TRAVEL: A Birthday Like No Other at Island Cove

I don't really give a fuss about my birthday, not even bothering of marking it on the calendar, not only for the reason of escaping the fact that I'm getting old.  Hmm...I actually stopped counting my age 10 years ago, LOL.  But whenever someone does something that's quite notable, I can't help but be overwhelmingly happy.
I never intended to celebrate my birthday at the resort which also hold a special something in my heart.  The last time I was at Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was when we had a team-building event when I was still with Convergys (PBCom).  That was seven years ago.   My coming back was not something less than the ideal.   Coming a few minutes late from some jaunting motherly errands, I almost missed breakfast.  My blogger friends have been tweeting and  "Instagraming" their breakfast fare at iCafe, while Bhogs and I got a bit stuck at Binakayan, from a wrong turn from Cavitex.
Seeing the welcoming gate of the resort made me giddy of what was in store for us.  Crossing the bridge to the main island while feeling the same cool wind billowing at the colorfully arrayed flags, I remembered how fun it was when my CVG team-mates tried to cross it at the wee hour to get something to eat while everyone tries to crack some jokes.
Well, I'm sure most of the guests of the island would have something special to keep in their memories as well.
As we then had approached the lobby of the hotel, I felt the inviting vibe as the sound of clanking utensils harmonized so well with the musical ensemble in strings.  As we entered iCafe, I was warmly welcomed by the marketing staff and instantly got serenaded with a Happy Birthday song from the ensemble and my blogger friends.
Surprise, surprise!  Then Joy Mendiola (Occasions of Joy) jokingly approached me with "that's what happens to people who gets late!"
Now, I thought that ends my birthday bash...Did I mention how sumptuous the breakfast spread was?

Then the tour of the whole island began.

We started with their hotel rooms which I will definitely be coming back with soon and will blog about it. They have renovated most of their rooms and upgraded the amenities, with major changes in the bathrooms.

From the lobby you can access the rooms through the corridors from the left or from the right, over-looking the white maiden statue at the center of what seems to be a courtyard.

I love the classic minimal look of their newly-renovated rooms and according to our tour coordinator, the hotel complies to Cavite's ply for an eco-friendly community by eliminating plastic water bottles and bathroom essentials.  Instead, guests can request for a purified pitcher of water.  They use only refillable bottles for their shampoos, conditioners and lotions.  Light bulbs were replaced with LED lightnings as well. But what I like most is the clean and relaxing scent of each rooms, makes me wanna stay and doze off.

Summer rates ( April 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014) for the weekend at a Superior room is P 4200 net while P 3500 net on weekdays.  For the De Luxe, weekends at P 5400 net and P 4,400 net on weekdays.  Accommodation packages include breakfast for 2, use of hotel pool and jacuzzi, entrance to Oceania Swim and Splash Park and entrance to Animal Island.

If you need bigger room space for a family with more than 2 kids, I suggest you get a Cabana.  I didn't know they also have a villa with cabanas which can accommodate more than 10 people.  They have a two-bedroom cabana and a four-bedroom cabana each with sharing bathrooms, kitchen and a sala.

Two-bedroom Cabanas are priced at P 6300 for weekends and P 5300 for weekdays.  Four-bedroom cabanas, however is at P 9200 on weekends and P 7950  on weekdays.   Same amenities apply to the hotel packages except that breakfast is not included.

For retreats, team-buildings and a company of friends and family who needed to be in one place, the houses Isabel and Calero is your best choice.  The building used to be smaller function rooms but with the the need for bigger overnight accommodation space these two were turned to cabanas with double-decked beds and separate CRs for the males and females.

Now off we go and explore the rest of the island.

We also were able to scout several function halls and rooms, and might I say they can cater for whatever a company needs, may it be wedding, debut, kiddie party, concert, conventions, workshop, just about any event you can think of.

Tejeros Grand Ballroom (300- 500 seating capacity)

 

 In the mood for unwinding with friends and colleagues after a long day?  Why not grab that microphone and sing your lungs out and partner it with some refreshments at the Bayside Live Music and KTV.

Next to Bayside is the Fishing Village.  Two reasons why Island Cove works out:  people's yearning to experience how it is to fish (for one's meal) and classic Filipino culinary delights, both can be experienced at Fishing Village.

The very welcoming staff of Island Cove

You can rent a fishing rod (either a mechanical or the old-school bamboo pole) for P100, for an unlimited time of use and a cup of flour-based fishing bait.  If you don't have the skill and patience for fishing, well you can just enjoy the cool breeze and savor the delightful Filipino dishes Fishing Village offers.   Will do a separate post on how they fared with their menu offerings, but let me sum it up as "a gloriously filling lunch, one that you will always crave for."

 Here is one reason, why until now I can't seem to get over that darn and sinful lunch.  Can't wait to write about that outtake.

