When life gets fast, I’ve learned that the best investment you can make is in a proper reset.

I recently treated myself to an urban escape at the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts—a property featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like when hospitality is elevated to an art form, this is it. From premium balcony views overlooking the vibrant city skyline to seamless luxury at every turn, this property officially earned a top spot on my Manila staycation recommendations.

Here is how to do a Michelin-worthy staycation right.

☕️🍸 Executive Lounge: Where Productivity Meets Peace

As someone juggling a full schedule, finding a space that balances deep focus with relaxation is rare. The Executive Lounge at the Manila Marriott (located on the 2nd floor of the West Wing) quickly became my favorite sanctuary.

Whether I was fueling up with an early morning coffee, settling in for an afternoon study and work session, or winding down with evening cocktails and handcrafted hors d'oeuvres, the vibe here is unmatched. It offers a refined mix of exclusivity and calm that makes crushing your daily goals feel effortless.

Pro-Tip: Lounge access is complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elites, or you can easily unlock it by booking an Executive Room!

🍳 Morning Fuel: Breakfast at Marriott Cafe (M Cafe)

A luxury staycation is only as good as its breakfast spread, and Marriott Cafe (often fondly called M Cafe) delivers on every level.

Walking into M Cafe in the morning feels like entering a food lover's playground. The open-theater kitchens feature a massive international spread—from hot, savory Filipino breakfast staples (think classic tapsilog and fresh taho) to freshly baked pastries, live egg stations, noodles, and dim sum. Sitting down with a hot cappuccino and a customized plate while soaking in the bright, modern morning atmosphere was easily one of the highlights of my stay.

🏋️‍♂️🧖‍♂️🏊‍♂️ The Ultimate Reset: Sweat, Steam, and Soak

To wrap up a luxury stay, a proper wellness circuit is non-negotiable. Manila Marriott serves as the ultimate urban wellness escape, and I put their facilities to the test with my go-to three-step routine:

1. SWEAT IT OUT: Power through a full session at their state-of-the-art fitness center.

2. STEAM IT OUT: Unwind, release tension, and detox in the tranquil sauna.

3. SOAK IT ALL IN: Dive into pure bliss at the outdoor pool to cap it all off.

Leaving the hotel, I felt completely recharged in mind, body, and soul.

If you're looking for a refined staycation that offers top-tier dining, world-class lounge perks, and true relaxation right in Metro Manila, pop the Manila Marriott Hotel on your bucket list. Your well-deserved reset button is waiting!

If you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and maybe even dance in your seat, then you'd better clear your schedule because #DeliaD, the most fabulous musical of the year, is finally here!

The stellar cast is headlined by Phi Palmos as the iconic Delia D, joined by an outstanding lineup including Floyd Tena, Tex Ordoñez de Leon, Omar Udin, John “Sweet” Lapus, Shaira Optimar, Joanna Yap-Co, Joshua Cabiladas, Mimi Marquez, Rapah Manalo, Miah Canton, Alfritz Blanche, Natasha Cabrera, and Chaye Mogg — along with the incredible ensemble and swings who bring the stage to life.

With two showtimes daily at 3 PM and 8 PM, there’s no excuse to miss it. Whether you're planning a weekend bonding moment with the fam, a barkada night out, or a solo date for your theater-loving soul, #DeliaD has your back. From the lighting to the costumes to the unforgettable musical numbers — everything about this show screams bongga.

🎟️ Where to get your tickets?

Hit up SM Tickets, TicketWorld, or the Newport World Resorts website. For more details or group bookings, you can also call 0917 872 8237 or 7908-8888.

Enjoy an Overnight stay in a Holiday Inn Express Standard Room with breakfast for two (2) & two (2) concert tickets when you purchase "Watch & Stay at Holiday Inn Express | DELIA D MUSICAL" featuring the songs of Jonathan Manalo

So what are you waiting for? Get glammed up, grab your tickets, and prepare to laugh, cry, and cheer at #DeliaD. It’s the kind of show that’ll leave you singing all the way home.

See you at the Newport Performing Arts Theater!

THE GALA NIGHT EXPERIENCE AND FEEDBACK

There was no dull moment at the Delia D Gala Night, thanks to the vibrant and colorful performances throughout the show. A big round of applause to Phi Palmos — you truly gave justice to the character of Delia D! Scene-stealers include John Lapus, Shaira Opsimar, Floyd Tena, and Mimi Marquez, who all delivered standout performances.

I also want to highlight some of the iconic songs featured in the musical: Kabataang Pinoy, Sikat Ang Pinoy, Pinoy Ako, Tara Tena, Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw, Pagbigyang Muli, Paano Ba Ang Magmahal, Patuloy Ang Pangarap, Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo, Strings, Blooming, Sinayang Mo, Rampa, Wag Kang Pabebe, and Boom Panes, among others. Each track added so much energy and emotion to the show!

There are number of lines that Eraserheads' song, "Ang Huling El Bimbo" captured our hearts such as "Tagahugas ka raw, Ng pinggan sa may Ermita. At isang gabi'y nasagasaan, Sa isang madilim na eskinita, haaaa" or that first line is an iconic one, "Kamukha mo si Paraluman No'ng tayo ay bata pa..." and these made us emotional to the point of crying. I think this was what I felt during the 2019 run of Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical. It was a hell of emotional ride from the start to climax up to the finale - it was just perfection!!!

BOOK Ang Huling El Bimbo Musical Now - Get Your Tickets Here.

Today, we flew to Manila from Cebu via Cebu Pacific Air to attend a Musical which is very close to my heart - not because I am close to the Cast or to the Staff but because it opened some realizations in my life when it runs shows last 2019. And I don't want to post it here, but it was a really good life-changing realization. Anyways, we had a nice and nostalgic 90's experience with Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical.

Hilton Manila Hotel

During that short visit in Manila just to experience again the award-winning "Ang Huling El Bimbo" The Musical Show, we stayed in Hilton Manila Hotel.  Hilton Manila is a sophisticated urban oasis forming an integral part of Resorts World Manila. An ideal address for business and leisure travelers, the hotel provides stylish rooms and suites, innovative culinary choices, and excellent facilities.

For BOOKING:

Lunch at OORI

Oori is a Korean word which means "we, us, or ours" but here in Sheraton Manila, it means sumptuous food with the modern ambiance of one of a kind Korean dining experience. 

Ang Huling El Bimbo Gala Show at the Newport Performing Arts

This summer and beyond, Newport World Resorts is breaking out of the ordinary and creating epic experiences and adventures for everyone within one property. Escape into world-class entertainment as the country’s pioneer casino, hotel, and entertainment destination brought its all-Filipino hit musical back to the stage. 

On April 21, Ang Huling El Bimbo (AHEB) made its highly-anticipated comeback to the award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater featuring a new cast, fresh choreography, stellar production, and iconic songs that struck a chord in the hearts of Filipinos. The show has a regular schedule every Friday and Saturday at 8PM, and matinee performances every Saturday and Sunday at 3PM for April with new show dates recently added in May to accommodate more fans and theatergoers.

Newport World Resorts’ production outfit Full House Theater Company (FHTC) has pulled out all the stops to set the stage and prepare the cast during rehearsals. New members of the cast shared their epic experiences in bringing the show to life. 

Even as a master of various crafts, award-winning artist Nino Alejandro who plays Anthony, still has plenty of new things to learn from the acting workshops with FHTC Director Dexter Santos and Co-Artistic Director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Alejandro shares, “The new experiences I had during our rehearsals were the daily acting workshops we got to do with the First Lady of Philippine Theater, Ms. Menchu Launchengco-Yulo. Also learning from and working with Direk Dexter has helped me sharpen and broaden my process.”

Before joining the cast of AHEB, indie folk artist Bullet Dumas recalled singing the ‘90s iconic track “Poorman’s Grave” in gigs. Now, audiences witnessed him perform it onstage as Emman. Given his familiarity with the piece, the challenge was to give it a new flavor. According to him, “When something you thought was very much familiar with somehow surprises you again and again, you will love the process. It always felt like a Eureka moment whenever Direk Dexter Santos, Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Myke Salomon, OJ Mariano, and my castmates help me realize different approaches to how Emman can tackle the song.”

Actor, singer, and host Anthony Rosaldo made his theater debut playing young Hector, one of the lead roles in the musical. Since the rehearsals, he knew AHEB is a difficult show to mount yet this brought a fun experience for him as a newcomer. “Coming in as a newbie in theatre, it is important that I kept my focus and really put in a lot of hard work during our rehearsals. The audience will see a very excited and enthusiastic young Hector”, Rosaldo says.

Experience a nostalgic escape to the ‘90s in the hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at Newport World Resorts Box Office, TicketWorld, and SM Tickets outlets:  P3,776 (SVIP), 3,236 (VIP), P2,696 (GOLD), P1,942 (SILVER), and P1,079 (BRONZE). Recommended for audiences aged 13 years old and above. For inquiries, contact the Newport World Resorts National Sales Team via JhayR Dela Cruz at 0917 818 9847, Raf Sangco at 0917 807 9387, Carl Cuaresma at 0917 829 2173, and Girah Manaligod at 0917 872 8309.

Escape the ordinary at Newport World Resorts, you know you want to. For more information on Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical and its show schedule, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and @fullhousetheater on Facebook and Instagram, @nwresorts on Twitter. Join the #TindahanNiAlingNena challenge on TikTok. Tag the official AHEB TikTok account @aheb.2023 and use the hashtags #AHEB2023 #AngHulingElBimboTheMusical #NewportWorldResorts #YKYWT. Make the most of your visit and sign up for an Epic Membership or download the Newport World Resorts Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Breakfast at Kusina

Cebu - Manila - Cebu Flight via Cebu Pacific Air

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, flies Cebu to Manila and Manila to Cebu Daily so there's no excuse not to fly to the Capital and enjoy the award-winning Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical in Newport World Resorts.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, is encouraging every Juan to seize the moment and take advantage of its low fares as it offers another round of seat sale to make summer much brighter.

From April 26 to 30, 2023, CEB travelers can book their flights across the airline’s widest domestic network for as low as PHP 199 one-way base fare, exclusive of taxes and other fees, and travel as early as May 1 until September 30, 2023.

“This summer is the perfect time for every Juan to push through with their well-deserved travel plans. We invite our passengers to go on their next great summer adventure with Cebu Pacific,” said Carmina Romero, Cebu Pacific Director for Corporate Communications.

Whether you’re looking to cool down and swim on the white sand beaches of Boracay and Bohol or escape the hustle and bustle of city life while roaming around the nature parks of Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, and General Santos, there’s a Cebu Pacific flight for you directly from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao.

Passengers with existing Travel Funds may use these to pay for flights and other add-ons. Apart from the Travel Fund, other payment options such as payment centers, credit or debit cards, and e-wallets may also be used.

CEB flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations, spanning across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Book your flights now via bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.