Hotel Review: Your Home by the Bay / Bayview Park Hotel Manila

Disclaimer

1. I am NOT affiliated with any group that does expert reviews of food, places, events, etc.
2. I am neither an expert nor an award-winning foodie, techie, traveler, editor, writer, role model, etc.

That being said, this post and those following it are random sharing of experiences that are almost always paid BY yours truly (and/or the hubby), unless won in a raffle or stated otherwise.

On to the review...

Bayview Park Hotel Manila
"Your Home by the Bay"
1118 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila
247.9000

It's not top of mind when thinking about hotels in Manila. But thanks to this GC, won during my tambiolo girl stint at former company's 2012 Division Thanksgiving party and said GC's impending expiration date, it became the last day overnight bash venue choice.

Hooray for free vouchers!
This was for an overnight stay in a Superior Room (breakfast not included).
Buffet breakfast is at Php568 per head.

Arrival and check-in was not as swift as expected; maybe 'cause it's a free room, or a Friday (?). There's valet, which is true to their tagline "Your home by the bay" since parking area is right beside Roxas Blvd, which is a few steps away from the bay. Receptionist was courteous and accommodating though (with a bit of heavy English accent), as well as the valet boys and kuya security guard, so two thumbs up for proactive customer service.

We were given one key card for room 809 and I was tempted to request for room 808, for luck, but the ever uptight hubby said 809 was fine. Two elevators left and right await, and since there were only a few checking in at that time, going up the 8th floor wasn't a prob.

Presenting THE ROOM...

The Drawer: slightly hard to open, creaky and strong old wood smell, which come in handy should a break-in occur.
Hopefully enough to turn off a burglar.

Surprised to see a tub! Comfortably fits one average size human with side handles, too.
Safety is their priority!

Standard coffee and tea selection. Table is far from any socket.
Again, safety is their priority! Iwas sunog/fire in case lasheng/drunk the hotel guest.
(Huwat?!) 

Hotel services inside drawers. Clever placement!

The minibar that I mistook for the safe.
Safety, apparently, is my priority too!

Pleated chair and look, a hairdryer!

Hidden plastic that didn't escape my take home plan.

Single bed - another surprise since we asked for one queen size bed, which we got plus this.
So our bags and clothes had a good bed to sleep on, too.

Bamboo-inspired bathroom. I was too scared of the aparadors to open them.
Juday's horror movie circa 90s. Nuff said!

Nice dainty painting dated 1994

Minibar choices - decent yet pricey (as expected of hotels)

Food choices...

Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the ground floor right in front of the reception area.
Special curry/seafood rice good for 5 persons at Php 1,875 NETT.

Christmas and New Year's Eve buffet included in their Php 4,000-5,000 Christmas season promo.
Includes hotel accommodation, Eve buffet, breakfast buffet, use of hotel amenities, souvenir among others.

Since we didn't have breakfast buffet, opted to survey surrounding restos. It was a Hunger Games kind of day at work (no lunch 'cause there were lots to photo finish during my last day), so hubby treated my raging taste buds and rallying tummy to YakiMix dinner buffet at Robinson's Place. (More on this culinary adventure/20-minutes trek in a separate post).

To cap the night, ended up in trusty Starbucks, which is housed at the hotel's GF. Don't expect to get a full late-night Starbucks experience here, as the small cozy branch gets filled up quickly by reviewers, thesis mates, and late-night crammers. The creative atmosphere gets chatty, so if you prefer a relatively quiet atmosphere to savor that coffee cup then enjoy takeout at the comfort of your hotel room.

Morning shot!

Overall, Bayview is a dated hotel giving off a 1408 John Cusack horror flick vibe. There were eyesores in all floors - television screens, furniture, broken paintings and pieces of wood covered by dirty white draping. Old wood and wet carpets-smell, uneven floors (between room 808 and room 809), and chipped paint.

