Mid-Week Forays to the Island

just got back from mactan, not to attend the fiesta. but to visit two places - abaca and microtel inn and suites.

had a very sumptuous lunch at abaca where we were warmly entertained by their manager, glenn. we had their mushroom soup, then flat bread pizza, pasta and roast beef sandwich for the main course and mint, cheese and chocolate sorbet for dessert. it was heaven! i was so full by the time we're done it was so tempting to take a nap in one of their feels-like-paradise villas. hahaha. oh yes, abaca doesn't only serve really yummy food but they do have 6 suites and 3 villas that are perfect for honeymoon or weekend getaways. all furniture and fixtures are antiques and 80% are actually locally made. plus, when you stay in a villa, you'll have your own personal butler who can accompany or drive you to the city (if you're a tourist) and tour you around. isn't that neat?

we also got to meet abaca's owner and chef, jason, who actually has a big chance of being a hollywood actor. yeah, he's that cute. and the fact that he really whips up these super delish dishes definitely makes him a superstar!

when lunch was over, glenn was nice enough to bring us to the newly-opened microtel inn and suites where their GM, rose, and account executive, sheng, showed us the rest of this new and bursting-with-life hotel. oh by the way, microtel's restaurant is managed by abaca thus the good relationship between the neighbors. they're just really next to each other. i actually saw magtv's feature on this new spot to watch out for in mactan last sunday, thus my interest.

and it didn't disappoint. microtel does have a very "alive" and vibrant lobby, thanks to all Kenneth Cobonpue furniture and the amazing view of the beachfront. that's what i like most about it, its beachfront and infinity pool. yes, it's a little small but it's okay for family weekend get-togethers. they have three room categories - superior, premium and the suite. the rooms have that trendy, colorful feel as well and they do have a "theme" for every floor. can you say retro? hehe. microtel is your typical bed and breakfast place, only they can offer so much more.
i can't wait to spend a day or two in these heaven-on-earth spots. please visit their websites to know what i am really talking about. and no, this is not a paid ad. hahaha.