Unbelievable Perks Await You at The Podium @ SHED BGC!
Okay, buckle up, because this review is gonna be LESS "perfect travel brochure" and MORE "what actually HAPPENED when I stayed at The Podium @ SHED BGC!". Prepare for honesty, some rambles, and maybe, just maybe, a yearning to book a room yourself. Let's go!
Unbelievable Perks Await You at The Podium @ SHED BGC! - REALLY? Let's Dive In!
First off, the name sounds like a cheesy infomercial, right? "Unbelievable Perks!" I almost choked on my coffee when I first saw it. But hey, I love a good challenge. Let's see if they live up to the hype.
Getting There & Around (Accessibility & Practicalities - The Boring Stuff, But Important!)
Okay, so BGC (Bonifacio Global City) is… well, it's BGC. Modern, manicured, and a little… sterile, if I'm being honest. But it's also mostly accessible. Accessibility: The Podium @ SHED BGC seems to have its act together. Elevator, check. That's HUGE. Facilities for disabled guests? They list it, which is a good sign. I didn't personally test it, so I can't vouch 100%, but I saw no obvious red flags. Getting around: Lots of taxis, Grab (the local Uber), and the BGC bus are your friends. Airport transfer? Yes, they offer it. Thank GOODNESS. Traffic in Manila can be a beast. Car park [free of charge] is pretty sweet too! Less hassle, especially if you're driving around. Car power charging station? That's some futuristic stuff!
Internet - Because We Can't Live Without It!
Internet Access: Crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually worked, too! Internet [LAN], Internet services, and even Wi-Fi in public areas. deep breath They've got it all. I'm a digital nomad, so this hits a sweet spot for me.
Cleanliness & Safety - Did They Survive the Apocalypse?!
Okay, so the world is… a bit messy right now. What’s The Podium doing about COVID? Hand sanitizer, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and yes, I saw it. Daily disinfection in common areas. They're REALLY trying. Rooms sanitized between stays. Okay, that's reassuring. Anti-viral cleaning products. Good. And the BIG one: Room sanitization opt-out available. That's a nice touch. They're respecting your comfort level. Cashless payment service, Hand sanitizer, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: All good. Breakfast takeaway service if you're in a hurry.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - Let's Get to the REAL Stuff!
Right, the food. This is where things got interesting. The Podium boasts a bunch of options. Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant, so you're covered. I grabbed Breakfast [buffet]. And… it was okay. The Asian breakfast options were decent – the tapa was pretty good. The coffee/tea in restaurant was… well, it was coffee. No complaints but also no celebrations. Poolside bar, perfect for a cocktail at sunset. Restaurants are definitely an area they're pushing.
And then there's THIS – The Room Service Story
Okay, here's my main anecdote. One day, I was just wrecked, utterly exhausted from meetings. I wanted NOTHING to do with leaving my room. So, I ordered room service. Like, the whole shebang. A burger, fries, a milkshake, the works. Now, I'm not ALWAYS like this. Sometimes, I'm all about the local cuisine. But on this day? Comfort food was calling.
And… the burger. It was actually REALLY good. Like, embarrassingly delicious. Juicy, perfectly cooked, the works. I'm talking good burger. The fries? Crispy. The milkshake? Thick and creamy. I scarfed it down in glorious, guilt-ridden silence, watching a terrible movie. It was the epitome of a perfect lazy evening and the 24-hour room service, you bet its value.
Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams (Maybe?)
They’ve got the classic spa stuff. Massage? Yep. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All there. Fitness center? The listing says "gym/fitness" and a Fitness center, but I didn’t make it, so I can't report on it. Foot bath? Body scrub, Body wrap? These are listed, but I'm not sure how extensive the spa services are.
Things to Do - Beyond the Hotel Walls
The area IS BGC, so you are NOT stuck for things to do. Shopping, restaurants, parks – it’s all there. The hotel is close.
