Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Mother's Day Can Be Every Day with The Peninsula Manila's MomMeCation Package!



Moms are often described as the "queen of the house" and yet, we seldom get to feel like royalty. That's okay, actually, because we know we willingly take on the many things we do for our family for love. However, it is always a welcome reprieve when we do get treated like a queen once in a while :)

flowers for mommy
This year, being a mom just became doubly memorable for me because, aside from also celebrating my birthday on Mother's Day weekend, I experienced The Peninsula Manila's indulgent and awesome MomMeCation package!

chauffeured!
The staycation actually started the moment I set foot outside our house because The Peninsula sent over a car with a uniformed chauffeur to pick me up and take me to Makati. When I was dropped off at The Peninsula's entrance, I was surprised to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a lot of enthusiastic Happy Birthday greetings before getting escorted to my room by the hotel's very gracious Director of Public Relations himself who even insisted on carrying my overnight bag! I wish there were photos of those moments because they would probably show my big grin and wide eyes.

The Peninsula Manila's Premier Suite 
My room turned out to be a suite and I immediately felt overwhelmed by the huge space. Mr. Mariano Garchitorena smilingly told me that I may want to call my family and have them come, too. All thoughts of having a solo mommy me-time flew out the window in my excitement to share the gorgeous room with my hubby and kids. I called and told them to pack their overnight stuff and join me. I breathed a prayer of thanks for the many unexpected blessings.

sweet treats for mom -- fyi, that door sign is made of chocolate!
I got a few more surprises when I further explored the room. On the dining table were various types of sweets including a Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial champagne! I'd definitely need my husband with me when I drink that!

my bedroom with special personalized touches
Inside the bedroom, I found a fluffy white robe on the big bed with my initials on it! But the best surprise of all? A framed photo of my family displayed on my bedside table! That, alone, strongly reminded me that sometimes, much as we'd like to have some mommy me-time, we can't help but still tag along our loved ones because their presence would make the memories created even more exceptional. After all, there are other and simpler ways to have a mommy's day off. Staying at The Peninsula, for me, is an exception and I'd rather share the experience with my family :)

thoughtful surprises by The Peninsula
After getting my stuff settled in my room, I met with fellow moms at The Lobby. It was nice to find out that some of them also can't wait to have their hubbies and kids over. We do think alike! Soon, we proceeded to Rustan's in Glorietta where we had a Murad treatment each. The facial was so relaxing! We all came out feeling and looking very refreshed, with our skin literally glowing with health.

glowing, without makeup, after a Murad facial
from left: Jaymie Pizarro, Jackie Go, myself, and Shen Cala-Or
Later, we had a delicious dinner at Spices (more about the food in a separate blog post). Once again, I've proven that there's nothing like great food and good company to complete a very satisfying meal. The stories that were told around our table generated a lot of laughs and camaraderie, which made for a really fun night. 

inside Spices
By the time we got around to having a yummy dessert, I was once again given a blush-inducing surprise when one of the restaurant staff came out holding a cake and my companions started singing Happy Birthday. In the past, I seldom get to celebrate my birthdays with people outside my family while I was growing up (because May 8 always comes during school breaks!) so it has become a novelty for me when I do get to have a "party" outside our home once in a while. Again, I couldn't help but say a prayer of thanks for the blessings of old and new friends in addition to wonderful opportunities.

a birthday cake from The Peninsula! 
Before we retired to our luxurious rooms, we hung out for a while at Salon de Ning for cocktails and to enjoy some music. My fellow moms and I were invited to dance but we were all too shy to join those who were already in full swing. Instead, we enjoyed swapping more stories about motherhood and family life as typical moms usually tend to do when we get together.  

mommies night out at Salon de Ning
there's a good explanation why I didn't have time to change into a nice dress
but more about that in a different blog post :)
from left: Jackie, Jaymie, Janice Villanueva, Neva Santos, me, and Shen
It was around 11PM when I finally got back to my room and joyfully found hubby and our special child already there. Soon, two more of our sons arrived after watching the Owl City concert in BGC. Our firstborn, unfortunately, couldn't join us because he was on nightshift at the office. Still, having most of my family there to enjoy the staycation with me filled me with happiness. After a warm and comfy soak in the bathtub, I slept with a grateful heart surrounded by people I dearly love. 

with my favorite breakfast buddy
The next day, hubby and I had breakfast at Escolta while the boys were still sleeping. I appreciated the wide food selection and chose items that I have been craving to eat but didn't have the chance to buy or cook in recent weeks. The Peninsula really knows how to tickle its guests' palates!

excited for a much-needed massage!
Later that morning, I also had one of the most wonderful massages ever at The Peninsula Fitness Center. It's located near the hotel's well-maintained pool area that's very, very ideal for photo ops. The blue water was so inviting but I had to choose the massage over swimming to get some of the knots out of my back. I was so glad I did!

The Peninsula's pretty pool area
Lunch was held at the famous Peninsula Lobby. I love hanging out in this airy and high-ceilinged area because it has such a vibrant vibe that always lifts my mood. My fellow moms and I once again enjoyed the company of the hotel's public relations team who are very pleasant to be with. They made us feel very welcome and made our stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. I couldn't thank them enough for the warm hospitality.

Seafood Angel Hair Pasta for lunch
Back in the room, I already felt a hint of nostalgia when I was fixing our things before checking out. Suite 732 is, hands-down, one of the best hotel rooms I've had the pleasure of staying in. I am positive that other mothers who will avail of the MomMeCation package and stay in that room would also find so many things to love, be happy, and create memories about there. 

mommies deserve a break
let The Peninsula take care of that :)
The good news is, the special MomMeCation package is offered until December 31, 2015! Check out the rates and inclusions here. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 (2) 887-2888 extension 6630, or email reservationpmn@peninsula.com. Keep updated with new offers and promos by liking The Peninsula Manila on Facebook and following @thepeninsulamanila on Instagram  and @thepeninsulamnl on Twitter. Guys, if you feel that your wife or your mom deserves a well-deserved me-time, give her this precious gift any time (how about her birthday?!) during the year. She will surely thank you for it! I am! :)



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