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Momma 'N Manila

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Travel

Coast Boracay

I have always been vocal about my love for the sun, surf, and the sand. One of our favorite places to visit, here in the Philippines, for that beautiful beach fix, is Boracay. After the recent closure of Boracay (I never even thought something like this could even be done.) I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical as to we would expect when we visited last December with the family. But our quick 2 night visit with Coast Boracay solidified our plan of visiting Bora again, very, very, soon.

I am always so grateful for the moments I have with my family, and the moments that my kids get to spend with their extended family. We are grateful for all of the small moments in between as well, but these memories of the beach, are moments that I know my kids will remember forever. We are blessed with a family who is so generous and loving that we enjoy getaways that include sun, surf, and sand.

My Ate. My hero.

Ok, before I share about the wonderful accommodations that we enjoyed at Coast Boracay, I want to share a little bit about my observations of one of the  most beautiful beaches in the world. We have been visiting Boracay for years. In fact, the first time Nino and visited was more than 21 years ago, and in the past decade, we have gone back and forth to this white sand beach almost a dozen times.

Not much has changed in getting TO Boracay. We still need to take the car to the plane, the plane to boat, the boat to the car, and then arrive at our hotel accommodations. This whole process takes about three to four hours including the time we spend waiting around in the airport…

This kid is so easy to travel with. AS IN.

But, because it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to get to our very own paradise, all the time we spend in the air is about as much as it takes to climb to the right height, and then to descend because it’s time to land.

So blessed by these two.

Once we landed in Caticlan, and took the boat to cross, I did see quite a bit of construction on the roads. While the roads were all made wider, and the sidewalks were expanded for walking, nothing was quite finished. Everything was still very much in a state of flux, and because of the rainy weather, there was mud everywhere.

The car could only bring us up to a certain point on the road so we had a short two minute walk to get to the lobby of Coast which felt like it was just an extension of the beautiful beach we have all come to love.

The lobby is cool and modern and opens up into the beach…

One thing I did notice RIGHT AWAY when we were actually walking on the beach to get to the hotel was the LACK of vendors, beach chairs, and tables that used to line our walk on the white sand.

Nothing but the surf, sand, and the sea. Happiness.

They were completely gone. The beach looked so much bigger, and so much cleaner. I wouldn’t say that it was like it was years ago when Nino and I first visited this beautiful beach paradise, but it was definitely cleaned up and quieter.

Early morning paddle board activities for the two smallest…

Now, that is already a wonderful change to those of us who have seen Boracay go from the quiet oasis it was to the largely commercialized and congested tourist destination that it slowly became…

I will never tire of this view.

Factor in this beauty revived, to the attention we always receive when we visit Raintree Properties, and you’ll surely understand why we enjoy staying with them when we are a big group. Plus, they just make it so much easier on me as a momma.

How excited was I, when I found out that I could enjoy this tasty bowl of champorado in Providore?

The thing about any of the Raintree properties (restaurants or hotels) that we have visited with my sister. Maria, is this:

THEY KNOW PERSONALIZED SERVICE. Their staff anticipate what you will need and they have always had it ready for their guests, and as a momma of four, I have grown quite accustomed to their treatment. 

Of course, I forgot our water bottles at home. Good thing Coast had these readily available for us.

From welcome messages in the rooms, (and on our pancakes), to well thought out menus in their restaurants for sharing, and having mindful items in the room like beach bags (bc I always forget mine) and reusable water bottles, it’s as if the staff of Coast already knew what I would have on hand, and what I would need, because I forgot it at home.

Even the beach toys for this girl were always stacked up ready for her beside our beach towels.

But, I won’t go on and on about this super short stay with the fam bam (minus Nino because he had to work) before our Christmas holiday without first naming 5 of the things that I loved about our trip.

IT’S IN THE DETAILS

From personalized pancakes as a welcome breakfast, to beach bags laid out on your bed for you to use during your stay, Coast knows how to make their guests feel at home.

At one point during our stay, one of the waiters overheard Gelli tell her Mama that she wanted a hot dog, and before I knew it there was a plate of hot dogs in front of her despite there not being any hot dogs on the breakfast buffet. I was not only surprised, but more than amused that he paid such close attention to my little one who can be a little kulit.

Now, I don’t know if you are familiar with the saying, “Netflix and Chill,” and what it means. BUT, for this 45 year old momma of four, it means that I can relax while the kids watch their movies and nosh on popcorn that is happily provided for our movie viewing pleasure. Details like this even include enjoying soft serve ice cream in different flavors all through the day which is perfect when you are basking in the sun on the soft white sands in front of the hotel.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

How did this little girl get to be so big? Time has passed me by and now, she’s in her second year of college, achieving Dean’s List, knows her way around the kitchen, balances having a boyfriend and remaining grounded, kind, and generous. Oh. And she’s also my friend. Gosh. I sure am blessed. • • • • #motherhood #daughter #friends #beach #beachbound #sun #surf #sand #sunsurfsand #good #fun

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Dec 27, 2018 at 2:30am PST

THEY GO BEYOND THE BASICS

Gone are the days where just the basics are offered in hotels, with discerning travelers who post everything on Instagram. Coast provides Smart TVs with access to Netflix and YouTube, with luxurious bedding and enveloping fluffy cloud like towels.

Even having a stocked mini bar with healthier options and a reusable water bottle makes it easier on this momma who, by the way, also forgot beach toys. It wasn’t long before we were on the beach that a stock of beach toys found their way beside Gellibean while she was playing with her friend by our very own “Alfred.” 

