#FoodExchangeManila

[thehungrykat1]

Food Exchange in Novotel Manila Presents Cultural Palates: A Themed Sunday Brunch

A lot of good hotel restaurants were shuttered when the pandemic started two years ago. Some took a while to reopen, especially with the unpredictable lockdowns and surges that followed. One of these was Food Exchange Manila, the buffet restaurant of Novotel Manila which remained closed until late 2020. So after the Omicron surge this January, I was happy to find out that Food Exchange Manila is now ready once again to serve its guests who have been waiting to go back to their favorite hotel buffet in Quezon City.

Novotel Manila celebrates the reopening of Food Exchange Manila with an exciting theme this summer season. Guests are taken on a mouthwatering gustatory adventure to their favorite Asian destinations starting in March with Cultural Palates: A Themed Sunday Brunch Culinary Celebration. For P2,488 nett per person, you can enjoy a unique themed buffet each Sunday featuring four different culinary journeys every month from March to May.

The Hungry Kat was invited to one of their themed Sunday brunches last week called Kalye Pop (KPOP). This celebration featured the flavors of Asian street food cuisine with live cooking corners serving Pad Thai Noodles, Crab Laksa, Bánh Mì, Som Tum and a lot more. Kalye Pop is the third of their weekly themes but the four themed buffets rotate every month so you can choose which one is your favorite.

Food Exchange Manila is located at the ground floor of the Novotel Manila Araneta City. We have had some memorable staycations here over the past years (Read: Novotel Manila Araneta Center: My New Staycation Hideaway) so I was happy to see it back on its feet. My last visit to Food Exchange Manila was over one year ago when we still had to wear face shields, but with Metro Manila now on Alert Level 1, dining at the cafe was much more relaxing and enjoywable.

Food Exchange Manila radiates a bright and cheerful ambiance with natural light coming from its full-length windows and a colorful contemporary design for its interiors. They also have a couple of semi-private dining rooms for families and groups, so better reserve these early.

It was really great to be back at Novotel Manila so my friends and I were ready to attack the live cooking stations. Face masks are still required when walking around the buffet area but you can take these off when you are at your tables.

Since this week’s theme was Asian Street Food, we started with a few of our local street favorites. I got some fish balls, squid balls, and kikiam covered with fishball sauce.

There were a lot of other Filipino street food on display including pork skewers and chicken barbecues. You can just grab whatever you want and eat to your heart’s delight.

These eggs might look alien to foreigners, but they should be very familiar to any Filipino food lover. The Kwek Kwek are deep fried hard-boiled eggs with a bright orange batter. People love eating these on the streets for a quick protein pickup.

Of course, who doesn’t know about the much-feared Balut? I have to confess that I am not really a big fan of these fertilized duck embryos, but my husband quickly grabbed one for himself.

You can find various live cooking stations around the buffet area. One of these is the Crab and Dulong Fritters which is another deep fried specialty filled with crab and fish meat. Top it off with some mayonnaise to complete the dish.

Aside from the Kalye Pop highlights, you can still visit and enjoy all the other stations at Food Exchange Manila. The Cheese Room is a new setup where all the lovely cheese and hams are displayed.

The Italian station is also an important destination. The first themed Sunday Brunch at Food Exchange last March 6 was called Ode to Nonna. This theme features the Italian heirloom recipes of Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto’s grandmother, Nonna Esperina. You can find authentic dishes such as Ravioli di Ricotta, Fettucine al Cinghiale, Bacala con Polenta, and Manzo al Balsamico just to name a few. The next date for Ode to Nonna will be on April 3, 2022.

There’s a fresh seafood station as well where you can get your desired seafood and have them cooked and prepared to your liking. However, if are a big fan of seafood, you should visit the during their second weekly theme called Fisherman’s Catch.

Food Exchange Manila’s brings you the freshest flavors from the sea like Lobster Tail Cocktails, prawns, crabs, mussels, oysters, tuna ceviche and lobster risotto amongst many others. The previous Fisherman’s Catch was held last March 13 but you can catch the next one on April 10, 2022.

The fourth weekly theme is called Mumbai Express and features the tastes of India. Explore Indian traditions as Novotel Manila brings these Indian specialties to your table. Find the perfect balance of flavors with their meat carvings, curry selections and tandoor specials.

They will also be serving Roaster Lamb Leg, Roasted Chicken Tandoor, Seafood Curry, Pork and Lobster Biryani to name a few. If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, book your tables and experience it this Sunday, March 27.

Don’t forget to visit all the other international food stations because there are plenty being offered. The Japanese Station comes with sushi, sashimi, and tempura that are all hard to resist.

Over at the Chinese Station, get an order of hakao and siomai together with soy chicken, braised pork ribs, yang chow fried rice, and more.

There are also a couple of cooked dishes featuring Asian favorites such as Beef Rendang, Kaldereta, Grilled Fish, Beef and Brocolli, Sweet and Sour Fish, and more.

The Carving Station is one area where carnivores will spend a lot of time at. The Cochinillo is always a popular dish so make sure to get the crispy skin before the others do. There are also slices of Roast Beef to fill your plates.

The Porchetta is always a beautiful sight while the Crispy Pork Belly should also be one of the items you stack on your plate.

The buffet comes with unlimited beverages as well including juices, sodas, iced tea, and even beers such as San Mig Light and Budweiser. That’s such a great offer because everything is already included in the buffet price.

After that delicious trip around the world, the journey finishes with some delightful desserts. There were a lot of Filipino delicacies on the table such as kakanin and cakes but my two favorite were the Coconut Mango Tapioca and the Mango Graham.

There’s also a dedicated Halo-Halo Station and even a Sorbetero ice cream cart to conclude your Sunday Brunch. You can even have your ice cream street-food style by having it put inside a pandesal bread.

Food Exchange Manila offers all these every Sunday during the entire summer. Make sure to choose which weekly theme you prefer, or better yet, try all four themed Sunday Brunches and go on a fantstic culinary journey around the world.

Food Exchange Manila

G/F Novotel Manila, General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City

8990-7888

www.NovotelManilaAranetaCity.com

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCity

[thehungrykat1]

Food Exchange Manila Opens Weekend Buffet at Novotel Manila Araneta City

It’s been almost a year since the global pandemic started, but now we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as the national vaccination program finally begins this month. While it may still take some time before we really go back to normal, I’m glad to see that a lot of my favorite restaurants and hotel cafes have already reopened to the public. It’s also been a while since I have seen some of my friends, so it was great to catch up with them last week over a delightful weekend lunch buffet at Novotel Manila Araneta City.

