The Blogger Princess

I was elated when I have successfully booked a one-bedroom suite at Discovery Suites last week. I felt I won a jackpot prize because I know for a fact that Valentine dinners are quite expensive and for a practical person like me, an overnight stay with complimentary two glasses of wine and cheese platter in a suite is already a good deal. I have chosen to book a hotel in Ortigas because I will be coming from work that day.

Discovery Suites is a 4-star hotel located in ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center across the Podium.

IMPRESSION: I was so excited because I know that Discovery Suites/Shores is known for treating their guests like VIPs. I had a memorable experience with them when we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary, that’s why I decided to book again.

(The photos below are taken from our 15th Wedding Anniversary @ Discovery Suites in 2017)

They set up a romantic ambiance for us with this creative towel decor and bath with bubble bath and rose petals. We felt very special because of their efforts.

CHECKING-IN

I registered early (around 8am) because I had to go to the office that morning. After the registration, I left my luggage with them. Their standard check-in time is 3pm but I was hoping to have an early check-in so I called to check since I have done this before in Marco Polo and Edsa Shangri-la. They were able to let me check in early at around 12nn or 1pm. I remembered that the early check-in and late check-out priveleges that we had is because of the lounge club benefits.

We left the office at 2:30pm and after paying the incidental deposit of P2500, we were asked to wait because they were still cleaning the room at that time.

I told myself that it’s okay to wait because I am already excited to see how they set up the one-bedroom suite for us. (The photos above show what they prepared for us before and I was very eager to find out if they will be able to surpass what they had prepared for us before).

OUR SUITE

We were assigned to room 1114.

When we entered our suite, my excitement turned into a big disappointment. (Please click the link to my YT channel for a quick room tour).

The one-bedroom suite costs P6500 for an overnight stay. If you will think about it– it’s quite practical because my last stay in Marco Polo costs P10,000 and P20,000 plus in Edsa Shangri-la. I liked the room except for one thing— its VIEW 😦

I liked the simple and cozy living room, but we didn’t have a stunning VIEW 😦 Having a nice and relaxing view is important for me because it helps me unwind. Seeing a stockroom as our view is unpleasant to my eyes and it set my negative mood right after we have settled in. The place is quite gloomy because the curtains are closed.

I liked the kitchenette (equipped with basic kitchen and dining essentials) like plates, glasses, spoon, forks, knives and pans. They also have a cooker if you would like to cook your own food; a microwave oven and oven toaster if you would like to reheat your leftover food. There is a refrigerator where you can store your food and drinks. There is also a dining area where you can have dinner or breakfast with your family.

I also liked the bedroom because we had enough space for our clothes in the spacious closet. We also have a writing desk, TV and phone in the room.

Hubby liked the bathroom so much because it is simple but clean and classy. Of course, I like it because of the bath tub– it’s just too weird that Shane and I didn’t have the time to soak ourselves there (probably because we’re quite disappointed).

MY RATING: 3/5 STARS

The Surprises/Freebies

Though I like sweets, I didn’t enjoy the freebies for the day. I felt like— it was a waste of money, but then, we had to enjoy the rest of the day so Shane and I headed to the gym.

MY RATING: 4/5 STARS

THE FITNESS CLUB

This is my favorite amenity in the hotel. Too bad, I wasn’t able to have my workout because I forgot to bring my pair of rubber shoes and my priority that time was the use of the female area– I took advantage of the time when nobody was there so I had the jacuzzi all by myself 🙂

I wasn’t able to use their sauna and steam bath because we had to proceed to the pool area for a very quick swim since I was already shivering at that time and Hubby might arrive anytime. I couldn’t stand the cold water so we had to go back our suite.

MY RATING: 4.5 STARS

MY RATING: 4/5 STARS

THE IN-ROOM DINING

When we went back to the suite, I thought the pizza I ordered and the complimentary glasses of wine and cheese platter were already there, but instead, a heart shaped sweet treat was there. Hubby arrived at 7:45pm and he brought chicken and rice for us. The pizza was delivered before 9pm after several phone calls that I made. We were already starving and as much as I would like to get mad, I still managed to control my temper. I didn’t want to ruin the Valentine’s Day staycation that I planned. I asked the staff who delivered the pizza why it was delayed. He informed me that the restaurant was jam-packed with people and they also have received many orders that night. I think they also forgot that we had a complimentary two glasses of wine and cheese platter. He apologized and he promised to follow up for us. After few minutes, I had to follow up again over the phone and finally, it was delivered by 9:20pm.

