tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31441793368307421542024-03-14T04:47:43.498+08:00Riding the BreezeIt's our everyday experiences that matter...the people who touched our lives, the milestones that we had accomplished and the challenges which shape us to become better than we are.Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-58783508076355750202019-06-26T17:54:00.001+08:002019-06-26T17:54:28.814+08:00Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6xuKeVO5jA/XRNAnb0t5bI/AAAAAAAAFhA/2FVVdyfxdqQFbsXAIK5FnS7whoPPaLhkQCLcBGAs/s1600/60276143_10219479021029108_4859289354033430528_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6xuKeVO5jA/XRNAnb0t5bI/AAAAAAAAFhA/2FVVdyfxdqQFbsXAIK5FnS7whoPPaLhkQCLcBGAs/s640/60276143_10219479021029108_4859289354033430528_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Once, you were a girl with just simple dreams.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">You only want to meet your charming prince.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">If you only knew then what the future has in store,</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />You would have run really fast to find the nearest door.<br /><br />While raising a kid can sometimes feel overwhelming,<br />Caring for eight must have felt like an impossible thing.<br />But you bravely stepped up and somehow found a way,<br />To get each and all of us where we are today.<br /><br />Most of us are parents now, just like you,<br />But not before life took its toll on you.<br />Your long black hair has somewhat turned silver,<br />And your once firm voice now has a slight quiver.<br /><br />Time has a funny way of showing us,<br />“Be careful what you wish for. Think before you ask.”<br />But I know that deep inside, you have no regrets,<br />For on us, you have chosen to place your bet.<br /><br />Watching you all those years, I always wondered,<br />Why you took this path, you could have chosen better.<br />It’s only when I had my boy that I finally got my answer.<br />Now I know why you chose to become a mother. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fb6/2/16/1f49d.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💝</span></span><br /><br /></span></div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-65641113298039619832018-11-29T13:08:00.003+08:002018-11-29T13:08:48.712+08:00It's You <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDUEJST3dWs/W_90L2as5sI/AAAAAAAADBM/yZIrXoYaVloU5pzJHnBsCjQLvQivAn0_QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1709%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jDUEJST3dWs/W_90L2as5sI/AAAAAAAADBM/yZIrXoYaVloU5pzJHnBsCjQLvQivAn0_QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1709%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The first man I ever loved, I truly adored.<br />I tried so hard to be cute, so he won’t get bored.<br />I followed him around like an obsessed puppy.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />I couldn’t bear the thought of him getting angry.<br />I gave my all to be the best that I can be.<br />I just wanted to make him proud to be my daddy.</span></div>
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When I lost him early, it really broke my heart.<br />I almost thought I’d never make a brand new start.<br />But a few years later, I met this wonderful guy.<br />I didn’t imagine another man could make me smile.<br />Yet, he stole my heart and sincerely offered me his.<br />He made me realize how beautiful life really is.</div>
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The day I married him, I said, “the search is over”,<br />For I thought I’d never fall again for another.<br />But then you came, like an angel from above,<br />And showed me what seems like the purest kind of love.<br />It is not a feeling that any word can describe,<br />For it transcended all the love I’ve ever known in my life.</div>
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The first time I saw you, I instantly knew,<br />A love so selfless, it can only be true.<br />One day, you’ll understand what I’m trying to say.<br />Just know that you are my greatest love, come what may.<br />I figure your grandpa and dad won’t be jealous of you.<br />They must have known all along, it’s always meant to be you. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fb6/2/16/1f49d.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💝</span></span></div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-90581451917487787552018-11-29T13:06:00.002+08:002018-11-29T13:06:20.759+08:00Dear Sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE9adbUAIPY/W_9zojrpgCI/AAAAAAAADBE/5dUqAeh2dIsSFVW7V9NtYGI7M5r5zVL0QCLcBGAs/s1600/42645898_10217766079326636_2759462530005860352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="582" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE9adbUAIPY/W_9zojrpgCI/AAAAAAAADBE/5dUqAeh2dIsSFVW7V9NtYGI7M5r5zVL0QCLcBGAs/s640/42645898_10217766079326636_2759462530005860352_n.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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Dear sister, I thought you knew.<br />You are not alone each time you’re blue.<br />The moment you opened the door to your room,<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />You allowed our beautiful sisterhood to bloom.</span></div>
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First, there were three of us, and then there was you,<br />But in the long run, we became quite a crew.<br />Sure, we had our share of misunderstandings,<br />But soon, our fun and laughter were never-ending.</div>
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At times, I remember those days of bliss,<br />When things were simple and life was a breeze.<br />Our golden teenage years still fresh in my mind,<br />My life and yours will forever be entwined.</div>
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So, if you ever feel alone again and sad,<br />Think of all the wonderful times we’ve had,<br />And know that you are not really alone, my dear.<br />Your sisters are here to wipe away your tears. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fb6/2/16/1f49d.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💝</span></span></div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-3918278455635738292018-06-15T21:57:00.004+08:002018-06-15T22:07:10.911+08:00The Man Behind the Lens<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you look out there, what do you see?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Behind the lens, where you most want to be.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I sneaked a peek, but I just couldn't see,</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The world at large like you painted it to be.<br /><br />You are indeed a Picasso, but of a different kind.<br />One who was born at the dawn of a new time.<br />Your paintbrush is a camera, a tripod, and a flash.<br />You made the world out there, your own blank canvas.<br /><br />You can produce a masterpiece in less than a minute.<br />The colors so vivid, it's almost like magic.<br />You can turn a simple smile into something unique,<br />And create a modern-day Mona Lisa with just one click.<br /><br />Your gift is an art that is difficult to master,<br />For one would need a heart as gentle as a feather,<br />To understand emotions like you are reading letters,<br />And capture life's moments before they're gone forever.<br /><br />The way you depict the world in all its glory,<br />Inspired me to translate your art into poetry.<br />After all these years, you're still a puzzle to me.<br />Oh, man behind the lens, what do you really see? <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px;">💝</span></span></span><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-13812540161425147782017-12-23T03:38:00.001+08:002017-12-23T04:05:03.012+08:00Goodbye Autumn 🍂, Hello Winter ❄️!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The first snow has fallen, FALL</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> is at an end. The leaves are almost gone, WINTER </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">has begun. </span><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-10601918063781186962017-12-11T09:20:00.002+08:002017-12-11T10:22:47.604+08:00My SuperNeo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7d7McN32q0/Wi3reZT1DdI/AAAAAAAAC-c/dg_ji1Ed3qI3rwzgAFFUtj8ffRJ5kXhjwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_65656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1600" height="536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7d7McN32q0/Wi3reZT1DdI/AAAAAAAAC-c/dg_ji1Ed3qI3rwzgAFFUtj8ffRJ5kXhjwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_65656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He said he wanted to feel like a real superhero for Halloween.<br />
So we transformed into villains that he could defeat to win.<br />
What he doesn't know is that he doesn't have to prove a thing.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />He doesn't even need a costume to do something.</span><br />
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It is said that a superhero is someone who saves the day.<br />
A unique being with truly amazing and superhuman ways.<br />
One who has the ability to conquer hearts like no other.<br />
And make a difference in the world with a snap of a finger.<br />
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If only he knew that he could brighten up even my darkest days.<br />
That the amazing way his mind works is superhuman in a way.<br />
That he charmed his way into my heart from the very first day.<br />
And that he made me see the world in a brand new way.<br />
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But for now, I will keep up the charade and dress him up with a cape.<br />
Until the incredible truth about "who he really is" finally takes shape.<br />
Soon, he would realize he doesn't need the suit of any superhero.<br />
Because from the day he was born, he has always been my SuperNeo.</div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-41644753584067481282016-11-15T14:22:00.002+08:002017-10-20T12:03:24.527+08:00I Will Never Forget<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I will never forget the day I first met you.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I will never forget the sound of your first cry like you're announcing it's "you".</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I will never forget that after so much pain, comes the absolute joy of holding you.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />I will never forget how you snuggled against me like we're meant to be when I first hugged you.<br />I will never forget the day I first saw you smile and realized just how much I love you.<br />I will never forget the cute way you first said "Mama" that I just had to kiss you.<br />I will never forget your very first step that gave me a clue that I will forever be chasing you.<br />I will never forget how I cried on your first day at school because I just couldn't leave you.<br /><br />I will never forget how the past seven years have changed quite a lot of things about you.<br />I will never forget the baby, the toddler, the kid, the future teen and adult...for they are all a part of you.<br />I will never forget the happy, the funny, the silly, even the sad…for those moments are all with you.<br /><br />I will never forget how you turned my life around since that wonderful day I first met you.<br />But years will pass and old age might take away every beautiful memory I have of you.<br />So, I wrote this poem to remind myself one day that I promised never to forget you.💝</span><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-75378539207119290522016-11-15T14:00:00.000+08:002017-10-20T12:03:55.696+08:00An Ode To Him<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Got to enjoy this moment, while in his heart, I'm still the queen.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Somewhere out there, a princess is waiting for him.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Time will come when my heart will certainly break.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline;"><br />For surely, this new girl will try to take my place.<br />I guess that is fine, for forever, I cannot stay.<br />I can only hope she'll love him in the same way.<br />But for now, let me freeze this moment and adore that smile.<br />Because I still can't believe that he is all mine. 💖</span></span><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-60050693151070847942016-11-15T13:50:00.000+08:002017-10-20T12:04:25.557+08:00Remembering Papa<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
He was gone so young, only 43. </div>
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Sometimes, I still long for a fun ride in his red car, like a child. </div>
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I also wonder how happy and proud he would have been if he had met his grandsons and granddaughters. </div>
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Often, I would think of him when I look in the mirror...because I do look a lot like him.</div>
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And then, there are occasions like this that remind me of him, like he was just beside me yesterday.</div>
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He's gone...but in my heart, he lives. ❤</div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-86755149404603116312013-04-12T17:06:00.000+08:002013-09-03T16:46:56.563+08:00Astronaut Ice CreamEvery kid has had this dream of becoming an astronaut one day. Our young minds made this exploit seem so plausible at that time. But that's until we grow up and realize that getting hit by a lightning is an easier endeavor than achieving the opportunity to fly at an altitude of 100 kilometers (62 miles), a skill that separates astronauts from professional, commercial and military flyers.<br />
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In fact, as of June 2011, only 654 people in the world were able to accomplish this feat. Of these, only 24 have traveled beyond the Earth's orbit to either the moon's orbit or surface.<br />
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This may come as a big blow to a lot of young space dreamers out there, but who knows where we'll be in a decade or so in terms of space exploration. For now, we might as well content ourselves with a bite of some astronaut dessert.<br />
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I saw this pack of Astronaut Ice Cream on the sweets rack by the front registers at Old Navy. At first, I thought I wasn't looking at the real deal until I have fully read the description on the packaging. So, I shelled out 4 bucks (less than 200 in Philippine Pesos) for a pack of this novelty, all the while thinking how cheap it is for something that used to be for the exclusive consumption of the world's elite group of cosmonauts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8b_LBxCz_U/UWfHwD8JteI/AAAAAAAACAw/oXnNOUil-kA/s1600/P1030593%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8b_LBxCz_U/UWfHwD8JteI/AAAAAAAACAw/oXnNOUil-kA/s640/P1030593%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astronaut Neapolitan Ice Cream, 4 USD.</td></tr>
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The packaging mentioned that this ice cream has been aboard space missions since the early Mercury Missions in 1961 and is still being consumed on NASA missions today. The label also listed a site called <a href="http://astronautfoods.com/">astronautfoods.com</a> where I read that all their products are certified space technology. They also sell online a variety of freeze-dried astronaut fruits and candies on top of their huge selection of ice cream flavors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym37Ro6duLo/UWfMqaW5i0I/AAAAAAAACBA/y-r7_r_4ilQ/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym37Ro6duLo/UWfMqaW5i0I/AAAAAAAACBA/y-r7_r_4ilQ/s640/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astronaut Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwich, 3.05 USD.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GadV5f6CGGQ/UWfMqkg2mOI/AAAAAAAACBE/naOQ4pfdETA/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GadV5f6CGGQ/UWfMqkg2mOI/AAAAAAAACBE/naOQ4pfdETA/s1600/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astronaut Bananas, 2.40 USD.</td></tr>
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They even have an Astronaut Beef Stew Space Dinner which I would absolutely like to try.:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnMBi9U3cKg/UWfNSb4Nt0I/AAAAAAAACBQ/T65HNG7cdww/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnMBi9U3cKg/UWfNSb4Nt0I/AAAAAAAACBQ/T65HNG7cdww/s1600/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astronaut Beef Stew Space Dinner, 6.30 USD.</td></tr>
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The one I took home was the Neapolitan Ice Cream which is a combination of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors. It's ready to eat and has a calorie content of 120 for a 20g pack.<br />
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The contents looked more like pieces of hardened marshmallows but once it reaches your taste buds, you will definitely recognize it's ice cream albeit warm. There's an initial cookie-like texture which turned into a silky consistency as soon as it melts. And though, its rich taste and creaminess is quite enough to satisfy my sweet but mostly curious craving, it still doesn't come close to the marvelous taste of real frozen ice cream.<br />
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My son is too young to understand that his generation can now enjoy things that we, adults, used to only dream about as kids. But he posed like he knew how lucky he is, anyway.:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg1zZIFvEUs/UWfNynyRvrI/AAAAAAAACBo/Aoa5FCeIEBU/s1600/P1030591%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg1zZIFvEUs/UWfNynyRvrI/AAAAAAAACBo/Aoa5FCeIEBU/s640/P1030591%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little future astronaut.:)</td></tr>
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I will definitely take a couple of these space food back home to the Philippines just to give my nephews and nieces something to brag about in school.:) The kids are surely gonna love these.<br />
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Oddly enough, indulging in this confection totally made me feel good. It's probably because by buying a pack, I had contributed even if just in a small way to NASA's space exploration program. Or maybe, eating this ice-less ice cream gives me a kick with the realization that when it comes to desserts, we, earthbound earthlings somehow got the better end of the deal.:)<br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-12672795020534786872013-01-05T23:16:00.000+08:002013-06-07T12:16:45.938+08:00Melo's Steakhouse - Burgos Circle, TaguigCelebrating our anniversary has always been essential to me and my hubby. No matter how busy we are from work and parenthood, we always make sure to steal some quality time for a special date. This year, we chose to celebrate our 13th year of togetherness indulging in something we both love...steak.<br />
