can go to our rooms.

2. Taking photos or video on the buffet is not allowed. Come on.. it is 2018. This is the first hotel who told me that I can’t take pictures except if we’re on the table.

3. Buffet items were gone and guests waited or asked for it to be refilled. If the manager is keeping attention on it then this wouldn’t happen.

4. Room furnishings are old. And the door knobs were malfunctioning. We have to input our room keys twice or thrice and have the knobs parallel to the floor before we can open the door.

5. I don’t know if the newspaper were given at random but all the three rooms we booked didn’t get one. Yes, I can call but if this is standard service then no call is needed.

I know this is a lot but I also know that Heritage Hotel has the capacity to improve and have more happy clients to stay at their hotel.

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines
Shower Pack

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines
Superior Room with Twin Bed

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines
Outdoor Pool

WILL: Our in-laws decided to beat the long journey from Meycauayan, Bulacan to NAIA by checking in to one of the nearest hotel in airport, The Heritage  Hotel. 

I am not quite familiar when they told me of the hotel name but when I checked the website it is updated and quite alluring to checked-in.

We weren’t immediately accommodated at the concierge due to lion dance! Well, its Chinese New Year! Who doesn't want to get some luck? 

When I saw our room, I remembered that The Heritage Hotel is quite old now. The sheets are not that comfortable, their bathroom has drawers and one of the cabinet door is dilapidated. The carpet is worn out. This is not what I expect in a hotel under the umbrella of Millennium Hotels and Resort. A 4-star hotel? I do not even dare to take shower inside their tub. 

We paid Php4,067 for Superior Room, buffet breakfast included. Be careful, for asking bottle of water, free water has a limit. Argghhh!

***

The Heritage Hotel Manila Philippines

(W)https://www.millenniumhotels.com/en/manila/the-heritage-hotel-manila/

(A) Roxas Boulevard corner EDSA Philippines 1300

(T)+63 2 854 8888

(E) hotelguest.hhm@millenniumhotels.com

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines

ABBEY: At last we set foot to Gangnam Wings at SM Megamall. We ordered one of their group meals which is good for 6 persons. It includes a whole chicken (we chose sweet and spicy and soy garlic flavors), a basket of truffle fries, a bowl of mango salad, a pot of budae-jjigae, rice, red iced tea and mango bingsu. 

Honestly, I liked all the items. They are savory, flavorful and delicious. Budae-jjigae really stood out. It is a meal in itself. It has ham, noodles, macaroni elbows, beans, kimchi, rice and fish cakes and boiled in broth. Wow. All of these for Php1799.00. 

Go visit Gangnam Wings and enjoy good times with friends with great food. They also serve alcoholic drinks.

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Fries and Red Ice Tea

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Budae Jjigae

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Korean Fried Chicken

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Mango Bingsu

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Meal Deal Menu

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
SM Megamall Bldg A

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines 

WILL: Gangnam Wings! Although Abbey is one of the investors here, I will give a sincere feedback. Please do take note that our meal in here is not free. Haha. 

We went there, 3 adults and 2 children, but the other one eats like two persons combined. So we went for Meal Deal P1799 (good for 6). We ordered 2 half chicken flavoured spicy and soy garlic, Buddae Jjigae (Stew), Truffle Fries, Mango Salad, Mango Bingsu for dessert and Red Iced Tea. 

We were served first by Red Iced Tea and Fries. Oh! I prevent my self in consuming it all, that is for my nephew Baste (he only eat fries and burgers). Their fries is not oily and it is crispy! 

Next the rice came along with the chickens! Oh my! The chicken meat,not only the skin, also sipped the flavours. It is total a winner. 

Buddae Jjigae caught me off guard. In truth, I am expecting a lame broth taste! But! My! Kimchi is there, spiciness, the rice cake and noodles... wohooo! This is a real deal! 

I am not into dessert but I made way for 1 more serving of this Mango Bingsu. It is creamy and the mango gave a nice kick of sourness! Droooool! 

The quality of food was served by Gangnam Wings is great! This is a must visit whenever you are in Pasig area. Yup! This kind of restaurant deserves another branch! I fully recommend to get their "meal deal", you will save a lot from there. 

