Summit Hotel Magnolia ~ Hotel Review

 

Why travel far (with traffic and all) if you can have the bonding you want near the Metro?

 

Check out our most recent staycation hotel find in Quezon City ~ Summit Hotel Magnolia.

 

This hotel is perfect for shop-a-holic mommas as it has direct access to Robinson's Magnolia mall. So cool!

The hotel lobby is small with very few sitting, but quite chic with bits and pieces of modern elements.

 

My son while waiting for our room.

 

A room at the Summit Hotel is really affordable. A Super Twin room cost a little over P2500 plus VAT.  We got ours at a much lower price in a travel expo.

 

All rooms come with:
· 42-inch, flat-screen TV with HDMI, USB ports and Premium Cable Channels
· Executive Work Desk
· Individually Controlled Air Conditioning Unit
· High-quality Bed Linens and Duvet Covers
· Ultra-soft, non-allergenic Pillows
· Coffee/Tea Making Facility
· Mini-bar Chiller
· Private Bathroom with Hot and Cold Storm Shower
· Hairdryer
· Vanity Mirror
· In-room safe
· RFID Proximity Card and Lock System

 

 

Our room is smaller than we have expected, but given the price we paid for, we are not really complaining.

 

 

The beds were soft and comfortable, however, I think they are a bit small to fit my family of 4 comfortably (sleeping arrangement for 4 person needs a bit of imagination). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Our package came with set breakfast for 2 in café located right next to the hotel ~ Club House

 

 

VERDICT:

• Location is right next to Robinsons Magnolia ~ perfect for those who wants to do some major shopping. 
• Rates are really affordable.
• Summit Hotel is a no-frills hotel, but offers all of the basic amenities to make your stay comfortable. They have wifi but comes with additional charges.  Though you can get free wifi at the mall next door. 
• Breakfast is free for 2 pax, but additional meals cost a fortune.  We paid about P500 for a simple breakfast meal for my son.  Food was nothing spectacular.
• Service is very good. Check in was fast and efficient. The staff at the reception and the bell door man are friendly and accommodating.
• We were a bit sad since there is no pool.  A pool would have been great, especially during summer.
 
For inquiries on Summit Hotel Magnolia (SHM), please visit Summit Hotel's webpage at Summit Hotels Philippines.
 
Doña Hemady Street corner Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City, 1111 Metro Manila
 

Looking for cool activities to do near Summit Hotel Magnolia? Check our visit to the Art In Island Museum.

Art In Island ~ World Class 3D Art Museum

Movie Star Cafe just like in the MOVIES (updated)

I have heard quite a lot about one of the newest family restaurants in town - Movie Stars Café.  

It is a special kind of restaurant that runs hourly performances for the entire family entertainment.

So on my youngest son's 6th birthday, I pre-booked seats for us to check out and see for ourselves what the rave is all about.

 Movie Stars Café (here we are)

  

My boys gamely posed next to the King (himself) Kong (LOL!)

We came at about 6pm and found the place already half-packed.  There were still plenty of seats upfront, but to my dismay, we were given seats at the back. 

Although the place is small, and the back seats are only about 3-5 feet away from the  small runway stage,  I have been wanting to get front seats to amp my kids enjoyment in watching the shows.

I tried to use my charm to be moved upfront, but nah!

People started pouring in at 630pm and by 645 it was already jam-packed, so it was good we came in a little early.

We got eat-all-you buffet for four (2 adults and 2 kids), which cost P699 for adults and extra P100 for drinks.
 
There is not much to say about the food. It was plain and simple - much like a birthday party sort of spread.  
I honestly recommend you just do an a la carte.  That would be much cheaper and you get to choose what you like.  

There are plenty of MSC cast in famous movie character costume around to keep your kiddos busy in between performances that starts at 7pm.

If you did not get your money's worth from the food, don't fret since the shows are truly worth your every centavo.

(Performances photos courtesy of MSC FB page)

My boys had so much fun - my youngest son's jaw dropped seeing Spidey dance.