The hotel’s signature cafe, Food Exchange Manila, finally reopened last December to serve its Quezon City diners who have long been waiting for a venue to meet up with friends and business acquaintances. Guests can go on a gastronomic adventure in this culinary theater as talented chefs show off their skills at the different interactive cooking stations. For only P1,288 nett per person, diners can now enjoy all these at their lunch and dinner buffets on Friday and Saturday, and also during their hearty brunch buffet on Sunday.

Food Exchange Manila is located at the ground floor of the Novotel Manila Araneta City. We have had some memorable staycations here over the past years (Read: Novotel Manila Araneta Center: My New Staycation Hideaway) so I was happy to see it back on its feet. Just like before, Food Exchange Manila radiates a bright and cheerful ambiance with natural light coming from its full-length windows and a colorful contemporary design for its interiors. The main difference is that tables are now spaced farther apart, with social distancing measures and 50% maximum capacities strictly in place.

The restaurant is filled with classic and modern ornaments and decorations representing the beauty and diversity of the Philippines. This is a great way of promoting our Filipino culture.

Face masks and face shield are required to be worn when entering and walking around the hotel, but you can remove these once you are seated on your tables. Since restaurants are still subject to IATF protocols and guidelines, only guests 18 to 65 years old are allowed to dine in at the buffet. However, Novotel Manila also offers a food delivery service called Take Me Out by Novotel for those who still can’t go out.

My friends and I were seated at one of the colorful semi-private dining rooms at Food Exchange Manila. The place is quite spacious so it feels safe to dine in, especially with all the safety protocols in place.

Cups and utensils are sterilized and sealed in plastic covers so everyone can enjoy their meals in a safe way. All Accor hotels including Novotel practice intensified hygiene & cleanliness protocols called ALLSAFE to ensure guest’s safety.

Executive Chef Massi Pauletto showed us around the different culinary stations which have now been adjusted to conform to the new normal dining environment. Most of the food are now cooked and served a la minute, instead of before when the items are simply placed in chafing dishes.

Other items are placed in handy individual cups and jars so you can just grab them and go. The Salad Station offers a healthy and sustainable selection that includes Greek Salad with Feta, Caesar Salad, Salmon Lax, and more.

The Cold Cuts and Cheese section is always a welcome sight. I asked for a platter of cheese which was already pre-packed and given to me immediately.

The Food Exchange also has a themed section where they highlight their special “fruit of the week.” For this week, they were featuring mangoes so you can find several mango-themed items on display here.

I found this Mango with Cilantro, Lime and Cucumber Salad here so I grabbed one for myself. I also got their Pineapple and Prawn Salad which was also a refreshing appetizer.

Juices are also included in the buffet so I got some of their featured beverages. The Mango and Basil Iced Tea was quite a delightful drink.

Japanese cuisine is really my favorite so this is always the first station I visit whenever I go to a buffet. With the new normal dining setup, guests can just point to the items they like and the servers will plate the items for you. I got some Tuna and Salmon Sashimi but they also have octopus, California maki, and more.

One popular area at the Food Exchange Manila is the live Takoyaki Station. You can request as many pieces of takoyaki as you like and the server will prepare it for you. I actually went back here for a second round of takoyaki balls.

The Italian Station has their wood-fired brick oven ready to heat up exciting pizzas for everyone. We asked for their Six-Cheese Pizza, yes, that’s six different cheeses on one pizza! Other pizza variants you can try include Margherita, Meat Lovers, or Hawaiian. They also have a pasta station where you can ask for some carbonara and other pasta choices.

But the most exciting area at the restaurant probably has to be the Seafood Station where all these yummy crustaceans and seafood options are available. You simply have to choose an item and ask the server to cook it the way you want.

I had some Baked Mussels and Baked Oysters prepared for me topped with lots of melted cheese.

I just love eating prawns, especially the big juicy ones, so I asked them to cook some Prawns and Crabs in Garlic Butter. This is a simple but very delicious way of enjoying your seafood.

Another option is to simply have them grilled. The Grilled Salmon and Prawns was also a popular choice at the buffet.

For meat lovers, the Chinese Station has several roastings available such as the Pork Chashu and Soy Chicken. You can also have some Roasted Duck paired with Crab and Egg Fried Rice on your plate. Other items include the Pata Tim, Pancit Canton, and Vegetable in Oyster Sauce.

Our trip around the world isn’t done yet, because we still have to make a stopover at the Indian Station. Here you can ask for some Fish Curry, Prawn Masala Fry, and Chicken Butter Masala to pair with your roti.

They are also joining the mango theme this week because aside from the plain lassi, they are also featuring their Mango Lassi which is really so good and refreshing. I think I consumed three bottles.

Of course, don’t forget about our own Filipino Station which offers favorites such as Pork Sinigang, Kaldereta, Kare-Kare, Porchetta, Beef Ribs BBQ, Roast Lamb, and Roasted Chicken.

Even the Dessert Station is full of surprises. Some of the cakes and pastries on display include Oreo Cheesecake, Blueberry Tart, Brazo de Mercedes, Egg Pie, Chocolate Mousse, and Tiramisu.

You can also find some mango-themed desserts like the Mango Panna Cotta, Mango Tapioca, and Mango Mousse Cake.

I also had a few scoops of their Ice Cream of the Day together with some Bibingka and Puto Bumbong that you can even dip in a warm cup of Chocolate Batirol.

I truly enjoyed our weekend lunch buffet at the Food Exchange Manila. They really have one of the best value for money buffets in the city for only P1,288 nett. Friday and Saturday lunch buffet starts at 12:00nn to 2:30pm while the dinner buffet is from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Sunday Brunch Buffet starts at 11:00am to 2:30pm. Thank you Ms. Chana Mo and Novotel Manila for hosting our little get together. I’ll definitely be going back here soon!

Food Exchange Manila

G/F Novotel Manila, General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City

8990-7888

www.NovotelManilaAranetaCity.com

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCity

[thehungrykat1]

Valentine’s Day is Lovelier at Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Novotel Manila Araneta Center welcomes February with romantic offers and lucky promotions! Loved ones are sure to have a grand time at Quezon City’s premier lifestyle and entertainment hub with the hotel’s special Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year activities that celebrate the season of hearts and the Year of the Dog.

