Showing posts with label TRAVEL & VENUES. Show all posts

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Manila, that are Perfect for Families this 2024.

Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, is not only a bustling metropolis but also a fantastic destination for family vacations. Dad Bloggers like me love to review Family Friendly hotels for Family Staycations.

This 2023, the city continues to offer a range of kid-friendly hotels for Dad Influencers like me. That is why I wrote this article that will help parents ensure that their stay is not only comfortable but also filled with exciting experiences for the entire family.

Let's dive into some of the top kid-friendly hotels in Manila, where both parents and kids can enjoy a memorable getaway.

Title: **Manila's Top 10 Family-Friendly Havens: Hotels with Kid-Friendly Activities in 2023**

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Manila that are Perfect for Families this 2023

Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, is not only a hub of culture and business but also an excellent destination for families. In 2023, a plethora of hotels in Manila are stepping up their game to cater to the needs of families with children, providing an array of kid-friendly activities. Let's explore the top 10 hotels in Manila that go above and beyond to make your family vacation truly memorable.

1. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Sofitel Kids' Villa, Outdoor Pool, Children's Play Area.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, overlooking Manila Bay, offers a dedicated play area for children called the Sofitel Kids' Villa. With interactive games, a mini library, and a playground, the hotel ensures that your kids have a blast. The outdoor pool provides a stunning backdrop for family relaxation.

2. Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Adventure Zone, Outdoor Pool, Supervised Kids' Activities.

Shangri-La at the Fort is a family haven in the heart of Bonifacio Global City. The Adventure Zone offers supervised activities, and the outdoor pool is perfect for family fun. The hotel blends luxury with a warm welcome for families.

3. Manila Marriott Hotel:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Marriott Kids Club, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Resorts World Manila Complex.

Manila Marriott Hotel understands the importance of family time. The Marriott Kids Club provides engaging activities, and the outdoor swimming pool is a refreshing spot for everyone. Explore the nearby Resorts World Manila for additional family entertainment.

4. Diamond Hotel Philippines:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Kids' Activity Zone, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Manila Bay View.

With its timeless elegance, Diamond Hotel Philippines caters to families with a dedicated Kids' Activity Zone. The outdoor swimming pool overlooking Manila Bay adds a touch of magic to your stay, making it a perfect choice for family vacations.

5. Hotel Jen Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Family Room, Rooftop Pool, Central Location.

Hotel Jen Manila offers modern comfort for families. The Family Room provides ample space, and the Rooftop Pool is a cool escape for parents and kids alike. With its central location, the hotel offers easy access to Manila's attractions.

6. Hotel H20 Manila

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Ocean Adventure Manila.

Hotel H2O Manila is now open and their rooms with an aquarium are perfect for children. Situated inside Manila Ocean Park, this Hotel is an amazing venue that will fill up a whole day of activities. After spending the whole day with animals, fish, and birds, one can go up to their hotel rooms and just enjoy aquariums with fish.

7. Dusit Thani Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Dusit Kids Club, Outdoor Pool, Child-friendly Menus.

Dusit Thani Manila provides a family-friendly experience with the Dusit Kids Club, an outdoor pool, and child-friendly dining options. The hotel combines Thai hospitality with modern comforts for families.

8. Nobu Hotel Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Family-Friendly Apartments, Play Area, Swimming Pool, DreamPlay.

Nobu Hotel in Pasay is situated within the same area City of Dreams. Nobu Hotel offers family-friendly rooms which can lead to Dream Play. The hotel features an awesome play area and a swimming pool, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a home away from home. Dream Play is also known as one of the top kids playgrounds in the Metro. This is a must place visit for any parent.

9. Okada Hotel Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Play at Okada Manila, Kiddie Pool, Outdoor Playground, Family Rooms.

Okada Hotel Manila provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a kiddie pool, outdoor playground, and spacious family rooms. The Hotel itself has a massive Play Area that will surely delight any kid. The hotel's warm ambiance makes it a favorite among families. It is a bit pricey, but if you are not on a budget, then this will be certainly worth it.

10. Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila:

*Kid-Friendly Highlights:* Family Suites, Rooftop Pool, Board Games.

Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites offers family suites with ample space. The rooftop pool provides a scenic escape, and the hotel offers board games for family entertainment.

The Best Hotel Staycation for kids?

Manila's hotels are not just places to stay; they are immersive experiences for the entire family. For me, I truly loved Nobu Hotel since Dream Play is truly an attraction worth the visit. For those parents who still have no agenda for this Christmas or New Year this 2023, then you can choose one of these top 10 hotels with kid-friendly activities, and embark on a family adventure where every member, big or small, can create lasting memories in the heart of Manila.

