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[lenbryant]

Oscar a Go-Go on Metro

(NYTimes) The Actor Who Rides the Subway to the Oscars

Ed Begley Jr. has made a tradition of taking public transportation to the Academy Awards. And, like many commuters, he wears sensible shoes.

Ed Begley Jr. could be described as Hollywood royalty: The actor is a son of another actor, Ed Begley, who won a best supporting actor Oscar in 1963.

But the younger Mr. Begley, a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization behind the Oscars, commuted to this year’s ceremony like a plebeian by taking the Los Angeles Metro. His trip was filmed by his daughter Hayden Begley, who later shared the video on TikTok, where it has since received more than six million views.

The video opens with Ms. Begley, 24, asking her mother, Rachelle Carson, Mr. Begley’s wife and Oscars guest, how she is getting to the ceremony. “I’m driving,” Ms. Carson says, before asking, “And you’re what?” Off camera Ms. Begley replies, “Taking the subway.” Ms. Carson, who is wearing a black lacy gown, mutters, “Oh God, whatever,” as she waves her arms in exasperation.

Ms. Begley, who in a voice-over explains that she isn’t attending the ceremony with her father, then films his journey to the event on a 240 bus and the B line subway.

As Mr. Begley, 74, who has spent much of his career promotingenvironmentalism, talks to the camera about his fondness for public transit while riding the bus, he shows off two pins on the lapel of his dark suit jacket. One pin was shaped like an Oscar statuette and came from the Academy, where he served on the board of governors for 15 years. He said that the other pin, which had a capital M, was his “Metro pin for being a rider since 1962.”

Later in the video, Ms. Begley films her father’s full look, which includes a pair of black Nike sneakers with chunky white soles. “Thank God there are people like my dad who don’t mind wearing running shoes on a red carpet,” she says in a voice-over.

Mr. Begley, in an interview with The New York Times, said he bought the shoes for walking and that his wife had helped him pick them out. He bought the Cesarani suit he wore to the Oscars on the set of a production he was involved in decades ago. Wardrobe items are tailored to fit actors and then sometimes sold to them at a discount, he explained.

“I’m not a slave to fashion as you probably noticed,” said Mr. Begley, who recently published a memoir about his relationship with his father, who died in 1970, and his life and career in Hollywood.

Door to door, the trip from the Begleys’ home in Los Angeles to the Dolby Theater took an hour, partly because subway station closures resulted in about a half-mile of walking — and also because Mr. Begley spent time posing for pictures with fans and fellow commuters, his daughter said in an interview with The Times.

Ms. Begley, an actor, also works for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a job she started during the recent actors’ union strike. But she was not filming her father’s commute on behalf of the agency; she shared the video from her personal TikTok account.

Taking public transportation to the Oscars has become a sort of tradition for Mr. Begley and his daughter. They used it to get to the event in 2023, a trip she also filmed and shared on social media, as well as to others in prior years. A few days before the first ceremony they attended, Mr. Begley said, he walked into his daughter’s room and asked her if she wanted to make a statement. When she said that she did, he told her, “OK, we’re going to take the subway to the Oscars.”

Over the years, Mr. Begley’s commutes to the awards show have also involved bicycles and electric vehicles, like a Bradley car he and his friend Annette Bening took to the ceremony in 1991. “As a woman in a dress,” he said, “you’ve got to be a yoga master to get out of the car in a dignified manner.”

Bicycles and public transit, he added, are some of his favorite cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to get around.

“I never feel that I’m wasting my time taking the bus or the subway somewhere because I bring my script with me or do Jumble or Wordle,” Mr. Begley said. “I do the L.A. Times and New York Times Crossword every day.”

[hotelwillemstadz]

Hotel Willemstad

Hotel Willemstad, the definition of in vogue now, but just what it's, can it be the little size or can it be the facilities or the place? Well it's a combination of every one of these factors and many more. The idea of boutique hotel first surfaced in America in 1984, with Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opening their Morgans Hotel in New York. It then slowly spread to other cities and countries.

There's not one accepted definition of the definition of, in simple and layman's language, these properties are, "non traditional, unconventional, small, trendy, chic, life-style hotels with high degree of personalisation in service and guest interaction and supplying a unique experience."

