Shore Residences Manila: PH's Most Luxurious Oceanfront Paradise?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, potentially-paradisiacal waters of Shore Residences Manila: PH's Most Luxurious Oceanfront Paradise? Now, the most luxurious part? We'll get to that. But I'm here to tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (plus maybe a few rambles).
First, let's talk access. This is Manila, people! Getting anywhere is a journey. I'm talking epic, potentially-involving-near-death-experiences kind of journey. Shore Residences, thankfully, is pretty accessible. It's not shoved in a back alley. BUT, and it’s a BIG but, traffic in Manila is a beast. Plan accordingly. Airport transfer is a MUST (they offer it, phew!). And once you are there, the elevators are a godsend. Good job, Shore!
Accessibility Score: 7/10 (Traffic is the enemy, always.)
Wheelchair Accessible? Let's hope so. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests," and an elevator. Fingers crossed that's not code for "ramps that are basically death traps."
Internet, Sweet Internet: Okay, this is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Music to my ears! And LAN access if you're old school. Seriously, I can't live without my internet. I need to check my email. I also need to doomscroll on TikTok. It's a balance, you see. And they got it covered.
Internet Score: 9/10 (Free Wi-Fi = Happy Camper)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Prepare for a Whirlwind!
Okay, here's where things get a little overwhelming. They have everything. Everything. I'm talking:
- Gym/Fitness: Gotta work off those buffet calories! (More on that later.)
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): Plural! Pools with views! Sounds swanky.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Ooh, sign me up! Spa days are basically mandatory.
- Massage: Even better! All that travel exhaustion needs massaging.
- Foot bath: Sounds delightfully odd, but hey, I'm game.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: Okay, starting to get a little too luxurious.
Relaxation Overload Score: 10/10 (But seriously, which do I choose first?! Decisions, decisions.)
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID Chronicles
This is the new normal, folks. They're trying. And, honestly, they're doing a pretty good job.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Hand sanitizer? Everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Probably. Hopefully.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-check.
They even offer a room sanitization opt-out which I thought was pretty cool.
Safety Score: 8/10 (Because you can never be too safe, especially in the time of COVID)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Eat! (And Drink!)
This is where things get interesting. Here's the rundown:
- Restaurants: Plural! Always a good sign.
- Poolside bar: Mandatory for any oceanfront paradise, amirite?
- Coffee shop: Because coffee is life.
- Breakfast service (Buffet?): YES! This is the BEST thing for me. Every morning is like a special occasion.
- Snack bar: Great for grazing while trying to decide what else to eat.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless you, room service!
- They offer Asian, International and Vegetarian cuisine, plus soup, desserts, salad, coffee and tea!
IMPORTANT POINT: I had the Asian breakfast, and honestly, it was incredible. The congee was something I’d be ready to take a bus to eat daily.
Dining Score: 9/10 (Breakfast buffets are my weakness.)
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things
This is the stuff that makes a hotel truly great.
- Cash withdrawal? Yes. Critical. You'll need cash for something.
- Concierge: Hopefully helpful, not just air fresheners.
- Convenience store: Because you will forget something.
- Elevator: Essential!
- Dry cleaning and Laundry: A godsend, especially if you are staying for a long time.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Gotta get that cheesy "I Heart Manila" shirt!
Service Score: 8/10 (Solid, nothing to really complain about!)
For the Kids – Family Fun
If you are bringing kids, here is some of the things you should expect:
- Babysitting service: A lifesaver!
- Family/child friendly: That’s important.
- Kids facilities and meal
For the Kids Score: 8/10 (Kids might be thrilled!)
Available in All Rooms – Your Home Away From Home
Here’s the deal. You, in your room, will have it all:
- Air conditioning (essential in Manila)
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes (YES!)
- Coffee/tea maker (double YES!)
- Free bottled water (triple YES!)
- Shower
- TV
- Wi-Fi [free] (did I mention that's important?)
Room Amenities Score: 9/10 (Pretty darn good!)
My Big, Bold, Messy Opinion:
Is Shore Residences Manila "PH's Most Luxurious Oceanfront Paradise?" That's up for debate. "Oceanfront" is accurate. "Paradise" is a stretch. "Luxurious" is a fair description, but not the most. Look, it's a very good hotel. It's got the pools, the spa, the room service, and that glorious breakfast buffet. It's a great place to relax.
My one BIG complaint? While the staff was generally pleasant, I had a minor issue during check-in. There was a small mix up with my reservation, which was a bit frustrating after a long flight. It took a while to resolve, but, to their credit, they did resolve it (and offered a drink voucher, which helped!).
The Verdict:
Shore Residences Manila is a solid choice. It's a comfortable, convenient, and well-equipped hotel with some truly great amenities. Just go in knowing that Manila is Manila. And take advantage of that breakfast buffet!
