Bonjour from Sofitel Manila! : A Five Star Luxury Hotel in Manila!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012


BONJOUR! They welcome you with warm smiles and world renowned Philippine hospitality.
This is what you'll see out front when you arrive at Sofitel Manila.


It's my first time here. I have been to this place when it was still called Westin but oh boy a LOT has changed. Their vibe now consists of a French Neapolitan chic with Filipino traditional ambiance and the luxurious combination of both worlds. It just takes your breath away looking at each corner of the hotel and when they say LUXURY they really mean every single letter of it.

Manila is a place of history; and it remains to be a great testament on how much of a melting pot the Philippines is despite being an Asian country. As the capital of the Philippines it has been witness to the 300 year Spanish rule, American (1898–1946) and Japanese (1941 - 1945 during World War II) home to a community of Malay, Meztizos and Natives it has become one of the most admired tourist destinations in the face of the Earth. Ever wonder why the world's 12th most populous country remain to be one of the happiest places in the world?! Because its more FUN in the Philippines!



Food Choices

Sofitel Manila has around 5 restaurants and bars on their belt and they actually are the premier buffet and foodie destination because of the famous Spiral Restaurant which has won acclaim locally and elsewhere in the world. It is currently being renovated and we're so excited to see it in August. Aside from that they have 4 other places in the hotel you can put your gustatory senses into work, Le Bar, SOCHILL, Snaps Sports Bar and the majestic Sunset Bar.

They've got a wide array of choices, fresh or saltwater based fish or seafood in general.

Wine and cheese connoisseurs would really love the things they have on the table.

Fresh Dory on cream, one of the things I love together with hot white rice.
Classic Filipino Favorites abound like Morcon!
Send some Beef goodness down the shaft with Beef Stroganoff.
Take your pick on freshly baked breads.
Go European with Taters and Onions
Salads and your choice of dressing, its no problem with them!

The choice is yours!

Accommodations


Sofitel Manila boasts of 609 rooms which includes 2 Opera Suites, 4 Luxury Suites, 7 Prestige Suites, 32 Sofitel Suites and the grand Imperial Residence.



Each bed is carefully made with Sofitel's signature goose feather fillings that conform to the body when you lie down. You can even choose your own preferred pillow among the 9 variants that they have (they were the first ones to offer this in Manila)








Their facilities are exquisitely modern with a mix of luxurious pieces and mix of some local ones. You definitely get the best of both worlds. It's great because you really feel LUXURIOUS; and you really get what you pay for since they are.a one of a kind five star luxury hotel in Manila!

The view was even spectacular from the room. This Oasis is composed of a lagoon right beside the bay was constructed and designed by Leandro Locsin.

This 5 star luxury hotel in Manila is a world renowned architectural wonder designed by Leandro Locsin, Ildefonso Santos with inspiration from Madame Imelda Romualdez Marcos.The plaza itself is right beside the Cultural Center of the Philippines where world class shows are also seen. You can't get more classy than that!

Club Millésime

Bringing luxury a step further is Club Millésime. With a gorgeous functional interior and a spectacular view of the metropolis Club Millésime brings forth comfort to extra ordinary heights.

 
Posh and luxurious interiors of this club are located on the 10th Floor of this hotel.
Millésime means "Vintage Year" in French and they wonderfully have that name taken cared of by offering a huge selection of wines. Checking in to Sofitel's luxury club rooms can let you have special access to this section of the hotel. Enjoy free a la carte breakfast, afternoon snacks, cocktails, wine tasting, all-day refreshments and various perks. I would really love to stay here a little bit longer!

The Imperial Residence 


Historical and Iconic personalities have once stayed at this room. Today it's even bigger than ever. This is the pièce de résistance and the envy of all hotels in the Philippines. It doesn't get better than this! This is "The Imperial Residence".


Greeted by huge doors and a fabulous hallway your entrance alone beckons something pretty spectacular at the end of this room. The measurement alone of 6,200 square feet plus a humongous 180 degree view of the city means you get LUXURY above and beyond!


The interior and its grandeur just takes your breath away even if it combines modern French - neo Filipino native design. It was both complex but amazing and the combination of colors for this Five star hotel in Manila was quite warm and inviting. I love the huge murals and the intricate details that each room has.



How can you not love luxury when your bath tub looks like this. Even the small rooms contain signature soaps and toiletries like Hermes... need I say more?


Everywhere else is so amazing!





