Manila's HOTTEST 2-Bedroom Share: Urban Deca Sm Ortigas!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling, sometimes chaotic, but hopefully totally honest world of reviewing a hotel! We're talking about [Hotel Name]. Now, I'm not one for flowery language, but I am one for a good time, and I'm hoping this place delivers. Let's break it down, warts and all, shall we?
First Impressions: The Accessibility Avalanche!
Okay, okay, let's start with the nitty-gritty, because let's face it, nobody wants to feel like they're tackling Mount Everest just to get to their room. And yeah, accessibility, it's crucial.
- Wheelchair Accessible: This is a big one. If you need it, you NEED it. [Hotel Name] claims to be wheelchair accessible. Double-check those details, people! Make the call, ask the hard questions! Don't assume. The devil is in the details, and sometimes, in a poorly designed ramp. "Accessible" can mean different things to different people (and different building codes!).
- Elevator? YES! Thank goodness! A hotel without an elevator in this day and age is a NOPE. Saves your legs, especially when you're hauling luggage and your dignity.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: We're talking accessible rooms, grab bars, all that jazz. Again, VERIFY this! Don't just take their word for it.
- Public Areas: I'm assuming elevators get you to the facilities, but check if the pool, spa, and restaurants are all easily accessible for everyone.
Internet – The Lifeline of the Modern Traveler
Seriously, can you even function without Wi-Fi these days? I can't. So:
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Woohoo! This is a win! No more fumbling with expensive roaming charges or hunting for that elusive signal in the lobby. My laptop and social media are already doing a happy dance.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Okay, so they have you covered, even for a midday coffee break at the Lounge. A must-have.
- Internet [LAN]: I'm old school, baby! LAN access is a bonus for those who need a more secure, faster connection.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Nobody Wants the Creeps
This is where they really need to shine. Especially in the age of… well, you know.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products, Professional-grade sanitizing services Sounds promising!
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas, Room Sanitization Opt-out Available (though why would you?): These are all fantastic signs.
- Bathroom Phone, Room Sanitization Opt-out Available Because again, there's no better time to get yourself clean than NOW!
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Hopefully, they're doing more than just saying they are.
- Hand sanitizer: Okay, good. That's basic, but important.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Let's hope the restaurant is not a sardine can!
- I love that [Hotel Name] offers, "individually-wrapped food options", and "sanitized kitchen and tableware items", which are just plain responsible!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking– The Fuel of Happiness
This is where things get really interesting. Because, let's be honest, a bad hotel breakfast can ruin a whole day.
- Restaurants: Multiple restaurants? Okay, I like the sound of that! Variety is the spice of life, and all that jazz.
- Asian, international and Western cuisine in restaurant: Great for different palates!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service: Buffet is always a risk, but I hope the options are delicious and the hygiene is top-notch. Takeaway is great for those lazy mornings!
- Room service [24-hour]: A Godsend. Late-night snack attack? No problem. Early-morning coffee delivery? Yes, please!
- Poolside bar: Because what's a vacation without a fruity cocktail by the pool? This is also a must-have.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Essential for the caffeine-addicted, like myself.
- Happy hour: Always a bonus.
- Snack bar great!
- Vegetarian restaurant: I'm not vegetarian myself, but it's great to have options.
Ways to Relax – The "Ahhhhh" Factor
This is where [Hotel Name] has the potential to truly shine. Let the pampering session begin!
- Pool with View: I'm envisioning myself now, perched on a lounger, cocktail in hand, overlooking… something beautiful. Fingers crossed! Views are key!
- Spa? Ah, the spa! Here is a stream of consciousness of my fantasy spa day:
- Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: Ok, I'm in heaven.
- I'm picturing myself, a sweaty mess, in a robe (the good kind, the fluffy kind, not the scratchy hotel kind), being led into a dimly lit room. The scent of lavender and lemongrass fills the air. A gentle hand guides me onto a warm massage table. Mmm, yes, please.
- I close my eyes and completely relax, feeling as my worries just melt away with each stroke of the masseuse's skilled hands. The tension in my shoulders loosens, the knots in my back dissolve. I might actually fall asleep.
- It is a true journey of bliss. I remember the smell of the lavender.
- I walk to the steam room, and breathe, allowing the moist heat to work its magic, cleansing my pores and renewing my spirit. Then the sauna! Ah, the heat.
- After the sauna, I get a body scrub, and the dead skin peels away to reveal the glowing fresh me underneath.
- I finally wrap up the day at the foot bath.
- Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: Gotta work off all those cocktails and amazing food, right?
