A weekend at Marriott-RWM

I have been a Club Marriott member for at least three years now.  The cost of an annual membership is easily covered by the free night coupon included in the package, aside from the free dining/50% disc. to Quan Spa coupons one gets.  As I had not been able to use my coupons, except for the free overnight, I decided to spend a relaxing weekend at the Marriott in Resorts World Manila complex.

Taking the free Resorts World shuttle from Terminal 3 to the hotel, I had a seamless journey from Cebu City -- via Cebu Pacific, which was on time! -- to Marriott-RWM. Taking a late lunch in the coffeshop, I used my P1,000 food & beverage coupon. Despite a full meal, I only chalked up P800.00!

Alona of Club Marriott came to me during my lunch to renew my Club membership. No hassle! With a temporary authorization letter, I can avail of Club privileges until my card arrives by mail in a couple of weeks' time.  I also named my son as a secondary cardholder, so he can also use the coupons in the package.

Unfortunately, my dinner date -- a respected colleague from my National Commission on Culture & the Arts  days as the Central Visayas coordinator of the Literary Arts Committee -- could not make it at the last minute as her driver was unavailable.  So, I dined alone at the coffee shop using the P2,500 coupon.  Hence, I had a lovely seafood dinner and a bottle of cabernet saugvinon. (Half of which I brought back to my room.)  My young waiter, appropriately named Christus, went out of his way to get me the schedule of Masses at the St. Therese Chapel next door.  I wanted to attend the anticipated Mass next day, Saturday. Christus also informed me that I could still order a take-out with the balance on my bill.  So, a chilli dog it was for my breakfast the next morning...and what a huge one it turned out to be!  I could manage only a third of the sandwich.

Leisurely roaming around the Resorts World stores for some good buys in stores that are having a sale (I found some real "steals" in my previous visits:  check out Victoria's Secret underwear and cosmetics.  Also some of the branded accessories can be considerably discounted.), I stumbled into "Maleficent" in 3D showing in one of the RWM comfy theaters. With a free bag of popcorn that came with the ticket, I got engrossed in a good movie.  By the way, I had a healthy late lunch of Greek salad and fresh lemonade in a quaint resto in front of the theater.

After the 6pm Mass, a short walk from the hotel, I was ready for my dinner date.  Ditos Alcain of Interlink Travel & Tours became a fast friend after our fun times in Kenya exactly six years ago. I am quite sure about this since my grandson Noah was born when I was having a great safari in Kenya...and Noah is turning 6 on June 13!  How time flies! Ditos is one of a few people I get in touch whenever I am in Manila. She is so game and full of laughter. I even asked her to accompany me to "King & I."  I used my last coupon for a buffet lunch or dinner for 2 at the Marriott Coffee Shop. We took our time over each course, savoring the good food and the equally good company.

Con muchas estorias sin negativos...before we were aware of it, it was approaching 11pm. Meanwhile, the restaurant staff discreetly went about cleaning up without disturbing us. Kudos to the dining room staff of the hotel!

Breakfast on the last day, Sunday, was with my former fashion editor who is now Manila-based -- Clint Potestas.  My second night's stay was with buffet  breakfast for 2. The buffet spread was scrumptious and varied but Clint and I were more engrossed with our catching up on each other's lives. I treat my work colleagues as family so I am truly interested in their welfare and take pride in their success.  We later exchanged gifts before we parted.

I was on the free RWM shuttle back to the airport in plenty of time for my 2:55pm flt.  Unfortunately, it was bedlam in Terminal 3 when I reached it.  I had to wait a full hour before passengers for my flight were allowed into the check in area.  As I had an hour to spare, I had a full massage while waiting for my flight.  CEB was again on time on the flight back.

So, my Manila weekend turned out to be inexpensive and stress-free, while I managed to meet up with people I consider true friends.

Travel safely...travel well!  Will catch up with you from Johannesburg, South Africa.  Still have to pack for my trip tomorrow.