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Hatsu Hana Tei is the in-house restaurant of Herald Suites Hotel Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.  The vicinity is likewise known for a number of Japanese restaurants lined up and all claiming to have been prepared by Japanese chefs.  The hotel is in fact right across the Little Tokyo.


And for a treat on a weekend after a busy work week, we indulged ourselves in a feast for Japanese cuisine.  Fortunately, we were able to find Hatsu Hana Tei of the Herald Suites.

The restaurant has 5 small tatami rooms and 2 large ones and a sushi bar with a seating capacity of 20.  The open dining area has a seating capacity of 60.  And like any other Japanese restaurant, wooden interiors are kept at a minimal.


The Japanese chefs’ are quite innovative and talented that most of the offerings are not offered on nearby restaurants.  From the traditional tempura and sashimi to nabemono and ramen, the restaurant offers a wide selection and the freshest sashimi delicacies imported from Japan.

It was a special dining set-up for the group as no less than Chef Koichi Kondo, executive chef of the hotel, served us his culinary masterpiece.  He shared stories with us as well on how he found home in the Philippines.


The Mango Gyu Maki is my favorite and a new variety of maki for my taste.

MANGO GYU MAKI (PHP220.00)
 
KINSHI SUMAKI
rolled omelet consists of grouper (lapu-lapu), salmon, shrimp, radish and nori (seaweed)

FRIED FISH IN TERIYAKI SAUCE

UME SASHIMI
Platter of sashimi, consists of Maguro (tuna), shake (salmon), Hirame (flounder), Aji (mackerel), Uni (sea urchin) and Shima Aji (dusky jack)

GYOZA

CHICKEN YAKITORI
EBI TEMPURA
Ebi (shrimp) coated with crispy batter then deep fried served with tentsuyu sauce (dipping sauce)

BATTERA HAKU SUSHI
Hako (box sushi) pressed rice topped with saba fish



I would probably be back in the future but this restaurant is truly one which offers not just an authentic Japanese cuisine but a true Japanese hospitality service, making the dining experience outstanding.

Note:
Hatsu Hana Tei is open from Monday to Sunday
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday 11:30AM to 2:00PM and 6:00pm to 10:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 11:00AM to 2:00PM and 5:00PM to 10:00PM

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Situated at the Central Business District of Makati City, the art-deco Herald Suites Polaris Makati stands.  I honestly don’t know how to describe an art-deco architecture, more so distinguish the same from other types of architecture.  But this hotel claims it to be one and is indeed validated by some experts in the field.

An exquisite craftsmanship put into modern details is how I describe the architectural façade and interiors of Herald Suites in Makati.  

We are frequents of the Poblacion District of Makati and the restaurants that surround.  Herald Suites Polaris takes as an advantage its prime location.  Centrally situated at the Makati Business District and tagged to be a heritage district as well, being the location where first settlement in Makati was, the Herald Suites Polaris stands as a mansion on a quiet neighborhood.


STANDARD SINGLE ROOM

Checking-in was swift and I was assigned to a Standard Single Room.  The room comes with a card lock system, refrigerator with mini-bar, cable TV, NDD/IDD Telephones, WIFI internet access, coffee/tea making facilities, room service and safety deposit boxes.


The standard room is spacious, with an assigned work space that I was able to finish some reports for work even on a weekend.  It was raining for two days.  And we were fortunate that the hotel has provided all the basic needs without having to go out at the neighborhood.  It was a total comfort and relaxation, despite the fact that the vicinity is surrounded by bars and night clubs.  The silence that we need was attained.



AURORA LOBBY CAFÉ AND THE INTERIORS

The distinct geometric multi-colored patterns of cement tiles adorn the floorings of the hotel and easily noticeable as soon as we entered.  These are the machuca tiles, known to be the oldest tile manufacturing business in the Philippines and usually used on colonial houses that dates back centuries ago.


The hotel could actually pass as a museum hotel (in my opinion).  It has the resemblance of the Hotel Luna of Vigan City but in a more intricate and modern design without any wall decors. Paintings and wall decors though are not that significant as the ambiance and styling are more than sufficient to convey its elegance and luxury to guests.


After being mesmerized by the interior design and the atrium of the hotel, like any other guests, our main concern is the location of the dining area.  We were lead to the Aurora Lobby Café, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, situated at the ground floor of the hotel.





Complimentary breakfast and our welcome dinner and cocktails were served at the café.  The Aurora Lobby Café is open from 6AM to 12 midnight featuring continental and Filipino dishes.  We were glad to have sampled a few and all are indeed delectable.

