• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Review Travel

Mother’s Day at Makati Shangri-La

Wikipedia definition of Shangri-La:  Shangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. Hilton describes Shangri-La as  a mysitcal, harmonious valley, gently guided from a lamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains.

What is Makati Shangri-La for me?

This lobby evokes memories almost twenty years old...and I love it.

This lobby evokes memories almost twenty years old…and I love it.

It’s the beginning of a long journey that has brought me to stay in Manila, making it my home.

They say “Home is where the heart is.” Well, many years ago, I found my heart in a boy named Nino in a place called Makati Shangri-La. 

 

Many years ago, a boy and a girl sat right here. Every night. For a week. The rest was history. #ourbeginning

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on May 1, 2015 at 8:12am PDT

Back in December, I was asked by The Business World Ladies Who Lunch to give a short talk on Entertaining for the Holidays. I was super up for the challenge and was very excited to meet and make new friends through this lovely organization. Because of this lovely endeavor, I was gifted a staycation, that I knew I would take advantage of with my boyfriend, when the time came that we could both tear ourselves away from work, the kids, and the home.

What better way to spend my Labor Day Weekend then a staycation with my love, where it all began? I was super excited leading up to our staycation in the “city.” I have been working really hard to do my best in everything that I’m involved in and it’s suffice to say that I have been a bit frazzled. I know that Nino has been stressed with work and other things as well, so this past weekend was a lovely respite from our daily grind.  

It’s always nice to remember where it all began…but it’s even nicer to remember where it began if it’s a place like Makati Shangri-La. Pulling up to a hotel where they take your bags, valet your car, and then checking in is seamless makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Nino put it this way, when we were talking about once we got home, ” How can you not enjoy a place where your bags find their way to your room, while you are checking in? The Staff is always smiling, ready, willing, and able to help you with what you need. The room is cool when you enter, the amenities are top notch, and the food is consistently delicious. It’s as if they know the drill, they anticipate what you need-and boom…it’s there.”

Yes. That’s how it is when you stay in a luxury hotel.

And it’s also things like this…

Checking in and having a gift from Laura Mercier and a note from Patti.

Checking in and receiving an early Mother’s Day gift from Laura Mercier and a note from Patti, the Director of Communications.

And this…

L'Occitane bath soaps and shampoo are one of the things that I don't feel guilty spending for. They make me happy.

L’Occitane bath soaps and shampoo are one of the luxurious things that I don’t feel guilty spending for. They make me happy.

So after we hung around the room and reminisced about how we never actually went upstairs to ANY room when we met all those years ago, I was set to meet up with Patti for coffee downstairs in the lobby where it all began.

IMG_1116 copy

Super helpful to have this little timer with my carrot cake and tea. I loved that the carrot cake was moist, nutty, and not too sweet. Will try and replicate a similar version from our own kitchen with my baking buddy, Gia…

As Patti and I were chit chatting about how things change, and how change is good, I also shared the story of how Nino and I began in this lobby. How I read his tarot cards, how I kept some of what I read to myself, but how overall, I have such a fondness for this iconic hotel in the middle of Makati.  

Live music during afternoon tea? Yes, please, and thank you.

Live music during afternoon tea? Yes, please, and thank you. You can enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby for about Php650-700 per person. Tea is served with your choice of snacks and tea sandwiches both savory and sweet. 

Patti shared more of the special treats that Mothers would experience through the Mom & Me staycation that Makati Shang had planned for all of their guests during the upcoming weekend, and I am grateful to have experienced them during our stay as well.

As a special treat for Moms,

As a special treat for Moms, you can enjoy a 20% discount on any Spa services during Mother’s Day weekend.

I would totally recommend the couple’s Hilot Massage. The massage therapists are well trained, attentive, and would ask if the pressure they were using was ok, through out the whole process. I have been having some trouble with my right shoulder lately, I was happy to experience some relief from the pain when we were finished. After we were done, we enjoyed the fresh cold fruits and ginger tea which was served to us while we were still coming around from the relaxing stupor of our massages. 