I wept at the sight of the unbelievable dining room and stopped the urge to cook in the spick and span kitchen. Staying here also would entitle you for butler services so you are sure you get taken cared of. There are several things that I said WOW to but the loudest one was on this view!


Throwing a pebble out in the ocean would probably stop a ship or two and they would envy you from this deck. These are probably one of the spots I'd probably live to tell people about when staying in Sofitel Manila.I'm telling you, the photos don't do justice. Hmm... actually I have a better idea!


The New Sofitel Manila Microsite


One of the nicest things I've seen at Sofitel Manila is their new website! It's at


When I told you that the photos don't do justice, they have this new website showing their five star hotel in full 3D! Yes you heard that right! You can look around at the rooms they offer even before you actually check in the hotel. Isn't that neat? Just choose the room you want to have and take the VIRTUAL TOUR! It surely would be fun making this your home in Manila the next time you visit the Philippines!



The gorgeous Ms. Chanelle Garvey Director of Sales and Marketing Sofitel Luxury Hotels Philippine Plaza Manila




 
 
   
 


I was so glad to witness their launch a couple of weeks ago. Judging by the features of the site, it'll definitely change how you perceive luxury and convenience from Sofitel Manila. Congratulations on this awesome site! I'm lovin' every bit of it!

For more information please visit their website


http://www.sofitelmanila.com


Or like them on Facebook!





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Reminiscing Coca Cola's 100 Years in the Philippines!


If you had the chance to celebrate a 100 years of existence how would you do it and why?

That's exactly the task that Coca Cola had on its hands this year; and what a way to answer this question by making it a celebration like no other. They had YOU and your family in mind; no let me correct that... they had the whole PHILIPPINES in mind when they wanted to celebrate their 100th Year!

Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan! Building projection showed the evolution of Coke bottles and even got it to be like a Coke glass. Filling it up later on looked so awesome!

The Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan!

Generations upon generations of Filipinos have grown up with Coca Cola and it's already part of our culture in more ways than one. Each time we have gatherings be it lunch, merienda or dinner it has always been an integral part of every meal... and every family celebration. It brings US together and makes our gathering more happier than the usual. Caloy the President for Happiness in the Philippines thought about it for a second; and asked thousands of Filipinos through "Happiness ng Bayan Survey" who they want to see, hear and perform. That started the concept of The Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan!


Think about your favorite rock stars, your favorite idols from any genre of music. Now imagine if they got them all and put them in one big stage. Then think about Coca Cola having them all perform their hits and greatest songs too! Not to mention making this concert ALL FOR FREE! Wouldn't that be amazing? That's exactly what historically happened last March 23, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds and I was to witness this awesome event!


Craig David
The HOT afternoon was turned to quite a refreshing sight when the one and only Craig David graced the halls of Diamond Hotel for a short press conference. It was amazing seeing him in the flesh let alone see him perform a little later on in the evening. He was so excited to see the Filipinos once again and this time he'll be performing his great songs like Insomnia and not so old ones from his previous albums. He proudly brags he only has bottled Coke inside his fridge at home too!

Chino Lui Pio a.k.a. VJ Chino
 Equally good looking and excited as I am, VJ Chino was there too to start off asking questions to David. The day was clearly starting on a great note!

Comedy Team Jose and Wally together with President for Happiness Caloy (Center)
Jose and Wally brought comedic fervor to another level to start off the celebrations at the MOA Concert Grounds.They introduced the performers to that afternoon!

The Itchyworms
Jugs and the band started off the concert. I love hearing their songs all over again. Jazz Nicolas, Jugs Jugueta, Kelvin Yu, and Chino Singson made us all stomp along with the beat. It was addicting!

Ebe Dancel
Memories of Sugarfree just flashed right in front of us. His vocals was uniquely only his and who wouldn't love Ebe Dancel singing his hits all over again. We felt we were in memory lane! He even performed a song together with Callalily!

Kean Cipriano of Callalily
If you only knew how much shrieking girls suddenly went on a frenzy when he came out, Kean Cipriano was really an awesome performer. I loved every bit of his set and yes he did the best songs from his album so it was a treat for everyone there. Not minding his voice problems at that time, he made sure every one enjoyed his music. I know I did!

GLOC 9 and his protege Denise Barbacena with Caloy
I went backstage and got the chance to snap some shots of Gloc 9 and his protege Denise. I can't believe I was this close!

