Yes, this one takes the cake..
The year that was.. amidst some disappointments, a loss and some downs, 2014 was an awesome year. We got our 2nd car.. our dream car nonetheless.. and another dream came true (which will materialize mid this year.. or earlier! hopefully!) Also, that year was all about travel. We’ve been to many places.. explored Laguna, braved the Bataan mountains, and even drove as far as Vigan!! But as I said, this one takes the cake: A night at Widus Hotel And Casino arranged by one of the agencies that I really love (OK, hashtag bloggingperks).. it really is a perk, I got to bring my whole family.. that’s not always the case when it comes to “travel blogging”. Most of the times, you’re only allowed a bed (or a small room) but not a family junior suite. Did I just mentioned suite? Yes, one that boasts of a 43.5 square meters floor area room (it’s even bigger that the first floor of the house we’re renting! woohooo!). A Family junior suite that was perfect for us, a king sized bed, one single bed, trundle bed in the living room (yes it has one) and a mini kitchen! I must have been very kind the whole year (not bashing the copy paste bloggers and not bashing the people who’s not aware of the BCC) that I got this kind of reward.. nyehehe Actually, I was a bit worried the Mister would not agree with the trip.. but since it’s way down North (the magic word is NLEX!) he willingly obliged!
Checking in like a real bakasyunista. #satimoments for Widus Hotel A photo posted by @mommypehpot on
After a long drive, a very warm reception area greeted us.. it would seem like it was Baguio (the abundance of Pine Tree and the warmth in the hotel) but naaah this heaven is nearer, Widus Hotel And Casino is located in Pampanga, 5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, to be exact. Please indulge with our #SatiMoments photo
Excitement builds up when we passed by the pool area on our way to our room (located at Tower 1). As of the moment, Widus Hotel has two towers for accommodation (function halls not included) and they’re expanding! Also heard, they’ll add more amenities aside from Gym, Spa and Sundry Shop that’s already in the hotel.
Oh! Our room! Really big.. and cozy.. and I’m out of words.. let the photos do the talking:
And to excite my kids more, our room is right in front of the swimming pool, few floors up, actually..
As soon we’re settled in our room, we changed clothes and excitedly head on to the pool (while the husband plays at the casino, yes Widus have a casino!)
There were two pools, the big one (first swimming pool photo) and the smaller one (second swimming pool photo). The pool was only 4 feet deep so, I was relaxed the whole time.. that is a big statement from me. RELAXED (so thank you again Widus Hotel for that experience).
Our food during our stay was superb! Dinner was prepared by Salt’s Executive Chef Johnny Rodriguez. Salt Restaurant is home to Widus’ culinary adventure offerings. And the name sits perfectly, a seasoning used in all kinds of cuisine, Salt offers all these kinds of dishes; Asian, Korean, Hongkong dimsum, Japanese, Italian, Western and Filipino.
This is what we had for dinner:
I am not a wine drinker, but with the many kinds of wine presented to us, I can’t help but taste a few. And the wine compliments well with the food! But my fave is the Lychee Martini!
It’s a five course meal (if I am not mistaken) and it’s a dream come true for my two older boys.. nyay! not the wine.. this kind of dining. They’ve been asking me to treat them to a fine dinning restaurant… and here we are! Yey!!
After dinner, we had a few laughs (and them drinks.. moments like this, I question my DNA for not being that alcohol resistant! HMP!) at Prism Lounge. Every night, local bands perform at Prism Lounge.
Then me and husband had our “moment” at the casino. It’s a first for us..the casino and leaving the kids at the room. It’s a sign, we’re aging and they’re growing. You’re curious no? Yes, we won a few bucks.
Which reminds me, Widus Hotel’s Sundry Shop offers some basic necessities (toothbrush, soap, shampoo and the likes) and basic luxury.. that won’t let you sleep at night. Like the Michael Kors Cynthia Logo Satchel I saw. That night, I said, if the will win again, I’d buy that bag.. and he did the next day.. exact amount as the price of the bag. I chickened out. Now, I feel so sorry for myself.. I should have bought that bag! There’ll be next time, I have faith.
If dinner was sosyal, breakfast was relaxed.. al fresco dining!
Please notice my collage and how big the part where the bacon is.. because that breakfast is all about the bacon! Baked bacon! This is by far, the best bacon I had!
Our Widus Hotel And Casino experience ended with a gastronomic delight.. authentic Kapampangan cuisine! That sisig, that’s the best!
FYI: WIDUS is pronounced at WITH US.. kinda something like Stay Widus.. Have Fun Widus.. Play Widus and so on..
Another FYI, Widus Hotel And Casino is rated Deluxe Class by the Philippines Department of Tourism. As per TripAdvisor.com, Widus Hotel & Casino is chosen as one of Top 10 Hotels for Families (Philippines) 2014.. See? This hotel is everything a family can wish for a stay-cation!
