Hotel Review: Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu PH

Maayong Buntag!

We had an early flight down to the Queen City of the South so it was a relief that Shangri-La Mactan had our room available when we arrived at the resort around 9AM. First impression? Warm, efficient, and genuine. I instantly knew right there and then that it was going to be an awesome long weekend and after our 4-day stay, I was proven right!

The resort was impressive boasting a 350-meter private white sand beach, swimming pools, an eco trail, a 6-hole golf park, an indoor playground and adventure zone, and several dining spots scattered within the vicinity catering to any cuisine you may fancy.

Our 34sqm ocean wing premier room in blended traditional and contemporary theme was equally impressive with its private balcony overlooking the gardens, the pool and the ocean. Room amenities include a king-sized bed with 220-threadcount linens and a pillow menu, waffle robes, beach slippers, a cable TV, coffee and tea making facilities, a bath tub, and Shangri-La toiletries.

The view I wish I had the luxury of walking up to on a daily basis.

A weekly activity sheet was provided in the room which was helpful in planning your day especially with an active toddler who wants to do everything all at the same time! My daughter had a blast in the guitar painting activity in between climbing and sliding at the Adventure Zone.

 

During her naps were our perfect time to dine in peace so room service was the most convenient way to go and I was surprised that the menu was not exuberantly overpriced as we were expecting. Case in point, this Classic Burger with Fries at Php780 was tasty, juicy, and huge and can easily feed 2 hungry and exhausted parents of an endlessly energetic child.

Guests staying at the Ocean Wing have the option to take their buffet breakfast at either Tides (main dining restaurant) or Acqua (poolside restaurant at Ocean Wing). We dined at Tides the first morning we were there and it was full and chaotic so we opted to dine at Acqua the next time and for the duration of our stay. It offered limited breakfast menu but we didn't have to wait for a table nor we were in a hurry to get food since the staff were quick to refill the buffet.

Pros: Amazing beachfront view, world-class service, well-appointed and maintained rooms and facilities, delicious and wide variety of food options, loads of activities for kids, and overall good vibes of the resort staff from the guards, housekeeping, concierge, and restaurant servers.

Cons: Nothing as we had an amazing stay at Shangri-La Mactan and we can't wait to go back!

~o~o~o~

Shangri-La Mactan

Garden Level, Shangri-La Mactan

Punta Engano Road, Cebu City, Philippines

Tel.: (6332) 231-0888

Website: www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort

Sunday Treats No. 74

Tablo Meat Platter - Php2740.00

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Tablo Kitchen x Cafe

14-A Scout Borromeo St.

Diliman, Quezon City

Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 7001-5646

Sunday Treats No. 72

Valencia Chocolate - Php178.00

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Mary Grace Cafe

Ground Floor, Parqal

Macapagal Avenue, Paranaque City

Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (63917) 858-7353

Balay Angkan Beachfront Villas, Zambales PH

The sand may brush off,

the salt may wash clean,

the tans may fade,

but the memories will last forever.

Core memory unlocked.

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

There came a point in time when road trips no longer excite me, hello backpains! But when our little one came into our lives, our personal preference took a backseat as her happiness always comes first. In short, we are just living in her world to guide her in a bumpy but exciting ride.

For a quick weekend getaway, we brought her (along with the rest of the family) to Balay Angkan in Cabangan, Zambales. This gorgeous beachfront property just opened last December 2022 and I guarantee you, it will be worth the 5-hour road trip from Manila. 

Weekend promo rate is Php16,000 for the first 10 guests while extra head charge is Php1350 each. Kids aged 5 and below get to stay for free as long as no additional bedding is required.

With its current setting, Balay Angkan is ideal for groups of up to 16 guests with its 2 villas and 2 air-conditioned teepee huts (more huts will be opening soon to accommodate bigger families/groups). The property also boasts of an open pavilion with a modern and fully functioning kitchen and complete dining amenities such as: 

• 2 Toilet and bath (for common use)
• 4-door Condura refrigerator
• Gas and induction stoves
• Charcoal smoker grill
  
• Rice cooker
• Coffee maker
• Bread toaster
  
• Cooking tools 
• Tableware
  
• Water dispenser
• Ice maker

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Villa 1 is a well-appointed room which can accommodate up to 4 guests max with 1 queen bed and a trundle bed, air-conditioning, ceiling fan (for extra hot days) toilet & bath with heater, a personal refrigerator and a smart TV with Netflix for an ultimate relaxing experience.

Alternatively, the bigger Villa 2 can sleep up to 6 guests comfortably having been furnished with 2 queen beds, a day bed and a provision for a floor mattress. Other room features are the same with the other villa with the exception of an additional work station - in case you need it.

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Photo grabbed from Balay Angkan's FB page

Balay Angkan does not have an in-house restaurant so best to bring everything you need and cook your meals in their fully-equipped kitchen. Besides, meal preparation, cooking, and washing dishes can also be a great bonding experience for the family!

Tip: Bring snacks, drinks, and prepare a meal plan so you'll bring just enough ingredients with you to minimize food wastage. It also helped that my mom prepared ulam from home so we just needed to reheat it and cooked rice when we arrived in the resort for our late lunch.

Breakfast courtesy of my mom!

Pros: Beachfront property, relaxing ambiance, exclusive booking per group, accommodating and friendly staff/caretaker (thank you Marc and Mae), well-appointed and spotless villas, modern and complete kitchen, unlimited wifi, free use of kayak - truly a gem worth the trip.

Cons: None on the property as we loved every moment we spent in Balay Angkan! The beach on the other hand is not ideal for our little one to play around as it can get pretty rough with strong waves any time of the day. We just made them wore life vests at all times and never near the water if not with us for our peace of mind. The staff also advised us not to use the kayak for guests' safety.

~o~o~o~

Balay Angkan Beachfront Villas

San Isidro, Cabangan
Zambales, Philippines

Tel.: (63908) 820-5754

Hotel Review: Two Seasons Boracay

Beachfront;

Ample room space with big bed;

Pool is optional;

Big bathroom;

Delicious food;

Proper sanitation is a must!

It was our first time back to Boracay after almost 4 years and while CS and I were used to staying in our favorite resort in the island (hello Zuzuni Hotel!), coming back with a toddler in tow during this pandemic is a whole new experience. Not only do we need a bigger bed but the resort must be beachfront, kid-friendly, and with excellent sanitation records as this trip must be a safe and memorable one especially for her having been indoors for most of her life.

Having reviewed our basic requirements brought us to Two Seasons Boracay!

Junior suite room with pool view

Pros: Walking distance to the beach, clean room with spacious bathroom, decent-sized pool, friendly and accommodating staff, delicious breakfast, and priority reservation at Barlo Lounge.

Cons: None - we hated bidding them goodbye!

~o~o~o~

Two Seasons Boracay Resort

Station 1, Boracay Island

Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Tel.: (6336) 288-4384