MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE AT FITNESS ACADEMY HK

with a fellow CrossFitter and Anthony,
one of the main inspirations
of the academy.

Being a mom can be compared to being a juggler, always putting up a smiling face for everybody no matter how much circumstance she's tossing up and juggling in the air as she fulfills what is expected of her. Besides the will to live up to the responsibility, and the huge love we have for our families, most especially the kids, it is important to keep a healthy body to literally be present and able.

Our society has a typical definition of a mom, they are mostly at home, doing the dishes, the bills and the kids. They are expected to sport the baseball mom hair, wear baggy pants and to just carry the laundry basket. People jump into conclusions that they are always preoccupied. The worst part is that, people tend to judge when mothers are considering their own time and/or working to be bad ones or lacking in becoming a mom. But it is important to preserve time for ourselves to keep us in fine balance and shape.

Last week was mother's day and I got the most heartfelt greetings coming from fellow moms that understand the depth of such label. I feel beyond "honoured" to belong to a worldwide club called "MOMS". But I do feel that it doesn't mean, we should lose consideration for ourselves.

I love being extraordinary. I believe I own one of the coolest jobs in the world but this comes with a price. Keeping yourself in shape and maintaining your skills is the name of the game. Besides having the looks and the whole package for an investment, you have to maintain a certain standard for yourself. You should keep yourself healthy and empowered from within. You should not just look good on the outside as the passion is the basis of it all. Otherwise, it's hard to go on being good-looking if it's all superficial. On top of that, aesthetically, we could be good looking but it's the "how we got there" that helps us sustain it. Meaning, anything you achieve in an instant matter usually doesn't last. Unlike if you had worked hard for it, you are more inclined to keeping it that way because you understand its value.

a BOX is what you call a CrossFit gym

FITNESS ACADEMY HK holds a ground for health buffs who choose to get committed with an extraordinary lifestyle. For many, they think dieting alone is the solution to owning a great body. But that's not usually the case. It comes with great effort of finding a suitable workout for you. And the idea is to eat accordingly to how you consume your energy. There goes a cliche, "you are what you eat" and there's nothing more fulfilling than applying this to our own selves. If you only take supplements to give you the necessary nutrients, where's the satisfaction in that? If you only take steroids and not have enough protein intake, then your muscles are a joke. If you only want to lose weight by doing crash diet, you're in for a suicide. So why not embrace a lifestyle that doesn't stop you from eating yet allows it to be burned efficiently? FITNESS ACADEMY HK suggests crossfit.

As people from Facebook saturates my posts regarding workouts, I got an ad regarding this incredible place. It offers 3 free crossfit sessions as for your own trials. All you have to do is sign in. So I did.

Now, the struggle is real. I've written ways on how to counter that. But undeniably, moms, being in their comfort zones of "just being moms" tend to choose staying so when fitness is being talked about. With all honesty, I had excuses of my own but I would love to write about this experience in pursuit of being an inspiration to all the moms out there.

At first, I thought it was going to be such an unbearable routine. As I researched thru what I should expect in a crossfit training, weightlifting, running even though it rains (Fitness Academy HK's own mantra) and kettle bells, it gave me cold feet the night before. I am probably obsessive compulsive when it comes to reproductive health that weightlifting may lead to prolapse in whichever part of my body that it prompted me to emailing the Fitness Academy HK crew that I'm a mom of a 1 year old (emphasis on the age since I want to be reconsidered in terms of healing up from giving birth, hahaha!). But for the sake of learning, I got up in the morning and went for it. I am well rested and I basically do the parade twice a day, I'm sure it's not that bad. Located in Shop D, King's View Court, 901-907 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. On my way, there, I continuously convinced myself that there's nothing to fear.

Getting to the box from my place is approximately an hour and a half. It was my first time to find the place. Apparently, my 10 minutes to spare in looking for it was not enough distance wise per se. Needless to say, I was late and I had missed good 10 minutes of warm up. And not having enough warm up is actually a big deal.

I was added as the last participant at the WOD board.