All images are from the actual Hotels itself and are not owned by callcentersurvivalph

Dads are expected to provide for their families, and that includes providing memorable experiences on trips.

When you ask any dad why they need to work, they often mention the same things. They need to work to provide a home, food, and basic necessities for their wife and kids. However, Dad Bloggers in the Philippines like me to promote a new mindset for Filipino dads -- and that is that we must allocate a budget for Travel.

As a Dad Influencer in the Philippines, I often tell other dads to set aside a part of their salaries just to focus on travel. Of course, this is only if there is enough finances to cover travel costs. The priority is to provide basic needs, but traveling and vacations should be a close second.

And I do not mean just any family vacation. The family vacation I am talking about is the kind of trip where everyone gathers around a campfire and reminisces about how much fun they had together as a family while they roast marshmallows (or whatever). You know what I mean? The kind of trip where you bond with your kids over something other than Minecraft or Fortnite? Yeah, those kinds of trips are important too--but we're talking about real bonding here.

Here are some realities of why we should travel with our families.

Dads are fun to travel with.

Dads are good at making sure everyone has a great time-- we usually know all the best places to go for sightseeing or shopping or whatever else we want to do on vacation. Dads tend to have good ideas to make trips fun, but we also share those ideas openly which means everyone gets involved no matter what age they are.

Dads can be the best guides for their kids.

As you know, dads are the best at making sure everyone has a great time. They're good at building sandcastles and telling jokes in restaurants. But what you might not realize is that they can also be the best guides for their kids--and not just because they know how to get around town without getting lost!

Dads have years of experience exploring new places with their own parents, so they know how to keep things interesting without going overboard or overwhelming your child with too much information (or worse: silence). Plus, dads will always make sure everyone gets home safely after an adventure together--and that's something we should all appreciate!

Traveling with Family is always a good idea

It's a great way to teach kids about the world and give them a sense of perspective. They'll learn that there are many different ways to live, eat and play.

Dads are fun to travel with because they're often willing to try new things and enjoy doing so, which means your child will likely have an opportunity for adventure that he or she might not get at home (or from mom). Dad's willingness to explore also means he'll be able to impart some wisdom about what's going on around him--and maybe even help out with any potential problems!

As an added bonus: dads tend not only know how to read maps but also how best use them; they're more likely than moms (and certainly older siblings) not only know how get around but also where they're going; they can navigate foreign languages better than anyone else in your family.

Travel is a great way to teach kids about the world and give them a sense of perspective.

Traveling is a great way to teach kids about the world and give them a sense of perspective. Kids who have traveled have an advantage over their peers because they have seen and experienced more than most people in their age group.

The world is a big place, with many cultures and customs that are different from yours or mine. It's important for kids to see this diversity if we want them to grow up as tolerant adults who understand that there are many different ways of doing things, none of which are necessarily right or wrong--just different solutions based on different needs and preferences.

And that is why Dads really should encourage their families to start traveling. Traveling is not just an option, but a way to bond and make kids happy. It also gives a breather for your wife and helps them relax.

So dads, start planning those trips with your family today!

I am a self proclaimed call center veteran/mountain climbing addict.

Whenever I can take a leave from my busy work as a call center agent, I find myself at the top of a mountain. Mountain peaks are happy places for me -- the breathtaking views, the serene sound of nature, and the freedom of yelling whatever I want (may it be profanities or off-key tunes), gives me joy. There is just something magical about climbing -- and you have to experience it to understand it.

Call center dads like me, can tell you that mountain climbing is one of the best activities to do -- if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, a mental boost or relaxation in general. This is why for call center team buildings or call center activities, I really recommend the experience of mountain climbing.

One climbing enthusiast that I follow is Michael Oyco. His blog, (Michael's Hut) - has tons of information about lifestyle, travels, and amazing food finds -- plus awesome resources related to mountain climbing.

Fellow blogger and adventurer Michael Oyco

Benefits of climbing for call center agents.

Exercise.

Call center agents are known as the "unhealthy bunch". We usually slave away in front of computers eating junk food and sweets. Most call center agents when injured, bleed coffee instead of actual blood.

That is why mountain climbing is a good activity for call center agents. It is a perfect excuse to bring that zombie agent outdoors to experience actual exercise. Climbing requires physical exertion — it is hard work! Much like getting to know a new process, or handling an irate caller -- mountain climbing requires endurance, strength, and flexibility.

