Saturday, August 6, 2011

Holiday Inn Galleria

Holiday Inn Galleria was the former Galleria Suite located in ADB Avenue Ortigas Center in Pasig City. I never have the chance to try this hotel because of the following reasons:

1. It is very far from my residence
2. The place looks crowded being located in an area connected to a skycraper, a big mall and a church and it is being highlighted by a flyover.
3. No good parking
4. Not so good structure
5. There are no good things to do.

Today the hotel is now the twin tower of Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza which connects at the 4th level.

I had the chance of trying the service of Galleria Suites last Fathers Day. I booked the free room that I got last Christmas 2010. I requested for high floor non smoking area. We were booked at the 22floor facing the Crowne plaza and below the swimming pool. It was a very nice
room. It has king size bed, LCD TV, complete toiletries, complimentary coffee and water and approximately I asked for the price of the room and it was PHP 5400 king bed with buffet breakfast for 2 persons. It was a good steal!

Fathers Day

We checked in at Holiday Galleria Suite for the Fathers Day. It was our first time to this hotel and I was surprised that it was not bad at all. They have friendly staff from the guard to the Front desk personnel who handles our checked in.

our request for a higher floor, non smoking area and good view were all granted. Thank you. When we enter our room which is a Deluxe King room, it was so spacious and very modern. I could compare it with the standard room of the Sofitel.

They have complete amenities and toiletries. You can even request for additional toiletries and beddings without extra charge. They have an iron and ironing board, complimentary water and coffee maker set. I was so happy that they also have a menu for their pillow! IF you want soft or feather soft. So fun!

The hotel is also very convinient because it is connected to the Robinsons Galleria Mall. We watched the last fullshow of Green Lantern without worrying of traveling back home. When we went back to the hotel, there was an event and I enjoyed looking at those beautiful gowns and dresses of the guests.

Early morning my daughter begged me that we go swimming. Pool closes at 8PM. Even though it's raining, we went swimming at 6AM and last for 3 hours. She really enjoyed the pool and that
made us go back for her birthday on the following month.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

My Kiddie Chef

My soon to be 10 year old daughter grew up to be very smart. When she was 4 years old she wanted to be a hotelier and build her own hotel not in the Philippines but in New York USA. I instilled in her young mind that dreams will be dreams if you will not do something about it.

She became the NO 1 fan of Ina Garten and Rachelle Rey on their cooking show at the Lifestyle channel.At very young age, she can tell the difference of spaghetti, lasagna and ziti pasta. She knew what is Parmesan cheese, Cheese melts and Bacon bits. Her favorite food is WANTON Mamie (there was a time that my brother in law was amazed that at 4 years old she wanted to eat at NORTH PRK restaurant instead of MCDO and Joliibe).

At her age now, she can baked the simplest carrot cake and so excited to bake other cakes She even urge me to buy more baking products so she could bake. I am so happy also that she is thinking of selling what she baked! Grabe! She can also wash the dishes and can now cook rice on the rice cooker. She can also prepare French toast and hot cake from the box.

I hope that I could sustain on her. I want to instilled something in her that even without us she will survive.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Heartburn or Acid Reflux

As my doctor examined all the test results of my check up, it was not at all heart attacked. My BP is on the average or acceptable for a hypertensive like me, my CBC is clear, other vital signs are okay. But why is it that I am exeriencing pain on my chest and upper back? Why am I gasping for air and felt blotted.

The culprit is that I have so much acid in my system and I am experiencing ACID reflux or Heartburn which basically made my upper chest painful.

My doctor advised me to stop or minimize intakes of foods that cause it. These foods are coffee, tea, acid drinks, chocolates, tomato based foods, fatty foods and sugary foods.

He also prescribe antacids for sudden occurrence of the pain and pain reliever. For now, I am trying to avoid those foods that cause it and by GODS grace and intervention I can now start goin to the gym.

Settles Best Coffee Valero

To maximize my free time I had coffee at Seattles Best Coffee in Valero Street after my lunch at the nearby Pizza store.

This is my second time to have coffee here. The place is very accessible. It is located at the ground floor of PONTE Condominium and it's opposite a fine dining restaurant. It is very strategically located in the area of the tallest building, the PBCOM Tower.

I ordered a slice of carrot cake and a cappuccino coffee to availed of their free wifi for a minimum bill of PHP 150. The dining area seats 35 persons, air-conditioned area and 10 persons seats at the smoking area. Aside from their gourmet coffee and regular pastries, they also served breakfast menus available the whole day. Their pastries are a bit cheaper but have more varieties than other coffee shops. They have non coffee products also. They have updated magazines and daily newpapers Their restroom is clean and spacious. Their baristas are more reserve than those of the other coffee shops. They are more serious and seldom smiles.

It's not noisy and guest are basically yuppies and office executives having their lunch. I also saw many expats buying their own coffees. I am always very happy if I see expats roaming around.

Money don't really matter in exchange of relaxation and comfort. Buying a cup of coffee is very expensive for a regular person but I think that once a while we should give in to our wants.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Chocolate Brownies

I baked my first ever CHOCOLATE BROWNIES last Thursday when I took a leave due to bad weather.I realized that baking is an exact science and that you really need to follow instructions. I am not good in cooking and baking.

I made up my mind and prepared the ingredients and baking utensils. I followed the recipe which was from a box of CHOCO BROWNIE FUDGE. Since I don't have an electric mixer, I used a wooden ladle and it was so hard because the batter was so heavy. I thought I am not doing it right so I double check on the recipe and I am on the right track. While cooking my little girl was on my side helping.

I was so happy and fulfilled that when my family tasted the product, they were all happy and told me that it was good that we have to sell it.

At last, I have overcome my fear that when I bake, I may just waste the ingredients. But now I know to myself that I can bake anything.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Chilis Greenbelt

I invited my husband for an early dinner last night. I was craving for a mouthwatering and juicy burger. I thought of Chilis in Greenbelt 5.

When I saw the menu I change my mind and planned to order their baby back with chicken but my husband who is not so fond of heavy eating before bedtime urged me to order just simple food. I then order their OLDTIME burger which is a personal favorite because of the so juicy patty and delicious frenchies. We also ordered fish and chips but we change the frenchies to Mashed Potato which came so good that we have to bring home the fries.

The place is so busy that we need to pay our bill because of the long que outside waiting to be seated. The food attendants were all attentive with our request and very fast in serving our order.

Basically the place is very cozy. It's an American restaurant and you see foreigners eating and waiting outside. the bar was so busy and occupied. If you are alone you can sit on the bar. Their restroom is clean and they have an area for smokers and big groups. It's both child and adult friendly.

The only thing that I don't like about the place is the noise.

Chilis Is located at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5. You can make reservations thru phone until 7pm but after that it will be on first come first serve basis.