In an attempt to visit the bars and restaurants that surround the area during the night, we were taken a back due to heavy downpour.  Fortunately, the cafe's happy hour served us for an instant drinking session. It was a good decision though to stay at the Aurora Lobby Café for a more relaxed and enjoyable drinking spree.

Herald Suites Polaris is indeed about comfort and a relaxing ambiance.  I truly recommend a stay at the said hotel even just for a weekend to spend quality time with friends and family and weekdays for business meetings at their lounges and café.


HERALD SUITES POLARIS
Book Online for discounted rates
45 Polaris Street Bel-Air, Makati City
Telephone No.: (02) 816-7994


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LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL
In the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila and a short distance from the major thoroughfare, EDSA, there stood one hotel that has been a witness to the infrastructure development that surrounds yet maintained its original ambiance and world-class service in the hospitality industry.

Villas in the metro is truly a unique concept.  The Legend Villas in Mandaluyong City is a 100% Filipino-owned hotel and in my perception, usually villas equate to Bali or some island destinations.  But the villas at the legend hotel does not only make you feel as one in vacation but within the comforts of your own home.

In a gently curved staircase of polished barandillas, fine wood interiors and Venetian glass-framed mirrors, the hotel lobby and reception area of the hotel is a good introduction of what to expect for this hotel.  Truly, elegant and world-class.

Checking-in was a breeze as receptionists are attentive and efficient not to mention the smiling faces they impart.  I was able to check-in twice at the said hotel for the same room type – the Deluxe room.

DELUXE ROOM

The spacious air-conditioned Deluxe room is ideal for businessmen, couples and small families.  The wooden floors and the minimal interiors is truly relaxing that it even reminds me of ancestral houses back in the province.  

The touch of western interior design, that is usual for luxury hotels is not that apparent and indeed, the hotel lives up to promote its being a 100% Filipino brand.

LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL
The room comes with two (2) double beds, bedside control panel, telephone, cable TV and ensuite toilet and bath.
LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL
Click to check other room types and rates.
LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL

LOLA MARIA RESTAURANT

The in-house restaurant of Legend Villas has one of the best buffet offerings in the metro.  The restaurant provides a line-up of festive, home-style dishes from the different regions of the Philippines.  It also serves a-la-carte dining.

LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL


The wooden furnishings and interior design provides a homey vibe that it truly is a kitchen within the comforts of a hotel.  Like its namesake, the restaurant is like your own grandmother's kitchen.

AMENITIES AND SERVICES

To complete the hassle-free staycation at the metro, Legend Villas provides an array of services for guest’ convenience and a number of amenities for relaxation.

LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL

Apart from the spacious parking area which is complimentary for guests and is an advantage for the hotel especially that parking is difficult within this busy side of the metro, amenities include: swimming pool (open from 8am to 9pm), outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness gym with basic cardio equipment, 24/7 business center, 248 square meters pillarless Banahaw ballroom, 142 square meter Raja Ballroom (divided into 3 function rooms) and seven smaller meeting and function rooms, ranging from 30 sq.m. to 135 sq.m.

LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL
LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL

Services offered by Legend Villas include: airport transfer and shuttle service (with fee), 24/7 front desk, free high-speed wi-fi internet access, room service, valet, laundry service, in-room massage, meetings and events services, safety deposit box, 24/7 security and daily housekeeping.  All these and the Filipino hospitality makes the hotel a standout accommodation choice for foreign guests.

LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL
LEGEND VILLAS:  THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL

Legend Villas
Click to book for discounted rates
60 Pioneer corner Madison streets
Mandaluyong City 1550
Phone: +632 702 2700 to 04
centralreservations@legendhotels.com.ph
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THE REFURBISHED HERITAGE HOTEL MANILA AND RIVIERA CAFÉ

From years ago, I had my staycation experience at Heritage Hotel Manila together with my parents and siblings.  The casino was then operating under PAGCOR.  It was the simplest of all staycation experiences I had.  It needs renovation at that time to keep up with the competition and the needs of the demanding clients.

Today, the façade maintains its old charm with a more improved, pleasant and comfortable staycation experience, not to mention the interiors more elaborate and stylishly modern.  

At the intersection of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard, the Heritage Hotel Manila is a 2-minute walk from a bus stop, 2 km from SM Mall of Asia and accessible to international and domestic airports.
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MY FIRST IN A MEDICAL SPA – THE ZEN INSTITUTE

I have never entered a medical spa much more endorsed it.  But an opportunity came for me to try out the services of The Zen Institute of Tomas Morato Quezon City for review and endorsement.  

This I surely cannot refuse.