MY RATING:

1/5 STARS

THE BREAKFAST BUFFET @ RESTAURANT 5

We didn’t expect that much because we knew it wasn’t a five-star hotel so they only have limited selection of foods. Fortunately, I liked the foods they served that day. Here’s what I got in my plate (Garlic rice, Chicken with gravy, cheese pizza, chicken misua, ziti pasta in pesto sauce, hashbrown, omelette, yogurt and banana cupcake. )

MY RATING: 3.5 STARS

After the breakfast, we were having second thoughts if we would head to the gym and pool area but we opted to stay inside the room. We assumed that those areas are crowded already.

While I was having a cup of coffee after packing our things, Hubby noticed that our room smelled like cigarette smoke. It’s not a smoking area so we wonder how the hell did that smell come from?

I also shared to him the noise that I heard in the morning. When I finally decided to get out of the bed, the usual thing that I do when I am in a staycation is to open the window and gaze at the spectacular view. Well, there was no stunning view to brighten up my day. Our thoughts were the same– they have not leveled up with their service; instead, they downgraded.

CHECK OUT

Standard check-out time is 12nn so before we had to pack our things at 11am and get ready.

We had a smooth check out. While checking out, I was able to share with the front desk officers about my disappointment regarding the room assigned to us. Aside from that, they had a poor in-room service.

While we were waiting for our luggage outside, one of the staff approached Hubby and mentioned that it smelled like cigarette smoke in the room. My hubby answered that we do not smoke and he already noticed that smell but we were not able to report it.

HOW CAN THEY IMPROVE THEIR SERVICE

As what I have mentioned, Discovery Suites is known for treating their guests like VIPs; however, they need to be consistent with their service. They need to see to it that all their guests are taken cared of. In this staycation, it’s the in-room service who messed up. On our way to the swimming pool around 6pm, we saw that the staff were delivering glasses of wine already in the rooms that’s why when we came back, I was expecting that the food was already there, but I had to make series of phone calls before they deliver it.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

It was also my fault. I didn’t ask if the room has a nice view; otherwise, I could have opted to have a Valentine dinner with my family at home. There was nothing special with the staycation and I ended regretting to plan and book this whole thing. For me, it was a waste of money and we could have a better celebration if we have done it at home or have chosen another hotel to spend an overnight stay.

OVERALL RATING:

My rating was based from our latest overnight stay. I think the service will depend on the type of room that you are going to avail. I suggest that before you book, make sure that you have a stunning view and do not bother to order for in-room dining if it’s holiday or you are booked for a special event like Valentine’s Day.

Next week, I’ll take you to La Mesa Ecopark and we’ll take a tour of EDSA Shangri-la Hotel 🙂 Til next post, Barbie dolls!

I know this is very late, but I won’t forgive myself if I won’t be able to post our breakfast buffet experience @ the HEAT when we spent our 17th Wedding Anniversary @ the Edsa Shangri-la Hotel last October 2019. My last dining experience with them in 2018 was so disgusting not because of the food, but because some of the staff did not actually understand what I booked and gave me the wrong information. The disappointment, however, is not with the hotel itself. It was clear in my post before that our stay could’ve been perfect if those incidents did not happen. Anyway, we have enjoyed our stay last year and this time, I will show you the highlights of that incredible breakfast experience.

Luckily, we didn’t experience any problem entering . The staff was polite and we were escorted to our table. As we were seated, I looked around to find my favorites.

I don’t pick too much food in buffet– just a little portion of my favorites. As long as there are sweets and pastries, I’m satisfied, but my satisfaction won’t be complete without finding out if there is ice cream before I select my food. When I saw what I was looking for, I was motivated because at the end of the race, the prize was waiting for me.

There was no pasta during that day (I was looking for spaghetti or carbonara), but luckily there was pancit canton!