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My husband and I have different tastes in food. While he would kill for a pizza and a burger, I would rather yield to the temptation of seafood and kebab. Not to mention, the sweet things that my husband calls desserts but have always managed to serve as my main course.:) With steak, our taste buds have found common ground. And since we want to savor first class perfection, Melo's is the first place that came to mind. Their menu is a bit pricey but we decided to splurge for this special occasion.<br />
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The Melo's branch in Burgos Circle-Taguig on a Sunday is the best place to be if you're aiming for a not-so-crowded intimate lunch setting. The restaurant's staff were nice, friendly and totally attentive to our every wish. The establishment's elegant decor was welcoming and not intimidating. The muted lighting combined with the natural sunlight streaming through the restaurant's huge glass windows successfully produced a fancy yet cozy ambiance.<br />
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I have a small issue, though, with the meat freezer being in plain sight of dining guests. I just find it quite unappetizing despite the five-star quality of the raw meat that I would surely be drooling over in its cooked form. Good thing I wasn't sitting next to it.:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDTYiUmMR-c/UOg-9DIDD4I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/BR2VP6Ef1DU/s1600/DSC_1012%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDTYiUmMR-c/UOg-9DIDD4I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/BR2VP6Ef1DU/s640/DSC_1012%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sight of this raw meat put a slight damper on my appetite, but not enough to completely turn me off. After all, there's such a thing as a rare steak.:)</td></tr>
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Our fabulous meal began with a pate appetizer served with crunchy crostinis which perfectly whetted our appetites.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHnQ9v-cq20/UOhApJDMQAI/AAAAAAAAB9c/3IezjEaOkcU/s1600/DSC_1015%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHnQ9v-cq20/UOhApJDMQAI/AAAAAAAAB9c/3IezjEaOkcU/s640/DSC_1015%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pate Appetizer with Crostinis.</td></tr>
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A bowl of hearty minestrone soup and a plate of divine bread rolls with butter quickly followed. I didn't care much for the Italian soup because the sweet and super soft bread rolls totally stole the show from it. I almost ordered a second serving had I not reminded myself that I wouldn't want to be too full to enjoy a big plate of premium grade certified angus ribeye steak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAoPAeYrDv8/UOhBBDGpVbI/AAAAAAAAB9o/JAeHJgo3ScY/s1600/P1030033%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAoPAeYrDv8/UOhBBDGpVbI/AAAAAAAAB9o/JAeHJgo3ScY/s640/P1030033%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minestrone Soup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BYIwqhqzQI/UOhBE2FjJsI/AAAAAAAAB9w/IEpbNT6tRks/s1600/DSC_1014%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4BYIwqhqzQI/UOhBE2FjJsI/AAAAAAAAB9w/IEpbNT6tRks/s640/DSC_1014%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread Rolls with Butter.</td></tr>
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And as if on cue, the caesar salad arrived just as I was finishing the last bite of my heavenly bread roll. The salad dressing was fairly light yet extremely flavorful. Its savory garlic aftertaste only heightened our taste buds for our much awaited main course.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kBwkJ0A5iOw/UOhBZhVq6fI/AAAAAAAAB94/MQEVuelQ1GE/s1600/P1030034%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kBwkJ0A5iOw/UOhBZhVq6fI/AAAAAAAAB94/MQEVuelQ1GE/s640/P1030034%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesar Salad.</td></tr>
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Melo's 8 oz certified angus ribeye steak is quite a sight to behold and it absolutely lived up to my expections. Now I understand what all the rage is about.:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMwMqJSe1_k/UOhBpp27mVI/AAAAAAAAB-A/4fVcVUsv6Io/s1600/DSC_1024%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMwMqJSe1_k/UOhBpp27mVI/AAAAAAAAB-A/4fVcVUsv6Io/s640/DSC_1024%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 oz Angus Ribeye Steak.</td></tr>
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The tender and succulent meat bursts with rich flavor even before I slathered on the gravy and green peppercorn sauce that came with it.<br />
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In fact, I ended up liking it better without the accompanying sauces. I can taste the sumptuous seasoning pretty deep in the meat which was perfectly grilled by the way. I didn't even realize I was so full until my fork clanged against my empty plate. For the first time in a long time, I didn't even crave for desserts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley Temple Cocktail and Fresh Mango Shake.</td></tr>
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Our terrific dining experience at Melo's is just the perfect way to mark our 13th anniversary...a superb meal to celebrate living the good life.<br />
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<a href="http://melosteaks.com/">Melo's</a><br />
Bonifacio Global City, Burgos Circle<br />
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig<br />
Phone Numbers: +63 2 403 5968<br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-22428113897615854022012-09-27T02:29:00.001+08:002013-06-07T13:22:11.551+08:00Fun Ranch, AlabangWhen my smart nephew and niece arrived one day with their latest stash of medals and trophies, the doting aunt in me instantly wanted to reward them. And what better way to give kids the time of their lives than to bring them to the playdium of their dreams.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">The Fun Ranch in Alabang is an indoor playground with a variety of recreational activities for children like obstacles, trampolines, suspended bridges and slides. </span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlimited Play Wristband, Php 350. Children 3 years old and below are required to bring an adult companion, free of charge. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaXj0yrL0A8/UGM9oiPn-II/AAAAAAAAB2Q/GDNgGZFk1Vs/s1600/DSC_9570%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaXj0yrL0A8/UGM9oiPn-II/AAAAAAAAB2Q/GDNgGZFk1Vs/s640/DSC_9570%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tall slides are a favorite among the kids.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son had to content himself with the mini slide since he's not yet allowed to ride the tall slides.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tube slide scared my son a bit but he was brave enough to give it another try.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft foam play sets.</td></tr>0
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son thoroughly enjoyed bouncing on the trampoline.</td></tr>
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The play area is safe and childproof, but it may not be enough to leave adults unscathed. I went home with a bruised knee and a couple of scratches from bumping into some of the mazes and tubes which couldn't accommodate a clumsy oversized kid like me. Maybe, I'm just guilty of enjoying more than I should have.:)
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After almost two hours inside the chaotic complex, I was finally able to convince the kids that it was time to go.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But not my son. He's obviously not willing to go yet.:)</td></tr>
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We ordered some snacks at the Big Red Barn, the restaurant inside Fun Ranch.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even have a space for children's parties.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Fries, Php 105.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Calamari, Php 165. This was really good, amazingly crunchy and crispy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgeritos, Php 205.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nasty Nachos, Php 240. The nachos tasted more like deep fried dumpling wrappers and the salsa was worse than the bad ones you can buy in a bottle. I never would have thought they literally meant "nasty".:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids had a great time.</td></tr>
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The Fun Ranch in Alabang is definitely the ultimate place to go for kids and the kids-at-heart who seek to relive their childhood fantasies and turn them into reality.</div>
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<a href="http://www.kidsrulehere.com/">Fun Ranch-Alabang Branch</a></div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-66439276082215684502012-09-26T23:28:00.002+08:002013-06-07T13:27:05.080+08:00Kohikan Café, Diamond Hotel<br />
Call me "cake crazy", but I am the type of person who would shell out serious money just to add a couple of layers to a wedding cake. I have also traveled far just to get a pastry chef to bake me a Frog Prince fondant cake while following my very specific instructions from the cake's flavor down to the color of each decor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr9MD4lh3Sc/UGNPDztKOVI/AAAAAAAAB50/6aatp2eV49A/s1600/zzzzzzz%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr9MD4lh3Sc/UGNPDztKOVI/AAAAAAAAB50/6aatp2eV49A/s640/zzzzzzz%23.jpg" / /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wedding cake, June 2005.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's birthday cake, October 2010.</td></tr>
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Cake is simply my favorite celebration centerpiece for by being able to recall its unique design brings me closer to the good times associated with each cake. I'm all for memories and if it takes a lifetime of cakes to mark all the special occasions in my life, than so be it.:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO0PX6mrDVI/UGMd84sB6II/AAAAAAAABzw/oap6SFdgmPk/s1600/zzzzzz%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nO0PX6mrDVI/UGMd84sB6II/AAAAAAAABzw/oap6SFdgmPk/s640/zzzzzz%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My birthday cake, November 2011.</td></tr>
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Last Mother's Day, I decided to try the supremely artisanal handiwork of Diamond Hotel's Kohikan Café. Admiring the meticulous craftsmanship of each French-inspired piece, I would say the 6 cakes in the box looked downright irresistible.<br />
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<b>Supermoist Chocolate Cake, Php 250.</b> The design is truly basic but the cake was nothing short of amazing. The chocolate frosting was perfect, not too sweet, and the cake was unbelievably moist.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supermoist Chocolate Cake</td></tr>
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<b>Baked Cheesecake, Php 250. </b>The texture was amazing, very creamy and rich, but I have had better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Cheesecake</td></tr>
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<b>Ispahan</b> (A tangy mix of Raspberries, Lychee and Rose Essence)<b>, Php 250.</b> My favorite among the 6. The delicate rose macarons were perfectly crisp and chewy. The fresh raspberries and lychee complemented each other to create one decadent masterpiece.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ispahan</td></tr>
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<b>Vanessa </b>(Fresh Strawberries and Cream flanked between Pistachio-Flavored Macarons)<b>, Php 250.</b> Pales in comparison to Ispahan. I don't understand how the pistachio macarons' texture can be so different from the rose macarons of Ispahan. The pistachio meringue was too dry and crunchy. What's worse was that the strawberries didn't look fresh and tasted a bit sour. It left a sharp acidic aftertaste in my mouth when it combined with the cream. Yikes!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa</td></tr>
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<b>Mont Blanc </b>(Chestnut Paste, Chantilly Cream and Prunes soaked in Dark Rum Almond Tart)<b>, Php 250.</b> The taste of sweet chestnut paste just wasn't for me, but I can only imagine what sort of hard work it entails to turn this hard-shelled nut into a fluffy cream. While the addition of rum and prunes enriched its flavor and evoked a taste reminiscent of my favorite Christmas Fruit Cake , it's still not enough to strike my fancy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Blanc</td></tr>
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<b>St. Honore </b>(Puff Pastry, Pâte à Choux and Purple Yam Ganache), <b>Php 250.</b> This one looked splendid but the melting pile of gooey ube (purple yam) ganache destroyed the cake even before it reached the party. Still, it was such a hit with my pamangkins (nephew and niece) who were big fans of ube ice cream. They gobbled up the poor thing before my husband was able to take a close-up shot. It's a miracle I even managed to get a bite out of the puff pastry that looked more like tiny donut munchkins topped with ube icing. Nothing so special, but lavish enough to pique the interest of our little guests.<br />
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A cake can be shared by 2-3 persons as a dessert. But for a snack, a piece would barely make a dent on your appetite.<br />
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And even though some of their creations weren't able to successfully satisfy my taste buds, the overall appeal of each one was enough to wow this cake connoisseur. If only for the "Ispahan", I would say Kohikan Café has turned me into one loyal customer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day, 2012.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.diamondhotel.com/kohikan-at-the-diamond.html">Kohikan Café </a><br />
Ground Floor, Diamond Hotel<br />
Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos St.<br />
Manila, Philippines<br />
Tel. +63 2 528 3000<div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- nuffnang -->
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-62883504998406118682012-09-26T05:07:00.001+08:002013-10-12T17:38:54.560+08:00Baguio Burnham SuitesBaguio City, also called the City of Pines, has always been my dream vacation spot. Two decades ago, when the average person couldn't afford the luxury of air travel and before the rapid influx of world-class resorts in the country, the nearest place one can go to for some affordable yet memorable R & R was Baguio.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion's Head along Kennon Road. Baguio City's most famous landmark.</td></tr>
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Widely-known for its cool climate, strawberries, Ube (Purple Yam) Jams and fresh produce, Baguio City still holds a place in the country's list of most visited tourist destinations. After all, it wasn't called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" for nothing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberries from La Trinidad, otherwise known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines. The town is just a few kilometers away from Baguio City. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Maid Ube (Purple Yam) Jams, Php 140/small jar. Each bottle is manufactured by nuns of the Good Shephered Convent. Sales proceeds are used for charity projects. </td></tr>
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Last May, we drove north for 6 hours to experience the beauty of this city nestled high above the mountains. Since we have kids with us, we chose to stay at a downtown hotel. Apart from accessibility, we also prefer fully-airconditioned rooms. Hotels and transient homes farther up the province usually do not come with air-conditioning units. Instead, they take advantage of the cool mountain air which I do not believe to be totally reliable these days with global warming on our doorstep.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.burnhamsuitesbaguio.com/">Baguio Burnham Suites</a> is conveniently located right in the middle of Baguio, overlooking the scenic Burnham Park, one of the city's most popular attractions. The hotel is quite new and there's an available underground car parking space for guests. It's just a little disappointing that they do not accept requests for an early check-in. We arrived an hour before the indicated check-in time and was refused entry until the exact time, not a minute less. Quite harsh for guests who just had a long drive and were desperate for a much-needed respite.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the Baguio Burnham Suites website.</td></tr>
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Without a choice, we waited at the lobby which to my relief, is really spacious and clean. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son loitering in the lobby.</td></tr>
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Beside the reception area is a small but charming dining place called Azzurro. Having seen their company logo, I immediately remembered the heavenly mango crepe which I was able to try in their branch at the A. Venue Hotel Suites in Makati. So, we decided to order some snacks while waiting for our room.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango Crepe, Php 132. Quite sweet because of the cinnamon, but the pleasing aroma gave it an extra-delightful spin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti Bolognese, Php 330. The rich meat sauce is just right and absolutely delish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango Shake, Php 132. Wonderfully smooth but a little more mango and a little less milk would have done the trick.</td></tr>
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At exactly 2:00 PM, we were assisted up the elevator to our De Luxe Studio Room at the 2nd floor. The room looks really nice and its size rather exceeded my expectations. It's almost as big as a suite, except for the absence of a living and dining area that usually go with one. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bed is comfortable. However, my husband had a ghostly experience which is very much common in eerie Baguio City.:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room is expansive and can accommodate around 4 adults.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small counter with a sink and mini-bar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower area.</td></tr>
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Since we chose a room with a view of Burnham Park, this is what our windows revealed.</div>
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A De Luxe Studio Room-Park View costs around Php 3000/night. It also comes with breakfast buffet for two. But though breakfast was served at Azzurro the next day, it was obviously not prepared by the restaurant's chef for the food tasted bland and the buffet selection, far from satisfactory.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macaroni Soup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrambled Eggs and Garlic Fried Rice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bean Sprouts and Pancake. I'm seriously wondering what the bean sprouts are doing in this breakfast setup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Ranchero and Vinegar-Marinated Milkfish (Daing na Bangus). The Pork Ranchero tasted really bad and totally wrecked my appetite.:( </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dining expectations are modest by standards. That's why I am truly disappointed by the hotel's lack of effort to please their guests' palate.</td></tr>
