It's cool to be at Mines View Park Hotel in Baguio

Known to be the city where flowers bloom aplenty, Baguio City has been a favorite destination for many a traveler. Just like its many flowers, Baguio’s inviting charm is of colorful and vibrant hues; its fresh pine scent is like a spell to many to keep coming back.

Mines View Park Hotel.
Photo courtesy of www.philstar.com

As the country’s summer capital, Baguio prides itself with its many distinct tourist destinations, welcoming smiles from the locals and a myriad of accommodations to call your home for the duration of your stay in the City of Pines.

On the way to the Mines View Park, one of Baguio’s most visited spots, is a young hotel that can be one perfect place to enjoy the exciting days ahead. Mines View Park Hotel, which opened its doors in 2008, combines the lush countryside feel of Baguio with state-of-the-art amenities for every guest to still enjoy the comforts of home.

The hotel's dining place.

With the cold weather in Baguio, a fireplace is a must.

“Mines View Park Hotel is located far from the crowded city. But if you need to go to the city, it will just take you about 15 minutes with our free shuttle service,” says Mars Abesamis-Balajadia, who owns the hotel with husband Dick. “If you are looking for a relaxing getaway, Mines View Park Hotel offers a magnificent view of the mountains every time you look out your window or balcony. We have cozy and clean modern rooms. Your needs will surely be attended to by professional and friendly personnel.”

Executive Room.

Double Deluxe Room. 

Family Deluxe Room: Where our family of 7 stayed.

Whether you’re in Baguio for business or pleasure, the hotel has something for you. Wake up to the cool morning breeze in any of the 27 well-appointed rooms in the hotel. Couples can choose from executive to junior executive room. For some family fun, the family deluxe room is the perfect choice. Business travelers are catered to as well with the single standard, twin deluxe and double deluxe rooms. If traveling in a big group, the attic room can sleep up to 10 members of your barkada. All these room types have a hearty breakfast in their package.

Single Standard Room.

Love the colors and shapes in the room.

Twin Standard Room.

Going with the whole barkada? Here's the Attic Room that can accommodate up to 10 persons.

Because it is far from the busy streets of Baguio, Mines View Park Hotel has facilities to cater to every guest’s need. Located at the heart of the hotel and adjacent to the main entrance is the patio where a mini-garden can be found. Photo ops are best done at the second floor veranda with the picturesque Cordillera mountains as your backdrop. This area has been a witness to many private dinners. Guests who want to have more fun can also sing their hearts out or groove to the beat at the KTV room. Kids will surely take delight in roasting marshmallows at the fireplace near the reception area.

View deck of the hotel.

Doing business in Baguio? Mines View Park Hotel has a function hall and boardroom. For special occasions and corporate affairs, the hotel offers a spacious function hall that can accommodate up to 150 people. For a smaller crowd, the boardroom is available for seminars and small gatherings.

The hallway.

Shaping up or simply sweating it out has never been more relaxing at the hotel’s fully equipped fitness center. Try out Cordillera’s signature massage at the spa or have your nails done by the salon crew, who are always on call. “We are also planning to make a wellness package for the health-conscious and those who want to have complete detoxification of the body and mind,” furthers Mars.

Isn't it nice to break a sweat and enjoy the scenery at the same time? 

Soothe your tired muscles at the hotel's spa.

Nothing beats a gastronomic experience amidst the foggy Baguio weather. You will definitely enjoy a sumptuous offering of Asian, Western and Continental dishes enhanced by fresh vegetable crops of the highlands. At the Zen’z Restaurant, order the hotel’s signature Strawberry Sinigang. Oh well, what’s a Baguio trip without the strawberry? Just this time, strawberry is served as the main ingredient of a bowl of hot soup on a chilly ambiance. Another must-try at the Mines View Park Hotel is the bibingcrepe. This goes well with coffee at the Halfmoon Asian Café. “The bibingcrepe was inspired by one of our trips to Indonesia. We had a taste of murtabak, an Indonesian dessert that can be bought in the streets,” shares Mars. “Once in Manila, we decided to recreate it. It’s a cross between a bibingka and a crepe. We just came up with different flavors that will appeal to the Filipino taste.”

Strawberry Sinigang. 