Services & Conveniences - Perks & Quirks
Concierge? Helpful. Doorman? Present and efficient. Daily housekeeping? Excellent. My room was sparkling every day, which is a major win. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: All available. I used the laundry service and it was prompt. They really have a good grasp of conveniences. Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars, Audio-visual equipment for special events: If you're there on business, you're golden.
For the Kids - Family Fun?
Babysitting service? They list it, which is great for families. Family/child friendly: Yep. Kids meal? Probably upon request. Kids facilities? I didn't see any specific playgrounds.
The Room - My Sanctuary!
Air conditioning: Absolutely essential in Manila. Blackout curtains: Bliss. Coffee/tea maker: Yes! Free bottled water, always a bonus. Hair dryer? Check. In-room safe box: Needed. Mini bar: stocked, but a bit pricey, of course. Non-smoking, also appreciated! Private bathroom, separate shower/bathtub, perfect. Soundproofing, very important. Wi-Fi [free]. My room was clean, and I was able to get work done—and that’s what matters.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Let's Be Real)
- It's BGC. As I said, it's a little… sterile. Think clean lines, modern architecture, and less of that "authentic Pinoy" vibe.
- The breakfast, while decent, wasn't mind-blowing.
- I didn't use the pool, so I can't comment on it.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Okay, so is it "Unbelievable?" Maybe not unbelievable, but it is a solid choice. The Podium @ SHED BGC is a comfortable, well-equipped hotel with a convenient location. I would recommend it. IF you are looking for a comfortable, CLEAN hotel, and IF you don’t mind the BGC vibe, then it is perfect. If you're looking for a place to relax and escape the world for a bit, it is a great choice.
The Pitch: Your Unbelievable Getaway Awaits!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a getaway that's both convenient and comfortable? Then ditch the ordinary and book your stay at The Podium @ SHED BGC!
Here’s why you should click "Book Now":
- Unbeatable Location: Right in the heart of vibrant BGC. Shop, dine, and explore – all within easy reach!
- Ultimate Comfort: Cozy rooms with all the essentials: free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected, blackout curtains for a perfect night's sleep, and air conditioning to beat the Manila heat.
- Relaxation Redefined: Indulge in a massage at our spa, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, or sweat it out in our fitness center.
- Convenience is Key: With 24-hour room service, you can satisfy your cravings anytime, or explore the city, with everything organized.
- Safe & Sound: We prioritize your well-being with rigorous cleaning protocols including physical distancing, hand sanitizer, anti-viral cleaning products, and room sanitization.
- Book Now and get exclusive freebies such as complimentary breakfast and more
Don't wait! This is your chance to experience the best BGC has to offer. Click here to book your unforgettable stay at The Podium @ SHED BGC! Your Unbelievable Perks await!
Uganda's Martyrs Motel: YOUR Shocking Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is more like a messy, slightly caffeinated, and utterly honest chronicle of my (attempted) conquest of The Podium at SHED BGC. Let's see how much time I got here!
The Podium @ SHED BGC: My Potential (and Highly Suspect) Itinerary
Day 1: The Grand Ambition (and the Early Morning Fail)
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up (HA!): Okay, real talk? This was the ideal wake-up time. In reality, I'm pretty sure my internal clock just laughs at "7 AM." More like 9:00 AM after hitting snooze approximately five times. Blame the dog!
- 9:30 AM - Coffee and a Prayer: Fueled by instant coffee (because the good stuff takes effort), I'm going to need a little divine intervention to handle this… adventure. Seriously, navigating BGC on a weekend after a long work week? Bless me, Lord. (And maybe give me the strength to resist those damn chocolate croissants.)
- 10:30 AM - Arrival & Shock and Awe: Arrive at Podium. First thought? "Wow, it's… big." My second thought? "Okay, deep breaths. Don't get overwhelmed." The air conditioning is on full blast. Good. I need to stay cool, both literally and figuratively, during the potential consumer chaos.
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - The Retail Therapy Gauntlet (and Mayhem): Okay, the plan was to browse some stores. My weakness? Home decor. My actual experience? Probably getting lost in that furniture store (the one with the ridiculously trendy lighting). Then the kids are running wild, maybe I should go to the comfort room first? Hopefully, there are no lines.
