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If you and your kids grew up with Barbie, you’re definitely in for a treat this month! To fuel our excitement for Barbie The Movie, which will hit Philippine cinemas on July 19, Barbie Philippines and Okada Manila launched the spectacular Barbie Funtabulous Daycation at Cove Manila over the weekend.

My daughter and I were invited to be among the first to experience Barbie Land at Cove Manila last June 30, and boy were we so delighted! Along with the many kids, we ooh’d and ahh’d at all things Barbie that they managed to fit in the vast pool party space. The event also featured a kiddie fashion show featuring Barbie-inspired outfits (which my daughter and I made sure to wear, of course).

Even non-Barbie fans can look forward to extending their summer experience even now that the rainy season is creeping up on us, thanks to Cove Manila’s all-weather indoor pools and luxury cabanas that have been dressed up with a vibrantly pink and glamorous Barbie Land look to serve as a glitzy backdrop for nonstop photo sessions.

Whether you only have time for a 3.5-hour session or can spend an entire day, you’ll have fun splashing around and making picture-perfect memories with friends and family, without even having to leave Metro Manila. This way, you also get to take a quick break amidst five-star amenities without having to splurge on an overnight hotel stay—hence, “day-cation,” get it?

Kids will especially love the special activity areas set up for them, like the hot pink slide, ball pool, mini tables and chairs for story time, Barbie displays, a walk-in Barbie closet, Barbie loungers, and even an area where they can buy Barbie toys (parents, you’ve been warned). Barbie fans of all ages can also channel their inner Barbie in life-sized doll boxes for endless photo opportunities. Cove Manila’s expansive pool area has also been filled with white, gold, and pink flamingo and unicorn floaters that you can relax and have fun in.

The Barbie Funtabulous Daycation will be available at Cove Manila on July 6-9, July 13-16, and July 20-23 only. Weekend Daycation sessions are as follows: Serene (8:00-11:30AM), Siesta (12:00-3:30PM), Sunset (4:00-7:30PM), and Spectacular (8:00AM to 7:30PM). On Thursdays and Fridays, the Daycation is only available from 2:00PM to 6:30PM, following the Siesta session rate that starts at Php1,200 net/person for a table and Php11,200 net for 8 pax in a cabana.

You can choose to book a table (loungers and plush seats with coffee tables) or cabanas (private rooms complete with toilet and bath, living area, TV, and its own dipping pool for the ultimate relaxation).

To give you an idea, here are the weekend rates per guest for a Lounger:
Serene: 8-11:30AM, Php900 net, inclusive of 1 set snack
Siesta: 12NN-3:30PM, Php1,200 net, inclusive of 1 set meal
Sunset: 4-7:30PM, Php1,600 net, 1 set meal
Spectacular: 8AM-6PM, Php1,900 net, inclusive of 1 set meal

Table for 2 starts at Php1,800 net for the Serene session (8AM to 11:30AM), inclusive of 2 set snacks, while table for 4 starts at Php3,600 net, inclusive of 4 set snacks. Table for 6 starts at P5,400 net for Serene session, inclusive of 6 set snacks. Later time slots and whole day rates include set meals instead of snacks.

A small cabana that fits 8 guests starts at P8,800 net for the Serene session, inclusive of 8 set snacks. The large cabana that can fit 12 guests starts at P15,000 net for the Serene session, inclusive of 12 set snacks; while the Premium Cabana, which is good for 20 guests, starts at Php25,000 net, inclusive of 20 set snacks for the Serene session. As with tables, later time slots and whole day rates in cabanas include set meals instead of snacks. The cabanas seem a great idea if you want to throw a Barbie-themed party—already with venue, pool, activities, and food all in!

My husband and I personally prefer the privacy of a cabana with our toddler, although the loungers have the closest access to the main pool area. (The only setback for us is getting 8 set meals for the smallest cabana with no option to just do consumable since we’re just a family of 3).

When I inquired via email (to relax@okadamanila.com), I was informed that the set meals will be served in a bento box and will include pasta, rice toppings, cut fruits, and a round of iced tea. If you wish to order alcoholic beverages, you may do so from the pool bar in Cove Manila at your own expense.

If you happen to be a deluxe room to premium suite guest, you can enjoy a discounted rate on your chosen table or cabana. Meanwhile, the Daycation is complimentary for executive suite to villa guests.

Prior booking is required. For reservations, contact Okada Manila at +632-85555775, +632-88880777, or relax@okadamanila.com.

Photos by Jessie Benedicto III

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