The Baby Barangay goes to Movenpick Cebu

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What started as a What’s App chat room turned out to be the best support group any mom could ask for. I think I was on my third trimester when we created our little group, and since that time we’ve discussed pretty much everything a new mom goes through: how to prevent stretch marks, how to naturally induce labor, gentle birthing, going through caesarean section, breastfeeding, getting the best yayas, what to do when your baby is sick, traveling with baby, and the list goes on. Being a mom is hard (seriously, they should teach childcare in high school) and these past six months have been a testament to that, with each day offering new challenges and difficulties. Don’t get me wrong though, these have also been the most wonderful moments of my life. I know I sound like I am contradicting myself, but yes, raising a child is both beautiful and hard and amazing and life changing. Needless to say, these are the times in your life when you need friends who understand what you’re going through and who could give you great advice when you feel like everything is falling apart (it does feel like it on some days).

And so #BabyBarangay was formed.

Looking back, I had no clue this happy, crazy bunch would end up going on long trips together, complete with husbands, babies and yayas! We are definitely one BIG group, with five couples, seven babies and six yayas. If you can imagine how chaotic we were in the airport, try imagining us in one flight (to be fair to our babies, they each took turns crying so it wasn’t so bad). Our trips prove that chaos can be fun, with all of us packing our entire houses (if you can believe it, some of us brought our own bathtubs, nebulizers, coolers and sterilizers) and still wondering if we left anything else at home.

Our first trip ever was to Cebu. Movenpick Hotel in Mactan Island accommodated our huge group, allotting a room for each family and even the yayas. I still can’t wrap my head around how we were able to pull this off, but wow, we did it without a hitch. Our flights were on time, everyone was well-fed and happy, and we mommies were able to find the time to relax and unwind. It must’ve been our lucky weekend, or the company itself because we had the absolute best time (thank you, Meg of Movenpick for taking care of us).

IMG_8428So this was us at the airport. A big barangay full of babies and luggage (and of course, our photographer crops out Nicole’s family).

P1370623While waiting for our flight, we managed to grab a bite to eat.

P1370619Juano and Theo.

IMG_8458We needed two vans to fit everyone, including our unbelievable number of luggage.

IMG_8504For this view, packing was all worth it. Mactan Island is such a gem.

IMG_8483We all got our R&R at Movenpick. Spell J-A-C-U-Z-Z-I.

IMG_8478Fruits, refreshments and alcohol. Cant go wrong with that.

IMG_8507Yes, we each mom had a glass in her hand as soon as we arrived.

IMG_8494Alonzo and Liana wanting to taking a dip in the jacuzzi.

IMG_8475Yummy snacks before our lunch. Yes to dried mango all day when in Cebu!

IMG_8540We definitely love Movenpick!

IMG_8505In case you didn’t know, Movenpick is also known for its amazing ice-cream. This is flown in straight from Switzerland!

IMG_8502The kiddos couldn’t wait to explore the hotel.

IMG_8498The yayas are happy as well.

IMG_8465Juano fast asleep. This little cherub is so cute!

P1370844-001This is Movenpick Hotel’s lobby. I love the colors and architecture–it looks so happy!

P1370843These tanning beds look so inviting.

IMG_8550Our hotel room! This was our home for the weekend.

IMG_8567Tristan getting mesmerized by the furniture in our living room haha. Seriously, he was happy to be there!
IMG_8500Our gorgeous view from the room.

IMG_8584And our bathroom!

IMG_8725It was a bright and sunny day so we all changed to our swimsuits and headed for the beach.

IMG_8786So happy to be with these ladies. Yes, we were able to pull off this trip!

IMG_8826Me and my Tristan.

IMG_8765Baby congregation.

IMG_8772Tristan loving his Babiators!

IMG_8752The bigger kiddos made sandcastles.
IMG_8818Family photo!

IMG_8604Right across from the beach was the Ibiza Beach Club.

