It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 12, 2024, and if you’re flying to the Philippines in time for the weekend to be with that special lady in your life (or celebrate yourself, you awesome momma you), then you need to start making reservations before you run out of event and buffet slots. To help you get started, we’ve listed interesting activities, as well as dining and staycation ideas that you and your family will enjoy this weekend—or some, until the end of the month.
Activities
1. If your mom wants to bond with her young nieces or apos
Are you, your mom, and the girls in your family Barbie fans? Then this one’s for you! Celebrate the iconic doll’s 65th anniversary with a beach day-cation in luxury casino hotel Okada Manila’s indoor beach club, Cove Manila. There’s something for everyone. Check out Barbie’s “resume” through an exhibit of over 130 Barbie career dolls hailing all the way back from 1959. Guests also get to step into a life-sized Barbie Dream Camper—we know you’ve always wanted to since you were little. And of course, there’s loads of pool time, among other hands-on activities that kids and the kids-at-heart will enjoy.
Rates start at PHP1,200 per head and come with PHP700 worth of consumable food. You can reserve a slot individually or book a cabana for the entire family. A small cabana can hold eight people, with rates starting at PHP14,000 for an all-afternoon session, inclusive of food and drinks. You can see the complete price list and book a slot here. Cove Manila is located inside Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Parañaque.
2. If you want to treat Mom to some pampering at the spa
What better way to show appreciation for your mom’s love and care for you than by spoiling her with a relaxing spa treatment?
If you can’t go right on Mother’s Day—spas might be busy and traffic is sure to stress you out—then you may want to drive up to Tagaytay on a different weekend of May to try the L’Uva Vineyard Spa at Twin Lakes Hotel because their Mother’s Day spa offer is valid until May 31, 2024. Get your mom the L’Uva Spa Harmonizing Facial, an 80-minute purifying and brightening facial treatment. The package also includes a complimentary head, neck, shoulder, and back massage to complete her rejuvenating experience. The solo session is PHP3,300 nett, and if you want to join her, you get a 30% discount on L’Uva Spa massages for one additional person. For appointments, contact +63917-8537463. Twin Lakes Hotel is located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, Laurel, Batangas.
If you just want to stay in the city and you happen to be a Reward Circle member of Okada Manila, just redeem PHP8,888 worth of Lifestyle or Circle Points for a personalized two hours’ worth of spa treatments (choose from their list of included services like a one-hour signature massage and a variety of 30-minute facials, body scrubs, body wrap, hair treatment, and manicure) plus a Mother’s Day gift. Good news: This special promo is also available until the end of May, so you don’t have to worry about having to go right on Mother’s Day. Tip: Make sure you and your mom arrive early for your appointment so you can enjoy the luxurious facilities at The Retreat Spa, which includes its own pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and more. Prior reservation is required. To book an appointment, email [email protected] or call +632-85555775.
3. If you would like a photo shoot with your mom
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If you would like to experience being the subject of a magazine cover shoot with your mom, reserve a slot at Schild Studios and get the full experience. Whether you’re treating yourself this Mother’s Day or booking for a very special woman, the whole process will definitely make for great memories. Depending on the package you choose—you can do solo, couple, or group—Schild’s team will get you to join the creative process. Do you have pegs? Or do you just want to wing it? They’ve got you all the way.
A makeup artist will help you get ready, and you also get the option to have a stylist assist you in picking outfits from their closet. Depending on your package, you also get a short behind-the-scenes video of the process. You don’t even need to worry about how to pose as the team will help you through it.
Prices start at PHP5,950. You can check out Schild’s rates here, and you can book a slot here. All transactions are done online, so you can coordinate with them from anywhere. Just make sure to lock in your schedule right away as slots easily get filled! Schild Studios is located at RFM Corporate Center, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
4. If Nanay would like to do something creative
Here’s an interesting activity for moms and their families who enjoy the creative process. Tahanan Pottery Shop and Studio in Quezon City is celebrating Mother’s Day with a special workshop on candelabra making. This session aims to share basic handbuilding techniques, giving moms a great introduction to working with clay. The PHP2,700/person rate includes materials, underglaze, glazing, and firing.