The rooms are A-OK, decent with clean and extra beds. Ours (given it's free and part of the lower end Superior offerings) didn't have a view - just the rooftop of nearby building and a Manila Street (UN Avenue). The other "bay" side and upper floor rooms seem to have it better.

The part I liked least was...

Not as clear eh? Squint a little closer...

Yes folks, a friendly little critter made an appearance in the bathroom.
Good thing we were already checking out when it checked us out!

Checking in at Bayview? Here are additional factoids:

Yellowcab and J Co a stone-throw away. Pasalubong!

- It's a three star hotel

- Near the US embassy; a few minutes away from the airport

- Taxi lane few steps away from the main entrance (careful)

- Friendly staff; seek and you shall find

- Good venue for those reviewing for bar exam, VISA applicants with early schedule, conference-goers

- Value for money for tourists or business peeps looking for a place to sleep; will spend most of time exploring the City/out and about

A message from the Undead AKA The Rebirth of Gracietots online

This blog was born four years ago during a time of unrest.

First post being about coffee BREAKs and the 'proper' office timetable.

Next was of hot air balloons spotted one particularly hot day during lunch BREAK.

Followed by BREAKing into grad school; BREAKing down after my grandmother's passing; BREAKing a 10-year no medals/awards drought; not BREAKing bottles for a school CSR project; and finally, BREAKing out of the work force.

How eerily timely that this comeback is being staged at exactly the same situation (officially no work for three days ONLY - don't give my mom and hubby a heart attack) during one of my most favorite months of year (BOO YAH Halloween), and finding myself attempting to go back to what I love (writing - DUH!) in a coffee-doughnut shop (next to free WiFi).

Though I just broke up with a stable 3-year work relationship, am officially broke (wah no 15th suweldo/salary) for about 14 days, and close to breaking my hubby's ever patient and lovingly calm disposition with my decisions and indecisions, this is one BIG BREAK in life I'm more than happy to take.

Thank God for BREAKs. And free WiFi.

Krispy Kreme Klassic Brioche Ham Php75 and Iced Mocha medium Php105.
KK Podium 3 Tower 1 RCBC Plaza
For delivery orders: 7-9000
Order online: www.krispykreme.com.ph

Morning Rush for a Nokia X1-01 this July :)

RX 93.1 The Morning Rush Nokia X1-01 everyday
"We're giving away a Nokia X1-01 EVERYDAY for a whole month on The Morning Rush!"

What: Nokia X1-01
When: every day this July 2011
Where: Monster Radio RX 93.1
How: Tune in every morning to Chico and Delamar's radio show

http://instagr.am/p/HnPIU/

Gracietots: Haven't heard contest mechanics (due to my non-work, bahay mode status) but it wouldn't take much to listen to RX, right? Make your July mornings more fun, light  AND productive :)

Pizza Hut Faves at 50% OFF :)

Pizza Hut presents Weekday Winners
"Make your weekdays more special with Weekday Winners! Dine in with us and get 50% off on selected appetizers and pastas when you buy a Regular/Family-sized pizza from Monday to Thursday. Truly, there's something different to try out every week day with your friends and family."

How: DINE IN and buy a Regular/Family-sized pizza
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday  / July 11, 2011 to August 30, 2011Where: ALL Pizza Hut branches
What you get: Half the price on selected appetizers and pastas

Email pizzahut@pizzahut.com.ph or go to http://www.pizzahut.com.ph/2007/index.php for updates.

:) DTR-NCR permit no. 5061 series of 2011

Gracietots: Yet to try but I'd go on My Way Wednesday since it's 50% off on any regular pasta and on Thrilling Thursday for the spaghetti bolognese with meatballs and chicken wings :) stomach-filling days! I wonder though if it's one pizza = one item 50% off OR one pizza = 50% off on as many items...