My usual selection are the following : pancit canton, chicken, and egg .

The buffet breakfast isn’t complete without the congee and the element of excitement in combining the ingredients.

Bruce wasn’t in the mood that morning, but a cup of hot choco made his day.

For the kids, the cereals, pancake and champorado are the bestsellers. Too bad, I wasn’t able to try the ube champorado.

One of my favorite part of this eating episode is the arrival of the “Taho and Pandesal Guy.” It’s kinda unusual and cute to find the modern way of yelling “Tahooooooooo!” and “Pandesaaaaaal!.” Take note: the pandesal comes with other fillings, but I picked the chicken-filled pandesal.

And of course, here’s the sweet ending 🙂

THE VERDICT: Well, I was really satisfied with the breakfast, I think what I just looked for that was not there was the slice of cake. Of all the hotels in Ortigas that I’ve been to, it was only in the Linden Suites that slices of cakes were included in the buffet. I hope that there will be a time that all my faves like cake, pizza and ice cream are all included in the buffet. Overall, I will give 4.5 stars .

Til my Next buffet experience @ The Heat! Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I will be posting another blog on the last week of this month because we will be having a tour at the EDSA Shangri-la Manila Hotel on February 23, 2020. I will show you around with the help of Ms. Terylle from the Horizon Club Lounge:-)

Yep, it’s almost one week before Valentine’s Day and I was cramming lately because I am actually thinking that I might be able to plan nothing at all. It happened to me last year— I had a lot of options and because of that, I didn’t stick to what I liked when I happen to stumble upon something that interests me, I had second thoughts— til it was too late to book and all the places I wanted was already filled in. I have learned from my experience that’s why I needed to be wiser and faster this time!

I didn’t have to be impulsive just because I wanted to do this ahead of time. I checked the prices if I will be booking a table for two plus our 12-year-old daughter. Marco Polo and Shangri-la restaurants would cost me around P4k to 6k for just the dinner alone and in a matter of 1 or 2 hours, you’re done with the celebration. I am just being practical, so I looked for other options. A spa at the Hanging Gardens was a good idea also but I wanted something more— after all, I deserved a treat for myself. I’ve been working so hard ever since I resigned as a public school teacher. This love month, it’s about time for Hubby and I to reward ourselves.

So, to make the long story short, I decided to book an overnight stay in Discovery Suites . Since I am working in Ortigas, of course, the target place should be within that area only. I don’t want to get stuck in traffic, so this one is perfect. I was able to get a good deal to book a one-bedroom suite for only P6,500 net. My last experience with them was during our video shoot for our renewal of vows. We have received a VIP treatment because they are already experts in the field of customer service. Ever since, I loved the way they surprised us and make us feel very important. Now, I wanted to spend this romantic celebration with a hotel that makes us feel at home as always.

Watch out for my Valentine’s Day celebration with Hubby and Shane @ Discovery Suites! I know you are still looking for a place to go to this VDay. Check out if they still have vacant rooms.

Since the New Year started , I still couldn’t believe I actually have resigned from my work as a public school teacher. I still wake up at 4am because that used to be my routine. I go to school not to work and teach students like what I used to do before, but because we drop our son to school by car. After dropping him to school, I have control of my time if I would like to do household chores or work.

Now, I am the boss! That’s what I really enjoyed about my decision. Though it is indeed stressful because I singlehandedly do all the job from marketing, HR to operations on a daily basis (no holidays and weekends), but it’s fine with me because I am the one who manages my time. I can go to the office whenever I want and I decide on my OOTD (Isn’t that awesome?) I can work for overtime as late as 12 midnight or opt to wake up late. In other words, I make the decision and I have the power to do anything I want. And because I am already focused with my business, it means more opportunity.

I am more motivated now because I also get to bond with the kids (mommy duties). We can sneak to the mall and watch movies, stroll or pig out. I was guilty of having no time with them for the past ten years and now, I promise to make up to them.

Aside from that, I have more time in blogging! Before, I just blog in my free time and that is every three months if I am not busy. Now, I have all the time and I have worked on my content calendar until November 2020 (which means more content for my blogs, IG and Facebook page and personal FB account.). It’s not yet final because I still have to put some checklist per page so I know what I have to accomplish per day.