The workshop happens on Mother’s Day, May 12, from 9:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. You can register on their website. They also offer other pottery and hand sculpting workshops, in case you and your mom are interested. Tahanan Pottery Shop and Studio is located at 27B Scout Tobias corner Scout Lozano Sts., Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Contact them at +63917-1277207, +632-71173401, or email [email protected].
5. If you want to shop with your mom and fellow moms
Mommy Mundo has been in the business of helping, educating, and inspiring moms across the Philippines through face-to-face workshops, seminars, and community events. One of these events is the ExpoMom, which is now on its 17th year and is happening on May 11 and 12 at Trinoma Activity Center, North Avenue cor. EDSA, Quezon City.
ExpoMoms will feature a lot of free activities and goodies for your family, different brand booths, talks, and more. Entrance is free and the event is open to all, but you can pre-register to get a fast pass. Check out their website for updates.
Dining
6. If you want to treat Mom and the family to a buffet
You can never go wrong with treating the moms in your life (or yourself) to a good buffet. Good thing several hotels around Metro Manila and even Tagaytay are offering special Mother’s Day buffet spreads for you to choose from.
To start, whether or not you’re already in Okada Manila for a Barbie daycation or spa appointment, make plans to treat your mom and the family to a grand buffet spread that features Mom’s favorite flavors at Medley Buffet. Available for lunch and dinner on May 12, rates are at PHP4,500 nett for adults and PHP2,250 for children age 5-11. For this amount, you can look forward to luxurious gastronomic delights like Boston lobster, king prawn, Curacha crab, Oyster Rockefeller, roasted prime rib, Pecking Duck, Crispy Pata, whole lamb with saffron pulao, whole lechon, and a wide variety of global cuisines! All beverages are included, from a selection of red and white wines, bubbly, cocktails, and beers (not served to minors, of course) to soda and chilled juices. Get more information and book here.
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Meanwhile, for those staying near the Quezon City or Ortigas areas, you may want to check out the Mother’s Day special lunch and dinner buffet by Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Manila in Ortigas Center. For PHP3,100 nett per person (50% off for kids age 6-12), you may expect prime rib-eye, honey and cranberry roasted turkey, plant-based meatloaf, and heritage recipes, among others. Every mom also gets a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and a giveaway. Lunch is served from noon to 2:30p.m., while dinner is from 6p.m. to 10p.m. You can choose to book your slot on May 11 or 12 here. The Westin Manila is located at San Miguel Avenue corner Lourdes Drive, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
And if you feel like driving up to Tagaytay, you may want to check out Twin Lakes Hotel’s Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch Buffet on May 12. For PHP1,299 nett per in-house guest or PHP1,599 per walk-in guest, you and your mom can bond over a scrumptious array of flavors and decadent treats. (Tip: While there, grab some of their delicious Raisin Loaf for pasalubong!) For inquiries and table reservations, contact Twin Lakes Cafe at +63917-8054349 or [email protected].
7. If Mommy enjoys afternoon tea
Maybe you, your mom, your lola, or a special maternal figure in your life aren’t into buffets—we get it. You may want to enjoy a fancy afternoon tea session instead, complete with an etiquette workshop. Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay is hosting “Tea & Poise,” a pre-Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Etiquette Workshop to be conducted by Pauli Antoine of Etiquette de Manille on May 11, Saturday, from 2p.m. to 5p.m. at the Ballroom Foyer.
It is a limited-seating event open to both checked-in and walk-in guests. It is free for the first 30 checked-in guests who will complete the registration process via this Google Form. Each room booking will admit two guests, just provide the booking confirmation to complete the registration. Walk-in attendees are welcome, with seats allocated on a first come, first served basis. You will get two tickets for a minimum purchase of PHP6,000 in a single receipt from Twin Lakes Cafe or Twin Lakes Wine Gallery on May 10 or 11. If you do not have room reservations yet, go to their website to book your stay with any of the available room offers or contact reservations at +63917-8537468, +63917-8461389, or [email protected].
