New World May Be Needing a Renaissance

Just got back from New World Hotel in Makati, where we spent the night in order to attend an event Noy considered pretty important.

One word: disappointed.

I've revered the place for several years now, what with the ultra prime location and huge glass fountains on the facade. It's Makati after all. And it's THE hotel right across Greenbelt.

So imagine our surprise when, at the event, they served coffee, but they didn't leave a condiment tray on the table. We had to put cream and sugar right after the waiter shoved the coffee in front of us, then waited an eternity before he got back to us after calling him when we've realized the coffee was a little too robust.

It's no disappointment we were checked in at a two single-bed room since we came late, it was understandable. But for them to deprive one of us a buffet breakfast coupon because the room was registered to only one name, we were outraged. Since when did a room have to be registered under two names in order to get two breakfast coupons? It's a shame we had to accept the fact that not all rooms come with breakfast for two people HERE. In this chic hotel where the facade is as fancy as the people known to frequent the Cinnabar.

Okay, it's not like I know hotels; I don't. But I do sense when something is outdated or lacks the capacity to be called a standard or to be satisfying. In our room, everything was pretty basic - beds, furniture, toilet. Adequate, but not elegant. I never felt I was sleeping in a famous building.

I may be disappointed but I do not forego with the compliments where I feel it is deserved.

New World veered away from providing guests with the generic toiletries. Instead they got Lather all natural soap, shampoo and moisturizer to liven up the otherwise drab bathroom. I loved the smell of mint and thyme the shampoo left in my very stressed-out hair.

The M2M (yes, after much talk Noy and I were both given breakfast coupons - I still could not believe I was bitching on the phone over some breakfast coupon! jeez!) is New World's all day diner. It's modern and contemporary, svelte and stylish. The buffet breakfast is laid out in a cool funky theme not just in tables but in open cupboards with elegant lighting and concept. I was still seething with anger by the time we came down so I wasn't able to take good photos but this one -

Their attendants are dressed in a practical modern garb with eye candy shades of aqua and orchid. By the way, New World staff aren't that bad. They're courteous and warm and helpful. I just wish they'd update their rooms and their reception system to complement their good-natured employees.

K is for Okay

The weekend past saw Noy and I getting invited to this corporate event at the Hotel Kimberly in Tagaytay. Since we were given a day's notice only, we arrived - oh so fashionably - one and a half hours late. I barely had time to appreciate the hotel facade at night, but the it was definitely a looker from the road, especially since it sits in the middle of a residential area. No, it's not on the main strip of famous Tagaytay establishments but it really isn't that far.

The owners paid great attention to the overall look of the place. It's minimalist with cool native Philippine furnishings. The ambience is very relaxing at the fabulous lobby, what with floor to ceiling glass walls and spacious surroundings.

I especially love the artsy capiz pieces that adorned the lobby - mirror, lamp and vase.

This statement clock is at the front desk.

This one's inside the elevator.

The Cafe at K where we had breakfast (read below).

This daybed beside the gym is inviting. I wish there's one near the pool, too.

There's an adequately-sized pool which we dipped into early Sunday. Other people may find it crazy swimming at this time of year in Tagaytay, but I found it wonderfully refreshing. There's a large play area for kids and kids at heart, like us. I bet the place is a nice venue for parties involving families with kids, even for weddings since the entire place is picturesque enough. The hotel actually has wedding packages since it has a large ballroom which can accommodate 300 guests.

The same large space concept continues on to the rooms. The hotel takes pride in having the largest rooms in Tagaytay. I haven't been to too many hotels in Tagaytay, but Hotel Kimberly's are clean and comfortable. Im guessing all rooms have a balcony. There isn't much to see since the hotel is in a residential area, but it's nice to have a balcony still. The toilet in our room is basic, but Noy and I took delight on the large shower head.

