Come Dance with Swing Latino at Joy Nostalg

Dance professionals and enthusiasts from the Philippines are invited to Swing Latino Baila En Manila happening this July 17 at the Joy Nostalg Hotels and Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City. 

The famous Swing Latino from Cali, Colombia will conduct workshops from 1-2:30 PM for beginners and intermediate, 3:30-5 PM for the professionals and have a meet and greet at Joy Nostalgia Lounge in the evening 8 PM on the same day. 

Fees only cost Php 1,500 (beginners), Php 2,500 (advanced), but have huge discounts for students (800 and 1K respectively) so they could accomodate those who are learning even more. Tickets to the meet and greet only cost Php 500 inclusive of one drink so really, there is no excuse! They will be here with founder Madame Martha Lucia Montañez and famed dancers John Edward Valencia Sanchez, Harold Jhoan Moreno Rojas, Esteban Ramirez Velez, Valentina Mosquera Sandoval, Hellen Dahiana Alzate Rodriguez and Luisa Maria Vasquez Ocampo.

Come to Joy Nostalg Hotels and Suites on July 17 and let's literally dance the night away!

I'll be there!

KUMAGCOW

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Come Discover Your Independence at TDLCI Properties

 Heads up to all the travel junkies out there who's itching to spend their Independence Day Holidays in our out of town this coming week. You see, our friends from The Discovery Leisure Company is all ready to get you started on this lovely season of celebrating the Filipino spirit, by giving you the Filipino hospitality you deserve. You've been working so hard these past few months and a break wouldn't be that bad right? Here are some of the options you can do while in breathtaking Palawan!

If you're planning to go to Coron, they've got Club Paradise Palawan to take care of you. I'm sure you've heard that Palawan is the World’s Best according to Conde Nast Traveler. They've been really keeping this place to themselves, you can ask about it with well traveled Europeans, Americans and Asians who's been here and still keeps coming back for more. The property boasts of turquoise waters and powdery white sand all day, really good villa's by the shore, lovely food at Ocean Restaurant and the impeccable service during your stay. It only costs Php 8,296 nett these days and it also includes breakfast for two. You can also join in in fun water activities, island hopping, diving, if you wish too because it's all there! You just have to pack your bags, avail the packages and experience it!

If you don't want to cross islands, you can always drive all the way to Tagaytay City and be in Discovery Country Suites. I enjoyed my time there, especially the food, milk and cookies! They're offering the place for Php 6,904.69 nett if you want to stay in a Deluxe Suite. The package includes wine and cheese platter at sunset and the much awaited milk and freshly baked cookies before you sleep. When you wake up the next day, have an enormous spread at Restaurant Verbena (of which I recommend you do!). Since you're tired, you'll also get traditional Filipino hilot massage just for the two of you. Don't worry if you're alone, they wouldn't judge! Haha!

One of my favorite restaurants is in Discovery Primea in Makati, it's another option you can go to if you don't want to leave the city. A simple staycation here would be a lot of fun as you can go out on your free time in nearby shops, malls, restaurants, name it they've got it in Makati. You'll also get Php 5,000 credits if you book 2 nights so you can use it in the restaurants downstairs, room service or the Terazi Spa. Heck you can use it to pay for the rooms too, now that's great news!

If you want Boracay, there's no place like Discovery Shores Boracay! Staying at this lovely Junior Suite costs Php 12,810 nett which includes a buffet breakfast at Sands Restaurant (who also serves really good drinks btw!) plus roundtrip Caticlan boat and land transfers for you and one more person. That's hell of a lot of convenience huh?! 

Discovery Suites in Ortigas on the other hand has 50% on their Junior Serendipity Suite. That means you can spend 5,214.75 nett and get the inclusive buffet breakfast for two at fabulous Restaurant 5. Their spread is getting bigger by the day when I last saw it. Pretty excellent bacon too, I mean who doesn't love bacon right?

They've got love, care and pride on what they do. Pack your bags and get going, go to one of these TDLCI properties and experience how it really feels to be free! To see the offers, check out their TDLCI Website HERE.

