Our Birthday Staycation at The Bellevue Manila

The grandiose lobby connecting the main and tower wings

Every year, my husband and I would always have what we call a "birthday trip". Two years ago, we went to Puerto Princesa before the Underground River was declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Last year, we survived the paradisal Caramoan Peninsula. This year, we decided to postpone our birthday trip to El Nido until early November in time for the long weekend. But, when we were invited to stay at The Bellevue Manila, it just seems too good to say no. Lo and behold, we decided to have a birthday staycation in the city.

Artful wall accents in vibrant colours

The Bellevue Manila is located at the heart of Alabang in Filinvest Corporate City. Its name is derived from the French words "belle" that means beautfiul, and "vue" which means view. 

It is about  a 45-minute drive from Makati City, or even less if you're taking the Skyway. Or, you may also opt to commute by boarding any Alabang-bound bus from EDSA or Osmena Blvd. Alight across Starmall and walk through the terminal near Festival Mall where vans that go inside Filinvest Corporate City are located. Fare is Php 10. It will bring you right at the doorsteps of The Bellevue Manila.

The charming elevator lobby

The reception area of The Bellevue Manila is located at the Tower Wing (the other one being the Main Wing). The warm smiles of the staff will welcome you as they assist you on a smooth check-in. A charming staff in a beautiful long dress assisted us to the Tower Grand Deluxe - our room for the night.

We were so surprised when the lady showed us complimentary wine and cheese, and a delectable birthday cake waiting for  us in our room! How sweet of them! There was the award-winning Manny O Agapitos Branco and a plate of cheeses. They must have known that I can eat cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I particularly like the one wrapped in herbs.The white wine stays true to its description,  a nose of tropical fruits with a refreshing soft acidity. Nice choice for The Bellevue Manila, I must say.

A birthday treat from The Bellevue Manila

The 46-square meter Tower Grand Deluxe room is the biggest among the deluxe category. It is a corner room so it gives a panoramic view of the city. It also has a plush king-sized bed with pillows that are so soft they will lure you to sleep. I do not know how The Bellevue Manila knew that we will be coming in with Akisha, my 3-year old toddler, but a small bed was waiting for her when we got inside the room. Talk about personalized service! These people must have done their research on us very well. Thumbs up! 

The spacious room with a plush king-sized bed

We were also welcomed by a complimentary fruit basket and a note card from Mr. Ryan Chan, the Corporate Director for Communications and Marketing of The Bellevue Resorts. Sir, maraming salamat! Indeed, we had a pleasant and enjoyable stay at The Bellevue Manila. Two coupons for a complimentary welcome drink were also handed to us. The drinks can be claimed at the poolside bar and at the Vue Bar at the 22nd floor of the Tower Wing. The bar boasts a 360-degree view of the city and a state-of-the-art light and sound system.

Welcome fruit basket

The bathroom and bedroom is separated by a glass panel, a drama that I like actually. There is a tub for a relaxing warm bath, and a rain shower. Premium Acca Kappa bath amenities are also available. I particularly like the White Moss Glycerine soap which I use up to now for my face. 

The glass panel separates the bathroom from the rest 

A rainshower in the sleek bathroom

Acca Kappa bath amenities 

From one of our windows, a panoramic view of the city and The Bellevue Manila's Olympic-sized swimming pool can be seen, while on the other, a picturesque view of sunrise in the morning.

The Bellevue Manila is a perfect nook when you want to somehow be "away" from the metro without actually leaving the city. I actually thought the location is inaccessible, but after we went there in less than an hour via the Skyway, I was quite amazed at how near the place is, and how convenient it is to commute from Makati. Plus, the location isn't as busy as Makati or Ortigas, so you will really feel like you are not in the city at all. It is very family-friendly so no need to worry about tagging your kiddos along. I am sure, The Bellevue Manila is also a nice place to celebrate the upcoming long weekends and even Christmas! 

Take advantage of their ongoing October promo rate of Php 5,500 nett per night on a Tower Deluxe room, or Php 10,000 nett for two consecutive nights or two rooms both overnight. 

More of our birthday staycation soon! So, stay tuned!

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The Bellevue Manila

North Bridgeway, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City, 

Alabang, Muntinlupa City

For more inquiries, please contact 7718181 or email tbmnl@thebellevue.com

Special thanks to Mr. Ryan Chan and Ms. Jehn Domingo for this wonderful staycation

An Artsy Break at Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences

Nestled at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, the Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences fuses art and comfort, giving birth to a place that engages visitors and viewers in a series of layers of discoveries,

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences has studio rooms and suites, all of which are designed artistically, remaining true to its inspiration, Pablo Picasso, a world renowned painter and sculptor and the founder of cubism. It is also the same concept that is embodied in the hotel’s façade, function rooms and gym.

In The Picasso, as it is more popularly known, everywhere you look embodies art. This lounge is an example. When I sat here, I felt I was transported inside a painting and became a part of it. 

Our room was a Malaga Studio. We requested for a non-smoking room since we were with my baby. 

The Malaga Studio is equipped with a kitchenette complete with coffee- and tea-making facilities, a microwave, a sink, a mini-fridge and a stove. The Picasso usually hosts long-staying guests, but are also open for an overnight city break, just like what we had.

The room is cozy and modern. It is adorned by pieces of art everywhere I look. There is also an ipod dock where you could play your own music.

The Picasso, as it is more popularly known, is a sanctuary for those who are craving for inspiration. If you are a writer like me, drafting an article on a workspace filled with artistic pieces will definitely amped your imagination. 

See? I can't find an excuse why one will not be inspired with this posh desk.

I personally like a hotel room with a stylish bathroom. 

The rain shower is the best  thing I like about our bathroom at The Picasso. A warm shower is always a soothing and relaxing experience for me. Believe me, I could stay here for an hour, without even noticing how time flies.

Even the bath amenities are housed in artistic boxes. 

The Malaga Studio also has a veranda with a view of Makati's skyscrapers.

We also checked out the gym and here is what we saw en route. What caught my eyes is the wooden door with an image of I'm guessing, Jesus Christ. This is placed on wall towards the hallway.

There's no one in the gym when we arrived. The facilities look new and state-of-the-art. The interiors are designed perfectly! With wood panels and mirrors, indeed, the gym is so modern.

Artworks in different media-from paintings, to sculpture, to projection art can be found at the Art Cabinet, the in-house art gallery at The Picasso. 

The exhibit showcases the works of Bacol, Balcos and Floirendo.

This is my favorite. It awakened the child in me as I remembered our dear Walt Disney favorite, Mickey Mouse.

This piece also caught my attention. Imagine, these are coiled plastic and rattan ensconced in wooden carving. Very playful and colorful.

This one on the other hand is the most intriguing piece I've seen. The top of these cubes looks like a lit CT scan film. 

And here are the other works of art we saw at the Art Cabinet.

So if you want to recharge your creative juices and have a city break at the same time, go to The Picasso. Book a night or simply drop by at their gallery.