February 9, 2018
11:32 AM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

City of Dreams Manila Offers
Valentine Staycation and Spa Retreat

Nobu Hotel Manila's deluxe room with king size bed

Nobu Hotel Manila’s deluxe room with king size bed

LOVE is in the air in this season of love at Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams Manila! The iconic hotel named after world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhita has put together two new accommodation packages and three spa packages for the entire month of February.

The accommodation packages are:

• Moments Made Perfect (Php12,88Smilie: 8)—a luxurious overnight stay in a Nobu deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two. It includes Php5,000 dining credits that can be used for an intimate dinner in any of the City of Dreams Manila-operated restaurants, such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, The Tasting Room, Red Ginger, Jing Ting and Café Society. A special Valentine’s amenity also awaits couples booking for an overnight stay.

• Stay Well (Php14,88Smilie: 8)—an overnight accommodation in a Nobu deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two and a Valentine’s treat, which is a 60-minute renewal massage for two at the Nobu spa and Php3,000 dining credits.

Nobu Spa

Nobu Spa

The three Journey to Serenity spa packages available this Valentine are:

• Harmony (Php5,39Smilie: 8)—a spa and Sunday brunch package that consists of a one-hour Renewal Massage (combination of yoga stretches, Swedish techniques and acupressure movements using relaxing blended essential oils) and a Nobu Sunday brunch experience for one guest.

• Couple’s Indulgence (Php5,99Smilie: 8)—a romantic escapade that starts with a soothing floral foot ritual of a refreshing exfoliation and deep therapeutic massage, followed by an intensive 90-minute Philippine Hilot full body massage to help calm the senses and aid restoration. The package also includes healthy light snacks at the Wave pool side restaurant, where the couple can choose two healthy options from any of these merienda fares: Thai Beef Salad, Santa Fe Salad, Tofu Wrap and Grilled Vegetables, and Grilled Caesar Chicken Sandwich.

• Nobu Sparty (Php7,99Smilie: 8)—designed for friends who are looking for an ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day together and toast to the good times, this Nobu spa package for three persons includes a 30-minute express facial using products from the Pevonia skin care line, a 60-minute Muscle Release massage to alleviate tension and muscular stress, effectively easing stiff neck, lower back pain, and sore and tight shoulders. After an immersive treatment, healthy snacks follow at the Wave restaurant to cap the pampering experience.

For inquiries and reservations, call 800-8080, email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

 

(A luxury integrated casino resort consisting of three hotels—Nobu, Hyatt and NUWA—City of Dreams Manila is located in the Entertainment City, Parañaque City.)

 

Posted in Travel Tagged , ,

February 8, 2018
2:06 PM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
Celebrates Love This Valentine

Love is in the air this Valentine at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

Love is in the air this Valentine at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

PLANNING to take time off this Valentine’s season and celebrate love with your family or loved one with a relaxing staycation?

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is ready to sweep each and every one of you off your feet with its exciting Valentine’s packages. Choose from three rate categories: The Intimate Deal (Php3,200 nett), which provides guests with cozy and private accommodations; Bed and Breakfast (Php3,700 nett), which includes a filling breakfast buffet for two at Richmonde Café in your overnight stay; and Valentine Package (Php4,200 nett), which adds wine and cheese that can be served to you in-room or at The Exchange or Richmonde Café, apart from overnight accommodations and breakfast buffet for two.

Enjoy breakfast buffet for two at Richmonde Cafe this Valentine

Enjoy breakfast buffet for two at Richmonde Cafe this Valentine

Staycation packages include complimentary use of the indoor pool

Staycation packages include complimentary use of the indoor pool

Available to local residents for the whole month of February 2018, these Valentine staycation packages are inclusive of taxes, service charge, WiFi access, complimentary use of the Health Club’s gym, steam/sauna rooms, and heated indoor pool, as well as free parking.

For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 638-7777. Room bookings with instant confirmation and guaranteed best rates may be made online via www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.

 

(Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is located at 21 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.)

Posted in Travel Tagged , ,

February 6, 2018
11:03 AM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Newly Reopened Eastwood Restobar
Offers No-frills Dining Day and Night

Angus Ribeye Steak is one of the must-tries on the a la carte menu of Eastwood Cafe+Bar

Angus Ribeye Steak is one of the must-tries on the a la carte menu of Eastwood Cafe+Bar

EASTWOOD Richmonde Hotel’s all-day dining outlet has reopened, and it is now a restobar called Eastwood Café+Bar. As straightforward as its name is its uncomplicated menu of comfort food that aims to satisfy the cravings of diners from breakfast to lunch and dinner, with coffee and snacks in between, and even offer after-dinner drinks.