So, I got there and was on time for the WOD (Workout of the Day) being explained by the Coach. All that I read about CrossFit was coming to life in terms of the huge clock staring at me, personal board to mark your completed routines with, and boom, our names on the board and beside it would be the weights assigned as per kettle bell and the medicine ball for the wall ball shots. Hurmen, one of the HK Fitness Academy crew gave me a lighter one compared to everybody else's since I'm the only one who's a newbie. He wanted to test first if I could actually keep up.

The WOD that I did goes:

* Do as many reps as you can of the following in 15 minutes.

1. 20 Wall Ball Shots
2. 15 swings using an 8 KG kettlebell
3. 200m run outside

this marks 4 reps of the WOD that I made.

I was able to do 4 reps but I finished it around 17minutes. In all actuality, it should have been just counted as 3 but it was just the 200m run left so I just chose to finish the entire series. Some had paddled using the rowing machine instead of running. I asked why and one of them said, it's because they are part of a rowing club and they had asked if they could concentrate in making their upper body stronger for an upcoming race.

The good thing with Fitness Academy HK is that they will push your expectations to exceed what you thought you couldn't do. They surround you with alike minds establishing a sense of community that is committed to aiming for self improvement. They aid you by allowing you to get familiar with the training and then immersing you to a progressive intensity. They also make sure that you are safe and that you would know what to expect. They encourage full theoretical education before going further the introductory exercises. Whatever you fulfill, they would acknowledge and in the end, you gain friends and that amazing feeling that you were better than yesterday in terms of the exercise you were able to do and endure today.

One of the greatest benefits of exercise is the release of endorphins right after. I call it the natural glow. In line with this, you have that sense of empowerment and you get inspired all over again as you are reminded of the things you could do already that you didn't even imagine doing. I have never thought in my entire life that I would go for CrossFit. But, it surely was worth it to have another option for my daily exercise routine.

I admire these people for their dedication, determination and commitment to fitness.
Fitness Academy HK is the largest CrossFit facility in the Island East.

Visit the box for a free trial, have an amazing feel of its great energy and know the gentlemen who had started this last November. Fitness Academy HK believes that fitness is a lifestyle built in a community and I think that is the exact way of looking at it. Little steps in transforming your little habits could do wonders.

Now, it's your turn to do the unthinkable. 

Click here for you own free trial!

Additional information:

1. Wesley, one of the gentlemen that had put up Fitness Academy HK was very accommodating during the trial. He was carefully gauging what I can do and what I was having a challenge with. He made sure I was safe and made sure that I'm not pushing myself too much. He acknowledged me right after the training and gave me a two thumbs up that I can do CrossFit.

2. I instantly got so relaxed after I took a good hot shower right after the CrossFit trial and my mind was crying out for rest. Because of this, I forgot my make up kit at Fitness Academy HK. One of the guys whose name was Hurmen did me a favour by checking it out in the changing room and when he saw it was there, he had made sure that it is safe by letting me know I can just go back for it anytime. Same spot where I left it, untouched.

3. I was so tired that I forgot to leave the payment for the water available for purchase. They didn't pressure me nor judge regarding this one. I just made sure that I had paid it when I went back to get the make up kit and walked away with no judgement from them. Instead, they asked when I would want to come back again. They're all such gentlemen.

Related posts:

1. HOW TO BE CONSISTENT IN GOING TO THE GYM - Everytime I have a struggle within me if I should go to the gym or not, I always read this.

2. MAGIC OF SHOES - There's always a good pair that goes for every occasion. 

3. MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE - Here's to all the moms out there.

THE BEST INVESTMENT IS EDUCATING YOURSELF

Investing on proper education I must say is the key to making your dreams into reality. When you are pursuing your passion, you research on it, you read about it and you seek the people who have the same interest for you to be led into its totality.

Grace CY Lam mood notebook
developing her designs and
managing the hues to be considered
for her dresses.

Raffles School of Design is holding an information session this morning to aid you of which design courses suit your drive and to give out a better understanding of how each design course is different from the other. This introduction seminar will be conducted by the school's own designers and lecturers whose passion had led them to a limitless world of expression. It will be followed by an admission seminar which will be presented by their own admission department to guide you in every step of the way as you choose your path to success.

