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My Birthday staycation at the F1 Hotel Manila + Giveaway!!

UPDATE: May 22, 2015:
Congratulations to the winner!  Please see the comment section!
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I had a wonderful staycation during my birthday at F1 Hotel.  It was very memorable because I don't usually celebrate my birthday this way.  All I want on my birthday is a birthday cake and a good meal.  Hahaha!  But this time, my birthday salubong was made extra special because I get to spend it away from my *home*.

The Lobby


We checked in during lunch time and it was a breeze!  The staff was very helpful and friendly.  We were surprised that lunch was offered!  The kids had a lovely time eyesore-ing the candy bar and ice cream!  My yayas enjoyed the buffet - I especially loved their Binagoongan, it was really good that I couldn't help and get more (than seconds!).



The staff is wonderful too as they heeded to our every request - the sofa bed was made and we even had a welcome wine and cheese plate!  Hihi..



After lunch, the kids had to sleep - so my Panget and I decided to walk around the mall nearby.  It was so nice because we walked going to the mall.  HHWWPSSP all the way to the mall, Hahaha!!  Sorry, cheesy - but seriously, it's not often that we get to walk to a mall especially here in Manila where you'd need a car to get around.

Location wise, F1 Hotel is top notch.  I love that you can walk to High Street.  There are supermarkets (Marketplace and S&R), cinemas, a lot of restaurants, pocket gardens, and shopping too!  I think this is an ideal location for tourists - as its very accessible and the area is pretty safe.

A Wedding photoshoot in progress! 


 This is their gym.  Looks nice and clean right?  It smells clean too!!


The kids were really intent on swimming and so even though it was late and a bit chilly, 
they still enjoyed the pool area!  


The dinner buffet was pretty much the same food served during lunch.  I was hoping that they would change the menu - and I was looking forward to it, but they didn't.  I honestly expected a different menu because I had the impression that, that was the protocol.  Well, they changed a few dishes, but the rest were pretty much the same.  Good thing though, that my kids are creatures of habit - and me too!  Panget was a bit disappointed.  But the highlight of dinner was this Mongolian Rice made by the chef.  It was sooooo good that I had three, yes 3 servings of this!  I loved it so much and I was raving about it the whole time.  I let Panget try it and the yayas and they agreed that it was really good.  



After dinner - Panget and I were treated to a massage.  We booked it quite early as Jane, Queen of the South (SugarGoSpice) suggested that we do.  This is what welcomed us at the spa:



Very inviting right?  Yes!  We had a wonderful massage too.  The massage therapists were very good and gentle.  I wish though that they had more massage rooms to accommodate more clients!

I was never a breakfast person as I used to sleep in during the morning.  But when I got married, I can't explain it - I became one.  I would invite friends for breakfast meet ups!  Strange noh?  And I so enjoy having breakfast, buffet breakfast is not an exception - I especially love a wide wide spread of breakfast choices.  And since it was my birthday - I splurged on the food!  I didn't get to take so many pictures as I was too excited to eat!  But take note that the spread was good enough to make me excited!


The Noodle Station..



The Omelette Station



Miso Soup & Congee


My simple Congree - green onions & garlic..



The spread will NEVER be complete without BACON!!!


My first *conservative* breakfast plate!

I almost forgot to mention about the rooms!  We stayed at their Fort Suite - it's a one bedroom suite that has a sofa in the living area that transforms into a sofa bed!  The room was spacious the beds were perfection!  It was like a mini apartment of some sort.  We were 4 adults and 2 kids and we were comfortable with the size.

(Insert Picture)

I was told that a cake will be given me once I check out.  I didn't open it as we were rushing out.  But when I got home - I opened the box and this wonderful berry cake was so fragrant and red!


It was really really good!

Thank you Pao, Twinkle and Jane for this wonderful birthday staycation at the F1 Hotel!  Thank you for making my birthday extra special!  This is one for the books because I was with my whole family - Panget, Kids and my wonderful Yayas - Belen and Ga!!  It was such a great way to spend my birthday.

Wait, there's more!!!

The good and generous folks of F1 Hotel Manila is giving away a FREE overnight stay to one of my readers!



Joining is fairly easy just follow these instructions.  Leave the following details on the comment section:
-  Name
-  Valid Email Address
-  Why you deserve to win this staycation
-  URL of your FB Share, or Tweet
ONE (1) entry per person!

I will choose the answer I like best.  For this - I would personally want to hand the hotel voucher to the winner.  So let's just make this valid for Metro Manila residents who are willing to meet me at the F1 Hotel.

This giveaway will run until May 20, 2015.

Comments

  1. Ann Soriano Pacis
    siyeri912@yahoo.com
    We got married last January but never had a "proper" honeymoon. We thought, better put the money into more important things. Pwedeng ito na honeymoon namin! Hahaha! Thanks :)
    https://twitter.com/siyeri/status/592248386381688832

    ReplyDelete
  2. emiliana sison
    emiliana.sison@gmail.com

    My husband works in bulacan and comes home once in a month. I miss the conversation, hugs, kisses and romance spent together during those few moments we are together. With all the distance between us and the time spent away from each other, I remain strong in facing roadblocks alone. I deserve to win this staycation for all these. I want to live in the moment we're together, de-stress and relax with my partner and daughter. A stay at F1 Hotel will definitely restore some fun back into our lives and reinforce the love we have for each other. I want to create new, fond memories from these rare weekends we actually get to share.

    https://twitter.com/millette05/status/595095218484981761

    ReplyDelete
  3. Josette Jugadora
    jairamset@yahoo.com

    I've been on personal sabbatical for almost a year now. Among my many learnings during this time of rest is once again embracing the simple lifestyle and enjoying the simple joys of life and quality time with family and friends. Winning this F1 staycation would be an awesome treat to celebrate a year of simple living. Quite an irony but a girl can wish for lavish treats every once in a blue moon, can't she? :)

    Thank you and Belated Happy Birthday, Ms. Didi! May God continue to bless and shower you and your family with love overflowing!

    https://www.facebook.com/jairamset/posts/10152948005642804

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Toniang Mendoza
    vidaesperros@gmail.com

    I never really got the chance to treat my mom to have a staycation in a hotel because of my busy schedules. Just in time before Mothers Day, it would be nice if I will win this one and give it to her as a treat, my subtle way also of thanking her for raising me alone. Happy Birthday Ms Didi (: Pick me or not, God will always bless you (: Thank you for sharing good reviews about F1 Hotel (;

    https://twitter.com/vidaesperros/status/596678714806575104

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. NAME:
    Louren

    EMAIL:
    dex.louren@gmail.com

    WHY I DESERVE TO WIN:
    I'm tired! Every since I got married and became a housewife, I just have so many chores. Whatever I enjoy, I have to prepare myself and I have to clean it up once I'm done.

    I'm never alone. I have to go pa to my husband's office to help out. Then, we are still together at home!

    I swear, I feel I am never in a quiet place. I can barely hear myself think na.

    It would be nice to just spend time myself once in a while. Perhaps have a girl friend come over to watch romcoms....that'd be a good treat.

    FB SHARE URL:
    https://www.facebook.com/soysoy.chua/posts/781792895269232?pnref=story

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations L - Louren!
    Please check your email on how to claim your GC!

    Thanks for joining everyone!!

    Love, Didi

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow! That looks nice. I think you really had a good time. And all of their foods looks delicious and mouth watering especially the Berry Cake. YUMMMMM! :)
    Anyway, you should also try the best steak in Manila. I'm sure you'll love it too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very informative post. You had a wonderful experience on your birthday staycation. If you have plan for catering check Manila Catering Services

    ReplyDelete

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