#marcopolohotels

Starting August 4, 2024, Cucina now offers its new Filipino Boodle Fight that can be shared by groups of two to eight persons. This is available daily at Cucina during its non-buffet hours so diners can still get a hearty smorgasbord of Filipino favorites in the afternoon.

The Filipino Boodle Fight is available in two delicious sets. The Malasa Set starts with a platter that comes with Inihaw na Pusit, Steamed Vegetable with Homemade Shrimp Paste, and Sinugba na Manok.

Together with these grilled favorites are the Inihaw na Pork Liempo and the Pina-Rilya na Pampano. These Filipino surf and turf dishes will surely make the entire table happy.

That's not all, because the Malasa set also comes with a big bowl of Oxtail Kare-Kare and Sinigang na Suahe. The Kare Kare was really creamy and goes well with the bagoong. Of course, Filipinos cannot eat without rice so the set also comes with a platter of Pandan rice.

Another option is the Malinamnam Set which has more seafood than the Malasa set. Start with the very crunchy and sinful Pork Bagnet Chicharon for appetizers, then continue with the Ensalanda, Inihaw na Tahong, and Sinugba na Kitang Fish.

There's also the Halabos na Suahe that you can pair with some Lumpiang Shanghai dipped in sweet chili sauce. Condiments are all provided to complete the festive feast.

The highlight of the Malinamnam set is actually the Bulalo Pata ng Baka with its juicy chunks of tender beef mixed with corn and vegetables in a warm clear broth. Pour some soup on your Pandan rice for a truly Filipino dining experience.

We would like to thank Melissa Ferrer and Francis David of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila for hosting our Filipino Boodle Feast at Cucina. This is a good option for diners who prefer not to get their full buffet but still want to have a full selection of Filipino dishes to share with friends and family. You can enjoy these sets at P3,500 for two to four persons and at P5,500 for groups of four to eight. See you at Cucina!

Cucina

24/F Marco Polo Manila, Meralco Avenue & Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig

7720-7777

[email protected]

www.marcopolohotels.com

Dads will definitely love the bittersweet notes of Gianduja Chocolate, paired with a cappuccino crème brulee in one charming cake! Café Pronto designed a smooth and balanced confectionary treat just for him. From June 06 to 16, gift your main man with a 6-inch cake for Php 1,850 nett.

Connect Lounge’s mouthwatering, tender burgers are all Dad’s, at 20% off. Dine from June 06 to 16 as a group of three with him, and savor your own BLT Cheeseburger, Blue Cheese Mushroom Burger, Pull Pork BBQ Burger, Texas Beef Burger and All Day Breakfast Burger at a discounted price, for a maximum of two burgers per receipt. 

Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge crafted a sophisticated duo for men with exceptional taste. From June 06 to 16, sample a great combination of the strong and the mild with Whiskey and Chocolate Truffle pairing to toast Dad for his awesome! Pairing starts at Php 490++. Give Dad a restful weekend at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, focusing on everything good for the body and spirit when availing the Weekend Retreat Room package. Stay on a weekend and have him relax in an upgraded room to unwind in for longer, with a guaranteed late checkout. The day starts off with a thoughtful healthy welcome gift, followed by a one-on-one, 35-minute tabata or high intensity interval training (HIIT). Should a spa day be in order, avail all services at 20% off its regular rate, while enjoying all the hotel amenities, including an indoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. For maximum enjoyment, a Php 1,500 dining credit can be used in Cucina, Lung Hin, Café Pronto or dining from the comfort of the room. Finally, let him have a wonderful buffet breakfast for two at Cucina, to start his day right.

My journey starts at the 24th floor lobby and reception area. Marco Polo Ortigas occupies the upper half of this towering 45-storey building, making it the city’s first Sky Hotel. It comes with 316 spacious and well-designed rooms and suites with contemporary Asian and Western interiors, all offering panoramic views of the busy city. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is also a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with over 40 brands and more than 800 hotels and resorts worldwide.

Marco Polo Ortigas was one of the first hotels in the Philippines to earn the coveted Five Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on luxury travel since 1958. Considered as the Olympics in the hotel industry, this prestigious award giving body recognizes the most luxurious hotels, restaurants, and spas worldwide. I'm also happy to find out that since getting the award in 2017, the hotel has continued to receive this recognition for seven straight years.

We checked in to our stylish Premier Room which are corner rooms that come with 51-61 square meters of comfort and a spectacular view of the city. It has a King sized bed and a spacious layout done in an elegant earth tone finish. The bright natural light from the huge windows give the room a refreshing and relaxing glow.

