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Maayo Argao Resort Review: Our Family Stay in Argao Cebu

Our Family Stay at Maayo Argao Resort, Argao Cebu: A Relaxing Overnight Getaway Before Philippine Science High School Opening Day

If you're looking for a peaceful beach resort in South Cebu that combines comfort, elegance, and a relaxing atmosphere, Maayo Argao Resort should definitely be on your list. Our family recently had the opportunity to spend an overnight stay there on July 12–13, and although it was only a short visit, it became another memorable family experience worth sharing.

What made this trip even more exciting was that we booked our stay through Agoda on the same day we checked in. Luckily, there were only two Standard Rooms left, and we managed to reserve both just in time. It turned out to be a perfect place to rest before attending our daughter's school opening activities the following morning at the Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus.

A Last-Minute Agoda Booking That Turned Into a Wonderful Stay. Sometimes, spontaneous trips become the most memorable ones. Since we needed a comfortable place to stay near Argao before the school opening program, we searched Agoda for nearby accommodations. To our surprise, Maayo Argao Resort still had its last two Standard Rooms available, so we immediately booked them. The booking process was smooth, and within a short time we were already preparing for our overnight family getaway.

Upon arriving at the resort, we were welcomed by a peaceful atmosphere that immediately made us feel relaxed. The property has a modern tropical design that blends beautifully with its beachfront setting. Everything looked clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to create a calm and refreshing environment.

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First Impressions of Maayo Argao Resort

The first thing we noticed was how elegant and spacious the resort looked. Unlike crowded beach destinations, Maayo Argao Resort offers a more peaceful ambiance that's perfect for families, couples, or anyone simply wanting to unwind away from the busy city. The landscaping is beautifully maintained, with lush greenery surrounding the buildings and walkways. The resort's architecture combines modern design with warm Filipino hospitality, giving guests both comfort and a luxurious vacation feel without being overly extravagant. Every corner seemed photo-worthy, making it easy to understand why many guests spend time taking pictures around the property.

Comfortable Standard Rooms

We booked two Standard Rooms, which were clean, cozy, and well-maintained. The rooms provided everything we needed for a comfortable overnight stay after a long day of traveling. The beds were comfortable, the air conditioning worked perfectly, and the room had the usual amenities expected from a quality resort, including a private bathroom, television, Wi-Fi access, and complimentary toiletries. Although our stay was short, we appreciated how relaxing the rooms felt. They provided exactly what we needed—a quiet place to recharge before the busy schedule the next morning.

Resort Amenities and Facilities

One of the things that impressed us most about Maayo Argao Resort was its excellent facilities. During our stay, we had the chance to walk around the property and appreciate the various amenities available to guests. Some of the highlights include:

  • * Beautiful beachfront with scenic ocean views
  • * Large outdoor swimming pool
  • * Landscaped gardens and open spaces
  • * Restaurant serving breakfast and other meals
  • * Spacious lobby and reception area
  • * Comfortable lounging areas
  • * Event and function spaces
  • * Well-maintained pathways perfect for morning or evening walks
  • * Parking area for guests
  • * Free Wi-Fi in common areas and guest rooms

The resort is designed for guests who simply want to relax without feeling rushed. Whether you're traveling as a family, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a quiet weekend escape, the facilities provide a comfortable environment for everyone.

Breakfast Options

One helpful thing to know before booking is that not all room packages include complimentary breakfast. Some room rates come with free breakfast, while others do not. During our stay, guests without breakfast included in their reservation could still enjoy the buffet breakfast for Php 440 per person. This gives travelers flexibility when choosing room packages depending on their budget and travel plans. The breakfast area also offers a pleasant atmosphere, making it a nice way to begin the day before heading out for sightseeing or nearby activities.

Our Early Morning Schedule

Our overnight stay wasn't exactly a vacation where we spent the whole day enjoying the resort. Early the following morning, my husband, my daughter, and I left the resort at around 7:30 AM to attend the school opening program and homeroom PTA meeting at the Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus. Meanwhile, our two sons stayed behind at the resort. Since they didn't need to attend the school activities, they remained there to relax and would later take care of checking out of our rooms. Although we weren't able to maximize the resort's recreational facilities because of our schedule, having such a comfortable place to stay made our morning preparations much easier and less stressful.

