Celebrating my 25th Birthday with mi hubby @ Orange Nest Hotel

Having an 8month old baby tummy didn't stop me from celebrating my 25th birthday. Originally, I bought a voucher worth 949 instead of 1900 for 2 persons with free breakfast in a suite at Orange Nest Hotel from Metro Deal for my baby shower. But since I realized we wouldn't fit in one hotel room, I just bought a 1br suite from the office for the event. Take note, Orange Nest Hotel Suite only fits a maximum of 5 persons.

And so I decided to use it for my 25th birthday bonding with hubby. The room is ok. It doesn't look like a suite for me, its actually more of a standard to deluxe room (didn't reach my expectations).

The Facade

Orange Nest Hotel is located at Malate Manila. The place is suited at a residential area and is near many 'carinderias'. It has its well known coffee shop which is Kape Pilato that offers different mixes of coffees and yummy cakes.

Kape Pilato

The hotel doesn't have a decent lobby like the other hotels. The staffs didn't welcome us with a warm smile and we even had a hard time requesting for a ref inside our room which is supposed to be automatically there.

Anyway, upon entering our room, I felt really disappointed. The room didn't look like a suite...at all! It's small. A double sized bed, cabinet, 24 inch (or smaller) LCD TV, will welcome you.

4th floor lobby

4th floor's mini veranda

Toilet and bathroom with hot and cold shower

laundry room like-area, Fritz's smoking room

Due to budget constraint, we packed some food we can have for our dinner and brought foods from the house.

Fritz ordered me a slice of chocolate cake...

ugliness ng preggy-ness

Another thing which broke my heart is the breakfast!! eerrr!! I regret paying the room service fee! My pancake menu was ok, hubby's Filipino breakfast is good, but my gawd! The coffee wasn't even hot and my ICED tea was merely a tea minus the ice. It took us more than an hour for our breakfast to be delivered in the room.

A pancake, slices of apple and pear, hotdogs and my iced tea.

adobong baboy and manok with fried egg and fried rice

the lukewarm coffee

All in all review?
*The place wasn't really astounding
*The receptionist wasn't friendly
*The staffs who delivered our breakfasts were nice
*HOT coffee should be HOT and ICED tea should have ICE
*Room service is always late!

Im glad we had a great bonding time amidst all the 'kapalpakan'

Baby Shower (Fernandina 88 Suites Review)

I chose Fernandina 88 Suites for my baby shower last October 28, 2012. I got a GC from my office worth 50% off its original price. A deluxe 1 bedroom suite with free buffet breakfast for two for only P1,999.00 instead of P4,000+.

Before I even decided to choose Fernandina 88 Suites, I made sure that I can have my party here, with no corkage fees for foods and drinks and up to 10:00 p.m. allotted time for guests. That's why I was a little disappointed when the receptionist had to call my attention about having a party inside the room when they allowed me to have my baby shower when I asked them beforehand. My hubby and friends tried to bring liquors inside the room and the guards didn't let them in. They had to call me from our room and I had to talk to the receptionist and tell him I wasn't informed we cannot have beers inside the suite for they allowed me to have a party. (of course I know its their SOP yet I made this up so as  not to spoil my baby shower..hehehe)

Okay, over all, I am still satisfied with their services. :)

I had the deluxe 2 bedroom suite because they said no 1br suite is available that time. I thought I would have the other room for free yet, they locked it. Clever. hehe.

Upon entering, the living room with the sofa bed (yes it is a sofa bed) and T.V. will greet you. Here's where we held the baby shower. 

On the other side is the kitchen and dining area. I think utensils are by request. They don't store their kitchenwares inside their cabinets.

The cabinets and drawers don't have anything inside..the ref is full of foodies and liquors (w/c of course is not for free)

The room is actually big for just two persons. It's spacious that hubby's friends got to do their bonding moment here.

Medyo magulo na kasi I forgot to take pictures before the party started and before the guests arrived.

without the lights

with the lights

The toilet and bathroom is okay with all the toiletries good for two.

clean with hot&cold shower

The buffet breakfast wasn't really extra special. The typical hotel breakfasts were served. (American and Filipino cuisine). What made it really nice is the suuuuper accommodating staffs who welcomed us with warm smiles upon entering the Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant. We were lucky we're the only guests having breakfast that time that's why we had a good spot.

