Why we love Shangrila Boracay

"I like it here." said our little master during our first afternoon at Shangrila Resort in Boracay.  We were blessed to have been invited to a wedding there last month and really enjoyed our stay.  I am so thankful Bry decided that we book a room there to make things easier since I am pregnant.  Here are some of the many reasons why we liked it there:

1. Hassle free transfers - we were well taken cared from from the time we arrived at the airport.  The jetty ride to the resort was fast and rather fun.  The staff made sure our luggages were all accounted for.

2. Personalized Service - From the moment we checked in, the staff  addressed us as Mr. and Mrs. Tan.  They did this even during the reception.  Our server was quite observant.  I asked for some ice for my drink only once and she kept on refilling it when needed.  It's not hard to do but I still appreciated it.

3. Fun Playroom - Their kids playroom will impress both kids and kids at heart.  There's a lot of toys, a place to rest and a big slide.  Ben and his cousin Basti had a great time there.

4. Yummy food - I enjoyed our meals, even Ben's kiddie servings.  Adobo is always my comfort food and their version didn't disappont.  Needless to say, the food during the reception was superb.

5. The salon - I liked the efficient service of the salon where I had my hair and make-up done.  I didn't feel rushed but was done within an hour.  Their stylist understood the simple, neat and pretty look I was going for.

6. The afternoon turn down service - Aside from making sure our room is clean in the middle of the day, we got fruits and pastries to fill our tummies. 

7. Wifi availability - a definite plus for techies like Bryant and I.  We're glad wireless internet was available in the rooms.  It makes uploading photos easier .

8. Handling of evrnts - John and Deb, the lovely couple, had a great team helping them style and plan their wedding.  It's a good thing also that the hotel management and staff were able to efficiently help them implement their plans.  This may not be a big deal but among my favorites were the lemon water and cold towels offered during the wedding ceremony.  It's the little things that leave a big impression.

9. Spacious Rooms - we only booked their basic room  but it was already quite big with a balcony to sit on and get some fresh air.  There's a  bathtub, too, which Ben really enjoyed :) The bed was big enough for the three of us considering Ben moves around a lot while sleeping.

10. After check-out service - to be perfectly honest, I might not have written about our experience if not for this one.  The day after we checked out, we realized we might have left something in the resort.  Bry emailed them and the staff immediately called back and said they found it and will send it to our hosts so it can be returned back to us.  I was quite impressed that they got back to our email with an actual phone call. 

Too bad we couldn't share many photos, it was a challenge documenting our stay while running after Ben.  Hopefully we'll get a chance to go back there soon.  Thanks J and D for inviting us and for Shangrila Boracay for making our stay relaxing and fun :)

Ben and the beach :)

This year, we are quite fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take Ben to the beach twice.  Ben loves the beach, much like his gwakong (my father) and mama.  It's fun watching Ben play with the sand and brave the waves.  He has a tan now, hehe .. I guess that couldn't be helped given the amount of time we were in the sun .. at least he didn't get sunburned (yehey!).  Here are some photos as well as some tips for going to the beach with a little one.


1. Wear the proper attire and bring appropriate toys.  Ben enjoys his dump truck, shovel and rake.  Meanwhile Daddy and I are happy with with his rash guards and beach shoes. 

2. Sunblock Sunblock Sunblock! Our favorites: Shiseido Gentle Sun Protection Lotion and Indigo Baby's After Sun Gel.  The formulation of the Shiseido sunblock is safe of babies and doesn't feel sticky.  Meanwhile, Indigo Baby's After Sun Gel has a cooling effect that is quite soothing to the skin after being exposed to the sun.  (Note: I'm not specifically endorsing these products, nor am I paid to do so.  Just sharing a bit of our experience with them)

3. As much as possible avoid direct sunlight from 9am-3pm.  These are the hours of the day when the rays are most harmful.  Of course, sometimes it can't be help but it's good to know that it is advisable not to stay out side for too long during this time frame.  It was hard for us to get Ben out of the water but we did our best to maximize the best time to stay by the beach

4. Don't forget the meals and the naps.  Too much excitement can cause you and your little one to have so much fun that it's a challenge to make sure there is some rest time.  One thing I have learned with Ben is the more tired he is, the more he fights his sleep.  As for the meals, we finally tried not bringing home cooked food during our trip.  It was very challenging for me to because I have to gauge whether or not how much he ate was enough but we survived, haha!.  Bry and I also did our best to give him snacks in between like fruits or pastries. 

5. Safely Explore and Enjoy !!!  We're quite lucky Ben enjoys swimming in salt water.  We even got him to swim with us when we went snorkeling.  Imagine our pride when he saw a pawikan and said "turtle"! Being in the beach is one of the best opportunities to explore your child to the beauty of nature so make the most out of it.