***

Gangnam Wings

(F) https://www.facebook.com/GangnamWings/

(H) 10AM - 1AM

(A) The Megastrip Unit 1 - 114 UG/F Bldg. A SM Megamall (former Bonchon, beside Starbucks, Dominos and Kenny Rogers), Ortigas Center

Mandaluyong, Philippines 1554

(T) +63 977 130 0034

Army Navy Burger + Burrito at Petron NLEX

ABBEY: We stopped by Army Navy (Petron NLEX Southbound) after our stay at a resort. Sadly they’re out of burgers. Instead we got chicken wings, soft tacos, and chicken burger. 

I ordered StarvingSailor same as Will and it was delicious. The beef is a little bit tough to chew though. We had 12-pax meal for only 88SGD. I hope next time I can put my hands on their burgers.

Army Navy at Petron NLEX
StarvingSailor Sandwich

Army Navy Burger + Burrito at Petron NLEX
MENU

Army Navy Burger + Burrito Mission:
Come in Hungry
Walk out Happy

WILL: Aren't you tired of the same fastfood chains inside the malls and then those will be your same choices when taking a break from your long drive at North Luzon Express Way? 

Well, fret not! Army Navy is there to serve you. Ahm, yeah! Another burger-fries-chicken menu but please do try their StarvingSailor sandwich. 

A sourdough bread that was filled by chunks (yes chunks not strips) of beef, caramelised onion, cheese and jalapeño. Yummy! 

This sandwich surely will satisfy the starving sailor inside of you!

***

Army Navy 

(W)http://www.armynavy.ph/

(A) Petron, NLEX Phase 2A, Petron Service Station 1, Marilao Bulacan

This Is Us - Aiza Seguerra & The CompanY at Music Museum

ABBEY: I wanted to watch a Valentine’s concert for so long. So when our vacation aligned with February 14, I looked for artists who will perform on that date. We didn’t got disappointed as we booked for This is Us : Aiza Seguerra and The Company at the Music Museum. 

We toured the memory lane with The Company while we got to hear the phases of love from Aiza (Ice). 

It was a great night. You can have your food and drinks while being serenaded with those golden voices.

This Is Us - Aiza Seguerra & The CompanY 

This Is Us - Aiza Seguerra & The CompanY - Ticket

WILL: Abbey arrived home and ecstatically announced that he found a perfect date for me on Hearts' day. And it is with Aiza and The Company at Music Museum. 

We arrived as early as 40 minutes before the show. We just sat there and talk. Yeah Abbey and I loved to have a conversation. Haha!

When Aiza and The Company invaded the stage, our hearing senses were heightened and we enjoyed every song The Company sang that time. There are times that we stand up and dance! Haha. When Aiza went back on stage, I felt every lyrics of the song. In love, heartbreak and happiness in one set. Aiza is one of the quality singers of Philippines.

Thanks Baby Abbey for this concert date! 

***

Music Museum

(W)http://www.musicmuseum.com.ph/

Black Panther at Robinsons Movieworld

ABBEY: Robinsons Movieworld is our theater of choice watching Black Panther as it is nearby to our hotel. 

We got tickets for the movie’s first showing of the day at 11:20. You can bring foods other than the cinema provides. They can improve their service if they have lights on the row letters of the seat. This will help the late comers locate their seats easily because we got a hard time :)

Going to the film, I learned a lot about the Black Panther. And definitely he is richer than Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne. The fighting scenes were the ‘Marvel’ type, of course. But seeing the origin of the Black Panther is great. 

Can’t wait to see the Avengers: Infinity War.

Black Panther Tickets 

 Robinsons Movieworld Galleria

WILL: This is a must-see film before the Avengers: Infinity War hit the cinemas by 27th April and we celebrated Hearts' day with Black Panther and his tribe! 

As usual, there is no boring part, action-packed and I am quite curious what will be Black Panther role as part of Avengers on next movie. :) 

We watched this movie at Robinsons Galleria Movieworld. The seats are perfectly sloped-up, so it will not be a problem if someone in front of you is way taller than expected. The seats gives a comfortable space. But the cinema is very dark. The seat number was not lit up and on that we need to use a handphone just to check the seat number one by one. 

