Manila Luxury: PS4, HBO, Pools & More Awaits in Your SMDC Lush Unit!
Manila Luxury: My SMDC Lush Unit Experience - It's Not Just a Room, It's a Vibe (and a PS4!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just lived the Manila Luxury: PS4, HBO, Pools & More Awaits in Your SMDC Lush Unit! dream, and I need to spill. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this much, you know? I mean, SMDC units are advertised everywhere, you see them plastered on billboards, you KNOW the drill. But this one? This one actually delivered. And then some.
Let's cut the fluff and dive in, shall we?
The Hype is Real (Mostly): Accessibility, Cleanliness, and Safety - Because We're All Slightly OCD Now
First thing, accessibility. Okay, so it's not perfect. While the description says they have facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see any concrete details. That's a big question mark I need to put out there. However, to get in the door, the elevator system was pretty smooth, and the entryways seemed wide enough. The real test is always the bathroom, and… well, I didn't get to check a dedicated handicapped unit, so again, potential accessibility needs some clarification.
Cleanliness? Phenomenal. Let's be real, that's the most important thing these days. They've got the whole arsenal: Anti-viral cleaning products, rooms sanitized between stays, and professional-grade sanitizing services. They even gave you the hand sanitizer and a mask on arrival (a nice touch, guys!). You can also opt out of room cleaning if you’re feeling like a hermit; which I did, actually. It was nice to have that option. The common areas also felt really spotless, with evident daily disinfection in common areas. They’re clearly taking things seriously, which made me feel a lot more at ease. Seeing the staff trained in safety protocol gave me even more assurance. Yes, yes, and YES.
Safety? On point. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, smoke alarms in the room…they've definitely got the basics covered. The front desk [24-hour] and security [24-hour] are always a plus. Did I feel completely safe? Absolutely. Though I am not a fan of the way the building is built, and walking by night makes me a little bit nervous.
Internet, Glorious Internet:
Fast Wi-Fi! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It’s a crucial detail. I needed to work a little, but I also streamed some stuff. Okay, a LOT of stuff. The internet speeds were pretty decent. No buffering nightmares while trying to finish my Netflix binge. The Internet access – wireless was great in the room, and there's also internet access – LAN if you are old school.
Stuff to Do (Because Chilling is a Competitive Sport)
Alright, let's talk fun stuff. They have a lot!
- The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] situation is… stellar. They have a pool with a view. Need I say more? Actually, I do. Because I spent a glorious chunk of a day floating in that pool, pretending to be a mermaid. The views are pretty great, especially at sunset..
- The Gym/Fitness: I tried the fitness center. Okay, I walked in, looked at the equipment, and walked back out. I have the best of intentions, you know? But the pull of the pool? Unbeatable.
The Unit: Home Away from Home (Literally)
My unit was… well, it was damn good. Not cramped, not overly flashy which I appreciated since I was expecting a hotel-room-feel.
- Comforts: Air conditioning (essential in Manila!), a super comfy sofa, a decent desk for working (or pretending to work), and a kick-ass recliner.
- The Sleeping: Extra long bed, Blackout curtains, so you actually can sleep away the day. And the slippers! Little things, people, little things make a difference!
- The Entertainment: Let's be honest, the PS4 was a draw. I may have spent a concerning amount of time playing Spider-Man, but hey, I was relaxing! And the on-demand movies are a life saver.
- Bathroom: Separate shower/bathtub, hair dryer, toiletries, the works. And, thank god for hot water.
- The Views: I had a pretty good high floor view. Not bad at all. You get used to the city noise, though.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Fun (and the Laziness)
Okay, this is where things got really interesting.
- The Kitchenette: I had a refrigerator to load up on snacks, which I did, because, hello! They provided the essential condiments, which was a nice touch.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour]? YES, PLEASE. Late-night Pad Thai cravings satisfied? Check.
- Restaurants: There were restaurants in the building, and I would say there was some Asian cuisine and international cuisine to choose from, and as such, was a decent culinary offering.
Services and Conveniences - Because #TreatYoSelf
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spick-and-span.
- Laundry service: Yes, please. So I didn't have to do it myself.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM’s, so easy to access some cash.
- Concierge: I didn't need to use it but the availability is a great plus.
My Not-So-Perfect Moments (Because Real Life Isn't Always Insta-Worthy)
Look, perfection is boring. Here's what wasn't perfect, per se:
- Getting Around: While there's car park [on-site] and taxi service, getting around Manila is an adventure in itself. Traffic is brutal. But hey, that's Manila.
- Noise: I did hear some noise from the hallway late at night. It was not terrible, but soundproofing could be better.
In Conclusion: Should You Book? YES! (But Know What You're Getting)
Honestly? I loved it. The Manila Luxury: PS4, HBO, Pools & More Awaits in Your SMDC Lush Unit! delivered on its promise of relaxation, great amenities, and a comfortable stay. Here's My Pitch: Book If:
- You want a chill, comfortable stay with great city views.
- You like the option to binge anything.
- You value cleanliness and safety.
- You like to swim!
- You are not on a specific budget, as other lower-budget options are available.
