Homes for the holidays

Mad holiday schedule fraying your nerves? Disappear into one of these hotels for a quick getaway. Here’s Part 1 of MB’s selection for the best homes away from home.

December 7, 2014

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Do you really need a reason to get pampered this holiday season? Turn-down service, exquisite meals, butlers at your beck and call. Gather the family and give yourselves the gift of togetherness and indulgence this season.

  

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MAXIMS HOTEL

A luxe all-suite hotel from the upscale Asian lodging brand of the Genting Group, Maxims Hotel knows how to extravagantly pamper its guests. This first-class city retreat is equipped with 172 spacious and lavishly-furnished suites at the very heart of Resorts World Manila (RWM). For VVIPs, there are three 500-square-meter royal villas with its own pool, patio, kitchen and dining room, and massage room. For the pinnacle of Like-A-Boss luxury, book a never-to-be-forgotten night at The Mansion. This 652-square-meter suite is a legit urban hideway with two grand bedrooms with spacious wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms with its own jacuzzi, massage room, a garden, and a private swimming pool. Small wonder the hotel’s almost always fully booked!

Come here for:

One word: entertainment. When you’re ready to get out of your lavish suite, RWM’s entertainment complex is replete with lifestyle amenities such as high end restos like the Japanese and Korean restaurant Ginzadon, bars with live entertainment such as the always lively Club 360, Newport Mall, the Newport Performing Arts, the 24-hour premium cinemas, and, of course, the casinos—all within walking distance of the hotel—that will surely thrill families, tourists, business travelers, high rollers with the most discerning tastes.

Best amenities:

Complementing the hotel’s plush amenities is its 24-hour, personalized butler service. Each room is assigned an efficient butler to attend to the guests every need, from getting tickets for the theater and cinemas to dining reservations, booking flights or a chauffeured limousine, and even arranging for city tours and shopping itineraries around the metro.

What to look forward to this Christmas:

As Christmas nears, Maxims transforms its lobby into a sparkling Christmas enclave festooned with sparkling drop lights and ornaments. Guests can also have their photos taken by RWM’s giant Christmas tree and giant parol display. There’s also an indoor light parade, choral performances, and Christmas buskers at the Newport Mall Plaza.—JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA

02 908 8000 loc. 7770, reservation@rwmanila.com

MANILA HOTEL

A historical landmark, the Manila Hotel was built in 1909 and was designed by architect William Parsons. It has survived many events including World War II and Martial Law. It had housed several important guests like General Douglas MacArthur, Ernest Hemingway, John F. Kennedy, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, just to name a few. The 570-room hotel has gone through several renovations and it continues to do so to keep up with the times.

Image by Justine Nicole Zafra

Come here for:

Manila Hotel is perfect for culture vultures, history buffs, and science geeks because it is surrounded by famous attractions the City of Manila is known for. Located at One Rizal Park, the hotel is a few steps away from the walled city of Intramuros, Luneta Park (also a venue of cultural events), Museo Pambata, the National Museum, the Planetarium, Manila Ocean Park, Philam Life Theater, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. And of course, the most famous attraction of them all, the Manila Bay sunset. Pick rooms that face the bay so you have your own personal view of the sunset..You definitely need more than an overnight stay when planning your staycation here.

 (Image by Justine Nicole Zafra)

Best amenities:

The hotel has renovated most of its major amenities like the pool that has its own bar, its iconic restaurants like Café Ilang-Ilang, Champagne Room, and Mabuhay Palace. But no other hotel can boast a suite that has a rich past. The three-bedroom MacArthur Suite is the suite General MacArthur stayed in during his tenure here in the country. When booking your stay, maybe you can ask the hotel for a quick peek of the suite, if no one’s staying, of course.