Appendix 1 - Shots in the Dark Chocolates for a Cause :)

Sharing the marketing initiative that got my Pioneer circle of friends buzzing...with caffeine! :)

Hey chocoholics :) 

Indulge your sweet teeth into the limited edition Shots in the Dark (chocolates by Gracie) - rich dark chocolate truffles. 

"Chocolates made with passion and grace" 

        Php10.00 per piece (8g) / Php8.00 per piece (5g) 

All proceeds will go to Bote Mo, Upuan Ko project. 

Your 5peso coins will mean more chairs for kids in the Bagong Tanyag Elementary School
(1 good quality school chair = Php750) 

and of course a happy tummy treat without breaking budget!

Gracie (- -,. ) local 428 

Sent this to them in support of our "Bote Mo, Upuan Ko" Ateneo Graduate School of Business MBA Regis Program class project under Professor Lulu Moguel.


Guess how many were hit by Shots in the Dark... ( - -,. )

The Day Ateneo Regis - Mandyn Class 2-2010 Learned to Give

26 February 2011

8AMish
Hot flashes of pink greeted my one fine sunny Saturday morning...that is, messages and missed calls on my pink Samsung Champ. Never thought there were MANY early birds in our MBA class (Ateneo Regis) given the group's attendance record last semester. Could this be the start of the positive influence Professor Lulu Moguel had on us? I thought. Being the appointed (more on nakuyog haha) Marketing Team Lead, I dragged myself and bosscat up and about, sending "Be there in 5 minutes" reassurances to classmates and lo and behold, got to SM Bicutan just in time...well, maybe in our clock.

Atty. Togs, MM, Hope, Diane, Ofel, Edith, Francis, Ron, and me (at the cam)
The BLUECREW (- -,. )
SM Bicutan basement parking opens 8AM; open parking 10AM
Tenqys to Diane - our artista in rich blue ruffles - and Edith - our mayora-to-be in UP Maroon polo
- for volunteering their cars.

9:30AMish
The party of eleven (me plus Edith's photog friend Maida) started off on a long and winding trip to Bagong Tanyag Elementary School, our chosen beneficiary school in Taguig for the final class project in Management Dynamics Class second semester 2010-2011. Bote Mo, Upuan Ko (roughly translated as your bottle, my chair) was the culmination of a little over a month long collaboration among 19 Ateneo Graduate School of Business MBA Regis program students, Professor Lulu Moguel and our kindhearted corporate and individual donors who believes in our cause. The objective was to increase social responsibility of private companies, local government units, socio-civic and religious groups by acquiring pledges from 50% of target partners in two weeks. This was to enable the donation of 50 high quality school chairs to Bagong Tanyag Elementary School on February 26, 2011 and as a sustaining phase and in partnership with another MBA class, bottles to Eat Bulaga's Plastic ni Juan.

The view from the makeshift parking.

10:15AM
After a 10-minute traffic at East Service Road and passing through the railway and industrial plants along lower Taguig, we arrive at the designated "parking". A few blocks away was tracks of the Philippine National Railway and this was the farthest point we could get near the school by car. Three boys from the area approached us with, "Ay mga artista, ang puputi nila!" (Actors and actresses! They've white skin!) which they also used as an excuse not to have a picture taken with us. Shouldn't it be that they'd be excited to have a picture taken with "artista?" I thought. Then remembered, in this place, we weren't the stars but them.

Check out the kids at the back :) 

10:30AM
I receive an unexpected call from Honorable Lani Cayetano's office, her assistant Mimai apologizing to us as the Mayor of Taguig won't make it to our turnover. We assured her it was OK and thanked the Mayor for helping us find a beneficiary school that was truly most in need. Our group then went on our way...

After about 20 minutes, we finally arrived at Bagong Tanyag Elementary School Annex A composed of the Principal's Office, Guidance office, Feeding station and Library. The principal gamely accommodated us in her office as the school staff were busy with cutouts. At first we thought it was for an extra-curricular activity but to our surprise the made-up streamer was to welcome us :)

Easily beats any professional streamer/tarp if it were down to the heart, soul and effort put into this ( -- ,.)

