View Park Hotel : Quick Escape from the Metro

I was one lucky reader of When in Manila and Wonder Woman Rises when I won an Overnight Stay in a Premier Room with complimentary breakfast for two (2) persons  at the View Park Hotel Tagaytay. Amazing right?! 

We were too excited that Val and I decided to book it immediately after coming home from our Cebu vacation. We decided to make a reservation on a Sunday so that there would be less traffic travelling to Tagaytay. We decided to commute going there.  The travel was approximately 3 hours from SM Fairview, Quezon City.  We took the San Agustin bus line from their Cubao terminal.  Fare is Php 104.00/person from Cubao terminal to Olivares terminal. Then from Olivares terminal, you have the option to take a tricycle at Php 60.00/ trip (good for 2) or just take the jeepney going to People's Park/ Picnic Grove at Php 11.00/person. By the way, you don't have to worry about getting lost because View Park Hotel is literally just across Picnic Grove so definitely, you won't miss it! 

Once we arrived, we proceeded to the reception area where we were greeted with a home-like ambiance and beautiful aquarium. One great thing about View Park Hotel is that their staff and receptionists are very friendly and courteous. 

Aquarium at the Lobby

After a very short waiting time, we were escorted to our premier suite which is such a beauty. We had a big bed with 4 big pillows and a throw pillow which is important for us. 

( I am used to sleeping with at least 3 pillows of my own.) 

Matrimonial Bed

Minimal decorations and enough lighting fixtures were in the room making it classy and comfortable. 

Premier Suite

Entertainment was available with a 32 inch LCD TV but if you don't want to watch cable channels then you have a DVD player ready if you prefer your own choice of movies.

Entertainment

They also provided a mini-ref and a mini bar with snacks and drinks available at reasonable prices. 

Mini-Bar

Not only did we enjoy the room but the view outside the room was relaxing making you want to stay at the balcony.  

View outside our room

Swimming Pool Area

Here is also the swimming pool area which is open from 9am-9pm on weekdays and 9am-10pm on weekends. I was quite intrigued why the pool is closed early in the morning when most opt for an early morning swim. Then, I realize that the cold weather would discourage you to swim unless you are a polar bear. 

We definitely enjoyed our stay at the View Park Hotel Tagaytay. Thank you once again to When in Manila, The Lil Miss and Ofcourse, View Park Hotel Tagaytay (special mention to Ms. Thea Barcenas who accommodated our reservation at a very short notice)  It is one great experience for Val and me and we will be visiting soon. 

By the way, don't forget to follow in Twitter 

When in Manila: https://twitter.com/WhenInManila 

and ofcourse, The Lil Miss Wonder Woman : https://twitter.com/the_lil_miss 

and View Park Hotel: https://twitter.com/ViewParkHotel

For rates and reservations: http://viewparkhotel.com/

5 Things To Do and Places to Visit While in Cebu

Cebu known as the "The Queen City of the South" has a balance of urban and historical thrills Every year, my family and I visit Cebu and all I can say is that this city has never failed to give us a memorable experience. 

Let me share with you the top five things to do or places to visit when you are in Cebu. 

1. Sto. Nino Church, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City

I grew up with the belief that whenever we visit a new place, we must make sure to visit the Church first and pay respect. The Sto. Nino Church also known as Minor Basilica of the Holy Child was founded in 1565.

Visitors and devotees line up to see the image of Sto. Nino, the oldest religious relic in the Philippines.  

The Basilica also celebrates mass and it would be great if you schedule your visit during that time. 

2.  Magellan's Cross, Plaza Sugbo, Cebu City

The Magellan's Cross is just a few steps away from the Sto. Nino Church. It houses a replica of the Christian Cross planted by the Spaniards when they arrived in Cebu in 1521. This has been a historical landmark so, you might want to make sure that you have your pictures taken here. 

3. Birhen sa Simala - Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, Sibonga, Cebu. 

The Monastery in Sibonga, Cebu is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Cebu City proper and it is believed to be miraculous. A lot of testimonials and tokens of gratitude for prayers answered can be found all over the monastery. Couples having difficulty in conceiving, and persons with disabilities healed are just a few who became living testimonials of God's grace and love for us.

Inside the monastery, you can find a lot of statues of Mama Mary in different forms. Each statue has a short description of when and where the apparition took place. 

4. Edge Coaster, Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Fuente Osmena Blvd., Cebu

Are you looking for an adventure you'll never forget? If yes, then you should not miss the Edge Coaster Experience. The Edge Coaster is taking your adventure to the extreme by going around the edge of the tower on the 38th floor while being locked into a rail seat.

The crazy thing about it is that you have the option to tilt it to 55 degrees and face the streets 130.84 meters above the ground. 

Was it scary? YES
Was it worth it? Of course! 

I was shouting the whole time but it was fun. Though, this is not recommended for the faint-hearted. As a reward, you also get to have a certificate that you survived the adventure. Isn't that cool? 

5. Kartzone, F. Cabahug St., Cebu

Want to drive without traffic and no speed limits? Take time to experience Go-Karting in Cebu.

It is safe since they conduct driver's orientation to make sure that everyone is aware of the rules and regulations while on the track. Definitely, it is a fun way to bond with family and friends.