It was a fine Sunday morning, and the weather was very favorable for our short trip to Clark, Pampanga. We are off to Hilton Hotel for our pastors' family and staff retreat. After our Sunday service, we headed off to the area. It will be a 2-hour trip from Marikina.
Before this trip, I bought chips and cup noodles in case I might go hungry. Our leader informed us that the food there is quite pricey, so it's practical to bring some light snacks. We went there just for the experience, and as for the food, it's cheaper if we buy outside.
Several hotel staff greeted and assisted at the entrance. Immediately I noticed the Casino on the leftmost side. I wanted to take a peek inside, but maybe some other time. It is my first five-star hotel experience, so I feel thrilled at the moment. I was thinking, "is this a sneak peek at the lives of the rich?"
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a picture when we arrived
After settling things at the reception, we received our key cards. I will share a room with two other pastors' kids, and being way older than them, I'm sure they have their stuff to do.
I was the first to enter the room. Immediately, I took some pictures. I chose the extra bed near the window, turned on the TV, and unpacked my things. This room will be my haven until tomorrow.
Since we all came from travel and Sunday service, we took a nap. And in a few hours, our leader called us for dinner outside the venue. We went to House of Chops. We had a good laugh and had our fill.
I wanted to go for a night swimming, but the pool is open only until 9 pm. We got back to the hotel around 8:30 pm. Good thing I have a book with me. So I read a few pages before I hit the sack. The leader asked us to wake up early and go to the gym.
The following day, I proceeded to the gym and did a few minutes of stretching before trying the treadmill. It was fun! I joined several pastors and their children so sweating out was enjoyable. Though I love biking and hiking, I am not a fitness buff. But I think it's not a bad idea to have a treadmill or a stationary bike someday.
It is my kind of relaxation - doing a few activities in a comfortable place. I just gazed at the window, watched television, read a book, and enjoyed the comforter and cool breeze of the aircon. The children from the team were enjoying the pool and having the time of their lives together. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the solitude. Perhaps this is why some people call me boring. Haha!
I took a few pictures as we were about to check out.
But before heading back to Manila, we went on a side trip to Friendship Highway and bought some Korean goods. We also went to Puregold Duty-Free. It was one of my favorite parts of the trip! There were lots of affordable chocolates, so I made sure to bring some home. If ever I'd go back to Clark, I'll visit this place to buy chocolates.
It was a memorable experience where I shook off some stress. It is not every day that I get energized by a five-star hotel treatment.