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch! (and the inevitable restaurant indecision): The real question here is: where the hell do I eat? This is the eternal struggle, you know? I'll wander, get overwhelmed by options, and probably end up settling for something entirely predictable. Maybe a quick ramen? Comfort is key. I'm open to suggestions.
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Movie Time (maybe!): If I'm feeling ambitious, and the world hasn't completely broken me, I might catch a movie. It's a gamble. Will I actually relax, or will I spend the whole time judging the person munching popcorn three rows ahead of me? I'll let you know.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM - The Great Escape (or further retail hell, depending): This is where things get interesting. If the movie didn't drain me, I might brave the shops again. Perhaps hit up a bookstore, or maybe… gasp… try on some clothes? Wish me luck, my friends.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Coffee & Reflection: I’ll need another coffee to wind down. And I'll need a place to reflect on how crazy this day was. I'm probably exhausted. Find a cafe, get a comfy chair, and maybe, just maybe, write something profound in my notebook… or just stare blankly at the passersby. We shell see.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - The Homecoming: I might be happy and chill, or cranky. Head home and collapse.
…Okay, I'm already exhausted just imagining this. This is why I stick to the couch most of the time. Wish me luck, or just send pizza.
(End of Day 1. Survivor?)
Day 2: The Deep Dive (or a Quick Retreat)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Recovery and Refueling: Coffee, a good playlist, and maybe some greasy breakfast food. This will be the real test. How much emotional damage has Day 1 inflicted?
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - The Art of Re-Entry: Decide if I go back or not. Be it The Podium once more or something else.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - The Food Court Frenzy (or Restaurant Resentment): This is crucial. I'm talking intense food court analysis. What's the best deal-to-comfort ratio? Are there any hidden culinary gems? I get way too invested in these things. Or maybe I'll just avoid it altogether and find a quieter cafe.
- 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Deep Dive into One Thing: Screw the "everything" approach. Today, I'm focusing. Let's say I'm fascinated by a specific store. I'm going to own that store. Clothes, gifts, or something else, I need to make a decision. Then, I'll obsess.
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Sensory Overload (and the inevitable emotional collapse): Retail therapy can be fun, but it's also often exhausting. At this point, I might suffer from sensory overload. "Too many people! Too much noise! Too many options!" I'm going to need a moment to just… breathe.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Back to Reality (and the sweet embrace of resignation): Okay, the Podium has won. Time to head home. I'll walk out of the mall, feeling a bit lighter, a bit poorer, and maybe a little bit more aware of the absurdity of modern life. And I might or might not be carrying a ridiculously large, impulse-buy item.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - The Post-Podium Blues: Home. Comfy pants. A snack. Maybe I'll watch a movie, or maybe I'll just lie on the couch and stare at the ceiling. Perfect.
Final Thoughts:
This is definitely not a perfect plan. There will be hiccups, moments of glorious discovery, and probably a few moments of total, unadulterated chaos. But hey, that's life, right? And it's probably a good lesson in acceptance. Now, wish me luck, and send reinforcements (aka chocolate).
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Tropical Sands Villa in Vietnam Awaits!
So, First Things First: What *IS* The Podium @ SHED BGC, Anyway? And Why Should *I* Care? (Honestly.)
Okay, okay, settle down. The Podium is supposed to be a, like, a *lifestyle hub*. Think shops, restaurants, entertainment… the usual BGC suspects. SHED BGC… that's the part where my brain gets a little blurry. Apparently, SHED stands for something… Storage? Hangout? Seriously, Google it, I'm too lazy right now. But the gist? It's *supposed* to be a cool place to, you know, *be* cool.
Why should *you* care? Well, depends on your vibe. If you like being surrounded by shiny things, influencers trying too hard, and the faint aroma of overpriced coffee, this might be your jam. If not… well, maybe you should check it out anyway. Sometimes the utter *absurdity* is worth a visit. Seriously. It's like a sociological experiment.