Boutique hotels perform the same functions as the regular hotels or offer the same product to its residents, guests, customers and patrons yet they are quite different from the regular hotels in several ways. These differentiations make sure they are unique and they have the ability to extract equal or even higher, per room revenue.

Location plays the most important role for hotels success. Boutique hotels need a metro city, down town location for maximising returns. Resorts boutique hotels also require prime location. This fact explains the concentration of boutique hotels in New York's Manhattan area or in central London area.

A hotel could possibly be called as a shop product if it has 3 to 150 rooms. However, some in the industry believe how big is the property shouldn't be over 100 rooms, but with the entry of large international chains in this segment, the size factor has been diluted largely. Now we see chains such as the Hilton, Starwood, Kempinski, Four Seasons, Le Meridian, to call several who offer boutique products. This really is in addition to the regional chains such as the Amanresorts, Oberoi, Dusit, and Banyan Tree and in India the Ista and Park group.

The success of a shop product depends largely on the caliber of experience it includes to the guests. This experience could be the resultant feel of all your senses, i.e., that which you see, that which you hear, that which you taste and that which you feel. More explicitly, it must evoke the "Wow" factor from the very first point of exposure. This aspect of development of a shop property is perhaps the most difficult one. It entails developing a mood, an environment and an ambiance, that may add uniqueness to the experience.

The designer, the executer and the operator need to come together to define every component of the item, ensuring that it enhances the exclusivity of the property and enhances the experience. While focusing on the ability enhancement objective, the team can't loose sight of other essential components of the product. It must be ensured that the last product is "chic" and "trendy" exuding a higher life style.

Decor plays a critical role in creating ambiance and enhances the evolution of design of product and service. The hotel must become the preferred happening place in the town and the place for the area and visiting celebrities, a place where people want "to be seen around" and "to be seen with", with local media desperate to cover each celebrity visit. Visiting the hotel must be regarded as a bonus as it offers an opportunity to be seen in the area print media.

Boutique hotels are very trendy with state of the art technology. City boutique hotels boost of high speed Wi-fi internet connectivity, dimmer switches in every areas including guest rooms, multi-plug sockets, LCD or Plasma flat screen TV with remote control, telephones with voice mail, message display and follow-me system and DVD players in rooms. The bathrooms are no less in furnishing, fittings and technology. Most bathrooms have bathtubs cum Jacuzzi as also rain shower, frost-free mirrors and multi-plug shaver socket adjustable to different voltages Hotel Willemstad.

While every one of these technological features and gadgetry is installed, it is also ensured that each thing is easy to use and doesn't offend the consumer, the guest. There's no end to imagination, the seed for innovation and evolution. Development of boutique product is directly influenced by creative and practical imagination or visualisation by its creators.

A boutique product isn't complete with out providing its guests stylish entertainment. The entertainment in these hotels includes the pleasing experience in its restaurants and bars. The atmosphere in the restaurants is done in ways that the visit is mentally and physically entertaining and pleasing. The atmosphere, food, and style tickle not just the preferences but in addition stir the sight, the smell and the feel scenes. The general result is enthralling and exotic. While this sort of experience is also enjoyed in the restaurants of a regular hotel or a stand alone restaurant, what make it so special in a boutique hotel is the fact that here it's the continuity of an event flowing from the remaining portion of the product. In addition to the restaurants, most of the boutique hotels have a chic lounge serving choicest of beverages with live music and a club atmosphere. The hotel becomes an engaging fun place.

The food in boutique hotel is trendy too; most hotels have very innovative menus. The word fusion cuisine is synonymous with boutique hotels. The choice of crockery and table ware is hip with fine bone china to reflect quality. Table setting complementing the decor, interiors and the mood. Service friendly and inviting. Since boutique hotels normally have a couple of restaurants only, they rely on tabletops, table setting and lighting to produce different moods at different times of your day, changing the ability at the three meal times.

The soul of the property originates from its people. People - who using one hand are its residents, guests, visitors and patrons and on the other its employees and managers who play this kind of important role of fueling the hotel with brilliance and bringing it to life. The staffs is professional, well trained, well groomed with positive attitude towards hotel guests, in a position to anticipate the wants and wants of the guests and never allow these to become demands. Their attitude towards the guests is extremely positive, friendly and courteous.

