Hotel Review: Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Friends have been inviting us to watch the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) ever since its show dates have been released last January. We were torn on booking between Conrad Hotel and Lanson Place but the latter being nearer to the fireworks display, we immediately secured rooms as accommodations in the Mall of Asia Complex have been selling like hotcakes for the weekends of the competition. In fact, the rooms with direct view of the fireworks were already fully booked a few days after they released the PIPC schedule so we settled for the luxury suite instead.

 

The suite's room layout include a separate living and bedroom areas which is perfect if you have friends visiting or family coming over. The living room has a mini bar with Nespresso machine, cable TV, comfortable sofa, and separate toilet so the privacy of your bedroom is secured.

Our equally impressive bedroom featured a king-sized bed, smart curtains and drapes, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, and another TV with international channels. 

The bathroom was another family favorite with its separate toilet, shower, and bathtub areas. I also liked that it had double vanities - one thing I really dream of having one day soon.

I know that Lanson Place has gained popularity the past few years especially to staycationers and balikbayans but it was the longest time we had to wait for our room as we were given our key cards by 4PM already - 2 hours delayed of the standard check-in time. Good thing the hotel has a play area for kids so our daughter didn't mind and actually enjoyed the wait. 

Now for the highlight of our stay - watching the pyromusical display this close!

Pros: Unbeatable location, best hotel to see the fireworks display, friendly staff, spacious and well-appointed rooms, and nice play area for small kids.

Cons: Late check-in, limited breakfast options, and slow service.

~o~o~o~

Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue

Corner Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex

Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 7777-0000

Website: www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia

Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town, Sapporo JP

Royce Chocolates is our must-buy whenever we travel to Japan. My current top favorites include Nama Au Lait, Graham Chocolate Cookies, Marshmallow Chocolate, and Pistachio Chocolate. So when I saw from a friend that Royce offers tours in their Hokkaido factory, I knew I had to go. Good thing everyone in the group were up for a sweet little adventure.

How to get there: This newest tourist attraction is about 40 minutes train ride away via JR line from downtown Sapporo and has its own train stop called Royce Town Station. Upon exit, there's a free shuttle that runs every hour from 0900H to 1600H daily to/from the station to the factory.

Opened in 2023, Royce Cacao & Chocolate Town is an interactive tour facility and is designed to showcase the farm-to-bar journey of how Royce chocolates are made. 

Tip: Book your tickets in advance thru www.e-tix.jp/royce for easier and faster access. Rates are as follow: JPY1200 for adults, JPY500 for kids aged 4 to 15, free for kids below 4 years old.

While the exhibits were interesting and informative, kids and young at hearts had the most fun taking photos and playing games at the game area.

Another must-try at the Royce factory is the Chocolate Workshop!

For an extra fee of JPY1500 per person, we got to make our own customized Royce Chocolate Bar. Guests can choose between milk or white chocolate (or mix of both) as base and then design it with nuts, dried fruits, and sprinkles to make it uniquely yours. 

You also get to design your own packaging which comes complete with a strap to make it a sling.

The end of the facility tour will bring you to the souvenir shop where rows of Royce Chocolates, unique souvenirs, pastries, desserts, and freshly-baked breads are up for sale. You can also buy their best-selling soft-served ice cream or in my case, a cup of hot chocolate that kept me warm while we waited for the shuttle bus back to the train station.

This is by far the most variety of Royce I have ever seen so grab as many sweets as you can especially the limited edition ones as you only get to buy them here at the factory.

Everything pistachio!

My Weekend in Photos: Seoul, South Korea

My Weekend in Photos: Fukuoka, Japan

 

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