I love Christmas! It is my favorite holiday of the year, not just because of all the parties, presents and food, but because this season is all about spending quality time with family. I never realized how important this was until I became a mom. Back then, all I wanted to do was to be with my friends and party. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this–it is a lot of fun to be with like-minded people. But since Tristan came into our lives, all this has changed. Our little boy has taught us to value time and treasure moments with family, because these moments are fast and fleeting, and they only happen once. Daily reminders come in the form of his mini milestones (they really do grow up so fast), which I try to cherish and remember as much as I can. Time goes by so quickly–the last thing I want is to miss out on what really matters.

Since this is Tristan’s first Christmas, I’ve put in extra effort to make it special, not just for him but for the whole family. I know this seems silly because he wont remember all this when he gets older. But I guess I want to raise the bar high from the start, so that each coming year is more special than the last and it sort of becomes a holiday tradition to do something special. And as if the Universe heard all about my plans for “something big”, I get an invitation from Solaire Resort & Casino to spend an entire weekend with them.

It was one of our best weekends as a family, and such a great way to start the holiday season. We relaxed and enjoyed our gorgeous room (that had an equally gorgeous view), we ate incredibly delicious food to our hearts’ content, we swam and lay under the sun by the pool, we got the best massages, and we slept so well on our wonderful bed! We really had an amazing experience–we didn’t want it to end. If you haven’t planned anything this holiday season, I recommend you go on a family staycation, just like I did. This beats all the hassles of traveling! Though I love exploring a new city and taking it all in, it is a little difficult to do that now that we have Tristan. I’ve found that for now, the hotel experience works best for us. There is no travel time (except on the way to the hotel), long queues at the airport, packing for crazy weather, jet lag, having to change currency and having to worry about where to pack/stow/rent a stroller and/or car seat. Really everything we needed was in our hotel suite, including entertainment! It is hard to beat our Solaire experience.

Now, before I share our happy Solaire experience, I want to SHARE THE GIFT with you, my lovely readers.

The spirit of gift-giving comes alive at Solaire this season. Amid the frenzy of the holidays, we are giving away a special present that will allow one lucky winner to bask in luxury and make the best out of the season.

Simply post your Solaire photos and get a chance to win a Solaire experience just like mine, plus two AirAsia tickets!

MECHANICS

1. Post your photo/s taken at Solaire on Instagram/Twitter, with a caption about your experience.
2. Use any of the following hashtags: #TheGiftOfJoy, #TheGiftOfSharing, #TheGiftOfLuxury, #TheGiftOfCelebration in your post/s.
3. Your post/s must be set to “public.”
4. The more photos you post give you more chances of winning. You may post until December 17, 2015 only.
5. One winner will be announced on December 18, 2015.

 You can also tag @solaireresort. We would love to be tagged in your photos!

Okay, so if still need inspiration to join this contest, scroll down to see our wonderful Solaire experience! Happy Holidays!!!

Solaire Resort & Casino is the first integrated destination resort on an 8.3-hectare site in Manila’s Entertainment City. Solaire boasts 800 luxurious resort-style accommodations in two distinctive towers, extensive dining options, impressive facilities and state-of the art lyric theatre that has changed the way people view integrated resorts in Manila. Solaire offers unique experience of comfort, elegance and luxury, all underlined by the staff’s unparalleled warm Filipino hospitality.

Indulge in the sprawling marbled hallways and luxuriate in the majestic view of the Manila Bay sunset, unwind at the poolside or pamper yourself to a relaxing spa treatment. Explore the exciting nightlife at Solaire in the myriad of signature restaurants, Finestra, Yakumi or Red Lantern and casual dining restaurants, namely, Waterside Restobar, Fresh, Lucky Noodles, Oasis or the Food Court. Enjoy live music performances at Eclipse or simply take a nightcap at the Dragon Bar.

Solaire’s expansive 18,500 square-meter casino area stretches two levels of gaming space, including premium VIP salons and an outdoor themed casino and entertainment bar – all loaded with the most popular slot machines and table games, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Pontoon, and more.