I just posted my first Friday Vlog Day yesterday and I’m kinda excited on posting new vlogs. Before, I almost died because of stress and obviously, I didn’t have the time for myself and the kids– so I am definitely enjoying this benefit.

• Before the month ends, I made sure that I have accomplished something. Here are some of my accomplishments:I already have talked with the respective banks re my loan and I am currently working on producing the requirements for the first one so I can settle the full amount and close my account and I have informed the other bank that I will settle the payment over the counter instead until it end on December 2021.
• Since I already resigned, I am working on my requirements for my GSIS benefits. I would also like to find out if i can continue contributing for my Philhealth and register for SSS (self-employed). They have a lot of requirements, but I had no choice but to produce all those because I really need to have my benefits after my resignation.

• Temporarily, I have improved my workstation at home while I am still in the planning stage of building my office/blogging area in the 3rd floor on January 2021.
• I also have applied for passport renewal so I can already go outside the country for vacation with my family.

Now, I can say that I am really happy with my decision and I will make sure that everything will be under control in the following months. If you are like the old me who had no time for your family, probably it’s time for you to think it over.

It’s 2020 and I want to have a fresh and brand NEW start. Since I stay most of my precious time at home, I decided to plan about having my own blogging office/studio of course at the comfort of my own home. It sounds really good, but it’s not that easy and I need more time to plan about this carefully and funds for this special project.

I currently have my small workstation in my bedroom where I spend most of my time blogging and doing office work. The thing is, our bedroom is in the second floor of our house, which is not yet completely finished. The walls are not yet perfect and painted. It’s not yet tiled or carpeted and everything is disorganized. One of my goals this year is to save for this project and I will be able to come up with funds most likely on December.

WHAT I HAVE IN MIND:

1. THE BLOGGING/VLOGGING STUDIO/OFFICE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE 3RD FLOOR

I’m planning to divide the space into two: first would be the open space and the other half for my studio/office. So why on the rooftop? Ideally, I need a quiet space to work and to write blogs so it shouldn’t be in the bedroom if I would like to free myself from distractions. Also, I want to have a source of light so definitely, it would be from the windows, so even if I don’t switch on the lights, I still can write or work. I also need the area to be sound-proof (if it’s possible).

The room won’t be that big, but I want all areas to be functional, with chic design and of course, relaxing.

I wanted the office to have an access to my bedroom downstairs, so I need to have a narrow ladder or spiral stairs.

2. WHAT AREAS ARE THERE IN MY OFFICE/STUDIO?

• BLOGGING SPACE/AREA

This is my blogging spot– the usual table where I can place my lappy and do office works or write blogs. I badly need a quiet space that’s why I’m thinking of making this a sound-proof room because I will be taking and making phone calls if needed.

For this, I need a spacious working desk, printer, laminating machine, small filing cabinet, organizers, bulletin boards, and a comfy office chair

• VLOGGING AREA

This is where I pose and emote in front of the camera for my vlogs. I need a super nice background, a pink couch, camera tripod in this area.

• WARDROBE AREA

In this area, I will place selected outfits and pairs of footwear for my vlog shoots. A vanity area equipped with makeup and other beauty supplies will also be placed there if we have enough space.

• SPA/MINI GYM

I don’t know if this will be possible but a very small space to fit a bathtub so I can soak myself there in a relaxing bubble bath if there is a need for me to destress.

I also have a stationary bike, set of dumbbells, tummy and abs exerciser that I can place there. Just in case I have excess money, I will purchase a treadmill and rowing machine so I can have my workout at home.

• ENTERTAINMENT AREA w/ MINI PANTRY

I do not intend to receive visitors here because this is my own personal and private space. I will just put TV just in case I am working and there’s a program that I don’t want to miss. A small furniture where I can place my water dispenser and coffee.

This is just a plan, I am hoping to make this a reality since I have to consider my budget 🙂 I will post a blog of my home office decoration on 2021 and vlogs about the home improvement series

UPDATE:

For the meantime, I have improved my temporary workstation at home while I am still saving for funds.