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An interesting fact: The Peninsula Hotel was designed by renowned Filipino architect Gabriel Formoso who was in high demand in the 1960s and 1970s. The Pen is a fine example of brutalist architecture in Manila. The grand waterfall and other neoclassical flourishes were redesigned and added later in the 1990s but don't quite gel with the former's distinct style. Some examples of Formoso's architecture include the Asian Institute of Management (123 Paseo de Roxas, Makati) and the Pacific Star Building (1226 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati).

I really tried to ignore the music(GOD SAVE THE QUEEN), and focus on what you're doing/talking about but I failed. lol. The words automatically comes out. lol

The Pen, as it is called, was built in the 70s,one of several 5-star hotels, when the Philippines hosted the IMF (International Monetary Fund) the first in Asia and the Far East. Hotel-Hopping became the scene in Manila. I know because I was one of those, who got the chance to get invited most of the time. NO, I did not pay for the food or of being there. I only paid for the taxi. hahahah. Yes, it was my favorite place to be and be seen. Mind you I was only very young and not bad looking. Oh, you just reminded me to reminisce my Makati days when I was a working girl a la Melanie Griffith in Working Girl..As for High Tea, John and I had ours at the Savoy Hotel in 2015, when we went purposely to London to celebrate our wedding anniversary in 2015. In Cumbria, scones are served at homes and a regular thing in ALL places. I learned to bake scones in 2016 because John was from the North and Cumbrians are noted for drinking tea with scones

This hotel is one of the few five star hotels built in the late 70's in preparation of the first ever IMFF/WORLD BANK conference hosted by the Philippines during the Marcos regime(martial law) as the government borrowed billions of dollar from the said institutions part of it is to build few five star hotels and convention centers where the delegates will stay during the duration of the conference. I was one of the pioneers of those five star hotels thousand of staffs to work as one of the intentions of that conference is to attract tourist and business people to invest in the Philippines at thec time of martial law to show to the world that the life in the Philippines is normal like other free countries. This is the only hotel probably that didn't change its name, some have changed to different management but Peninsula is the most stable hotel management in Manila.

When George started singing in opera mode, that made me smile. But, when Lucy suggested that he go up to the balcony and sing again in opera mode beside the pianist, I laughed so hard! That would be so funny and possibly earn you more subscribers in a flash! 😁

Trillanes left the group

This could be a good content!, try hotel-hoping around the Metro to see not only the old ones but also the new ones too! BTW I was in awe while seeing the insides of that hotel...

You HAVE TO go to their Escolta Room for their International Buffet. I guarantee you'll LOVE IT. All you can it. Don't eat anything before you go there.

In the late 70's when I worked in Makati, you go to The Pen lobby for people gazing. The well heeled and celebrities used to hang out there. Legend for halo-halo and cocktails after 6pm.

We had our wedding reception there 35 years ago

The Manila Hotel also has afternoon tea! They put bibingka and puto bumbong for a filipino twist. I know this because i used to work there ☺️ and i was the one preparing it in the kitchen ☺️

Nice vlog. Iam impressed. It reminds me of the Grand Floridian hotel at Disney World Orlando. But Pen is much grandier. Can't believe I have never step inside the Pen. Next time try Manila Hotel at the Luneta Park Manila. It's a rebuild pre WW II hotel. It is also very luxurious. Have fun.

Plain scones are the best with earl grey tea, I’m not a tea person but that my choice of tea or camomile. Guess I’m one of the weird ones, I spread the jam first so it soaks in, then cream on top. It might depend really on what you prefer would you like to taste first when you bite - cream or strawberry jam. It’s like bbq snag and onions on a piece of bread (might me an Aussie thing)…snag first and caramelised onions on top - always I say.

My 2nd favorite hotel lobby in Manila...my no. 1 is still that of the Manila Hotel.

The Pen lobby is one of my favorite spots post-party. I’m not sure now, but they used to be 24 hours, and absolutely love their all night menu of adobo and arroz caldo. Perfect for after partying all night. I also recommend the PenPals: 19 scoops of ice cream for sharing. OMG.

New Nice vlog today Manila’s POSHEST Hotel, yummy food George & Lucy 😋🥂🌹

Binge watching your vlogs :)

I think several people suggested (or agreed) to you visiting The Pen on your Mary Grace tea time episode. Glad you finally went. Love the live music!

Enjoy your afternoon tea Lucy and George. What a fantastic place you went to. ..❤️🙏🙏🙏💐