They Talk About "Unbelievable Perks." What's the Deal? Is This Some Kind of Marketing BS?
Oh, "Unbelievable Perks." That’s the hook, isn't it? Prepare yourself. It could be *literally* anything. Free parking (rare, but a perk!), early access to sales (the shopping addict in me perks up), maybe a random celebrity sighting (I’m skeptical). Honestly, it's pretty vague. Read the fine print. Always read the fine print.
I *did* once see a girl win a… a *handbag*. From a raffle at a shop. That, I guess, could be considered a perk? Depends on your handbag needs. I'm more of a "free coffee" kinda girl. And yes, it’s *definitely* marketing BS. But… the *possibility* of something slightly less-BS-ish keeps me intrigued. Don't judge me.
Let's Get Specific: The Food. Is It… Edible? Should I Bring My Own Packed Lunch? (And Is It *THAT* Expensive?)
Food. Ah, the great equalizer. Okay, here's the deal with the food at The Podium, and it's going to annoy you but it will be honest.
Firstly, the variety is there. You’ve got your restaurants, your cafes… the usual suspects. Italian, Asian Fusion, your average burgers. It is the typical BGC fare – that's to say the prices are, well, *aspirational*. Expect to pay a premium for that avocado toast, or that trendy ramen.
Secondly, it's *usually* edible. I've only had one truly soul-crushing experience, involving a soggy pizza. But, your mileage may vary. (That's my polite way of saying, "Don't blame me if you get food poisoning.") Check the reviews. Read the menus online. And for the love of all that is holy, *budget*. Bringing your own packed lunch? Not a bad idea, especially if you're on a tight… well, *anything* really.
Okay, Okay, Fine. What Did You Actually *DO* at The Podium? Give Me The Juicy Details.
Alright, fine. I went to… a book launch. Yeah, I'm a total literary superstar, I know. (Okay, fine, I accompanied a friend). And *it was a disaster*. Not the book launch, which seemed fine, if a little… corporate. But the whole *experience*.
I got stuck in *traffic*. The parking situation was a nightmare — you know, the "unbelievable perk" of paying a frankly ridiculous amount for the *privilege* of parking. Then, it started monsoon season, and I forgot my umbrella. I was drenched. My shoes were *ruined*. The aircon was blasting, and I was shivering. And did I mention the coffee shop? It was packed, and the line snaked around the entire… place.
I went to ask for help, they were more interested in taking selfies from their phone. I did not even get any latte. I literally just wanted the bathroom! I’m not even going to get into the details of how I ended up with a mystery stain on my jeans (probably from the aforementioned soggy pizza incident, which, yes, I *did* manage to find again somehow). The whole thing was a comedy of errors. *That* was my "unbelievable" experience. Unbelievably awful. Don't say I didn't warn you.
So, Bottom Line: Is It Worth It? Or Should I Just Stay Home in My Pajamas?
Look, that's *your* call. If you’re chasing "the vibe," BGC is always a good place to start (or maybe end). If you're looking for a specific, concrete, "unbelievable" thing to happen? Lower your expectations. *Way* lower. Pack an umbrella. Check the traffic. Bring snacks. And maybe, just maybe, have a backup plan. Like, a really good book and a comfortable couch. Because, honestly, sometimes that's the best "perk" of all.
Are there any good views?
Views? Ehhh. Let's be honest. Manila isn't known for stunning natural vistas. There might be some decent views, especially if you're high up in the right building, but you probably won't be seeing mountains or oceans. It's mostly a cityscape kind of view, so you're looking at other buildings. Think clean lines, maybe a glimpse of the skyline depending on which floor you are on. You'll have to do some exploring to discover them.
Are there any "hidden gems" or secret spots to discover?
Secret spots? Maybe. Look, I'm not a treasure hunter. But if you’re the kind of person who enjoys poking around, you might find a cool little shop tucked away, or a cafe that isn't overrun with Instagrammers. People always find the things you don't expect. My advice: wander. Get lost. Then, when you stumble upon your hidden gem, tell *me* about it!