 Our choice pictures. L-R/T-B: Papa with Atom; Raj with Spider Man; Kuya with Jabbawockeez and Me with Bubblebee!

TIPS:

1. Reserve early.  Don't take chances, especially during weekends as it gets really crowded.
2. Do a la carte instead of buffet. 
3. Enjoy and don't hesitate to approach the performers.  They are very accommodating and will gladly pose with you!
4. Enjoy and have fun.

Movie Stars Café

Seaside Blvd., SM Mall of Asia

Pasay City

Tel. No. 550-1234

The restaurant has moved to a new home at the

G/F of Centris Station, EDSA cor Quezon Ave., Quezon City

For inquiries please visit their facebook page:

Movie Stars Cafe 

Exploreum... where SCIENCE becomes FUN

Worthwhile family activities is become more and more difficult to find.  

 

I was excited to hear that the SM through its lifestyle and entertainment arm, has recently undertaken a revamp of the SM Science Center into the Exploreum.

 

The Exploreum houses eight (8) main galleries, covering vast range of topics and interests.

 

 

Connect showcases various communication equipment. 

It has an exhibit of old computer, television, cellular phone, which were amusing conversational pieces to tell your kids how communication evolved as we know it today.

 

 

 

Cyberville is a hands-on-gallery featuring various inventions.  My kids grew a liking to the solar powered car that actually moves and took turns running it. 

 

Human Adventure provides visitors an in-depth view of the human body.

 

 

The Living Earth shows the origin of the planet.

 

 

Natural World showcases flora and fauna.

 

 

Zoom Gallery explores automobiles and planes at work.

 

 

 

Space Camp, meanwhile shows visitors a peep of life in space. 

 

 

The SM Planetarium is a 180 degrees full dome theater, showing digital videos and films. 

Aside from these galleries, Exploreum also has a practice science area called Discovery Science and a scientific play space/lab called Science Park. 

My honest verdict:  

The Exploreum is actually  a cheaper alternative to the Mind Museum at P350 per pax (inclusive of Gallery, plus one Planetarium show). We enjoyed our tour and my boys had fun learning . 

However, although Exploreum has all the key elements of a Science Museum, I don't think it has enough to fully engage and wow guests.

It tries hard to impress by packing it's space with too much themes, that they were unable to fully explore each one profoundly nor were they able to provide smooth transition from one gallery to another.

In the end a trip to the Exploreum is not a waste of time and money, however, for a more engaging science adventure, I suggest you spend some more and head to the Mind Museum. 

The Exploreum is located at the GF Southside Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia Pasay City. 

You may click here for the rates <<<<

Pedro Calungsod Chapel at SM Aura, BGC Taguig

We were on our way back home from a weekend staycation at Microtel Hotel near SM MOA. We were looking for church along to way and remembered SM Aura has a chapel.

  

Parking was a breeze. There were plenty of parking slots available, considering it was a weekend.  After parking we rushed towards the mall entrance and asked our way to the chapel.

 

The chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at SM Aura's top level (level 7).  We took a lift from the B2 parking to Level 5 and changed lift to reach the chapel.  We reached the chapel just in time for the 12nn mass.

  

 

 

It was a long way up, but worth it.  The chapel is beautifully designed and view outside breath-taking  (with fresh air to spare - although every now and then, we can smell grilled food, which I am guessing coming from the food court area).

 

The chapel can fill up to 300 people. Unfortunately, with the number of mall goers wanting to catch mass before shopping - expect SRO, especially if  you come it late. 

 

Mass-goers easily spill outside towards the deck and with people coming in / passing by it was quite difficult to concentrate (the cons of mall masses).

 

The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod is located at the 7th level of SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway Taguig City.
Mass schedules:
Mondays to Saturdays at 12nn and 5pm Sundays at 10am and 5pm.
 

 
 
 
 
 

Pyrolympics 2014 (Can't Wait for Next Year)

 

 

Next to Christmases and Birthdays, my boys look forward to the annual Philippines International Pyrolympics Competition. This is obviously fast becoming an yearly event for my family!