Boutique hotels today are just 26 years old. These were born in 1984. In this short period of existence, they've made a mark in the industry and carved out their own niche. Their growth has been phenomenal, to the extent that Google lists boutique hotels under various segments based on their size, location and user groups. These generally include luxury boutique hotels, chic boutique hotels, designer boutique hotels, spa boutique hotels, romantic boutique hotels, beach boutique hotels and small boutique hotels. In countries like India there's still another segment that has become extremely popular with the leisure traveller - The Heritage Boutique Hotels. They are old forts, palaces and havelis became boutique hotels. These hotels give you a product with colonial architecture, ultra modern and chic facilities and services and an original and unmatched nostalgic connection with luxury at its best.

The ongoing future of boutique product is extremely promising as an investment and business proposition. Travelling public today knows what they want and getting it. They're willing to pay for the proper price for the proper product. There was a period once the marketing mantra was previously 'sell that which you have," today however it has changed; one to "produce or make what sells" ;.The sooner we appreciate this changing demand dynamics; the higher is going to be our opportunity to compete. With the opening of Armani hotel in Dubai recently, it's just a matter of time that we are stepping into boutique hotels with life-style product brands such as the Cartier, The Mont Blanc, The Ferrari to call a few.

You've permission to publish this article without any change what so ever electronically, on the net, in your e-book, or in your web site, free of charge, so long as the writer by-lines are included.

[seoaegiscabs]

Wedding Venues Inspired from Social Media with Wide variety of Venues in Venue.events

Not long ago, hotels, reception halls, and church facilities were the few options available for wedding reception sites. Very few elements of the event were customizable, making it difficult to capture the couple's unique personality and tastes. Today, the social media's account has changed the method of choosing the venue for your wedding & events and planning of wedding altogether. Shared images of barns with rustic charm or ballrooms with a Parisian theme can be seen on various social networks. These images inspire couples to include personal touches reflective of their lifestyles and interests in their own ceremony. They also attract us to book these types of wedding venues in India.

Blogs and social media posts are responsible for the recent surge in selecting wedding reception venues, beach wedding, and parks as their wedding venues. Many couples envision a casual setting for their big day.  

Other ideas for casual events include games like corn hole, badminton, or washers. Some couples choose to end the evening with fireworks or mores around a bonfire. venue.events is often less expensive than other venues rentals websites. Therefore, couples on a tight budget do not have to sacrifice their guest list for inspired décor or entertainment.

For those who feel lost in the great reception & traditional wedding venues can also be a setting for personalized occasions. Opting for a more traditional location does not mean giving up on a unique theme or décor. Venue.events has developed with custom events in mind and look like a reception hall than their predecessors. These event spaces start with a neutral palette, which allows the coordinator to transform the party venue using floral arrangements, linens, draping, and any other personal touches in keeping with the theme.

Lastly, for some couples, anything other than a one-of-a-kind celebration will not suffice. Many couples have chosen Venue.events site that are important to them as a couple or are reflective of their personalities. Outdoor weddings have taken place on beaches or a Destination wedding in Udaipur. Some couples have chosen wedding in abroad or at an amusement park. Check our blogs and social media accounts for new ideas on how to create an invitation, program, or special favour in keeping with your unique theme.

When selecting among the various marriage venues with venue.events, remember that just about any location can host your nuptials, especially if your party will be small. If you are considering someplace unconventional for your ceremony, do not hesitate to talk to the owner or manager of our websites that are meaningful to you.

Here are the some venues for your events

1.       Atrio Hotel

Atrio Hotel is a 4 star famous Hotel, in Delhi ncr, India. The Hotel is providing the indoor & outdoor venues for weddings, meetings and exhibitions in addition to social get together, Anniversary, Destination Wedding, and Pool Party. The venue capabilities 37 luxuriously designed rooms and suites. And the region of the venue is Rajokri-Kapasheda Link Road, Near NH-8, New Delhi, Delhi-U.T. - 110037, India and it is awarded by Booking.com for Best Luxury Hotel in (2015)

Access to the Venue

 Airport(s)

 Railway Station(s)

 Main Bus Stand(s)

Metro Station(s)

Indira Gandhi International  Airport (Terminal 3)

City: New Delhi

Approx. Distance: 7 Km(s).

Delhi  Cantt. Railway Station (DEC)  City : New Delhi  Approx. Distance: 15.5 km.

Vir Hakikat Rai ISBT (Sarai  Kale Khan)

City : New Delhi

Approx. Distance: 25 km.