What to look forward to this Christmas:

The Manila Hotel lobby is decked with beautiful Christmas decorations including two giant Christmas trees and a gingerbread house. The hotel also has several holiday packages like the Balikbayan Homecoming Package, an overnight accommodation with breakfast at Cafe Ilang-Ilang, which comes with two tickets to the Manila Ocean Park Oceanarium. They also have the Family Holiday Package, overnight accommodations with breakfast for two adults and two children, while guests staying at the hotel’s suites have a complimentary buffet dinner for two. Both packages are available until the end of the year.—ANGELO GARCIA

02 527 0011, www.manila-hotel.com.ph

RAMADA MANILA CENTRAL

Although new in the scene (it’s only two years old), Ramada Manila Central can be at par with other hotels that are older and more “experienced.” Discerning guests say it’s all about location, location, location. And Ramada is right smack in the middle of the action: Ongpin Street corner Quintin Paredes in Binondo, Manila. It offers a good vantage point for a fun-filled staycation or a home away from home when you’re on a business trip (or just checking out the goods available in downtown Manila.)

Its well-appointed 114 rooms respond to every traveler’s needs: good food, complete amenities, and affordable prices. “We’re under Wyndham Worldwide, the fourth largest hotel chain in the world, so the guests are assured that our service and facilities are at par with the international standards. We have superior service at affordable prices. Also, guests can benefit from Wyndham rewards, which they can use around the world,” says Ramada business development specialist Monica Aclan.

Awarded as 2013’s most booked hotel by Bookings.com, Ramada Hotel is mostly jampacked on weekends. But you can always enjoy and maximize its complete features like function rooms, boardroom, multipurpose hall, a 300-seater ballroom, spa house, and fitness center. Its in-house restaurant, New Café, currently offers “Foodprints” at the World lunch buffet (a steal at P595), showcasing Filipino, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and Italian cuisines. Now who’s excited for a merry Yuletide vacation?

Come here for:

Bargain hunting and food hopping. A hodgepodge of activities like shopping (hello Divisoria!), trips down memory lane in Binondo’s historic district, gastronomic adventures, cultural visits, or just a day in bed can be added to your itinerary.

Best amenities:

The room features at affordable prices. Seriously, the beds are as soft as cotton candy. Perfect for lazy bums, surf the net thanks to the free Wi-Fi, or marry your comfy bed and never let go. Rooms have a view of historical Binondo Church and all its glory. Its location makes it a perfect gateway to the great bargain hunts in 168 Mall and Chinatown’s best restaurants.

What to look forward to this Christmas:

Just in time for a Christmas staycation, avail the family package available on dealgrocer.com for P4,500 that includes an overnight stay at the executive room with buffet breakfast, Manila Ocean Park tickets, massage for two, complimentary use of its fitness facility, and free shuttle service to Mall of Asia and Lucky Chinatown Mall.—NICKKY DE GUZMAN

www.ramadamanilacentral.com, 02 258 86688

Bianca Gonzalaz is a Beautiful Bride

Beautiful Bride

From beauty tips to choosing the best RTW wedding gown (she’s going to wear one!), here are juicy deets and tips every bride-to-be should know.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
December 2, 2014

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No stress but lots of happiness—both will show in your skin. And so, bride-to-be Bianca Gonzalez chills and relaxes until her wedding day with basketball player JC Intal. She admits to be a bride-chilla.

“Don’t stress too much. I am enjoying everything from the smallest details. Now that the preparation is almost done, I don’t have to wake up early anymore. Parang nase-sepanx na ko. I’m getting sad that it’s almost done but I am very, very happy,” says Bianca. And her skin is happy, too. Her secret to a beautiful skin before her big day? Skin indulgence treats. Among her favorite treatments include Facial Care Centre’s collagen mask with kojic, advanced lasertone, and RevLite all promise to make her feel beautiful on her wedding day (and the rest of the year!)

“My skin feels so clean. Right after your treatment, you instantly know that your skin is much better than when you first stepped in. Parang feeling ko may cloud ako sa mukha. It’s so soothing and my skin instantly feels moisturized,” Bianca says.

From beauty tips to her love story and DIYs, MB Lifestyle talks to Bianca to get to know the bride-chilla.

How did you meet JC?