The Zen Institute’s guiding philosophy is simple – from our inner peace comes true beauty.  As shared by owner and head doctor, Dr. Mary Jane “MJ” Torres, with the harmonious combination of medical science, creativity and aesthetic sense, they pursue holistic health which in turn manifests itself in true beauty.
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MERANTI HOTEL: A HIDDEN SANCTUARY IN QUEZON CITY

I’ve been living in Quezon City for quite a number of years.  But this is the first time I have heard of a hotel owned and managed by the famed Max’s Group.  Yes, it is “the house that fried chicken built” or “sarap to the bones” tagline.  This is actually their first venture into the hospitality industry. 

In a quiet neighborhood at Scout Castor Street and with just a few walks, the vibrant nightlife of Quezon City is reached, there stood the Meranti Hotel.
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MING KEE LIVE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: AUTHENTIC SINGAPOREAN CUISINE

I was the last one to arrive in the dining table.  My friends were on the mood for chit-chat as I arrived and be seated.  In a not so typical Chinese restaurant devoid of bright lights and huge chandeliers on ceilings, the restaurant provides a different perspective of an East Asian dining experience.

Ming Kee Live Seafood Restaurant specializes in Singaporean Chinese cuisine.  To suit the local availability of ingredients and our country being rich in marine resources, the seafood restaurant serves dishes that conforms to southern China cooking traditions yet pleasing to the Filipino taste.
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ST. GILES HOTEL: AT THE CORE OF MAJOR BUSINESS AND CULTURAL HUB

Neon lights flash on each corner.  The fusion of pub crawlers and corporate slaves is inevitable.  One weekend lead us to Metro Manila’s vibrant central business district, specifically at Makati Avenue.  From the busy and chaotic area that surrounds, there is a comfortable oasis in the name of St. Giles Hotel.

The overnight stay’s intention was simply to relax sans the night parties and drinking sprees.  But the latter is irresistible. The alternatives of a venue for a drinking spree is broad, as all those are just a door step from the hotel.  And so a short spree commenced.

The glass-walled hotel situated at the corner of Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue has an interesting façade.  It is a landmark in itself when in Makati City.  Entering the reception area, the bell boy and the security guard is quick enough to assist guests of their luggage.  In my case, even the opening of the car that drops you off the entrance door became their instant duty. 

In no time, the key card was handed over to me and with security features on access to elevators, I was ushered to my assigned room.
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LIDO COCINA TSINA OPENS IN LA FUERZA MAKATI

Chinese cuisine and its people have been close to me.  My whole career life has been associated with the Chinese community – from Quezon City, Binondo and now Makati City.

Binondo has been home to me for quite some time.  Being the world’s oldest Chinatown, the streets were already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spanish colonial period.  As the center of commerce and trade of Manila, all types of businesses managed by Filipino-Chinese thrived for centuries.

In 8 decades, there is Lido Cocina Tsina.  In celebration of its 80th year, they have opened a new branch at La Fuerza Makati.  From the quaint streets of Binondo, the culinary brand now invades the towering modern edifices of Makati City.
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CHELSEA KITCHEN: THE CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

Passing by Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare, EDSA, is a constant for me.  A yellow signage in bold letters will caught any passers-by attention while northbound.  The façade of the new building of Mega Mall displays the prominent signage of H&M and Chelsea Kitchen.

On one weekend, together with my favorite travel buddies, we converged at Ortigas area and stayed at Holiday Galeria.  And for our dinner, we decided to try Chelsea Kitchen.  Having tried other sister restaurants of Chelsea, under the Raintree Group, no objections were made then.  The dinner is expected to be sumptuous and satisfying.
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RAINY WEEKEND STAYCATION AT HOLIDAY INN MANILA GALLERIA

In the true sense of staycation and bonding, my friends and I on one rainy weekend stayed at one of the premier hotels of the buzzling Ortigas area of Metro Manila – Holiday Inn Manila Galleria.

Directly connected to Robinsons Galleria mall and surrounded by known establishments and landmarks in the likes of Asian Development Bank, Philippine Stock Exchange and Meralco, our home base for the weekend has the perfect strategic location.  However, for two days we didn’t go out, just stayed at our room, slept, drink and shared stories.
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SOON TO OPEN: I’M HOTEL AND RESIDENCES MAKATI

Scaffoldings, construction materials and workers occupy the intersection of Makati Avenue, Makati City.  For months, I have been wondering what the edifice will be.

The guessing game ended and it was finally revealed that an addition to Makati city’s skyscrapers is for the hospitality industry. It is a more personalized abode creating a unique concept that guests may call a home and goes by the name of I’M HOTEL AND RESIDENCES.
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RED PLANET HOTEL TIMOG QUEZON CITY: AN EXTENSION OF HOME

One weekend caught me by surprise.  A few blocks from where I live, a walking distance as a matter of fact, my mom who will be in the metro for less than 24 hours, sister and I decided to stay in a boutique hotel.

