Roomorama - Feel at Home

Everybody is fond of staying in hotels, but admit it - what you get is a small space packed with incomplete household needs. And do I need to mention this room comes with a steep price?

That's why for a week or month-long getaway with your family, it's better to stay in a rental apartment. Aside from it's cheaper, you might be able to cook in the kitchen, wash your clothes with the washing machine and dryer, or press your clothes. Just like home away from home.

spacious apartments for as cheap as $50 per night!

Roomorama is a one-stop shop for short-term rentals. It is an online marketplace to connect and transact with hosts and guests - conveniently and securely. With 451 destinations around the world, surely there'll be a "home" waiting for you wherever you are.


Why use Roomorama?
1. Easily manage inquiries and reservations. 2. Fill your vacancies by finding guests for your availabilities.
3. Streamlined communication tools. 4. Safe and easy payments management.


All the talkings are not enough unless I try Roomorama's services.
I browsed Roomorama's website and it returned a list of available properties for my preferred dates. All the details of the room, from the price to its amenities are all there. My first choice would be an apartment in Serendra or McKinley. It'll be great because my office building is just around the vicinity. But since I chose to stay on a weekend (means no reason to go at Global City) I settled with my next choice - Lancaster serviced-apartments in Mandaluyong.

Thru Roomorama, I received my payment code which I handed over to the receptionists of Lancaster. They confirmed the code and another staff immediately assisted me to my room. Hassle free.

Let me share Lancaster's Executive Room where I stayed.

1-BR suite at Lancaster

dining table and kitchen

spacious and homey sofa set

queen size bed for me

clean and maintained bathroom

toiletries

..while waiting for the pizza delivery guy
thanks c3 for the visit!

As a bonus, the jacuzzi and pool in the roof deck are free to use for stay-in guests. Perfect, I heard Lancaster is not strict for party.. Also, buffet breakfast for 2 pax comes free!

jacuzzi and pool in the roof deck

Canon 60D / 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS / Nissin Speedlite Di622
(ang bigat! sumakit ang braso ko!)

Im sure you can tell that I enjoyed my stay here! =)


So the next time you want to be away from home, but still feel the comfort of being at home - check out the properties at Roomorama.

https://roomorama.com

♥ This is a sponsored post.

One Sweet Stay at Discovery Suites

After the suitest Oakwood Joy-Nostalg experience, here comes another suite stay. Thanks to Rob and Deal Grocer for this 50% off discount voucher. This one-bedroom suite in Discovery Suites Ortigas only costs P3,950- inclusive of breakfast for 2. Very good promo indeed, specially if you're an OFW or an expat who wishes to stay in Manila comfortably and reasonably. Discovery Suites is a good option.

I know it's not very practical to spend a night in a hotel, but come on, I haven't really traveled since that traumatic Bali incident 2 months ago. It's been a while since I last had a getaway. Daming excuses! Haha But in reality, it just all boils down the fact that I love to sleep in a luxurious bed once in a while. So thanks Rob for this treat, again!

Discovery Suites lobby

Check-in time was 3:00pm but luckily for us, our room was ready at 2:00. The staff were all nice. They were very accommodating. We didn't encounter any hassle as we used the voucher.

the alley that leads to our room

The 1-BR suite assigned to us was on the 20th floor. And it's quite nice to see a space to breathe in the center of the rooms.

the space between the rooms

photo me session can't wait!

1st time ever to wear pink nail polish ^_^

I've read a couple of mixed feedbacks regarding Discovery Suites that's why I never set any expectations. This hotel may not be brand new but I can say that the suite was well maintained and clean.

1-BR suite on the 20th floor

preview of the bedroom and living room

preview of the bathroom

This 1-BR suite has almost all the appliances and furniture the guests might need. I think this is perfect for long term stays.

may not be high end, but all the things you need (to throw a party) are here!

or things you need to host a small get together

Living area has a cozy feel. Full sized windows freshened the ambiance. It's (like) home!

living area

standard hotel slippers shot

As for the room, it was spacious. Full sized windows made the room brighter. The bed was one of the most remarkable. The pillow and comforter were probably made to create a perfect sleep. And indeed, I had. It's more than some cheap holidays costa teguise.