Novotel Manila presents a unique Valentine’s dinner under the stars with À La Belle Étoile (Under The Beautiful Star) at the Versailles Garden. A special five-course menu prepared by their Executive Chef includes Smoked Duck Mousse, 3 Flavored Sea Bream Roulade, Oyster Velouté, Beef Medallions or Salmon, and Strawberry Banana Mousse for dessert, all perfectly complimented by live romantic music. The ladies are also gifted with pralines, with couples invited to cap off the night by dancing to the music under the night sky and urban lights. The À La Belle Étoile dinner set menu is priced at P2,500 nett per person.

For hungrier guests, you can feast at the Food Exchange Manila for their lunch or dinner buffet and indulge well-loved dishes all over the world with your special someone, family or friends. Rates start from P1,088 nett per person from February 10 – 14, 2018. The La Vie En Rose dinner buffet on Valentine’s Day will have diners being serenaded by the night’s performers as they sip a glass of wine along with a hearty meal. The ladies are also in for a treat with a Valentine’s gift - a special box of chocolates from the Executive Pastry Chef.  Food Exchange Manila’s Valentine’s Day dinner buffet is priced at P2,500 nett per person.

If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends, head over to the Gourmet Bar by Novotel and raise your glasses for the gift of friendship with special February concoctions from the restaurant’s expert mixologists. Enjoy Cupid’s Arrow and Love Potion No. 9 priced at P320 nett, perfect with their limited time Valentine’s platters or Gourmet Bar’s signature favorites. They can also party with Novotel’s guest DJs at The 6th Pool Bar and Lounge on February 16 with Freedom Fridays: Love Stings. Bring friends and colleagues to celebrate the weekend with cocktail all you can at P599 or drink all you can at P799 as you move to the beats of DJ Pauly or make a splash at the pool. Party starts at 8pm. Happy Hour at The 6th Pool Bar & Lounge is also happening from 5-8 pm everyday, with drink all you can for P799.

The hotel also offers two inviting stay packages for the month of February. From January 15 to February 28, 2018, enjoy the Love N Luck package with overnight accommodations and buffet breakfast for two adults and two children ages 15 and below from P7,300 nett. Enjoy your choice of either two complimentary buffet lunch or dinner vouchers at Food Exchange Manila, or two complimentary vouchers for a one hour Swedish/Combination massage at InBalance Spa. Friends looking to enjoy a staycation can enjoy the Love N Luck package for up to three adults, with additional surcharge of only P2,000 which includes extra bed, buffet breakfast and choice of complimentary inclusion for the third adult. On Valentine’s Day, Novotel Manila Araneta Center is offering its special room package from P9,300 nett. This promotion includes overnight accommodation, dinner buffet for two persons at the Food Exchange, and breakfast buffet for two adults and two children the next day on February 15. 

Welcome the Year of The Dog with a feast from the world over at Food Exchange Manila. Indulge in Chef Allan Meng’s auspicious offerings from the Chinese station, such as Beijing Duck, Cucumber Jellyfish in Garlic Sauce, Homemade Dumplings, Spicy Seafood, Cantonese Fried Noodles, Steamed Fish in Soy Sauce, and many more. Apart from these limited time dish offerings, diners also get to enjoy Food Exchange Manila favorites from the restaurant’s interactive stations – with Japanese, Indian, Grilled Fare, International, and Sweet Treats. Rates start from P1,488 nett per person. For inquiries and reservations, please call (02) 990 7888 or email H7090@accor.com. More information about Novotel Manila Araneta Center, its facilities and services are available via www.novotel.com, www.accorhotels.com, or www.novotelmanilaaranetacenter.com.

[thehungrykat1]

Lovely Christmas Staycation at Novotel Manila

One of the best times to stay in Metro Manila is actually during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. This is when everyone has finished their hectic Christmas shopping and preparations and also when a lot of other people head back to their home provinces for the holidays. The city is usually peaceful and quiet, plus there’s no traffic! That is why I decided to take a short but lovely Christmas week staycation at my favorite hotel in Quezon City - Novotel Manila.

Christmas is a time for families to Gather N Celebrate during this festive season. Novotel Manila Araneta Center played host to many such occasions last week and I could really feel the Christmas spirit in the air as I entered the towering hotel which was decked in bright Christmas colors and designs. This was second stay at Novotel Manila for 2017 (Read: Novotel Manila Araneta Center - My New Staycation Hideaway) and I was excited to refresh and reenergize once again to get myself ready for the upcoming new year.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is a midscale hotel located inside one of the busiest and oldest commercial areas in Quezon City, the Araneta Center, which has undergone a major facelift in the past few years. Novotel is the more affordable and accessible brand from AccorHotels, a world-leading travel and lifestyle group with over 4,000 hotels around the world operating popular brands such as Sofitel, Mercure, and my favorite Raffles and Fairmont hotels. Novotel Manila is the first Novotel hotel that opened in the Philippines back in 2015 and it is perfectly situated right in the heart of Quezon City.

I was greeted by the very very cute #NovoDogK9Crew in their Christmas outfits!. These adorable dogs are working overtime even during the holiday season to make sure all the guests’ luggages and bags are inspected properly.

Guests can check in at the bright and spacious lobby on the ground floor but since I was booked at the Executive Room, I had the privilege of a private seated check-in at the exclusive Premier Lounge on the 24th floor. It took just around two minutes before I was personally escorted by the lounge manager to my room.

My Executive Room comes with 29 square meters of modern decor and ergonomic comfort, a colorful feast for the eyes. It also offers a great view of the busy city below together with all the colorful Christmas lights and displays.

The comfy bed even had its own cute Novotel dog waiting for me. The room also comes with an LED flat screen TV, a small work area, a safety deposit box, coffee and tea making facilities plus a minibar. 

The spacious and modern shower is also quite refreshing with its sleek contemporary design. The rain shower area is just beside the bed and is separated only by a clear glass window that turns into frosted glass at the switch of a button. I also found these complimentary welcome fruits and cookies plus a personalized welcome message from the hotel general manager, himself. 

