Manila Bay Luxury: Score Your Dream Prime Unit at SMDC Shore Residences!
Manila Bay Luxury: Shore Residences - My Love/Hate Affair with Paradise (and the WiFi!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – or, you know, the lukewarm coffee from the in-room machine – on SMDC Shore Residences. They're billing this place as "Manila Bay Luxury," and, well… it’s complicated. Like, really complicated. Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of glittery pools, questionable room service, and the eternal struggle to get a decent WiFi signal.
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Accessibility: (Not Necessarily Accessible to My Patience)
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. They’re trying. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a day of poolside cocktails. The facilities for disabled guests are present but… I'll be honest, haven't encountered them first hand. There is a doorman at the ready. Now, navigating around? Well, the sprawling complex could challenge even the most agile, and I didn't see much in the way of designated accessible routes for wheelchairs, which is something they really need to nail down. So, a mixed bag here.
On-site Accessible Restaurants & Lounges (Fueling the Hunger and the Thirst… Eventually)
They’ve got a decent array of choices to keep your hunger at bay. Restaurants are scattered around, but a bit spread out, making you weave through sunbathers to get to your next meal and the bar. I checked out the food. I'll confess I was hungry, and the poolside bar was a bit of a godsend. They've got a coffee shop, because, well, there's always a need for caffeine. I like that. Because coffee/tea in restaurant. They also have happy hour, which is key for enjoying the Manila sunsets. The poolside bar is strategically placed but service can be slow during peak hours. The drinks are worth it though, especially when combined with the view. Desserts in restaurant.
Wheelchair Accessibility (A Work in Progress)
As I mentioned earlier, I didn't see a great deal. More detailed information needed to determine the degree of a fully accessible experience.
Internet Access: The Digital Dark Ages (or, My Ongoing Saga with Wi-Fi)
Oh. My. Gawd. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – that’s the promise. The reality? A frustratingly patchy connection that makes dial-up seem lightning fast. Seriously, I think my ancient Nokia 3310 would've had a better download speed. The Internet is hit or miss. Internet [LAN]? Didn’t even attempt. Internet services are there in theory. Wi-Fi in public areas is marginally better, but still prone to disappearing acts. I spent more time troubleshooting the connection than actually working (or, let's be honest, streaming Netflix). This is a HUGE area for improvement. It's 2024, SMDC! Get it together! I would give it a 2 out of 10. The service providers in my opinion need to be reviewed!
Things to Do / Ways to Relax (The Good Bits)
- Swimming Pool: Multiple pools, people. Multiple! The Swimming pool [outdoor] is the showstopper. The Pool with a View of Manila Bay is breathtaking, especially at sunset. Worth the hassle of finding a sun lounger.
- Spa/Sauna: Yes, please! I indulged in the Spa. Bliss. The Sauna was hot and steamy, and the Steamroom was a welcome escape from the Manila heat.
- Fitness Center: Impressive! The Gym/fitness center is well-equipped. I managed a workout (needed it after all the cocktails!).
- Massage: Ah, yes. The Massage! I got a deep tissue one. Needed it to work the knots out. Totally worth it. If only they provided a Foot bath service.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Things That Matter)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to know. Made me feel a little safer.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- CCTV in common areas / outside property: Present, of course.
- Fire extinguisher: Yay!
- Smoke alarms: Also Yay!
- Security [24-hour]: Yep.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Fire)
Okay, let’s talk food.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Good variety, but predictably the same on day two.
- Breakfast service: Room service was okay.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless. Especially for midnight cravings.
- Restaurants: A few choices, but honestly, they could do with spicing it up (figuratively and literally).
- Bar: Crucial.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes!
- Poolside bar: More Crucial!
- Snack bar: Handy for when you can't be bothered to go anywhere.
- Alternative meal arrangement: This would have been great.
Services and Conveniences (The Perks, the Pitfalls)
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank. God.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful, most of the time.
- Convenience store: A lifesaver for forgotten essentials.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Ironing service / Laundry service: Needed.
- Luggage storage: Useful.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good peace of mind.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Us)
- Family/child friendly: Absolutely. Families are very well catered for. The kids were having a blast.
- Babysitting service: If you need it.
- Kids facilities: Plenty.
- Kids meal: Present.
Available in all Rooms (The Nitty-Gritty)
The rooms, again, are nicely furnished.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Useful.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch.
- Bathtub: Always a plus.