Hope the moviegoers will take their own trash and bin it properly.

***

Robinsons Galleria Movieworld

(W) https://www.robinsonsmovieworld.com

(T) +63(2)395-2256

Brothers Burger at TriNoma Mall, Quezon City

ABBEY: I can still remember the “50% off the second burger” promo of Brothers Burger when I worked at Makati. The queue was long. So we decided to have a taste of their menu items but this time at Trinoma. 

I got the cheesesteak sandwich. It is huge and has ample amount of beef in it. The bread is soft and beef is tender. No need to put any other condiments on it.

Brothers Burger
The Boss Burger

Brothers Burger
Cheesesteak Sandwich

Brothers Burger at TriNoma Mall, Quezon City
MENU

WILL: Abbey and I used to lunch-out at one of Brothers Burger outlet at Makati. As I remember, one burger costs only Php100.00, now...oh my! It is more than 9 years ago. Haha. 

After our facial at Let's Face It, we sat at their branch and Abbey insisted for me to have the "The Boss Burger" (Php375.00) because Lamb Burger is not abailable that time. 

As I recall, the quality of the buns are not there, but the beef patties are way more better than other big burger chains. It is meatier and juicy. Well, it is a feast!

'Till next time Brothers Burger!

***

Brothers Burger

(F)https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBrothersBurger/

(H)10AM - 9PM

(A)2061 2nd Trinoma Mall, North Ave Cor Mindanao Ave, Quezon City, 1105 Metro Manila, Philippines

(T)+63(2)916-5400

Wacko Grill Restaurant at Sterling Square Meycauayan Bulacan

ABBEY: We remembered Mama’s 4th death anniversary at Wacko Grill (Sterling Square) along with her siblings and in-laws. Wacko Grill offers a buffet for 199Php per person. 

They got siomai, lumpiang shanghai, chicken in creamy sauce, radish salad, java rice and desserts. The item that stands out in the menu is the fried belly then mix with kare-kare. 

Drinks are not included and need to be paid separately. As it is Filipino food, they are delicious. It is a good time to catch up with our Titos and Titas.

Wacko Grill Restaurant's Crispy Kare-Kare 

Wacko Grill Restaurant - Buffet Lunch Php199.00 

Wacko Grill Restaurant's Other Viands

WILL: Wacko Grilll offers "Eat All You Can Lunch Buffet". Oh! Where is this restaurant located? The booming city of Sto Niño, Bulacan. A few kilometres away from NLEX Meycauayan exit. In this restaurant we celebrated the 4th year anniversary of Mama Sweet's soul to Almighty. 

What you need to expect with your Php199 buffet? 8 viands, a special rice and desserts (drinks not included). 

My favorite? Crispy kare-kare. Hmmm! I have four rounds of it. Bye diet! Haha! The crispiness  of the meat and creamy kare-kare sauce! Oh my! Ditch out the bagoong, kare-kare can stand on its own.

***

Wacko Grill Restaurant

(H) 10AM - 12MN

(A) Sterling Ave, Bulacan, 3020 Bulacan, Philippines

(T) +63(917)5288352

San Rafael River Adventure - Experience Nature, Romance, & Serenity

ABBEY: San Rafael River Adventure is the place where we held our family reunion. It is an hour and a half away from Meycauayan. We stayed in their Glass Villa for three days and two nights. The villa is spacious: has two bathrooms, one master’s bedroom, one common room, two bunk beds and a private jacuzzi. 

You can bring your own food, buy them and cook or you can order from the resort’s menu. You can also try their water activities like jetskiing, speedboat, paddle board, kayak, and slides. Glamping is also offered. The place is very relaxing. There’s even no wifi :)

We want to commend Cedric for all the help he gave and meeting all our needs during our stay.

San Rafael River Adventure: Experience Nature, Romance, & Serenity

WILL: We seek and we found San Rafael River Adventure! Yeeeyyy! We do not need to battle the traffic of South just to have a relaxing place to stay for two days! 