The Premier Lounge is a private and exclusive area on Novotel Manila’s topmost 24th floor where guests get to enjoy distinct bespoke services including buffet breakfast, complimentary all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and use of the business center facilities while enjoying the panoramic view of Manila’s skyline. This special club lounge access is only available for hotel guests staying at an Executive Room or Executive Suite.

I came right on time for the Afternoon Tea which is offered daily from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Guests can partake of the delightful desserts and savoury snacks on the table while sipping on hot tea or any of the cold beverages on display.

I personally believe that the Premier Lounge offers one of the best views and aesthetics among all of the club lounges Metro Manila. Guests can step outside the balcony and enjoy the cool Christmas breeze while admiring the playful colors by the pool down below.

The view gets even prettier when the sun begins to set as the Premier Lounge hosts its Evening Cocktails from 5:00pm to 7:00pm daily. Here, you can enjoy unlimited servings of red and white wines, specialty cocktails, beers, and hors d'oeuvres to whet your appetites before going to dinner.

I tried some of their signature cocktails including the Whiskey Sour and one called Envy made with tequila and blue curacao. Guests can order as many drinks as they want from the lounge’s extensive beverage menu.

Pair your evening drinks with a few light snacks and appetizers displayed on the buffet table. The sushi here is quite good.

I was supposed to take a swim early next morning but there was a slight drizzle that time so I decided to just start my day with an early breakfast. Guests with access to the Premier Lounge can choose to have their buffet breakfast here instead of at the Food Exchange on the lobby floor. The Premier Lounge offers a more private and exclusive breakfast venue with a more intimate ambiance.

While the selection may be smaller at the Premier Lounge compared to downstairs, you can still find a lot of breakfast favorites including cereals, milk, fresh juices, breads, cured meats, salmon gravlax, and a couple of hot dishes to start your day. 

Since I was able to get breakfast early, I decided to have a “second breakfast” below at Food Exchange Manila which is open to all other hotel guests. That’s why they call me The Hungry Kat.

Food Exchange Manila offers its breakfast buffet from 6:30am to 10:30am with a wider selection of items. The cafe also had its Christmas decors set up and everybody had that cheerful and festive mood.

There are more dishes to choose from like the Ube Muesli which is a healthier way to start breakfast.

They also offer a good range of hot dishes like the Canadian Bacon which is grilled and served right on the spot. Their Homemade Corned Beef is also a popular item with its thick and meaty version. I also had some fried eggs prepared which I placed on top of my garlic rice and everything was perfect. 

You can even find international dishes such as the Thai Red Chicken Curry which might be good enough for lunch. Desserts are also plenty with crepes, ensaymada, and all the Puto Bumbong you want to complete your Christmas dining experience.

After my hearty breakfast, I retreated back to my cool and comfortable room to catch a mid-afternoon nap. The best thing about staying at the Executive Room is that you can request for late check-out all the way until 4:00pm as long as it is available. That means even more time to watch movies in my room and to enjoy the treats at the Premier Lounge.

It was another memorable and truly relaxing staycation at Novotel Manila Araneta Center. I even got to meet my friend Michael Sagaran who will be moving to a new exciting challenge in 2018. I ended my gorgeous stay with a glass of Chardonnay and a breathtaking view of the Manila sunset on the 24th floor. 

Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Gen. Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com/Manila

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter

[thehungrykat1]

Gather N Celebrate the Holidays at Novotel Manila

Christmas is a time for family to gather at the dinner table and celebrate the wonderful blessings they have received throughout the year. It is also a special time for busy members to spend time with one another and bond over the Christmas holidays. Novotel Manila Araneta Center wants to make sure that we all get to spend these joyful and precious moments together as they offer terrific stayacation and holiday packages that the entire family will enjoy and love.

Santa came early for Christmas as Novotel Manila treated its close friends to a Media Appreciation Dinner last November 28, 2017 at the Food Exchange Manila. This was their way of thanking everyone for their support as the hotel celebrated its 2nd year of operations. It was also their way of spreading the holiday cheer early as they also showcased their exciting Christmas programs and packages for December.

The entire family can Gather N Celebrate for both breakfast and dinner when they avail of Novotel Manila’s Holiday Staycation packages. Starting at only P7,500 nett, guests can enjoy overnight accommodation in a Superior Room with buffet breakfast AND buffet dinner for two adults and two children at the Food Exchange Manila, the hotel’s all day dining restaurant. 

If you really want to celebrate, book their Executive Room located at the penthouse floors which gives you a romantic view of the city. During my wonderful staycation at Novotel Manila earlier this year (Read: Novotel Manila Araneta Center: My New Staycation Hideaway), I experienced all the privileges and benefits the room had to offer including private check-in and check-out at the Premiere Lounge with my own personal concierge.

The Premiere Lounge is one of the most amazing hotel lounges you can find in the city. Located on the topmost 24th floor, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city below with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests booked at the Executive Room and Executive Suite have free access to the lounge which also comes with complimentary buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.

Novotel Manila is one of the best places to celebrate the upcoming New Year as they also offer their Groove N Dazzle party package to welcome 2018. The party begins at 10:00pm on December 31 and features pop music sounds from the Refuge Band. Guests staying from December 25 to January 3, 2018 can also get the Wonder N Delight staycation package which comes with tickets to the Impossible magic show at the Smart Arantea Center starting at P7,000 nett.

Christmas Carols at the Lobby will be performed at 6:00pm from December 18 to December 23, 2017 while Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Masses will also be held at 5:00pm at the Ballroom. For the kids, they can Meet and Greet with Santa on all Sundays of December starting at 12:00nn at the Food Exchange Manila.

Speaking of Santa, it was time for us to indulge on Novotel’s holiday favorites at the Food Exchange Manila which will be available this December. I have dined at Food Exchange numerous times just this year alone (Read: Asian Street Food Festival at Novotel Manila) and it is always a delight to visit its casual dining ambiance together with its revolving themed cuisines. 

One of the favorite appetizers featured during the Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival seems to have stayed on as a regular part of the buffet, and for very good reasons. The Tamales Pampanguena from celebrity Chef Sau del Rosario is made of rice flour, anato seeds, and chicken powder with salted eggs and coconut cream. I like its soft texture similar to a creamy custard but oozing with Filipino flavors.

For Korean food lovers, if you weren’t able to visit Food Exchange Manila during the Go Gangnam! K-Food Festival earlier this year, you can still catch some of their Korean specialties like the Marble Potato Kimchi at the appetizers station or the Beef Bulgogi and Galbi Jim at the main buffet table.

