Last Tuesday everyone was surprised at the amount of rain that fell over Metro Manila. Suddenly, we couldn't get out of the city. The flood reached our office's sidewalk. Any jeep that passed by was full or refusing to take any passengers. I waited for an hour before finally catching a jeep up to Buendia.
While walking to Edsa, I noticed the beautiful Xmas lights along Ayala Avenue that were set up to look like Pinoy churches.
I alos took photos of Rustans' window display.
It's just too bad that this year's display wasn't as good as last year's. While last year also featured ludicrous images of Western Xmas like snowmen and fireplaces, at least they weren't so commercial.
This year's display is just a lot of mannequins in winter fashion. There's even one of a trendy couple in heavy coats waiting for a train. Ha-ha! They'd never make it out alive in a real PNR train!
LAst time the streets were flooded and traffic stood still, I took a ride to Glorietta where I was able to catch a bus home.
Unfortunately, i wasn't so lucky this time. It was still raining hard and a huge crowd was gathered at Edsa/Ayala , desperate for a ride home.
After an hour or so of waiting, I gave up. My umbrella was dripping, my pants were wet, my bag was getting heavier as the papers inside were getting soaked. I went to an atm and withdrew some cash and headed for the Intercon, Manila.
I know that there were probably cheaper hotels around, but I was tired and wet and hungry and I told myself, I've worked hard and saved all year. I mean, I never take a taxi. I ride the jeep and non-airconditioned buses. Hell, I even took the PNR train! I've been generous to my family and friends, why can't I treat myself for once?
So I walked into the hotel while my pants and sandals squished on their floors and got a deluxe room.
After 46 years, the Intercon is closing down on Dec. 31 and if you're lucky, you can book a room at the discounted price of P4600+ for a deluxe room with buffet breakfast in a 5-star hotel!
The room was big, even for two people. My only regret is that I wasn't able to invite anyone over. The bed was so large and comfortable. I slept like a baby. The pillows felt like soft, light clay because they felt like they followed the contours of my head.
I was sooo happy that a I had a bathtub! I immediately had a warm bath to soak my aching body!
i loved the amenities in the room like a flashlight that immediatle turned on, the thick bathrobe that I wore to sleep, the posh toiletries, and the flat iron and hair dryer which I used to dry my stuff.
Too bad I forgot to take home the free coffee and tea #SulitFamily
I had a big tv with Skycable, but it wasn't in HD.
Some of the wooden furniture showed signs of age but the room still looked elegant
I loved this magnifying mirror for checking out your teeth or for fixing your makeup
I did remember to take home the toiletries which included a sewing kit. It would have been perfect if they added a small deodorant and dental floss.
Classy artwork on my walls
I wanted to stay in bed forever but I had to wake up at 9:30 because the buffet breakfast was only served till 10:30am.
I wasn't really impressed by the buffet. The congee and the meatballs were bland. It was actually kind of similar to the spread at Taal Vista.
Also, when I was seated by a wait staff, she asked me if i wanted coffee, she seemed to have forgotten all about me. I waited and waited, but she naver came back. So I just stood up and proceeded to the buffet. It was only when I went back to my table that a different waiter that asked and actually brought me coffee.
A manager also had to alert the cook manning the omelette station that I was in line for an omelette because he was chatting with a co-worker. I didn't really get upset. In fact I was worried for them since they would be out of a job next year.
But I did like the artworks of the Jeepney Cafe.
Too bad I didn't have swim shorts or a gym outfit as I would've made use of the pool and the mini-Gold's Gym! #SulitFamily
My room had a grand view of rainy Glorietta
A booklet featuring the final Holiday offers of the Intercon.
While it was unplanned and pricey, I enjoyed my stay at the Intercon. I'm glad I finally experienced staying with them before they closed. It's my surprise Christmas gift to myself!
