Yoga+ Ortigas

Since one of my resolution for this year is to focus more on my health, aside from being watchful on my diet, I also decided to enroll in a yoga class. I know that this could also help a lot in my asthma and scoliosis problem. Scouting for a studio nearest to my office is not much of a challenge since there are lots of gym/studio existing in Ortigas area. However, one of my concern is the schedule of classes/sessions because I need to factor in my time at work and the time that I need to be home especially that my son's school already started. So that's why I chose Yoga+ Studio (Ortigas) because aside from its proximity to my office (roughly around 8-min walk), they have several classes throughout the day that I can conveniently choose if my schedule permits me.

If you're a beginner (just like me who is totally zero experience in yoga), they offer 1-week unlimited trial class worth P1000 or an unlimited 1-month for P3000. Fee includes unlimited yoga classes (you may check their website for their weekly class schedule), free use of yoga mats, free water (just bring your own bottle), and they also offer free use of towels. They also have a really nice and well-maintained shower area (toiletries included). They also have a branch in BGC, Taguig City and next month they'll be opening another branch in Makati. 

Location: Ortigas Wellness Alliance, 22nd Floor, Strata 100 Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Avenue, Ortigas Center, Philippines

my membership card

studio (photo courtesy of yogaplus.ph website)

changing/shower area (photo courtesy of yogaplus.ph website)

Valentino Resort and Spa, San Jose Batangas

My husband and I went to Valentino Resort and Spa for our wedding anniversary celebration. It is a quick 2hr drive from Manila so it is really accessible. The staff are nice and courteous. They have their own golf cart that the guests can ride on to get to the rooms. We got the 1 bedroom villa which cost less than 5k pesos. They also have cheaper rooms that are also nice and is more accessible to the pool area but it can only accomodate 2 pax. The villas can accomodate more guests but it is much more distant to the pool though it offers more privacy plus you can park your car right in front of the villa which is more convenient if you got lots of stuff to unload. The villa is simple and it has a really nice view of the mountain (I think it's Mount Maculot). The only thing I could complain is that the beds are small (2 single bed which is not ideal if you are on a honeymoon) and the bathroom is really basic (the hot water shower is hard to figure out how to use) plus the drainage is not that good that water tends to stuck when you're taking a shower. Anyway, the pools are nice especially the jacuzzi. They also have cabanas near the pool where you can relax. They also have a restaurant where you can dine. The meals are relatively cheap though the taste is not that exceptional. You may also order the food and have them deliver in your room. The place is very relaxing especially at night where you can only hear the sound of crickets. The staff are always smiling and I appreciate that they value your privacy but at the same time attentive to your needs. We did not have the chance to try their spa because they are already fully booked when we inquired but the ambiance is nice. The breakfast which is included in the package are just the usual filipino breakfast meal.

Bday 2013 @Casa Astillero, Calatagan Batangas

Since we enjoyed our first stay at Casa Astillero, we decided to return and spend my birthday for this year there. The area is no longer that crowded maybe because summer is almost over and most schools had already started their classes. In fact, only us and another set of campers spent the night at the beach. The weather still feels like summer however it went bad during late afternoon and the wind was blowing incessantly in the evening but that did not dampened our enjoyment. Fortunately, the sun is in heat again the following morning so we were still able to enjoy swimming and catching the waves before we got home.

my birthday cake from Sugarhouse

Latest Buy: Melissa Shoes via Zalora

I seldom buy online items and I am a notorious cheapskate especially when I became a mom. But when I received a P400 discount voucher from Zalora (PH), I immediately grabbed the chance to buy the Melissa Shoe that I am eyeing for the longest time. I am so happy with this purchase because aside from the discounted price, this flats is super cute, feminine, comfy and goes well with almost any outfit.

Original Price: P1999.00 (discounted price: P1599.00)

Summer 2013 Staycation: Edsa Shangrila

This is our second time to stay in this hotel. As always, checking-in is a breeze and we get to have a nice room with pool view without us requesting for it. They also offer free wifi connection. It is also nice that they are located near shopping malls (Shangrila Mall and Megamall). The only problem we  got is getting a parking slot but that's because they are currently having renovations so some of the slots were occupied by their construction suppliers/contractors. The staff are friendly and helpful and they are always mindful to your needs. What we noticed however is that their breakfast buffet had lesser menu choices as compared to our previous stay (that was 2 years ago, btw) and the complimentary fruit basket in the room is now limited to 2 pieces of oranges only. I also appreciate that the lifeguards in their pool area is now more visible and attentive so it's additional peace of mind especially if you have your kids with you. I also love their frozen margarita, too bad I didn't get to take a picture but I swear it's one of the best margarita I tasted.  =)