The Japanese station will always be a hit with its colorful sushi, sashimi and rolls. I just love eating salmon sashimi and the servers will even plate it nicely if you ask them to.

One popular Filipino favorite would be the Sisig Paella with its flavorful rice topped with bits of savoury sisig. They also have a Seafood Paella if you want something healthier, but I would still go for the sisig.

The Cold Seafood station always comes with its supply of crabs, mussels, clams, and prawns which you can bring over to the grilling station if you wish to have them served hot. I prefer to have them cooked in garlic butter for a more indulgent treat.

Over at the Chinese station, the star of the show would be the Roasted Duck which you can dip in a sweet hoisin sauce. They also have dimsum and curry fishballs on stick which you find in the streets of Hong Kong.

The carving station has something special for the Christmas season. Get a slice of the Cherry Balsamic Pork Loin for a holiday themed feast. 

Or you can get a serving of the Canadian Style Herb Crusted Prime Rib and have it seared according to your preferred doneness. A Lechon is also in display so you can get all the crispy lechon skin that you want.

For desserts, diners have so much heavenly items to choose from including some marshmallows or dried fruits dipped inside the chocolate fountain. Filipino delicacies like puto bumbong, sapin-sapin, halo halo, crepes, ice cream, and other sweets are also available.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s lunch and dinner buffets will also be offered with special rates do you can celebrate these important days with the family at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Our lovely evening was not yet over because we were also treated to a few rounds of frozen desserts at Ice N Cream By Novotel, the hotel’s own ice cream restaurant located at the lobby lounge offering high quality and unique ice cream flavors.

This hip ice cream parlor is not just for hotel guests but for anyone who wants to get out from the heat and enjoy their fun and creative variants. There are around 30 different and unique ice cream flavors to choose from which you can enjoy on a cup or cone starting at only P100 per scoop.

For the Christmas season, Ice N Cream is offering four new Holiday Flavors that will elevate your ice cream experience ever further. We were some of the first to try these awesome new variants with quirky names like You’ve Stollen My Heart with its German fruit bread embraced with almonds and ginger bread spices.

My favorite new flavor is the Holiday BAEbingka which is a taste we all know and love. It really has that bibingka flavor plus it is mixed with salted egg after being frozen, so you can really taste the salted egg bits on the ice cream. This one is truly worth the visit.

Of course, I did not stop at just one serving of Ice N Cream’s delicious scoops. I would like to thank Novotel Manila Marketing Communications Manager, Michael Sagaran, for always taking care of us at our favorite not-so-secret hideaway in Quezon City. Congratulations to Novotel Manila Araneta Center for two very successful and fruitful years in the industry and here’s to more delicious and exciting activities in the coming year.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Gen. Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com/Manila

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter

[thehungrykat1]

Asian Street Food Festival at Novotel Manila

Nothing reminds Filipinos more of their childhood than having a few sticks of delicious fishballs and squid balls or a glass of refreshing ice scramble or sweet taho. Who remembers hearing those bells from the manong sorbetero and rushing outside to get a few scoops of dirty ice cream? This love for street food is not just unique to the Filipinos, but is also seen across Asia as well. This is why Novotel Manila has just launched one of its best dining concepts yet with the Asian Street Food Festival.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center recently held the grand opening of its Asian Street Food Festival at the Food Exchange, its all day-dining cafe located on the ground floor. From August 17 to September 3, 2017, the buffet restaurant will be featuring guest chefs from eight Asian countries led by Filipino celebrity Chef Sau del Rosario. Each chef will be highlighting the street food cuisine from his or her respective territory, so diners have an opportunity to sample all the best Asian street food items in one grand buffet spectacle.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista led the opening rites to signal the start of the Asian Street Food Festival at Novotel Manila last August 17. Together with him was Chef Sau del Rosario, who recently led the Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival here at the Food Exchange just two months ago. Also with them was Novotel Manila General Manager Bernd Schneider, and Novotel Manila Executive Chef Michael Schauss.

Each of the guest chefs from China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, India, and the Philippines were presented to the audience who were all excited and hungry to try these delicacies for themselves. The food festival also coincides with the celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). To celebrate this special occasion, diners will also get the chance to win a 3-night stay in participating AccorHotels’ Asian properties such as Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay, Novotel Saigon Center, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, Mercure Tokyo Ginza, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam and Novotel Manila Araneta Center, plus round trip air fares for two to Incheon, Korea courtesy of Cebu Pacific.

My friends and I were all eager to sample the various street food items spread throughout the buffet. It’s not everyday that you can relive these simple comfort food from the past, and best of all, you don’t have to stand outside under the sweltering heat.

The appetizer station already highlights the wide variety of dishes that we can spot on the streets of our neighboring countries. On the table was Radish Kimchi from Korea, Rojak salad from Singapore, and Kinilaw na Tuna, Paco Salad, and hilaw na mangga from the Philippines.

The Cucumber Black Fungus Salad (above) from China is a healthy and unique appetizer, while the Gado-Gado with Spicy Peanut Sauce (right) from Vietnam has flavors and ingredients that we might be more accustomed to. Of course, a plate of our own Lumpiang Sariwa will always be a welcome merienda.

From the Land of the Rising Sun comes a street food snack that we have all grown to love. Freshly made Takoyaki are prepared on the spot and you don’t have to go to the streets of Osaka for these bite-sized balls of goodness.

What’s that I hear outside? “Baluuuuuut!” The Balut vendor will ba making his way around the restaurant carrying his basket of hot balut and penoy eggs. Non-Filipinos may not understand why we love eating these fertilized duck embryos but the balut has always been one of the most interesting street food items in the country.

But the most popular street food in the Philippines is probably the Fishball. Who can forget running to the fishball cart and piercing away all the fishballs and squid balls you can get on your wooden stick? Diners can do all that here at the Asian Food Festival at the Food Exchange. Just remember, no double dipping on the sauces!

A Chinese dimsum cart also makes its way around the dining area offering lovely dimsum such as pork siomai, siopao, hakao, chicken feet, and more. Of course, I had to get a plateful of hakao for myself.

Our parents always told us not to buy drinks from the streets, but you don’t have to worry about cleanliness here at Novotel Manila. Get your refreshing cups of Buko Juice, Sago’t Gulaman, and Melon Juice here by the fishball stand. Otherwise, flavored iced teas are also available at the beverage station which are all included in the buffet.