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Taking advantage of the proximity of Burnham Park, we went for a morning stroll and were almost instantly drawn to the bicycle lane. It's been a long time since my last visit to this place, which reminded me at once of a few beautiful childhood memories.:)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Rental: Php 40 for 30 minutes.</td></tr>
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A trip to Burnham Park won't be complete without a boat ride on the man-made lagoon at the center of the park. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat Rental: Php 200 for 30 minutes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Baguio City Hall from Burnham Lake.</td></tr>
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Going back home, a feeling of gloom suddenly struck me...just like before when I was but a kid leaving this majestic place behind. An attack of nostalgia? Maybe. For I'm almost sure it's the same thing that leads me back to Baguio time and time again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son on his first horse ride, his most remarkable experience during our short stay in Baguio City.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.burnhamsuitesbaguio.com/">Baguio Burnham Suites</a></div>
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No. 6 Kisad Road</div>
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Baguio City, Philippines</div>
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Trunk Line: +63 74 4242211 to 15</div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-87713178307427215832012-09-25T05:38:00.000+08:002013-06-08T16:51:23.012+08:00Don Vito Ristorante Italiano, Boracay Mandarin Island HotelIt's always nice when the resort you're billeted in has its own restaurant that can accommodate your dining needs. Don Vito Ristorante Italiano sits along the beachfront of Boat Station 2, right at the entrance of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/boracay-mandarin-hotel-boat-station-2.html">Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza take-out counter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gourmet cheese display.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet treats to whet your appetite.</td></tr>
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This small but comfortable pizza haven dishes up a couple of delicious Italian classics and also has an extensive menu of Filipino food for tourists who want to experience some local cuisine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Soup, Php 122.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-premwlVxv_I/UGCr_OcwzeI/AAAAAAAABgA/iuegbxR19bs/s1600/DSC_0720%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-premwlVxv_I/UGCr_OcwzeI/AAAAAAAABgA/iuegbxR19bs/s640/DSC_0720%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exotic Mandarin Salad, Php 366.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tahong Al Horno, Php 305.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Calamares Fritos, Php 220.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandarin Famous Fish & Chips, Php 360.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Liempo (Pork Belly) with Mixed Vegetables, Php 360.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don Vito Classic Charcoal Grilled Burger, Php 280.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkZAAgv9YGM/UGCsInFE4oI/AAAAAAAABgo/FK-5ApMgdEY/s1600/DSC_0859%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RkZAAgv9YGM/UGCsInFE4oI/AAAAAAAABgo/FK-5ApMgdEY/s640/DSC_0859%2523.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8mfPA8M0m0/UGCr2uVBh-I/AAAAAAAABfg/gDTEyUqdU_E/s1600/DSC_0644%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8mfPA8M0m0/UGCr2uVBh-I/AAAAAAAABfg/gDTEyUqdU_E/s640/DSC_0644%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penne Patriaca, Php 366.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKQeefCV6X4/UGCsMP08_iI/AAAAAAAABg4/pjW7rdhhkIo/s1600/DSC_0862%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKQeefCV6X4/UGCsMP08_iI/AAAAAAAABg4/pjW7rdhhkIo/s640/DSC_0862%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti Bolognese, Php 366.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VpOLnsL6yMo/UGCr4r57QpI/AAAAAAAABfo/SOCoGSVJ9bc/s1600/DSC_0645%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VpOLnsL6yMo/UGCr4r57QpI/AAAAAAAABfo/SOCoGSVJ9bc/s640/DSC_0645%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don Vito's Special Pizza, Php 427.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVa7kZ3MUbA/UGCsDV1t-3I/AAAAAAAABgQ/bw3jk0aUzu4/s1600/DSC_0792%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVa7kZ3MUbA/UGCsDV1t-3I/AAAAAAAABgQ/bw3jk0aUzu4/s640/DSC_0792%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quattro Stagioni Pizza, Php 506.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZaTLvRWpT4/UGC9ObEwxCI/AAAAAAAABiA/zKBLyI-4c6k/s1600/DSC_0790%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZaTLvRWpT4/UGC9ObEwxCI/AAAAAAAABiA/zKBLyI-4c6k/s640/DSC_0790%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen Lemonade, Php 120.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The place is also popular for its delectable gelato which is showcased in a booth just in front of the establishment.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kknt4XGfjVQ/UGCm4owQHQI/AAAAAAAABeA/PwnAbWTeAYM/s1600/DSC_0635%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kknt4XGfjVQ/UGCm4owQHQI/AAAAAAAABeA/PwnAbWTeAYM/s640/DSC_0635%2523.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mEGJ2anhlu4/UGCm2EVLA2I/AAAAAAAABd4/Cl50nEU8Zzw/s1600/DSC_0630%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mEGJ2anhlu4/UGCm2EVLA2I/AAAAAAAABd4/Cl50nEU8Zzw/s640/DSC_0630%2523.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3ijosP_UlI/UGC8_ufHg-I/AAAAAAAABh4/1noojJhvzvY/s1600/DSC_0636%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3ijosP_UlI/UGC8_ufHg-I/AAAAAAAABh4/1noojJhvzvY/s640/DSC_0636%23.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N61Eja6t0Tg/UGC9hJWxowI/AAAAAAAABiI/Cm3jtlVn1po/s1600/DSC_0648%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N61Eja6t0Tg/UGC9hJWxowI/AAAAAAAABiI/Cm3jtlVn1po/s640/DSC_0648%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferrero and Mascarpone Gelato, Php 100/two scoops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWr1v0gN_V8/UGC9jO9sikI/AAAAAAAABiQ/kyl5WcKRQJI/s1600/DSC_0753%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWr1v0gN_V8/UGC9jO9sikI/AAAAAAAABiQ/kyl5WcKRQJI/s640/DSC_0753%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesecake and Strawberry Gelato.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNysM3dN17c/UGC9lNw-ZJI/AAAAAAAABiY/PJQrAG_kIJ4/s1600/DSC_0793%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNysM3dN17c/UGC9lNw-ZJI/AAAAAAAABiY/PJQrAG_kIJ4/s640/DSC_0793%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate and Coffee Gelato. My favorite combination so far.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYSWWS5X5m8/UGC9nEpaFHI/AAAAAAAABig/Siyb90MFXTo/s1600/DSC_0868%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYSWWS5X5m8/UGC9nEpaFHI/AAAAAAAABig/Siyb90MFXTo/s640/DSC_0868%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiramisu and Vanilla Gelato.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each morning, a continental breakfast buffet is set up for hotel guests. Customers staying at other resorts may also dine in the privacy of Don Vito's for Php 350/person.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBOb71BJDrg/UGDC5LoyscI/AAAAAAAABjg/QKkMXxLNxq0/s1600/DSC_0774%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBOb71BJDrg/UGDC5LoyscI/AAAAAAAABjg/QKkMXxLNxq0/s640/DSC_0774%23.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5bBPEJJcgg/UGDC7v_ScWI/AAAAAAAABjo/J4TB_oC8Bas/s1600/DSC_0775%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5bBPEJJcgg/UGDC7v_ScWI/AAAAAAAABjo/J4TB_oC8Bas/s640/DSC_0775%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad Bar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPCDLutOkIo/UGDC-K4kwuI/AAAAAAAABjw/ZB4sQABcCnk/s1600/DSC_0776%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPCDLutOkIo/UGDC-K4kwuI/AAAAAAAABjw/ZB4sQABcCnk/s640/DSC_0776%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup and Bread.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qbbo2uADrc/UGDDAWs4w2I/AAAAAAAABj4/UfXTRY54hO4/s1600/DSC_0777%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qbbo2uADrc/UGDDAWs4w2I/AAAAAAAABj4/UfXTRY54hO4/s640/DSC_0777%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty5iiu0747U/UGDDCtaKk-I/AAAAAAAABkA/cFWJ-ALYSiA/s1600/DSC_0779%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ty5iiu0747U/UGDDCtaKk-I/AAAAAAAABkA/cFWJ-ALYSiA/s640/DSC_0779%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancake and Pork & Beans.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBNgEJN6Xf8/UGDDE7W8zDI/AAAAAAAABkI/1FMnE99BfVs/s1600/DSC_0780%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBNgEJN6Xf8/UGDDE7W8zDI/AAAAAAAABkI/1FMnE99BfVs/s640/DSC_0780%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice Noodles and Spanish-Style Sardines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFjl9KauOgY/UGDDG0x3aUI/AAAAAAAABkQ/0HRx3GRP6tc/s1600/DSC_0781%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFjl9KauOgY/UGDDG0x3aUI/AAAAAAAABkQ/0HRx3GRP6tc/s640/DSC_0781%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Adobo and Bacon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxeAw4RvLEs/UGDDI4UIk-I/AAAAAAAABkY/GUdPphAOAC8/s1600/DSC_0782%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxeAw4RvLEs/UGDDI4UIk-I/AAAAAAAABkY/GUdPphAOAC8/s640/DSC_0782%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ham and Filipino Beef Steak.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVUFxoDo1Ns/UGDDLG5dpBI/AAAAAAAABkg/rBeg2bbeBCg/s1600/DSC_0783%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVUFxoDo1Ns/UGDDLG5dpBI/AAAAAAAABkg/rBeg2bbeBCg/s640/DSC_0783%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Bananas and Fresh Fruits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HVn5KwH79c/UGDDNTeAWvI/AAAAAAAABko/7dPkwNHl29U/s1600/DSC_0784%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HVn5KwH79c/UGDDNTeAWvI/AAAAAAAABko/7dPkwNHl29U/s640/DSC_0784%23.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0694avKHn1E/UGDDPQQVtBI/AAAAAAAABkw/caDnGBsbEWI/s1600/DSC_0785%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0694avKHn1E/UGDDPQQVtBI/AAAAAAAABkw/caDnGBsbEWI/s640/DSC_0785%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly cooked omelette.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next day, a totally different but just as satisfying variety of food is presented on the long table, something most restaurants do not usually do. For guests staying at the hotel for more than a few days, this is definitely going to be good news. I have experienced staying at a hotel for a whole week only to wake up to the same spread of breakfast buffet each day. Seriously, it was such an appetite killer. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1vR9A2d9qM/UGDDjhC_rNI/AAAAAAAABk4/b1uctZYSQ0o/s1600/DSC_0901%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1vR9A2d9qM/UGDDjhC_rNI/AAAAAAAABk4/b1uctZYSQ0o/s640/DSC_0901%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQAcWYLMAwE/UGDDlo_HEoI/AAAAAAAABlA/Eoh6JoOA4Mw/s1600/DSC_0902%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQAcWYLMAwE/UGDDlo_HEoI/AAAAAAAABlA/Eoh6JoOA4Mw/s640/DSC_0902%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled Unripe Papaya (Atsara).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meGgT5zPfdc/UGDDn13c9GI/AAAAAAAABlI/WhHJBxoA_z0/s1600/DSC_0903%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-meGgT5zPfdc/UGDDn13c9GI/AAAAAAAABlI/WhHJBxoA_z0/s640/DSC_0903%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObXmH8C2uPI/UGDDpoasICI/AAAAAAAABlQ/E8-V9on6UQs/s1600/DSC_0904%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0"src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObXmH8C2uPI/UGDDpoasICI/AAAAAAAABlQ/E8-V9on6UQs/s640/DSC_0904%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancake and Skillet Fried Potatoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EH_FXRynS0/UGDDroYtwLI/AAAAAAAABlY/Vwje7HeHNSE/s1600/DSC_0905%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EH_FXRynS0/UGDDroYtwLI/AAAAAAAABlY/Vwje7HeHNSE/s640/DSC_0905%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vienna Sausage and Bacon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zijb7PoEjYE/UGDDttNqZEI/AAAAAAAABlg/w0WmtakIaSk/s1600/DSC_0906%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zijb7PoEjYE/UGDDttNqZEI/AAAAAAAABlg/w0WmtakIaSk/s640/DSC_0906%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Tocino (Filipino Bacon) and Corned Beef.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcdFxesXmr0/UGDDvwvh6EI/AAAAAAAABlo/XIThGt6XxoI/s1600/DSC_0907%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcdFxesXmr0/UGDDvwvh6EI/AAAAAAAABlo/XIThGt6XxoI/s640/DSC_0907%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice Noodles and Vinegar-Marinated Milkfish (Daing na Bangus).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ-v30dU7yE/UGDDxy3o58I/AAAAAAAABlw/tPoC4n915Co/s1600/DSC_0908%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ-v30dU7yE/UGDDxy3o58I/AAAAAAAABlw/tPoC4n915Co/s640/DSC_0908%23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange and Mango Juice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Don Vito Ristorante Italiano is definitely your little slice of Italy along the tropical oasis of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/paradise-called-boracay.html">Boracay's White Beach.</a> I would say that the food here is just average but the wide selection of choices, excellent service and the warm ambiance make for a truly unforgettable dining experience. </div>
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We even can't help but take home a piece of Don Vito with us. Their honest-to-goodness brick-oven pizza has proven to be just too hard to resist.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pizza that flew with us back to Manila.:)
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<a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/donvito/">Don Vito Ristorante Italiano</a></div>
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Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</div>
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Beachfront, Station 2,</div>
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Boracay Island, Aklan</div>
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Philippines</div>
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Tel +63 36 288 4999</div>
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+63 36 288 5999</div>
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Related Article:</div>
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<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/boracay-mandarin-hotel-boat-station-2.html">Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</a></div>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-73718489380891495302012-09-21T02:27:00.001+08:002013-06-08T17:07:08.874+08:00Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Boat Station 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We arrived in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan Province, and had to make a strenuous 2.5 hour journey to our final destination. During our bus ride to Caticlan, I got the impression that there's nothing much to see in Kalibo. Unless you're visiting around the third week of January during the Ati-Atihan Festival, a colorful week-long feast celebrated in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tourism assistance counter inside the Kalibo International Airport.</td></tr>
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The heavy city traffic in Kalibo that day only prolonged our agony inside the bus, where the legroom is terrible. Along the road, apart from native homes and hundreds of coconut trees, I noticed that the beach surrounding Kalibo wasn't blessed with the same powdery white sand which made the island of Boracay a famous travel destination.<br />
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After our 2-hour bus ride, a personnel of the hotel we booked met us at Caticlan. Wherefrom, we had to endure two more boat rides, a shuttle ride and a 5-minute walk to our hotel situated along Boat Station 2. At this point, I would like to strongly advise my readers against taking this course of travel from Kalibo. All the hassle and stress is not worth being able to ride a more spacious plane flying the Kalibo route. And even though the cost of airfare to Kalibo is a little more affordable, you'll save time and more money flying directly to Caticlan because the <a href="http://southwesttoursboracay.com/boracay-transportation" target="_blank">land and boat transfers</a> from Kalibo are definitely not going to come cheap.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the boat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hardest part about riding a boat. The photo made it look so easy. But crossing a narrow platform with a baby in tow always leaves me shaking in my shoes.</td></tr>
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Last year, we had a very relaxing stay at the secluded <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/shangrilas-boracay-resort-spa-day-1.html" target="_blank">Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa</a> which has its own private beach, separate from the resort-laden <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/paradise-called-boracay.html">White Beach of Boracay</a>. But this time, we're staying right in the center of all the action.<br />
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Boat Station 2 is the busiest place in the island. Hotels, food establishments, bars and commercial kiosks surround the beach front. Along came dozens of local vendors, hawking their native goods to hordes of eager tourists who flock to the island all year round. I have been to several beaches and truly, not one can compare to the wonderful tropical party atmosphere at the heart of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/paradise-called-boracay.html">White Beach</a>. That's why visitors staying at Boat Stations 1 & 3 and other exclusive resorts should never miss a trip here just to be able to understand the magic that kept tourists coming back for more.<br />
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Along the Boat Station 2 beachfront area is a cozy orange structure called the <a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/" target="_blank">Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</a>. The resort is evidently popular among tourists as I noticed several passers-by having their pictures taken beside the hotel signage at the entrance.<br />
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Flanking the hotel on the left is the <a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/spa/" target="_blank">Mandarin Spa </a>and on the right, the <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/don-vito-ristorante-italiano-boracay.html">Don Vito Ristorante Italiano</a> with its famous gelato booth.