- Blackout curtains: Needed after a night of cocktails.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: Yep.
- Desk: Tried working at the desk, but the WiFi… ugh.
- Free bottled water: Much appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Needed.
- In-room safe box: For your valuables.
- Internet access – wireless: Oh, the struggle.
- Ironing facilities: Wrinkles are a no-no.
- Mini bar: Expensive. Though I may have indulged…
- Non-smoking: Thankfully!
- Private bathroom: Always preferred.
- Shower: Yes, please.
- Slippers: Thoughtful.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Telephone: For ordering room service (which, let’s be honest, is the main reason for a phone in a hotel room).
- Wake-up service: Reliable, unlike the *$&%@ WiFi.
Getting Around (The Logistics)
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus.
- Taxi service: Available.
My Final Verdict (The Emotional Rollercoaster)
SMDC Shore Residences? It's a mixed bag, truly. The pools, spa, and views are incredible. The staff generally tries hard, even when things go wrong. The rooms are comfortable. The food options are pretty good, and the location is convenient. BUT… that WiFi. Ugh. It caused me more stress than I care to admit.
So, would I recommend it? Yes, with caveats. Go for the views, the spa, and the sunshine. Just be prepared to unplug (or, more accurately, attempt to unplug) from the digital world. And maybe bring your own portable router, just in case. You have been warned! Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars (and a strong recommendation to invest in better WiFi!).
**(PS: And seriously,
Senator Hotel Timmins: Your Timmins Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt at a vacation at Prime Unit @ SMDC Shore Residences in Manila. Prepare for a wild ride, a rollercoaster of sugar highs, coffee-induced anxieties, and the constant, gnawing fear that I've packed the wrong shoes. Let's dive in!
The Very Unlikely, Possibly Ill-Advised Itinerary: Prime Unit Mayhem
Day 1: Arrival (And the Great Luggage Panic)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at NAIA, Manila: Okay, first hurdle. Getting through immigration. Pray for a kind officer, because I’m already sweating. I'm pretty sure I forgot to pack a toothbrush. Also, existential dread? Check.
- 2:30 PM - Ride-sharing to SMDC Shore Residences: Insert obligatory traffic jam lament. Manila traffic is a beast. I'm already calculating how many podcasts I can consume to survive. Seriously considering hiring a driver who also specializes in existential therapy.
- 3:30 PM - Check-in, Prime Unit, and The "Oh God, This is it" Moment: The lobby is… impressive. Shiny, air-conditioned, and making me feel acutely aware of my rumpled travel clothes. Key pick-up. Elevator ride. The doors open to my… Prime Unit. Alright. This is where the real fun begins! (Deep breath).
- 4:00 PM - Luggage Debrief & Room Reconnaissance: Did. I. Pack. Enough. Snacks? Crucial question. Unpack, unpack, and unpack again. Discover that I brought three pairs of black tights and zero actual pants. Panic level: moderate. The view from the balcony… Wow. Okay, maybe this is not so bad. I take a very deep breath.
- 5:00 PM - First-Round Tour and Pool Peek (the "Is This Real Life?" Moment): Explore the building amenities. "Infinity" pool is a misnomer. More like a very attractive rectangle of water. Attempt a casual stroll around the pool area, feigning confidence I do not possess. Secretly take a mental note of where the best sunbathing spots are, and how I can try and look like I belong.
- 6:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Scavenger Hunt (aka "Where Did I Put the Phone Charger?") The real adventure begins! Search the apartment for the phone charger. Find it under the sofa. Celebrate with a fist pump.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a Nearby Restaurant: Research restaurants near the residence. Find something "authentic" (translation: not McDonald's). Get lost. Ask for directions. Order something that looks vaguely familiar. Hope for the best. Pray the food doesn't disagree with me (I'm surprisingly sensitive to chili).
- 8:30 PM - Evening Promenade & Manila Night Fever: Evening stroll around the area. Observe the vibrant night life. Consider whether to stop at a karaoke bar. Then realize I can’t sing.
- 9:30 PM - Balcony Bliss (aka "The Thinking of Life" Moment): Back to the apartment, glass of whatever local soda I can find in hand. Look out at the lights of Manila. Think about life. Think about why I brought three pairs of black tights. Resolve to buy pants tomorrow.
- 10:30 PM - Sleep, or Attempt to Sleep: Curse the jet lag and the noisy neighbors. Fail to achieve perfect sleep. Start planning the next day’s breakfast.