Street food is not just limited to appetizers and snacks, because you can also find main dishes, viands and rice being sold at street side cafeterias and restaurants all across Asia. The Asian Street Food Festival also brings us these heavier dishes to satisfy our cravings.

Indian favorites such as Biryani Rice and the Mutton Curry make their appearance on the buffet table. This is one of the best tasting curry dishes you can find here in the city. On the other hand, Thailand also has its own version of the curry with the Thai Massaman Beef Curry. They also feature the Seafood Basil as another of their special dishes.

Several soups are available such as the Tom Kha Gai or Thai Coconut Soup, a spicy and sour soup with coconut milk. Other soups you will find include the Laksa and Bah Kut Teh from Singapore.

Sumptuous Chinese dishes and roastings can be found at the Chinese station. Take a few sticks of their spicy fishballs or grab some Buchi together with the Roasted Pork, Pork Asado, and Soy Chicken.

The Steamed Fish with Ginger Soya Sauce is also a highly recommended dish from China with its tender fish fillet in a light soy sauce.

I still can’t get over my trips to Singapore because everything I ate there was so good. Some of their specialties are here at the Asian Street Food Festival such as the Hainanese Chicken and the Singapore Chili Crab. Pair these with Chef Sau’s Sisig Paella or the Beef Kaldereta and you will be very happy.

Another Chef Sau del Rosario specialty is the Pork Kare Kare with crispy roasted pork belly in a creamy peanut sauce. This would go really well with steamed rice.

If you loved the Go Gangnam Korean Food Festival at Novotel earlier this year, a few of the favorites also make an appearance here like the Japchae and the Beef Bulgogi. Japan also contributes its Pork Katsudon and Tofu Steak with Teriyaki Sauce to the menu.

Aside from all those dishes, the carving station offers Pork Loin, Steamed fish, Satay, Shrimp Cake and Chicken Pala Pala to add even more variety to this awesome Asian Street Food lineup.

The Food Exchange at Novotel Manila already offers a colorful showcase of desserts at its regular buffet, but during the Asian Street Food Festival you will find even more familiar street food desserts to rekindle your childhood. Ask the manong sorbetero for a few scoops of their very yummy ice cream. You can have it in a cone, or better yet, eat it the way only a Filipino can inside a pandesal bread.

There are also so many different cakes, cookies, ice cream and sweets on the dessert station including halo halo and a few notable ones like the Mango Sticky Rice (left) from Thailand and the Dadar-Gulung (bottom) Coconut Pancake from Indonesia. But what made some guests’ eyes light up was the Do-It-Yourself Ice Scramble which is really a blast from the past for most of the diners.

The Asian Street Food Festival runs only until September 3, 2017 so don’t miss the chance to rekindle your childhood memories and have all these wonderful street food delights in the comforts of a modern world-class hotel in the city. Buffet rates are P1,299 nett per person during weekdays for both lunch and dinner and P1,499 nett for weekends and public holidays. All these crazy Asian chefs are waiting for you!

Food Exchange Manila at Novotel Manila

General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter

[thehungrykat1]

Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival at Novotel Manila

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is celebrating this month’s Philippine Independence Day with its KANYAMAN Filipino Food Festival at Food Exchange Manila, their all day dining restaurant. This two-week long fiesta is available from June 8 to June 22, 2017 and diners can savour a breathtaking buffet of Filipino and Kapampangan specialties courtesy of Celebrity Chef Sau del Rosario.

The Hungry Kat was invited to the opening program for the Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival last June 8, 2017 at Novotel Manila. Food Exchange Manila is becoming one of my favorite hotel buffet restaurants, especially with its central location in Quezon City and its relatively affordable rates. I had a wonderful summer staycation at Novotel Manila a few months ago (read about it here) so it’s great to be back at my new hideaway. Chef Sau del Rosario received his Culinary Arts training in France and has had numerous international exposure and accolades, so I was really excited to once again see what classic and creative Kapampangan dishes he has prepared for us that afternoon.

Kanyaman actually means delicious in the Pampanga dialect and Chef Sau del Rosario will be highlighting Filipino gustatory delights from his hometown and the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga. Chef Sau operates two restaurants in Pampanga, namely, Cafe Fleur and 25 Seeds where he brings out his best creations and heirloom recipes from his mother’s kitchen. The Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival is a way to bring those Kapampangan dishes right here in Manila so that we do not have to drive all the way north to appreciate these delicacies.

Chef Sau’s Filipino dishes are spread all throughout the buffet area at Food Exchange Manila. While the other stations are still available (See previous blog here) like the Indian Station, Seafood Station and Japanese Station, I was really amazed with all the colorful dishes that were presented for the guests.

Starting at the appetizer station, I was immediately drawn to the Tamales Pampanguena which I encountered only for the first time. This is made of rice flour, anato seeds, and chicken powder with salted eggs and coconut cream. I like its soft texture similar to a creamy custard but oozing with Filipino flavors.

The Chicken Galentina was also a delight to the taste buds with its combination of chicken, sausage, chorizo, and spam with peas, eggs, and cheese. This is a dish that is popular at family gatherings during Christmas and holidays but any day is a good time to have it.

Other appetizers on the table included the (clockwise from top left) Ensaladang Talong, Pako Salad with prawns, watermelon and kesong puti, Kinilaw na Tanigue, and the Gambas with Shiitake.

This work of art is the Maya Maya Mayonesa with its steamed maya maya fish fillet, mayonnaise, eggs, pickles, and olives. I think I will feel guilty if I was the one to break up this dish.

Another interesting item is the Tinapa Mousse. This is made with tinapa, white wine, butter, and fresh dill and it really does taste like a tinapa fish. You can eat this with bread or just by itself.

The Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival also serves some very appetizing noodles at the Noodle Station including Pancit Malabon, Pancit Gisado, and Sotanghon which you can combine with different sauces like luglug, aligue and squid ink.

Food Exchange Manila’s huge brick oven is also hard at work during the food festival because it is offering a Sisig Pizza and even a Longganisa Pizza. These fusion pizza recipes will definitely stand out and are really quite a treat.