one of the most remarkable beds = simply perfect sleep

thanks Rob, ang dami!
yes, cuervo for mang Narcing

Aside from the bedroom, the bathroom is always the highlight of a hotel stay. This suite's version is simple but slightly classy.

spacious bathroom

bath tub and shower area

and of course, complete with toiletries

The super sound sleep in that bed was very unforgettable, but this door lock is running second. See why..

how can i forget this hilarious door lock.. ^_^

Rob and I checked out the indoor pool area. Uncrowded. No one was there. And no more swimsuit shot for me. Di na keri, di na ko slim! ^_^

indoor pool

jacuzzi

The 50% off voucher we availed also includes 2 breakfast buffet @Restaurant 5. This deal is really great, I told yah!

breakfast @Restaurant 5

buffet spread

elegant setup

Can't post all the photos here, but these are some of them.

cereal, yogurt, and four seasons juice

french toast, hash brown, bacon strips, and watermelon juice
super yummy plate!

can't get enough of these hash browns and bacon strips!

..now that's the way to start the day

Overall, Discovery Suites may not be as excellent as Oakwood, but the hotel is clean, maintained, and spacious. Not to mention the very accommodating staff. Imagine for P3,950 - you can get a sound sleep in a 1BR suite and a hearty breakfast buffet. This deal is quite a steal!

Discovery Suites
25 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines
www.discoverysuites.com/

I'd also like to mention Remay for the short visit. Thanks for bringing Rero along!

sorry Rero, you cant party in the room with us..
but you'll have your own party on your 1st bday, soon! ♥

In Memory of my Most Loved Travel Essential

..no dear, it's not my camera or my backpack.

It may not be essential to some travelers, but this one's really important to me. Im just used to bring it, wherever I go. It's my all weather protection against the striking sun and the heavy rains. Or maybe these are just my excuses pero sa totoo lang ayoko lang talaga magbilad sa arawan.

heavy sigh as I lost my payong
just a few of the many shots with my umbrella in action

True that not all new items are more valuable than the old ones.
The memories shared with my old payong will always remain priceless..
But life goes on. Now it's time to move on and buy a new one, a future use in some holidays to Tenerife. Charot! ^_^

Help for the Pinay traveler who loses leg in Cambodia bus tragedy

This tragedy broke my heart.
A co-Pinay traveler Nina Kristine Abad, who apparently visited my blog and has sent me a message prior to her trip, was caught in a bus accident in Cambodia. 2 people died. Luckily, Nina survived. However, due to the severity of her injuries, her right leg had to be amputated. She'll go back in Pinas with only 1 leg left. =(

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/228252/pinoy-abroad/uplb-grad-loses-leg-in-cambodia-bus-accident

holidays to portugal

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from the note of Benjamin Juan Delos Santos, Nina Kristine's friend:
Nina Kristine Abad is a 30-year-old travel enthusiast who has visited some of the best tourist sites around the world. However, during her recent journey to Cambodia, she met a tragic accident. Last Monday (August 1, 2011), the tourist bus she was riding collided with a truck while en route to Vietnam from the Cambodian tourist hub of Siem Reap. Seven passengers were seriously wounded, while two others died from the said incident. Luckily, Nina survived. However, due to the severity of her injuries, her right leg had to be amputated. She is currently confined at the Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh.

Despite such adversity, brave Nina remains optimistic and hopes that her injuries will not keep her from continuing to pursue her dream of traveling around the world. But first she needs to recover from this life-altering event.

Immediate and overwhelming support from various agencies of the Philippine government, such as the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, as well as that of Filipinos and friends residing in Cambodia and around the world has helped keep Nina's spirits up. Her family are on their way to Cambodia to be with her. The UPLB Development Communicators' Society, to which Nina is a member, continues to rally for support.

Nina is in a strange country and the trials she is facing are daunting. We, her organization's brothers and sisters are now humbly calling for your prayers and support. We all believe that with the proper attention of both the media and key officials and agencies of the Philippine government will help avoid the possibility of having this incident glossed over and swept under the rug. Please help us by disseminating this information to ensure that Nina will be able to recover and return home to her beloved country.