It is a rare opportunity for you to meet their designers upfront and ask them questions regarding Art and Design, as some of them are huge in the business already. I got the chance to meet one of their designers, Grace CY Lam, who had represented their institution in the Fashion Week held in Canada. 

A campus tour and some refreshments will completes the seminar at the end.

ALL OF THESE ARE FOR FREE.

If you're feeling 50-50 whether you'd want to take a design course or not, it's worth it still, to gauge in person the chance that you might regret losing. As for a trivia, Grace CY Lam took up Law. She is now in the field of design where she said, "She had never felt home for a long time." She got pushed to creating something exceptional and not until then did she realise that it was right for her to follow her passion and that it was right that she went for the course even when she thought it might be too late for her to take up another course.

So, get up right now and take that step to educating yourself! Located at 1/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Raffles School of Design will hold this free seminar from 10:30am to 1pm, today, April 23, 2016. Have a fruitful Saturday!

Related posts:

1. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN - writing down a rare experience of knowing how Grace CY Lam, a fashion designer, came up with her final line up of evening gowns that was showcased last Mar. 14-20 in Vancouver Fashion Week.

2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." - Diether Uchtdorf

3. ON-THE-GO-IN-WINTER - check out my first POLYVORE creation, putting pieces of clothing, following your own design, together to create something fresh, new and trendy.

WHAT APRIL HAS IN STORE FOR US

Spring had just paved the way for us to anticipate great events this April.

Let me start off with a wonderful evening with our musical director, Rony Fortich, whom I always look up to in so many ways. Talent, discipline, professionalism, success and humility. He, along with a number of vocalists, don't just sing and perform, but they tell a story thru their songs.

One Night Stand, A Monthly Cabaret, was put up to feature the brightest artists, both old and new, at 12 Monkeys Music Hall in the Philippines. One Tuesday of every month, One Night Stand will showcase musical theatre cabarets onstage leaving a memorable night to linger more than usual with a special pang to how music brings out memories and how it takes us to a blissful abyss.

On April 5, as Rony turns 39, he will be performing "No Disclaimers, Rony Fortich's Birthday Jam" featuring Ring Antonio, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Kristine Diaz (who I am proud to say is a friend and colleague), Arman Ferrer, Yanah Laurel, Fred Lo, Gab Medina and Felix Rivera (who never fails to give out an astounding performance by touching your soft point with his genuine delivery).  It's so ironic that these superb talents have the following disclaimers when they are the best of the bests in transcending the audience into the ether with their voice.

NO MORE DISCLAIMERS

Rony Fortich's Birthday Jam at One Night Stand

April 5, 2016 (Tuesday)

9 PM

12 Monkeys Musical Hall

Dorr charge: 400 Php

For table reservations:

0917-570-3222

Second one would be a FREE webinar that you may need as you try to know about investing your money into something good and worth it.

You don't want to push thru a messy start so Spearhead Mission, in collaboration with Bo Sanchez's Truly Rich Club, had reached out to Filipinos who are able and willing to save, invest and re-invest. To be guided well, physically and spiritually in making it happen for your hard-earned money, know the do's and don't's, the basics and the connections you have to make as you pursue a journey to being financially free.

A message from Bo goes:

"Have you been wanting to attend any or our live Truly Rich Club Quick Start seminars but you just couldn't do so because of your geographical location?

Well, here's my good news! Joey Tayaban, the Concierge Director of Truly Rich Club, will conduct a Truly Rich Club Quick Start Webinar exclusively for you on how to invest in the stock market. It's an online seminar so you can join in the comforts of your own home or office. And it is LIVE so you can ask Joey and her team, including JP Adena, your questions.

This is happening on April 10 from 8:30pm to 10:30pm, HK/Phils time

To join the TrulyRichClub Quick Start Webinar, please click the link below.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3918356349514803202

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez"

Last but not the least, summer is just around the corner and I would love to encourage you to try doing cross fit with Fitness Academy. Take away the fear of being asked to lift heavy weights. Fitness Academy will create a program solely for your needs and capacity.