For the Kids – The "Are We There Yet?" Factor
If you're traveling with little ones, this is crucial.
- Babysitting service: A lifesaver for parents who want some grown-up time.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This sets a standard, which is to cater to family.
Rooms – The Home Away From Home
Let's talk about the actual rooms, shall we? This is where you'll be spending a significant amount of time (hopefully sleeping!).
- Available in all rooms: You're going to need it.
- Air conditioning: Crucial.
- Alarm clock: Well, if you need to wake up, this is great!
- Bathrobes: Again, a good robe can make or break a hotel stay.
- Blackout curtains: Yes, please! Sleep is the best medicine.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for morning rituals.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean rooms are happy rooms.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Good for those who have to do a little work.
- Extra long bed: Yes, please!
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Because who wants to lug around a bulky one?
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind for valuables.
- Internet access – wireless: See above!
- Ironing facilities: The unsung hero of travel.
- Laptop workspace: Great, it just needs a desk!.
- Minibar: For those midnight cravings or celebratory drinks!
- Non-smoking: Always a plus.
- Private bathroom: Essential.
- Refrigerator: Great for storing snacks and drinks.
- Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies: Entertainment options!
- Seating area: A designated chill zone.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Smoke detector: Safety first!
- Soundproofing: Crucial for a good night's sleep.
- Telephone: For calling room service (or escaping a bad date).
- Toiletries: Little hotel soaps are sometimes the best thing in life.
- Wake-up service: In case your alarm fails you.
- Wi-Fi [free]: We've covered this!
- Window that opens: Fresh air, anyone?
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras That Make a Difference
These are the things that can elevate a decent stay to a great one.
- Concierge, Convenience store: Helpful!
- Doorman, Elevator, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Valet parking: All
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! I'm about to unleash a travel itinerary, a glorious, messy, Manila-flavored beast tailored for a stay in a shared-bedroom apartment in the Urban Deca Ortigas. Don't expect perfection, expect… well, me. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster.
The Manila Meanderings: A 5-Day Ortigas Odyssey (and Beyond!)
Day 1: Arrival, Apartment Angst, and Adobo Dreams
- Morning (06:00AM - 09:00AM): Airport Debacle! Landing at NAIA. Ugh. It’s ALWAYS a disaster. Pray the immigration lines are shorter than the line for the comfort room (bathroom, for my less-seasoned travelers). Factor in at least an hour for baggage claim and potential passport scrutiny. Seriously, bring snacks. You’ll need them.
- Late Morning (09:00AM - 11:00AM): Grab or Taxi? The Eternal Question… Navigating the airport. Grab vs. yellow taxi? Honestly? Flip a coin. My last taxi driver tried to sneak me the long way… and I called him out on it (with a LOT of hand gestures). Hopefully, my Filipino is better today. Aim for a solid 30-45 minutes to get to Urban Deca depending on Manila traffic.
- Midday (11:00AM - 12:00PM): Apartment Check-In and Apartment Trauma: Finally, Urban Deca. Hopefully the building staff are friendly, and the "2-bedroom sharing apt" means I actually like my roommates. (Please, no snoring!) This is when the reality of shared living hits you. Is the AC blasting? Is my bed actually a bed and not a glorified yoga mat? Don't judge; I'm tired.
- Lunch (12:00PM - 1:00PM): Food, Glorious Food! Hunger pangs are hitting hard. Time to find the nearest carinderia (small, local eatery). I’m craving adobo. Chicken adobo, pork adobo, I don’t care! Just give me that savory, vinegary goodness! This is where I'll probably also accidentally order a taho (sweet silken tofu drink) from a vendor and start my love affair with it.
- Afternoon (1:00PM - 4:00PM): Settling In, Grocery Shopping & Wardrobe Malfunction. Apartment unpacking, getting to know my shared apartment situation, and figuring out the essentials (toilet paper, snacks, and more toilet paper). Then, a trip to the nearest supermarket. I’ll probably get overwhelmed by the choices and end up buying a mountain of chichirya (potato chips and fried snacks) I probably won’t eat. Oh yeah, wardrobe malfunction. I’ll bring more clothes next time.
- Evening (4:00PM - 9:00PM): Ortigas Exploration and Dinner. Evening Ortigas. Walk around, get lost, find a cool bar, get a massage. Dinner somewhere casual – Greenhills Shopping Center's food court, anyone? And if I get REALLY ambitious, maybe a quick karaoke session.