NOW, FOR THE ULTIMATE, IRRESISTIBLE OFFER! (Because you deserve a chance to experience all that goodness):
Book your stay at Shore Residences Manila today!
Bonus Offer!
Book your stay within the next 48 hours and receive either:
- A complimentary spa treatment!
- A free upgrade to a room with a better view!
- A special "welcome" drink at the pool bar!
Don't miss out! Escape, unwind, and indulge. Book your stay at Shore Residences Manila now!
Hanoi's Hidden Gem: 9/37/12 Dao Tan Unveiled!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you’re about to experience my absolutely bonkers (in the best way, obviously) itinerary for a stay at the Shore Residences in Manila. Prepare for the organized chaos that is ME trying to have a chill vacation.
Shore Residences Manila: My Brain Dump of a Trip (aka, Itinerary…ish)
(Okay, I need to write down the basics first, or I'll forget my own name…which is probably a distinct possibility.)
- Dates: July 27th - August 2nd (Gosh, I am hoping the humidity doesn't murder my hair.)
- Location: Shore Residences, Pasay City (Near the Mall of Asia. Pray for me and my bank account.)
- With: Me, myself, and I. Plus, a serious craving for a little R&R (which usually translates to "a lot of online shopping while sipping something fruity by a pool.")
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Apartment Hunt
Afternoon: Arrive at NAIA (ugh… airport. So glamorous.). Taxi, Uber, Grab…whatever gets me there. Pray the traffic gods are feeling merciful.
The Reality: Okay, the traffic WAS soul-crushing. My Grab driver had a whole life story to share, which, honestly, was a great distraction from the slow crawl. He also gave me his personal recommendation for the best sisig place in Manila… noted!
Late Afternoon: Check-in at Shore Residences. Fingers crossed for an actual ocean view. After a 1-hour delay at the lobby, it's finally my turn and ugh, the view is just, well… a parking lot and a tiny glimpse of blue that could be the sea if you squinted really, really hard. Sigh. First disappointment of the trip. But the room itself is nice, I guess. (Thank God for indoor amenities).
Evening: Unpack (or, you know, throw my suitcase on the bed). Then, decide I'm starving despite that airport snack, go to the Mall of Asia.
- The Reality: Ugh, the Mall of Asia. It's HUGE. And crowded. And I swear, the air conditioning struggles. Eventually I stumble into a restaurant that sounded good online, only to discover it's another chain. Okay. Order some pasta, tell myself it’s delicious… and watch the sun set. I also find a cute little shop that’s selling all sorts of random trinkets. And I buy practically everything because I'm weak.
Day 2: Pool Day… and My Existential Crisis
Morning: Wake up, and actually make it to the pool! Plan: Sunbathe, read a book, sip something fabulous.
The Reality: First! The weather. The morning was beautiful. The water? The perfect temperature. But the sun… that sun is hot and unrelenting! Second, I didn't bring sunscreen! Third, I am so bad at reading books by the pool. I keep getting distracted. My mind wanders to all sorts of things. Then, panic: Was this whole trip a waste of money? Am I really living my best life? (Spoiler alert: probably not, I'm probably going to end up with a sunburn.)
Afternoon: Recover from my very intense morning.
Evening: Order in.
- The Reality: I ordered a pizza that took FOREVER to arrive and was lukewarm. But I watched a terrible reality show and ate the whole pizza anyway.
Day 3: Exploring (Mostly Getting Lost)
- Morning: Explore. I'm thinking a museum, maybe Intramuros?
- The Reality: Okay, Intramuros. It’s beautiful, really. The old fort is stunning, the cobblestone streets are charming. But the heat! The humidity! I swear I was sweating from places I didn’t even know I had places to sweat from. And I got COMPLETELY lost. I’m pretty sure I walked in circles for a good hour. I ended up in a tiny cafe, bought a cold drink (thank god), and just sat there, people-watching. Turns out, the best experiences are the ones you don’t plan.
- Afternoon
- The Reality: Because I spent half the day at Intramuros, I didn't have the energy to go anywhere else after that. I went back to my room and spent the day binge-watching a comedy show.
- Evening: Have dinner.
- The Reality: I ordered dinner at a Japanese restaurant. It was kind of bland but I was too tired to complain.
Day 4: Retail Therapy (and Maybe Regret?)
Morning: Shopping! Mall of Asia, round two. Target: finding that perfect souvenir or two, that one dress
The Reality: The shops were crowded. I did find a souvenir in the end, and also some clothes. This time around, I was more careful. I found a cute little store that had a collection of beach dresses, and I ended up buying like three of them. I was a little bit ashamed of myself. Should I have spent my money on something other than dresses? Like investing?
Afternoon: Nap, and then maybe a massage.