I have tried their free trial classes and honestly, at first, I was more than wary. As I researched, it led me to images of female body builders that instantly stirred hesitation in me. But being a mom of one, I'd like to explore different ways of getting fit. I am aware that there are certain challenges in every thing we want to pursue so I just went and showed up. To my expectation, it wasn't that bad as I thought it would be. It was a good intense 1 hour work out that the only couple of things you should possess is a well energised body (aim to have a good sleep before and a muffin at least one hour before the work out) and commitment. 

Sign up for a free trial by clicking here. 

2015 BEST PHOTOS

Every year, I see to it that I post a share of my yearly favourite photos. Be it because of art, experience or milestone. Last year, I had dedicated the entire line up to motherhood. Such milestone is a tick in my bucket list and I thought the delight would stop there.

This year, I had pondered on the greatest influence that happened to my life. When you have a budding family, you become protective and ambitious. And for 2015, I embraced financial freedom. 

Halfway thru the year of 2015, we had studied, researched, gotten involved in an advocacy that had built up beyond expectation. Because of my family, who is my life and my BIGGEST WHY, I got driven and I felt empowered in serving others like never before.

With that being said, I had a paradigm shift in understanding TIME. So many people had just let it pass not knowing that it is the most essential commodity known to work "for" mankind if you discover the skill of handling it well. Time is a huge factor in just about anything, and I mean ANYTHING! Relationships, investments, growth. We always think that we don't have enough of it but actually, we are given that much time that we need and we don't have to be burdened with what has to be finished up. We just need to be at the moment. We just need to live it. And that gives way to these wondrous array of "moments".

JANUARY

"DEVELOPMENT"

This was taken during Brave's first time

to hold her milk bottle. It was before I left for work.

Any form of reward doesn't come as more importantly

as compared to seeing your child's development.

The time that I get to spend with my family, most especially,

my daughter, is more precious above any precious stone,

expensive travel package or an entertainment showcase.

Seeing how she grows up and develops is surprisingly amusing.
And knowing that you are the reason behind it all?
My hands are up, it makes my heart fat.

I actually had a hard time before,
keeping up with my friends who talk about babies nonstop.

Now that I am a mom, I kind of understand why.

It's just surreal that something that came from you, that you had

created is moving, talking, bouncing and giggling!

It's addicting.

I thank God for the time I get to see her grow.

FEBRUARY

"SELFIE"

This is yet again, another moment that cracks me up every time I come across it.

My baby had been fond of seeing herself in the camera since the beginning.

And by 6 months, she expresses herself like no other.

MARCH

"VACATION"

Whenever time permits, take a vacation to replenish your soul.

Another plus to this is when your family is with you along with a good bunch of friends.

Last year, it was a first time for my little one to experience traveling with us.

Destination: MACAU

It doesn't matter where but knowing that they are with me

experiencing a memorable time is something that I'd go back to in a heartbeat if I could.

It was one of the best experiences because I

expected that it would be hard having a 6 month old baby on board.

But she was so cool and from that moment on,

my husband and I knew that she is the same with us

as far as being outgoing is concerned.

APRIL

"CELEBRATION"

This is my husband's birth month. When I asked him of what he wants

for his birthday, he had pointed to our daughter and said, "I got it already."

There was no fancy celebration but we dined out to celebrate my husband

and my daughter's christening over a dim sum breakfast.

With a Catholic name, "Gabrielle", Brave was baptised and was welcomed to the Christian world.

Besides the fact that I am fulfilling God's purpose of having our baby blessed,

as parents, we treasure this time of being able to celebrate with our good and long time friends.

Surprisingly, Brave didn't give us a hard time preparing as early as 7am

and didn't cry as she got startled upon the pouring of the holy water because it was cold.

As the priest had agreed to a last minute scheduling, some godparents weren't able to come.

We needed them to be there for the baptism to happen.

Also, it was a requirement that they are Catholics as well with a purpose

of having enough knowledge to impart if time would ever need them to.

Strict requirements were imposed, it almost didn't happen.