Delhi  Aero city Metro Station (Orange Line)  City : New Delhi  Approx. Distance : 5.5 km.

Indira Gandhi International  Airport Domestic (Terminal 1D)

City: New Delhi

Approx. Distance: 10 Km(s).

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)

City : New Delhi

Approx. Distance: 20.5 km.

ISBT (Kashmiri Gate)

City : Delhi

Approx. Distance: 26 km.

2.       Amantra Comfort Hotel Venue: Manthan

Amantra Comfort Hotel is a 4 star famous Hotel, India. The Hotel is providing the indoor & outdoor venues for weddings, meetings and exhibitions in addition to social get together, Anniversary, Destination Wedding, and Pool Party. The venue capabilities 48 luxuriously designed rooms and suites. And the region of the venue is 5B, New Fatehpura, Opp. Sahelion Ki Bari, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313001, India

Awards

Certified by Trip Advisor for Certificate of Excellence (2016, 2015, 2013, 2012) Certificate of Excellence for Navidya Restaurant by Trip Advisor (2013)

Access to the Venue

 Airport(s)

 Railway Station(s)

 Main Bus Stand(s)

Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR)

City : Udaipur

Approx. Distance: 24 kms.

Udaipur City Railway Station  (UDZ)

City : Udaipur

Approx. Distance: 5 kms.

Udaipur Roadways Bus Stand

City : Udaipur

Approx. Distance: 4 kms.

Jaipur International Airport  (JAI)

City : Jaipur

Approx. Distance: 398 kms.

Mavli Junction Railway Station  (MVJ)

City : Mavli

Approx. Distance: 45 kms.

Nathdwara Bus Stand

City : Nathdwara

Approx. Distance: 44 kms.

3.       Baywatch Resort Venue: Live Lounge

Baywatch Resort is a 4 star famous Hotel, in Goa, India. The Hotel is providing the indoor & outdoor venues for weddings, meetings and exhibitions in addition to social get together, Anniversary, Destination Wedding, and Pool Party. The venue capabilities 104 luxuriously designed rooms and suites. And the region of the venue is Sernabatim Beach Colva, Salcete-South Goa, Goa - 403708, India and it is certified by Romantic Stay by Yatra (2016)

 Airport(s)

 Railway Station(s)

 Main Bus Stand(s)

Goa International Airport  (GOI)

City : Dabolim

Approx. Distance: 23 km.

Madgaon Railway Station (MAO)

City : Margao-Madgaon-South Goa

Approx. Distance: 7 km.

Vasco Market Bus Stand

City : Vasco Da Gama-South Goa

Approx. Distance: 27 km.

Vasco Da Gama Railway Station  (VSG)

City : Vasco Da Gama-South Goa

Approx. Distance: 27 km.

Kadamba Bus Terminus

City : Panaji-Panjim-North Goa

Approx. Distance: 32.5 km.

[thehungrykat1]

Thai BBQ Original Restaurant Receives Prestigious Thai SELECT Seal of Approval

Thai BBQ Original Restaurant recently showcased its savory lineup of authentic Thai dishes that gave it the distinction of having the prestigious Thai SELECT seal of approval. This award is given only to selected restaurants in each country that pass the highest standards set by the Ministry of Commerce and the Royal Thai Government itself.

The Hungry Kat was invited last week to the Thai BBQ Original Restaurant branch in Ayala Malls Vertis North for an official Royal Thai Embassy event that highlighted a few of the signature dishes that guests keep coming back for. It was just my first time to dine at Thai BBQ Original Restaurant so I was excited to finally get a taste of their authentic Thai dishes.

The Thai SELECT program aims to recognize and endorse Authentic Thai cuisine and quality Thai restaurants and Thai food products all across the globe. When you see this sign outside the restaurant, it means that you are guaranteed to have a unique and authentic Thai dining experience every time you visit.

Thai BBQ Original Restaurant is actually a franchise from Los Angeles, California which was brought to the country by foodie and restaurateur George Pua who also owns and operates popular restaurants such as Rico’s Lechon, K-Pub, Ogawa Japanese Restaurant, and others.

Thai BBQ offers the best flavors of Thailand served in huge American-sized portions. The Vertis North branch is quite big and spacious, with al fresco seating available. They also have other Thai BBQ branches at Tiendesitas and Glorietta.

