Ortigas| Oakwood's Studio and One Bedroom Type Apartments

happened on Aug. 27-28, 2016

the reception area

I was lured by an agent for Oakwood vouchers last month amounting to Php8,500.00 for 12 vouchers, valid till December 2017 and with free 2 studio type apartment accommodations including breakfast for two.  Last weekend, I was able to use the first voucher for the celebration of my daughter's 16th birthday.  Reserving for a room is easy - just call the reservation number and use the voucer.  I also booked another one bedroom type thru Agoda since it's way cheaper here.  The only difference with the vouchers is the complimentary breakfast for two persons.

ceiling details

the lobby ADB side

I'm not a first timer in this service apartment type hotel but first time to experience these two types of accommodations.  I would like to share how nice and spacious these rooms are.  

Choose Happiness in Vanilla Cupcake

always do

Feeling under the weather??? Just head on to any Vanilla Cupcake cafe.  Your pocket may not be happy but your soul will surely does, and that is priceless!!!

The food they offer may not be unforgettable but it's the ambiance that can keep you coming back for more.  For any girly girl like me, this is a "must after sight and site".  It's always a meeting place for the "titas" or hang-out place for anyone.

I want those DOP chairs

Lights, CAFFERA, Action!

nice doodle

It can't be denied that Starbucks has paved a way for the booming coffee shop business.  Coffee shops have been "the automatic meeting place" or after dining place for anyone.  Why not?  It's convenient, accessible and food options are not too intimidating. 

Maginhawa strip is not spared from this business.  In fact, I was quite amazed that there is a "camera themed" coffee shop along Maginhawa.  Caffera is tucked in 2nd floor of Dona Zenora Suites, #54 Maginhawa corner Mahusay St.  Looking from the outside you will not have an idea that there is a coffee shop here except from the small signage on the side.  Entrance is on the side of the building and you have to climb the steep and narrow stairways to reach it.

Then it's cameras all over...

Provenciano, a taste of Filipino heritage

the facade with a calesa

Admitedly, no matter how many foreign restaurants sprouted in the country, we always return to our comfort food.  The good old Filipino restuarants belong to a few of the restaurants that are still standing here in the Philippines - Max's, Aristocrat, etc.  A lot of our balik bayan friends and relatives always look forward in visiting one during their visits.

waiting area.. look at those tiles!

I'm so glad to find this cozy restuarant who joined the Maginhawa food hub.  Unlike the other hole in the whole restuarants here, it can pass for a fine dining type.  If you are an artsy and foodie combined, then you will surely love it here.  

You will not be bored while waiting for the food.  Every corner was not spared from artwork.  Mostly are heirloom and antique pieces.  Obviously, these are collections from many eras.  The interiors is well thought of.  I find everything interesting, from floor, wall to ceiling.  Even the furniture must not be missed.  Truly, it was an eye candy for me.  You'll lack time in checking each art piece as service is quite fast, too.

the dining area

this used to be a bigger garden with many plants

The food is not cheap but I can say affordable.  They are still at par with others' prices.  And the taste?  It will make any picky eater be delighted.  It is note worthy that what they offer are heirloom recipes so dining here is like being transported back in time.

+12% VAT and 10% Service Charge

sawsawan ba kamo???

Here are what we order (for four people).  Drool on!

Tuna belly @ Php310.00

Ensalada @ Php210.00

best seller, Kare-kare @ Php 495.00

Adobong Balot @ Php220.00

Palitaw sa latik @ Php115.00

Turon Churros @ Php85.00

Here's the honest review:

1. Parking - can accommodate around 10 cars but the guard on duty will find a way for your car

2. Ambiance - 10/10, silent and cozy

3. Food - 9/10, try the best seller Kare-kare, it's really good

4. Price - 8/10, not cheap but affordable, around 500 each per person, with dessert and coffee

5. Service - 10/10, staff friendly and prompt

6. Access - 8/10, depending on the traffic, near UP

It's highly recommended... especially if you want to be transported to the good old days...  so take your balik bayan guests here and for sure they will love it...