Day 2: Manila Mirth and Museum Mayhem
- 8:00 AM - Rise and (Attempt to) Shine! Wake up. Feel oddly refreshed. Realize the coffee machine is a total mystery. Attempt anyway. End up with instant coffee that vaguely resembles coffee. Drink it anyway.
- 9:00 AM - Quick Breakfast, then Off to Intramuros: Quick bite(I hope it doesn't upset my stomach). Arrange a ride-sharing service to Intramuros. Marvel at the historical walls. Attempt to look historical myself. Maybe take some selfies?
- 10:00 AM - Intramuros Exploration: Intramuros. The Walled City. Bustling with history. Get lost in its colonial charm. Ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) and feel like you’ve stepped back in time (or at least, that's the plan). Take a million photos. Get sweaty. Realize I should have worn a hat.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch in Intramuros: Find a local restaurant. Eat something delicious and spicy. Try not to spill. Sweat more.
- 1:00 PM - Museum Hopping! Spend the afternoon museum hopping. National Museum of the Philippines, or maybe the San Agustin Church. Try to remember things from history class. Probably don't succeed.
- 3:00 PM - Coffee Break (Critical Mission): Coffee break. Because caffeine is essential for any serious museum-going endeavor. Hunt down a coffee shop with air conditioning. Order something elaborate and then get the jitters.
- 4:00 PM - Return to Prime Unit, Pool Time (Finally!) Hit the pool. Embrace the sunshine. Flail around awkwardly in the water, pretending to be a graceful swimmer. Get back to the residence.
- 5:00 PM - Quiet Time & Personal Reflection: Relax on the balcony. Write down my thoughts. Realize I have nothing really to say. Read a book.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & Night Out: Dinner at a restaurant of my choosing.
- 8:00 PM - Karaoke Night (Decision Moment): Do it, don't do it.
- 9:00 PM - Night Market Exploration: Head to the night market. Browse the stalls, feel the energy. Maybe buy something I don't need. Try to haggle (and fail miserably).
- 10:00 PM - The Deep Dive (and the Great Pajama Search): Back to the unit. Shower to wash off the day's adventures. Scour the luggage for pajamas. Realize I packed only one pair. Consider sleeping in my black tights. Decide against it.
- 11:00 PM - Attempt #2 at Sleep: Close my eyes. Pray for sweet, sweet slumber. Dream of pants.
Day 3: Relaxation and Departure
- 8:00 AM - Lazy Morning: No rush, no stress. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - Last Swim: One last dip in the pool. Embrace the sunshine. Try not to think about packing.
- 11:00 AM - Head to the Airport: Sigh. Time to leave the prime unit.
- 12:00 PM - Final Thoughts: Reflect on the trip. (Maybe) write a travel journal entry (maybe).
- 2:00 PM - Final Airport Farewell: Wave goodbye to the Philippines.
Post-Trip Reflections (aka "The Truth!")
So, there you have it. My Manila adventure. Will it be perfect? Absolutely not. Will I have moments of pure, unadulterated panic? You bet. Will I probably forget to do half the things on this list? Guaranteed. Will I have an amazing time anyway? Hopefully!
This itinerary is just a suggestion, a flimsy framework upon which I hope to build some memories. It’s messy. It’s imperfect. Just like me. And that’s perfectly okay.
Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And the pants. Definitely the pants.
Luxury Moscow Apartment: Hanaka Baikalskaya 18 - Unbelievable Views!
Manila Bay Luxury at SMDC Shore Residences: Real Talk Edition
Okay, spill the tea: Is this "luxury" actually *luxury* luxury? Or just... nice-adjacent?
Alright, look, let's be real. "Luxury" is thrown around like confetti these days. And yeah, SMDC Shore Residences ain't exactly the Taj Mahal. But I went for a viewing, remember? And while I wouldn’t expect personal butlers and caviar fountains (though a girl can dream!), the lobby *did* smell faintly of lilies and expensive air freshener. My immediate thought? "Okay, this isn't *cheap* cheap." The finishes in the show unit… solid. Not outrageously over-the-top, but definitely a step up from my current, um, *cozy* apartment. Think: nice tiles, not plastic, y'know? Is it truly luxury? Probably not. But is it trying? Absolutely. And the view? Holy moly. That's where the "luxury" factor starts kicking in. More on that later, because the view… well, it got me a bit emotional. You know how it is.