For those who wish to have more information and offer assistance please kindly contact Benjamin Juan Delos Santos at contact number: 09178191881. For those who wish to offer financial assistance, please send them to this account:

Account name: Sheena Eledi June A. Padilla
Account no. 2080141801
Branch: BDO Aegis People Support Branch

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Hi Nina,
I was so saddened by this life-changing news. And I dont know how to comfort you. =(
You're 1 brave lady, and I salute you for that. May God continue to shower you with strength to still pursue all your dream travels.
Can I join you in one of those? Looking forward to meet you once you're settled here in Pinas. Please get well.

Basix at Dusit Thani - the P699 promo

There's no doubt Im very lucky with my set of friends. Kat, one of my college buddies, treated me at Basix for my post birthday celebration. Sweet! ♥


Basix is 1 of the 4 participating restaurants in the ultimate Crossover Brunch, held every Sunday at Dusit. Among the 4 resto, I loved Umu (Japanese) and Benjarong (Thai) the most. The selections were wide and every item served was very tasty, and of course authentic.

Basix buffet at Dusit Thani

The promo sites / great deals craze featured Basix. The discounted voucher includes international cuisines + the delicious selection of ice cream, cakes, crepes, chocolates, free-flowing softdrinks, wine and beer. All for P699 only. Great deal.


As always, I started by checking out everything that is included in the buffet. I knew I shouldn't expect much. This was not my favorite restaurant in my Crossover experience to start with. And guess I was right, the selection was not much.

salad station
pag feel ko lang, but usually i only eat a little of these

cold seafood section
not for me

salmon and other cold cuts

lamb, chicken, squid, tempura, lechon station

and some international cuisine like seafood paella

free flowing softdrinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, beer, and champagne

There were also the Chinese and Japanese stations, but the selections were too limited.


After checking out the whole area, I can finally pick my choices. And by now, you know well that I love to eat pasta, steak, pizza, and tempura - all at the same time. ^_^

thanks Kat!
ikaw na ang system engr ng TV5!

fussili in red sauce and penne carbonara
it's not the usual "create your own pasta" thing. these pasta were already cooked. though they were tasty, they're a bit dry / lacked of sauce for me. i like my pasta to be hot, not just warm.

prime rib
i wanted it (very) well done but it still tasted raw for me. and disregarding that, it still wasn't outstanding at all. nothing still beats Spiral's prime rib.

grilled salmon and shrimps
these marinated meats tasted with a hint of indian spices. shrimp dishes cant go wrong. as for the salmon, i tasted HEAT's barbecued salmon and that was way better.

lechon
im not a fan. seriously.

shrimp tempura and camaron rebosado
it's the first time I encountered a camaron rebosado! acdg to Kat, it's like the classic tempura, but Pinoy style. and I liked it
as for the tempura - i was so disappointed. remember that I always say "walang tempura na hindi masarap". oh well, meron na! ang hirap kainan ng tempura na to!

The only dish that Kat and I really loved was the Cauliflower Soup. It was so good that I forgot to take a photo of it. Haha!

cream of cauliflower soup - source
the only thing Kat and I loved to have for another round

oh well, let's cheers to that! ^_^

I usually stuff the most of my stomach first before I proceed to eating desserts. But in this case, I knew very well that the disappointment we had in the main entrees would be topped by Dusit's finest desserts.

crepe and banana-cue station
the almond and walnut toppings were not available =(

mango crepe with icecream
finally, something that I enjoyed eating! (but again, Cafe Ilang-Ilang's mango crepe with ferrero flavored icecream was the best)

chocolate fondue, mallows, fruits

cakes and pastries

leche flan and choco rumble
most outstanding!

Since Im not a coffee lover, drinking chamomile tea is the best way to end a buffet.

chamomile tea
tapos tulugan na! ^_^

Overall verdict: If not for the P699 promo vouchers that Kat availed for us, I dont find it sulit. Nakulangan ako. But since this lunch buffet was my friend's treat for my post birthday celebration, then I can't be thankful enough!

Basix
Dusit Thani, Ayala Center, Makati
Rates: Lunch P1200++ | Dinner P1400++
Reservation: contact this number 867-3333

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Last Friday, a lady in the office approached me. She introduced herself and told me she reads my blog.
Hi Irish! It was very nice to meet you and Leigh. Invite moko if ever you have plans of an antalya holidays.

..see, im approachable! introduce yourself para wag nyo na ko panoorin matulog if ever magkasabay tayo sa LRT.. hi Anne ^_^