Staycations
8. If you and Mom want an activity-filled staycation in the Metro
When you can’t choose a single Mother’s Day activity and dining experience with your mom, why not just spend the whole weekend at a hotel and bond over a selection of experiences while there?
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If you want to stay right at the heart of the city, you may want to consider Marco Polo Ortigas, which is going all-out for Mother’s Day with staycation bonuses, restaurant offerings, and limited-time drinks and treats. A two-night stay won’t only give Mom a great and restive experience, but also get her a free round of cocktails at Vu’s Sky Bar or the Connect Lounge, chocolates during her nightly turn-down service, and a delicious meal at their in-house restaurants Cucina or Lung Hin at 25% off. Early booking starts at PHP6,120 per night (may change without prior notice).
For mommies and titas (aunties) who brunch, Cafe Pronto offers the decadent Mom’s Everlasting Velvet cake, available now until May 12. For those looking for a good nightcap, a Momtini (vodka and grenadine) or Momgarita (tequila, triple sec, and lemon juice) will do the trick. Pick one package or do all! Call +632-77207777 or email [email protected] for room reservations and other questions. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is located at Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
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If you prefer a hotel in the South, you may want to stay at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, which will get mom glowing inside and out with Mother’s Day packages. Take advantage of their “Mom Glows Best” room promos (P5,888 nett for the Main Wing Deluxe and P6,888 nett for the Tower Wing Deluxe). This comes with a complimentary breakfast buffet for two and one-hour massage session at Azurea Spa. The package also has great discounts moms will enjoy. Book a seat at J/Monis and get 20% off any regular hair treatment and 10% off a senior stylist haircut. Interested in a permanent makeup procedure? Pretty Looks is also offering moms 50% off their permanent makeup services (eyeliner, lip tint, or brows).
Aside from this, everyone can also attend “Mindful Motherhood for Modern Moms,” a full-day celebration sponsored by the Mindful Mompreneurs Club that features inspirational speakers and workshops from 10a.m. to 6p.m. on May 12 at the 2020 Function Room. This event is free—just register here. For more details, email [email protected] or visit their website. The Bellevue Manila is located at North Bridgeway, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
9. If Mama would enjoy a weekend road trip to Tagaytay
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If you and your mom would want to leave scorching Metro Manila for slightly cooler climes this Mother’s Day weekend, Tagaytay is your spot. Head to the historical Taal Vista Hotel and avail of their “Mother Glows Best” promo (not to be mistaken with the one at The Bellevue Manila). Book an overnight stay and enjoy buffet breakfast for two, a 60-minute “Awaken the Senses” treatment for mom at Rain, the Spa, complimentary afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge between 2p.m. to 5p.m., and discounts at Kultura boutiques. Room rates start at PHP9,000. There’s also a Savor & Scent lunch buffet with a DIY scented linen spray demo by Parfum Bar by Nhics for PHP1,980 nett per person this Sunday. Call +632-79178225, +63917-8091254, or email them at [email protected] for more details. Taal Vista Hotel is located along Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City.
10. If your Mom is game for a quick weekend escape to Iloilo
Maybe you’d like to fly somewhere within the Philippines for a longer bonding session with your mom. Consider traveling to Iloilo City and going on a food trip in the Philippines’ only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. As for your simple but cozy stay, consider Seda Atria—the Iloilo branch of the Ayala Land Hotel and Resorts brand, whose familiar and compact design in all of its locations would always give you a sense of homey comfort. Seda Atria in Iloilo City exudes that friendly vibe, and you may want to take advantage of their Mother’s Day weekend deal that you can book here.
Until this Thursday, May 9, you can book your stay from May 11 to 12 with a starting rate of PHP5,700. This comes with a complimentary breakfast buffet at Misto and a special Mother’s Day Cake. If you’re staying for the whole weekend and checking out Monday, reserve a slot at Misto for their dinner buffet on May 12, which is at an economical hotel rate of PHP1,299 per person. Enjoy great food and live entertainment from 6p.m. to 10p.m.; reserve here. Seda Atria is located at Pison Avenue, Atria Park District, San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
With reports from Trixie Reyna