The Premier Room also comes with a host of amenities that affirms its promise of class and comfort. These include an LCD TV with cable channels, a private executive desk, complimentary fruits, a Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities, an in-room safe and mini bar, and fast complimentary wifi connection that you can access throughout the hotel.

The stress and hustle of the city simply melts away every time I stay at Marco Polo Manila.

Welcome fruits and treats were provided inside when we arrived. Small gestures like these are truly appreciated by guests and makes them feel more at home whenever they stay.

The bathroom is an area where I spend a lot of quality alone time, especially with its marble bathtub, rain shower, and luxury toiletries from The Merchant of Venice. I think I will give myself a warm bubble bath later this evening.

The bathroom comes with separate sinks for couples who are on the go like us. Bathrobes are provided which you can also use for the swimming pool.

Our Premier Room also gave us access to The Continental Club on the 44th floor which gives guests the highest luxury skyline living.

Guests booked at the Continental Club rooms can get private seated check-in and check-out procedures on the 44th floor reception. This is better for those who value a bit more privacy during their stays.

The Continental Club Lounge is open from 6:30am to 10:00pm and acts as an extension of your rooms. Here you can indulge in a private buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails, all absolutely free.

The lounge basically acts as a living room extension of your room where you can move around more freely with its bright and spacious surroundings.  Guests get exclusive access to the lounge where they can read a newspaper or magazine while relaxing in comfort. Smart casual attire is recommended for those visiting the lounge. 

Guests can also use the lounge’s private library and reading alcove. Aside from these, guests get complimentary use of their boardroom for up to two hours per stay and complimentary pressing and laundry service for one piece of garment. After checking in to our room, we immediately went to the Continental Club to have some refreshments.

Afternoon Tea is offered daily starting at 2:30pm up to 4:30pm with a wide variety of teas and beverages. On display at the table were the Cheesy Spinach Quesadilla and Pastrami Focaccia Sandwich together with cookie crinkles, candies, assorted mini cakes, fruits, and more.

So what other amenities can guests enjoy while staying at Marco Polo Manila? I love taking a dip at the Flow Swimming Pool which is located on the 22nd floor and is open from 7:00am to 10:00pm. This is an indoor, temperature-controlled swimming pool with a jacuzzi, shower room, and sauna for hotel guests.

Located on the same floor is the Flow Fitness Center, a 24-hour gym that offers an energetic view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges while you work out. 

But I was really looking forward to my pampering massage treatment at the Flow Spa which is just beside the fitness center. The Flow Spa offers a wide range of treatments and massage services perfect for unwinding and relaxation from 8:00am to 11:00pm. In-room service is also available all the way until 2:00am for those who want to stay inside their rooms.

They have both single and couple’s treatment rooms which are perfect for that romantic getwaway. We booked the Flow Signature Massage (P3,740) which is a 90-minute treatment using a fusion of Eastern and Western techniques with a special blend of essential oils. This stress-relief massage also features Thai stretching and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi strokes which my body truly needs. After starting with a short foot bath, it was time for me to lie down and relax at this urban sanctuary on top of the city.

My favorite period at the Continental Club Lounge would definitely be their Evening Cocktails from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. This is a pre-dinner affair where alcoholic beverages are served together with some light dishes.

As the sun starts to set, the club lounge is one of the best places to stay at as the city lights up for the evening.

Aside from the free-flowing beverages, you can also find some appetizers and hot dishes at the Evening Cocktails. I was delighted with the wide selection of items they had including Sisig Mussels, Pork Bulgogi Skewers, Seafood Alfredo, Kropek, Cheese Croquettes, Chicken Barbecue, and more.

They also had some sweet desserts to complete the pre-dinner meal which can actually serve as a light dinner itself.

Best of all, the evening cocktails lets guests choose from a variety of alcoholic beverages and drinks. We got to try their Classic Mojito and the Mimosa for our first round. There are many other cocktails that the bartender can whip up for you, or you can just get any of the wines or local and imported beers on the table. Watching the sunset on the hotel’s topmost floor with bountiful food and drinks is a great way to end any afternoon.

For those who want to #ExploreDiscoverExperience this rejuvenating staycation, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is offering their Spring Season promotion. Enjoy a 2-night stay with buffet breakfast for two at 10% off the Best Available Rates, plus 15% off food and beverage from their restaurants and bars. GHA Discovery members get an additional 10% off on room rates, and a total of 25% discount on food and beverage orders. Book your room from February 20 to April 27, 2024 and stay at Marco Polo Manila between March 1 to April 28, 2024. My stay isn't over yet, because next I'm going to visit Marco Polo Manila's signature dining options that truly makes a staycation here more rewarding and enjoyable. (Next: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Offers Exciting Dining Destinations in the City)

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Meralco Avenue & Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig

7720-7777

www.marcopolohotels.com/en/marco-polo-ortigas-manila

I received a cryptic invitation last Tuesday morning from Marco Polo Manila to join other media guests later that evening at the VU’s Sky Bar & Lounge, located on the topmost 45th floor of the hotel. The invitation only mentioned that there was going to be an anticipated announcement at 9:00pm that night. Although I had an idea what is was going to be about, the hotel staff did not want to say anything until the official announcement was made.

