A staycation allows Tessa to learn more about Makati

MANILA, Philippines - She may have traveled to different parts of the globe but Tessa Prieto-Valdes swears that it may sound cliché but there really is no place like home. A longtime Makati resident, Tessa knows whereof she speaks. “Makati is like Soho in New York,” she says. “Though on top of mind, it’s considered a place for business, there are still quaint areas like Salcedo where weekend markets and Art in the Park are held.”

Tessa has come to realize that there is till so much to discover about the city where she lives with her husband Den- nis and their four kids. Thus, Makati as a staycation destination totally appeals to her. “People ask me why I stay in Makati for my vacation,” shares Tessa. “But then again, why do we take vacations at all? We do so to relax, rejuvenate, experience a city’s culture, unwind, shop, be enter- tained and taste the local cuisine.”

All of that is possible through a Makati staycation. The even better part of the deal is that Makati, the city that makes things happen, recently launched an exclusive promo to allow families and friends to have an ultimate staycation without leaving the metro and make memorable experiences transpire. In partnership with MasterCard, the Makati Staycation will be available from four iconic global hotel brands located within Ayala Center: Inter- Continental Manila, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Raffles and Fairmont Makati. It’s as easy as swiping a MasterCard credit, debit or prepaid cards to enjoy discounts and perks from the participating hotels until Dec. 31.

Tessa can vouch for the said promo’s many delights and rewards. The Makati Staycation campaign offers accommodation packages that all come with sumptuous buffet breakfast for two. For a minimum of two-night stay, you can satisfy your taste palates in InterConti- nental Manila and Holiday Inn & Suites with P2,000 and P1,500 worth of dining credits respectively to be used at any of the hotels’ outlets.

You may also enjoy 25-percent discount on food and drinks at Prince Albert, Gam- brinus, and Sol Y Sombra as well as the Citron and OZ Bar in Holiday Inn. While Fairmont and Raffles Makati offer relaxing moments with a complimentary afternoon tea for two at the Writers’ Bar in addition to the 25-percent discount in Spectrum, Café Macaron, and Fairmont Lounge. For an even unforgettable experience, you may avail of the 25-percent discount at the hotels’ spa services or just add P2,000 for an option to have a 60-minute massage for a complete pampering activity or learn about the historical and heritage sites of the city such as Saints Paul and Peter Church and Guadalupe Ruins among others in the Makati Discovery Tour. For walk-in guests who wish to dine at any of the hotels without booking a room, best to come in groups of four so you can enjoy the 4 + 1 free promo.

Availing of the promo is just one click away. All you need to do is visit www. makeitmakati.com, click on the Makati Staycation icon at the homepage, choose a hotel and register. Representatives from each hotel with then contact and assist you in completing your reservation. Be sure to reserve until Dec. 31 before rooms are fully booked.

To win free staycation vouchers, join the Make it Memorable online raffle promo at www.facebook.com/makeitmakati.