Day 2: Manila's Melodrama and Mall Madness
- Morning (09:00AM - 12:00PM): Intramuros! History, Hype, and Human Heat. I'm really trying to do this right. Intramuros, the walled city. I'm picturing myself soaking in the history, riding a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), and feeling all cultured. Reality? The heat will be brutal. The crowds will be insane. And I'm probably going to get ripped off by a "friendly" tour guide. But hey, history! And maybe a good photo op.
- Lunch (12:00PM - 1:00PM): Intramuros Eats. Trying to find an authentic Filipino lunch in Intramuros. Fingers crossed it's not all tourist traps. A little restaurant with a view… hopefully the prices won't make me cry. (If I'm extra lucky, I'll find a place with halo-halo for dessert!)
- Afternoon (1:00PM - 5:00PM): Mall of Asia (MOA) Mayhem. This is Manila, after all. A mega-mall is essential. Mall of Asia is HUGE. I'll get lost. I'll panic. But I'll also find some amazing deals, maybe a decent coffee, and probably a souvenir or two. This is also where I tend to get a bit 'overwhelmed' by the sheer volume of people. I consider just staying in one place.
- Evening (5:00PM - 9:00PM): Sunset by the Bay and Dinner. Back to the bay for a sunset. Should be beautiful, if I can push past the screaming kids and selfie-stick-wielding crowds. Or a simple dinner somewhere casual. It depends how much I've exerted my emotions today. More karaoke? Maybe.
Day 3: Greenhills Greenery… and Bargaining Battles!
- Morning (09:00AM - 12:00PM): Greenhills Shopping Center. This is where I will try to find "authentic" Filipino pearls. I'll get hustled. I'll probably overpay. But hey, a pearl necklace! And I'll definitely bargain! It's required!
- Lunch (12:00PM - 1:00PM): Food Court Adventures Lunch at Greenhills food court. Cheap and cheerful. And there is a strong chance I'll buy some weird deep fried thing I can't identify.
- Afternoon (1:00PM - 4:00PM): More Greenhills and a Hidden Gem. Another round of shopping at Greenhills. Then, I'll try to find a lesser-known spot – maybe a vintage shop, a local craft market, a hidden cafe – to escape the crowds and do some reflection.
- Evening (4:00PM - 9:00PM): Lazy Afternoon and Dinner. Rest, chill, recharge. Maybe go back to the apartment, catch up on the internet, and just… breathe. Then, dinner. Somewhere I haven't been yet. Maybe a boodle fight (communal eating experience) for something fun and uniquely Filipino.
Day 4: A Little Day Trip… Or Just More Manila?
- Morning (09:00AM - 12:00PM): Day Trip Decisions! Day trip – Tagaytay for the view? Maybe, if traffic allows. Or a trip to the chocolate hills? Let's see. Alternatively a morning at the local market, which will be hectic but also exciting!
- Lunch (12:00PM - 1:00PM): Lunch on-the-Go. Depends on the day trip plans, or maybe somewhere near Urban Deca.
- Afternoon (1:00PM - 5:00PM): Cultural Immersion. Depending on that day trip, time to see something.
- Evening (5:00PM - 9:00PM): Farewell Fiesta (or a Quiet Night In). Trying to decide how to spend my last evening. I could have a final hurrah, going out to a restaurant. Or maybe I just want to chill at the apartment, watch something, and have a quiet night in. It's a tough decision.
Day 5: Departure Day – The Bitter Farewell
- Morning (08:00AM - 11:00AM): Packing, Panic, and Airport Run. Packing is a disaster. Did I buy too much? Did I forget anything? I need to get to the airport. Traffic in Manila is a beast. I pray I have enough time, and enough patience.
- Midday (11:00AM - 1:00PM): Last-Minute Souvenirs and Airport Chaos. Grabbing last-minute pasalubong (souvenirs) if I didn't buy enough. Then, airport security… again.
- Afternoon (1:00PM - Onward): Goodbye Manila! Flight time. Sadness. The End. Until next time, Manila!
Notes, Ramblings, and Randomness:
- Traffic: Manila traffic is legendary. Factor in HOURS. Seriously.
- Food: Eat everything. Be adventurous. Try the street food! (With appropriate caution – I'm not responsible for your stomach.)
- People: Filipinos are generally incredibly friendly and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask for help. But also, be aware and street smart.
- Emotions: This trip will involve elation, frustration, wonder, and exhaustion. Embrace it!
- Imperfection: This itinerary isn't perfect - it is realistic. Embrace the chaos.
- Mood: This is all mood-dependent. If I'm tired, don't plan on me doing a lot.
- Most Important of All: Bring a sense of humor. You'll
So, like, why even bother with a used car? Isn't it just a giant money pit waiting to happen?
