A SOUTHERN STAYCATION AT SOMERSET ALABANG

        I'm always excited when I get a chance to visit the South, especially Alabang, If only traffic permitted, I'm pretty sure I'd be there more often, checking out the amazing restaurants and hotels in the area. I've been to a few hotels in Alabang, and I've always left impressed with the state of the art facilities, luxurious accommodations and world class service.  

     I was ecstatic when my family and I got opportunity to stay at one of the newest names in serviced apartments down South, Somerset Alabang Manila.

VIVERE HOTEL: STANDING TALL IN ALABANG

            I've always said that I consider Alabang as "Out of town" for me. Which is funny because, if I leave at off peak hours, I can get there in about less than an hour. However, it isn't just the distance that makes Alabang feel like a whole new world.. It's also the environment of Filinvest Business Park. For me, its reminiscent to Bonifacio Global City, where it's clearly bustling, with new establishments sprouting left and right, but a high standard of cleanliness is maintained, making it conducive for brisk afternoon walks (usually to other restaurants hehe).

      I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience three rather excellent hotels in Alabang, namely Bellevue, Crimson and Acacia Hotel. However, there was one more hotel in the Alabang area that Rina and had yet to have the pleasure of staying at-, and that was the Vivere Hotel.

    All that changed during the final leg of Sugar & Spice's Birthday weekend, where the Queen of the South once again graciously tagged my family along for a Staycation at Vivere Hotel!

ACACIA HOTEL: A FILIPINO HOTEL LIKE NO OTHER

    Rina and I have been fortunate to have stayed in not one, but two of the best hotels that the ever growing business center of Alabang has to offer. Another hotel in the area that also boasts "Five Star" status is Acacia Hotel. 

    Though I had dined in the hotel before, I never had the opportunity to stay in Acacia. Leave it to my self-appointed Publicist, Jane Go, to make sure that was rectified. The fabulous Mommy Blogger was kind enough to tag me and my family along with her in celebration of her Birthday Weekend.. What better way but through a staycation?  

B HOTEL: BEYOND A BUSINESS HOTEL

Full on Tourist mode.. In Alabang.

            Ever since I set on expanding my blog to include overnight experiences in Hotels, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to stay in some of the finest that the country has to offer.. Not just around the metro, but all the way from Cebu and Davao as well.

      It's funny though, because even though Alabang and the other areas of the South is just an hour or less drive away, I feel like more of a tourist when I'm there, then when I'm in Cebu, despite the fact that I haven't lived in the Visayas in more than 20 years (Gawd I'm old :( sniff ).

      But at the same time, that's what makes every trip down South even more fun. I have had the pleasure of staying at the stunning Bellevue Manila twice already, and each time, the experience just keeps getting better and better. 

      This time, I was curious to check out Bellevue's so-called "little brother".. B Hotel. 

BACK IN SESSION AT PHOENIX COURT!

        A few months back, Rina, Baby Rain and I enjoyed a short staycation at The Bellevue Hotel in Alabang. I was completely blown away when I found out that it wasn't an international chain, and that it was locally owned. One of the highlights of our stay was the incredible meal we had at Phoenix Court. Our meal was so awesome, I felt it deserved a sequel.

        Lo, and behold, I got it! 

THE BELLEVUE MANILA: PHOENIX COURT IS NOW IN SESSION

       I cannot reiterate enough how much I love Chinese food. I swear, I think I could live on Sweet & Sour Pork for the rest of my life (And bacon). I had heard a lot of good things about Bellevue Manila's Chinese restaurant, Phoenix Court from my other food blogger friends, so in the days leading up to our Bellevue Staycation, I wasn't sure what I was more excited about.. Staying overnight in the Luxury Hotel, or eating in the Chinese Restaurant?

      I'm still on the fence about what I was looking forward to more, but I was fortunate to have both, and I can safely say, that I believe Phoenix Court is one of the best Chinese restaurant's I've ever tried. 

BELLEVUE HOTEL MANILA: FILIPINO HOSPITALITY AT ITS FINEST

            Even before we were married Rina and I have been advocates of the concept of a "Staycation". I for one, don't mind shelling out for a stress-free weekend of pampering and relaxation with my family, especially after a pressure filled week at work. 

     Which is precisely why I jumped at the opportunity to spend the night at a hotel in the Filinvest City in Alabang, I knew it was something that we couldn't pass up. This was the week after we arrived from Davao, so we were looking forward to spending some quality time with Rain, whom we missed so very much when we were away. 

      And The Bellevue Manila was the ideal place to spend a fun filled Staycation with the family!