But it was good to be reminded to submit to God's will

and He will make it happen for you. With Him knowing the purest desires of your heart,

He will defy all odds that inhibit you from coming to Him.

As promised, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

April last year, God paved the way for Brave,
in God's perfect timing.

MAY

"BACK TO THE FUTURE"

It was a challenge for me to go back to my original size pre-Brave since I gained

50lbs then (ideal is 25-35 lbs. Yes! Condemn me.)

But I was able to at least, fit in the jungle costume by 9 months.

This photo above was taken on May 12, 2015.

(Proof is on FB in case you doubt my calculations.)

The times that I worked out had paid off.

Automatically, a sudden boost of self esteem and that sense of achievement

showered upon me. I am thankful for those efficient times in the gym.

It also made sense to me that as a woman, and as a mom,

if it took you 9 months to gain that much in taking care of a human

being inside of you, it usually takes 9 months to recover too.

So to those who are dealing with stressful weight gain because of pregnancy,

allow your body some time to get used to it and I promise you, once you've attained your goal,

your physical body will cry for that lifestyle of exercise and good diet.

It won't be a bitch anymore 'til then.
Just breath and keep moving forward.
Use your time well.

JUNE

"PARADIGM SHIFT"

This is the picture that started it all.
Together with the founder of COL Financial, Mr. Edward Lee,
we were blessed to have a portal to reaching to those who are in need.

Spearhead mission was given birth right at this very moment.

Spearhead mission aims to lead people into financial freedom out of an advocacy to serve.

This picture was taken when I took a free seminar tackling about investing on stocks.

at the Philippine consulate.

Before that, I had attended the Rich Dad, Poor Dad talk

which was the backbone of my pursuit to making investments.

This was the moment I decided that I want the BEST for my family

in terms of a good life.
Good life meaning, not depending on other people or any form of loan

for whatever emergencies may arise. I heeded becoming financially free.

JULY

"JOLLIBEE"

It was my dream when I was young to own a franchise of Jollibee.

But I've discovered a more affordable way to start owning it.

By being a stockholder, I take advantage of time to earn money from it.

July last year, I started with a little share.

Hopefully, it'd grow fast and strong.

AUGUST

"BRAVE AT 1"

By this time around, Brave is 11KG, can walk independently on her own,

can chew most of the solid foods I know (except peanuts),

loves to sing and was giving out preferences.

I can perceive her mood swings, excitement and longing as she turned one.

It truly was so fast that by this time, I vaguely remember

how I survived sleeping with the "fragile" Brave.

The next time after I was complaining about how demanding it was for my back as I carry her,

as I teach her how to walk up to lifting her up from every bath,

I am upfront a baby saying "no" all of a sudden,

a baby demanding a biscuit in the morning and a singer in the making.

She had grown so fast that she suddenly became not so baby anymore.

That time had passed and I'm blessed with its memories, experience and great stories

to black mail her with. Hahaha!!!!

SEPTEMBER

"CASHFLOW"

There's some letters of appreciation and acknowledgement from establishments
that I wrote about and it was beyond rewarding.
Free movie tickets came in too as an invitation as a critic.
All because of my writing, which had grown from a hobby way back 2006.
But this was the best that came in the mailbox because beyond the fact
that it's unexpected, I didn't know I could work for or even get linked to Google this way.
This saying, "What you do most of your time while procrastinating
should be the exact thing you should be actually doing."
makes sense after all.
I entitled this as "cashflow" to remind people out there
who thought there's no money behind doing your favourite thing.
Well, there is. Just be creative and use your time wisely.

OCTOBER
"BLESSED"

Now that I am rearing my baby, seeing illustrations like this make me cringe.
I am constantly thankful that we eat three times a day but I constantly ask God too.
How come there are people who are in this kind of lifestyle if we are all children of God?
I am not sure what is the exact answer to that. I don't believe in luck.
But being born out of the countries who are involved constantly in war,
or being born from parents who would never make me hold a gun,
or being born in a free country can already be considered lucky.
It is unfair to say I'm blessed and they're not.