Moving on..!  If you don't like to have a lunch over in huts and on stilts, they also have Sangley Point, the bar and grill resto that's nearest to Oceania Water Park.  On the same building rest three other function rooms, Magdalo, Magdiwang, and Aguinaldo, which are good for smaller group of people for events such as workshops, seminars, graduation rites, and others.

Sangley Point Bar and Grill from the outside.

Another thing added to the amenities, is that they have opened up the area for an al fresco dining and to welcome diners who are using Oceania and Splash Park.

The newest attraction which is expected to bring more cheers to kids is the Splash Park.  The area is matted with a rubberized material, so it is much safer for kids to play and run around while enjoying splatters and splashes of water, purified water, that is!

Isn't that inviting!
Another thing that is convincing when safety is brought up, is that their resort being certified as ISO 9001 2008 by SGS.  This means that the whole company, from the hotel, down to every resort detail is operating under strict ISO guidelines.  Thus, every guests can be assured of getting the quality services and products.

For thrill-seekers, this is just the perfect pool for you.  Choose from three differently-styled slides, or you can play like hell on the inflatable slides.

If you want to enjoy the slides but are afraid of heights, you can have a try at this low-layered inflatable slide, situated at the lower pool levels.

Though at times accidents and some injuries can take place, they have pool guards and a first aid station.

If you are a big group on a day-tour, you can also get a cabana for a minimal cost.

I also need to mention that you can travel the whole island in one day, e-jeepneys give the tour from your hotel (or from any part of the hotel) to Animal Island.
Now, if what you are after is a total relaxation, I would encourage you to go to Island Spa.  I haven't tried any of their services yet but I've heard their traditional hilot is what the customers are going back for.

 The moment you step in the spa, you will get that immediate aromatherapy.

Foot spa room

Steam rooms (separate for male and female)

The Body Scrub room with bath tubs for washing off...

On the same site is the Fit Club.  It's a site for all you gym buddies who does not want to miss a work out, even on a vacation.

On a side note, when lifting weights and hearing mechanicals while you stretch some muscles and going around the island is not for you, why not just dance it out or swing it with the latest games being offered at the interactive game room.

Here is also a destination one should never miss when visiting or staying at Island Cove for more than a day, the Animal Island.  More adventure awaits you as you come face to face with your fears for animals.

So much to see and do here, don't you think?

This tiger is almost a year old, and was still a cub when brought at the mini-zoo.  They would let the guest experience who it is to be played at, oops, to pet a Bengal tiger.

Since the tiger practically grew up in the island, they have been accustomed to come near the visitors.  As you can see Jupiter (tiger's name) gamely posted with John.  (Selfie naman next time, John)

 They also take care of a number of ostrich.  They sell the eggs, btw.

 

A place for some birds.

Like cassowaries.

 Peacocks...

And snakes...oops that's from another category.  Though, facing one of my fear, did not happen, some of our companions were able to.   Still gives me the gitters.

 Have your selfie with the albino python or a baby croc (with which the mouth was taped for safety)

Feel like feeding some of their pets?  There are more crocodiles, larger and in groups that you can feed with a whole dressed chicken.

Then turn on the other side and grab a banana to throw to the monkeys on an islet.  Poor things, they have actually decreased in number due to storms and the getting sick.

Horses, cattles and sheeps can also be spotted on the dirt road.

Another attraction they have on Animal Island is the Adventure park

That day was really eventful and memorable and I can't wait to bring our pack (my kids) to this place.  I'm very sure they will enjoy all these as well.  Good thing it is just 25 minutes away from Pasay, where we live.  Cavitex made it possible to have another home away from home, in the likes of uber-comfort zone, Island Cove.

Thanks for the warm welcome and getting along with my friend's "gimik" for my birthday, Island Cove!
Thanks also to Joy Mendiola for making this day as unforgettable as it was!

Now it's time for you to have, or your loved one have the same or an even better birthday bash at Island Cove!

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park
Address: Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite
Tel. : (046) 4340210
Fax: (046) 4345373
E mail: inquiry@islandcovephil.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IslandCoveHotelandLeisurePark

The Inevitable Binge: FOODGASM 4

 I am a terrible blogger judge...
Well you see, I was invited to be one of the blogger judge of the fourth edition of FOODGASM.  It was actually my second time to do it.  You can read all about my first food fair judging here.  Apparently I did enjoy it, though deep inside I'm hiding how I detest the even, for reasons that many would understand, and yes it's about diet and losing weight.
For me to further site my reasons, let me show you the photos I got from the event.

This is just part of the whole styro plate that I had.  Please don't hate me for this...I am just doing my job!  Charing!
Hehe, make sure you have a tissue with for this post is really drool-inducing!

So you see, though I'm a foodie at heart, I got so conscious of eating all the samples given to me, to be honest I didn't I got a bite of some of them and a few really caught my fancy.

The ordeal now is to choose the best three and judge them accordingly.  It was one of the toughest decision I have to make  for every participant gave all for them to win the coveted stall position from Mercato Centrale.

So to know who won, visit the Facebook page of FOODGASM.

Thanks again UP Eco. Soc. for having me experience the wonderful night of indulgence from the newbies of the food industry who will be rising above the others as their products were highlighted.

Win Summer Siren Passes with #AYOSNASUMMERWISH Promo

Are you ready for a hotter summer?
Not the hot that burns your skin, dries you up and leaves you slouching at home...
It's the kind of summer heat that makes you sweat like crazy partying at the beach wearing your best bikini, grooving all night to the beat of the country's hottest bands and having the best kind of beach bumming for three days with your BFFs.

Here is the bestest part ever!

You can be join in the exciting 3-day beach party for FREE when you share your #AyosNaSummer wish with your AyosDito.ph barkada! Simply Surf & Share on AyosDito.ph to win FREE Summer Siren tickets for you and your friends!  The party is set to happen at Crystal Beach, Zambales this coming April 4 to 6, 2014.

Check out the poster below and see if your favorite band will be there, for there are 30 bands performing and setting the sandy stages on fire.

Anyone can grab the passes as long as they follow the instructions given.

To join:
1. Search #AyosNaSummer on AyosDito.ph then click the Win Summer Siren Tickets ad.
2. Reply to the ad with your #AyosNaSummer wish. The more replies you leave, the more chances of winning exclusive Summer Siren tickets for you and your friends.

A total of 35 Summer Siren passes and 10 limited edition Ayos Loudbasstard speaker docks will be given away to lucky Ka-Ayos who will share their #AyosNaSummer wish on AyosDito.ph.
Join to get the chance to meet great people at the Summer Siren Festival happening on April 4-6 at Crystal Beach, Zambales!

Winners will get:

Total of 15 tickets and 3 room accommodations to be won! (5 Super Ayos winners will win 3 tickets and 1 room accommodation each)
PLUS
Total of 20 tickets up for grabs! (5 Ayos Barkada winners of 4 tickets each)
AND
Exclusive consolation prizes for music lovers up for grabs. (10 winners of Loudbasstard speaker docks)

Winners will be selected at random. The more #AyosNaSummer wish you send, the higher your chances of winning.
 For more info, go to http://blog.ayosdito.ph

Fun Power this Summer at Century Park Hotel

March ushered in so quickly yet gracefully, with many milestones to treasure, many summer plans to ponder and many days to spend with the loved ones.  It's all about summer breeze, increasing heat, graduation, birthdays and lent, oh and "staycation" with the ultimate heat-buster, halo-halo.

Now we can all enjoy the comfort of staying at our home away from home, for a serene Lenten vacation with our loved ones at nonetheless than Century Park Hotel.   The special staycation package rate of
 P 4,000/room/night and P 5,500/room/night in a Superior room and Deluxe/Junior suite/Park tower suite, respectively, comes with breakfast buffet for two (2) adults and two (2) kids at the Café in the Park and the option to purchase four (4) tickets to their Easter EGGvengers event at a discounted price. Other amenities Include free use of the  temperature-controlled swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and fitness center. The promo period is from April 7 to 21, 2014.

It’s the season for graduates! At Century Park Hotel, more people mean more fun in their  Graduation Parties Galore! A free buffet awaits graduates who bring along five other guests at the Café in the Park. For a Japanese-style celebration, graduates get a free Teishoku meal when dining with four other guests at the Century Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant.

Feel the Easter fun power on April 20, 2014. It will be a day of family bonding at the Easter EGGvengers party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event to be held at the Century Ballroom will feature fun games, magic show, raffle prizes, souvenir photo shots, bag of give-aways and of course, egg hunting, the most awaited activity of the day. For only P 800 net per person, this Sunday party truly promises loads of fun for the whole family. Promo ticket price of P 1,200 for one adult and one kid will be extended.

Experience a wonderful meal at the Café in the Park with our Easter Sunday buffet for only
P 1,250 +. Children 7 to 12 years old get a 50% off treat and children 6 years old and below will enjoy it for free.  And by adding P 160 net, level up the gastronomic experience with your bottomless thirst-quenching iced tea.

Partake from the Palm Grove’s range of dining options from quick snacks to go, refreshing drink concoctions, and sit down meals. Get excited with our halo-halo bar, where you can customize this summer sweet course by choosing your own toppings – from sweet potato, banana, taro, beans, cornflakes, corn kernels to gulaman, sago, leche flan, halayang ube, and langka with scoops of your pick of flavours of all-time Pinoy favourites like chocolate, mango and ube.

Savor a real summer fun power at the Century Park Hotel and experience a perfect hot season getaway.

For inquiries, please call 528-8888, restaurant reservation at 5285907 or email information@centurypark.com.ph.

The Century Park Hotel is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation.