If you’ve attended conferences, and events of all sorts, the quality of your experience is partly relative to the preparation of the organizing committee. But it’s rare that the people behind the curtain get to be acknowledged for what they do. In our company, it’s never the case. One thing that I admire about my immediate head is that in every single event we’ve done in the past, he never failed to express his gratitude towards the organizing team.
I've written about how through hard work and perseverance I was able to send myself to a post-baccalaureate program related to my field of work. I've initially written something about that here. Well today, I'm going to give a rundown of the things that happened before and after the big event.
One-man team
The students (That's us!) were the ones who organized the graduation. There were four (4) batches of graduates and each batch nominated its representatives. I'm one of the representatives. We were supposed to work together, and assign committees but I don't know what happened that I ended up doing most of the work. Even on the day of the event, I wasn't fully present as a graduate. I envied the students who came just to walk on the red carpet during the graduation rites, in their best Sunday dress and with faces filled with makeup you don’t even recognize who’s who.
Our graduation ceremony was held at Maayo Hotel and since we reached the required minimum pax to avail of 1 night free accommodation, of course I took advantage of it.
After all the stressful days and nights I had to endure alone, “I deserve this!” I told myself. Of course, I had to get all the batch representatives’ approval to use the free accommodation. They knew the level of passion and commitment I put in to ensure the event pushes through and everyone can graduate.
Now let's begin our hotel tour!
Space, space and more space!
It’s not my first time in Maayo Hotel (Mandaue); I’ve attended several seminars and talks here. Thanks to my boss for always looking out for my career advancement! But it was my first time checking in.
It’s not as glamorous as the newly opened Seda Hotel in Central Bloc and Ayala Center Cebu, but it’s charming. I was allowed to check in as early as 12 noon, the regular check-in time is at 3 PM. Unfortunately, they don't have an available room with a queen or king-size bed as they were fully booked that day.
I got our keycard and went straight to the room which I find to be spacious and refreshing. Here are some photos of the room:
Some goodies are surprisingly free. In most hotels, snack items usually aren't free.
Our room is overlooking UN Avenue in Mandaue City...
And of course, my graduation stuff...
Pictorial first before marching!
Chilling at the roof deck
After the graduation rites, my boyfriend and I decided to check the roof deck where a bar/cafe and the pool were located.
The pool was glowing against the night sky but I didn't dare to swim that night. It was chilly and I don't like being cold. Reserving the swimming the following day.
And since we were at the roof deck, the city view was stunning. The pool is overlooking the 2nd bridge connecting mainland Cebu to the island of Mactan.
Right after checking out the pool area, we went to Ani.
Ani is cozy. The best place to unwind after a stressful day! They serve food as well as drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic).
We had dinner with all the graduates and their families in Maayo's biggest hall so we came here to relax before sleeping!
Here's what we ordered!
Disappointing buffet breakfast
The following morning, we ate breakfast at Uma. Their breakfast buffet is underwhelming. The food selection was not what I expected and the quality isn't that promising either. Not tot mention they're obviously understaffed; I had to wait for roughly 5-minutes before I could have my omelet. Thankfully, it’s free, else, I’d be really frustrated.
These are the food they offered that morning.
The interior in Uma is simple and has that homey vibe...
Lovely lobby
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the hotel is the receiving area/lounge just across the check-in counter...
From this photo alone, you'd exactly get what you need on any given warm afternoon in Cebu. The area is overlooking the city and the Mactan channel.
Its high-ceiling will undoubtedly make anyone feel refreshed the moment they walk in.
The full glass windows allow natural light to illuminate the entire area. I wonder how lovely this area will look like at sunset, unfortunately, we had our graduation ceremony 3 PM onwards and we had to check out by 11 AM.
Oh what a fine day to swim!
The following morning, before we left for our Busay trip, we went back to the pool and yup, dipped while the summer sun was above us. We didn't stay for too long because aside from we're going somewhere else for our anniversary celebration, it was scorching hot that morning, too!
Morning view at the roof deck...
The pool area looked like it’s been abandoned but the pool was clean. I could only wish they installed huge beach umbrellas where guests can stay in case the heat becomes unbearable. Nonetheless, the morning view from the swimming pool area is to die for.
Of course, pictorial! Again.
Looking back on those stressful weeks of trying to balance my responsibilities as events coordinator for our graduation and the tasks I had to accomplish at work, the frustration somehow melted when it was paid off in some other ways. I told my boyfriend once that I'm willing to organize more events but it's not for free anymore!
That's it! Hoope you enjoyed our little tour inside Maayo Hotel (Mandaue).
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Ahhh this brings back memories. Every month I had to do a supply and bills run to Cebu City. Over 7 years that was a lot of visits and I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels in Cebu City. The Henry was my fave but I hear it is no longer open. Sad news. But geez, the Best Western Lex ( which that pool top reminds me of) St Marks, Escario Central, castlepeak ( close to turning wheels craft brewery so worth staying there as Turning Wheels is walking distance. Dohera in Mandaue and many many more. This place looks nice though. I am going to have to return and collect a heap of belongings at some point so maybe I will try out this place. People in Moalboal used to nad mouth the City but I enjoyed my monthly visits.
That's right @scubahead,a close friend used to work at The Henry but had to look for another job after it announced its permanent closure. I haven't visited it but heard great things about the hotel and saw bunch of photos of its themed rooms!
Yup it was pretty cool. They were expanding itnlast time I was there a few years ago so don’t know why they decided to close it when they have opened up other Henry themes in other larts of the Philippines since.
Ang sexy nmn. Ganda ng place pang sosyal
This reminds me of my wedding so much 🥰 Maayo hotel is really beautiful. 😍
Hala, diri mo gikasal @christianyocte ?
Among wedding reception maam! Nindot kaayo ang photos. Nalingaw sad ang photographers ug videographer sa lugar. Dili common unya nindot daw.
Aweeeeee!!! Ka gwapa ni misis @christianyocte 😍😍😍
True, daghan kaayo nagpapicture nga graduates dihang dapita sa giposingan ni wifey nimo. Murag ako ra ang wala kay busy ang show hehe
The hotel looks great, the food I can't pronounce, we have such a different cuisine, but I would definitely try the dishes there, not to forget, the pool looks gorgeous, a sunrise swim I think would be amazing.
Greetings from Romania.
Exactly with the view of Mactan channel! But we were dead tired to wake up early so we missed it hehe
Thank you for dropping by @triplug. Hope all's well with you.
Thanks @patsitivity , I have a saying ,, when I'm tired and I think I can't do it anymore, I tell myself in my mind that I can do a little more,,, hehe.
I send you my best thoughts from Romania.
Your hard work paid off, Imagine enjoying all this luxury for free. The rooms and environment looks perfect and I really wish I could dip into that pool even though it was cold that night.
You guys definitely had a great time and I am wondering why those beds are separated, it should be together or what do you think.... just teasing
Congratulations on your graduation.
I know right, what a bummer! 🤣 Well, we're not in the position to say no to the only available room they can give us for free. But we made use of one bed only. Hehe It might look small in the photos but it's perfect for lovers nonetheless.
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Wonderful post! It is defently on my to visit list now
I hope you can visit soon!
I always pass by here, thanks for the peak of whats inside, its a really nice hotel just like its name.
Yes, and the service is exemplary tbh!
Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Daily Travel Digest #1769.
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Uhhhh! The pool looks amazing! Would be very nice to take a swim hehe.
Cheers from Romania!
You're right @missdeli but the area near the pool looks unmaintained. Perhaps the pandemic led to laying off some of the personnel who used to maintain the place but other than that it's still awesome!
It cant say from the pictures! Anyways, the hotel looks amazing in my opinion!