Wednesday, January 15, 2014

New Year Gone Too Soon

As I've mentioned years ago, it has been our new family tradition to spend New Year's Eve in our chosen hotel. This year, we had Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Libis, Quezon City. I booked this a year ago to avoid the traffic of online booking, to get the best room (I hope) and to get that 21-day advance purchase discount. Well, it was worth it and it takes out the hassle of running after good hotels this time of the year.

You won't miss the location nor get lost trying to find it. It's in the middle of Eastwood, just above Eastwood Mall. It's where the action is. And every new year, they invented their own 'ball drop of NY thing' here so you really won't miss the place. This year, they also have Jessica Sanchez as the centerpiece of their countdown show just in front of the mall.

Just a brief review of the hotel. It's good, it's ok but needs some improvement in areas such as the hallways of the room. A little bit old. Checking in/out is a breeze. You just need the standard deposit either cash or thru card. The room is just right for us (me, hubby, yogi bear) and we asked for the view of the fireworks that night so we got the 36th floor just way above the stage. We love the linen and pillows. The CR is just right for us. Love that it has a bathtub. The stay all in all is great. The brunch buffet is a feast. I just love when there's bacon and cheese and they did not disappoint me. The venue where they held the brunch buffet is just a little tight. I mean the arrangement of the tables and chair has limited space to move around. But that's just about it. Other than that, it was all ok. The staff and crew are friendly and courteous. If given the chance, we will stay here.

Anyway, the fun part is the fireworks display and we got it right there at the comforts of our hotel room. Without the crowd and the smoke. Johan got a little scared at first but then he warmed up and had a blast. Convenient for those with small children who just can't afford to have their kids breath the smoke that comes from the fireworks. We got to enjoy it this time all for the whole duration of it all. The bonus is that we also got to see the other fireworks as we are overlooking Quezon City and Marikina City.

This year seems a bit tiring for Filipinos as we have the series of unfortunate events. But as they say, the Filipino spirits is the most resilient and can never be taken down.

Personally, I had some struggles myself but of course it is nothing compared to what the others experienced so I will just take it as part of my 2013 that will make me braver, happier and wiser.

I am just relieved that the year has passed and we can now move forward to a year of hope, renewal and start over. I am with you all the way as God promised. Nobody can predict the future how much you prepare for it. But with His promised, we can be assured that all our endings will always be a happy one.

This year, I have a lot of faith goals. As a family, we are looking forward to some big changes. All for our future. We're clinging to our faith that we will be able to make this more memorable, happier and better as always.

Thank you 2013, we're ready 2014! Please be kind, gentle and interesting!

Happy new year!