Sadly though, the hotel services cannot quite keep up with the excellence of its physical appearance. There's really nothing to rave about the food. We were served buffet-style for both dinner and breakfast, and not a single dish was worth recommending. It wasn't that bad, but elsewhere in Tagaytay there are a lot of good food choices that makes Hotel Kimberly food so average. Other failures worthy of the manager's attention:

1. There were too many insects in the pool area. They didn't look like dengue-carrying mosquitoes but they were equally scary and irritating. We even had some inside the room and on the bed. I believe there are chemicals and devices that they can invest on if they want their share of the market.

2. The water in our shower cubicle wasn't draining well. Feels like the building is tilted to one side away from the drain.

3. The shower head is nice but it was hard to regulate the temperature of the water coming out of it. I don't really mind but other people would.

4. The staff may be warm and friendly, but they need some form of training to serve their clients well. They're supposed to help the guest unload and carry their baggage. They're supposed to open doors for guests who opt to carry their food to the pool area to eat. They're supposed to ask the guest if it's okay to remove a used plate from the table even if it looks like it isn't going to be used anymore. They're NOT supposed to curse in front of the guest who wanted to try the treadmill if suddenly it didn't work. They're NOT supposed to just look if the guest is having some difficulty with any of their amenities. They should not be allowed to huddle and giggle at the bar when the restaurant is busy and there are a lot of hungry guests.

5. The guests would appreciate a wider variety of cable channels. People come to Tagaytay on a rainy weekend to stay indoors and relax. A DVD player is helpful, but just how many guests would remember to bring a favorite movie along anyway?

Other noteworthy details -

1. They're wifi-equipped. Fast, too. In our room, at least (412).

2. Wide open parking space.

3. Plush bed and pillows, good airconditioning.

4. Large closet space & safety deposit box.

5. Morning paper (Manila Bulletin) and complimentary water.

6. Mini-bar items a lot more affordable than most hotels, albeit limited.

Since Noy and I stayed for free, I cannot really tell if this hotel maximizes the value of one's money. Would I come back for another event and stay for free? Yes, if the event is essential to my work and career, and if I'd like to come back to Tagaytay in general. No, if the event is not very important. If there's no event involved, say someone gave me a gift certificate for a free overnight stay, I'd pass it on to a friend.

Fely J's

On a much lighter note, I'm delighted the TB round table discussion was held at Fely J's. Noy and I have been wanting to eat there as friends kept on suggesting that we try it. Checking out their menu though we were a bit turned off. Their prices being on the high end was one thing, not getting value for your money is another. Noy is especially wary of small servings, and I definitely do not want him disappointed over expensive food that doesn't deliver.

We were at the function room on the far right of the entrance, and it was studded with old photos, particularly of women. My attention was caught by a large photo of Binondo Church on the back wall for a long time. It was quite enchanting. The ambiance of the entire restaurant actually is, except perhaps when it's full.

I was hungry though, so I gulped my Coke light immediately and devoured the Fried Calamares in front of me. The other doctors followed suit. Someone had to start so I did. It was awkward sharing food on the same table with strangers.

Noy, hungry as well, could not eat squid because he's allergic to most seafood. Two more appetizers came in, namely Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with large slices of shrimp, and Crispy Swahe. The rep noticed that Dr Labanda, who will introduce the speaker, wasn't eating, so she asked that the main course be served already. So in came Pancit Canton Guisado, which had large shrimps again, then Ginataang Gulay at Hipon (shrimps and vegetables sauteed with ginger and spices, finished with coconut cream). At this point I cannot enjoy my food despite the fact that the food indeed was very good.

Finally, Noy asked for a cup of rice. Then, a humongous plate of Crispy Patang Bawang was placed before him. It was funny how everyone was smiling at him and allowing him to get his fill. We've been eating for about 10 minutes while he only had sips of Sprite. The Chicken "Mabuting" Inasal was placed near him, too. The other dishes that were served were Bangus Belly Sinigang and Beef Mechado.

Desserts were served after the lecture - Sikreto ni Maria Clara and Cassava Bibingka with Buko. The former, a delightful pairing of suman sa ibus and mangoes in vanilla ice cream (i tasted a hint of coconut cream in there), is very very good. Too bad it was totally (!) consumed - no, devoured - by my fellow doctors before I even thought of taking a picture.

