Staycation at Seda

The most memorable moments in a family's life are usually made up of times spent together, relaxing, experiencing new things and simply enjoying each other's attention and company. As our kids were growing up, we, like most families these days, consciously make time to be together, beyond the walls of our own home. Major vacations are planned once per year if possible. In between, there could be weekend getaways to a nearby beach, road trips to an interesting new place, or, if we want it to be simple, fuss-free and relaxed, we'd go for a staycation in a nice hotel. When the kids were younger, we would scope out for hotels that would be comfortable enough to be a home away from home, but give us new experiences whether through its amenities or the nearby locations we could walk to and visit.

Gary and the boys on a staycation, around 2006Reese goes for a swim. This was around 4 years ago on a brief Tagaytay getaway.

Getting out of the usual setting gives room for fresh interactions between our kids, new opportunities to bond, talk and play, or just simply be together. When time or budget will not permit a longer trip, staycations are the next best thing, right?So come 2015, Look at us now on staycation mode...With the many hotels that have sprung up in the metro, we still maintain a shortlist of places to choose from for our staycations. When we were in the mood for an urban location that could afford us accessibility to strolling and shopping, we'd go for Seda hotel in BGC.We were first invited to a cozy get together with friends in the industry at the roofdeck bar of Seda which is called Straight Up. The first time I ever went to this location and enjoyed the breathtaking view and laid back atmosphere was the night of my Velada. So I was looking forward to another evening where you could just enjoy good food, drinks and conversation.We were treated to an "Apericena" - a peri-grill—innovation. Apericenas are apparently the trend in modern Italian culture, a special prelude to dinner. Straight Up's Apericena experience was a creation of Executive Chef Pepe Castillo where he treated us to not only a feast with delightful surprises, but also a spectacle to the eyes.Juts this fresh fruits station showcased Filipino fruits in a way I've never seen beforeFilipino style pizzasEverything was very delectable, it was a challenge to stay away from the food stationsWith Em, her son, Max, and Dara who I finally met that evening after connecting only on social media.My sister, Jaymie, and I do toast with host, RJWe found out that Straight Up's Apericena was going to be offered to the public. Sundays to Thursdays 4-8:00pm with alcoholic beverages. Aprigrill on Fridays and Saturdays, 8-1030pm at 800++ per personI left Straight Up as evening was just about to fall, and Gary and the children met me in our designated suites.After the Apericana, the real staycation began.Reese loves window seats and she can stay there for hours reading or writing in her notebooks.The children had a room of their own and someone was happy about that.We received a warm welcome from the Seda management. One of the special things about Seda is its location. Being at the heart of Bonifacio Global City opens up a lot of possibilities for activities individually and as a family.I chose to wake up early and take advantage of the outdoors here by going for a short run.Days like these I try to imagine what it would be like to live here. Nice treat to give myself once in a while.

Opened in December 2012, Seda is a lifestyle hotel brand that not only puts a premium on Filipino hospitality but also the importance of location. Besides here in BGC, there are Seda hotels inNuvali, Laguna, Atroa Iloilo, Davao, which is also my favorite because it is right across Abreeza Mall, and next year I'll also visit Seda CDO which is right across Centrio Mall. Abreeza and Centrio are our locations for next year's Expo Mom provincial roadshow.With these photos, you'll already have an idea of the kind of weekend we had...

The rooms are spacious considering we are in prime BGC property, and with its modern Filipino design, the interiors have a sleek look but makes one feel warm and comfortable through the use of natural materials.I love window seats too, and Reese and I spent some time together in this space.Seda makes a statement with its systems and tries to incorporate much technology where it can help. Paperless check in, complimentary wifi all over, an open layout to allow people to work in private but still be available to network and socialize. Around the hotel you'll find pieces from Kenneth Cobbonpue and Ann Pamintuan.This was a special staycation for our familyand we have our tanks full again, till our next escapade.

For more info on Seda Lifestyle Hotels, log on to www.Sedahotels.com or on Facebook. Straight Up bar is also open to private functions and occasions. Inquire at (632) 9458888 or email bgc@sedahotels.com.