Returning Before Checkout

After the school opening program and PTA meeting concluded around noon, we returned to Maayo Argao Resort. Before finally leaving, we decided to spend a little more time walking around the property. The midday sunlight highlighted the resort's beautiful architecture, manicured gardens, and beachfront scenery. Since we knew we wouldn't be returning anytime soon, we took some photos and videos to preserve the memories of our short family getaway. Every corner of the resort offered a wonderful backdrop—from the elegant buildings and landscaped pathways to the relaxing seaside views. Sometimes, even a brief overnight stay is enough to create lasting memories.

Perfect for Families

One thing we appreciated was how family-friendly the resort felt. The peaceful environment makes it suitable for guests traveling with children, while the spacious grounds allow everyone to move around comfortably. Parents can relax while kids enjoy the open spaces or swimming pool. The calm surroundings also make the resort ideal for families looking to disconnect from the busy pace of everyday life. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a birthday, hosting a reunion, or simply looking for a comfortable place to stay in Argao, Maayo Argao Resort is certainly worth considering.

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Why We Loved Our Stay

Our schedule may have limited the time we spent enjoying the resort's facilities, but the comfort and tranquility we experienced made the overnight stay worthwhile. Although our visit was short, there were several reasons why we enjoyed staying here:

  • * Easy same-day booking through Agoda
  • * Comfortable and clean accommodations
  • * Elegant resort atmosphere
  • * Beautiful beachfront location
  • * Peaceful environment
  • * Friendly and relaxing ambiance
  • * Flexible breakfast options
  • * Excellent place for family photos
  • * Convenient location for our trip to the Philippine Science High School campus

Tips for Future Guests

If you're planning to visit Maayo Argao Resort, here are a few suggestions based on our experience:

  • * Book early during weekends and holidays since rooms can fill up quickly.
  • * Compare Agoda room packages carefully to see whether breakfast is already included.
  • * If breakfast isn't included, you can still enjoy the buffet for **Php 440 per person**.
  • * Allocate enough time to explore the resort instead of staying only overnight.
  • * Bring your camera or smartphone because there are many beautiful spots for photos.
  • * Wake up early if you'd like to enjoy a peaceful morning stroll around the property before other guests become active.

Our overnight stay at Maayo Argao Resort may have been brief, but it served exactly the purpose we needed—a relaxing and comfortable place to stay before an important family event. From the easy Agoda booking and welcoming atmosphere to the elegant surroundings and comfortable accommodations, everything contributed to a pleasant experience. Even though most of our time was spent sleeping, having breakfast, strolling around the resort, and attending our daughter's school activities, we still managed to create beautiful family memories.

Before leaving, we took several photos and videos as keepsakes, hoping to remember the peaceful ambiance and scenic beauty of this elegant beach resort. Sometimes, it's not the length of the vacation that matters most, but the quality of the moments shared with family. If you're searching for a relaxing beach resort in Argao, Cebu—whether for a weekend escape, a family vacation, or even just an overnight stop before exploring South Cebu—Maayo Argao Resort is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel list. We look forward to returning someday, hopefully with more time to fully enjoy everything the resort has to offer.

Convenient and Cozy Stay Near NAIA Terminal 3 – 101 Newport Boulevard

Convenient and Cozy Stay Near NAIA Terminal 3 – 101 Newport Boulevard 

We stayed at a flat in 101 Newport Boulevard near NAIA Terminal 3 for one night this November to ensure easy access to the airport for our international flight from Manila to Istanbul, Turkey, with a connecting flight in Bahrain.

The check-in process was seamless and stress-free, even though we arrived late at around 10 PM. The caretaker was ready and waiting for us at the lobby, which was a great relief after a long day of travel preparation.

We found this condotel on Agoda.com and were impressed with its cozy, clean, and comfortable ambiance. The flat came equipped with all the essentials: a kitchen, a laundry area, and a hot-and-cold shower. It also had reliable Wi-Fi, which was a bonus for our last-minute travel needs.

AGODA booking - 101 Newport Boulevard near NAIA Terminal 3
The booking price was approximately Php 2,900 per night since we reserved it on the same day as our check-in, although the listing indicated a lower price of around Php 1,800. Despite this, the convenience and amenities made it worth the cost.

Overall, this condotel is an excellent choice for travelers needing proximity to NAIA Terminal 3. The location, comfort, and accessibility made our stay stress-free and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

A week in Manila, Philippines.



Going to somewhere sounds fun, right? This September we've been to Manila. It's our first time to travel in Manila with the whole family and coach friends. Few weeks ago, our son's team MES Robotics of Marigondon Elementary School won the Lapu Lapu City Robotics Cup 2019 held at Hoopesdome, Lapu Lapu City. So they became the national qualifiers for the 18th Philippine Robotics Olympiad at SM North Edsa last September 2-6, 2019. Being Top 3 among the 90 plus robotics teams from all over the country during Elimination Round was their great milestone in joining the robotics competition this year. Before going home, here's our short visit of the popular tourist spots in Manila, Philippines.