This picture is actually one of the main reasons why I am sticking to our advocacy.
It is imperial to learning about financial freedom that we are taught of the ways
on how to fend for ourselves. This is one way to empower a person to be creative
with the tools God had given us. For us to be resourceful because nothing in this
world will be handed to you in a silver spoon.
We need to know how to THRIVE. And that's LIFE.
So if you can extend a helping hand during your free time, why not?

NOVEMBER

I have a tie for this month as God had blessed me in abundance during my birthmonth of November.

"GOOD TIMES"

My beautiful mom surprised me a week before my birthday that she'd be
flying over from America and it was truly an exciting time for me
because it will be her first time to meet my family.
FaceTime had always been there but meeting person to person is a different story.

My husband had gifted me leisure time by booking us Venetian Hotel
so that we ladies, can splurge on its exquisiteness and luxury for a weekend.
I maybe exaggerating because we were just blessed with good timing
since they have the best last minute deals.
(Otherwise, a fortune may have been spent)
but to stress out importance of time, I got to talk and spend time with my mom,
say I love you to her in person, because of the distance between us,
more than I have for the past years (3 to be exact).
She was my birthday package this year.
We had a great time.

"TWICE IN A ROW"

Now this second photo is a privilege that I consider.
It's time with loved ones and friends.
Time that you were able to spend your birthday with people twice in a row.

Year after year.

Life is too short not to appreciate the company you have,
the job you got that others would kill for,
and most especially, the time and ability for you to celebrate it all.
Time, we all know, talks about your presence and all.
But ability usually is taken for granted.
It doesn't require only time for you to give ultimate happiness to your family.
Realistically, you needed money to buy even a simple cake.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy having my mom over,
having my husband and daughter to celebrate with me.
And on top of that, are friends that care and support you, what more can I ask?
You might be whispering to yourself now, that is not enough for her yet?
Well, hear me out.
With that being said, I am thankful that I am able to provide
for what may add up to that sense of being together in terms of
a simple intimate dinner and gathering in the house.
Hence, this photo needed to be included because Angela,
who got me my cake that night, got me when I said giving out a message to all who came,
"Thank you for all for being able to celebrate with me,
twice in a row."

DECEMBER
"PASKONG PINOY"
(Philippine Christmas)

For the first time in so many years, Hong Kong Disneyland
had gifted Filipino workers (with their plus ones) who continuously are
spreading their light, sharing their talents and touching lives with their passion,
with a night of amusement, surprises and Filipino food!!!!
It was an early Christmas celebration.
For most of us who are away from home just to earn a living,
this one night of making us feel at home is much much appreciated.
Filipino entertainers came over, the tables were decorated with
the traditional Christmas lanterns (parol) and Filipino games highlighted the night.

10 years of bringing magic to guests, I am glad that in my own little way
and for the time that I am strong and able, I have been a part of it
More power to you Hong Kong Disneyland!

Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - How my concept of time had changed.

2. JOLLIBEE - the fastest growing food chain in the Philippines, can be experienced in Hong Kong!

3. GET INVESTED IN STOCKS FOR A RICHER LIFE - here's why you should invest in stocks.

FIRST HONG KONG DISNEYLAND AUDITIONS IN MANILA FOR 2016

Do you think you have what it takes?

Join and find your light.

Related posts:

1. FIND YOUR LIGHT - See the Filipinos gracing the happiest place on earth with their great talent and unbeatable passion.

2. 10 THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG - New in your list? Get abreast with what you should not miss when visiting Hong Kong

3. NO TEARS THIS THURSDAY, GET INSPIRED INSTEAD - Know why working alongside these pool of talents is so good.

HARBOURVIEW HOTEL MACAU

Last September, my husband had to represent Team Mushu for Macau's 2015 World Tourism Day Dragon Boat Cup alongside a strong group of rowers and my daughter and I got to cheer for them on that day. They have won as Champions which is another addition to TEAM MUSHU's collection of gold medals.

On the other hand, I got to experience another hotel in Macau called, Harbourview as we spent a night there before the big day of races came.