There’s also a VIP private dining room that can seat up to 14 guests or more for those family get togethers.

The Royal Thai Government’s Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, has launched the "Thai SELECT” program to certify and promote authentic Thai cuisine around the world. It is a seal of approval granted to Thai restaurants (both overseas and local Thai restaurant that serve authentic Thai food) and processed Thai food products.

The objective is to increase the recognition of quality Thai restaurants and processed Thai food products as well as to encourage Thai restauranteurs and food producers to raise their quality while maintaining authenticity. You can learn more about their programs and activities on their Facebook Page (@thaiselectditp).

Media personality and television host Spanky Enriquez presented the prestigious Thai SELECT award once again to George Pua who also discussed the history of Thai BBQ in the Philippines and his never-ending passion for food and authenticity.

Now it’s time to sample Thai BBQ’s extensive lineup of Thai food and beverages. The Pandan Iced Tea (P120) and Thai Iced Milk Tea (P140) are two of the best refreshments you can have. I particularly liked the Thai Iced Milk Tea with its distinct Thai flavors that is quite different from the usual bubble milk teas all around the metro.

The Yum Pla Dook Foo (P380) is a great Thai appetizer to share with the group. This crispy and flaky deep-fried catfish is served with a special mango salad that goes so well with it.

We also had some soup to whet our taste buds. The Tom Yum Goong (P380) is a traditional hot and sour Thai broth that comes with shrimp, mushrooms, lemon grass, chili paste, and secret spices. You can really taste the flavors of Thailand with every slurp.

The Bagoong Fried Rice (P420) is surely something that Filipinos are familiar with. Bagoong is incorporated with the fried rice which results in a dish that you can eat by itself. But don’t finish it all at once because it actually goes so well with the next dish.

Pour some of the Panang Beef Curry (P580) onto your bagoong rice for a truly wonderful journey. This rich curry dish comes with slices of tender beef in spicy Panang beef curry sauce.

You can also choose to order some plain rice to go with the curry if you want to savor all the sauces when it is absorbed by the rice. It’s not as spicy as other curry dishes which actually suited me well.

There’s also the Honey Duck Dinner (P680) which has a half-serving of steamed duck served with a honey sauce. The duck is more sweet than savory, so this should be a welcome treat for those with a sweet tooth. It comes in a gigantic plate full of java rice as well, so this is one big dinner that will surely satisfy any hungry diner.

One of my favorites that afternoon was the Pla Jien (P1200). This is a whole deep-fried garoupa cooked with spicy oyster mushroom sauce with chili, ginger, and green onions. I think I single-handedly finished this beautiful fish.

Thai BBQ’s signature house special is the Thai BBQ Spareribs (P780). These smoky thick-cut tender pork ribs are cooked in their Original Thai Marinade and served with a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. This is owner George Pua’s favorite dish among all the specialties and he still keeps having this whenever he visits.

Thai BBQ also has a Special Plate of the Day (P199) for those quick solo lunch meals. This plate comes with two sticks of chicken sate, basil eggplant, steamed rice, and a glass of pandan iced tea. It’s an affordable set that also changes daily so you can have it every day of the week.

For those who prefer to have food delivered to their house or workplace, Thai BBQ also has set packages available exclusively on Grabfood and Foodpanda, like this chicken pandan set with rice. For desserts, the Sticky Rice with Mango (P320) is always a popular choice with its sweet mango slices and sticky rice topped with coconut sauce.

We would like to thank George Pua and Thai BBQ Original Restaurant for hosting our yummy adventure to Thailand that afternoon. Thai SELECT is a very helpful program not just for restaurant owners but also for foodies looking to explore authentic and high-quality Thai establishments. Make sure to look for the Thai SELECT seal of approval the next time you are searching for great Thai cuisine.

Thai BBQ Original Restaurant

Level 2, Ayala Malls Vertis North, North Avenue, Quezon City

8364-0068 / 0917-1111990

www.thaiselect.com

www.facebook.com/thaiselectditp

Thai BBQ Facebook Page

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[thehungrykat1]

Swissôtel Clark in Pampanga Offers Stylish Swiss Staycation and Hospitality

I had the opportunity last week to have a quick staycation at the newest international hotel brand in the country. Swissôtel Clark recently opened its doors last March at the heart of the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga and it offers such a different atmosphere and vibe from the usual hotel chains we see in Metro Manila. Our overnight stay was provided by the hotel when I attended the media preview for the opening of Ristorante Di Verona, their signature Italian restaurant, so I was also able to try some of their other dining outlets and to experience their unique Swiss Hospitality.