A school tour immediately followed...

1. Principal's Office

2. Feeding station/Guidance office/Library

3. Two upper classrooms for elementary - where students taking NEAT review (is it still called NEAT? Age becomes apparent) warmly greeted us with smiles and cheer. At present, three students share one wooden chair (much like those used for Kinder) and they have shifting schedule for their 1,300 students and counting...

4. Two lower classrooms for preschool they'll be establishing. These rooms are currently housed in a rented lot, which now the owners apparently want to take back from the school ASAP. The school is trying to negotiate and come up with funds for reconstruction as they were told they can have the property so long as they can rebuild the dilapidated structure.

Lease isn't the only challenge Bagong Tanyag Elementary School is facing. A force to reckon with -- nature takes its toll on the school during rainy season. At times they even have to stop classes due to leaks and flooding inside classrooms.

5. Basketball court facing the chapel (being reconstructed) - the chapel was also used as a classroom when the school was established.

Panoramic view of Bagong Tanyag Elementary School.

11:30AM
Luck and time were on our side as a few minutes before the program, two of our classmates (Laney and Bella) also made it just in time for the Mayor's arrival. We honestly didn't know what to expect as we thought it was going to be a simple turnover of chair donations and school tour. Mayor Lani Cayetano's presence definitely made the day more extraordinary. Aside from photos with her (point and shoot, camera phones) there was something about meeting her in person that made you stop and think about politicians. Personally, I only heard of and seen Taguig's mayor in newspapers and on TV. What I recall most about her, apart from being the wife of Senator Allan Peter Cayetano, is that she was able to gain the support of majority of her former detractors in just 5 months in office. That already says a lot about this politician. Plus, it was good to know that her goal is to focus on healthcare and education.

Teachers, students, and barangay members gathered in the basketball court as the Principal announced the program was about to start. She gave a welcome speech, thanking the Mayor and our group, then segway to a call to action for another round of donations coming from the heart. This was of course welcomed with applause and smiles from the crowd, and mental notes from our class :)

Our dear class spoke person, Edith Mendoza then did us proud with her impromptu thank you speech much deserving of applause and a seat in Congress. How we wish we were able to record it! Will try to get a copy from her and post right away. But here are bits and pieces from what I recall:

- In Ateneo, we are taught values and one of which is EXCELLENCE. Excellence not just in school, at work, in business, but more on excellence for others.

- Business does not end in the office. 

- Our group/class of 19 comes from different businesses. We did this project initially as a requirement in class, but we learned it is more than that. There's much to learn outside the four walls of the classroom.

Then it was Mayor Lani's turn. Hers was a simple, direct-to-the-point sharing of how thankful they are to our class and that she was not there to take the limelight away from the real heroes of the project, which was us. She also noted that majority of us in class are not residents of Taguig but that we are very much welcome in their city. "As mayor of Taguig, this day, you (our class) are not just visitors but also community members of Taguig!" As we were about to leave, their wish is for the Lord to bless us threefold for what we gave them, and so that the threefold we may also share and give back :)

After one-on-one conversations with Mayor Lani, the principal, and the DepEd representative, the afternoon ended with snacks and everyone shouting, "I love Taguig!"

The post prior to this said something about "giving back to the community" and here we are with Bote Mo, Upuan Ko. It feels truly good to add another worthwhile project for the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. Moreover, another MBA class sustaining the project makes me smile knowing our project will benefit more school children. The private and corporate partners we had is also another reason to celebrate -- most of them pledging support as environmental stewards (bottle donations) and promising to continue recycling for a good cause.

Who would've thought that a simple class project could directly and indirectly increase social responsibility?

To know how you can participate in the sustaining phase of Bote Mo, Upuan Ko please PM Gracie. She promises to accommodate all your requests for the love of bottles and NOT to coerce you into joining…unless you want to (- -,. ).