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We stayed at a Premier Sea View Room which features its own private veranda with a nice view of the hotel pool. The commodious room has a king-sized and a double bed along with standard hotel amenities. The bathroom offers ample space and has a bathtub/shower area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Premier Sea View room rates start at Php 8000/night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Days/2 Nights Room and Breakfast Package which includes roundtrip airport transfers (via Caticlan) starts at Php 5150/pax, inclusive of taxes and surcharges. A maximum of 1 kid below 7 years old may stay for free.</td></tr>
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Though the room is a little far below standard in comparison with the 5-star luxury of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/shangrilas-boracay-resort-spa-day-1.html" target="_blank">Shangri-La Boracay's deluxe rooms</a>, it provides enough comfort for tourists who prefer the lively ambiance of Station 2 over the ostentatious seclusion of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-do-i-say-goodbye-to-boracay.html">exclusive resorts</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room in Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room in Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa. </td></tr>
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In fact,<a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/" target="_blank"> Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel </a>rates as one of the best accommodations along the shores of Station 2. This wonderful beachfront property boasts of 52 rooms and suites with facilities that include a swimming pool, its very own spa where guests can indulge in invigorating treatments, a <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/don-vito-ristorante-italiano-boracay.html">world-class restaurant</a> with a great ambiance, a gelato booth that serves one of the best frozen treats I have ever tasted and a beachside bar where diners are serenaded by live local bands and enthralled by skilled fire dancers juggling and twirling their flaming batons.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The illuminated hotel pool at night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Don Vito Ristorante Italiano, Boracay Mandarin Hotel's very own restaurant.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don Vito Gelato. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try the combination of Chocolate and Coffee. It's the best.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at the Buco Bar and Grill., the hotel's alfresco dining option which showcases scrumptious grilled food and plenty of entertainment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh seafood cooked to your preference.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A live band entertains the crowd before the main event.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highlight of the show is a captivating fire dance which left the crowd breathless with excitement.</td></tr>
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The island of Boracay was unfortunately hit by a storm when we were there. For three straight days, it was raining non-stop. And because we're trapped inside our hotel room with nowhere else to go, food is the kind of comfort that first came to mind. It's a good thing we didn't need to go far to feast on sumptuous Italian cuisine and dessert. The <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/don-vito-ristorante-italiano-boracay.html">Don Vito Ristorante Italiano</a> serves gastronomic delights in a charming and cozy setting that almost feels like you're in some sort of a cabin on top of a mountain. It provides a nice contrast against the background of an elusive stormy beach just outside the restaurant's glass walls. I will write a separate post featuring the delicious offerings of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/don-vito-ristorante-italiano-boracay.html">Don Vito's</a> very soon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast buffet at Don Vito Ristorante Italiano.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad Bar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup and Bread.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assortment of Filipino and intercontinental breakfast favorites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hearty breakfast was pretty good. And they change the array of food they serve daily. The next day, a very different but just as satisfying set filled us to the brim.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly cooked omelette.</td></tr>
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The endless rain also provided me with lots of idle time that gave me an excuse to indulge in some spa pampering. My hubby had no choice but to take care of our tiny toddler, who's too busy playing with his tablet to be a bother anyway.:)<br />
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The <a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/spa/" target="_blank">Mandarin Spa</a> is right along the beachfront, near the hotel pool where excited kids are jumping into the cold water despite the tempestuous weather. I was immediately shown a menu of spa treatments at the counter. They were only offering two kinds of full body massage and I decided to choose the Traditional Filipino "Hilot" Massage over the Aroma Hot Stone Therapy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WzDlOYIIGo/UFtMvoDcYsI/AAAAAAAABWI/LhC8r0HixxQ/s1600/DSC_0765%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WzDlOYIIGo/UFtMvoDcYsI/AAAAAAAABWI/LhC8r0HixxQ/s640/DSC_0765%2523.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1.5-hour Traditional Filipino "Hilot" Massage: Php 2200 </td></tr>
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I was tempted to prolong my spa escape when I saw the empty sauna in the changing room. The sauna facility, although tiny, is kempt and well maintained. After 15 minutes of relaxation bliss in the heat and a quick shower, I was assisted to a private room. The treatment began with a 3-minute foot soak and a light shoulder kneading which led to a 90-minute head to toe massage designed to rejuvenate blood circulation and balance the body's energies. The finger pressure of the therapist is just perfect to bring me to a slumber-like state of tranquility. I emerged from the spa feeling 100% better, as always.:)<br />
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The bad weather continued until our last day in Boracay. The only time we were able to frolic in the sand was when the torrent of rain took a short break for about two hours. Still, it's an ample respite that opened a window of opportunity for us to experience the beautiful beach of Boracay once more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling out by the hotel pool.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/" target="_blank">Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</a> is truly in a class of its own compared to the other accommodations sprawled along Boat Station 2. I certainly wouldn't mind getting stuck there again the next time another storm decides to crash my Boracay vacation. I'm sure my son will agree too.:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.boracaymandarin.com/" target="_blank">Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</a><br />
Beachfront, Station 2,<br />
Boracay Island, Aklan<br />
Philippines<br />
Tel +63 36 288 4999<br />
+63 36 288 5999<br />
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Related Articles:<br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/09/don-vito-ristorante-italiano-boracay.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Don Vito Ristorante Italiano, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/04/shangrilas-boracay-resort-spa-day-1.html">Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- nuffnang -->
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-18254258255699426912012-05-13T04:30:00.001+08:002017-10-20T12:18:10.087+08:00Flying in Style: The Business Class ExperienceI have always flown "Economy", just like 85% of the average flying populace. But once in a while, good luck will strike and give you a taste of a world you previously thought to be out of reach.<br />
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Even if I could afford it, which I couldn't, flying "Business Class" is not one of the things I would shell out my money for. The same way I wouldn't book the <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/05/roy-o-disney-suite-hong-kong-disneyland.html">Presidential Suite</a> at a hotel or splurge on a <em style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hermès Birkin. But for free, I will definitely grab these. How can I say no?:)</span></em><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not so long ago, my husband's company gave us the opportunity to experience the luxury of Business Class on our way home from an assignment in the USA. I couldn't even describe how perfect the timing was for a stressed out new mom like me who had to fly with her one-month-old newborn baby for 19 hours straight.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Air travel has always caused me endless distress. Not because I have flying anxiety, but due to my vertigo. Oftentimes, I would be nauseous and would feel like vomiting myself into oblivion. I didn't realize that seating way in front of the aircraft would change all that.:)</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>UNITED AIRLINES </b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>(Chicago-Hong Kong)</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Apart from the privilege of being boarded first, our carry-on bags were immediately taken from us by devoted flight attendants who usually ignored us in Economy Class. I can still remember the time I flew all by myself in coach from Chicago-Manila, when I asked for a glass of water which never came until the end of the flight. I even buzzed for the flight attendant thrice but for some reason they just kept forgetting my request. Good for them, I was vertigo-stricken then and had no strength left in me to pick an argument.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The Business Class seats in this Boeing 747-400 United Airlines aircraft has an interesting configuration. Like those on buses or trains, some of the business class seats are rear facing. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">With the extra spacious elbow and leg room, the sense of space is just terrific. The seat provides extraordinary comfort and when reclined, converts into a fully flat bed. </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">The remote passenger seat controls are also very easy to use. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat console.</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">Several pillows and a very soft blanket accentuate the seats' sleep-inducing appeal. The headrest is huge and the flexible armrests can be lifted up which allowed me to place my peacefully sleeping newborn in between my seat and that of my husband's. We were initially provided with a bassinet, which looked more like a travelling bag, for placing the baby on the floor. However, this wouldn't allow me to take advantage of the aircraft's fully-reclining seats. Moreover, I find it a little disturbing to leave my baby where I don't see him. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">The in-flight entertainment system has a state-of-the-art menu with a great selection of TV shows, movies, music and games. There's a 15-inch video screen in front of each seat. Cutting-edge noise-cancelling headphones are also distributed for our viewing pleasure.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In-flight entertainment system remote control device.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26-NhTQ2ir0/T662tptacnI/AAAAAAAABMs/aIjZq4kIHXw/s1600/P1000650%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26-NhTQ2ir0/T662tptacnI/AAAAAAAABMs/aIjZq4kIHXw/s640/P1000650%23.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keyboard/Game Controller.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">An amenity kit is also provided with things to enhance our in-flight comfort. The elegant pouch contains a Murad moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, oil blotting sheets, earplugs, sleeping eye cover, socks and ball pen.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7v-f6NAbxU/T6608EDwTrI/AAAAAAAABL8/sNMgfl7_oE8/s1600/boeing2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7v-f6NAbxU/T6608EDwTrI/AAAAAAAABL8/sNMgfl7_oE8/s320/boeing2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The meals are of course the highlight of this experience. Drinks in elegant glasses and premium nuts are served even before the flight took off. There's also a table with an amazing assortment of snacks (biscuits, chips and chocolate bars) in one corner. After almost an hour, a stewardess handed out menus and took our orders just like in a fine-dining restaurant. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1bpSK_IyRs/T6619nv_BDI/AAAAAAAABMM/I5Uzrrib9EU/s1600/P1000646%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1bpSK_IyRs/T6619nv_BDI/AAAAAAAABMM/I5Uzrrib9EU/s640/P1000646%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQEca1jyGoY/T661_5sPxfI/AAAAAAAABMU/uL5TyA_2DqM/s1600/P1000647%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQEca1jyGoY/T661_5sPxfI/AAAAAAAABMU/uL5TyA_2DqM/s640/P1000647%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The menu is concocted by a world-famous chef to suit any palate; a full-course meal of appetizers, salads and a choice of fish, chicken and steak dishes to satisfy every craving.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfVbwgDmNw/T663QPTexiI/AAAAAAAABM8/r8r8tnbJK2o/s1600/P1000657%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mjfVbwgDmNw/T663QPTexiI/AAAAAAAABM8/r8r8tnbJK2o/s640/P1000657%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Seasonal Greens/Smoked Salmon and Vegetable Crudite.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt9BuLulSKg/T663SoW7SFI/AAAAAAAABNE/JtwXaRjtSsM/s1600/P1000658%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt9BuLulSKg/T663SoW7SFI/AAAAAAAABNE/JtwXaRjtSsM/s640/P1000658%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Sirloin Steak with Three Peppercorn Sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-647CI68P0u4/T663U27BX0I/AAAAAAAABNM/OQgAaAVOimc/s1600/P1000660%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-647CI68P0u4/T663U27BX0I/AAAAAAAABNM/OQgAaAVOimc/s640/P1000660%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pan-Seared Salmon with Teriyaki Ginger Sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">During the meal, several attendants roamed around offering trays of delightful desserts, alcoholic beverages and specialty cocktails.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk8z3mr25B8/T663kAGw41I/AAAAAAAABNU/P1cCXPb58zI/s1600/P1000661%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk8z3mr25B8/T663kAGw41I/AAAAAAAABNU/P1cCXPb58zI/s640/P1000661%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluffy Cheesecake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Mid-flight snack and breakfast are also served after an appropriate interval.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CBpZ7vpCZk/T6637f0dI7I/AAAAAAAABNc/6eS7Wfl7uc4/s1600/P1000667%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CBpZ7vpCZk/T6637f0dI7I/AAAAAAAABNc/6eS7Wfl7uc4/s640/P1000667%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Seasonal Fruit Plate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj0uICZ1hCQ/T6639fqK9zI/AAAAAAAABNk/-nl7PpOUPbc/s1600/P1000668%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj0uICZ1hCQ/T6639fqK9zI/AAAAAAAABNk/-nl7PpOUPbc/s640/P1000668%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Chicken with Pepper Jack Cheese on Country Roll.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">When I got up in the middle of the flight to change my infant's diaper, I was half expecting a line of people outside the aircraft lavatory. But not a single soul was waiting and I was immediately assisted inside a roomy toilet with a wall-mounted diaper changing station. There's even a hydrating facial spritz, facial wash and a moisturizing skin lotion which I have never seen inside the less spacious lavatories in Economy Class. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The rest of the flight breezed through comfortably. Without my usual vertigo attack, I was able to enjoy a couple of movies, catch up on some much needed sleep and tend to my baby who surprisingly enjoyed the flight as much as we did. He didn't complain a single bit even during the times he was fully awake. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iihMFPcKjuA/T6622-I1fyI/AAAAAAAABM0/1e1OpF1X0mQ/s1600/P1000654%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iihMFPcKjuA/T6622-I1fyI/AAAAAAAABM0/1e1OpF1X0mQ/s640/P1000654%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">After our plane landed in Hong Kong, I didn't even have to get up and fight my way over to the center aisle in order to retrieve my baggage from the overhead bin. A friendly steward assisted us and made sure we were able to alight comfortably with our complete belongings. </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">T</span><span style="line-height: 16px;">his is my first time to fly with a baby and immediately my standards have already been set so high.:) In fact, I usually leave a plane with a sigh of relief, but not this time. I was actually a little bit disappointed that our 19 hours in the lap of luxury flew </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">by so fast.:) </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>THE WING, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>(Cathay Pacific's Premium Airport Lounge)</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;">While waiting for our flight to Manila, we decided to relax in comfort at The Wing, Cathay Pacific's flagship lounge. The Wing offers luxurious facilities to give First Class and Business Class passengers a secluded getaway from the bustle of a busy airport. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHOEHeuNYfM/T664MR0PT2I/AAAAAAAABNs/r1Ox8qvBZzg/s1600/P1000680%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHOEHeuNYfM/T664MR0PT2I/AAAAAAAABNs/r1Ox8qvBZzg/s640/P1000680%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The plush interior design gives the lounge a trendy hotel appeal. The nice seating areas provide a pleasant relief for tired travelers. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApE5CilGvuI/T664asDsC_I/AAAAAAAABN0/rzypUW4Qdo0/s1600/P1000676%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApE5CilGvuI/T664asDsC_I/AAAAAAAABN0/rzypUW4Qdo0/s640/P1000676%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">It also showcases fully-equipped business and entertainment facilities with high speed Internet access, several IT stations and a huge selection of gaming consoles, viewing areas with large Plasma televisions and a wide collection of international magazines.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Y5imZfGqM/T664jMVrddI/AAAAAAAABN8/uQGPRWxpPCY/s1600/P1000686%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4Y5imZfGqM/T664jMVrddI/AAAAAAAABN8/uQGPRWxpPCY/s640/P1000686%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Video Gaming Stations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;">There are also private shower cabanas where weary passengers can wash away their stresses with a quick shower. I would have loved to try this one if only I wasn't carrying a baby.:) </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIsRfKH6qXo/T664s2pPY_I/AAAAAAAABOE/hyMPhiNx8Aw/s1600/P1000685%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIsRfKH6qXo/T664s2pPY_I/AAAAAAAABOE/hyMPhiNx8Aw/s640/P1000685%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">Complimentary food and drinks are served throughout the day. There's a Noodle Bar where guests can enjoy hot noodle dishes and dim sum. Another bar also dishes up snacks and offers a wide array of beverages.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQpLgzp8scU/T6640Kw2guI/AAAAAAAABOM/gb-tvTq1K1E/s1600/P1000683%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQpLgzp8scU/T6640Kw2guI/AAAAAAAABOM/gb-tvTq1K1E/s640/P1000683%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-s1-_1sKFk/T6642f3RtHI/AAAAAAAABOU/IRQ-U5i7HJQ/s1600/P1000684%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-s1-_1sKFk/T6642f3RtHI/AAAAAAAABOU/IRQ-U5i7HJQ/s640/P1000684%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The convenience of staying in this exclusive lounge made our 4 hours wait time between flights such a delightful treat. From the coziness of Business Class, this place certainly completes our VIP experience all the way.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>CATHAY PACIFIC</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b>(Hong Kong-Manila)</b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;">The first thing I noticed was that the seats were a far cry from the more comfortable and high tech seats in the luxurious Business Class of United Airlines. But since this is just a 1-hour flight, I wasn't really expecting the same kind of oozing extravagance that we relished on our earlier trip. The seats, though not fully adjustable, still offer </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">the maximum comfort of a larger space </span><span style="line-height: 16px;">and a remarkable leg room.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IQVdKR34Bs/T665BSC7q5I/AAAAAAAABOc/cRM0fIshdXs/s1600/P1000700%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0IQVdKR34Bs/T665BSC7q5I/AAAAAAAABOc/cRM0fIshdXs/s640/P1000700%23.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;">This time, our baby was provided with a real bassinet that was mounted on the wall since we were seated in the front row. This made a huge difference and allowed me to enjoy our meal with more gusto. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Vrbc4OAEM/T665IW8LBiI/AAAAAAAABOk/3ZHqmpjyibk/s1600/P1000693%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Vrbc4OAEM/T665IW8LBiI/AAAAAAAABOk/3ZHqmpjyibk/s640/P1000693%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OogmKFyN8H4/T665OMMLHCI/AAAAAAAABOs/qXEMs1ffJvI/s1600/P1000691%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OogmKFyN8H4/T665OMMLHCI/AAAAAAAABOs/qXEMs1ffJvI/s640/P1000691%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby, looking snug and perfectly cozy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;">I was a little surprised when we were served a full course meal during this very short flight. The high quality food presented on "real" dinner plates and crystal glasses filled with sparkling champagne and specialty cocktails rounded off this 5-star experience very nicely.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xvKl0DdSzg/T665aF4sNbI/AAAAAAAABO0/zh83ebV_y9o/s1600/P1000690%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xvKl0DdSzg/T665aF4sNbI/AAAAAAAABO0/zh83ebV_y9o/s640/P1000690%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn-vjZqv5Zs/T665cZQKvJI/AAAAAAAABO8/G4oUEeycPYQ/s1600/P1000694%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn-vjZqv5Zs/T665cZQKvJI/AAAAAAAABO8/G4oUEeycPYQ/s640/P1000694%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Curry with Potatoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLHndQKyt1Y/T665e-SwCMI/AAAAAAAABPE/2-u4aOYwiKU/s1600/P1000695%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLHndQKyt1Y/T665e-SwCMI/AAAAAAAABPE/2-u4aOYwiKU/s640/P1000695%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meat Lasagna.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GnolocWU9s/T665g1QkPYI/AAAAAAAABPM/ugJxlf8_PNs/s1600/P1000696%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8GnolocWU9s/T665g1QkPYI/AAAAAAAABPM/ugJxlf8_PNs/s640/P1000696%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;">It's noteworthy to mention that the Business Class of United Airlines was quite full that day. And here I thought less than 20% of people fly First Class or Business Class.:) I wonder how many of them flew Business Class all their lives and didn't realize how exceptional their accommodations are compared to the majority who are in coach. But my biggest question is, how many of them are just like me? Flying in style for the first time and enjoying every single bit of comfort with a deeper level of appreciation and excitement than I could ever have imagined.:)</span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXX5hAoovG4/T665v0VW5uI/AAAAAAAABPU/bH4rfAGIKHg/s1600/P1000698%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXX5hAoovG4/T665v0VW5uI/AAAAAAAABPU/bH4rfAGIKHg/s640/P1000698%23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://united.com/web/en-US/default.aspx">United Airlines</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_INTL/homepage">Cathay Pacific </a><br />
<a href="http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_BH/atairport/hklounge_wing">The Wing, Cathay Pacific's Premium Lounge</a><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-7725518220889709802012-04-30T20:03:00.000+08:002012-06-03T23:03:33.103+08:00Riding the Breeze: Mother's Day 2012 Giveaway<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tinos; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">CONGRATULATIONS, <b>VINTAGEKAWAII ONLINESHOP</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tinos; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">You just won a </span><span style="text-align: center;">Travel Size Pevonia Botanica Ligne Nymphea Preserve Body Moisturizer and The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Butter. All worth around Php 1200.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tinos; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I will be sending you an e-mail shortly to ask for your contact details. I will be shipping your prizes next week. To those who did not win, thank you for your support! There will be more giveaways in the future. So stay put and keep on reading!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whew! 11,000 Page Views! We just reached another milestone. Cheers! And as my thank you, here's another giveaway just in time for Mother's Day. </span></span><br />
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This contest is only open to my Philippine readers. There will only be 1 winner, which will be determined via a random drawing and will be announced here on June 4, 2012. The prize will be sent via courier. Here's what's at stake:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFBaCppbEYA/T5EafsbHIjI/AAAAAAAAA0g/nrfCeIehF4E/s1600/DSC_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFBaCppbEYA/T5EafsbHIjI/AAAAAAAAA0g/nrfCeIehF4E/s320/DSC_9495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel Size Pevonia Botanica Ligne Nymphea Preserve Body Moisturizer and The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Butter. All worth around Php 1200.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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All you have to do is follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below. Super easy! Don't forget to check out the extra things you can do to increase your odds of winning. Good luck! The contest starts now! <br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-24153394375455945052012-04-30T15:14:00.001+08:002013-04-14T05:39:25.962+08:00The Kingdom Club Lounge of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel<span style="text-align: left;">Situated on the 7th floor of the <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/06/hong-kong-disneyland-hotel.html">Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a> is the Kingdom Club Lounge. An exclusive room which provides concierge assistance and serves complimentary breakfast and snacks for guests staying at the Kingdom Club Rooms, Kingdom Club Suites and the hotel's two </span><a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/05/roy-o-disney-suite-hong-kong-disneyland.html" style="text-align: left;">Presidential Suites</a><span style="text-align: left;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlbthPai9MI/T54wpPvPzyI/AAAAAAAABH8/tjiRZCmnbVs/s1600/z6%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlbthPai9MI/T54wpPvPzyI/AAAAAAAABH8/tjiRZCmnbVs/s320/z6%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the lounge, I was immediately briefed about the lovely inclusions that we will receive during our 3-day stay. Guests staying at the executive floors are showered with exclusive offerings to make their stay extra-magical. Here are the numerous perks we enjoyed: </div>
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<b>*24-hour concierge service</b>
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<b>*Free WiFi internet access at the lounge.</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP8T0_EWBsg/T54wgbbBONI/AAAAAAAABH0/YwaHcRdiwbY/s1600/z40%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LP8T0_EWBsg/T54wgbbBONI/AAAAAAAABH0/YwaHcRdiwbY/s320/z40%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>*Complimentary Breakfast</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm9jIbN7Ddc/T54zdvFk1LI/AAAAAAAABJE/BBsHBnHds_U/s1600/z18%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm9jIbN7Ddc/T54zdvFk1LI/AAAAAAAABJE/BBsHBnHds_U/s320/z18%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breads and pastries.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4RUpipyrHo/T54w7P2XYBI/AAAAAAAABIM/86JPwvctblk/s1600/z19%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4RUpipyrHo/T54w7P2XYBI/AAAAAAAABIM/86JPwvctblk/s320/z19%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearty American breakfast.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rprv-Y_9RTc/T54w9Vuj8dI/AAAAAAAABIU/AMBbAcEC5MY/s1600/z20%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rprv-Y_9RTc/T54w9Vuj8dI/AAAAAAAABIU/AMBbAcEC5MY/s320/z20%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey-shaped waffles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5VSJexDnk1A/T54w_i3K9aI/AAAAAAAABIc/nYyWnuQCmgs/s1600/z21%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5VSJexDnk1A/T54w_i3K9aI/AAAAAAAABIc/nYyWnuQCmgs/s320/z21%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold cuts and cheese.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qyn01wpLG8w/T54xBU1IQdI/AAAAAAAABIk/MLrkawb8h9E/s1600/z22%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qyn01wpLG8w/T54xBU1IQdI/AAAAAAAABIk/MLrkawb8h9E/s320/z22%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salads and fruit juices.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dynltYhVJsE/T54yqYCbrWI/AAAAAAAABI8/pCHm9Oe8T0w/s1600/z23%23%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dynltYhVJsE/T54yqYCbrWI/AAAAAAAABI8/pCHm9Oe8T0w/s320/z23%23%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yogurt and healthy grains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwKz9Lgnfzg/T54xFFJh9iI/AAAAAAAABI0/fVWlPYmYSWY/s1600/z24%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwKz9Lgnfzg/T54xFFJh9iI/AAAAAAAABI0/fVWlPYmYSWY/s320/z24%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot drinks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>*Free flow snack until 10:00pm</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmxuPIdHnDE/T54z-Wn5aRI/AAAAAAAABJM/sn-CE5_IwVw/s1600/z2%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmxuPIdHnDE/T54z-Wn5aRI/AAAAAAAABJM/sn-CE5_IwVw/s320/z2%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiche and other finger foods.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qo2k6QessQM/T540Auw5W0I/AAAAAAAABJU/oS3UEJYGJzs/s1600/z3%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qo2k6QessQM/T540Auw5W0I/AAAAAAAABJU/oS3UEJYGJzs/s320/z3%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey-shaped cookies and other sweets.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2rURyJ5KI4/T540CcpRVRI/AAAAAAAABJc/S6wSb-sWDHQ/s1600/z4%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2rURyJ5KI4/T540CcpRVRI/AAAAAAAABJc/S6wSb-sWDHQ/s320/z4%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fruits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hR1_oaWtk5E/T540EjSFmBI/AAAAAAAABJk/rk_Niq7zPpk/s1600/z5%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hR1_oaWtk5E/T540EjSFmBI/AAAAAAAABJk/rk_Niq7zPpk/s320/z5%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candies for the kids and the kids at heart.:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>*Sunset Hours - From 6:00-8:00 pm, scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and desserts are served at the lounge with complimentary wine and beer.</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2bdILyi1sM/T544YulGHLI/AAAAAAAABLA/KD_snQ1ELw4/s1600/z30%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2bdILyi1sM/T544YulGHLI/AAAAAAAABLA/KD_snQ1ELw4/s320/z30%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening cocktails.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuwsyY81ZdU/T542nBVfJxI/AAAAAAAABJw/yh0fHDgocyA/s1600/z10%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuwsyY81ZdU/T542nBVfJxI/AAAAAAAABJw/yh0fHDgocyA/s320/z10%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed Salmon with Orange Sabayo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Hn8x0r424/T542ospHCNI/AAAAAAAABJ4/0VKtycSzj4A/s1600/z11%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7Hn8x0r424/T542ospHCNI/AAAAAAAABJ4/0VKtycSzj4A/s320/z11%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spinach Ricotta Cheese Ravioli with Cream Sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdSDGYyhjFE/T543lghvt7I/AAAAAAAABK4/g5Hn8v9wu7Y/s1600/z9%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdSDGYyhjFE/T543lghvt7I/AAAAAAAABK4/g5Hn8v9wu7Y/s320/z9%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled Beef Nuggets with Barbecue Sauce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FuIP2MMY3I/T542sR803II/AAAAAAAABKI/MsD76MBHEC8/s1600/z31%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3FuIP2MMY3I/T542sR803II/AAAAAAAABKI/MsD76MBHEC8/s320/z31%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Minced Sauce Stuffed in Cannelloni.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtC-7rCikBI/T543Vo8KYzI/AAAAAAAABKw/-uRCA5bcuC4/s1600/z8%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EtC-7rCikBI/T543Vo8KYzI/AAAAAAAABKw/-uRCA5bcuC4/s320/z8%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert spread.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GXFcyGNJag/T542uO91QMI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Eb4HoYA9gi4/s1600/z32%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GXFcyGNJag/T542uO91QMI/AAAAAAAABKQ/Eb4HoYA9gi4/s320/z32%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fruit and cheese platter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHIWmMRGmXg/T542vz7ZXtI/AAAAAAAABKY/_O-ytffkp5g/s1600/z33%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHIWmMRGmXg/T542vz7ZXtI/AAAAAAAABKY/_O-ytffkp5g/s320/z33%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I live for this!:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>*Priority passes to a couple of theme park attractions which I totally enjoyed. Not having to go through long queues saved us a lot of time.</b></span></div>