New scenery.

Call center agents usually fall into the trap of routine. Since they usually work during the night, the goal is to get to the office without being mugged or murdered. There is not much time for a walk through the park.

When call center agents go climbing, the terrain is different, and once you reach the summit and see the view below - it is simply breathtaking and something that you will remember for years.

Extreme relaxation.

Call center work is very stressful. Mountain climbing is a surefire way to relax by being with nature. The whole experience of getting away from computers, irate callers, flirtatious colleagues, and the overall hustle and bustle of the city life refreshes the soul.

Mental boost.

Climbing a mountain can be an excellent way to clear your head. When you're on the mountain, you don't need to worry about calls, missed metrics, and anything else. You have two tasks at hand: climbing the mountain, and not dying. Climbing is all about focusing on what's in front of you and being in the moment, so there's no time for worrying about anything else that might be stressing you out in life.

Gives an adrenaline rush.

Mountain climbing gives an adrenaline rush. If it's your first time to climb and you see the path in front of you, you will feel some level of excitement that just gives a natural high. It is a feeling that gives great joy -- something to recharge you before you go back to work.

Spend time with fellow call center agents.

When you are out climbing mountains with your fellow call center agents, it can be an opportunity to bond with them in a way that is unique and special. Not only that, but mountain climbing can also help build up trust and confidence in each other as well. You often need to rely on your colleagues for help (especially if you are weak and puny). This will help your dynamics in the office and should help you work better together.

What are the best spots to climb in the Philippines?

Mr. Parawagan
Mt. Mapalad
Mr. Daraitan
Mt. Maynuba
Mt. Samat
Mt. Binacayan
Mt. Maculot
Mt. Hapunag

For a list and guide of Mountains to climb and actual reviews, see section here:
https://www.michaelshut.com/search/label/climb

So for that next call center team building venue, try climbing a mountain. It is the perfect way to spend that day off with your fellow call center agents. You will be amazed at how enjoyable it is and will probably look forward to doing it again.

HOLLYWOOD BARBERS PH is the best Barbershop in Sampaloc Manila.

If you are looking for an amazing Instagram worthy barbershop in Manila, then you should definitely try Hollywood Barbers PH. Located at 1633 Craig st., Sampaloc, Manila. This place is perfect for any call center agent or just anyone who needs an amazing haircut. The place is absolutely perfect for people who enjoy camera worthy interiors.

There are numerous barbershops in Sampaloc Manila, but for me, none compares to the beauty of Hollywood Barbers PH. When my son and I arrived, I felt as if I took a trip to one of those picture spots in Tagaytay. Everything about the place was inviting and pleasing to the eyes.

Awesome facade.

Once you enter the place, you will be greeted with an amazing comic book mural.

Picture worthy.

Before getting our haircuts I just had to get a selfie with the Beatles which was a well known rock band during the 1960s.

My son had no idea who these people were.

The vibe inside the actual barbershop was cozy and amazing. I felt as if I stepped inside a time machine and was transported back to the 60s.

I just had to appreciate the love and detail that was poured into this place. Everything was carefully planned as a part of the "retro" theme. From the barber seats littered with paraphernalia such as phonograph records, to the neon lights and murals around the place - you will feel as if you were truly in a different era.

Neon lights all around.

Even the razors were retro.

Counters had jukeboxes,

To add icing on the cake, Hollywood Barbers PH offers all their guests free popcorn made by an authentic popcorn machine, and served in a diner style counter.

My son enjoying free popcorn.

After absorbing the awesome background and taking pics, it was now time for our haircut. Me and my son loved the feel of their unique "cold towel" treatment. We then sat down and got serviced by polite and friendly barbers. Before and after pics below.

Throughout the whole process the background was filled with nostalgic rock, retro, and old school music. I seriously wanted to dance while having a trim.

The haircuts when finished were amazing. The barbers truly knew their craft and worked to perfection. Not only will you enjoy the vibe and place, you will also appreciate the attention and detail that they give every customer.

Professional 100% legit haircut! I looked younger.

If you live in the Metro and are looking for a great barbershop, you should definitely check out Hollywood Barbers PH in Sampaloc Manila.

Will definitely visit once more.

Hollywood Barbers PH, is truly one of the "must try and see experiences" in Manila. The place is truly worth the travel, and the haircut is superb.

For those of you who would like to book and visit, check out their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HollywoodBarbersPH

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