The HARBOURVIEW HOTEL in Macau is patterned after the 18th century Prague with an exquisite European style both inside and out. Completed with 389 comfortable guest rooms and 55 spacious suite rooms, it stood up impressing a lot of tourists visiting the peninsula. Combining sophisticated charm with modern elegance, I highly recommend Harbourview Hotel to you.

Starting from HK$1,030, you can book a room here and if you're lucky, occasional promotions are offered as low as HK$791.20 every now and then depending on whether it's peak season. I got mine with a breakfast deal since I wanted to maximise my experience of this lovely hotel.

My daughter and I arrived around 4 in the afternoon. And she appreciated the huge window by looking over the harbour. This design gave the room bright lighting that elevated our moods in an instant even though it was a bit cloudy. We were both starving so we took time in looking around the free amenities that go with the room, room service and the fridge. I had set her up with a movie and she was so happy. The sheets were clean. The comfort the mattress and the pillows bring were just right. ( Meaning, it wasn't too overwhelmingly soft. I hate it when you go on the bed and it requires effort from you just to sit up. ) Everything is just neat and tidy following a minimalist approach perhaps to give the guests a serene stay. Their hotel might be a little extravagant with its interior but the rooms were decorated minimally.

The amenities got the usual coffee. The fridge also got the usual stuff. Nothing special. But the room service menu was truly attractive and browsing over it made me think of my husband since that's his favourite. I told myself, we'll just eat the snack we brought and then wait for Hogan to come so that we could experience the room service altogether. Anyway, the time was a little bit in between having a snack and having dinner. We chose to eat light.

What I'm amazed about is their bathroom. It was not that big but I love the interior. Great looking tub (though it needs an anti-slip - for the record, that's not an opinion. It comes with a  hope that the management of Harbourview Hotel, Macau would address this issue as it concerns the safety of the people. I had a minor accident with it. Thank God I wasn't actually carrying my baby when I slipped.)

The toiletries were branded (L'Occitane), complete with a pair of toothbrushes, a wooden comb and many more, all for you to use and/or take home.

There's a separate shower if that's just what you want and as you can see on the right, the bathroom is separated by a glass see through window that could be beneficial to couples on a honeymoon. Whichever you choose between the two will surely give you a luxurious time in this sanctuary.

The closet is filled with 2 bathrobes, 2 pairs of adult slippers and a pair for a child. A user friendly safe is ready for you to use to secure your cash, your passports, jewelries and anything else personal to you that may need such service.

The floor was slippery for
kids to walk on without
adult supervision.
For old people, caution is advised.

While waiting for my husband to come from work, my daughter and I tried the indoor pool and as grand as it may seem, the jacuzzi for a kid was a little too much. But that's just what they have for her. I tried to lure her but she was uneasy. After a while, I just ordered something to munch on to lure her to stay a while since I know she's just feeling a little home sick.

So, we had ordered buffalo wings, watermelon shake for my baby and orange juice for me. It was pretty worth the price. As it sat on the wooden plate, presentation was impressive, the salad added colour to the dish and the wings were mouthwatering.

My daughter seemed thirsty as she grabbed the watermelon shake right away. It was pretty quiet for there was just a family at the other separate pool and a couple at the other. There were three so it was pretty quiet. The lap pool was too chilly. We dipped but I felt myself hyperventilating to cope up with the biting cold.

As we bid goodbye to the pool, we explored the neighbouring halls and the pool extended to another gateway to fitness passing a lounging area for reading and relaxing.

Notice the separate jacuzzis behind us.
There is one for toddlers, one for school-aged
and the last one is for adults.

The gym is equipped with high tech facilities and there's enough room for doing gym ball exercises but it doesn't include a room for doing yoga, dance classes and other calisthenics. Maybe there is but I wasn't able to explore more. Needless to say, Harbourview Hotel Macau offers a great array of weights to cater guests' need for holistic wellness.

The buffalo wings we ordered with a side salad,
dressed with vinaigrette.

As soon as we reached to the room, we washed up and then I had availed a couple of movies for Brave to be kept entertained. As soon as she dozed off, her dad reached the room and was eager to put on the Rugby match where Samoa was in. She got up from that sleep alright because of excitement. I was, too, because of the long awaited room service.