Solong solo namin ang resto

buffet table, a spread of all the yumminess

fresh fruits, veggies, breads and pastries

 pineapple juice, mango iced tea, cereals, eggs

like most buffet breakfast tables, they also offer cooking your preferred egg

hubby not liking me taking his picture..:))

I don't really drink coffee so I ordered hot choc to complete my meal. Like some other breakfast buffet, Roof Deck Resto and Bar don't offer the hot choc on the free breakfast buffet so I don't have much of a choice but to order it.

All in all, I really had a good stay at Fernandina 88 Suites.

Baby Shower with friends!

Being preggy for the first time means wanting to document each and everyday of your pregnant life as much as possible. Trying the 3d/4d ultrasound and having a baby shower is a must for first time (soon-to-be) mommies. So when I had the chance to have my 3d/4d ultrasound for free (c/o my mom), I grabbed it with no but's! And..when a friend offered to organize my baby shower, of course, I did not hesitate to say yes.

I learned from the web that baby showers are mostly done when mommies are already on their 8th month of pregnancy. So, we did it on my 8th.

Girlfriends and ninangs talked about the event over facebook and kept the details from me. What broke my heart is when I thought I would just be attending the party and not organize it myself in the end. I actually dunno what went wrong over their conversations on facebook. I wouldn't want to spoil my baby shower so I took care of it myself. Nonetheless, I enjoyed ze process.

I was the one who planned for the flow of the shower. I searched the net myself for games suited for the occasion. After days of looking for fun and somehow unique games, I decided to have three for my baby shower. Games such as Naming Baby items (paramihan ng baby items), Guessing game (full name of the baby, mommy's tummy size, etc.), and the 'how well do you know mommy-to-be' wherein I made the participants guess what attributes from mommy and daddy I want my baby to have.

I made this for inviting my friends online:

I also took care of the prizes for the games and the giveaways. Again, I searched the world wide web what I should consider for the giveaways. My friend organizer suggested I buy loot bags and fill it with candies and stuffs for my giveaways and prizes. Me and hubby went to divisoria (Manila's bargain place) to buy cheap finds for the occasion. I bought paper bags for 6pesos and 10pesos each. We went to Divisoria Mall to buy candies ranging from 35-120 pesos a pack. Its a good thing since it would be a lot costly if you buy it in the malls.

candies and giveaways

game prizes

the loot bag

what's inside the loot bag?

I also made bookmarks with Madge's (my baby's name) 3d picture on it for giveaways. Jorge, an officemate/friend helped me on editing the final layout. I printed it in the office and had it laminated for 15pesos each.

I made the papers for the games myself without anybody's help..hehe

Bookmark

Everyone agreed for potluck for the foods. My friends grouped themselves and planned what food to bring. Officemates brought graham cake, Fritz's friends brought the buko pandan, my college and highschool friends contributed for the drinks, paper plates, spoons and forks and cups, Kim also bought another dessert, brownies from Goldilocks, my mom bought two big boxes of pizzas. I brought a 2 kg spaghetti cooked by my mother-in-law and hubby.

 The theme of the occasion is stars, since I consider Madge as my shining star. :)

I chose Fernandina 88 Suites for the location of the party. I got a gift certificate from my beloved BusinessWorld for P1,999.00 for a P4,000.00 deluxe suite inclusive of breakfast for 2.
(I'll write a separate blog for the hotel)

It was a sunday, and I still have to go to the office in the morning before I proceed to the hotel. At 2:00 p.m. I logged out of the office and went to Cubao to meet my early bird friends.

We had photo shoots while waiting for the others.

The shower will start @ 3:00 p.m. but since they're all used to the so called "Filipino time", we started the program at 5pm.

First thing the gang did? Eat! hehe.

CLOCKWISE: college friends, office buddies, mom with friends

After satisfying our tummies, we then moved on with the games.

game on!

