Every now and then, Rubel and I would treat each other to a nice food sesh, a spa date or to a hotel staycation (if time and budget permits) whenever we would feel stressed from work, which he has been experiencing more intensely these days. So we decided to make time to reenergize, and booked a weekend stay at the Exchange Regency Residences Hotel in Ortigas.
I was never a fan of camping outdoors, so my initial response when my friends invited me to go to Calaguas was, “let me check my schedule first.” I wasn’t too keen on the idea of doing a long road trip, let alone sleep by the beach – devoid of all basic necessities. I've always been the type of traveler who likes comfy accommodations. But my love for my friends was far too great to decline an adventure-packed weekend away from the city. And I’m glad that Calaguas didn’t disappoint.
When my friend got married in Lingayen, Pangasinan last April, I failed to get my nails done in time for the event. I was rushing to get some work done, so I managed to just cut my nails, and dab them with natural nail polish. I wasn't part of the entourage. But it would've been better if I got myself made up a little bit. Oh, if I only knew that I was going to be the last person to get the bouquet (and you know what comes next to that --- putting the garter into my unkept feet and into my leg!). I definitely yearned for a nice spa session right after that nerve-wracking surprise!
Anyway, when an invitation to review a nail and body spa was sent my way, it was definitely something that I couldn't say no to. It came at an opportune time as well since I just came from a camping trip in Calaguas. And you know what they say... travelers also need to get pampered every once in a while.
It's rare for me to write about restaurants here in the Metro, as I often blog about the ones that I dine at when I'm traveling out of the city. But when I was invited and introduced to this restaurant in Mandaluyong, something in me had to say, "YES! GO RSVP!" And so I did, and I sincerely loved the experience thereafter.
For a Budget Biyahera like me, it pays to know where money is going, especially if I'm saving up for a trip. So affordable yet quality-made meals in the city will definitely help me with not spending too much. And let me just say that St. Nicholas was certainly a great find!