Joining me that evening were some of my foodie friends as well as our always elegant and generous host, Ms. Judith Los Baños, Director of Marketing Communications for Marco Polo Manila. 

The announcement was set at 9:00pm to coincide with the official time in the United States. We had a few more minutes to wait so the bar was open for everyone. Aside from wine, cocktails, and juices, the bartenders also had this Flaming Lamborghini exhibition to entertain the guests.

A sumptuous spread was also laid out which included U.S. Prime Rib, Iberico Pork, Peking Duck, Paella, Hakao and more. Good thing I had not eaten dinner yet, because that left me with a big appetite for these tasty treats. 

General Manager Frank Reichenbach then made the surprise announcement that Marco Polo Ortigas Manila has once again made it to the exclusive list. He thanked all the hotel staff and their teams for providing only the most exceptional service to be recognized once again as one of the finest in the world. He led a toast with all the guests as he congratulated and thanked everyone for their support and patronage through the years.

We celebrated the rest of the evening at VU’s Sky Bar with overflowing beverages accompanied by great music spun by the resident DJs.

So what makes Marco Polo Ortigas a Forbes Five Star hotel? The journey starts as guests check-in at the 24th floor lobby. Marco Polo Ortigas actually occupies the upper half of this towering 45-storey building, making it the city’s first Sky Hotel offering a panoramic view of the metropolis. I had another wonderful staycation last November (Read: Forbes Five Star Staycation at Marco Polo Ortigas) and I can’t wait to have more memorable experiences this year.

The hotel features 316 spacious and well-designed rooms and suites with contemporary Asian and Western interiors. Their luxurious Premier Room are corner rooms with a King sized bed and a spacious layout done in an elegant earth tone finish. These are a bit bigger and more spacious than the Superior and Deluxe rooms, with 51-61 square meters of comfort and a spectacular view of the city. The bright natural light from the huge windows give the room a refreshing and relaxing glow.

A staycation doesn’t seem complete without a bathtub and I had this gorgeous marble bathtub all to myself inside their spacious bathrooms.

Forbes Travel Guide bases its ratings on hotel facilities and service. Marco Polo Ortigas comes complete with everything that you need without having to leave the building. Afternoon Tea at the Connect Lounge is available from 2:00pm to 6:00pm daily and includes your choice of tea or brewed coffee. It also comes with a beautifully designed three-tier stand containing scones, mini sandwiches, cakes, and desserts.

Lung Hin is Marco Polo Manila’s signature Chinese restaurant on the 44th floor serving exquisite Cantonese cuisine. This is one of the best restaurants in Metro Manila and it is always a celebrated occasion whenever I have the opportunity to dine here.

I keep coming back for their delicious dimsum, most especially the Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Gold Leaf (P220) which has actual gold shavings on top. They also launched some new items this year like the Peking Duck with Osmanthus Flower Jelly on Potato Chip (Read: Cantonese, Anew at Lung Hin in Marco Polo Ortigas).

They also have a picturesque club lounge on the 44th floor called the Continental Club. Guests staying at the top-floor accommodations lets them have access to an exclusive lounge with its own library, bar lounge and panoramic views. I have not stayed at these Continental Club rooms yet but I am planning to do so soon.

Breakfast buffet is served every morning at Cucina, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant on the 24th floor. Here you can wake up to a bountiful spread of fresh juices, breads, pastries, eggs, noodles, and breakfast favorites such as bacon and even Bistek Tagalog.

For a more indulgent buffet, visit Cucina during their lunch and dinner services and you might find a Crispy Cochinillo or you might even chance upon one of their food festivals and themed buffets (Read: Cucina’s From Palette to Palate Features Art and Culinary Creations of Chef Ramon Antonio)

After all those appetizing cuisines, I usually need to get some exercise and the best place for me is at their Indoor Infinity Pool situated on the 22nd floor. The pool is actually heated so you don’t have to worry about getting the chills during your swim. It also has a bubbly jacuzzi at the other side.