We never met in Ateneo. Although I always watch UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) but I don’t remember him. I know LA Tenorio and Doug Kramer. We met four years ago watching UAAP. We’re both alumni. I was watching with my friend. He’s watching with his friend. And ayun naisip niya ‘Single ba siya? How do I get her number?’ From that game that he saw me, he got my number from a common tita and then he started texting me. That time when he texted me meet up agad. Ayoko naman ng ganon. Then two weeks after he asked again to meet up. Naawa naman ako and then I said I have errands in Alabang, maybe you can accompany me. Naghiwalay kami midnight na. And then after that, we [would] meet every day.

How would you describe your love story?

I never liked him at first. Na stereotype ko siya as jock and athlete. I never thought I would be dating a player. Our story is nothing grand. No moment na parang pelikula. But it was a steady, chill, and organic love story.

So you’re wearing a RTW wedding dress? This is surprising.

I never had a dream wedding. But when my friend Mikaela Martinez got married and she had her dress parang patahi lang. I said I wanted something like that. It’s hard to pick a designer because with my line of work friend mo lahat. How could I choose? And then I saw an RTW, Rosa Clara. When I put it on I thought this is it. When it’s custom made, you only get to see it once it’s done. But with RTW you see it right away. You have to choose a cut that flatters your body and one which you can move around.

How do you maintain your slim body to look picture perfect on the big day?

Every since I was in highschool I only go between 110 to 120 pounds. I’m blessed with genes. I also work out. Ironically, I am trying to gain weight before the wedding ayoko naman ng buto buto ako for the wedding.

Where do you plan your honeymoon?

South America. When we’re planning the honeymoon, we have to do the pinaka malayo and pinaka mahal habang bata pa tayo and we don’t have kids yet. They say that when you have kids you’re going to be guilty to spend. So I made him choose between two, South America and South Africa, which we haven’t been to yet.

You write about people and trivias, what are the things people still don’t know about you?

I am a gymnast. Until now I can do a full split as in Mystica. I eat a lot of rice! And I am a shy person. My classmates from highschool and gradeschool were shock that this is my line of work. Before I was always very shy, always behind the scenes.

Perhaps, we can include the book among the trivia.

I started a blog in 2003 and becoming a magazine editor and newspaper columnist. I always wanted to write a book until last year Liz Uy came up with a book then I realized it’s possible. When I knew that I wanted to I knew that the concept would be a collection of advice. A lot of people ask for my advice about love, friendship, studies, career, money, fashion, beauty. Anything. My book is called Paano ba to?: How to Survive Growing Up.

You’re a bridechilla and a practical, DIY bride, too.

Yes. I love looking at Pinterest! I manually wrote each wedding invitation so it’s something personal. I also manually shred the papers for the beddings of my give away. I couldn’t find a shredder so I happily did it by hands.

How about making a family?

His wish is to have a kid right away ako naman is to enjoy our married life. We’ll have to look for a compromise. He jokes that he likes to have seven kids. Sabi ko joke lang ah. But I think, realistically, because of our age and birth spacing, maybe two or three kids.

How did you know that he’s the One?

Before, when I had relationships, I always thought he’s the one. And then we broke up. So when JC and I got together I said to myself ‘bahala na don’t think of him as the one.’ Kasi ayaw ko batiin. So everything happened so organically. There was no moment that I felt na he’s the one. Through the years, my mom got to know him and approved of him. I mean, if the mom approves of the guy, what more can you ask for. The moment he proposed I just knew. Before the proposal, we had a petty huge fight that I thought we’d break up. It’s something petty that when I look back grabe sobrang drama queen ko. But then, he said to himself ‘Ah I can handle this girl and her topak.’

Spuds Got Spunk!

Because there’s more to potatoes than Princess Sarah memes and starch. Here are creative ways to cook your taters.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
December 4, 2014

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Not many Pinoys know enough about the humble potato.  (Well, perhaps except Princess Sarah and her potato memes!) We often limit the preparation of potatoes to French fries, mashed potato, hash browns, chips, and as a vital ingredient to menudo or nilagang baka. But there is so much more to potatoes.