While we are busying ourselves with the game, the boys busied themselves with their beers.

from the left: daryll, jay, bruce and hubby

The program was fast, (actually, frustrating din dahil minadali talaga sya..hahaha)

After the kainan and games, as cam whores as we are, we then posed for our photo shoots. hehe.

pag si Kim (kimiviajera.blogspot) e present, maraming kakalokang shots!

Gifts were given by friends:

It was a very tiring yet fun-filled day for me and I thank everyone who cared to join us celebrate my baby Madge's baby shower.

2013!! So, what's new??

Every year end allow me to look back on the year passed and..it also makes me realize things..

This year is somewhat my most special year. Though I haven't had my chance to pursue with all my 2012 travel plans, I didn't feel sorry..AT ALL.

Last January of last year, I had my first (and hopefully my last) tooth surgery which COSTS us not to go on with our much anticipated anniversary celebration at Potipot, Zambales. But, thanks to Business World we still get to celebrate our 5th year together @ Microtel Mall of Asia.

February made me decide to leave my comfort zone. I learned to live all by myself without anyone to cook for me. Here's when I realize I can be responsible enough to take care of myself.

We had the chance to visit Tagaytay and Batangas last March. It was my mom and Fritz's second out of town together.

The last week of April surprised me with a good news. I was 2 weeks pregnant and I had to stop smoking.

I suffered from morning (and evening) sickness from May to June. I almost spent all my sick leave even before  we reach half year.

July dated when my tummy is already recognizable. I had to attend the company's anniversary party dressing up preggy. AND this month was also the month our baby's gender was revealed..baby girl.

PLUS,  this month also dated my wedding.

A low pressure area and monsoon (Hanging habagat) brought to much rain last August which caused too much flood all over Luzon, including Caloocan City, where I live. I was 5 months pregnant and it was an effort for me to reach the house. I needed to cross the flooded areas barefoot to go home. Good thing, nothing happened to me and the baby and I was just advised to rest.

September. My morning sickness ended this month and I was already used to my bulging tummy. Baby kicks are now very obvious and I feel her more often.

I thank the innovation of today for creating such wonderful masterpieces (the 3d/4d ultrasound as one). I had my first glimpse of Madge through this technology. She was hiding her face but they captured her smiling, I saw her first smile. I also had my baby shower this month.

madge inside my tummy

November, I gave birth to my Baby Madge. She came out 2 weeks advance but I'm glad she's all well and healthy.

baby Madge

I had THE most wonderful Christmas and New Year last 2012. We celebrated Christmas and welcomed New Year with our little angel..the most precious and priceless gift we ever received.

This year, I'm sure to learn more..about motherhood and life. I know every year, as the calendar turns, I get more matured and I learn to accept all the facts of life.

Again, a bow to my 2012's roller coaster ride.

Just Got Married! (Orchid garden Suites review)

Right after the reception of our wedding, we proceeded to Orchid Garden Suites for our first night as husband and wife. I got a gift certificate from my work worth half of its original price.

from my beloved BWorld

The reception greeted us with a welcoming ambience. Guards and receptionists never fail to give us their sweet smile.

reception with baggages from tourists

While waiting for the receptionist to call us for our room's keycard, we had some photo opportunities by the lobby.

After a while, a staff accompanied us to our room. The suite is spacious, I think more than five persons can fit in the room alone. The living room can accommodate a maximum of ten persons.

ze living room

kitchen and dining area

queen size bed

The bathroom is complete with all the toiletries you will need. From the hand towels, towels, shampoo and conditioner, soaps and toothbrush and toothpaste.

toilet and bath

We had some baon for our cable tv marathon later that night.

foodies

After tiring our eyes with the idiot box, we then called it a day. We woke up early the next day for our complimentary buffet breakfast. This view greeted us with a very good morning.

waking up married

The buffet breakfast table's menu wasn't that special. Typical Filipino and American breakfasts were served. What I liked was the cereal counter which offers fruit loops, koko krunch and corn cereals.

cereals

my platter

All in all, our Orchid Garden Suite experience was super worth it. With good staffs, fine breakfast menu, great suite room with complete room amenities (not to mention the uuber daming cable channels w/c hubby enjoyed), we surely had a memorable first night as husband and wife.

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