Fantabulous Weekend Part 4

Sunday morning was slightly overcast.Still a bit bleary-eyed from the late night at the casino, sans breakfast, we went down to the 2nd floor where the Quan Spa and the swimming pool were located. Check-out time was 11:00 o’clock so we only had a few hours left on our adventure.

As usual Lucy found a photo op that didn’t cross my mind:

The fitness center was fully equipped with all sorts of exercise equipment but we were not allowed to use them because we did not have rubber shoes on. We were able to take a few souvenir poses:

The pool was located outdoors. It was long and narrow, with a jacuzzi in one corner which is where Boc ended up because she was not allowed in the pool (improper attire).

We practiced our versions of synchronized swimming (sure don’t look like we’re contenders for Olympic medals)

 

There were more treats for us: a sauna and steam bath.

Before we knew it, it was time to go. Vida squeezed in a few minutes soaking in the tub, with a pose that would put any vixen to shame:

After a few farewell poses in the lobby, we were off. To a brunch buffet at Mercado’s at the Resorts World complex. Photography was not allowed, so we have no images of the bountiful food. More than made up for the aborted lunch the day before. We spent a few more hours at the modern slot machines. No luck.

This was our last view of Marriott  as we drove away:

Fantabulous Weekend-Part 3

From the circus we made it back to the Resorts World complex with enough time for dinner at the Pancake House. Despite its name, the place has many decent offerings besides pancakes. We were in our seats at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in what would normally be “on time” but early for “Filipino time”. I was able to take photos before the rest of the audience filtered in.

I have never been a big fan of Martin Nievera. But this time I decided to see him because he was going to do the old standards as a “Tribute” to legends like Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, The Beatles. And we were at the right place at the time. The theater has a nice ambience and is just the right size for a solo concert. Even the last row in the balcony has a good vantage point He opened with a string of Sinatra hits, done a la Michael Buble. After that he could have done no wrong.The stage director did an excellent job. Lighting, scene changes, props, projected backdrop, all went on cue seamlessly. A surprise guest was his son Robin, who regaled the audience with his own style of music-electric guitar and vocals.He almost brought the house down, and would have done so by himself, except that his father joined him and the two built up to a crescendo and ended that set to thunderous applause.

It was a very pleasant evening. Afterwards we strolled around and posed for souvenir photos. The place was bustling with the after-theater crowd. There are a lot of upscale stores and trendy restaurants. The movie theaters are open 24/7 on weekends.

Earlier in the evening Neil Pinarok, a close family friend, had joined us for the concert. With him and Boc I stayed a few more hours at the Resorts World casino to try my luck. Neil won P500 which he split with Boc. Big time gamblers! Just before 3:00 am we walked through a connecting corridor to our rooms at the Marriott. Sound asleep in no time. Could not even soak in the bathtub like we planned. Another big day on the morrow.

Fantabulous Weekend-Part 2

After the aborted buffet lunch, we walked across the square in the sweltering noonday sun to a pizza place. A lot less expensive but just as filling. Then we were off to the circus. They built a huge array of tents in front of the Quirino Grandstand. Inwardly, I had misgivings about this. I was afraid it would be uncomfortably hot inside the tent. It took us over an hour to get there from the hotel. We had enough time for souvenir photos.

It was a big relief when we found the interior temperature comfortably cool. You could hear the hum of the portable cooling system as soon as you enter. We were on the 2nd row of the balcony section-close enough for a good view of the stage. Boc managed one shot before she was told that photography was prohibited.

Contrary to what was indicated on their website, there were plenty of available seats. My brother Ranie and his family had wanted to go with us. The next two hours of Cirque du Soleil artistry is indescribable. I wish we could have recorded everything on video. Death defying acts left us with sore throats from screaming, sore hands from clapping, and weakened from continuous surges of adrenaline! An awesome experience. More souvenir shots:

                                                                      

We hit moderate traffic on the way back to the hotel. But we managed to have dinner back at the Pancake House before the concert at the Resorts World complex. That evening will be the subject of Part 3 of this post.