Did you know that spuds started growing in Peru? And do you know potatoes fuel the brain and muscles and rank as the food that offers the most satiety? Yes, if you’re on a diet, potatoes can fill you up all day. Contrary to the belief that potatoes make you fat because of their starch content, they don’t. According to US Potato Board (USPB) global food service marketing manager Susan Weller, a potato as big as a computer mouse only has 110 calories and zero fat. Rich in fiber and packed with vitamins B and C, it contains more potassium than a banana. Susan adds that potatoes can only be fattening if you cook them wrong, such as when you fry them.

To demonstrate that there is more to the humble, often neglected potato, MB Lifestyle flew to Cebu for a three-day US potato safari. At the helm are Susan and USPB co-chairman for international marketing Carl Hoverson dubbed as the US’ “Mr. Spud.” The winner of the US National Potato Council for Environmental Award, he provides potatoes to McDonald’s branches in the US. The potato safari aims to highlight USPB’s frozen russet potatoes, which, according to Mr. Spud, are dubbed by the US FDA as  “healthy.” He says the Philippines is the second largest export market in Southeast Asia.

The potato safari brought in myriad flavors drawn from the humble potato by Cebu’s participating restaurants. In the challenge, the restaurants came up with potato-based dishes from appetizer to main course and down to dessert. The menu they came up with will be available between January and March next year.

Here are the different ways you can enjoy potatoes. Promise, you’ll never eat potatoes the same way again. Ever.

 POTATO PERMUTATION Counterclock wise from right: Circa 1900′s crispy redatone canyon spirals in kaffirlime and ginger infused seafood chowder and chips spiced in Asian style Ceasar with yellow mis aioli shaved parmesan Mandarin sausage bonito and quail eggs, Anzani’s choco mousse with brown sugar and US crinkle cut potato topped with vanilla ice cream, and The Suite Room’s mixed greens with candied US potato and grapes salad in strawberry vinaigrette.

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Caramelized potato golden patties with maja blanca cheesecake and malunggay ice cream

Potatoes as dessert? Yes, please. The Circa 1900 restaurant partly owned by chef Steve Shrimski has already been serving potatoes as desserts. But for the US Potato Safari challenge, he coated them with caramelized sugar. The mashed potatoes surprisingly tasted like kamote (sweet potato). Add malunggay ice cream (or any flavor of choice) and you get a fusion of hot potato and cold ice cream complementing each other. For an extra local flavor, chef Steve threw maja blanca cheesecake into the mix.

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Truffled mashed potatoes with homemade meatloaf and bacon

The Suite Room’s bacon meatloaf served with truffled mashed potatoes gives a pop of flavors kids and foodies would love. The saltiness of the bacon, the juiciness of the meatloaf, and the subtle sweetness of the mashed potatoes when combined together oozes with flavors worthy to savor.

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Potatoes with veggies and cheese

Non-vegetable lovers would surely dig in Anzani restaurant’s baked seasonal vegetables layered with mozzarella melt and sandwiched with US hash brown crust. The vegetables carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, and mushroom come together to create a mouthwatering dish. Plus, the melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness adds an extra punch to the veggies and potatoes. The savory flavor of the potato is created by Anzani’s chef Marco Anzani, who is celebrated by New York Times as the pioneer of the new Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Anzani is generous enough to share the secrets of the dish you can make at home:

Ingredients:
50g US hash brown potato
10g zucchini
10g beetroot
10g pumpkin
10g shiitake mushroom
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Procedures:
Cut the zucchini, beetroot, and pumpkin into the same size as a regular hash brown.
Marinate the zucchini, beetroot, shiitake mushroom, and pumpkin with olive oil, salt and pepper then grill individually.
Assemble them on alternative style US hash brown potato on the bottom then vegetable according to your color preference.
Grate cheese and put on top and serve.