As a careful consumer, I'd say the dishes were okay. Portions are good and filling, but the flavor isn't something to really go crazy about - I've had better versions of each dish, flavor-wise. But the overall quality will definitely be worth the price. If they were really aiming for food that feels indulgently homemade, then they've hit the spot just right. The place is perfect for balikbayans and the like.

Will I be back? Yes, if the budget permits a little splurging. Also, I'd like to try Fely J's Dilis-cious Rice, Temple Crab and Tilapia with Sweet Plum Sauce which are notably their bestsellers. More importantly, I'd like to have a plate of Sikreto ni Maria Clara, all to myself and in peace.

Have a happy middle of the week!

photos from LJC Restaurant Group Facebook page

I Should Have Known

One of the most unpleasant experiences I had was having to go to St Luke's Extension Clinic at the time when an opportunity to go to Australia on a business trip last year was pressing. I was not given a visa, and I was immensely disappointed. Most of all, I hated the pulmonologist who saw me so much I'd kill to know her name and her whereabouts.

To quote the follow-up blog to that,

"Finally I was face to face, rather face to face mask, with the pulmonologist. I was able to tell her that I am a doctor and that the same thing happened (chest PA suspicious, lordotic clear) when I was applying for internship at Makati Med, so I was not alarmed when the xray film in question turned out suspicious as well. I stated that I had been in contact with the consul and that all I needed was a clearance from her, that Im willing to do the smear & the culture & all films she wants taken as soon as I come back. I honestly told her that as a doctor I know when I would be needing help and that of course by all means I would want to be treated and cured if I have to. I mean, who doesn't?

Then she blurted away with all the technical boo hoos (she needs old films, i can't say for sure without culture, yada yada yada..) none of which I don't already know, as if she didn't hear anything I said for the past 5 minutes. She asked me what my specialization was, ausculated me and said matter of factly that if I could present previous films, I may do so. And that was it.

I stood outside to wait for the nurse's instructions, dumped yet again. I came in there to talk to a fellow doctor who I hoped would understand the situation, expecting some form of empathy, and maybe a bit of advice, or a peek into how the system works in that place. Yes, I was asking her a favor, but for the love of God it was a well-placed notion. I had no bad intentions. If I were truly sick I would not even express my intention to join. All I wanted was to attend the meeting so I can meet potential connections and hopefully employers. Apparently she chose not to hear it and she would not care.

I got out, feeling worse that I ever had in months, trying to convince myself that it wasn't about consultants looking down on GPs like GPs had no place in the medical world, blaming myself for even considering, wondering why I have been such an understading empathic doctor to my patients while some doctors are not. Not even to their fellow doctors."

Feisty, eh? I really felt bad. I thought it was something personal. It may be. Whatever. Until Noy and I got invited last Friday to a round table discussion on the new standards of TB management. The American Thoracic Society released the New International Standards for TB Care in 2006, which says that:

Standard 2. All patients (adults, adolescents, and children who are capable of producing
sputum) suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis should have at
least two, and preferably three, sputum specimens obtained for microscopic
examination. When possible, at least one early morning specimen
should be obtained.
Standard 3. For all patients (adults, adolescents, and children) suspected of having
extrapulmonary tuberculosis, appropriate specimens from the suspected
sites of involvement should be obtained for microscopy and, where
facilities and resources are available, for culture and histopathological
examination.
Standard 4. All persons with chest radiographic findings suggestive of tuberculosis
should have sputum specimens submitted for microbiological examination.

I should have known. This came out even before I had the doomed chest xray done. I thought about all the wasted energy hating and bitching about the pulmonologist who was only adhering to the standards and doing her job.

It's a shame I even entertained the issue of being "just" a GP when the sponsor company invited ONLY GPs to this event. This is a clear revelation that even though General Practitioners are not a very popular choice in the urban health scene, they do thrive and they are being given consideration and importance by the pharmaceutical industry.

I may still have regrets over not making it to Perth, but there's really nothing I can do about it except face the fact that if I really wanted to have that visa, I will have to face the ordeal of clearing myself of the TB scare. I just wish they'd be more friendly at St Luke's though.