The Imperfect Truth (And Why It Matters):
It's not a faultless experience. The noise can be a factor, and the accessibility needs some scrutiny. But the overall experience is a top-notch contender.
My Final Honest Verdict? GO FOR IT! Especially if you want to feel like you're in a modern, stylish, well-equipped home. You'll get that, with a PS4 and pool to boot, and what's not to love?
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Luxury Rayong Townhouse: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Alright, buckle up Buttercup! Because this isn't your glossy, perfectly curated Instagram travel feed. This is me, crashing in a SMDC Lush unit, pretending to be sophisticated, and probably failing spectacularly. Here's my Manila madness itinerary, with all the messy bits:
Day 1: Lush Life (and Mild Panic)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Apartment Inspection - The "OMG I hope it looks like the photos!" Moment: Okay, deep breaths. I'm finally here! Luggage-dragging, taxi-negotiating, sweaty-back kind of "here." Fingers crossed this SMDC unit actually looks like the dreamy pics online. Spoiler alert: It mostly does, except the sunlight looks a little… less golden in reality. The AC is blasting, which is a godsend considering the humidity. First order of business: a thorough unit inspection. Gotta make sure there are no surprise cockroaches. (Please, no. I'm begging.) PS4? Check. HBO readily available for a binge? Double-check! Pool's sparkling? Tripple check, and the pool area looked promising at least from the window!. Right, feeling marginally less panicked now.
- 2:00 PM - Unpacking & Reconnaissance - "Okay, where is the coffee?" Unpacking. The most boring yet crucial part. I'm already sweating again, even with the AC on full blast. Did I pack enough underwear? Probably not. I’m gonna need caffeine, stat. Okay, gotta hunt down the nearest 7-Eleven… or maybe a Starbucks. Decisions, decisions. I really just want coffee though.
- 3:00 PM - Pool Time - "This is the Life… Until I Realize I Forgot Sunscreen." Finally, pool time! The water's cool, the sun's kind of hitting, you know the drill. Except… doh! Sunscreen. Idiot. Well, hopefully all that SPF in the pool water will rub off… maybe? I spot a group of kids splashing around like little torpedoes. Their sheer, unadulterated joy is almost annoying. But I’m pretty sure that the pools are for adults too.
- 5:00 PM - PS4 Sesh - "Lost in the Digital World (And Possibly Losing My Mind)" Alright, time to break in the PS4. Horizon Forbidden West. Let's go! Hours melt away. The world outside melts away. I almost forget I exist; which I think is the point.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Delivery Disappointment - "I Ordered What?!" Okay, I’m famished. Ordered some local grub via GrabFood. The picture on the app looked amazing, but what arrived was… well, let's just say it looked more like a culinary experiment gone wrong. Oh well. I'll try again tomorrow. And maybe learn some basic Filipino phrases. "Masarap" should be my first one.
Day 2: City Surprises (and Existential Dread)
- 9:00 AM - Wake-Up & Errands - "The Laundry Dilemma… So Many Towels!" Morning! I slept like a rock, thanks to the AC and the PS4 coma. Laundry day looms - I’m drowning in towels because the pool and the shower is a necessity. This is life now.
- 11:00 AM - Intramuros Exploration - "Historical Stuff… Kinda Impressive, Actually." Alright, cultural thing! I braved the Manila traffic (seriously, it's a chaotic ballet of horns and honking). Intramuros is beautiful. The walls. the buildings. It's like stepping into a history book. I was actually impressed with myself that I did this, instead of just staying in the unit.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch Fail (Round 2) & Street Food - "I Can Handle This. I Think." Lunchtime. Tried a local karinderia – basically, a canteen. I pointed at something… I'm pretty sure I don't entirely know what it was. But… it wasn't terrible! I even tried some street food. A little bit of fear, a lot of curiosity.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Unit & Pool - "Embracing Solitude (And Judgemental Thoughts)" Back to my safe haven. The pool. Again. I watch families and couples enjoying their time, and I think to myself "why am I single?"
- 7:00 PM - HBO & Pizza - "My Emotional Support Pizza Has Arrived" Pizza delivery! Finally, food that understands me. Another binge-watch session. This is my life now. And I love it.
Day 3: Parks, Gardens, and (Hopefully) A Little Bit of Sanity
- 10:00 AM - Breakfast & Plan - "Okay, I'll Be Productive Today… Maybe." Made some instant coffee. Got to plan my day!
- 11:00 AM - Ayala Gardens & Play Area - "Pretending I'm Not an Adult (Kind Of)." The SMDC Lush complex has a garden and a play area! Okay, I wandered through, admired the flowers, and then I found myself near the swings and I felt like I was being judged.
- 2:00 PM - Final Pool Sesh - "One Last Dip Into Bliss" One last swim! I feel like a baked potato I just want to relax.
- 5:00 PM - Packing & Reflection - "Did I Actually Do Anything?" Packing. The end. I can't decide weather I hated or loved this trip. Either way. I'll be back.
- 7:00 PM - Airport & Departure - "Goodbye, Manila! Don't Miss Me Too Much." Leaving. I now feel a little bit sad, but mostly just tired. I swear, I'll be back.