Additional Info:
·    Complimentary Buffet breakfast for two (2) at the Heat. Children 7 to 12 years old are entitled to 50% off, while children 6 years old and below are free of charge. Breakfast Buffet rate  is PHP 1,464 nett per person.
·    In-room wired internet access and Wi-Fi access.
·    Daily local newspaper in the guest room.
·    Free shoe shine service.
·    Free access and use of the Health Club facilities such as the gymnasium, sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi and swimming pool.
·    Complimentary use of the coffee and tea making facility where coffee and tea sachets are provided and replenished daily.
·    Complimentary bottles (2) of mineral water in the guestrooms, replenished daily.
·    Complimentary parking. 

the bathroom

the toiletries

the view from our room

Weekday Lunch at Gilligans MegaStrip, Ortigas

When my officemates and I wants to have an affordable lunchout, we usually opt to go to Gilligans. Aside from the fact that it is not that crowded during lunch hours unlike other restaurants in Ortigas area, they also offer affordable group meals that you and your colleagues can enjoy. They offer the usual grilled and pinoy dishes. They are famous for their crispy pork sisig.

typical weekday lunch hour

For our lunch today, we ordered their F5 meal which consists of sinigang na bangus belly, fried chicken, inihaw na liempo, a bowl of rice, and 4 glasses of iced tea. This is good for 4 pax and costs only P481. If you are on tight budget, they also have P99 meal (just add P21 for a glass of iced tea).

F5 Meal for only P481

iced tea

 

3 for P120

Casa Astillero (Caisip Compound), Calatagan Batangas

the view from our tent

My 1st summer outing for the year 2013...uhmm..make it my 1st ever out-of-town trip for this year so I was really excited on this one. Checking their website and reviews from other netizens, I somehow already have an idea on what to expect from this trip. Anyway, I had reserved a Kabana with veranda which is good for 5-7 persons worth P1500. Although we really intend to sleep on a tent, I still opted to reserved a kabana since we are bringing our kids with us and I thought this would be a good shelter for them in case the summer heat might get unbearable. Since we will be bring our own tent, they only charged us P200/tent for the tent fitching (NOTE: Guests may also opt to rent a tent for P500). Finding the place is quite a challenge because unlike other beach resort that posts directions/markers along the way, this one doesn't have any so we just have to rely on the map and instructions that they provide to us thru their email. When we reached the place, it is almost crowded because there is a company teambuilding reserved on that day. Mang Romy, the caretaker, accomodated us easily. Though I am a bit disappointed with the location of the cabana because it is quite far from the beach, it did not spoiled our trip because we were able to get a nice spot for our tents. We got a nice view of the sea and it is quite secluded from the crowd. In short, we were not able to use the cabana (there goes our P1500..hehe..). Do note also that the cabana does not have its own toilet/bathroom so you would have to use the common t&b (2 shower room, 2 toilet only). I wish they would add more shower rooms & toilet because it is not enough especially during peak season.

The beach is nice and ideal if you have kids with you because the water is calm so it would not post much danger to your kids. They would surely love exploring the beach area and playing in the sand. You'll be disappointed however if you love swimming and snorkeling because you wouldn't get to do this here because the water is too shallow. Also, make sure to bring enough food and drinks because there is no restaurant or store in the resort.

CONTACT DETAILS

CASA ASTILLERO BEACH RESORT

Pamela C. Astillero - Buenaventura
Reservations Officer
http://www.casaastillero.com

Tel Fax: 632.776-3145

Tel No: 632.986-4487

Mobile: 63.9155777160

YM: pamastillero
Skype: Pamela_b97

DETAILED DIRECTIONS 

From Tagaytay go straight going to nasugbu. When u see caltex, turn right at the instersection going to nasugbu/lian. Turn left at shell, going to Lian. Go straight. Go pass Matabungkay, Balibago, Quilitisan, Blitok, Baluarte Estate You wil see the arch of calatagan. Keep going straight until you find the church of Calatagan (Sto Domingo Church). Turn right at the church. Turn left the intersection after Chooks to go, going to Playa Calatagan. Go pass Barangay Sta Ana Arch  and Playa calatagan. Aftr 2km, turn right at Caisip compound.