Bibingcrepe.

The kids roasting their marshmallow on our last night in Baguio. What a way to bond with the family!

Before concluding your trip, you can head to the pasalubong shops at the nearby Mines View Park and the Good Shepherd Convent (its yummy ube jam is still the best after all these years). The Mansion and the Wright Park are also a few meters away from the hotel. And so is the famous and frequently photographed 50’s Diner.

A side trip to the amazing BenCab museum.
(Will soon write about this on a separate post)

Come to Baguio and stay at the Mines View Park Hotel. It’s cool to be there when you’re in the summer capital — regardless of the season.

(For more information, contact +6374 424-1088 and +632 352-5248 or e-mail info@minesviewparkhotel.com)

(Published December 1, 2011, The Philippine Star)

Phoenix Court in The Bellevue Manila: The rise of the Phoenix

When arriving at the Phoenix Court at The Bellevue Manila for an Oriental gastronomic journey, one is greeted by the mural of a golden phoenix by artist Gina Bocar at the center of the main dining area.

Upon entering Phoenix Court, guests will be greeted by a mural of a golden phoenix.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

In feng shui, the phoenix is a mythical bird that flies far ahead to the front. In the south of Metro Manila, the Phoenix is at the forefront of great Chinese culinary celebrations.

Recently, Bellevue Hotel GM Patrick Chan and head of marketing Ryan Chan feted some media friends to experience Phoenix Court’s delicious offerings amidst its modern Asian interiors. Designed by Architects Illustre, the restaurant features walls mostly painted in muted creams and decorated with intricately carved wooden accents. It can accommodate as much as 250 diners in its high-ceilinged and sophisticated Oriental space. “The design guidelines were for the restaurant to be bright and roomy,” explains Ryan Chan.

Phoenix Court also boasts of private rooms that could seat up to 25 persons. The Chin, named after the first dynasty of China, houses the biggest Lazy Susan in the metropolis. The larger-than-life rotating tray at the Chin gives a unique round table experience for diners.

Chin Room.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

The real highlight, however, of one’s visit to Phoenix Court is the exciting menu that reflects its chef’s stark and serious attitude towards his craft. Chef Cheong Kwan Loong has a solid track record that has spanned years of diverse experience in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China. His brand of food is stamped by his delicate yet knowing touch, which appeals to sophisticated palates. Through the years, he has mastered the intricacies of Chinese cuisine and the secrets in serving fine Cantonese and Szechuan dishes.

Proof of his Chinese culinary expertise was tastefully presented to the guests at a press luncheon recently. A great way to start a culinary expedition includes the must-try steamed scallops dumpling and steamed polonchay (baby spinach) dumpling. The Peking duck from Beijing, which was roasted the traditional way, boasts of beautifully crisp skin and lean meat. The hot prawn salad features deep-fried tiger prawns served with mango, apple, pineapple and lettuce. The wintermelon with crabmeat soup, an authentic Cantonese fare, is originally served in China during the summer season but is definitely a palate pleaser whatever the season is. Hot items on the menu include steamed lapu-lapu with tauso sauce, homemade beancurd with garlic oyster sauce (the flakes on top are incredibly yummy), beef with pepper sauce (the sauce consists of a happy reunion of red, green and yellow pepper), deep-fried chicken marinated in Chinese bagoong, seafood hotpot (seafoods are mixed together and served like shabu-shabu), braised crabmeat with tofu and vegetables and chicken and sausage rice in hotpot. The dessert selections of hot taro sago with coconut milk and buchi culminate the restaurant’s Oriental culinary delights.

Dimsum delights.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

Peking Duck.
Photo courtesy of the hotel

Assorted Cold Cuts Combination.

Braised Fish Lip Soup with Assorted Meat.

Hainanese Hong Kong Chicken.

Steamed Pork with Mochoi Vegetable.

Deep-fried Tiger Prawns with Salt and Pepper.

Braised Bean Curd with Chinese Mushroom and Abalone Clam.

Steamed Dory Fish with Soy Sauce.

Chilled Almond Bean Curd with Fruit Cocktail.

Phoenix Court opened its doors last year to gourmands searching for a memorable Chinese dining experience in the Alabang area. “We were surprised to discover that people from other parts of Manila and suburbs do not mind the drive to Alabang just to sample what other people are raving about Phoenix Court,” quips Patrick.