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Here is another of chef Anzani’s creation you can make at home:

Tomato flat bread stuffed with skin on fries, cheese, salami, roasted garlic, and figs

Ingredients:
500mg tomato pizza dough
100g US skin-on fries
50g Fontina cheese
50g spicy salami
40g roasted garlic
30g figs
Extra virgin olive oil

Procedures:
On a well dusted flat surface, roll the pizza dough into thin oval shape.
Place the US skin-on fries, then top them with fontina cheese, spicy salami, roasted garlic, and figs.
Brush the edge with egg wash to close the dough and form a roulade (roll).
Twist the end of the roulade to close them, and then bake.
Serve the roulade with diagonal cuts and finish with balsamic reduction.

Shake your groove thing

Shake your groove thing some more

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is back with a vengeance.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
December 1, 2014

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Images by Noel B. Pabalate

And so it’s back. Just months after its successful local and international productions in Manila and Singapore last May and October, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will hold a limited run at Resorts World Manila from Dec. 5 to 7, allowing those who have yet to experience the glitz, glamour, and glitters from all that colorful frocks that rock the whole house down to see for themselves what all the fuss is about.

“Now the heels are higher,” Red Concepcion says laughing. “We had to re-block and restage and took out what’s the best from the first run in Manila and in Singapore and put them all together. We hope this is the best of both shows,” he says. He plays Felicia

HOT STUFF Raymond Concepcion, Michael Williams, and Red Concepcion play three drag queens in the heartwarming and funny must-see musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Images by Noel B. Pabalate)

Jollygoodfellow, one of the va-va-voom drag queens who likes to play and have fun, and is comfy in her own skin.

The storyline, songs, and setup are all the same, but not the stars. Original cast members Jon Santos, who played Bernadette Bassinger, a stark contrast to Felicia because she’s prim and proper, and Leo Valdez who played Mitzi Mitosis, a married drag queen who walks away from his home and his own son, have other commitments. Red’s father, renowned theater actor Raymond Concepcion plays Bernadette while director Michael Williams, who is also a celebrated theater star, plays Mitzi. The trio was a big success in Singapore.

“We were wary. We were all Filipinos and did not know how they would receive a full Filipino production because they have their own thriving theater scene in Singapore. But they loved us. The big theater was almost full every time. They were so enthusiastic, they’d even ask for our autographs. I felt it was an achievement in Philippine theater,” says Raymond. Michael adds that the audience would sing and dance during the finale.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert tells the story of two drag queens Felicia and Mitzi and transsexual Bernadette who all hopped aboard the “budget Barbie camper” bus named Priscilla to go on a trip for a gig in an isolated Australian desert. Along the way, they confront life’s challenges on a funny, riveting, and sometimes poignant stage. Among the songs that you’d hear in the play are “It’s Raining Men,” “Finally,” “I Love The Night Life,” “Color My World,” “Shake Your Groove Thing,” and “I Will Survive.”

“Even though it’s a fun musical show, it tackles gender equality. And it could be in light of Jennifer Laude the transgender woman who was murdered. I hope they come up with a better awareness. At the end of the day we are looking for the same thing. Whatever your race is, or your gender, or your sexual preference, at the end of the day, everyone just wants to be accepted,” says Red.

Michael adds that the play is “something vital. But it’s couched in this easy to digest presentation. It’s a family show, believe it or not,” he says.

For information, call 02 908 8000 loc. 7700 / or check out www.rwmanila.com/priscilla

Happiness in hampers

These hotels offer bliss packed in a basket. So whether you’re checking in a hotel or just checking out its goodies, here are Christmas cookies, chocolates, cakes, and other treats for the holidays.

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
November 30, 2014

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Wines 

Resorts World Manila Maxims

Give hope, love, and joy this Christmas—in their most literal (and sweetest) forms. At Resorts World Manila’s Café Maxims, share the spirit of the holidays with this season’s sweets and signature treats. Indulge in yuletide hampers like the Joy basket with a bottle of WR Rocca Chianti DOCG; the Hope basket with a Beringer Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon; and the Love basket, which comes with a Beringer Stone Cellars Chardonnay. www.rwmanila.com, tel. 02 9088833

French delicacies

Sofitel

Eenie meenie miney mo! At Sofitel, choose from baskets filled with handcrafted chocolates, premium French delicacies, and wines and delight your friends and family. Go dig  your hands into this treasure trove of aromas and heavenly flavors. www.sofitelmanila.com