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<b>*Special activity for the kids. The highlight of which is a bedtime reading which ends with a photo session with no less than Mickey Mouse himself, in his pajamas. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a hold of Mickey inside the theme park?:) We're talking about a long line with eager fans who will only get one or two shots with their beloved Mickey. Here at the lounge, we even got the chance to chat with MM. Not that the mascot particularly spoke a word to us.:)</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A kiss from Mickey.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey Mouse in pajamas.</td></tr>
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<b>*A dedicated balcony where we were able to watch the Disney in the Stars fireworks display from the hotel. It's a different experience, but it didn't come close to the magic of watching it from right in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle inside the theme park.</b></div>
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<b>*Excellent and attentive service from the super friendly Kingdom Club Hosts and Hostesses. They're always on hand to provide our every need and to ensure that our visit was truly memorable.</b></div>
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<b>*Express Checkout.</b></div>
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The exceptional level of service provided at the Kingdom Club Lounge is exactly the perfect complement to a wonderful magical vacation that only Disney can offer.</div>
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<a href="http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/hotels/landing?name=HongKongDisneylandHotelLandingPage">Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a></div>
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Lantau Island</div>
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Hong Kong</div>
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Hotel Reservations Number:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>852 1-830-830</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Related Articles:</span></div>
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<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/05/roy-o-disney-suite-hong-kong-disneyland.html">Roy O. Disney Suite, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a></div>
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<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/06/hong-kong-disneyland-hotel.html" style="text-align: justify;">Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-51552938536433090472012-04-30T13:14:00.000+08:002012-05-05T01:27:10.226+08:00Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
I fell in love the first time I saw the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. It exudes the old-fashioned elegance and grandeur of 19th century England and yet it manages to appear magnificent without looking imposing. It's designed to look like a fairy tale castle that brings to mind childhood memories of a princess dollhouse that I used to have.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buses like this transport hotel guests to and from the Disneyland theme park.</td></tr>
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As soon as I stepped into the main lobby at the 3rd Floor, I became mesmerized with the giant chandelier hanging over the lounge, its beautiful crystals shimmering in the light. This beautiful ceiling centerpiece provides exquisite lighting and creates a romantic setting which gives the entrance hall a spellbinding appeal.</div>
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Just near the entrance is the Kingdom Gifts where you can find a wide range of Disney merchandise to take home as a keepsake of your magical stay.</div>
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The busy check-in counter at the lobby.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The standard check-in time is 3:00pm.</span>
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Just beside the elegant reception area, the Grand Salon boasts a glorious view of the Mickey Maze as its backdrop. Here, they serve high tea and evening cocktails while an expert pianist serenades guests with wonderful music. </div>
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During mornings, a combination of Chinese and western breakfast buffet is set up here for hotel guests.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese dumplings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot congee.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More dim sum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An assortment of English pastries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh fruits and yogurt.</td></tr>
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The Grand Salon extends through what looks like a drawing room called the Sorcerer's Lounge. This is where we had our breakfast on the last day of our stay.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese breakfast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course! I just got to have some good omelette and hash browns too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great cup of decadent hot chocolate always makes my day.</td></tr>
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During breakfast, Cast Members dressed as Disney Princesses pose with eager guests for a souvenir photo at the lobby.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Cinderella.</td></tr>
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Directly outside the Grand Salon, down below the majestic stairway, is the amazing hedge maze in the shape of Mickey Mouse. With stunning views of the South China Sea, guests can take their pictures here with the vintage Victorian elegance of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel in the background.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo taken during our stay here in November, 2006. Memories!</td></tr>
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A heart-shaped topiary sculpture can be found just beside the Mickey Maze.</div>
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Down on the first level, near the elevator, is the Prince Eric Activities Room where kids can live up their fantasies for a day and be dressed up and styled into their favorite Disney Princesses. I was actually disappointed that they don't offer this service for adults. I would have jumped right in if they did.:)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hotel's Victorian wall murals add a distinctive touch to the structure's old-fashioned charm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Prince Eric Activities Room.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I thought I could be Sleeping Beauty even for just a day. Lucky kids!:)</td></tr>
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Located in the east wing, the huge Victorian indoor pool is perfect for an invigorating swim.</div>
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There's also another swimming pool right outside for those who prefer to soak up the sun.</div>
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Adjacent to the indoor pool is the Victorian Spa. Hotel guests get instant access to the spa's wet floor area.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steam bath and sauna.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacuzzi pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower area.</td></tr>
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The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is the perfect refuge after a whole day at the Disneyland theme park. I have been to several hotels and resorts but I can honestly say that not one can compare to the absolute magic of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/05/roy-o-disney-suite-hong-kong-disneyland.html">staying in this whimsical castle</a> built inside a wonderland.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It couldn't get any magical than this!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/hotels/landing?name=HongKongDisneylandHotelLandingPage">Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a>
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Lantau Island</div>
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Hong Kong</div>
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Hotel Reservations Number:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>852 1-830-830</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Related Articles:</span></div>
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<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2011/05/roy-o-disney-suite-hong-kong-disneyland.html">Roy O. Disney Suite, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a>
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<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/kingdom-club-lounge-of-hong-kong.html" style="text-align: justify;">The Kingdom Club Lounge of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel</a>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-9464308752208392172012-04-30T02:04:00.001+08:002012-09-26T07:15:20.348+08:00New7Wonders of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River<br />
The first time I heard about the Puerto Princesa Underground River was when it started vying for a spot as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. I have never been to Palawan before our trip this year. But I have long been hearing about the famous El Nido and its limestone rock formations which probably overshadowed this subterranean marvel...but not for long.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A customized 5x7 souvenir photo which you can buy at the Underground River's photo booth for Php 300.</td></tr>
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There's no doubt that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is destined to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. This wonderful waterway, which has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an undeniable national treasure. With an underground river stretching out over five miles, that winds through a cave of beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, this amazing phenomenon of nature definitely entices tourists from all over the globe to experience its unfathomable beauty.<br />
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I have to admit that I had been a little reluctant about this tour because I have heard so many stories about how the life vests and the hard hats (which tourists have to use) smell, how dripping water from the roof of the cave could turn out to be fruit bat excrement and how it's so dark inside the narrow underground river which could be quite a nightmare for a claustrophobe like me.<br />
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But my curiosity soon won me over and led me to an experience worthy to belong in the world-class league of natural wonders.<br />
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After staying overnight at a <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">resort in Sabang, Puerto Princesa</a>, we were able to acquire our <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/puerto-princesa-underground-river-tour.html">underground river tour reservation</a> as walk-in applicants.<br />
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The next day, we arrived early at the Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center for registration and to pay the necessary fees:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">1) Php 175 for adults and Php 100 for minors. Senior citizens and children ages 3-12 are exempted from this charge. But senior walk-in applicants are asked to pay a discounted rate of Php 100. Children 2 years old and under are not allowed to take the tour.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">2) </span><span style="background-color: white;">Php 700 for the motorized boat ride to the underground river. A single boat can carry around 6-8 persons.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests, in line, while applying for a tour permit. Some, if not most, are foreigners. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It took around 30 minutes for us to complete the entire registration process before we were assisted to a waiting boat at the dock. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The motorized boats at Sabang Port.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Within 15 minutes, we reached the other side of the beach where the underground river is. Make sure you wear waterproof shoes, slippers or boots as you will be unloaded on a sandy beach where waves are sure to get your feet wet. Take it from me, I ruined my favorite pair of shoes.:( </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upQlCm0g3vs/T516mUS9cnI/AAAAAAAAA_8/BKIj5T3pE9w/s1600/zz9%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upQlCm0g3vs/T516mUS9cnI/AAAAAAAAA_8/BKIj5T3pE9w/s320/zz9%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Other things to remember:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
a) If you have long hair, tie up your mane before the boat ride as strong winds will get your hair all over your face and ruin a picture perfect moment.<br />
b) Put on an anti-mosquito patch or use an insect repellent lotion. Although, we didn't encounter a single bug or mosquito that day, it's always better to be safe than sorry.<br />
c) A bottle of water will come in handy especially if your tour schedule falls around the time when the sun's rays are strongest.<br />
d) Bring a flashlight. You will need it inside the cave to get a clearer look at the beautiful rock formations.<br />
e) Lastly, don't forget your cameras. Photos and memories are the best souvenirs.:)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpBPhv2SiZk/T516wdahBjI/AAAAAAAABAE/NWiA4bQ4nd0/s1600/zz99%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cpBPhv2SiZk/T516wdahBjI/AAAAAAAABAE/NWiA4bQ4nd0/s320/zz99%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After signing the registration list, we were asked to put on life vests which definitely didn't smell like flowers.:) We were then asked to put on hard hats which smelled even worse than the vests.:) No matter what, just remind yourself that this is only a small price to pay to experience an amazing feat of nature.:)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4jOeoc9t40/T51633M9pLI/AAAAAAAABAM/Kykul6mjg_4/s1600/zz999%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4jOeoc9t40/T51633M9pLI/AAAAAAAABAM/Kykul6mjg_4/s320/zz999%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0m8nPBIF_vQ/T5165eFc2YI/AAAAAAAABAU/7Y4v0UX7jHY/s1600/zz9999%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0m8nPBIF_vQ/T5165eFc2YI/AAAAAAAABAU/7Y4v0UX7jHY/s320/zz9999%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute monkey, nibbling on a banana, is the lone forest inhabitant who welcomed us that day.</td></tr>
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When we reached the river, we had to wait around 20 minutes before a paddle boat fetched us for the underground river tour. The boat has a capacity of 9 people, including our boatman/tour guide.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04UeGWx2to0/T517GQT2CXI/AAAAAAAABAc/3LXsJsn8K68/s1600/zzz9%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04UeGWx2to0/T517GQT2CXI/AAAAAAAABAc/3LXsJsn8K68/s320/zzz9%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While waiting for our paddle boat, we took the opportunity to capture images of ourselves beside nature's beautiful work-of-art.</td></tr>
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Before you scroll down any further, I should warn readers who want to avoid spoilers for I will be posting photos from inside the cave. However, I guarantee you that even though my husband has a knack for taking good pictures, a photo just won't do the raw natural beauty we have seen any justice.:)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wADHdcAmawM/T517QYkvQeI/AAAAAAAABAk/UiV-z490DcU/s1600/zzzzz1%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wADHdcAmawM/T517QYkvQeI/AAAAAAAABAk/UiV-z490DcU/s320/zzzzz1%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white markings at the entrance of the cave was placed there by explorers who first visited this previously untouched subterranean chamber.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWti0sAwtdA/T517RS2pIYI/AAAAAAAABAs/TFpsNrNhvQ0/s1600/zzzzz2%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWti0sAwtdA/T517RS2pIYI/AAAAAAAABAs/TFpsNrNhvQ0/s320/zzzzz2%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puerto Princesa Underground River was first discovered by a local tribe inhabiting the area, who was said to have been afraid to enter the cavern for fear of bad spirits that they believe lurk inside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ4GoGMRx2Y/T517S5w26RI/AAAAAAAABA0/ln8x6ZgV-zU/s1600/zzzzz3%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ4GoGMRx2Y/T517S5w26RI/AAAAAAAABA0/ln8x6ZgV-zU/s320/zzzzz3%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8T0k_vZ3uzA/T517UJYjWjI/AAAAAAAABA8/7vJ2MD5VX3A/s1600/zzzzz4%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8T0k_vZ3uzA/T517UJYjWjI/AAAAAAAABA8/7vJ2MD5VX3A/s320/zzzzz4%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The giant candle stalagmite formation (mineral deposits rising up from the floor of a cavern) serves as the highlight of the cave's cathedral section, the height of which can be compared to a three-storey building.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHDpvLQHQtw/T517VV95m6I/AAAAAAAABBE/yuluiybnVH4/s1600/zzzzz5%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHDpvLQHQtw/T517VV95m6I/AAAAAAAABBE/yuluiybnVH4/s320/zzzzz5%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stalactite formations (minerals hanging from the ceiling of limestone caves formed by dripping water).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwYTwz03kTE/T517XHjTGNI/AAAAAAAABBM/DnU7ttiQles/s1600/zzzzz6%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwYTwz03kTE/T517XHjTGNI/AAAAAAAABBM/DnU7ttiQles/s320/zzzzz6%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny fruit bats, deep in slumber, at the cave's ceiling. They sleep during the day and will wake up in the darkness of night to hunt for food. We were warned repeatedly by our tour guide not to open our mouths for some bat excrement cocktail.:)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nu_-e6K4leY/T517YZ7ToUI/AAAAAAAABBU/Omvmr0SMUlA/s1600/zzzzz7%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nu_-e6K4leY/T517YZ7ToUI/AAAAAAAABBU/Omvmr0SMUlA/s320/zzzzz7%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vegetable-shaped stalactite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EYQqnne2IE/T517Za5NTxI/AAAAAAAABBc/q-H6ud5Y_pc/s1600/zzzzz8%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--EYQqnne2IE/T517Za5NTxI/AAAAAAAABBc/q-H6ud5Y_pc/s320/zzzzz8%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puerto Princesa Underground River management chose the use of paddle boats which pose no threat to the cave's natural habitat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB-N6f02nB0/T517a5mW1LI/AAAAAAAABBk/B-nVDB9BLgk/s1600/zzzzz9%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB-N6f02nB0/T517a5mW1LI/AAAAAAAABBk/B-nVDB9BLgk/s320/zzzzz9%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exiting the cave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6_RFESnBzs/T517y0UFk8I/AAAAAAAABB0/xIuETXtqAyw/s1600/zzzz10%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6_RFESnBzs/T517y0UFk8I/AAAAAAAABB0/xIuETXtqAyw/s320/zzzz10%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The genuine expression of awe in our faces after the 1.5km tour which lasted for 40 minutes.<br />