1. So, what *is* this whole "whatever you want" thing about? Like, seriously?
Okay, fine. You got me. “Whatever You Want” is the, um, *concept* – the nebulous cloud of opportunity – the…thing… that could be anything you want it to be. See, the problem is, I'm still figuring that out! It’s that exciting, terrifying, beautiful, and often overwhelming feeling of having all the possibilities laid out, like a buffet where you're allergic to everything. But hey, maybe that's the *point*, right? The journey of figuring *out* what you want. It's about exploration, trying stuff, failing gloriously, and maybe, just maybe, stumbling upon something amazing. Like that time I tried to make sourdough…let's just say the pigeons in the park had a fantastic feast that day. Didn’t taste great, but the birds were happy, right? That's the spirit!
2. What's the *point* of all this? What are you even *trying* to achieve? (Aside from making my head spin)
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly? I haven't a clue! (See? I’m keeping it real.) It's about the process, the journey, the… okay, okay, I *think* it's about creativity, self-discovery, and hopefully, a little bit of connecting with others. I want to build something - ANYTHING - good or bad, that gets you thinking, laughing, or just… *something*. Maybe it's to explore ideas, try new things, and maybe even get something going with it. I guess it's a mix of "I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm doing it!" and "Let's see where this crazy train goes!" And who knows, maybe your head *will* spin a little. It's all part of the fun!
3. Can I get involved? Like, *actually* involved? (Besides just reading this rambling mess)
Oh, absolutely! Please, for the love of all that's holy, get involved! This isn’t a solo act. Right now, it’s me babbling at a screen, but it could be SO much more. Do you have ideas? Suggestions? Want to share your own experiences? Great! Critiques? Bring 'em on! Feedback is gold (even if it’s the "ouch that was brutal" kind). I love hearing from you, even if it's just to be like, "Hey, that was weird." Seriously, I thrive on that. And honestly, the idea of this becoming a bit of collaborative effort, where we all get a chance to explore these "whatevers", gives me the warm fuzzies. Or you can get involved like that time I tried to learn how to code. You know the result? A webpage with nothing but a "hello world" message, and only after 3 days of nonstop trying. I'm not sure you can get any more involved than that!
4. What if I'm feeling… stuck? Like, overwhelmed by the sheer limitless-ness of it all? Any advice for a fellow traveler?
Girl, I feel ya. That's the whole *point* of this, right? The feeling of being stuck? It's a doozy. My advice, and it comes from someone who is *constantly* struggling with this herself: Start small. Seriously. Don't try to build a rocket ship on day one. Consider it like picking a buffet. You can't eat it all in one sitting. Start with something small, bite-sized, and maybe ridiculous. Like, I once spent an entire afternoon trying to perfect the art of the perfect paper airplane. No joke. It was stupid, it was a waste of time, and I loved every second of it. Sometimes, starting small is just about breaking the paralysis. The act of *doing* something, anything, can be the catalyst for bigger things. And if it fails? Big deal! Now you know what *doesn't* work. On the bright side, at least you never saw my first attempt at stand-up comedy. It was, frankly, an embarrassment. I walked off stage to complete silence. Ouch. But now? I can laugh about it. And take it from someone who has that on her resume.
5. Okay, okay. But what if I just...don't *care*? What's in it for *me*?
Okay, valid question. Why should *you* care? Honestly, I can't promise you anything. If you're looking for instant gratification, a get-rich-quick scheme, or something that will win you a Nobel Prize, you're probably in the wrong place. But, perhaps, if you're feeling bored, uninspired, or just curious, there's a chance you might stumble on something interesting. Maybe you’ll get a good laugh. Maybe you’ll find a new perspective on something. Maybe you’ll meet someone awesome. Maybe you’ll discover something within yourself. Maybe not! If you have a hard time deciding and get sick of it all by the time you have to choose what to do, then I guess it's not for you. And that's fine! There's a whole world of "stuff" out there. But if you're feeling a little lost, a little adventurous, or just enjoy a good train wreck, then stick around. You might just find something that sticks.
6. Can I submit ideas for topics? Or even contribute actual content?
YES! PLEASE! Oh my gosh, yes! That would be amazing. Ideas, suggestions, guest blog posts, random thoughts scribbled on a napkin, anything at all. Seriously, I'm a one-woman show here, and my brain is only so big. The more voices, the better. The more different perspectives, the more interesting it becomes. It's like a delicious stew - needs all the different ingredients! So yeah, submit away!
7. What are you *really* passionate about? What gets you fired up?
Gosh, that’s a big one. It shifts and changes so much! Right now? I'm passionate about learning new things, sharing stories, and connecting with people. I love the messy, chaotic, unpredictable beauty of life. I have a deep and abiding love for coffee (it's practically a food group for me) and the outdoors. Oh, and I'm utterly, hopelessly obsessed with the potential of the human spirit. That relentless, sometimes annoying, but ultimately beautiful pursuit of something more. And also... the idea that we're all utterly and beautifully imperfect. We stumble, we fall, we make a complete mess of things, and then, somehow, we get back up again. That's what I find fascinating. And also? Cats. Always cats. Especially grumpy ones. They're living the dream!
