Adding color to my life

“Adding color to my life”

Sun.Star Davao, May 10, 2014

          

For my birthday celebration this year, we had a family weekend staycation (or nearcation, for some) at the hip and vibrant Park Inn by Radisson Davao, which celebrated its 1^st year anniversary recently. It was the perfect getaway, a home away from home and yet so close to our very own home.

Upon arriving at the hotel’s well-appointed and multi-hued lobby, I was immediately greeted by warm smiles and cheerful birthday greetings from the friendly front office staff. They must have been advised by the hotel’s charming public relations officer Meg Sta. Ines about my birthday. It was Meg, also a lifestyle columnist at another local newspaper, who invited my family for a staycation at Park Inn for two superb days.

We were ushered into our room on the 5^th floor which had an incredible view of the former Lanang Golf and Country Club golf course and the Davao Gulf. While looking at the expansive greenery, my hubby Gary waxed sentimental as he recalled his many fond adventures with buddies at this 18-hole golf course.

Beautifully displayed on the table/workstation was a surprise birthday cake from Park Inn, along with a scrumptious fruit platter. What a much appreciated and thoughtful gesture from the management and staff of the hotel!

The standard room we stayed in was cozy and comfortable for our family of four. I adored the pops of color on the wall and in the different parts of the hotel that fittingly reflected Park Inn’s tagline, “Adding Color to Life”.

Our king-sized memory foam bed was very relaxing that the kids instantly settled in, TV switched to their favorite cable TV channel while savoring the aircon on full blast. As for me, logging into my social media accounts never felt so easy, thanks to Park Inn’s complimentary and high speed internet connection.

The birthday greetings through Facebook and text messages came one after the other. And, just like what I have done for the past few years, I thanked each and every friend who remembered my birthday---even if I had to cover more than 300 greetings and comments for the next few days.

As the afternoon progressed, the kids were raring to swim at the hotel pool. But, when my husband Gary checked his bag, he discovered that he accidentally left his board shorts at home. No time to fret! We swiftly went to SM Lanang Premier. The mall was conveniently connected to a covered walkway from the hotel. We came back in a flash with new board shorts, chips and drinks in tow, ready to jump into the waiting pool!

As expected, the pool was much-wanted and inviting especially with the scorching summer heat. While the hubby and kids swam leisurely in the pool, I stayed at the pool bar and treated myself to a cosmopolitan cocktail. It was my birthday, after all. Yay! Cheers to me!

In the evening, I hosted a birthday dinner with my Huang family and Teves in-laws at SM Lanang Premier’s Hog’s Breath Café.  Again, the very short distance to the mall felt like we were staying at a place with the biggest ‘backyard’.  After dinner, my youngest daughter Chelsea and her energetic cousins ran in wild abandon at the spacious open area where they marveled at the delightful fountain show.

With their energies drained, the kids decided to call it a night and we headed back to the hotel via the walkway.

When we entered our room, we were in for a sweet treat. There were delectable chocolates served daintily on a plate with a good night note from the hotel.

The king-sized bed could ably fit my husband, 8-year old daughter and I while my tween daughter excitedly set up her pull-out sofa bed right beside the window. In just under an hour, we were off to dreamland.

The following morning, I programmed my alarm at 4:30 a.m. and woke up my eldest child Anicka. She was going to cheer for her good friend Oona who joined the Team Titans anniversary marathon. SM Lanang Premier conveniently served as the event’s jump off and end points.

Park Inn is truly ideal for those who advocate an active lifestyle. Aside from the hotel’s fitness gym, guests can run or jog at SM Lanang Premier’s 950-linear meter long Joggers’ Lane. From our room window, it was absolutely delightful to see people use this popular spot to jog in the morning or in the evening after work.

We had our power breakfast at the hotel’s RBG Bar and Grill. Breakfast is something our family never ever skips. We were glad that the breakfast buffet spread at the hotel satiated our hunger. There was a wide array of choices—from congee, noodle soup, cold cuts, green salad, cheese, egg, buns, rolls, pancakes, cereal, sausages, dilis, fresh fruits, among others at only P550 per person. Children under 12 years old get to eat at the breakfast buffet at 50% off.

During breakfast, I saw several out-of-town guests who were delegates from a national convention held at the nearby SMX Convention Center. They also brought their families with them for a few days of business with pleasure.

Our heavy breakfast turned brunch made us sleepy and lethargic. So, when we returned to our room we indulged in a much-deserved snooze.

Recharged from our nap, we were able to shop again at the mall to purchase some summer essentials that we needed for our upcoming vacation overseas. The kids ended the afternoon with a heavenly dip at the pool.

           

           Normally, when our family stays at hotels, we get to enjoy the room and facilities only after a long and tiring day of sightseeing or work. Our chillaxing shop-eat-swim-sleep staycation was indeed a welcome change that became a fantastic bonding experience for our small family.

At the end of our two-day respite, we felt refreshed when we returned to our home and workplace.

Turning a year older became extra colorful and exciting with my fun-filled birthday weekend staycation made doubly special by Park Inn by Radisson Davao!

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom Lolita, mom-in-law Ester, sisters-in-law Pat, Maricel, Eileen and Lerlen; my mommy friends and to all my ‘Mom-About-Town’ mommy readers!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.