Friday 25 October 2024

After Dark: Calavera Carnival! (Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Halloween came early at Lanson Place SM Mall of Asia with their After Dark Fiesta: Calavera Carnival!, a night of Mexican flavors, crafted cocktails, and a whole lot of fun at Cyan Modern Kitchen, with live music, face painting and an exciting costume contest.

 

After Dark Fiesta: Calavera Carnival!

Step into the enchanting world and vibrant, age-old tradition, filled with flavors, colors, and culture, of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”), a joyful occasion and a vibrant celebration of life and remembrance that honors the memories of loved ones with feasts, music, and lively festivities.  It’s a time when life is celebrated to the fullest, and Cyan Modern Kitchen brings this exuberant tradition to life with the specially curated “After Dark Fiesta” buffet. 

Mr. Deczle Enriquez, Director of Food and Beverage at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, shared “We are delighted to bring the lively traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead to Cyan Modern Kitchen. Our ‘After Dark Fiesta’ offers guests a unique culinary and cultural experience with exquisite dishes and signature tequila cocktails.”

 

An array of authentic Mexican dishes

At this ultimate fiesta, embark on a flavorful journey and prepare your taste buds as you delight and feast on an array of bold and authentic Mexican dishes and mouthwatering favorites such as the zesty Camarones A la Diabla, smoky Roasted Suckling Pig with Mole Sauce, and the refreshing Ceviche. 

 

A selection of bewitching, tantalizing and free-flowing craft tequila cocktails

Raise your glass and say “Salud” to a selection of bewitching, tantalizing and free-flowing craft tequila cocktails and even brighter and vibrant spirits. Whether you’re a fan of classic margaritas or you’re eager to try something new, these cocktails are sure to add a refreshing twist to your evening. With bold new blends, every sip is perfectly crafted for the festive energy of the Calavera Carnival. Savor the rich, smooth flavors of Corazon Tequila, the tangy sweetness of the Tamarindita, the kick of the Bala de Canon, the mystery of the Moradita, and more.

 

Dia delos Muertos-inspired Halloween costumes and face paint

The fiesta reaches its peak on the Grand Night on October 26. Come dressed to impress as you show off your best and most creative Halloween costume, inspired by the Dia de los Muertos, and make the night even more memorable by being crowned with the coveted title of "Best Dressed of the Night," winning exciting special prizes, including a complimentary pre-dinner buffet for two at Cyan Modern Kitchen. 

Truly an unforgettable night full of festive spirit and a vibrant celebration to remember filled with delectable dishes, spirited cocktails, and a celebration that’s all about life, love, and laughter.  With a minimum of 4 guests per booking, guests can enjoy 30% discount between October 6 and 20, 2024. 

The “After Dark Fiesta” runs daily, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, until November 11, 2024, with weekday rates at Php2,100 net per person, and weekend rates at Php2,500 net per person. For those joining the celebration on the Grand Night (October 26, 7 to 10 PM), dinner is priced at Php2,900 net per person. For reservations, reach them at +63 917 812 8061 or email fb.lpmn@lansonplace.com.

Monday 7 October 2024

Boracay Island Flavors: A Culinary Journey at Savoy Hotel Manila (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Boracay Island Flavors - A Culinary Journey at Savoy Hotel Manila

Following the tradition of the successful Ilonggo Culinary Treasures and the Cebu Food Fest, Savoy Hotel Manila believes it’s time for Boracay to take center stage with Boracay Island Flavors: A Culinary Journey at Savoy Hotel Manila, a limited-time celebration of Boracay’s finest cuisine which will be held from October 7 to 20, 2024.  Here, you can experience the true flavors of Boracay’s beloved dishes without leaving Manila for the island.

 

Executive Chefs Kit Carpio and Nicks Valmeo

The event will showcase a special menu, inspired by the rich, comforting, well-loved and authentic dishes of Boracay, prepared by Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast’s talented and admired Executive Chef Nicks Valmeo who will join forces with Executive Chef Kit Carpio of Savoy Hotel Manila to create a delectable culinary experience for Manila’s valued patrons. Invaluable support in making this event possible was provided by GM Maia Israel of Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast and her team.

 

Boracay Menu Sampler

Chef Nicks Valmeo shared his excitement, saying, "I grew up loving the outdoors, and I take great joy in cooking the most requested dishes from our customers who are vacationing with us, especially favorites from Aklan and the Visayas region. These are the flavors that bring people together."

 

Binacol na Manok

Savoy Hotel Manila GM Ferdinand “Den” V. Navarro” added, "As the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel, we have guests who stay with us while en route to various parts of the country. Serving Boracay Island’s iconic dishes at our very own Savoy Café gives our guests a taste of vacation even before they reach their destination."

 

Ensaladang Paco

In a press conference held last October 8 within the modern and cozy ambiance of the Savoy Café, members of online and print media got to preview and savor a sampler of mouthwatering dishes from this event that promises a culinary adventure filled with unforgettable flavors and a feast for the senses.  This was not just a dining experience.  It was a journey capturing Boracay’s essence ….

 

Pansit Bisaya

For starters, we tried out the Binakol na Manok (chicken sautéed in ginger, garlic, and onion with a hint of lemongrass with fresh coconut juice and meat), Alugbati at Kesong Puti Salad (Mesclun greens, local alugbati, cherry tomato, black olives and kesong puti, drizzled with dalandan-honey vinaigrette) and Ensaladang Pako (crisp and refreshing salad consisting of fiddlehead fern, cherry tomato, sliced onion rings topped with crispy danggit fish with calamansi vinaigrette on the side).

 

Tinumis

The highlight of the foodfest was a banana leaf-lined bamboo tray filled with Hurnong Talaba (baked oysters, from New Washington in Aklan, with Mornay sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top), Beef Kansi (an Ilonggo sour soup made with beef shank and jackfruit flavored with batuan, lemongrass and anatto), Tinumis (sautéed pork with fresh tomato, onion, garlic, vinegar, and batuan puree for a tangier, sour flavor), Inubarang Manok (slow-cooked chicken in coconut milk, flavored with lemongrass and ginger, and flavored with ubad or banana pith which is abundant in Aklan), Tinumkay/Linapay (ulang or freshwater shrimps, coconut meat, ginger, and spices wrapped in taro leaves and gently simmered in coconut cream), Chori Pasta (Pinoy spaghetti with a Boracay twist) and Pansit Bisaya (A famous noodle recipe in the Visayan Region combining egg and rice noodles with seafood, pork, and chorizo).

 

Inubarang Manok

For dessert, we tried out the Inday-Inday (palitao with bukayo with coconut sauce on the side) and Eangkoga, the Aklanon's version of binignit or bilo-bilo in the Tagalog Region.  You can add to these the Mango Graham Shake, a tropical dessert of sweet mango, coconut and crushed Graham crackers, topped with whipped cream, that completed our taste of the Boracay Island life.

 

Eangkoga

Inday Inday


For inquiries and table reservations, please call +63253172817 or email dine@savoymanila.com.

Friday 20 September 2024

Hotel and Inn Review: Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Date of Stay: September 21 to 22, 2024

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *********

Rooms: *********

Condition and Cleanliness: *********

Staff Performance: **********

Room Comfort: *********

Food and Beverage: *********

Other Amenities: *********

Value for Money: **********

 

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila

I recently had the pleasure of staying overnight, with my son Jandy, at Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila and, I must say, it was an unforgettable experience.  From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the hotel staff’s warmth and hospitality which was nothing short of exceptional, going above and beyond to make us feel welcome as a valued guest and ensure that every aspect of our stay was perfect.  The attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction really stood out.

 

The exterior finish inspired by the ripples of the ocean

A collaboration between Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited (LPHM) and SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), this 11-storey hybrid hotel and serviced residences caters to professionals and regular guests, under SM’s luxury hotel brands.  The first Lanson Place in the country, it is also the tenth hotel property of SMHCC (established in April 2008, it also manages the SMX Convention Center and Trade Halls) which includes Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA). 

The beautifully landscaped courtyard

Lanson Place Hospitality Management Limited, founded in 1995, is a subsidiary of Wing Tai Properties, a premium developer of quality residential, commercial, industrial and serviced apartments.  It operates properties in Hong Kong (Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Two MacDonnell Road, Lanson Place Waterfront Suites), Kuala Lumpur (Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon), Shanghai (Lanson Place Parkside), Shenzhen (Yiju Apartment) and Singapore (Lanson Place Winsland), and soon to open in Melbourne, Australia (Lanson Place Parliament Gardens).

Pergola at the courtyard where you can have bespoke coffee breaks, short pocket meetings or small receptions
 

Now almost a year in operation (it opened last October 2, 2023), this U-shaped hotel is centered around a beautifully landscaped courtyard which is used for bespoke coffee breaks and short pocket meetings and small receptions when necessary.  The hotel’s design is inspired by the ripples of the ocean, from the exterior finish, down to the ceiling of the second floor and all the way to the carpet of the Saffron Grand Ballroom. It had 247 guest rooms and 142 serviced apartments, including two-bedroom suites with floor-to-ceiling windows which allow sweeping views of the city skyline and Manila Bay.  


One-Bedroom Junior Suite (551)


We stayed in an immaculate, peaceful and spacious, 49 sq. m. One-Bedroom Junior Suite (551) that allowed us to be truly at home. Stylishly furnished in soothing earth tones, it had a separate bedroom and living room, each with a 50-inch flat screen interactive TV (iPTV) with 65 international and local cable TV channels and 16 radio channels for entertainment. 

 

Living Room

The cozy and clean bedding and super soft pillows of our king-size bed (one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on) and modern and thoughtful amenities such as an electronic key lock system; voice mail, IDD/NDD telephone lines; airconditioning with individually controlled thermostats; a well-stocked minibar; blackout drapes/curtains; closet, bathrobes, ; in-room safe; pillow menu; luggage rack (making unpacking and repacking a breeze), and iron & ironing board, provided a welcoming retreat, ensuring a restful night’s sleep throughout our stay.  

The personal Nespresso coffee machine, with complimentary coffee capsules and complimentary tea set-up

The personal Nespresso coffee machine, with complimentary coffee capsules and complimentary tea set-up, was a nice touch. Wide windows invited Manila Bay views and infused the room with the warmth of natural light. 

 

The bathroom with glass shower enclosure and His and Her lavatory

The reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection (10 mbps) made staying connected (to catch up on emails) or working remotely a breeze, ensuring uninterrupted productivity, clear video calls and lag-free file sharing.

 

The Powder Room with electronic bidet

Our private ensuite bathroom had a His and Her lavatory, vanity mirror, hair dryer and hot and cold rainshower head.   The Kohler water closet, at the separate powder room (with another lavatory), had an electronic bidet with a heated toilet seat with various temperature settings and an easy-to-use control and preset. Both bathroom and powder room are furnished with luxurious APPELLES Green collection (Davidson Plum Hand & Body Wash, Rosella Conditioner and Rosella Shampoo) bathroom amenities infused with natural ingredients and delightful scents.

 

Lanson Suite

The other hotel room types are the 25 sq. m. (269 sq. ft.) Superior Room and Deluxe Room, furnished with King/Twin beds, the 58 sq. m. One-Bedroom Grand Suite and the 68 sq. m. One-Bedroom Lanson Suite, both having King-size beds and separate living rooms.

 

A bathtub with a view

We also tried out some of Lanson Place Mall of Asia’s dining options which range from comfort foods, to international cuisine and local favorites for a long, lazy lunch with friends or dinner with the family, to grab-and-go treats and delicious pastries for an easy meal on the go, that are as varied and vibrant as the Pasay restaurants outside their doors.

 

Madeleine High Tea

Upon checking in, we had merienda, with Ms. Rosary Ysmael (Lanson Place Marketing Consultant), at the peaceful and beautiful, albeit hidden (turn right upon entering the main lobby) Madeleine High Tea, on the ground floor of the Ballroom lobby.  

High Tea Set Menu


It is just the place to be with friends, from Friday to Sunday (2 to 5 PM), as you savor its serene atmosphere.  A lady tea sommelier explained to us the basics of tea, the different kinds and the food pairings to try.

 

Artisanal teas from Nature's Apothecary

There are three sweet and savory high tea sets offering six premium artisanal teas from Agusan del Norte’s Nature’s  Apothecary (Forest Pearl Green Tea, Oasis Green Tea, Golden Monkey Black Tea, Merry Berry Fruit Tea, Hello Sunshine Fruit Tea and Peach Oolong Tea), innovative pastries, and cakes that blend traditional and contemporary high tea flavors – Traditional (Php1,750), Contemporary (Php1,950) and Signature (Php2,150). 

 

One of three High Tea Sets

We sampled the first two, featuring traditional scones, clotted cream, madeleines, macarons, tiny sandwiches and delicious snacks, perfectly matched with Jandy and Rosary’s choice of tea (I had a Cappucino).

 

Saffron Grand Ballroom

On an exclusively dedicated floor above it is the pillarless (for flexible configurations to suit specific needs), well-designed and contemporary, 676 sq. m. Saffron Grand Ballroom.  An ideal event place to hold glamorous weddings, conventions and corporate events, it has a dedicated lobby, expansive pre-function area for c0cktail reception (with a dedicated bar), dedicated bridal dressing/holding room, full-service audio-visual system, dedicated drop-off and pick-up foyer and can be set up theater style (370 pax), banquet style (300 pax), U-shaped style (240 pax), classroom style (192 pax) and conference style (180 pax). 

 

The Leeroy New artwork hanging from the ceiling

Above the ballroom lobby and Madeleine’s High Tea is the huge, wind wave-like ceiling, an art project designed by contemporary Filipino fine artist Leeroy New.  A stunning mass of undulating blues, it was inspired by the bioluminescent waves and dancing nudibranches.

 

BLK 12 Cafe-Bar

Come nighttime, we visited the more casual, comfortable and trendy BLK12 Café/Bar, at the ground floor (City Wing) welcome lobby.  During daylight hours, you can visit for a snack or a delectable pastry paired with a perfectly brewed coffee or a handcrafted beverage, and, come nighttime, for the chilled-out wine bar experience in a laid-back atmosphere. 

Confit Garlic and Spinach Dip, Crisps

Gambas Al Ajillo

Caramel Flan

Spanish Churros


Here, we tried out the Confit Garlic and Spinach Dip (Php380), followed by Gambas Al Ajillo (Php680) and Lemongrass Chicken Skewers (Php340) and ended with a dessert of Spanish Churros (Php380) and Caramel Flan (Php300).   Truly filling and delicious.

 

Jandy and the author at the Fitness Gym

Fitness Gym


After dinner, we burned our calories, with the assistance of trainer Jason Abesamis, at the 198 sq. m. (22 x 9 m.), 24-hour Fitness Gym at the 11th floor. It has a suite of state-of-the-art Life Fitness gym equipment such as 3 treadmills, 2 upright indoor cycling exercise bikes, a free weight stack exercise machine, a multi-functional machine gym and a seated leg press plus 20 dumbbells (2.5 to 25 lbs.), 5 medicine balls, 2 slam balls and 5 kettle bells. 

Yoga Room


Beside the fitness gym is the 52.5 sq. m. (7.5 x 7 m.) dedicated Yoga Room for those who prefer a more mindful workout.

 

Kids Corner

At the same floor is the Kids’ Corner which offers a lively, safe and fun space equipped with a wide range of indoor activities and games for children aged 3 to 10 years old, where they can watch movies, discover a new favorite video game to play or challenge a new friend to a board game. 

Residents' Lounge

Also at the 11th floor (Bay Wing) is the Resident’s Lounge, a place for easy hangouts and delicious morning meals, which is open only to long-stay guests.

 

Cyan Modern Kitchen

Bar Area


The next day, we had a buffet breakfast at Cyan Modern Kitchen, the third floor (Bay Wing) all-day dining restaurant.  Its contemporary design, with floor-to-ceiling windows, creates a flexible space for both leisure and corporate settings. 

Al Fresco Dining Area

The restaurant’s main dining hall, as well as its al fresco dining area facing Macapagal Avenue, offers front-row seats to the magnificent sunset Manila Bay is known for. A private room offers a stunning view of the MOA Eye and, on a clear day, Mount Samat in Bataan.

 

Breakfast Buffet

A selection of delectable dishes
Bread, Croissants and Scones


The breakfast spread was varied, filling and delicious, with pancakes, waffles, French toast, egg station (sunny side up, scrambled, hard boiled, etc.), cereals, pastries (croissants, Spanish bread, blueberry Danish, banana walnut cake, raisin bonnet, doughnuts, etc.), tater tots, bacon, farmer’s ham, an assortment of dishes (shokshouka, lamb con carne, beef adobo, chicken curry, sautéed bottle gourd, fish sarciado, beef with fried eggplant, etc.), chicken sausages, dulong, plus coffee, tea and fresh juices (watermelon, pink sweet guava, orange). 

 

Cereals

and more.....

Their lunch buffet rate is Php2,500 net per person, Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon to 2:30 PM, while their pre-dinner cocktail buffet rate is Php2,500 net per person, Fridays to Saturdays, 5:30 to 8:30 PM.  They offer 20% discount to SMAC card holders. For reservations, call +63 917 812 8061 or email fb.lpmn@lansonplace.com.

Focus Co-Working Space


Also at the third floor is the 288 sq. m., 48-pax Focus.  This 24-hour Manila co-working space explores the concept of “work from everywhere.” These flexible workspaces are popular, especially among firms implanting hybrid work arrangements and those seeking short-term leases.  A dynamic hub for entrepreneurs and creatives alike, it features high-speed W—Fi connectivity, exclusive meeting pods, tables with plentiful sockets, comfortable seating, spacious tables and a tranquil ambiance.  

Bytes

To keep you energized throughout the day, there’s Bytes, Lanson’s grab and go station alongside our co-working space at the third floor, where you can indulge in guilt-free snack or sandwich options to keep by your side as you ramp up your productivity.

  

Executive Boardroom

Meeting_Room

This is complemented by seven natural light-filled meeting spaces – the 12-pax Thyme, Vanilla and Lavender Meeting Rooms; the 16-pax Sage; and the 20-pax Tarragon, Rosemary and Basil Meeting Rooms.  The last three have individual courtyard access.  All are equipped with cutting-edge amenities and technologies to host intimate meetings and presentations or as comfortable breakout areas.

 

Infinity Pool

After breakfast, we decided to take a dip at the 11th floor, 25 m. (82 ft.) x 6 m. (20 ft.), 1.2 (4 ft.) deep, elevated Infinity Pool (open 6 AM to 9 PM) where, from the edge, you look out over Manila Bay. Beside it is a 3 m. (10 ft.) x 9 m. (30 ft.), 0.60 m. (2 ft.) deep Children’s Pool.  

Edge Pool Bar

Adjacent to the pools is Edge Pool Bar. Exclusively reserved for residents and in-house guests, it is a perfect venue to cap off a productive day.  

Bar Area


With its unobstructed view of the bay, here you can sip specially-concocted signature cocktails and savor a selection of comforting dishes while enjoying the captivating sunsets and cool breeze.   

 

Lunchtime crowd at Cyan Modern Kitchen

Prior to checking out, we had lunch again at Cyan Modern Kitchen. This time, we tried out a buffet of modern, chef-curated interpretations of traditional international favorites made with fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.  

Crabs and shrimp

Chona Masala, Seafood Moilee, Lamb Keema Mattar


The delicious fare included Chona Masala, Seafood Moilee, Lamb Keema Mattar, Vegetable Samosa, Papadam, Chicken Tikka, Truffle Smash Potato, Sauteed French Beans, Shepherd Pie, Conchillo, Eggplant Parmigiana, Sweet Chili Fish, Nasi Goreng, Chicken Florentina plus decadent desserts such as Tres Leches Halo-Halo, Tiramisu, Leche Flan, Cheesecake, etc.

 

Tres Leches Halo Halo


My dessert plate.....


The hotel also has a 24-hour Front Desk, 21-pax elevators and offers daily housekeeping, luggage storage, concierge, laundry service, room service (limited hours), car rental, airport transfer (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). The hotel’s strategic and unbeatable location was also the highlight of our stay as Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila is a short walk to the SM Mall of Asia Complex (470 m. away), One Esplanade (520 m. away), entertainment spaces such as the Mall of Asia Arena (1.7 kms. away); the flagship SMX Convention Center (730 m. away); restaurants; office buildings and a transportation hub that can take you to and from any part of Metro Manila.  It is also the perfect location to watch the Pyromusical Competition in SM MOA.

 

24-Hour Front Desk

It is also located 4.19 kms. from Robinsons Place Manila, 4.61 kms. from Manila Ocean Park, 4.98 kms. from Rizal Park, 5.43 kms. from the National Museum, 5.63 kms. from Fort Santiago, 5.65 kms. from San Agustin Church, 5.97 kms. from the Manila Cathedral and 6.71 kms. from Quiapo Church.

 

Service Residence

I cannot recommend this hotel enough and we look forward to returning in the future.  Even if you don’t stay there, you should still check out Cyan Modern Kitchen’s scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet offerings.  Our thanks to the entire staff for making our refreshing staycation, which struck a balance between comfort and functionality, truly memorable. 

 

The author and Jandy at Cyan Modern Kitchen

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila: Block 12, Palm Coast Ave., corner Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Brgy. 76, Zone 10, CBP-1A, Pasay City, 1300 Metro Manila. Tel: + 632 7777 0000.  Email: reservations.lpmn@lansonplace.com and sales.lpmn@lansonplace.com.  Website: www.lansonplace.com.