Pampanga is best known for its outstanding sisig so there is no question that the highlight of the Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival will be the Sisig with Foie Gras. Filipinos just love sisig, which Anthony Bourdain recently suggested would be the dish that will put the Philippines on the global foodie map. These savory pork cheeks are cooked with onions, chicken liver, and siling labuyo, but Chef Sau upgrades it further by topping it with a delectable seared foie gras. This is absolute indulgence.

Even the paella has been made into a Kapampangan delicacy as Chef Sau unveiled his Truffled Sisig Paella. This is a complete meal by itself with steaming hot paella rice topped with chunky bits of delicious sisig with hints of truffle oil. 

For the main dishes, guests can start with the familiar Kare Kare Macadamia which has pork belly in peanut butter and coconut cream sauces combined with truffle oil and macadamia nuts.

Other notable dishes include the (clockwise from top left) Beef Salpicao, Rellenong Bangus, Lamb Shank Kaldereta, and Seafood Pinakbet with loads of mussels, prawns, squid, and vegetables in bagoong.

One of my other favorites at the food festival was the Duck Adobo. Instead of the usual pork or chicken adobo, this one comes with duck cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, whole black peppers, bay leaves, garlic, onion and eggs. The duck intensifies the flavors of the adobo dish even further and I think I’m craving for this dish again right now.

In-between our rounds going through the buffet stations, Novotel Manila also showcased the creations of renowned fashion designer Philip Torres, who also hails from Angeles Pampanga, featuring his latest collection entitled “PIDAYIT” – a synthesis of homespun art and modern styles. These were presented by Binibining Pilipinas 2017 beauty titlists including 1st runner up Ms. Charmaine Elima, pictured below with Novotel Manila General Manager, Mr. Bernd Schneider and Philip Torres.

Now it’s time to head to the carving station where the roasted pork belly was just waiting to be conquered. Chef Sau gives us not just one, but Three Kinds of Roasted Pork Belly infused with Bringhe, Mangoes, and Chocolate with Cheese.

Each of the pork belly dishes had their own amazing qualities. I liked the pork belly with bringhe, a native Kapampangan paella dish infused inside the pork belly. But what really stood out was the pork belly with chocolate because I had never seen pork belly prepared like this. It might not be for everyone, but it is definitely unique.

They also offered the big Salted Crusted White Salmon with calamansi and coconut cream at the carving station.

Finally, another masterpiece would be the Prime Rib Bistek seasoned with soy sauce, calamansi and pepper. This Filipino version of the steak comes with even more salty flavors that we love. You can have it cooked at the grilling station according to your preferred doneness.

Aside from the highlighted Filipino dishes, Food Exchange Manila's buffet also features live cooking stations like the Chinese section with its piping hot noodles and soups plus the Grill Station where you can have your fresh seafood and meat grilled. Drinks are also included in the buffet and you can choose from among the different iced tea variants at the Beverage Station.

What’s a Filipino fiesta without dessert? Aside from the roving Sorbetes ice cream vendor with his taho cart, there are several other local desserts at the Dessert Station like hot-off-the-grill Bibingka, Puto Bumbong, Polvoron, Halo Halo, kakanin and others.

Perhaps the best dessert item you can find would be the Leche Flan Turon with Langka. The sweet and crispy turon wrapper gives way to an absolutely fantastic leche flan filling that will make you want to go back for another. Unfortunately, this was the last piece because everybody was raving about this dessert, so you better get yours quickly.

Novotel Manila has more good news because for a limited time only, Food Exchange Manila buffet rates for the Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival is only at P1,200 nett on weekdays (Monday to Thursday lunch and dinner / Friday lunch) and P1,600 nett during weekends (Friday dinner / Saturday and Sunday) from its original prices of P1,488 and P1,888, respectively. How many more reasons do you need? Make sure to call for reservations because I’m sure everybody will be heading to Novotel Manila in the next two weeks. See you there!

Food Exchange Manila at Novotel Manila

General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter

[thehungrykat1]

Novotel Manila Araneta Center: My New Staycation Hideaway (Part 1)

I spent a good portion of my early teenage years living in the Cubao area. The first things I think about whenever I hear the words Cubao and Araneta would probably be busy bus stations, crowded MRT and LRT lines, the old Farmer’s Plaza and the gigantic Araneta Coliseum. But the Araneta Center itself has had a big facelift in the past decade with the opening of the Gateway Mall, major mall and retail renovations, and the construction of new high-rise condominiums. Still, I never fancied the Araneta Center as a place to go to for a relaxing staycation or a classy dining experience. All that changed once I stepped inside Novotel Manila Araneta Center, my new secret hideaway in Cubao.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is a midscale hotel located inside one of the busiest and oldest commercial areas in Quezon City, the Araneta Center. But take one look at this business and leisure district now and you might not even recognize where you are. Some areas actually look more like Makati than Cubao. The Novotel brand is the more affordable and accessible name from AccorHotels, a world-leading travel & lifestyle group with over 4,000 hotels around the world operating popular brands such as Sofitel, Mercure, and my favorite Raffles and Fairmont hotels. Novotel Manila is the first Novotel hotel that opened in the Philippines, and I believe it is perfectly situated right in the heart of Quezon City.

It was my first time to check in at Novotel Manila for a much needed summer staycation. Parking was very easy using their multi-level covered parking facilities at the basement which directly connects to the lobby. The hotel’s contemporary design features 401 stylish rooms and suites with very affordable rates that are just right for traveling businessmen and quick family holidays. The lobby itself is bright and spacious, with a friendly atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. 

Novotel Manila’s interiors and designs are modern and playful, a relaxing change of scenery from the stressful urban jungles of Manila. Aside from the free wifi throughout the entire hotel, which is a welcome bonus for all hotel visitors, they also have Webcorner on a Mac, a set of desktop computers available for the use of guests 24 hours a day. Shopping and entertainment are also just a few steps away with the Gateway Mall and SMART Araneta Coliseum just adjacent to the hotel.

Being a member of Le Club AccorHotels, the chain’s loyalty rewards program, has its benefits which include special member’s rates, exclusive sales, online check-in, free nights, and priority check in at all Accor Hotels worldwide. Membership is absolutely FREE and easy to join (click here to register).

But since I was booked at their Executive Room, I had an even better privilege because it offered me private check in facilities at the Premier Lounge on the hotel’s penthouse floor. I just love it when I can do my check in while sitting down.