Oh, man. The *used car question.* Gets me every time. Alright, look, yes, there's a *chance* it's a money pit. A real, honest-to-goodness possibility. My cousin, Brenda? Bought a used convertible (a *convertible*, in *Minnesota*!) and it spent more time in the shop than on the road. She basically financed a rust bucket. But… hear me out… brand new cars? They depreciate faster than my will to exercise after a plate of nachos. Depreciation is a killer! You drive it off the lot and POOF – instant loss.
Here’s the thing: Sometimes… you *need* a car. And sometimes, you don’t have a gazillion dollars. Used is often the best (or, let's be real, *only*) option.
What's the *first* thing I should do before even *thinking* about looking at cars?
Okay, this is *crucial*. Seriously, listen up. The very, very *first* thing? Get your financing sorted. Seriously. Before you drool over a single picture online, get pre-approved for a loan. Why? Because you *will* fall in love with a car. It's a given. And then the dealer might try to pull a fast one on you with their financing, making you think you *have* to take their horrible rates. Been there, done that. Regret level: MAXIMUM. Talk to your bank, a credit union… explore all options. Knowing your budget upfront is a lifesaver. Trust me.
And while you're at it, figure out your insurance costs *before* you get attached to a specific make and model. Again, avoid the heartbreak later.
Okay, I have a loan (hopefully). Now what? How do I even *start* looking? The internet's a black hole of possibilities, right?
Ah, yes. The internet. The wonderful, terrifying, potentially scam-filled internet. My advice? Start broad. Don't commit to a specific car just yet. Think about your *needs*. Do you need something practical? Something fuel-efficient? Something that screams "I'm a cool cat who needs a car, maaaan"? (That last one might affect the price… just saying). And don't get blinded by features you *think* you want. Sunroofs are cool until they leak in the rain.
Once you have a *general* idea (like, "smallish SUV under $15,000"), start browsing sites like AutoTrader, CarGurus, etc. Read reviews! Be critical! Don’t just click on the first car that looks vaguely pretty. The more research, the better. You can also explore dealership websites and websites that are just specialized used-car sales. Don't discount the 'smaller' options that can be found!
And this is HUGE: *Don't be afraid to walk away, even after you've looked at the car.* You can always find another one. Remember your price range and requirements!
Dealing with Dealers. Ugh. How do I not get totally screwed over?
Dealers… a necessary evil, sometimes. Okay, so here's the deal. *Negotiate*. Never pay the sticker price. Never. Even if the car is "perfect". They *always* have room to move. And be prepared to walk away. Seriously. It’s a power move. They might lowball you or try tricks, and be prepared for that. If the car is worth it, you can go the extra mile, but always leave yourself some room to move if any issues do pop up
My biggest blunder from the dealership? I didn't pay attention. I got caught up in the sales pitch, and I signed the papers too quickly, and I did not go through everything, and I regretted it.
Bring a friend, someone who isn't blinded by shiny paint jobs. Someone who will keep their cool and ask the tough questions. They can also serve as your backup person if you're ready to give up to get the car in the process. Seriously consider a mechanic to check the car before closing the deal. It will definitely save your money. I didn't do this once, and I ended up with a car that threw a rod a month later. Not fun. Not cheap. Learn from my mistakes!
What about private sellers? Risky business, right?
Private sellers… can be a minefield, but also have the potential for a sweet deal. The upside? You might (and it's a big *might*) get a better price. The downside? Less protection. They’re not bound by all the dealer regulations.
Always, always, ALWAYS meet in a public place. Don't go alone. Bring someone with you. Get the car inspected by a mechanic *before* you even think about buying it. Ask about the car’s history, maintenance records, and any known issues. And trust your gut. If something feels off, walk away. There are plenty of other cars out there.
Once I find *the one*, how do I seal the deal? What's involved in the paperwork? *Is it confusing*?
Paperwork… ugh. It can be confusing. And overwhelming. But you can do it! The key is to read everything carefully. Don't sign anything you don't understand. If something doesn’t make sense, ASK! Ask the seller, ask your friend, ask Google. Don’t let anyone pressure you. Know what you are signing, and stay calm.
You'll need the title (make sure it's clean and in the seller's name!), a bill of sale, and potentially, some other forms depending on your state. Make sure you understand the terms of the sale, how you're paying (cash, check, etc.), and the agreed-upon price. And don’t forget to get insurance *before* you drive the car home! State requirements are usually mentioned in the forms.
Oh, and don't forget to transfer the title and register the car with your local DMV. More paperwork. Sigh.
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