Some say you've never been in Manila if you didn't step your feet in Intramuros. So, a day before our flight going back home we've come to visit the Luneta Park, Fort Santiago, National Museum of Cultural History, Intramuros and Binondo. We've also visited the UP Diliman, Quiapo Church, Malacanang Palace (outside only because we didn't make a booking ahead), Trinoma (Ayala Mall in Manila) and the famous Grand Venice Canal in Mckinley Hills,Taquig City.
Our Dora exploration began by walking ourselves from Eurotel in North Edsa going to the LRT station in Roosevelt. Our kids were so excited because it's their first time to ride a train except for our youngest, a second time for her. From Roosevelt station to United Nation station, it only cost us Php 30 each to arrive the Luneta Park. From Luneta Park, we rode a "Kalesa" for Php 350 per 30 minutes ride. Just enough to stroll around the Luneta Park going the entrance of Intramuros area. Inside Intramuros, we've experienced the Spanish era on modern times. We saw the big black entrance gate of Fort Santiago, sorbetes (ice cream) vendors on shaded areas, and few soldiers wearing the Spanish soldier uniforms aka Guardia Sibil (civil guard). Accordingly, you can buy a property inside Intramuros if and only if you'll retain the Spanish architectural design of the building. We've seen the "Palacio Del Gobernador", the house of the Governor General of the Philippines during the Spanish time. Across the street is the rebuilt Manila Cathedral of the Philippines. When you came inside the Holy place, you'll be amazed the interior designs and statues of the saints. Going a little bit farther, we ended the the historic St. Augustine Church. We got inside and bought few ref magnet souvenir items outside the church premises. From there, we went ahead through Grab car transport for less than Php 500 and found ourselves at the world's oldest Chinatown in Binondo. We've tasted the "Ukoy"(the fried squash) for the first time, dumpling and Buko pie are also popular in the area. From Chinatown, we rode a tricycle going to Dorotheo Jose LRT Station for only Php 120. We passed through the Binondo Church Facade but didn't get a chance to get inside maybe next time. Going back to Roosevelt Station from Dorotheo Jose Station, it's the same fare for all (student and adult) of Php 30 each. Our day ended well and exhausted but full of awe and memories to linger. Until our next family adventure it doesn't matter where.
LUNETA PARK



INTRAMUROS


FORT SANTIAGO

GRAND VENICE CANAL in Mckinley Hills, Taguig City



UP DILIMAN in Quezon City






Buon appetito at Italianni's Restaurant.

Buon appetito at Italianni's. 

When in Manila every Juan wants to visit the Mckinley Hill in Taquig City just to feel what is like to be in Italy actually. Sounds mocking up yourself to the real one I think. Just want to experience the European living in the tropics inspired by the cities of Italy and Spain. To give us a bit of info, it's a largest community owned by Megaworld built in Fort Bonifacio. We arrived at the stunning place about an hour drive from Ortigas Center through Uber car service for less than Php 500. The car dropped us at the entrance of Venice Grand Canal Mall. Right in front of us, we noticed the architectural designs of the buildings way far from ours. Strolling around led us to the highlighted spot of the place, the Venice Piazza Ground Floor where you can actually see the man-made canal with few Gondolas on the water surface servicing guests who want to ride the iconic boat. To complete the unique Italian sights and sounds, we dined at Italiannis. Since we're not Italians, we asked the staff what's the best they can offer to us. Without a second thought, waitress offered us the Bundle Feast good for three persons. While waiting for our meal, we're served of their signature Tuscan and Focaccia bread with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar to start off this Italian food experience. 


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After around 20 minutes, Italianni's Classic Bundle Feast (Php 1,450) was on our table to enjoy. It's a platter of Signature Ribs, Chicken Milanese, and Spaghetti Pomodoro. The Signature Ribs is a fall-off-the bone rib platter flavored with house ribs sauce. The Chicken Milanese is a grilled breast chicken meal with spinach gorgonzola cream sauce and tomato balsamic relish. The Spaghetti Pomodoro is a spaghetti meal with tomatoes, garlic and basil. When it comes to Italian food culture, wine will always be present. Red wine (Php 180 per glass) for my hubby Terence and his brother while white wine (Php 180 per glass) for me. Italian made red wine is named as Romio Montepulciano d' Abruzzo while the white one is Romio Chardonnay Friuli. As sweet as the evening, New York Cheesecake (Php 425 per slice) with strawberry amaretto sauce completed our casual Italian dining experience at Italianni's. According to Jun, my husband's brother, around 80 Euro is the average to dine in Italy as he shared his experience at Italy recently. For Bistro card holder, there's a 30% price off of wines and only Php 85 for specialty cocktails before 7 pm. For other regular menu, you may check at Italianni's official page. 