For more information about their offers:

The Discovery Leisure Co.

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Visit their official website

http://www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com

Millie's at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manila

A skip and a hop away from SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia is Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Manila. I seldom go to these parts in the metro because of its geographic location; but I never knew I was missing so much. I visited the hotel's restaurant and fell in love with a few dishes.It was small but classy. It was upscale but accessible to everyone who wanted to grab a bite. A lot of contradictions but mostly, I got schooled about this quaint place right beside gigantic malls, hotels and casinos in Pasay City.

This restaurant is located at the ground floor of Microtel Inn and Suites. You might fear the place because you would think everything's expensive but in my standards it wasn't at all. The lovely interiors are laced with modern chairs, tables and a couple of compartments where they showcase the actual things of Millie. She was a woman and a mother who enjoyed to travel; and it was shown evidently on the shelves of this restaurant. From perfumes, suitcases, memorabilia it had that sense of powerful matriarch personified in this establishment.  

Best of all, you can feel that you can come home and she'll whip you up homey Filipino, European and International dishes that's unpretentious, nothing fancy and just straight forward comfort food. It's a thing you would love to have while on a vacation. It's like what Mom would have made for you if she were an Italian modern woman.

First up was my drink!

The New Spiral @ Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila!

Sofitel Manila, a dreamy place to go to when in the Philippines. I've recommended this to some of my foreign friends; and even local ones. They all say the same thing after the experience, with the luxurious accommodations and the gorgeous food from the new Spiral... they tell me Merci. They become french all of a sudden, but I'm not surprised! I've been here a couple of times and always looked forward to when and how I'd be able to return. The time is now!

The New Spiral!

Spiral has undoubtedly been able to hold that distinct title of being the premier buffet destination in Manila. Twas ravaged by a storm a couple of years ago but just like a phoenix out of the ashes, it spreads its wings and now opens as The New Spiral!

Easter is just around the corner and so is Valentines Day. These gorgeous works of art you see above are 100% edible because they are made of chocolate. The painstaking work put through each item is undeniably superb as Spiral's Artisans cum Pastry Chefs come out with some of the best concoctions the world has ever seen. The ganache is addicting, not to mention the truffles and other things on the table. Flowing champagne, sparkling wine, cuts of gammon ham... ahh you just want to savor everything. 

Bonjour from Sofitel Manila! : A Five Star Luxury Hotel in Manila!

BONJOUR! They welcome you with warm smiles and world renowned Philippine hospitality.
This is what you'll see out front when you arrive at Sofitel Manila.

It's my first time here. I have been to this place when it was still called Westin but oh boy a LOT has changed. Their vibe now consists of a French Neapolitan chic with Filipino traditional ambiance and the luxurious combination of both worlds. It just takes your breath away looking at each corner of the hotel and when they say LUXURY they really mean every single letter of it.

Manila is a place of history; and it remains to be a great testament on how much of a melting pot the Philippines is despite being an Asian country. As the capital of the Philippines it has been witness to the 300 year Spanish rule, American (1898–1946) and Japanese (1941 - 1945 during World War II) home to a community of Malay, Meztizos and Natives it has become one of the most admired tourist destinations in the face of the Earth. Ever wonder why the world's 12th most populous country remain to be one of the happiest places in the world?! Because its more FUN in the Philippines!

Food Choices

Sofitel Manila has around 5 restaurants and bars on their belt and they actually are the premier buffet and foodie destination because of the famous Spiral Restaurant which has won acclaim locally and elsewhere in the world. It is currently being renovated and we're so excited to see it in August. Aside from that they have 4 other places in the hotel you can put your gustatory senses into work, Le Bar, SOCHILL, Snaps Sports Bar and the majestic Sunset Bar.

They've got a wide array of choices, fresh or saltwater based fish or seafood in general.

Wine and cheese connoisseurs would really love the things they have on the table.

Fresh Dory on cream, one of the things I love together with hot white rice.

Classic Filipino Favorites abound like Morcon!

Send some Beef goodness down the shaft with Beef Stroganoff.

