Parenting Archive

My thoughts on parenthood, and what it's like to be a mom in the Philippines.

Philippines 2015 Long Weekends Schedule Infographic From Kakao Talk

because my mind aches for the beach (and pine trees!).. but I have kids who goes to school and husband who goes to work (not to mention the finances we have to arrange LOL).. long weekends are my only hope.. so thank you for this Kakao Talk!

The government has declared 8 long weekends caused by holiday this 2015. Getting to know when these long weekends will fall is important so you can plan your vacation, or staycation, ahead. With this, KakaoTalk, one of the leading messaging application in the world, comes up with an infographic that pins down these long weekends and gives you tips on how you plan these days ahead.

Dear pocket, please take note.

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

We love Baguio.. I have said that more than a hundred times. Fur us, Baguio will always be the sweetest and homiest place we could ever be. So when an opportunity to spend 3 nights at Baguio was presented to us, we can’t say no, even though we’re short on budget. And by short, I mean a budget of 7500 PhP for 3 nights at a hotel and 500 PhP per meal (good for 2 adults and 4 kids). Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

First option was to rent a house and just cook.. but I realized we tend to over spend with the ingredients so it would not be wise to do so. Option 2 is to look for a cheap hotel that offers free breakfast! We end up booking at Venus Parkview Hotel because our first ever Baguio trip was spent at this hotel.. and because the location of Venus Parkview is strategic…~~and because, my two older boys will be checked in at this hotel for their PAPRISA Leadership training~~

When I checked Venus Parkview Hotel website for rates, Executive Twin without Balcony fits right on our budget and our bed needs. When I called the hotel, without balcony is fully booked. We end up with Executive Twin with Balcony, good thing, we were able to avail a 20% discount, our budget is still on track! yay! But if budget was out of the question (and if the two older boys would be sleeping with us), I’d book a suite because it’s big! And it’s really cheap!

I was a bit surprised when I saw the rooms from the website.. I thought I was looking at the wrong hotel. It was far from what I remembered it to be! MAJOR RENOVATION ON GOING!

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

This is the facade of the building where we checked in. This is also the part where the temporary reception area is located. Niel, Venus Parkview Hotel’s concierge, told me that the hotel’s new look will be unveiled on February, in time for Panagbenga. Most rooms will look like the one we stayed in and they will fix the cranky elevator soon!

Complimentary drinks were given to us upon arrival…and we were greeted by a room which looks exactly like the one in their website. I have to be honest, I was expecting less as I have mentioned, we stayed here a few years ago and the look was different. The look may be different, but the staff are all the same.. very warm and accommodating!

Check out my review from 2007!

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

And here’s our room:

I paid 2k+ for this kind of room?!? What a steal! I’m glad we got the one with balcony. I can imagine us spending a New Year’s Eve here, watching the fireworks display right in this room or a weekend during Christmas break. I heard SM Baguio have fireworks display every weekend of December.

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

The view from our room! Those trees is Burnham Park and as I mentioned in my review years ago, entrance to the playground is just across the hotel. Another reason why I am glad we booked this hotel is I was able to continue my jogging routine without hassle. Burnham Park is very conducive to physical fitness activities. In fact, every 6 AM there are groups of people who are dancing, some groups are doing aerobics, some are doing tai chi. If I am not mistaken, you can join this activities for free, just bring your towel and bottles of water.

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

Since our two older boys can only join us on our 3rd day, we spend most of our stay tucked in bed or enjoying the view from our room.. and eating salad and strawberries, because that’s what you’re supposed to eat in Baguio right? haha

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review more about the room..

Door. They provide card key, but they only provide one, no big deal for me since we’re travelling as family. For those travelling as a group, this could be a problem.

Condiments area. Good job for the kettle, with that weather, we need our coffee every now and then!

The room we had has no ref or microwave but their Junior Executive Suite room has a ref and a microwave. Considering the rate of the room we booked, I am not expecting for a ref or a microwave.

The bathroom. Clean though small, I never had an issue with the space. Both shower and sink dispense hot and cold water.

I wish they can install a rack or a small mounting inside the shower for the toiletries. They provide a set of toiletries for two people which includes 2 shampoo, 2 lotion, 2 soaps, 2 dental care essentials and 2 sets of cotton buds. I find the containers really cute! Last for the bathroom>> the door can be a pain at times.. so I hope they could fix that soon.

The bed. The size of the bed is perfect for us minus the 2 boys. On our last night, it became a bit crowded with the boys joining us. Note to self>> soon you need to book 2 rooms! The pillows are just right..but the comforter is very comforting! With the weather that time, the comforter did a good job making us comfy!

Dresser/ Table. With a room of this price, I was not expecting that it has an extra space and chair for my needs (and his).

Venus Parkview Hotel Baguio Review

This area serves us really well. Since this trip is a budgeted one, I spent most of the times (aside from sleeping LOL) computing and adjusting our budget.. and this area is my fave place. I can write, compute, have coffee and clean my face. Don’t ask me about make up.. of all the things I can forget, I forgot to pack my make up kit!!

We had flat screen TV with cable. And the room has aircon.

The Food. Free breakfast was included on our room. We had buffet breakfast that includes 3 to 4 breakfast dishes, garlic rice, waffle, fruits, juice and coffee. Nothing special on the food but our tummy were satisfied.

We’ll definitely go back in Baguio and will check again at Venus Parkview Hotel. Maybe next time, we’ll have enough budget for a suite!

More room photos:

Aside from Executive Rooms they offer (2,450PHP without balcony, 2,750PHP with balcony) , Venus Parkview Hotel also offers the following type of accommodations:

Executive King With Balcony

one King Bed
good for 2
Toilet and Bathroom
3,750PHP

Junior Executive Suite

Twin Beds
Living Room with Sofa and Work Desk
42” LED cable TV in Living Room
32” LED cable TV in both Master and Guest rooms
2 Toilet and Bathrooms
Free WiFi with Dedicated Access Point
6,850PHP

Premier Executive Suite

1 King-sized Bed in Master Bedroom
Twin Beds in Guest Room
Living Room with Sofa and Work Desk
42” LED cable TV in Living Room
32” LED cable TV in both Master and Guest rooms
3 Toilet and Bathrooms
Free WiFi with Dedicated Access Point
8,250PHP

The Premier Executive Suite is really spacious, I highly recommend this room for big families. All rooms comes with breakfast, bottled water and free wifi.

Looking for Baguio Hotel for Panagbenga ? (check Venus Parkview Hotel Facebook Page for Panagbenga 2015 schedule)? Check availability of the hotel here>>> Venus Parkview Hotel Reservation

Here’s our priceless photo from our room!

That Year Ender Experience At Widus Hotel And Casino

Yes, this one takes the cake..

Of all the calendars I received, this one takes the cake. It is where it should be, to always remind me the year that was and how awesome it has been.
A photo posted by @mommypehpot on Jan 20, 2015 at 1:03am PST

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 Dec 16, 2014 at 11:59pm PST

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!

Bloggers For Hotel Widus (with Salt’s Executive Chef Johnny Rodriguez)

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