A Fantabulous Weekend-Marriott Manila, Varekai, Martin Nievera- July 16-17, 2011

It’s been a while since I had occasion to use the word, but it is a perfect description for the weekend of July 16-17. Fantabulous-fantastic, fabulous, awesome, amazing. We arrived in Manila early Sat morning, very much excited at the prospect of the weekend ahead. Boc kept looking out the Exit door at NAIA 3 for the blue Vios driven by Lucy. She was going to pick us up and we would proceed to the hotel. This Corolla Altis was sitting right in front of the exit, the surprise new car revealed on the spot.Nice start!

 

Despite my request for early check-in, our rooms at the Marriott Manila where we planned to stay overnight were not ready that early. So we had the much-anticipated breakfast at the Pancake House within the Resorts World complex. Boc finally got her favorite golden brown waffles in addition to a dish of beef tapa. The feasting starts!

Finally it was time to check in at the Marriott. I decided on this overnight stay to maximize our short visit. Driving back and forth in Saturday traffic would have taken up too much time, and probably make other activities impossible. The hotel’s proximity to the airport, and our plan to see the concert on premises made it the logical choice.

A funny thing happened on the way to our rooms. As I stood at the front desk waiting for check-in to finish, a big guy suddenly put his arms around my shoulders and announced I’m his new wife! I played along and posed for this memorable photo:

Needless to say, the Marriott more than met my expectations in terms of comfort, service, amenities, and that special sense that you are in the right place. When we turned on the 42-in. flat tv a welcome greeting was on the screen. The special feather pillows I requested were on hand. The glass wall between the bath and the beds was reminiscent of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr’s pad in Manhattan. We didn’t discover the electrified drape till later that night. Our room overlooked the Villamor Golf Club and had a nice view of the Makati skyscrapers.

The Aborted Marriott Buffet Lunch

Then it was time for lunch. I had asked about the hotel’s provisions and was told they had a buffet lunch for “one fifty pax”. I write this exactly the way I heard it. I took it to mean P150 per person. So we proceeded to the ground floor restaurant. After looking over the tables of mouth-watering food we said okay, we’re in. Boc managed to take a photo of her favorites, a huge spread of desserts. We sat at a table, and just as the waitress handed us the menus I asked again how much they charge/person. When she said P1500 we all went into shock.We hightailed it out of there after a souvenir photo:

 

I think I may have to do this blog in two or three parts. So this will be the end of Part I. Stay tuned for the next episode. I promise, no more faux pas.

Shawntel Joseph Rosales-7th Birthday Celebration

Shawn turned seven last June 28, but his birthday celebration was postponed until the box from Calif arrived, with all the special balloons and other goodies. He chose Pirate’s Cove for the venue because he has not been there in a long time. We were blessed with gorgeous weather.

The special birthday cake was custom ordered from Goldilocks in Tacloban, and gingerly carried on someone’s lap back to Borongan. Shawn’s favorite heroes decorate the cake, much to the delight of all the kids present.

Shawn blowing the “7” candle after making his wish as his guests look on. I have a fair idea of what he wished for.

The party would not have been complete without Shawn’s dearest cousin and friend Angelo Cenera (aka Kongkong), here shown with his mom Claudine. The two share a special bond which I hope will last till adulthood.

But of course the ninangs, lolos and lolas were there as well. Supposedly to look after the kids, but likewise to enjoy the warm tropical weather, have lola Boc’s famous spaghetti, and catch up on the local news.

Pirate’s Cove provides a fun place for the kids, with a safe tidal pool featuring many slides, swings, flyovers. On the left uppe corner you see how close it is to the rocky shore.

Here you see how the tide comes in and out of the tidal pool. But where are all the kids? Boc must have taken this shot early or late.

Shawn sharing a private moment with his dad Bryan. The two are very close. We kiddingly say that Shawn is the small version of BJ. And Shawn calls him his “idol”.

Angelo with his mom. Both look like they’re having a good time. It was a nice party. We stayed until 7:00 pm.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAWN!!!  WE LOVE YOU!!!