IMG_8731Besties Juano and Tristan.
IMG_8660Liana was unstoppable. She loves the beach, just like her mama.
IMG_8846So we tried to get all the babies together for a photo and this is what happened.
IMG_8792Gorgeous couple Cat and Carl. IMG_8864IMG_8866This gwapito Luisito with his blue Babiators.

IMG_8805Nicole and her family.

IMG_8918One thing we definitely enjoyed in Cebu was the FOOD! The Sails Restaurant at Movenpick offered a great variety of dishes for everyone.
IMG_8906Their pizzas were so yummy!

IMG_8936This was my favorite that evening: baked fish!

IMG_8937And of course, seafood paella.

IMG_8926We loved their excellent desserts.
IMG_8971Another day, another family adventure!
IMG_8952Our babies matched Movenpick’s color scheme.

IMG_9022IMG_9013Nara and her dad Carl.
IMG_8979Snug in their strollers. Tristan’s Quinny stroller is our favorite, you can purchase this at www.cudsly.com.
IMG_8992The Pats.

IMG_9035Alonzo doing his favorite Ninja Turtle moves.

IMG_8726We were blessed with another beautiful day.

IMG_9358So of course, we headed to the beach again.

IMG_9002Movenpick has powdery white sand, which the kids all enjoyed.

IMG_8612It was Tristan’s first time to feel sand on his toes.

IMG_9005We had such a happy time at the beach!

IMG_8904And just like that, it was nighttime! We checked out Ibiza Beach Club from our room and boy did it look pretty.
IMG_9316All the lights and music–you have to see this place if you haven’t yet.
IMG_9321Baby Barangay ready for our unbelievable 14-course churrasco dinner.

IMG_9325I think we were only on our fourth course when rib eye was served. Yum.

IMG_9334I couldn’t stop eating. I had to have my fill of the churrasco dinner. And yes, I finished the entire 14-course (thank God I’m still breast-feeding).

IMG_9348Last day to catch the sun! We obviously love the beach.
IMG_9347This happy chaotic crew is love!
IMG_9365This muffin was such a joy to be around. He is such a chill, happy baby.

IMG_9396And he loves the water!

IMG_9403We had such a ball with the kids.

IMG_9405Hoping for more trips to come!             IMG_9432My aunt and uncle who recently retired in Cebu visited us. So happy we were able to catch up.

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Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel in the Philippines located on a lush and tropical island, about 6 kilometers from the Mactan International Airport. The 245-room property offers a myriad of choices from accommodation, dining, wellness, leisure activities and venues for meetings and events. Aside from comfort and ambiance, this hip and happening hotel is likewise known as a destination for gourmands in search of a unique and memorable dining experience. Each of the four food and beverage outlets delight diners with its own selection of savoury and classic dishes, inspired by flavours from the East and West. A stunning architecture with spectacular ocean views, the Ibiza Beach Club is the hotel’s signature dining and entertainment space which offers authentic Balearic style Churrasco and Mediterranean tapas. Guests can wine and dine under the stars while watching exciting live performances of Latin, Brazilian, Broadway, Movie Musical, Pop and Retro themed dance numbers.

For enquiries or reservations, please call +63 32 799 1111, +63 32 492 777

or visit the website at www.movenpick.com/cebu.

  1. kayceelojera Reply

    “seriously, they should teach childcare in high school”.. this is really true. When my sister had her first baby, she was scared. She had little ideas of what’s really ahead. I mean, if this was taught in school, this would be not daunting for all the soon-to-be-mommies. Although, for me, it’s not too soon, but it would be very helpful. Anyhow, praises for BabyBarangay!

    1. kellymisa Reply

      Hay that’s what I realized when I gave birth. Every person needs to know how to take care of a baby. Because we will encounter them one way or another (it could be through a nephew/niece, cousin, brother/sister). I was honestly shocked with mommy life and I feel like no one warns you enough about it. Thank you for reading and hope to see you again here soon! 🙂

  2. kayceelojera Reply

    Absolutely right, Kelly. I enjoy reading your posts. God bless you. 🙂

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