Lounging by the side of the pool, while Gelli plays in the kiddie area was a blessing, because if I didn’t have a yaya to watch her at that time, I know we could just pop a squat at this spot.

The spa services that are offered within the hotel are not only reasonable in price, but professional. I loved this hot stone massage, AND the fact that the massage room was just a few steps from my room. 

This massage was delicious.

IT’S CENTRALLY LOCATED

Because Coast is conveniently located in Station 2, we were just a few minutes walk from the night life. Truth is, I actually enjoyed the bar right in the hotel, that I didn’t even leave for the two nights that we were there. 

I have totally been enjoying my Gin and Tonics lately…

Of course, being on the beach is a huge inspiration. Sun. Surf. Sand. Any hour. Any time. In fact, I was sitting at Chacha Cafe early one morning, and I was even able to write just a bit…

It was nice to be able to sit and enjoy my coffee while everyone was still sleeping. It’s not often that I get a view like this..

IMPECCABLE SERVICE

When we visit a hotel, we look for a few things. 

From arranging our airport transfers, to being child friendly, and having patience for all of Gelli’s antics, to calling each of us by NAME (we were so many in our group, let alone that the hotel was FULL!) and really paying attention!! 

Whenever we travel, Gelli always gets new Tiger Tribe sets. These are perfect for keeping her occupied on the plane, in the restaurants and even in the room!

I was so touched when one of the waiter shared that he also had a daughter with exceptionalities and he was super fond of Gelli. So much so, that when Gelli and I were having a discussion about hot dogs (she loves ’em despite having them only a few times at birthday parties) he came out of the kitchen with a plate full of hot dogs for the little one to enjoy with breakfast.

I didn’t even realize he heard Gelli’s request!

WE LOVED CHA CHA’S CAFE AND GRILL

When we are with the whole family (my parents included) we usually stay very close to the hotel. It’s kinda hard for Mom and Dad to walk very far, so staying in the hotel to eat all of our meals is a given.

Mexican Corn

You would think that we would get tired of eating every meal in the same place?

Burgers were great. My burger loving son enjoyed them. TWICE.

NOT when we are eating in Cha Cha’s Cafe and Grill! Holy SMOKES. My kids and I were slowly working our way through trying all the different items on the menu.

Pad Thai for Gigi

The menu was an awesome fusion of all the flavors that I love.

GUAC was all mine. Ok. I shared a little. Just a little.

With both Mexican dishes like my favorite Guacamole, to Pinoy Pulutan that go perfectly with the summer cocktails from the bar.

Mom’s BBQ platter at lunch when we arrived was enough to share with two other people.

You know, when you visit Boracay, most of the restaurants that are found within the hotel, usually just cater to hotel guests. It’s more of a matter of convenience to eat there, especially when you have little ones who need to stay close to the room.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls were super refreshing! Perfect for the beach!

But this wasn’t the case with Cha Cha’s. Since I sat in my spot near the front of the bar facing the beach, I took stock of the steady stream of diners coming in from the beach who were NOT hotel guests. These diners came for brunch, lunch, merienda, sunset cocktails, and well into the night for drinks and social pleasantries. 

Scallops for a late night snack after our massages were yummy.

But all of these dishes were like the prelude to an awesome SEAFOOD lunch that we enjoyed which was lovingly prepared by the Executive Chef.

This BBQ platter was only the beginning of a huge lunch spread that we were treated to during our stay.

There aren’t any other restos like this one, and I could see non guests coming for the food and the ambiance.

You can request special meals for any celebration that you might have during your stay. Especially, if you want a fresh catch!!!

The vibe is young and invigorating. From clever takes on Pinoy favorites like Halo Halo and Brazo de Mercedes, this factor in my Coast Stay just kept me coming back for more. 

Garlic Crab, Grilled Praws, Pancit, and Grilled Fish are just a few of the dishes we stuffed ourselves with during our stay.

I wasn’t “Boracay Bikini Beach ready” when we landed, and by the time we left, with all that fantastic food and the sumptuous SEAFOOD lunch, I certainly wasn’t BIKINI beach ready when we left, either.

Turon and Tablea. The BEST.

And of course, when the time and the weather permit…

We enjoy our drinks facing the beach. Sunset cocktails are perfect at Cha Cha’s. (Now, I’m wondering when I can go back…)

Coast was fantastic to visit with the kids and the extended family. We were welcomed like family, and felt completely at home.

Overall, I noticed that while this boutique hotel had many families with kids of different ages, visiting, it definitely had a younger vibe.

Thank you Photoshop for making sure that the lunch we stuffed ourselves with was not evident in this photo. Hahahahaha.

The music was a bit younger and a little louder. I would have enjoyed it even more if Nino and I were visiting COAST for a couples’ getaway.

I only say this, because my almost 80 year old parents said that the music was too loud for them. 

(Psst. But it wasn’t too loud for this momma.)

COAST BORACAY
Station 2 Beachfront, Brgy. Balabag, Malay
Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines | +63 36 288.2634
Manila Sales Office: 4/F UniversalRe Tower, 106 Paseo de Roxas
cor. Perea St., Makati City, Philippines | +63 2 576.4555
https://coastboracay.com/
https://www.facebook.com/coastboracay/
https://www.instagram.com/coastboracay/
https://twitter.com/coastboracay

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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