Raymund Marasigan of Sandwich
One of my personal rock icons was there too. Made me think of Eraserheads. It was really nostalgic to see him and his almost poetic lyrics. Artistic in every sense, Sandwich was surely one of my favorites!

Raymund Marasigan and Jay Durias of South Border
Jay Durias was there and even got to mash up his songs in a different way with Sandwich. It was a great collaboration. I wonder if they would have this on DVD!

Tutti Caringal of 6CycleMind

Eunice of Grace Note
6CycleMind, Eunice of Grace Note and Kleggy combined to make a wham bam thank you Ma'am performance that night. It was a mix but it was good!

Basti Artadi of WOLFGANG
Performance in another scale, that's how I would describe WOLFGANG that evening. It was so intense I didn't get to shoot them that much because I had to watch from below. It was really awesome to see them there. They are officially in my ROCK ICONS list especially Basti Artadi!

Basti Artadi of WOLFGANG and Gloc9
Imagine that intensity and add in the rap with the speed of 100 KM/HR by GLOC9 and that's just impossible! They make dreams come true. This is happiness!

GLOC 9's protege Denise Barbacena
Gloc 9
Gloc 9 was just astounding. I wasn't a fan of his before but after seeing him perform live... I take it all back! It was awesome. He also did a song with his protege and that made everything even better! I didn't know OPM could be like this GREAT!

Chito Miranda
Buwi Meneses
Vinci and Chito!
Parokya ni Edgar was just out of this world. Their skits in between songs was really something and you can tell how much fun the people were having. I know I was!

Gino of RX, Caloy and Robi Domingo
These guys introduced the next ones. Yes it looked like they were just starting.


Hey Daydreamer it's SomeDayDream!
Just look at the good looking Rez of SomeDayDream and you'll have that happy face up in no time at all. Everyone was swaying along with him as he sang some of his songs to the enjoyment of everyone there!

Then she came along....

Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo
I haven't seen her perform live. Not until this evening. It was a revelation because she wasn't just a good singer.... she was an awesome dancer! She is a complete entertainer! I love her!

She was awesome!
Gary Valenciano
Concert King Gary Valenciano and his son Gab was there to bring everyone to their feet. It was really a good day and evening for us. I can't believe this is happening all in one day! Even PUPIL, Craig David and a song by Gary, SomeDayDream and Sarah was on the list. That was just EPIC!

Coke celebrated 100 Years in the Philippines with one huge concert and they did this all for the Filipino. I love how they felt they had to give back. I know this isn't the last thing on their list but they started with the great artists this country has ever produced plus an International performer. They are just starting, aren't you excited about what's going to happen in the next few months as they celebrate and open up the happiness in your area?!

Congratulations to Coca Cola Philippines! No wonder you are number one in the Philippines and in the hearts of the Filipinos! ♥

Follow the Coke Happiness President!

http://twitter.com/Coke_HappyPrez


Like them on Facebook!




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These Are the Best Songs to Play with Your Windows Down

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kia Rio for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When you are traveling and speeding through major thoroughfares you just sit and wonder how your day has been and how you could make it better. Playing mood music is one of the things that can perk you up no matter how bad your day has been. That's where KIA RIO comes in and make your experience even better by building your own playlist via popular application SPOTIFY and it is quite easy to do it.

After liking the FACEBOOK Page and clicking on this particular on line application, you just simply search for your favorite songs and choose the "Best Songs with your Windows Down" playlist. You have so many songs to choose from but make sure to only get your favorites, after all this is your day!

If you don't find your preferred song, make sure you press more tracks on the bottom right corner of the screen so you can find the one you want!

If you haven't installed the SPOTIFY application yet, make sure you download it and run the program. It will install itself and would probably just take you a couple of minutes.

  

Type in your login credentials or if you have your own account, you can use that instead!

If you are not in the mood to do so, there are several noted playlists available in the software so you can use that instead. Play it loudly on your computer or your mobile device and enjoy while you have your KIA RIO windows down. You can also use the voice activated UVO INFOTAINMENT System powered by MICROSOFT if you want to make things easier.

 

 

You will definitely have a grand time with friends and family too! You can play this over and over again because it will be saved in your account. Of course I started with HAPPINESS by ALEXIS JORDAN but it can be any other song of course! You can belt it out with ADELE and no one will ever care as long as you have your windows down. If ever you had something to play loudly in your car what would it be and why? Are you going to choose some of my songs too?! =)

 

 

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