So what's with San Rafael River Adventure that we immediately booked it? Well, it is their Glass Villa. It can accommodate 12 pax and it is just perfect to lodge our dad, three families and us.. couple. They have 2 rooms (queen size bed), 2 double-deck and a loft (single bed). 2 bathrooms, a long dining table and our own jacuzzi. The rate of Php24,000 per night includes set breakfast meal and the use of kayaks, floating slides and of course free fresh fruits just right off the tree (ask for permission before picking, ok?). 

Kids enjoyed the coldness of jacuzzi and pool, Papa RS love the kayak and they also tried boating. Abbey and RJ laughed their way to the inflatable slides. Me?, I enjoyed the serenity of the nature around me. The birds chirping, the cool breeze and the beautiful sunrise. The calm water of San Rafael River is so relaxing to stare. There's not much mosquitoes so do not be afraid. 

This place is pretty awesome and on our 2Nights-3Days stay we went for two photoshoots. 

Thanks San Rafael River Adventure for welcoming us and specially to Cedric who is always there in assisting and cooking for us. 

We highly recommend this place for relaxation, you do not need to go far on South or North, just in Bulacan you can find the relaxation you need the most.

***

 San Rafael River Adventure

(W) http://sanrafaelriveradventure.com

(A) Barangay Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan, Philippines

(T) +63 995 974 6224 (Globe) / +63 02 513 1569

(E) reservation@sanrafaelriveradventure.com

The Café - Dinner Buffet, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila

ABBEY: This is where we dined upon arriving in Philippines. The Cafe is beside City of Dreams casino and a strong cigarette smell will welcome you but it will lighten as you went in the restaurant. 

It has a wide variety of food. They have sushi, sashimi, siomai, pork ribs, tempura and dumplings. They also have pasta, noodles, seafoods and sinigang na salmon. I made my version of halo-halo (banana, crushed ice, milk and leche flan on top). Cheese and cold cuts were also available. 

What I liked the most is the item at their carvery: roasted beef. It is tender and juicy and can be eaten on its own or with cracked mustard and other sauces.

The Café - Dinner Buffet, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila 

WILL: Abbey and I planned to have a House Of Abbey meeting at The City of Dreams' The Cafe, but due to unforeseen circumstances the head of construction department can't make it, so we just laughed and enjoyed the food. 

Our flight was delayed and happy to say that The Cafe's receptionist were quite attentive in taking our last minute changes. We arrived a little bit late on the reserved time. 

On the restaurant ambiance, you can feel that you are in an lavish place. Dim lights, cosy chairs and thick spoon and fork. Very good for a dinner-date indeed! 

On food, quite an array of choices and do not forget to eat a load of their beef at the carving area, their pork ribs and siomai! Oh my! Pasta, go for white sauce and cool off with their halo-halo! 

Roasted zucchini should not be missed and of course the mini cakes. If only I can enlarge my stomach so I can put all the food that I want. Haha. 

Of course, we got this with a discount through MetroDeal (Php1409.00). Thanks The Cafe of The City of Dreams and MetroDeal!

***

The Café, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila 

(W) https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/restaurants/the-cafe

(H) Breakfast

6:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Lunch

Monday - Friday 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Dinner

5:30 PM - 11:00 PM

(A) Ground Floor South Gaming Area, City of Dreams Manila Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue Brgy.Tambo, Paranaque City

(T) (+632) 691 1234 extension 1162

Mushroom and Soy Sauce Pasta Recipe

1 bag shiitake mushrooms
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic finely chopped
pepper to taste
parsley leaves  

Cook the pasta al dente. 

In a large pan over high heat, add oil, 1 tbsp butter and finely chopped garlic. Add mushrooms and cook until water evaporates. Drain pasta and add to the pan of cooked mushrooms.

Turn the heat to high. Mix well and add soy sauce and olive as desired. Toss in the parsley before serving.  

Serve with fresh parmesan cheese

Budget Friendly Recipe
Mushroom and Soy Sauce Pasta 

VERDICT
ABBEY: This is another variation of Wilma’s pasta. It looks simple which it is but the flavor and taste is superb. 

The mushrooms are moist as they absorb the soy sauce. Good to have many alternative flavors for our pasta dinner.