We got pasta, salad, fish and chips and a noodle soup for our late dinner:

It took time for my baby to settle down that night though for whatever reason we couldn't fathom. Randomly, I mentioned to our friend how annoyed I was with our window because it could give the room a much better airflow if the window could be opened. And then this friend of mine had a funny assumption. He connected my daughter's discomfort to probably an incident that Harbourview Hotel Macau maybe preventing from happening "again". You see, many gamblers in Macau lose huge amounts of money that maybe they had closed the window "permanently" to stop suicidal tendencies. That being said, I may sound delusional. But knowing that babies are pure and innocent, my baby's discomfort might have been related to some suicide committed in the room. But, no paranormal activity was observed. It just maybe has to do something with the room's vibe.

For HK$1,500/night booking with breakfast, I felt satisfied. It was worth it because of the wide array of food their breakfast buffet offered. But I wouldn't advice this if you are left to deal with your 1 year old kid. She was cranky because of not having enough sleep the night before so, she didn't want to eat anything. Breakfast buffet usually starts as early as 7am to 10am. Babies could sleep up until 10am. Since my husband's race started as early as 9:50am, I was left with her mood swings. We had to get up early and so, it was a little bit hard to enjoy breakfast.

Behind us was a noodle counter.
You choose the vegetables, the meatballs
to go with your preferred type of noodles.
Sort of Chinese style.

I love croissants!

Good to go.

I had a plate good enough for a jam packed morning and that good to go yogurt and banana was beneficial for my daughter, Brave, as soon as her hunger kicked in when we reached the pier where the race was happening.

When we reached the pier, I felt the surge of energy got channelled to Brave. She had a great time, and she had fun with everybody. Team Mushu was lining up for their final heat so we were just on time. The place was less than HK$20.00 far from Harbourview Hotel Macau as per cab ride.

Later that noon, after Team Mushu's victory, one of the event coordinators escorted the team to a lunch buffet at Harbourview Hotel Macau.

The hotel got built up in me again as I saw the tables explosive of food, drinks and desserts. I wasn't able to finish my food that morning like I said so I thought to myself this is the right time to indulge. So many people were keeping Brave company, my husband was with me and I'm sure Brave's yogurt and banana meal was pretty used up. With all the dancing and cheering we did, every dish looked so inviting!

This is just a few of the choices I was able to take a shot of. I was actually confused of which I wanted to eat because there's truly a lot. I love their choices of juice too because there was watermelon, orange, mango, guava and pineapple. There were a lot of choices for tea, you can brew your own coffee in the coffee machine. Capuccino, espresso, black and regular coffee. Name it, you got it. Tea also filled the beverage table as well as sodas in can ready for pick up and again, a take home or two can be done. Liquor can be ordered from the waiters as for additional information as proof of its aim to cater to guests' preferences.

The Harbourview Hotel Macau costs around HK$999.00 up per night. I give it a 3.5 stars out of 5 because for some reason, my daughter had a hard time sleeping overnight. For the many times I have checked in with my family with other hotels, she didn't have a problem sleeping unlike here. I also don't like how complicated their bath tub was too. It looked good but oddly shaped reaching a point that it wasn't comfortable at all.

The room surely looked luxurious but we can't even enjoy the veranda. When I asked my friend about it, he oddly said, "Maybe, you can actually open the windows before but not anymore because maybe there was somebody who stayed here before and had lost in gambling and jumped off the balcony." I jokingly agreed but deep inside, I thought he might be right. I'm not superstitious but kids do have a strong 6th sense which they can't express actually. And with money, nothing is impossible. If it was too great of an amount to lose, insanity could creep in and push people to their limits.

That was just my personal experience. And there's no proof on that story.

Transportation transfers maybe arranged but I had to ride the cab to reach the hotel. They don't have an available free coach to get you from the pier so that's already a hassle actually considering I was alone in checking in with my baby and a stroller.

So, if you're eyeing this hotel, here is a review that may help you one way or another. Please do share to anybody who's asking for some details about it too. Enjoy your getaway!

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