Confession: I had so many plans for us! I wanted to get dressed up, go out, have a few drinks, (even if it was only downstairs in Sage) and take advantage of the fact that we (er… Nino) didn’t have to drive home by enjoying my favorite Cosmopolitan (shh. don’t judge.) to kick off our NIGHT OUT in the city!! In reality, what really happened was a night without alcohol, relaxed shorts and sandals instead of the dress that I brought to change into, and a slower paced kick off to the night due to the relaxing hands of our massages. In fact, the latter was probably what matched the crazy hectic schedule of the work week that we both endured, anyway.

And in all honesty, it was just as nice to sit in the bath with some salts and L’Occitane bath gels, and then hunker down for the night by chatting on the sofa in our suite, and not being interrupted by little ones who deem what they need to say of the utmost importance at that very minute in time…

Imagine a conversation without interruption...

Imagine a conversation without interruption…

When we were going to sleep that night, we were joking each other how far we had come since those nights when we were getting to know each other. Back then, freshly graduated from college and coming off of a not so nice relationship, I remember picking Nino’s brain about everything…politics, human rights, and everything that is wrong with this world, democracy, human kind and how we could fix it…because we knew better…

What a complete 180 degree turnaround from the conversations we had back then…because before we closed our eyes, we spoke about everything that is RIGHT in this world and all the things we could still do to help…and how our four little ones changed our perspectives because they chose us to be their parents…

Thank you Circles for this super cute, super moist and delicious chocolate celebration cake!

Thank you Circles for this super cute, super moist and delicious chocolate celebration cake!

I considered cutting into this delicious cake (I’ve had one like it before because my friend gifted us one for Christmas) before bed, but decided we would enjoy it more as a family together at home.

THANK YOU CIRCLES!

Breakfast the next morning was something we looked forward to because both of us love BREAKFAST BUFFETS!! HOORAY FOR BREAKFAST BUFFETS AT CIRCLES! I’m sure you know that Nino and I have very different tastebuds when it comes to choosing our breakfast food.

My choice...

My choice…

His choice...

His choice…

After breakfast, I asked Nino if he wouldn’t mind sitting by the pool with me for a while. 

Truth: He hates the sun (like most Filipinos I know) and I am a sun worshipper. (shhh don’t tell my derma.) But he agreed to sit for a couple of hours (in the shade) while I soaked up the hot summer sun on the fourth floor pool deck.

Oh, how I loved just sitting and being still, and quiet.     

 

One of the best parts about getting away with @ninoavent is having the ability to do absolutely nothing by the pool.

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on May 1, 2015 at 8:19pm PDT

 

 Thanks for indulging me, Babe.

Because we also had access to the Horizon Club, we were able to check out the brunch offerings before heading back to the room to clean up for check out.

The Horizon Club serves breakfast from 6 am until 12nn on Saturdays. We enjoyed cocktails and apps the night before, so I knew we should make the time to check out HC before going back to the room, even if it was just for a light snack.

Screen Shot 2015-05-07 at 9.35.09 AM

Photo Credit: http://www.shangri-la.com

By this time, Nino was already getting antsy to see the kids and wanted to start our drive back home. I have to admit, after one night away, I already wanted to hug The Bean and I was looking for kisses from my big kids.

It was such an enjoyable night, it was great for us to recharge, revisit our beginning, and talk uninterrupted. I was able to experience all the joys and treats of being pampered at Makati Shang for Mother’s Day…and then I was ready go home and enjoy the four reasons why I am privileged to be called Mom.

I think it would be even more enjoyable to do all of these things with the kids so that we could be “tourists (all 6 of us) in the city” where it all began.

Then it would make it even easier for us to share our beginning with our kids…I feel like that’s important for them to know…don’t you?

If you would like to plan for your staycation this Mother’s Day at Makati Shangri-La for their #MakatiShangMomandMe celebration, please call 02-813-8888. Surely, you will enjoy the perks and the gifts that they have in store for you, Momma!

http://www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila/

https://instagram.com/makatishangrila

https://twitter.com/MakatiShangriLa

Screen Shot 2015-05-06 at 9.16.02 PM

Photo Credit:http://www.shangri-la.com

ALSO: You can enter to win your #MakatiShangMomandMe #staycation for free if your photo posted  on IG is chosen with the funniest words of wisdom from Mom. Don’t forget to make sure your profile is set to PUBLIC so they can track your entry.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Sofitel Pays Homage to Moms
Sipahh Milk Straws »

Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    May 8, 2015 at 11:10 pm

    SO happy you enjoyed! YOU deserve more of this!

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

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
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...