Swissôtel Clark is a part of the new Hann Casino Resort complex located inside Clark Freeport Zone, the bustling economic and tourism center of Central Luzon. Together with Swissôtel Clark in this area are two other hotels, Marriott Clark and Widus Hotel and Casino which are also under the Hann Casino group. It’s just a few minutes away from the Clark International Airport and duty free shops inside Clark. I was here last year for a staycation at Widus Hotel when this new section was still under construction, so I was really surprised to see this beautiful structure now fully operational and packed with hotel guests and casino players.

Guests will have to go around the central casino area to get to the lobby of Swissôtel Clark. All three hotels are connected through these corridors so you can also check out the other hotels' amenities and activities. There is a spacious parking level at the basement which is still free, so there’s no need to validate parking cards for now.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is one of the best-known Swiss brands in the world, offering contemporary hotels infused with the freshness and vitality of alpine energy, rooted in the tradition of Swiss hospitality. I immediately felt this when I saw their gorgeous lobby lounge and front desk. With the mantra of “life is a journey,” Swissôtel aims to help the guests live well through its vitality offerings in every corner – rooms, food, amenities, and activities around and within the hotel.

After our hearty lunch at Ristorante Di Verona, I checked in to my Premium Room which offers 39 square meters of relaxing space. Premium Rooms come with one king or two double beds that come with posturepedic mattresses and quality linens that guarantee a superb night’s sleep. Each Swissotel pillow features a cotton Swiss-made cover and 100% pine shavings harvested in the Swiss Alps that carries the calming scent of nature to facilitate good rest and feather-light dreams.

There is abundant natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows that come with either city or mountain views. The Ultra-modern furnishings are offset by the understated Swiss style of the room’s blond wood floors and signature Swiss colors and designs. The 55-inch TV is elegantly incorporated into the room’s overall aesthetics. Thoughtful amenities are also designed to keep you connected such as USB charge points and the latest guestroom automation technology.

Just beside the bed is the marble bathroom which has blinds that you can open or close as you prefer. The walk-in rainshower comes with toiletry sets to guarantee a refreshing stay.

The bathroom also comes with a marble sink and illuminated vanity mirror. I was planning to take a dip at the hotel’s swimming pool but since I was still full from our lunch, I just decided to walk around the hotel first.

Located on the fifth floor, Swissôtel Clark’s resort-style infinity pool is a breath of fresh air that comes with sweeping views of the Zambales mountain range.

The children will love the separate kids’ pool, built for splashy fun under the sun. They will also soon be opening the only alpine spa in the Philippines, so that is another reason for me to come back here soon.

There are currently 10 specialty restaurants just within Swissôtel Clark serving everything from Asian street food delicacies to authentic Italian dishes. I definitely don’t have time to try all of them since I’m only staying for one night, but I’ll try to experience as much as I can. The Atrium is Swissôtel Clark’s exquisite lobby lounge nestled beneath the soaring palm trees just in front of the guest check-in area. It’s the perfect spot for a catch-up over a vitality lunch, traditional British afternoon tea, or happy hour drinks as they are open daily from 11:00am until 10:00pm.

The Atrium is particularly known for its artisan gin and tonic selection and I was right on time to have some afternoon cocktails. It is home to more than 40 collections of artisan gin and tonic, making it one of the biggest gin and tonic selections in the country.

They have a Create Your Own Gin & Tonic for only P350 each. Choose your own gin from their selection of fruity, citrus, herbaceous, or fresh and floral gin brands then add your choice of mixer and garnish. You can get creative or you can also choose one of their signature drinks, the Ginpom (P360) which is a homage to the “tangero” or Filipino street bartender. I ordered a Ginpom for myself which is made with fresh pomelo, guava juice, high quality tonic, and Pinoy Pride Archipelago Gin.

They also have signature cocktails such as the Munag Sumala (P350) which combines Plantation Dark Rum, salted caramel, banana and coconut milk, plus a scoop of Vanilla ice cream.