Jams and biscotti

Marco Polo

Christmas hampers are supposed to be sweet—but at Marco Polo’s Café Pronto, they can also be sour. Offering two kinds of Christmas hampers, but both including balsamic vinegar, you can swim among English fruit cake, Dresden stolen, Christmas cookies, pralines, assorted macarons, salami, mustard de Meaux, Alexander Fields Merlot, marzipan Christmas stolen, pistachio biscottis, cookies, chocolate Santa Claus, ham slices, jam, and macaroon. What to choose? Tel. 02 720 7777, www.marcopolohotels.com

Chocolate pralines

Manila Hotel

The goodies are a treat themselves but the goody pot is a treasure, too. At Manila Hotel, each hamper comes in a luxurious, exquisite leather vessel fit for the goodies inside. Share the joy with sweet treats like chocolate pralines, cookies, and fruit cake among others. An ideal gift for your loved ones as well as corporate giveaway, each package is unique with hard-to-find delicacies tailored to suit everyone’s palate.  Tel. 02 5270011 local 1261, www.manila-hotel.com.ph

Pistachio double cream cheese bread

Richmonde Hotel

Never go wrong with the classics: Oreo mint mouse, assorted breads like pistachio double cream cheese bread, salted swirl bread with bacon and cream cheese, dark and white chocolate bread. All these are available at Richmonde’s café lobby. But if you want more, get your wallets ready to horde more frosted holiday donut, fried cinnamon donut, craquelin cream puff, and choco chip hazelnut cookies. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Mango chocolate

Manila Peninsula

Drown yourself to the tempting goodness and sweetness of festive chocolate box, tea, 12 pieces mango chocolate, white chocolate cranberry cookies, gingerbread tree, two fruit garden jams, traditional Christmas stolen bread. Oh! The Pageboy hamper also includes a cap, polo shirt, and a cute bear. Tel. 02 887 2888, www.peninsula.com

French macarons

Diamond Hotel

Everybody transforms into a discerning gourmand during the holidays. Your diet? It can start next year. But for now, dig into the goodness of bestsellers ube ensaymada and French macarons in festive hues. Other holiday goodies perfect for giveaways include chocolate pralines and truffles, German stollen, dried fruit kouglof, and minced pies. The cake enthusiasts, meanwhile, will go gaga over a slice or a whole box of Le Royale supermoist chocolate cake, baked cheesecake, anddelice chocolat are always a delight.

Hazelnut chocolate cake

Heritage Manila

Surrender to the tempting layers of moist sponge cake filled with a mixture of milk chocolate, butter, fresh cream, roasted hazelnut ground that Heritage Manila hotel offers this November only. Served at Riviera Café and lobby lounge, this piece of heaven is overlaid with reddish chocolate brilliant and garnished with chocolate Poinsettia flowers. Very Christmas-y indeed!

Pies and chocolates

Intercontinental Manila

If life is a box of chocolates, then get ready to go to chocolate heaven! Go ahead and satisfy your sweet tooth with cutesy pralines in gift boxes, breads, pies, and beautifully packaged hampers that offer traditional holiday staples alongside teas and wines. www.intercontinental.com/manila, tel. 02 7397000 ext 771

Yule logs

Makati Shangri-La

How do you like your holiday gifts? Handmade, prepared with TLC, and hotel-bought? Yes, yes, shoppers! Makati Shangri-La grants your wish with its Christmas handcrafted hampers designed with handstitched trim, brass handles, and silk linings. Each hamper’s filled with homemade pastries like cupcakes, chocolate Santa Claus, marzipan stolen, festive flavored tea, pudding, fruitcake, jam, panettone, and a bottle of Perrier Jouet. But if hampers aren’t your thing, go for a box of cake instead. There’s Yule Logs, fluffy and moist roll cake with flavors like vanilla dream, lemon espresso, chocolate Tonka, and berry fusion.  www.bit.ly/timelesschristmas