The 22nd floor is dedicated to the hotel's health and wellness center, which also features a fully equipped Fitness Center. The hotel’s 24-hour gym offers an energetic view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges while you work out. 

Just beside the gym is the Flow Spa which offers a wide range of treatments and massage services perfect for unwinding and relaxation. They have both single and couple’s treatment rooms which are perfect for that romantic getwaway.

For 2018, there are three Philippine hotels which received a Five Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, an improvement from last year’s two hotels. However, Marco Polo Ortigas is the most affordable among the award winners, as you would have to spend more than 5 digits to stay at these other hotels. This is why Marco Polo Ortigas has remained a well-loved city hotel that continues to provide the utmost hospitality and service to its guests. For more information on the Forbes Tarvel Guide Star Ratings, you can visit www.ForbesTravelGuide.com. Congratulations to everyone at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila for your Forbes Five Star Rating and looking forward to more adventures together!

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig

720-7777

www.marcopolohotels.com

Guests were greeted by the event host, Ms. Janeena Chan, and were welcomed by the voices of Sisters of Mary Boystown choir group with a set of Christmas carols. Guests were then delighted with a dance performance from the kids of Riversprings School, consisting of nine pre-schoolers. 

Listen to the sweet symphony of Christmas carols as you gaze around the halls of the tinsel town. Choirs from different groups are coming in to serenade hotel guests in all weekends of December. The spirit of Christmas is also not complete without the long-standing tradition of celebrating the anticipated holy mass on December 24 and 31.

Cocktails were served to all the guests in attendance that night and Marco Polo Ortigas unveiled a set of new and creative concoctions. Mocktails like this Watermelon Shake were presented while alcohol-based drinks were also available at the bar including red and white wine.

One of the favorite beverages that evening was the Strawberry Shortcake which is a thick strawberry-flavored cocktail mixed with amoretto. Expect to see this sweet treat soon on the bar menu.

Aside from the overflowing beverages, the hotel also offered a set of savoury appetizers and canapés including the Baked Pork Buns and Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce. 

The highlight of the event was the lighting of the 25-feet Chocolate-inspired Tinsel Town Christmas tree led by Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio along with Samuel Po and Frank Reichenbach, together with the RIverspring School kids which brought a magnificent glow for the festive season. The Christmas tree is made up of real chocolates! This officially signalled the start of the Christmas season at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

As the jingle bell rings and Santa comes to play, plan your celebrations with the special ones in premium accommodations that will be your Yultide home away from home. Book your stay from December 15 to January 14, 2018, except on the 24th and 31st of December, and enjoy rates starting at P6,000 nett per night. Enjoy exclusive benefits such as a breakfast buffet for two adults and two kids under 6 years old, complimentary high speed internet access, and use of indoor infinity pool and fitness center.

Treat the family to a lavish and savory feast with all-time favorite classics that are perfect for this holidays at Cucina. Celebrate the season with a wide spread of holiday delights for sumptuous breakfast, lunch or dinner buffets.

At the stroke of midnight, raise that glass to a good year that was and embrace another year of feasting and new opportunities at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge. Amidst the stunning skyline of the metro, toast through a sky full of twinkling fireworks to greet the New Year.

The little tots are also up to join the fun as Piccolo Kids Club holds a workshop with Santa’s elves on December 9, 2017. Rudolph’s bells ring for the Sundays of December as Santa Claus comes in his sleigh to get the Christmas wishes and take snapshots with the nice kids!

Share best-loved goodies this season of goodwill as thoughtful little gifts to family and friends. These treats are prepared in gift hampers with love and care. Express how special they are with make-your-own hampers. Choose from a wide selection of chocolate characters, chocolate bars, soft and moist cakes, freshly-baked cookies, nuts and biscuits, or Scottish fruit preserves, to name a few. The hotel’s finest savouries, such as Angus Prime Rib, Roast Goose, Honey Pineapple Spiced Glazed Ham, and Pork Belly are also perfect takeaways for that celebration at home.

You can also choose to bring hope to less fortunate kids through the Wings of Hope campaign. On its second year, give a smile by sending them a Philippine Eagle stuffed toy together with a heartfelt message they could keep this favorite time of the year as the Wings of Hope tree will be up in the hotel’s sky lobby during this season.

For just P600 each, this tree of Philippine Eagle stuffed toys is your own way of helping the less fortunate. Children from its partner charity, Riversprings School of Jesus Loves the Little Children Foundation, were in attendance to receive the first eagle stuffed toys from generous benefactors. Together with celebrities, Christine Bersola-Babao and Julius Babao, the Wings of Hope tree was unveiled which aims to save and preserve the Philippine Eagle, at the same time bring a smile to less fortunate kids.