 

The competition normally scheduled, Saturdays of February and March held at the SM Mall of Asia, Bayfront.

 

This year, we got to see Spain and UK fireworks display.

 

If you haven't seen one yet, I strongly encourage you to do so and bring your entire family along.  The displays are truly world class.

NOTES:
If you have cash to spare, I recommend an overnight stay at Microtel Hotel, their Sunset View Rooms, have a perfect view of the bay.

KidsVille @ Podium Mall

 

My kids had swell fun playing adults at Podium Mall's KidzVille. 

 

The toys were made child size and were so cute. I found myself having fun time as well! 

 

It was a worthwhile bonding activity playing pretend with my boys!

 

 

 

playing a super hero (inside Superman's telephone booth)

 

 

a school bus sits right next to a school house

 

my boys playing mechanics this time

 

this fireman rushing via a firepole!

 

At the farm house - the boys got to feed the animals and ride them at the same time.

 

a grocery store, stocked with groceries and produce, was one my kid's favorite zones.

 



how much for the peanuts, mom?

 

the streets of kidsville - no worries no fast moving cars

playing medics



all healthy!!!

 

my eldest loves building stuffs!

All these playing made me hungry.  What's cooking son?

 



The kids had so much fun - playing adults at KidzVille.

 

We would definitely be back.

 

 

KidzVille is located at the 4F Podium Mall, ADB Avenue Pasig City.

 

BSA Twin Tower Mandaluyong

I have saved enough rewards points on my BDO card that when I decided to redeem the points, I had enough credits for a BSA Twin Tower Studio Deluxe accommodation offered via Ensogo.  Our overnight stay at BSA was virtually free.

BSA Twin Tower condo-hotel's locations is just perfect.  The hotel is smacked right at the center of everything a shopping addict could wish for. 

BSA Twin Tower is located along St. Francis Square beside St. Francis "F" Mall, back of SM Megall and meters away Podium Mall.  It is a shopper's dream location. 

I wasn't expecting anything fancy.  The room was after all free. 

Check-in was a breeze and we were allowed an early check-in at 12nn. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about the parking.  Would you believe the hotel doesn't have enough parking for their hotel guests? 

Yup, I was shocked myself... this information is important and should not be left for the hotel guest to discover for themselves at check-in. 

My husband was quite disappointed as he had to park our ride all the way to SM Mega Mall - traffic was bad in that area, especially it being a Saturday. 

Hubby dropped me and the kids off the hotel lobby with our luggage, as he parked the car in SM, to be transferred later near "F's" parking lot located beside BSA Twin Towers.

As hubby hunts for a parking slot, me and my kids were led to a Studio Deluxe room.  The room we have comes with 2 single beds, a working kitchen and a dinette.  Room was overall okay, however, the bed, linen and curtains were quite dusty; And the floor needs lots of mopping! 

But then again, this staycation is free - so I am not really complaining. 

They were a little thrift on bathroom supplies, but that's okay.

Oh, they needed to replace their towels as well. They were dirty and coarse. 


My hotel package comes with free buffet breakfast for 2.  Food was okay, nothing to hype about.  But I should say the waiters were very accommodating and attentive.

The seating area at the hotel front desk.

I love these chandeliers - they were huge and look expensive.  If only the hotel has parking :P



VERDICT:  So, so hotel in a prime location.  Would consider staying if I needed to do some major shopping or if I am getting a night's stay for free :D

See also my related post on BSA Twin Tower pools.

The Safest Thrill Ride Invented

Time Zone's Fun Rider 5D is so cool!

My kiddos enjoyed the ride that seemed so real especially to my 4 year old's wild imagination.   

My four year old had so much fun, my eight year old begging for a fun rider horror ride...

There are plenty of theme rides to choose from - my boys got the Crazy Coaster. 

It was a 15 minutes thrill ride for the boys with lots of screaming and laughing -  the price was worth it.

Enjoy the Fun Rider 5D with your family at 

Glorietta 1, Ayala Center,  Makati City