Klook.com ...... ...... Klook.com

Mom and No Homework Policy


Becoming a parent is not an easy role that you can resign anytime that you want to but a lifetime responsibility that you can't deny for your offsprings. One big responsibility that you're facing as a parent is to provide good if not outstanding education for your children. This just lingers on my head while I'm doing my daily errand as a mom of four kids. One friend of mine asked me why you didn't let your kids study at private school? She said money can be found when you need it and don't tell me you can't afford to send them to private school. At that instant, I replied her that you're probably right maybe but our choice is to let them study to public school. Why? As new parents who underwent the same preferences as what our parents did might be one of the reasons. But the main reason is that we want our kids to face the real life situation. The real life situation particularly here in Philippines is not an easy and that's the noble truth that life is about suffering. If you want something, you have to work for it and not just it will be yours out of thin air. I want them to see the real life situation of other kids in the mainstream. In that way, they will learn to develop the values of humanity being compassionate to others while living with gratitude. Then when it comes to academic performance, we parents guide and assist them of things that they can't provide at their age like food, shelter, clothing & medicine. Feed them well and provide them the resources like tools and access to the current technology to speed up their learning process to acquire knowledge. As a mother of four, it seemed like I studied every level of education 5 times including my time as a student. Indirectly speaking, I went kindergarten, grade 1, grade 2 and so forth 5 times and I never thought that to happen in my life when I was single. Life indeed is a cycle when you become a parent. 

So here are few things I observed in our public schools especially in Marigondon Elementary School. This is where my kids are currently studying the four of them. I recalled the Miss Universe 2016-2017 Q&A for Miss Philippines, that is: What is the most significant change you've seen in the world in the last 10 years? If I based my answer on that question by changing the location from world to a single country which matters most of my existence the Philippines. The most significant change I've seen in the Philippines is the transition of our old Education System to K to 12 Basic Education Program. My heart broke upon reading the fact that our country is the last country in Asia and 3rd in the world aside from Angola and Djibouti to practice the 10-year pre university cycle which I think an obsolete education system. With this current education system as early as 18 years from this date, our Filipino children will become soon to be globally competitive professionals. I hope this education system will be properly implemented by our government and supported by the parents. For our country's economy to rise up and possibly if not all but most of our countrymen will no longer live below the poverty line of living. You have a lot of options for occupation if you have various skill sets out of the knowledge that you earned from quality education. I once saw this caption "Knowledge is the New Superpower" featuring X-Men from EDX the world's popular online education today. Let our children, youth, fresh graduates, and even yourself study online. I even completed one course from EDX and long for more if I have more time to spare. Anything is possible under the sun. 
 edX | Free online courses from the world's best universities                                                   
Speaking of support, I think DepEd Memo 392 about giving assignments to elementary public pupils is not still helpful for our family's economy or the country's economy in general. Why? In my case, I am a freelancer doing PCB design job online and hands-on mom of four elementary kids. In my observation from Monday to Friday, doing assignments with my kids consumed 2-3 hours a day. On average, 80% of weekdays my kids have academic homeworks so that's 4 out 5 days. Let's do simple math here, 4 days x 3 hours is equal to 12 hours per week. That 12 hours if I did my job on average hourly rate $15 that would be an additional income of $180 for the week but it's gone. Little is better than nothing. That might be use to access quality college education for them. You know most homeworks I noticed were not for kid's capacity to do alone at their age and really needed an assistance of an adult. In short, homeworks and school projects are for parents and not for the pupils. I don't want to give details of those homeworks here. If you're an educator reading this please  think & choose very carefully on giving homeworks. Take both sides as teacher or as parent, does it help or hurt? When it comes to parent and kid bonding time, there are lot of ways for them to bond and whatever that means they're both learning. So maybe homework is one of the quality time with kids but our family's economy is at stake. Here's an article about "no homework policy". Click here. What most moms hope for her kids when they become grown ups? Down below is the empowering final speech of Michelle Obama as First Lady.
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