- The Reality: I was still on shopping mode and decided to go to the hotel spa. The massage was great. I spent the day relaxing.
Evening: Movie night.
- The Reality: I watched a movie while snacking on the food I bought from the mall.
Day 5: Day Trip? (Maybe I'll Actually Leave the Resort!)
- Morning: Consider a day trip. Is there a beach nearby?
- The Reality: I looked at travel blogs and saw that there were a few beaches nearby. But I just didn't feel like going. So I stayed at the hotel.
- Afternoon: Book and pool time. It was just what I needed.
- Evening: I went out for dinner with some of the people I just met. It was actually nice.
Day 6: Last Day Shenanigans
Morning: Pool time! This time, I actually managed to read a few chapters of my book.
The Reality: More sun, more pool, more good.
Afternoon: Pack. Oh god, the dreaded packing. Then, maybe one last sunset at the Baywalk.
Evening: Farewell dinner.
- The Reality: I ate the best meal of the trip at a restaurant I found online.
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Check out. Airport. Goodbye, Manila!
- The Reality: Traffic was awful. But, I had a new story for my return.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn’t perfect. I got sunburned, I overspent, I got lost, and I cried over a pizza. But, I also relaxed, saw some beautiful things, ate some amazing food, and learned a few things about myself (mainly that I really, really need to learn how to pack light). Plus, I've got a suitcase full of memories and a serious tan line. Success! Now, time to start planning my next slightly-less-chaotic adventure… maybe.
Unveiling Umed Bhawan Palace: Kota's Hidden Royal Jewel!
Is this *thing* worth it? Whatever *it* is.
The answer, honestly? It almost *never* feels straightforward. Sometimes that gut feeling is right, and the thing is glorious. Other times, it's pure disaster. Like that time I thought buying a karaoke machine was a good idea. The neighbors still haven't forgiven me. Mostly, I try to ask myself: "Will I actually *use* this? Will it bring me even a tiny bit of joy?" And be honest. If joy feels like a stretch, then maybe… just maybe… it's not worth it. But you know? Sometimes the irrational, impulse buys bring the *best* stories.
How do you deal with... *gestures vaguely*... everything?
My *real* coping mechanisms are: coffee (a LOT of coffee), dark chocolate (must be at least 70% cacao), and avoiding social media (mostly, sometimes I cave). And, if all else fails? A good cry. Seriously. Sometimes you just gotta let it all out. It's cathartic. Though my cat, Mr. Snuggles, looks at me like I've lost my mind. Which, let's be honest, might be accurate.
Oh! And another thing. I've started saying "No" more. To things I don't want to do. To things that drain me. It's liberating, I tell you! Try it.
I feel like I’m always comparing myself to others. Help!
Honestly? It’s a lie. ALL OF IT. Or at least, it's heavily curated. I've started unfollowing anyone who gives me those bad vibes. It's like a digital detox. My therapist told me to focus on my own journey. Cliché, I know, but it actually helps. Celebrate *your* wins, no matter how small. Did you get out of bed today? Boom, win! Did you remember to brush your teeth? WIN! Small victories, people. They add up.
What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you? (Or, the most embarrassing? Or both!)
But the *absolute* worst/most embarrassing? Okay, here goes… It involves a public speaking event, a rogue eyelash, a VERY loud microphone, and a misplaced confidence in my ability to wing it. I was invited to give a short speech. I was terribly nervous. So, naturally, I decided to wear a new lipstick. A *very* bold shade of red. During the speech, I felt something on my eye. It was an eyelash, which I naturally tried to fix with a dramatic blink. Unfortunately, this tiny action was amplified by the microphone. The sound reverberated through the room - *plink!* It was a sound that seemed to announce my every minor facial twitch. It was HORRIBLE. And then, it got worse. As I was trying to continue, I remembered I hadn't gotten a tissue. I tried to continue to speak... and with every word, my bright lipstick slid down my face. Think the Joker. The entire room was watching. The lipstick smear, the eyelash noise, the panic rising in me. I could felt the colour of my face match my lipstick. I then just... ran. Ran off the stage and didn't stop until I was safely in my car. I haven’t been to a public function since.
I can't seem to find my passion. Am I broken?
My advice? Don't stress. Seriously. Try different things. Take that pottery class, even if you think you'll break everything. Volunteer somewhere. Read a book about something you know nothing about. Maybe you'll stumble upon something you love. Maybe not. Sometimes, it's perfectly okay to just float around for a while. Life is long, you know? We'll figure it out eventually. Or, you know, *not* figure it out. And that's okay too.
How do you deal with… "imposter syndrome"?
Honestly, I try to remind myself that *everyone* feels it sometimes. Even the people who *seem* like they have it all together. I keep a little notebook where I write down my accomplishments. Big ones, small ones, the ones I am proud of (and so are those around me). ItStayin The Heart