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It's interesting to note that our boatman, who is probably a local, is impressively well-versed in the facets and aspects of the underground cave. He talks in straight and impeccable English and is clearly enjoying his job as a tour guide. That's why, even if it isn't required, you will definitely feel like giving him a generous tip. After all, a wonderful tour will never be complete if your tour guide fails to deliver.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA8oykYDmj8/T517tAgjbKI/AAAAAAAABBs/FMcEZjoSaPI/s1600/zzzzz10%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA8oykYDmj8/T517tAgjbKI/AAAAAAAABBs/FMcEZjoSaPI/s320/zzzzz10%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our boatman/tour guide.</td></tr>
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Before I end this article, let me just mention how I truly applaud the city government of Puerto Princesa for not exploiting this natural wonder. I know that they can earn more money by allowing every single tourist into the cave. Instead, they imposed a limit of only 780 tourists/day to ensure the preservation of this site for many more years to come. The Php 175 per person rate is also a really cheap price to pay for the entire experience. It would also be very easy to just set a high fee which foreign tourists surely can afford. But rather than doing that, they kept the fee very reasonable to give Filipinos an equal chance to get to know the Puerto Princesa Underground River and feel the pride of having such a world-class treasure in our very midst.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqFsNAFb9Ns/T5177T3rGgI/AAAAAAAABB8/qQl8ry_6jh0/s1600/zzz99%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqFsNAFb9Ns/T5177T3rGgI/AAAAAAAABB8/qQl8ry_6jh0/s320/zzz99%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the world's New7Wonders of Nature.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/">Puerto Princesa Underground River</a><br />
Puerto Princesa City<br />
Puerto Princesa 5300, Philippines<br />
Telephone Numbers: +63(48) 4342509<br />
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Related Articles:<br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">Sheridan Beach Resort, a disappointment in Palawan</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/puerto-princesa-underground-river-tour.html?utm_source=BP_recent" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour Permit</a>
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-74577440406707747012012-04-29T09:49:00.001+08:002012-06-05T19:26:21.756+08:00Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour PermitGarnering even more votes than the Galapagos Islands, the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon (which I seriously think should have made the list), the Puerto Princesa Underground River was instantly catapulted into the limelight as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Suddenly, not only Filipinos but people from all over the world want to be awed by the beauty of this hidden subterranean gem.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcZiSeoiBJg/T5yZjl19_fI/AAAAAAAAA-I/_c0zub_5a08/s1600/zzz+(2)%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcZiSeoiBJg/T5yZjl19_fI/AAAAAAAAA-I/_c0zub_5a08/s320/zzz+(2)%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This increasing popularity led the local government to limit the number of visitors to 780 persons/day to prevent environmental damage to this natural sanctuary. Even so, the Puerto Princesa Underground River Authority wasn't prepared and was obviously overwhelmed by the huge influx of tourists in the town of <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">Sabang</a>. Due to this, tour permits to the underground river became as hard to come by as a travel visa. It had to be arranged months before and for most tourists, this is just not possible. Furthermore, foreign visitors and even Filipino tourists are extremely unaware of this "NO PERMIT, NO ENTRY POLICY", as well as the hard process that applying for a permit entails. I can just imagine how many tourists arrived and left Puerto Princesa without seeing what they came for. And this almost happened to us if not for sheer luck and my husband's perseverance.:) I will discuss this <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">option</a> last as there is no guarantee for "walk-in" applicants. It all depends on the fixed daily quota of walk-in visitors being administered per resort.<br />
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When I tried to check the <a href="http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/management/booking-schedule/">Puerto Princesa Underground River Booking Schedule</a> for available slots, I found out that the months of April, May and June are almost if not fully booked. Which means that you could be put on the wait list for around 3 months. So, in order to save yourself from the terrible disappointment of not being able to get tour permits to the underground river, <b><a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">YOU MUST APPLY FOR YOUR TOUR PERMITS MONTHS IN ADVANCE! </a></b><br />
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You have three options:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">OPTION A-</span></b><br />
Get the services of a travel agency, they can surely arrange an underground river tour package for you. Still, it would take time as current slots have already been filled by earlier applications. So, do plan your trip in advance. On the other hand, I heard that some well-connected tour operators can get you an earlier schedule. If you know what I mean.:)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">OPTION B-</span></b><br />
If you are going without the assistance of a travel agent, it's only possible to secure a permit in advance if you know someone in Puerto Princesa who would be willing to apply for it on your behalf. Here's how:<br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 1-</b>Ask your friend to proceed to the <a href="http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/">Puerto Princesa City Underground River</a> Booking Office which is around two minutes away from the airport. Tricycle fare from the airport is Php 8/pax.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Here's the address and contact details:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">No. 350 Rizal Avenue</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Bgy. Bancao-bancao, Puerto Princesa City 5300</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Telephone Numbers: +63(48) 4342509</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 2-</b>Fill out the application form and make sure to indicate accurate information as the policy dictates that this permit is non-transferable. Your representative will also be asked to present both of your valid identification cards (IDs) together with your authorization letter.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 3-</b>Settle the Underground River Tour fee which is Php 175 for adults and Php 100 for minors. Senior citizens and children ages 3-12 are exempted from this charge. Children 2 years old and under are not allowed to take the tour.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 4-</b>Make sure you arrive at Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center in Bgy. Cabayugan 1 hour prior to your tour schedule for registration. Failure to do so may deem your booking cancelled. You may contact them at: +63(48) 7230904.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">A 1.5-hour local jeepney or air-conditioned shuttle van ride to Sabang Port costs around Php 120-200/pax from the San Jose Terminal which is around 10 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa city proper.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 5-</b>You will need to pay an additional Php 700 for the motorized boat ride to the underground river. A single boat can carry around 6-8 persons.
</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">OPTION C-</span></b><br />
If you find yourself reading this article while already checked in at a Sabang resort (like what <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">happened to us</a>) or if you have already booked air tickets for your Palawan holiday before finding out that underground river tour permits aren't that easy to secure, here's one last option for you as a walk-in applicant.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 1</b>-Make sure to stay at a hotel located in Sabang, not in downtown Puerto Princesa. One of the requirements is a certification from your respective Sabang resorts that you have stayed with them at least overnight.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 2-</b>Go to the Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center and check for available slots. Only the 8am slot is set aside for walk-in applicants. Reservation for slots will only be entertained from 2pm until all slots are filled. You may choose to arrive early to be the first one in queue. Please note that they only open 5 slots per Sabang resort daily. So, if you have more than 5 people in your group, this option might not work for you. Alternatively, if you are a group of two or more people, only one of you needs to make an appearance to make a reservation for the entire group. </span><span style="background-color: white;">You will be asked </span><span style="background-color: white;">to present your valid identification cards (IDs) together with a certification of your one-night stay from your hotel.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EDVHB6tpv0/T5yaKp-15II/AAAAAAAAA-Q/j1tP3L2Mc-8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EDVHB6tpv0/T5yaKp-15II/AAAAAAAAA-Q/j1tP3L2Mc-8/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sabang Port Tourist Assistance and Information Center.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTF0AoADgRk/T5yaNRXmMGI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/ngXB3U_3kQs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTF0AoADgRk/T5yaNRXmMGI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/ngXB3U_3kQs/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 3 (The day of the tour)-</b>Make sure to be there 30 minutes before your scheduled trip as you still need to fill out the tour permit application form. Make sure to indicate accurate information as the policy dictates that this permit is non-transferable. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qx66ggqSEno/T5yacg22LmI/AAAAAAAAA-g/gB7z3Yb70YI/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qx66ggqSEno/T5yacg22LmI/AAAAAAAAA-g/gB7z3Yb70YI/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests, in line, while applying for a tour permit. Some, if not most, are foreigners.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 4-</b>Settle the Underground River Tour fee which is Php 175 for adults and Php 100 for minors. Children 2 years old and under are not allowed to take the tour. I noticed that while senior citizens and children 3-12 years old can get this permit for free from the Puerto Princesa Booking Office, senior citizens are being charged a discounted rate of Php 100 here. I'm just not sure about the rate for children as we do not have one in our group.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>STEP 5-</b></span><span style="background-color: white;">You will need to pay an additional Php 700 for the motorized boat ride to the underground river. A single boat can carry around 6-8 persons. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTtpV7eVTYo/T5ya9HpwSjI/AAAAAAAAA-o/j09CWNDyl-c/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTtpV7eVTYo/T5ya9HpwSjI/AAAAAAAAA-o/j09CWNDyl-c/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dock where motorized boats to the underground river are waiting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tiIFpr-xE8/T5ya_UFlwgI/AAAAAAAAA-w/cXCEHI57sWM/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tiIFpr-xE8/T5ya_UFlwgI/AAAAAAAAA-w/cXCEHI57sWM/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early at the dock for our 8am tour schedule.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXH0UCgPQMg/T5ybGndwBkI/AAAAAAAAA-4/tYYwqptQaew/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXH0UCgPQMg/T5ybGndwBkI/AAAAAAAAA-4/tYYwqptQaew/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few moments before we boarded the boat that would take us to what is now, one of the Philippines' most popular tourist destinations.</td></tr>
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Going through all this trouble just to secure a permit might make even the most enthusiastic visitor lose his interest. But if you ask me why I even made it a point to write this informative article, you would know that your efforts will not be in vain. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is absolutely worth it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYhwycM_GP4/T5ycTzTRbEI/AAAAAAAAA_A/OvXGE8r9QlE/s1600/7%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYhwycM_GP4/T5ycTzTRbEI/AAAAAAAAA_A/OvXGE8r9QlE/s320/7%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A customized 5x7 souvenir photo which you can buy at the Underground River's photo booth for Php 300.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>UPDATE as of June 5, 2012:</b> Puerto Princesa, Palawan,
will be putting up an <b>ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM</b> for local and foreign tourists
visiting its Underground River </span></span><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">VERY SOON</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">amidst confusion and complaints over the city
government's restriction of access to the natural attraction.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/">Puerto Princesa Underground River</a><br />
Puerto Princesa City<br />
Puerto Princesa 5300, Philippines<br />
Telephone Numbers: +63(48) 4342509<br />
<br />
Related Articles:<br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/03/sheridan-beach-resort-disappointment-in.html">Sheridan Beach Resort, a disappointment in Palawan</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/new7wonders-of-nature-puerto-princesa.html">New7Wonders of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River</a><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-10404971714180793192012-04-24T14:31:00.008+08:002012-04-29T23:20:04.667+08:00Visiting Singapore: Marina Bay Sands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Before we ever made it to Singapore, I had been keeping a list of landmarks I want to visit when the moment arrives. And at the top of that list, just below The Merlion, is the triple-towered skyscraper that forever reshaped the Singapore skyline. The majestic structure, called the Marina Bay Sands, opened in June of 2010 and is one of the most opulent hotels in the world. It's also touted as the most expensive casino ever built.</span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nightly laser light show at the Marina Bay Sands.</td></tr>
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Upon arrival at the <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-singapore-airlines.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Singapore Changi Airport</a>, we immediately approached the Marina Bay Sands concierge service to inquire about our airport transfer. We were directed to the coach pick-up bay where the Marina Bay Sands' complimentary shuttle picks up hotel guests every 30 minutes.<br />
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The spacious bus has comfortable seats and large windows that offer tourists a wonderful view of the city.<br />
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It's definitely hard to miss the imposing towers of Marina Bay Sands with its reflective glass facades glimmering in the sunlight. The iconic structure is situated across the Singapore river, beside a giant observation wheel called the Singapore Flyer. <br />
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Within 20 minutes, we were dropped off at the basement of the Marina Bay Sands. Only a few hotel staff were on hand to assist arriving guests with their luggage. I had to pull one of ours behind me while carrying my son up the escalator to the hotel lobby.<br />