And we're ready to indulge on these sumptuous Chinese dishes!

With only a little more than a year, the restaurant’s presence is already felt (and relished) by the most discriminating of palates. Phoenix Court is indeed quick to take flight and soar above the culinary world.

Are you ready to experience the rise of the Phoenix?

(Call 771-8181 local 2211 or visit www.thebellevue.com)

(Published August 2, 2011, The Philippine Star)

5 reasons to spend your weekend in The Bellevue Manila

A sweet welcome treat for Mama from The Bellevue team.

Want to escape the rat race even for a few days without having to go too far away from home (especially in this bipolar weather)? The concept of “staycation” is fast gaining popularity such that hotels and resorts have come up with more things to offer local guests. Everyone's practically gotten used to this idea, since it's far cheaper and more convenient than, say, jetting off to some far-flung destination.

Looking for a leisurely break from work and wanting to reward yourself for a job well done? The Bellevue Manila offers an amazing staycation experience that will inspire and invigorate you. Located in Alabang, The Bellevue Manila provides a luxurious stay south of bustling Manila. As a guest, you'll get a feel of the unhurried lifestyle of the Alabang community while enjoying five-star accommodation, dining, and recreational facilities.

Check out 5 reasons to spend a staycation in The Bellevue Manila:

Their rooms spell R&R.

You will just love the deluxe rooms and suites at The Bellevue Manila! Each of the guestrooms in Bellevue is comfortable, cozy, and spacious, and the interiors are designed in a way that guests will experience the ultimate in rest and relaxation. Each features modern-day amenities, like a custom-designed bed, bathroom with tub and separate shower, 32-inch television, iPod dock clock radio, and minibar, among others.

Deluxe Room.
Photos of hotel facilities courtesy of The Bellevue Manila

My excited brothers and cousin immediately dove into the beds. 

There's all-day buffet at Cafe d’Asie.

What better way to bond as a barkada than by sharing stories over great food? The whole gang will surely enjoy Cafe d’Asie’s all-day buffet. Choose from a wide array of culinary selections, including fresh salmon sashimi, high-grade steaks, bread and butter pudding, and delectable cakes and pastries. A magnificent slab of US Prime Rib cooked to your preference takes centerstage in this delicious buffet.

A sumptuous spread at Cafe d'Asie.

Enjoying a hearty breakfast with Dad, Mom and bunso.

You can relax by the poolside.

If you dream of hanging out in an island paradise but do not have the time to go out of town, settle for a relaxing experience at Bellevue's poolside. Have refreshments and snacks from the poolside bar.

Pool at the Main Tower.

Pool at the Tower Wing. Photo taken on a cold, breezy December night.

You can enjoy yummy Chinese food at Phoenix Court.

Satisfy your craving for Chinese food at Phoenix Court, the only fine dining Chinese restaurant in the city. Have your fill of mouthwatering Chinese dishes, like Peking Duck, Mango Lapu-Lapu, and Beef Tenderloin in Pepper Sauce. If you prefer dimsum and dumplings, Phoenix Court also has a Dimsum and Noodle Bar. Located at the second floor of the Tower Wing, the restaurant offers a la carte and dimsum-all-you-can packages.

A family dinner in Phoenix Court in December 2011. 

Enjoy the Peking Duck at Phoenix Court.

You can get pampered at Mandarine Spa.

Soothe your tired muscles with a relaxing and rejuvenating massage from the hotel’s Mandarine Spa. Treatment rooms are available, with some even featuring a steam shower and Whirlpool tub. Guests can choose from a range of spa-mpering services that include Mandarine Signature Foot Reflex, Mandarine Signature Hand Reflex, Relaxing Body Oil or Dry Massage, Fusion Massage, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Silk Facial Massage, Jin Luo Chinese Massage Therapy, Ayurveda Massage, Body Reflex, Ventosa Therapy, and Infrared Deep Heat Therapy, plus combos of these treatments.

Spa-mpering time at Mandarine Spa.

Family fun in The Bellevue Manila: Indeed, a happy birthday for Mama!

(Published June 19, 2013, Kristn.com)