city life

A Staycation: Summer in the City by Ida Anduyan

Out of town trips aren't a regular thing for a girl like me. My parents aren't really the type who are into traveling, the only regular trips we do only involve going back to our hometown in Mindanao and the annual trips to Baguio for my Father's alumni homecoming, and since getting into a university that has a trimestral calendar, getting a week of break in between terms is long enough. My parents are also very strict and asking permission to go out of town is next to useless as I know that they'll never let me go. Post graduation, I'm free as a bird but at the same time, being a blogger (and my inability to manage my time) really hasn't given me much free time, so I still find it hard to go on far away trips. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one going through this dilemma, I know a lot of working city girls who have thriving (or struggling) careers would find it very hard to book that dream beach trip too, 'cause hey, duty calls!

But come on, you definitely deserve this break, plus it's really close.... Batangas close? Nah, more like Makati kind of close. I don't know which is which, it may be girl's intuition or just mad marketing research skills, but Procter & Gamble definitely knew what most of the city girls were going through. They booked this whole urban trip to show us that you can actually have your much deserved getaway right here, in the heart of the city and wowee, I was lucky enough to be one of the girls who get to experience this awesome urban jungle getaway.

I can chatter in about 5 more paragraphs, but that would be boring right? The video below basically sums up the whole luxurious staycation.

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The day started with a lovely brunch in a private room in Bizu Patisserie. Lovely room, lovely music, lovely food, everything felt fancy yet light. Just between you and me, I wanted to order more than one dish, I was hungry and hadn't had breakfast, but like I said, fancy, so I was shy. Haha. DSCF8006-3 2 After brunch, we were picked up by this badboy. A limousine would be cool enough, but a Hummer inspired limousine is just next level "woah".

DSCF8012-6 DSCF8018-8 DSCF8015-7 DSCF8026-9 Next on the list was a helicopter ride. That day was a wee bit gloomy and it started drizzling on the way to the hangar so all of us were on the edge of our seat, we didn't want the highlight of the trip cancelled!

DSCF8034-10 The day stayed gloomy but thankfully the rained stopped. The heli ride is pushing through! That's one tick on my bucket list, thank you very much.

DSCF8036-11 DSCF8045-12 DSCF8056-14 This photo reminds me a lot of Spiderman's setting, New York City. Of course, I know New York would be hella better, just the feels of a metropolitan along a coast. Lovely. The whole ride was lovely and definitely one for the books.

DSCF8050-13 DSCF8074-16 DSCF8072-15 DSCF8078-17 DSCF8081-18 3 DSCF8087-20 DSCF8123-23 DSCF8126-24 DSCF8132-25 DSCF8147-28 DSCF8144-27 DSCF8157-29 DSCF8161-32 As beautiful as our city looks from the helicopter, the ride from the hangar was absolutely brutal. I lost count how long we got stuck in traffic. Also, I was looking forward to have a quick shower before dinner. I also planned an appropriate attire for a fancy Japanese dinner but nOoOo... when the limo stopped I was expecting to be in front of Fairmont but instead we headed straight to the restaurant in Fort. So much for my suede kimono top :-<

In another private room, this long table full of scrumptious Japanese food welcomed us. Talking to you guys about it makes me crave for their ultra fresh, ultra soft, ultra delicate salmon sashimi... *sigh*

Ogawa is definitely one of the best Japanese restaurants I've tried. I am so bringing my family and Miguel here.

DSCF8162-33 After dinner we finally went back to the hotel. I invited my cousin over, we had room service (that we didn't get to finish because of the gigantic serving) and watched movies 'til dawn. Definitely how I wanted to cap the day ♥

And yes, I wore a onesie for this overnight affair. Don't judge.

My last hours in Fairmont hotel was not put to waste. My cousin went to work early so I ate breakfast with Miguel. The buffet was lovely and I'm a buffet hog... I'm sorry. I ate everything, eggs, bacon, toast, champorado, buko juice, coffee, tocino, pancakes, omelettes, congee... I wish every breakfast of my day was like that haha.

DSCF8172-34 DSCF8221-42 Let's not forget to mention what helped me throughout the trip, Olay Total Effects Day Cream. Like seriously, it's never too early to start maintaining that plump and supple skin.

DSCF8216-41 Check out time! I'm missing this uber comfy bed.

Summer in the City is the perfect summer getaway for the city girl at heart. Just because you can’t bask in the summer heat in a pristine beach doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast spending summer in the city. Go take a helicopter ride around the city to see the gorgeous cityscape, and pamper yourself in a 5-star hotel after a long week, and ride in style in a limo around the city. Stay glowing all summer long with your P&G Beauty essentials from Olay, Pantene, and Head & Shoulders.

If this sounds like your type of fun, I've good news for you. You, along with three friends, can actually have the chance to experience this trip too! All you have to do is:

  • Purchase P500 worth of Olay Total Effects in Watson’s from April 15 to June 30, 2016
  • Upload a photo of yourself with friends enjoying summer in the city with Olay Total Effects, or any of the participating brands such as Olay Whitening Moisture Body Wash, Head & Shoulders Cool & Fresh, or Pantene 3 Minute Miracle, to the Summer in the City Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SummerInTheCityPH

Entries will be judged for Creativity (50%), Combined Likes and Shares by June 30 (50%). Winning entry will be announced on or before July 15, 2016. The owner of the winning entry, together with 3 friends, shall win a limousine ride, a relaxing staycation at a posh hotel, and a Helicopter ride in the city.

I promise you, this is one luxurious urban trip you don't want to miss!