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The lobby of the hotel exhibits the same ingenuity that the towers' revolutionary structural design vividly projects.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIfPFQWu6og/T5YxAbl5noI/AAAAAAAAA3w/vZ7VWzfEhzw/s1600/DSC_4679%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIfPFQWu6og/T5YxAbl5noI/AAAAAAAAA3w/vZ7VWzfEhzw/s320/DSC_4679%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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The enormous lobby is adorned with an impressive geometrical piece that is suspended in the atrium. The unusual art form, which looked alien to me at first until I did a little research, is a "Drift" sculpture. This three dimensional drawing in space is a real eye-catcher that totally evokes curiosity and wonder.<br />
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There are several check-in counters but we still had to wait in line for a few minutes due to the immense number of guests. Sterling wine is offered for free on check in while, finally, a hotel porter tagged and took our luggage.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4yfvdnuTW8/T5YxK3gA_bI/AAAAAAAAA4A/n26yI3YLGkg/s1600/DSC_4685%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4yfvdnuTW8/T5YxK3gA_bI/AAAAAAAAA4A/n26yI3YLGkg/s320/DSC_4685%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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We arrived at our room on the 43rd Floor of the Marina Bay Sands Tower 3. We didn't even notice the luxurious space and the flashing welcome note on the flat screen TV before we dropped everything to go straight to our huge hotel room windows showcasing the panoramic view of Singapore's skyline.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZJc3mwaDPo/T5YxivtnBeI/AAAAAAAAA4I/OtqbFo-gR7U/s1600/DSC_4686%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZJc3mwaDPo/T5YxivtnBeI/AAAAAAAAA4I/OtqbFo-gR7U/s320/DSC_4686%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKUcVPYceXQ/T5YxkmCKHQI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/mn5CP5HOuQs/s1600/DSC_4688%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKUcVPYceXQ/T5YxkmCKHQI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/mn5CP5HOuQs/s320/DSC_4688%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A night's stay in a Deluxe Room with City View (rooms on the 19th floor and above of Tower 3) starts at 529 SGD (plus tax). Around Php 21000/night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1t5Uav4gf8/T5YxmwToI3I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MXDplHOUj6w/s1600/DSC_4703%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1t5Uav4gf8/T5YxmwToI3I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/MXDplHOUj6w/s320/DSC_4703%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jaw-dropping view from our room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7siuElg0Zmo/T5Y0kLAT_QI/AAAAAAAAA4g/mP4pypOZvS4/s1600/DSC_4701%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7siuElg0Zmo/T5Y0kLAT_QI/AAAAAAAAA4g/mP4pypOZvS4/s320/DSC_4701%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even my son was in awe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsQcZtahFS0/T5Y1ESXYLSI/AAAAAAAAA4o/T-gcbT1e284/s1600/DSC_4694%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsQcZtahFS0/T5Y1ESXYLSI/AAAAAAAAA4o/T-gcbT1e284/s320/DSC_4694%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This spacious 47-square meter room comes with complimentary airport transfers, access to Sands SkyPark and Banyan Tree Fitness Club and free high-speed internet access.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRw8qmDgacs/T5Y1Gv7YM7I/AAAAAAAAA4w/NibcyGCHEbM/s1600/DSC_4697%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRw8qmDgacs/T5Y1Gv7YM7I/AAAAAAAAA4w/NibcyGCHEbM/s320/DSC_4697%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h35eSzkn9pM/T5Y1MqWfgtI/AAAAAAAAA5I/r0cTC78ZjAE/s1600/DSC_4713%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h35eSzkn9pM/T5Y1MqWfgtI/AAAAAAAAA5I/r0cTC78ZjAE/s320/DSC_4713%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOv5vzkOLyU/T5Y1OkODy-I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/oCS8qfINUNY/s1600/DSC_4716%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EOv5vzkOLyU/T5Y1OkODy-I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/oCS8qfINUNY/s320/DSC_4716%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paiza bathroom amenities.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPO0aDsYEXk/T5Y1Qj1u0kI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/7PuXETUdLns/s1600/DSC_4729%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPO0aDsYEXk/T5Y1Qj1u0kI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/7PuXETUdLns/s320/DSC_4729%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how the soap was designed not to slip from your grip. Innovation in small things!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGkaXnPGCE/T5Y3Hr0svEI/AAAAAAAAA5g/FCCeZGKwmG0/s1600/DSC_4724%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DyGkaXnPGCE/T5Y3Hr0svEI/AAAAAAAAA5g/FCCeZGKwmG0/s320/DSC_4724%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crzcuCrl5Jw/T5Y3KNqdm7I/AAAAAAAAA5o/Z5r-u6VonYc/s1600/DSC_4725%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-crzcuCrl5Jw/T5Y3KNqdm7I/AAAAAAAAA5o/Z5r-u6VonYc/s320/DSC_4725%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Automatic Private Mini-Bar. Caution! You lift a single item, you automatically get charged.:) </td></tr>
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After our mini photo-op, we finally gave in to our hunger pangs and went straight to The Shoppes for lunch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzNiauFIpCc/T5ZF8QDaT_I/AAAAAAAAA9o/55-x1lueTNc/s1600/DSC_4746%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzNiauFIpCc/T5ZF8QDaT_I/AAAAAAAAA9o/55-x1lueTNc/s320/DSC_4746%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way to The Shoppes, we passed by the plush casino which is billed as the most expensive in the world.</td></tr>
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The Shoppes is a premiere retail center, with over 300 stores, conveniently located inside the Marina Bay Sands. <br />
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After our hearty lunch at the<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-rasapura-masters.html?utm_source=BP_recent"> Rasapura Masters food court</a>, we took our time exploring the spectacular mall. Exclusive luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, the Ferrari Store and Juicy Couture among others make this world-class shopping destination an essential stop for tourists.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Digital Mall Directory system.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My shopping motto: Only the Devil wears Prada. Angels like me should be perfectly content to just window shop.:) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ferrari Store. It's a little disappointing that we weren't allowed to take pictures inside the store.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhAQH6EOo3o/T5ZDjlXUQ3I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/daiIRgBvXY0/s1600/zz100%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OhAQH6EOo3o/T5ZDjlXUQ3I/AAAAAAAAA9Q/daiIRgBvXY0/s320/zz100%23.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ferrari fans didn't go home without a souvenir.:)</td></tr>
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There's also an abundance of French pastry shops that sell my all-time favorite dessert, French Macaroons. It took me three stores and several macaroons, however, to find the perfect level of chewiness and texture that I am looking for.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetspot at the Marina Bay Sands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TWG Tea Company sells their macaroons with a hint of tea flavor. (The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darcis (The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0XfDJ1ScC8/T5Y49HuE5_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/krsbe9MT8ao/s1600/DSC_4940%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0XfDJ1ScC8/T5Y49HuE5_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/krsbe9MT8ao/s320/DSC_4940%23.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, the best Macaron de Paris from Darcis.</td></tr>
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The mall is also brimming with attractions. Aside from the skating rink beside the food court, guests can take a relaxing Sampan ride which is reminiscent of our Italian gondola ride at The Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes in Las Vegas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our gondola ride at the Grand Canal Shoppes of The Venetian Las Vegas, December 2008.</td></tr>
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Just above the canal where the sampan boats glide is another iconic feature, the glass and acrylic "Rain Oculus". This strikingly unconventional work of art and engineering empties rainwater and channels it into a spiral pattern down the canal.<br />
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The waterfront promenade, where one can observe the whirlpool motion of the Oculus, also offers an unobstructed view of the city's financial district.<br />
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Back at the hotel, we decided to check out the famous SkyPark Observation Deck where one can enjoy a mesmerizing 360-degree view of Singapore. Perched atop the 55-storey Marina Bay Sands hotel towers, this platform also houses the world's longest elevated swimming pool.<br />
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The infinity pool stretches out for 150 meters and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, including Singapore's world-famous landmarks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of downtown Singapore from the vanishing edge pool of the SkyPark .</td></tr>
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Several Jacuzzi pools, long benches and deck chairs for sunbathing dot the poolside.<br />
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After our 3-day escapade to this leisure destination, I could only stare at our shopping loots, small mementos that will always give me a nostalgic feeling for the modern city with colossal skyscrapers and the cleanest surroundings I have ever seen. I will surely be saving for a second take on Singapore, a whole new adventure to explore another side of the Lion City that I have yet to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Singapore Sale. It truly is!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beside the Merlion, Singapore's famous icon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Marina Bay Sands from the Merlion Park.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/">Marina Bay Sands</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Shopping/The-Shoppes-By-Category/">The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10 Bayfront Avenue</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Singapore 018956</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hotel Reservations Mainline: +65 6688 8897<br />
<br />
Related Articles:<br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-singapore-airlines.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Visiting Singapore: Singapore Airlines & Singapore Flyer</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/makansutra-gluttons-bay.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Visiting Singapore: Makansutra Gluttons Bay</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-rasapura-masters.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Visiting Singapore: Rasapura Masters Food Court</a><br />
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3144179336830742154.post-91475930922458079842012-04-23T06:44:00.011+08:002012-09-24T06:37:50.919+08:00Visiting Singapore: Rasapura Masters Food CourtThe Rasapura Masters Food Court, located at Basement 2 of the The Shoppes at <a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-marina-bay-sands.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Marina Bay Sands</a>, offers a wide array of mouth-watering delicacies from Southeast Asia. There's even a Gerry's Grill, but we decided to skip the Filipino food to try the ethnic flavors of Singapore.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This high-end food court is at the Canal Level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, just beside the skating rink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvu4HeevfBM/T5R82kQFexI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/5YqrtoZSydg/s1600/DSC_4758%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvu4HeevfBM/T5R82kQFexI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/5YqrtoZSydg/s320/DSC_4758%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A branch of the Filipino restaurant, Gerry's Grill.</td></tr>
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The food center's luxurious setup lets customers watch while their food is being expertly prepared by cooks through the exposed kitchen behind the counter. This certainly fueled my already burgeoning appetite for Singapore's gastronomic delights.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIdQKjKsfVQ/T5R-JIMz4OI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/IiLa6RWmTMA/s1600/DSC_4755%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIdQKjKsfVQ/T5R-JIMz4OI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/IiLa6RWmTMA/s320/DSC_4755%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We ended up ordering mostly Chinese dishes, though.:) That's because many of the food we saw will not pass the standards of my son's picky taste buds. Especially the more spicy Indian and Malay cuisine.<br />
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Noodlestar's La Mian with Braised Beef which is basically just pieces of superbly tender and delectable beef floating with hand-made egg noodles in beef broth. This is definitely the best noodle soup I have tasted so far. And to think that I grew up living in a Chinese community. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhec_aSYzTM/T5R-cdbA2UI/AAAAAAAAA2g/hlDZfloO4sM/s1600/DSC_4762%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhec_aSYzTM/T5R-cdbA2UI/AAAAAAAAA2g/hlDZfloO4sM/s320/DSC_4762%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Mian with Braised Beef, 8 SGD (Php 280).</td></tr>
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We bought some dim sum as well to go with the hot soup. The real star is the Pork Dumplings. I have tried quite a lot of nice Pork Siew Mais (steamed meat dumplings) but this one takes home the prize. The size of the morsel which was more than twice that of a regular pork dumpling and its meaty goodness totally pleased my carnivorous palate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygt4r9bmros/T5R-pN4od-I/AAAAAAAAA2o/BrzqVL0LVnw/s1600/DSC_4763%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygt4r9bmros/T5R-pN4od-I/AAAAAAAAA2o/BrzqVL0LVnw/s320/DSC_4763%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prawn and Pork Dumplings, 4 SGD per order (Php 140).</td></tr>
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We also finally tried the Hainanese Chicken Rice, a classic Singaporean dish. We chose the roasted chicken over the steamed. The chicken alone is nothing special but combine it with the Hainanese (ginger) rice and the flavorful condiments and you've got yourself a real winner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtwCv6QPbOM/T5R-8F_TfyI/AAAAAAAAA2w/O3yiMwNlg24/s1600/DSC_4891%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtwCv6QPbOM/T5R-8F_TfyI/AAAAAAAAA2w/O3yiMwNlg24/s320/DSC_4891%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hainanese Chicken Rice, 8 SGD (Php 280). The condiments (soy sauce, chilli sauce and ginger sauce) brought this dish to a whole new level. </td></tr>
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For our refreshments, we ordered Fresh Watermelon Juice and a cup of Fresh Dragon Fruit Juice which turned out to be quite good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLrUgR1KK1Y/T5R_ThbIiuI/AAAAAAAAA24/FF06YFgUa0Q/s1600/DSC_4890%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GLrUgR1KK1Y/T5R_ThbIiuI/AAAAAAAAA24/FF06YFgUa0Q/s320/DSC_4890%23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Dragon Fruit and Watermelon Juice, 4 SGD (Php 140).</td></tr>
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Rasapura Masters absolutely raised the bar for mall food courts. Ultra-posh surroundings and a great variety of food choices right smack in the middle of shopping heaven.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Restaurants/Casual-Dining/Rasapura-Masters/">Rasapura Masters Food Court</a><br />
Basement 2-50, Canal Level<br />
(Beside Skating Rink)<br />
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands<br />
<br />
Related Articles:<br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-singapore-airlines.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Visiting Singapore: Singapore Airlines & Singapore Flyer</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/makansutra-gluttons-bay.html">Visiting Singapore: Makansutra Gluttons Bay</a><br />
<a href="http://ridingthebreeze.blogspot.com/2012/04/visiting-singapore-marina-bay-sands.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Visiting Singapore: Marina Bay Sands</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><!-- nuffnang -->
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<!-- nuffnang--></div>Cheryl Ann Lei Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13145290844913456893noreply@blogger.com0