Take your pick on freshly baked breads.

Go European with Taters and Onions

Salads and your choice of dressing, its no problem with them!

The choice is yours!

Accommodations


Sofitel Manila boasts of 609 rooms which includes 2 Opera Suites, 4 Luxury Suites, 7 Prestige Suites, 32 Sofitel Suites and the grand Imperial Residence.

Each bed is carefully made with Sofitel's signature goose feather fillings that conform to the body when you lie down. You can even choose your own preferred pillow among the 9 variants that they have (they were the first ones to offer this in Manila)

Their facilities are exquisitely modern with a mix of luxurious pieces and mix of some local ones. You definitely get the best of both worlds. It's great because you really feel LUXURIOUS; and you really get what you pay for since they are.a one of a kind five star luxury hotel in Manila!

The view was even spectacular from the room. This Oasis is composed of a lagoon right beside the bay was constructed and designed by Leandro Locsin.

This 5 star luxury hotel in Manila is a world renowned architectural wonder designed by Leandro Locsin, Ildefonso Santos with inspiration from Madame Imelda Romualdez Marcos.The plaza itself is right beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines where world class shows are also seen. You can't get more classy than that!

Club Millésime

Bringing luxury a step further is Club Millésime. With a gorgeous functional interior and a spectacular view of the metropolis Club Millésime brings forth comfort to extra ordinary heights.

 

Posh and luxurious interiors of this club are located on the 10th Floor of this hotel.

Millésime means "Vintage Year" in French and they wonderfully have that name taken cared of by offering a huge selection of wines. Checking in to Sofitel's luxury club rooms can let you have special access to this section of the hotel. Enjoy free a la carte breakfast, afternoon snacks, cocktails, wine tasting, all-day refreshments and various perks. I would really love to stay here a little bit longer!

The Imperial Residence 

Historical and Iconic personalities have once stayed at this room. Today it's even bigger than ever. This is the pièce de résistance and the envy of all hotels in the Philippines. It doesn't get better than this! This is "The Imperial Residence".

Greeted by huge doors and a fabulous hallway your entrance alone beckons something pretty spectacular at the end of this room. The measurement alone of 6,200 square feet plus a humongous 180 degree view of the city means you get LUXURY above and beyond!

The interior and its grandeur just takes your breath away even if it combines modern French - neo Filipino native design. It was both complex but amazing and the combination of colors for this Five star hotel in Manila was quite warm and inviting. I love the huge murals and the intricate details that each room has.

How can you not love luxury when your bath tub looks like this. Even the small rooms contain signature soaps and toiletries like Hermes... need I say more?

Everywhere else is so amazing!

I wept at the sight of the unbelievable dining room and stopped the urge to cook in the spick and span kitchen. Staying here also would entitle you for butler services so you are sure you get taken cared of. There are several things that I said WOW to but the loudest one was on this view!

Throwing a pebble out in the ocean would probably stop a ship or two and they would envy you from this deck. These are probably one of the spots I'd probably live to tell people about when staying in Sofitel Manila.I'm telling you, the photos don't do justice. Hmm... actually I have a better idea!


The New Sofitel Manila Microsite

One of the nicest things I've seen at Sofitel Manila is their new website! It's at

http://www.sofitelmanila.com

When I told you that the photos don't do justice, they have this new website showing their five star hotel in full 3D! Yes you heard that right! You can look around at the rooms they offer even before you actually check in the hotel. Isn't that neat? Just choose the room you want to have and take the VIRTUAL TOUR! It surely would be fun making this your home in Manila the next time you visit the Philippines!

The gorgeous Ms. Chanelle Garvey Director of Sales and Marketing Sofitel Luxury Hotels Philippine Plaza Manila

      

I was so glad to witness their launch a couple of weeks ago. Judging by the features of the site, it'll definitely change how you perceive luxury and convenience from Sofitel Manila. Congratulations on this awesome site! I'm lovin' every bit of it!

For more information please visit their website


http://www.sofitelmanila.com


Or like them on Facebook!

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila