Ganito Siya Noon, Paano Tayo Ngayon?: A Close Up of Eddie Romero's Cinematic Odyssey

 

Ganito Siya Noon, Paano Tayo Ngayon?: A Close Up of Eddie Romero's Cinematic Odyssey

The year 2024 was a momentous year for the late Eddie Romero, one of the country’s greatest film directors, producers and screenwriters and a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts (May 26, 2003) known for his picaresque yet meaningful films, whose birth centennial was held last July 7.  A centennial celebration, held at the Dusit Thani Hotel, united colleagues, loved ones, and admirers inspired by Romero’s cinematic vision and dedication to Philippine culture. Together, they paid tribute, not only to his invaluable contributions to film, but also to his enduring spirit as a storyteller who brought the Filipino experience to a global audience.

 

Eddie Romero

The gathering was attended by his friends, members of media, film colleagues (including Gloria Diaz) and a number of Romero’s relatives which include his sons Joey and Ansel and their spouses, his younger brother Rodolfo "Rudy" Romero, his nephews and nieces (which includes actress Chanda Romero) and grandchildren (including Pasay City Congressman Gustavo "Gus" Tambunting).

 

Jose Romero

Though reserved, Eddie’s gentle guidance shaped his sons into principled, thoughtful men.  In his welcome remark, Joey Romero (also a film director and a MTRCB board director), recalls his father’s mantra that defined, not only his life, but also his legacy, saying “You can be anything you want to be as long as you like what you’re doing and strive to be good, if not the best at it. You can be a carpenter but be darn good at it and like it.” 

Ancel Romero

Eddie believed that true success wasn’t about fame or wealth, but about what you could give back, especially to those less fortunate. This value was poignantly instilled in one quiet moment when he reminded Ancel to be grateful and compassionate toward those who had less. Ancel Romero recalls him saying “The most important value he instilled in us was putting others above oneself.”

 

Atty. Rudy Romero - Eddie's younger brother

Tributes to Romero where not only delivered through words, but also through songs, some of which were theme songs in movies Eddie directed.  The Letran Singing Ambassadors (established in 2004, it is the official choir of Colegio de San Juan de Letran) sang Iduyan Mo, a song, composed by Ryan Cayabyab (2018 National Artist for Music), and made for Romero’s film Aguila. Featuring an ensemble cast including the late Fernando Poe Jr., this 1980 epic, said to be one of the biggest Filipino films ever made, explores the impact of colonization and war on the Filipino spirit. 

 

Letran Singing Ambassadors

The choir also sang Saan Ka Man Naroroon, a song composed, in 1968, by Restie Umali and Levi Celerio (1997 National Artist for Music and Literature); and Allegro Musica, a fast song, with medley, also composed by Ryan Cayabyab and arranged by Anthony Go Villanueva.  Ms. Aleli V. Salazar (of the Ateneo Chamber Singers), on the other hand, sang Goodbye Joe, Hello, the theme song from the 1982 Filipino-American film Desire (starring Tetchie Agbayani), also directed by Romero.

 

Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?

The highlight of the day was the announcement, by Nicolas “Nick” A. Deocampo, celebrated filmmaker, film educator, and chairperson of UNESCO Philippines, that Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976, translated as “This Was How We Were Then…. How are You Doing Now?), one of Romero’s most celebrated films, has been selected for inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Register, honoring its role in preserving cultural heritage for the world.  The MoW, a UNESCO program, established in 1992,  under the communication and information sector, is an international effort to promote the preservation of humanity’s most historically, and culturally, significant documents and treasures. 

 

Nicolas "Nick" Deocampo

The film, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Philippine cinema, delves deeply into Filipino identity and culture during the Spanish colonial era, skillfully blending humor, drama, and historical insight. This movie narrates the adventures and misadventures of Kulas (played by Christopher de Leon), a naive peasant boy, who wanders through the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898 and the Philippine-American War of 1899-1901. Gloria Diaz, as Matilda “Diding” Diaz, plays the love interest of Kulas.  The events serve as catalysts for Kulas to come to a realization about his identity as a man and as a Filipino. This film reflects powerful themes that recur throughout Romero’s works, including the epic Aguila (1980), which spans generations.

 

Gloria Diaz - played Didang, Kulas' love interest

In 2013, the film was digitally restored and remastered by the ABS-CBN Film Archives in partnership with Central Digital Lab.   During its restoration, the film print had noticeable impairments such as heavy splices, scratches, and breathing and it took 2,479 manual hours just to restore the film.  Another 80 hours was spent for color grading, with Joey Romero (who had a cameo in the film) personally involving himself in its restoration and technical run and helping with the color grading process. For its restoration, ABS-CBN Film Restoration borrowed and used the only extant 35-millimeter copy of the film found in the collection of the Cultural Center of thePhilippines. The original mono audio was lifted from the Betacam copy, restored and upgraded, to stereo, by ABS-CBN Audio Post.

 

Romero being conferred the title of National Artist for Film by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Deocampo first met the film's director, Eddie Romero, while they were both working at Movie Workers Welfare Foundation or MOWELFUND (Romero was a prime mover in its creation as well as that of the Film Academy of thePhilippines and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board or MTRCB). For him, this classic uniquely captures the essence of Filipino identity, resilience, and heritage. This film doesn’t just tell a story; it embodies a legacy, a piece of history, and a powerful statement about Filipino culture and spirit.

 

Eddie Romero directing Fernando Poe Jr.

Deocampo marveled at the symbolism Romero infused into his work, describing it as “Perfectly semiotic” and explaining that each frame reflects the Filipino soul. He considers this film the “national text” of Philippine cinema—akin to Noli Me Tangere in literature.  As a cultural artifact, Ganito Kami Noon,Paano Kayo Ngayon? is a testament to the Philippines’ complex history and enduring spirit. His efforts to have it recognized, by UNESCO, highlights its role as a piece of national heritage for future generations—a cinematic time capsule preserving not only the past but the core of Filipino culture. For him, this film is more than a story; it’s a legacy embodying the heart of what it is to be Filipino.

Season of Lights (Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Season of Lights 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting Program

Just 42 days before Christmas Day, Lanson Place Mall of Asia officially welcomed the festive Christmas Season with an enchanting display of festive lights, music, and holiday cheer via their enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Held at the Level 3 Lobby, they celebrated this joyous time and the magic of the season with valued friends and media partners.   

The gaily decorated, Christmas gift-laden tree

The evening started with welcome remarks by Lanson Place General Manager Mr. Nils Rothbarth and Christmas messages by Ms. Peggy E. Angeles (Executive Vice-President of SM Hotels) and Lone District of Pasay Congressman Antonino Calixto. All three then joined Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy (President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation) and Atty. Peter Pardo (chief-of staff of Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano) in the jointly illuminating the huge, gaily decorated Christmas tree which made the hall come to life with its radiance and joyous colors as well as filled the air with warmth, bliss, wonder and togetherness.

 

Sheila Valderrama-Martinez

The highlight of the evening was a special Christmas concert by multi-awarded performers Shiela Valderama-Martinez (acclaimed musical theater artist known for her captivating performances and exceptional musical prowess), Arman Ferrer (musical theater performer, Aliw, Awit and Gawad Buhay awardee), Imusicapella (internationally acclaimed church choir from Imus City, Cavite), and Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters (a most sought after music ensemble in the country).

 

Arman Ferrer

The concert kicked off with Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters’ orchestral rendition of veteran composer Robert Longfield’s Turning Point, a bold overture-style original work for strings. Imusicapella then followed this up with master choral music arranger and composer Tom Fettke’s You Are the Light, an elegant acapella song glorifying the living, loving God. 

 

Imusicapella

Arman Ferrer debuted on the stage with his soulful rendition of British composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s ’s PureImagination, an inspirational ballad originally performed by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and theChocolate Factory.  Shiela Valderama-Martinez then made her grand entrance with American composer StephenFlaherty’s The Human Heart, an earthly ballad from the 1990 contemporary theater-crowd favorite musical Once on This Island. 

 

Bernard Pasamba and the Music Masters

Together, Shiela and Arman then sang composer Alan Irwin Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater’s lovely and simply gorgeous love ballad I See the Light (watch video here), a romantic duet, filled with mystical allusions and symbols, from the Walt Disney animated 2010 film Tangled.  Imusicapella returned to the stage to perform the Christmas staple Joy to the World.  Written by English minister and hymnist IsaacWatts, it is a celebration of Jesus Christ’s role as king of both his church and the whole world, intended to show his return rather than his birth.

 

Honored guests at the Christmas tree

All four performers capped the evening Christmas concert with 19th century Scottish poet and hymn writer James Montgomery’s beloved and captivating hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory (watch video here).  Based on the French carol Angels We Have Heardon High, it focuses on each of the key players in the Christmas story (angels, shepherds, the Wise Men, all nations and all the people).”  Their thrilling and dynamic carol arrangement, beginning with a hush, slowly built up in momentum to a joyous invitation, from wherever they are, calling them to “come and worship Christ, the newborn King.”

 

Cocktails at Focus

Following the tree lighting ceremony and concert, guests proceeded to the nearby Focus (the hotel’s co-working space) where they indulged in a delightful, expertly prepared spread of international gourmet dishes from Cyan Modern Kitchen, traditional madeleines and exquisite mini cakes from Madeleine High Tea and refreshing, specially crafted cocktails, to toast the season, from BLK 12 Café/Bar.   It truly was an unforgettable evening of great food, wonderful music and festive cheer, filled with holiday joy and togetherness.

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.

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.

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 11^th 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 11^th 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.