The restobar serves a scrumptious breakfast buffet of Filipino, Eastern and Western breakfast favorites every morning, from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., inclusive of coffee and juices, for Php680nett per person.

The main dining area of Eastwood Cafe+Bar

The main dining area of Eastwood Cafe+Bar

A cozy nook in the dining area

A cozy nook in the dining area

Diners who come for breakfast can also order from Eastwood Café+Bar’s a la carte menu, which includes breakfast items such as King Salmon (Php375), Corned Beef Hash & Bacon (Php355), and Pork Longganisa (Php345).

For lunch and dinner, the a la carte menu teases the palate with a whole range of sumptuous fares—from starters, soups and salads such as Filipino Chorizo Bruschetta (Php195), Clam Chowder (Php185), and Caesar Salad (Php295); entrées like Beef Kare-Kare (Php495), Miso Maya-Maya (Php465), and Nasi Goreng (Php425); freshly grilled meats and seafood that includes Norwegian Salmon (Php645), Angus Rib-eye Steak (Php1,105), and Jumbo Prawns (Php885); sandwiches, pastas and pizzas such as Eastwood Club Sandwich (Php295), Bacon Alfredo (Php295), and Pizza Pescadora (Php545); and specialty desserts like Red Velvet Cake (Php205).

Sumptuous Sisig available at the restobar

Sumptuous Sisig available at the restobar

Freshly grilled seafood, such as Norwegian Salmon, available at Eastwood Cafe+Bar

Freshly grilled seafood, such as Norwegian Salmon, available at Eastwood Cafe+Bar

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake

There are also bar chow items, including Tinapa Paté (Php185), Streetfood Combo for sharing (Php275), and Binagoongang Liempo (Php355), plus Richmonde’s signature Ensaymada, Chocolate Cake, Bibingka and other pastries that pair up perfectly with coffee.

The a la carte menu offers a wide selection of carefully curated global favorites served in generous portions and sold at affordable prices. Responsible for the lineup of dishes is the Food & Beverage (F&B) team led by F&B manager Dave Bañez.

“We understand how people are always looking for the best value for their money. They also want familiar food that’s satisfying and priced reasonabley, and they want a nice ambiance and good service so they can enjoy their dining experience. At Eastwood Café+Bar, we deliberately kept the prices low, definitely not the hotel prices you would expect, because diners are still very practical. However, we made sure guests will get the feel of fine dining with our tastefully designed interiors and quality service. Our aim is to provide no-frills dining at its finest,” assures Bañez.

Eastwood Café+Bar now also offers the Beer Blast promotion—San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Light and Dry, and Smirnoff Mule for Php85++ per bottle from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily.

Pizza Pescatora + three bottles of local beer is one of the afforable bar chow and drink Pair & Square combos offered by the restobar

Pizza Pescatora + three bottles of local beer — one of the affordable bar chow and drink ‘Pair  and Square’ combos offered by the restobar

The 'Pair and Square' combination of Classic Crispy Pata and three bottles of Raffa Sparkling Wine

The ‘Pair and Square’ combo of Classic Crispy Pata and three bottles of Raffa Sparkling Wine

Cheesy Beef Nachos + three glasses of Frozen Margarita

Cheesy Beef Nachos + three glasses of Frozen Margarita

Then there is the affordable bar chow and drink combo for sharing called Pair and Square. It serves amazing pairings, such as Pizza Pescatora + three bottles of local beer for Php805 nett, Classic Crispy Pata + three bottles of Raffa Sparkling Wine for Php1,145 nett, and Cheesy Beef Nachos + three glasses of Frozen Margarita for Php835 nett.

For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 570-7777.

 

(Eastwood Richmonde Hotel can be found at 17 Orchard Road, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City. It is accessible from the 2nd Floor of Eastwood Mall.)

Posted in FoodBiz Tagged , , ,

February 1, 2018
4:01 PM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Once in a Super Blue Blood Moon…

Super Blue Blood Moon that appeared in the night sky on January 31, 2018

Super Blue Blood Moon that appeared in the night sky on January 31, 2018

EVEN when I was a kid, I would already hear the phrase “once in a blue moon” to refer to something that very rarely happens. Scientifically, “blue moon” means a second full moon within a month, which seldom takes place. It also points to a phenomenon that has the moon appearing to be bluish due to smoke or dust particles in the atmosphere.

As if a blue moon was not rare enough, it had to coincide with a super moon (when the moon is closest to Earth and therefore appears to be much larger and brighter than usual) and a blood moon (a phenomenon where the moon takes on a reddish rust color due to the occurrence of a total lunar eclipse as the moon passed through the Earth’s shadow) last night (January 31, 201Smilie: 8). These three rare lunar conditions came together in one night, and the world was treated to a visual spectacle called Super Blue Blood Moon, which was last seen in 1866. The beauty of it was that it was visible to the naked eye in many parts of the world and illuminated the night sky for almost three hours.

First, it was the super moon and the blue moon that appeared in the sky, then the blood moon began to take shape as the reddish rust hue took over. The blood moon looked formidable as a huge and brilliant full moon, and then it gradually changed shape and dimmed its ‘flaring’ glow until only a red outline of a quarter moon towards the upper right hand painted the dark black sky.

The Super Blue Blood Moon first appeared like a huge white blob in the sky

The Super Blue Blood Moon first appeared like a huge white blob in the sky…

... then the drama of the Blood Moon began

… then the drama of the Blood Moon began

The super blue blood moon first appeared in the sky in Australia, then it was visible in many parts of Asia (including the Philippines), North America, Alaska and Hawaii. People who lived in the countries where the rare phenomenon was visible took to the outdoors in droves and flooded observatories to watch the lunar spectacle and record it on cam. There were millions who chose to watch the spectacle online, as institutions like NASA allowed viewers to watch its livestream recording of it. Others simply watched from their homes, including me. I watched in awe as the moon appeared in all its huge and brilliant glory before the drama of the blood moon took over. I took pictures of the phenomenon with my point-and-shoot camera, but my shots of the big, bright super moon would not even clear up. My pictures of the blood moon turned out better. My husband Raff and his trusted digital SLR camera could have done a much better job, but, alas, he (a recovering stroke patient) was not ready yet for the technical challenge, and I could not operate a digital SLR camera as good as he does.

Well, at least, I have pictures of the super blue blood moon to show. After all, it’s a rare three-in-one phenomenon that will next occur on January 31, 2037. There would be a total ‘blood moon’ lunar eclipse, plus a super moon, on January 21, 2019, but it would not be a blue moon.

Posted in Home Tagged , , , ,

January 26, 2018
4:29 PM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Celebrate Valentine’s Day
at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Strawberry Tarts for Valentine's Day, available at Marco Polo Ortigas' Cafe Pronto

Strawberry Tarts for Valentine’s Day, available at Marco Polo Ortigas’ Cafe Pronto

CAN you actually believe it? It seems like we have just welcomed the New Year, 2018, and now January is almost over and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Since Valentine’s is a special occasion that celebrates love and romance, hotels and restaurants—even resorts and other commercial establishments—are getting ready for it this early.

Chocolate hearts available at Cafe Pronto

Chocolate hearts available at Cafe Pronto

Big Strawberry Tart

Big Strawberry Tart

And more sweet treats for Valentine available at Cafe Pronto

And more sweet treats for Valentine available at Cafe Pronto

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, for one, is bringing the love season to greater heights this Valentine’s, with all its food outlets offering something special for the occasion. Café Pronto celebrates the season with confections that speak from the heart, including decadent Valentine’s cake, chocolate hearts, pralines and strawberry tarts available daily.

Love Potions at Cucina

Love Potions at Cucina

Two to Tango at Cucina

Two to Tango at Cucina

On February 13 and 14, Valentine’s Eve and Valentine’s Day itself, Cucina presents a lavish array of international favorites and elevates its live action stations, especially the popular Seafood Station, for Php2,888 per person. Special Valentine cocktails are also available a la carte.

On February 14, Lung Hin, the Cantonese restaurant of Marco Polo Ortigas, puts together a fine and intricate celebration that accentuates the elegance of Cantonese cuisine. It offers special set menus to choose from, featuring such festive dishes as Sliced Peking Duck with Osmanthus Jelly on Potato Chip, Sautéed Fresh Tiger Prawn Ball in Supreme Stock, and Pan-fried Crab Claw with Foie Gras in Barbecue Sauce.

Wine of the Month, Eclat de Rose, available at Vu's Sky Bar and Lounge

Wine of the Month, Eclat de Rose, available at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge

Valentine’s date can be quite an extraordinary experience of romance by sharing drinks over an illustrious view of the sparkling sky at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge on February 14. A savory tapas buffet can be enjoyed by guests while being serenaded by the HIWAY 54 Band. Heat up the romantic ambiance even more with a welcome glass of the wine of the month, Eclat de Rosé, a stylish drinks that reveals a beautiful expression of fresh berries and aromatic flowers.

 

(Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is located at Meralco Ave. corner Sapphire St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City; with telephone number 720-7777.)

Posted in FoodBiz Tagged , , , , ,