The Manila Bay view... is it *really* stunning, or just the same old smog-filtered sunset?
Okay, buckle up. The Manila Bay view. This is where things get… a little dramatic. I went in skeptical. I mean, Manila Bay, right? I've seen it, smelled it, you know the drill. But from the show unit? Completely different story. I walked in, they opened the curtains, and… I swear, I actually gasped. It was like the air cleared! The sunset was painting the sky in these insane hues of orange and purple, reflecting off the water… it was breathtaking. Seriously, tears almost welled up. (Don't judge me! I’m a sucker for sunsets.) It wasn’t just a view; it was an *experience*. You could literally feel the stress melt away. I started imagining cocktail hour, right there on the balcony, with the sea breeze… and then I snapped back to reality and remembered my budget. Still, that view? It was SO good. And honestly, the best part? I *think* they have proper windows! A friend of mine, at a different condo, the wind just whistles. This is important!
Let's talk pricing. Are we talking "mortgage-my-kidney" expensive? Or...?
Alright, the money. This is always the killer, isn't it? I didn't get the *exact* numbers, because I'm not *that* ready to be seduced, but let's just say… it's not dirt cheap. I got the feeling it’s more accessible than some other high-end places in BGC, but still required some serious financial gymnastics. The sales rep, bless her heart, was very optimistic. I'm thinking it will involve some serious budgeting, maybe giving up avocado toast for a while. And I'm already down to instant coffee. Maybe I can just, you know, win the lottery! It's definitely an investment. And the monthly amortization? Don't even get me started. I’ll be eating *ramen* for a while. But hey, that view… *sigh*. Okay, new goal: save ALL the pesos.
What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Karaoke room? (Asking for a friend...)
Okay, the amenities are where these places *really* sell themselves, right? Swimming pool, gym, gardens… the works. So here's the deal: They had everything. Multiple pools, including a kiddie pool (perfect, if you're into that whole family thing). A decent looking gym (I peeked, I didn't use it – workout clothes are a lie, apparently.) There’s also a function room, which… listen, I'm picturing karaoke nights, ok? Just picture it. And if I get this place, my friend can use the karaoke, and then I can just *live* and be happy in my new home. Plus, a "social hall." I genuinely don’t know what a social hall does. But it sounds fancy! Everything was shiny and new. It definitely had the "resort" vibe going on. Which, honestly? I'm a sucker for.
Is it actually *easy* to live there? Transportation, groceries, you know… the boring stuff.
Okay, the practicalities. Because, you know, having a stunning view is great, but if you can't get groceries or Uber isn't working, it's a fail. From what I could tell – and I didn't do a full-blown reconnaissance mission, because that would have involved actually *walking* – it's pretty well-located. There's definitely access to public transport. I’m assuming Grab/Angkas should work fine. I even spied a supermarket nearby, which is a MAJOR plus. But, let's be honest, I didn't try to live there! You know, traffic in Manila... it's the wild west. So, do your own research on the commute times, ok? Seriously. And think about the food! If it's too hard, you can always order in, right? Priorities, people!
What are the downsides? Anything about this place that gives you pause?
Okay, so the downsides. Here's where the messy reality comes in. Firstly, the price. It's a big commitment, you know? And the monthly dues... ouch. Secondly, and maybe this is just me, but the pure *density* of it. Lots of units, lots of people. It felt a little…crowded. During the show, it was quiet, but I could almost *feel* the future noise, the echoing laughter, the late-night parties. (Not that I'm judging, I swear!) Then there's the whole "condo living" thing. Strict rules, HOA meetings, the possibility of passive-aggressive notes about your plants on the balcony. No one wants a HOA meeting! Also, the build quality.. I’ve heard some horror stories about new condos. I'd need to do a *lot* more digging there. And finally… am I truly ready to become a condo-dweller? Am I ready to give up the chaotic freedom of living in my own place, even one that's falling apart? It's a big question.
Okay, so... would *you* buy a unit? (Be honest!)
Alright, the million-peso question. (Literally, in this case!) Would *I* buy a unit? Right now? Honestly? I'm torn. The view… *still* haunts my dreams. The amenities are amazing. But the price, the density, the commitment… It's a whole thing. I really need to win the lottery. I need to see the *actual* monthly fees (and maybe a financial advisor!). So, for nowStay While You Wander
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