FYI #3 Widus Hotel And Casino dedicates a place for events called Widus Convention Center. It offers room for meetings, conferences, seminars and weddings and any party that you can think of. They have a mini theater like conference room, a room that can accommodate a lot of guests (as in a lot!) . The convention center is equipped with state of the art facilities. Function rooms have specialized mood lighting, motorized projector screens and LCD digital display signage.
FYI #4 WIDUS HOTEL AND CASINO (go check the site for more photos) Info:
Address: 5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023
Telephone Number: (+63 45) 499 1000 Trunkline: (+632) 584 4091 Fax Number: (+6345) 499.0979
MANILA SALES OFFICE:
Address: Unit 2311 Cityland Herrera Tower, 98 V.A Rufino corner Valero St, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Telephone Number: (+632) 840.1430 Fax Number: (+632) 840.1429
Karen says
January 22, 2015 at 10:30 amI have never been to the Philippines, but this makes me want to buy a ticket right now. ! What a beautiful place.
theresa says
January 25, 2015 at 1:09 amI want to do a check-in a hotel this year. I’ve been thoroughly busy last year so I only have a little reward for myself but nevertheless, I am grateful for everything. I just want to add something like this on my year. Fighting!
Donna Ward says
January 27, 2015 at 2:31 amVery cool! Would enjoy this – very pretty room and pool area – and then add in their welcome and your photos of your children are adorable 🙂
PATRICE M FOSTER says
January 27, 2015 at 6:14 pmGreat post. The hotel looks clean, well maintain and the food looks good. your article was engaging.
Mommy Pehpot says
January 27, 2015 at 9:16 pmThanks so much for reading Patrice!
susan quackenbush says
January 28, 2015 at 1:50 amWhat a stunning hotel! I would love to visit and try the Kapampangan cuisine!
Alison says
January 28, 2015 at 2:54 amWow!! That looks amazing – what a way to close out a year. Looks like you really enjoyed yourself!
Jojo Vito says
January 28, 2015 at 8:53 amwow! congratulations for having your second car last year…i wanna change mine into something more economical …crossing my fingers 🙂
Mommy Pehpot says
January 28, 2015 at 9:13 amThanks Jojo! Hope you got yours too!
AprilandtheCity.com says
January 28, 2015 at 3:44 pmNainggit ako bigla sa Vacation photos niyo, sis! I shall visit Widus, soon!
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:51 pmgo sis! Masarap talaga magbakasyon with the kids 🙂
Franc Ramon says
January 28, 2015 at 3:58 pmI stay at times at Widus especially if I have to train at Clark on Weekends. Their suite is really huge. Also, looks like you’ll be having a great year.
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:52 pmit was!
serene shikukeza says
January 28, 2015 at 4:10 pmFood and room is looooveee! Now, I know where to go in case we head on that area! Widus! 🙂
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:51 pmGo mother! Bongga ang hotel na yan!
Lubna Naz says
January 28, 2015 at 9:35 pmSeems like you had a ton of fun. I am happy for you. My best wishes for your future dear!
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:51 pmThank you so much Lubna!
Channel Imperial says
January 28, 2015 at 9:56 pmI like the hotel! It’s ambiance is cool and the beds are nice. I bet makakatulog ako nang matagal Mommy Pehpot instead of swimming in the pool! ^_^
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:50 pmmalamang! Masarap matulog lang ng matulog sa hotel hahaha
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
January 29, 2015 at 6:48 amMukhang maganda dya sa Widus! Makapag-staycation nga dyan minsan.
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:49 pmgorabells! ang dami pwede gawin sa Pampanga eh
sef tiburcio (@seftiburcio) says
January 29, 2015 at 8:43 amJust be humble with whatever things that you have got and worked hard for and everything will stay the same or go up even more.
Mommy Pehpot says
January 29, 2015 at 2:47 pmThanks Sef!
Alissa says
January 29, 2015 at 2:55 pmThat’s a really great hotel. For sure the food is to die for. It just looks so good!
Daniel says
January 29, 2015 at 3:58 pmWhat a great post. I admire everything you wrote about. Sweet photos.
Ten says
January 29, 2015 at 8:13 pmThank you for sharing. It looks good and nice. I might consider to try for honeymoon 🙂
Rebecca Wong says
January 29, 2015 at 9:29 pmNice post. The hotel looks really clean and welcoming.
melandria romero says
January 29, 2015 at 10:23 pmlooks like a really nice place. it’s been a while since we have a vacation and with all the stress, i think i really need one.
Debbie says
January 30, 2015 at 1:17 amThis is an awesome place. Looks like a great trip
Ma. Clarice Lao - Itumay says
February 23, 2015 at 11:41 pmAng highlight is the baked bacon. I am hungry. hehehe!
Such a great post, Mommy Pehpot. You deserve it.
Mommy Pehpot says
February 24, 2015 at 12:17 amoo iyon talaga! hahaha
dali bili na sa dealgrocer 🙂