With Honors

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/With_Honors_(film)

Yes, this is inspired by the movie. No, it's NOT a review :)

A few weeks ago hubby aka bosscat and select MDP7 crew (Marketing Diploma Program Batch 7 - Ateneo Graduate School of Business Center for Continuing Education) were informed of diplomas ready for pickup. I didn't receive any prompt - email, phone, text, FB message, what not - and since it was a year in the making and waiting (classes were Aug2009 to Feb2010), I had a few freaked out minutes  followed by, "Is this another academic failure?" Chocolate truffle-type bittersweet thoughts of retaking Math 11 way back college days and almost getting hospitalized that summer consumed me and poor bosscat who endured my self-pity panic mood. A few confirmation texts later (bosscat's and CCE) and I was fine as porcupine.

When someone says good things come to those who wait, you better listen and listen well.

Yup, this is me :)

A diploma, certificate and medal pleasantly surprised me at Ateneo CCE. Good thing I agreed to bosscat's request for pick up of our diplomas as he had to be at Chefs on Parade at SMX, Pasay City. Even better was knowing my efforts two years ago did pay off. I enrolled in the Marketing Diploma Program of Ateneo CCE in 2009 with hopes of becoming a great marketer someday soon. There were enticing options from other schools, but the schedule (after office, 2 to 3 days/week), professors/resource people and curriculum design made me take that crucial first step in Ateneo. Check out their course offerings here: cce.ateneo.edu (great segway, huh?)

The medal is for the Director's Award for Academic Excellence. You need to have a General Average of 3.5 or better, no grade below 3 and complete attendance for this. Apparently, I'm the third recipient (there are only 4 so far) since MDP batch 1's Arlene Amarante, Country Ambassador and Sales Director Yahoo! Philippines, batch 5's Grace Carmona-Salvador, Corporate Communications Manager Magsaysay Group of Companies and another learner from batch 9 (sorry didn't catch her name but heard companies are after her...for obvious reasons).

Take a look at the other recipients and back at me, then you'll notice I've a long way to go even just to catch up :) I've recently been transferred to the Marketing Services and Communications group from Internal Communications so in the Marketing world, I'm still a baby. Hopefully, someday soon, the baby will become a DRAGON lady haha :)

The award is a pleasant surprise and with it comes learnings. Allow me to share a few...

- Late doesn't apply to going after what you want be it a career change or life altering move.

- Ateneo = Excellence

- As shared in my FB post, "Nothing is impossible when you believe!" and now it's time to let the medal shine through others.

I enrolled a non-marketer and graduated with honors. It wasn't solo effort but a collaboration of shared knowledge and experiences with MDP7 buddies Mark, Kate, Elijah, Jojo, Pat, Howard, Ruth, Rom, Polo, Charles, Karlo, Jim, Johenson, Ria, RJ, Noonie, Chuck, Jon, Amaris, Cate, Mae, Johanne, Rain, Loi, Che plus our guest classmates (so many to name!). Of course our mentors notably Enrique Soriano, Titoy Colayco, Glenda Sy, Grace Marci (God bless), Brandlab, Harry Mosquera, Mon Reyes, Greg Banzon, Nick Lansang and guest teachers Tommy Lopez, Dondi Gomez, Arlene Amarante, Tess Bagaman, and Vivian Faustino.

So what's so With Honors with this post? My award. Get it? :) Seriously, the whole Ateneo CCE MDP experience was a lesson in humility and humanity - much like the movie. In Marketing you not only focus on the product or brand or idea but more on people - the consumers, your target market. It's not just a battle of features, brand positioning or promise or values, but you must communicate a specific human brand purpose, something that makes a difference in other's lives. It always goes back to humans :)

Another great learning I took home from Ateneo is that however excellent or successful in business you become, you should always have a deeper purpose/sense to what you're doing. And more importantly, give back to your community.