Just beside The Atrium is Oma’s which is a love letter to grandmothers everywhere. Oma’s is a nostalgic corner café in the lobby with a grand dessert bar at its heart. Bring your kids for a memorable treat, or come for some nostalgic reflections of your own as you select your favourite from the display case filled with cakes and pastries.

You can order a ganache-topped cupcake or a slice of fruit-glazed cheesecake. If you’re in the mood for some showmanship, opt for the teppanyaki ice cream prepared live before your eyes. Drink options are just as multicultural, with everything from bubble teas to artisan coffees and mouthwatering milkshakes.

After our afternoon cocktails, we went right next door to MARKT, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. MARKT embraces the Swiss heritage with a tribute to the atmospheric marketplaces of Europe through its open-plan, plaza-style dining concept. It is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00am for breakfast then 11:00am to 10:00pm for lunch and dinner.

The plaza-style dining space is fringed with nostalgic storefronts, complete with striped awnings and chalkboard menus as the stained-glass ceiling casts a colorful glow on the diners below. I was expecting this to be a buffet style restaurant so I was surprised to find out that they actually serve a la carte for lunch and dinner. But instead of just ordering from a menu, guests go around the different themed stations and choose what they want to order.

There are several dining areas, each offering their own lovely vibe. The restaurant is quite spacious and it can probably accommodate around 150 guests.

I walked around the different stations to see what was available for me. Each one offered their own specialties, from salads and healthy fares at Orchard to Asian and Western barbecue staples at The Grill. There’s also Italian slices with homemade crêpes and waffles at Pizzeria and Pastry.

Just order your desired item at the counter and give your table number. The servers will then bring the item to you once it is cooked. I ordered the Fish and Chips (P400) which comes with a huge serving of deep-fried fish coupled with French fries.

For our main course we had the New York Angus Ribeye (P1900). This is a very juicy 300 grams of meaty and flavorful ribeye steak served with mushrooms and veggies.

There are also many beverage options at the drinks station from juices, shakes, sodas, and even wine and spirits.

We finished our dinner with a scoop of Gelato (P130) that comes in flavors such as cheesecake, pistacchio, mango, nocciola, matcha, vanilla, blueberry, oreo, and more.

The next morning, we opened the automatic curtains to reveal a wonderful view of the Zambales mountains from our room. This side of the Clark Freeport Zone is a bit more peaceful and serene compared to the busier areas near the Clark Airport and Angeles City.

Our stay comes with complimentary buffet breakfast for two so we headed back down to MARKT. This time, guests can explore all the buffet stations and eat to their heart’s delight. The salad and charcuterie section is a healthy way to start the morning.

I went straight to this station to get my fill of bacon and sausages. They also have an egg station that can prepare your choice of eggs including these deep-fried Scotch Eggs enveloped in sausage meat and bread crumbs.

Juices, milk, coffee, hot chocolate and other beverages are included in the buffet so it was really a very filling breakfast. We really wanted to stay longer at Swissôtel so we even asked for late checkout and they granted our request.

After extending our stay just a little longer, we had one more agenda before we checked out. We had late lunch at Spice, the hotel’s homage to the street food stalls of Asia. This restaurant is located inside the Hann Casino area itself, so minors will not be able to dine here. But the great thing about it is that it is open 24 hours a day so it is never too late for hungry guests and casino players.

They have dimsum like the Har Gow (P252) which is always my favorite item at Chinese restaurants. Another dimsum worth trying is the Fried Shrimp Balls (P216) with its crispy coating.

For main courses, go for their rice toppings such as the Coconut Shrimp Curry (P540) with big pieces of shrimp cooked in a curry sauce and piled on top of steaming white rice. There’s also the Beef Salpicao (P540) with tender beef cubes served with chili garlic flakes and mushroom gravy.

We ended our short but sweet staycation with the Ube Halaya Milk Tea (P180) which is a great local flavor combining our familiar ube with pearls and milk tea. They also had the Melon Shake as a specialty drink that afternoon. We would like to thank Alex Aquino, Head of PR & Marketing Communications at Swissôtel Clark for hosting our very lovely stay and for showing us the warm Swiss Hospitality and Swiss Vitality that the brand is known for. Check out the ongoing promotions on their Facebook Page and enjoy the same wonderful experience at Swissôtel Clark.

Swissôtel Clark

5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga

(045) 306 2000

www.swissotelclark.com

www.facebook.com/swissotelclark

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