The Premier Lounge is a private and exclusive area on Novotel Manila’s topmost 24th floor where guests get to enjoy distinct bespoke services including personalized check in and check out, buffet breakfast, complimentary all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and use of the business center facilities while enjoying the panoramic view of Manila's skyline.

This special club lounge access is only available for hotel guests booked on the Executive Room and Executive Suite. I have been to several other club lounges at different hotels in Manila before, but I can honestly say that Novotel’s Premier Lounge has one of the best views and aesthetics. The high ceiling and almost 360-degree panoramic view from their floor-to-ceiling windows give the lounge a very spacious and charming ambiance. 

Aside from being able to use the lounge from 6:00am to 11:00pm daily, guests can also partake from the various snacks and refreshments available as much as they want. The Chocolate Chip Cookies and Walnut Cookies are great to nibble on with any of their beverages including sodas, coffee, tea, juices, Sola Iced Tea and imported sparkling water.

They also have their Afternoon Tea from 3:00pm to 5:00pm daily which includes even more delightful desserts and savoury snacks to munch on like cakes, brownies and mini-sandwiches. I checked in just as their Afternoon Tea was starting so I took a few minutes to relax at the Premier Lounge and enjoy these added benefits.

The penthouse floor also has a Kids Play area just beside the Premier Lounge where children can read their favorite books and play gaming consoles while waiting for their parents to finish their coffee.

After my quick afternoon snack, it was time to stay at my Executive Room which was also located on the 24th floor. The room has 29 square meters of modern decor and ergonomic comfort, a colorful feast for the eyes. It also offers a great view of the busy city below, a cool and refreshing retreat from the sizzling summer heat.

My room comes with an LED flat screen TV, a small work area, safety deposit box, complimentary welcome fruits, and a personalized message from the hotel general manager that every guest always appreciates. 

Coffee and tea making facilities plus a minibar are also included inside the room. Guests also have free access to the PressReader app on their mobiles which lets them download over 4,000 online publications from newspapers to international magazines. I’m ready to take my afternoon nap but I think I need a quick shower to freshen up first.

The bathroom also has a sleek contemporary design with its rain shower just beside the bed separated only by a clear glass window. I was looking for the blinds or curtain but I could not find any. I was wondering how non-couples will be able to take a shower in this room when I found a switch that suddenly turns the window into frosted glass! It was the first time I had seen such technology but I guess that solves that problem.

After my short nap, it was time to go around the hotel and check some of their other facilities. The Gourmet Bar by Novotel is a chic, informal lobby lounge on the ground floor serving savoury snacks, coffee and trendy drinks. This is a great place to unwind and meet friends and business associates who are just passing by the hotel.

The hotel also has its own modern fitness center on the sixth floor called In Balance by Novotel. This is where busy bodies can work out during their staycations to keep fit and healthy. Guests can also find the swimming pool and pool bar on this level so I think I will take a dip next morning.

Kids Club by Novotel is another fun children’s play area on the sixth floor which is actually open to the public. Checked in guests of the hotel are free to use the colorful facilities but outside guests can also enjoy these for a fee. Families with children no longer have to worry about bored kids because they can have fun here all day.

As the sun was beginning to set, I headed back to the Premier Lounge for their Evening Cocktails which happens daily from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Here, you can enjoy unlimited servings of red and white wines, specialty cocktails, beers, and hors d'oeuvres to whet your appetites before going to dinner.

The balcony of the Premier Lounge is the perfect setting to watch the sunset with a glass of Chardonnay on hand. It has been a magical day but the night is still young because it’s time to have my dinner buffet downstairs at Food Exchange.

Food Exchange Manila is Novotel’s all-day dining restaurant serving an international selection of sumptuous buffet items. I already blogged about Food Exchange Manila during their Go Gangnan! Korean Food Festival so I knew that it was going to be a bountiful dinner buffet.

This summer, Food Exchange Manila lets its diners indulge in limitless seasonal skewers from their Chefs’ grilling station. From March 17 - May 31, Grills N Skewers offers a selection of succulent meats, fresh seafood and organic vegetables all freshly grilled. I got some crabs, squid, and beef barbecue for myself.

I have my own favorite areas at Food Exchange Manila including the seafood station where I can get crabs, mussels, and prawns then have them cooked in glorious butter garlic. The carving station is always a popular destination especially with its Roasted Pork Belly-Chon, but I always drop by the Chinese station where I can customize my own plate of Stir-Fried Beef cooked hot off the wok.

Check out this rainbow-colored chocolate fountain at the dessert station! Novotel Manila also lets 2017 graduates eat for FREE at Food Exchange Manila as long as they dine with at least one full paying adult. Graduates only need to present their diploma, graduation photo, or graduation program with the graduate’s name along with their school ID to avail the promo from March 1 to July 31, 2017.

After that satisfying dinner buffet, there was one last activity I had scheduled for the day, a relaxing massage at In Balance Spa on the fifth floor. Described as an oasis right inside the bustling city, In Balance Spa boasts of stress-reducing services delivered by some of the most experienced massage therapists in the metro.

I arrived a few minutes before my 10:00pm massage service and was led to their comfortable waiting area to fill up a short registration form. Hot tea and a warm face towel was offered to start my heavenly journey.

You can choose the couple’s room for those who want a private and romantic massage session. The In Balance Signature Massage offers a fusion of techniques with Thai stretching and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi strokes. I decided to get the Swedish Massage which offers more gentle strokes for the ultimate relaxation experience.

For couples celebrating a special occasion, they can also spend some time inside the Jacuzzi which is also part of their Spa services menu. Besides the range of massage services, also featured are the Signature Body Scrubs using salt and aloe vera as well as one that makes use of organic red rice from the highlands of Mindoro.

I had such a wonderful hour at In Balance Spa and I felt so relaxed and de-stressed. I got back to my room and had one of my most enjoyable slumbers, especially with their ultra-soft mattresses. But this is just half of my Novotel staycation experience because I have yet to explore their swimming pool and enchanting Bridal Garden which magically transports its guests to another kingdom. Their new ice cream parlor - Ice N Cream by Novotel is also a fantastic venue to beat the summer heat. You might even get the chance to win an overnight stay in an Executive Suite with Premier Lounge access plus one year’s supply of ice cream! So check out Part 2 of my Novotel staycation.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Gen. Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

990-7888

www.novotel.com/Manila

www.facebook.com/NovotelManilaAranetaCenter