We searched online and finally decided to book at Red Planet Timog.  It was an impromptu booking originally intended for an overnight stay but my sister and I extended for 3 more days and 2 nights.

It was a weekend of comfort and destressing.
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TAMBAYAN CAPSULE HOSTEL AND BAR

In a wooden grand staircase passing through a prominent stained glass; a spacious lobby of a high ceiling adorned by a large swarovski crystal chandelier, who would have thought that we have entered a capsule hostel in Metro Manila. 

I have my own perception of how it feels to stay in a capsule hostel.  And actually, though I have been wanting to try out for mere curiosity, it wouldn’t happen.  It doesn’t interest me.

I find it weird to be sleeping in such a long, narrow space that resembles a coffin and prone to anxiety attack for the claustrophobics.  Perceptions change and I have come to the conclusion that it all depends on who you are with, and that interests may adjust.  I am no solo traveler after all. 

Across the Robinsons Malate Mall, the dangling electrical lines fronting this façade nevertheless did not obstruct the classy interiors of the building as peeked through the ­almost-all-glass-walls of the Tambayan Capsule Hostel and the al fresco bar at the second floor.
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MIAN RESTAURANT AT MARRIOTT: A FEAST ON BOWLS

The tagline says “Come in hungry walk out happy”.  Many restaurants claim the same but only a few lives up to it.  And Mian Restaurant surprisingly did.

Along with my childhood friends, we were at Mian Restaurant of the Marriott Grand Ballroom for an instant reunion and to feast on a variety of cuisine served on bowls.

Chopsticks and rice bowls may appear to have restrained our appetite for lunch.  But it actually didn’t.  It was more than sufficient with its huge serving and delectable taste.
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MARRIOTT GRAND BALLROOM: THE SWEET DETAILS OF CREMA

For once in a blue moon, I lounge at coffee shops sans the coffee.

In a not so ordinary Saturday, I will be sharing the table with my childhood friends in a sophisticated set-up of an upscale gourmet coffee shop.

We were seated at one of the famed dining shops of the newly opened Marriott Grand Ballroom across the Marriott Hotel – Crema Restaurant.
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WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE RED FIRE MONKEY AT THE MARRIOTT MANILA

Marriott Hotel Manila ushers in the year of the Red Fire Monkey with an auspicious and distinctive take on “tikoy”.  The aim is to impart tranquility and harmony to your loved ones with the newest offering of their double prosperity Ti-koi fish at 270 grams each, elegantly enclosed in luxurious red oriental boxes, sealed with a gold stamp symbolizing good fortune. 
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Running from November 5 to 15, guests are invited to relish the rich flavor of India in a sumptuous buffet spread of lunch and dinner at the all-day dining Café Eight Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila.  The treat was launched last November 5, with the traditional Diwali lighting ceremony lead by Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila’s general manager, Mr. Saurabh Kukreja together with the Ambassador of India to the Philippines, Ambassador Ralte, attended by the hotel’s top corporate accounts, personalities and media and graced by an energetic Bollywood performance by Ms. Lala Dinglasan dance group and an enthralling Indian music renditions by Mr. CJ Wasu.  I have seen him perform as well, when we went to Malate before for a night out with friends.
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SPEND THE NIGHT WITH THE TRAVELERS AT PINK MANILA HOSTEL

On a weekend, we usually go out, attend parties or go bar hopping where our movements are slowly dictated by the rhythm and loudness of the music that abounds, not to mention the overflowing cocktails and beers which consumption increases as the night turns into daybreak.

We oftentimes meet strangers on such party places.  But there is one party place devoid of loud music.  Only pure conversation, never-ending exchange of travel stories and current events’ opinion is present but the alcohol intake is a constant.  This is the scenario one Saturday night as we stayed in one of the famed hostels of Manila – Pink Manila Hostel.

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REVISIT: MANILA OCEAN PARK

My second visit to the Manila Ocean Park is complimentary of my stay at Hotel H2O Manila.  Unlike before, together with my family where we had limited viewing as the only available tickets are for the Trails to Antarctica and the Oceanarium, this time is different.  On my first visit, we went there just before the ticket booth closes.

This time, new attractions were given and we just have to be guided of the time set for the shows.  Aside from the Oceanarium, we experienced the Sharks and Ray Encounter, Jellies Exhibit, Sea Lion Show and the Symphony Evening Show.  All these in approximately six hours.
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I am a CPA-lawyer by profession and a full-time wanderer. My tsinelas (slippers) have been my constant companion in my quest to discover the world we live in. No matter which part of the world I am, though oftentimes mistaken of a different nationality, I am always proud to wear my slippers, a mark of a Filipino wanderer.

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