In other words, what are your plans for Holy Week 2021?

THE EASTER EGG HUNT Where are you going this Holy Week on lockdown?

THE EASTER EGG HUNT Where are you going this Holy Week on lockdown?

One of them is hidden in diamonds.

Yes, it’s called “Mirage, the world’s most expensive Easter egg, which belongs to an anonymous collector. On its outer shell, it is studded with over 1,000 diamonds, of which 100 are unique cut. Beneath the shell is a golden globe made of 18 carat gold, inside of which is a handcarved rock crystal dove perched on an olive branch also handcarved in gold.

DIAMOND EGGS The world's most expensive Easter Egg, designed by Manfred Wild, is a shell of 18 carat gold encrusted with over 1,000 diamonds

Designed by world-renowned lapidary artist Manfred Wild, who worked on “Mirage” for three years with skilled craftsmen from three continents, the Easter egg symbolic of world peace costs $8.4 million, but it’s not for sale, although word has it that its mysterious owner, when presented with a good enough figure, might be persuaded to strike a deal.

But your Easter Egg hunt need not be too much of a diamond dream. Read on, if all you want is goodies and fun and some relaxation.

At the Manila Hotel, they’re hiding in plain sight.

Because they are big, they’re giant. The Manila Hotel’s “Easter Joy! Mystery Egg,” puts a spin on the Mystery Boxes popular online, but makes its mystery larger—a giant egg handmade from Belgian chocolates everyone, younger or younger at heart, would love to crack open. It’s also the highlight of The Manila Hotel’s “Easter Joy! Raffle” that will be held on April 5, 2021 at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live (@TheManilaHotel).

MYSTERY EGG At the Manila Hotel, the egg is giant handmade with Belgian chocolate

You’ll be entitled to a raffle stub for every purchase of the Mystery Egg for only ₱2,500 nett from now to April 4, 2021. A Chromebook laptop, perfect for the kids’ online schooling, is at stake as a major prize, but you can also win one set of The Manila Hotel Gelatos and The Manila Hotel’s Willy The Bear.

That’s not all. Easter is an occasion to spread hope and joy, so the hotel is collaborating with several groups to make it even more special. Mystery Egg buyers also get the chance to win passes to online kiddie workshops from Make Believe Productions, like Superhero Art, Groovebeats Dance Workshop, Imaginart: Drawing and Painting for Kids, and Make Believe N’ Yoga for Kids; Activity Kits for kids from Kits For Kids by RC Lab like My Body Care Lab Kit, 25-in-1 Science Bear Experiment Kit, and Fizzy Easter Activity Kits; and also Introductory Visit to The Little Gym online classes.

The Easter Joy! Mystery Egg is available until Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, 6 p.m. Order via 85270011 or 0998-9501912. Bulk orders must be done in advance. The Manila Hotel’s Deli is also selling various Easter-related chocolates and goodies that can be ordered for pickup or delivery.

At Conrad Manila, they’re in a chocolate disguise.

It’s a playful selection of Easter bunnies, eggs, and more made from premium chocolates, all available to order online for takeaway or delivery, at Conrad Manila’s Bru Coffee Bar. What’s more, kids and kids at heart also get to enjoy a special Easter painting kit set, priced at ₱950 nett, which include bunny and egg molds, paint, and brushes.

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Playful, colorful Easter bunnies at Conrad Manila

This promo called “Egg-citing Easter Goodies” is available until April 4, 2021, but Conrad Manila also has well-curated Signature Takeaway Feasts conveniently available at the innovative e-Store for takeaway and delivery.

At Brasserie on 3, the Easter Family Roast Takeaway Menu, which executive chef Daniel Patterson has indulgently prepared, features ginataang tilapia in coconut milk, 48 hours US choice beef short rib 1.6 kg, and whole crispy roasted suckling pig filled with aromatic rice, garlic, and lemon grass, all served with roasted carrots, beets, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin, steamed rice, and buttered beans and bacon. Starting at ₱5,150 nett, the takeaway feast serves a family of four to six.

Over at China Blue by Jereme Leung, executive Chinese chef Eng Yew Khor works the wok with well-curated sets, such as dim sum featuring house specialty truffle mushroom bun, steamed pork and shrimp dumpling siew mai, seafood bean curd sheet, and more. There is also BBQ roast whose highlights include honey-glazed BBQ pork neck, bacon scallops, half-roasted duck, to name a few. Or try the Chef’s Specials of homemade tofu with spinach and chicken, deep-fried spareribs with garlic, shrimp with XO sauce and seasonal vegetables, stir-fried beef with Chinese walnuts, and smoked duck with cigar spring rolls. Price starts at ₱2,200 nett.

“We are delighted to celebrate Easter and the many displays of heroism by Conrad Manila’s esteemed guests and team members during this time. The hotel remains steadfast in our commitment to provide guests with the same level of exceptional culinary excellence through our enhanced Signature Takeaway Feasts and Egg-citing Easter Goodies, which can be ordered from our e-Store, for the whole family to enjoy in the comfort of their homes,” says Linda Pecoraro, hotel general manager.

EGG-CITING EASTER GOODIES All made from premium chocolate, these Easter treats are available for takeout and delivery

Perfect for early risers, Bru On Wheels is now also open daily, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Bike or drive by the bay area and grab your favorite breakfast treats to go! Or enjoy the morning breeze for an al fresco me-time.

Visit conradmanilaestore.whyqueue.shop, call +632 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@conradhotels.com. To learn more about Conrad Manila’s promotions and offers follow us on Facebook (ConradManilaPH) and on Instagram (@conradmanila).

At City of Dreams, they’re at brunch.

There will be Easter eggs galore at City of Dreams’ Café Society, where the resort’s amazing dessert artisans have crafted cute and quirky Easter treats that are perfect for the holiday celebration throughout April. Guests can take home their very own Mr. and Mrs. Egg or Easter Bunny chocolate sculptures in white, dark, milk, or ruby chocolate. Café Society also offers a range of chocolate easter eggs that come with a miniature candy rabbit. Handcrafted, Easter-themed pastries, such as carrot-flavored or Easter egg sugar cookies, chocolate praline gâteau, passion coconut yuzu cakes, and dessert loaves with almonds, dates, walnuts, and carrots, are also available. For more savory offerings, guests can relish this month’s featured sandwich—a special fajita-style egg drop creation made with rich, buttery brioche buns and creamy scrambled egg with a special filling. All Easter-themed treats are available until April 4, 2021. Café Society is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., though it opens at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays.

EDIBLE SCULPTURE These cute and quirky Easter goodies are the work of artisans handcrafted in white, dark, milk, or ruby chocolate at City of Dreams' Cafe Society

Elsewhere at City of Dreams, the crowd favorite Nobu Sunday Brunch is back exclusively for Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At P 2,950 net per person, the special brunch enables guests to order unlimited items from the celebratory a la carte menu and indulge their cravings for Nobu’s iconic dishes. In keeping with the restaurant’s hygiene protocols, guests remain on their seats throughout the all-you-can-eat dining experience.

Nobu Manila’s Sunday Brunch a la carte menu consists of an array of mouthwatering signature entrées such as shrimp tempura, sea bass jalapeño, baked mussels in aji amarillo aioli, Nobu kurobota pork sisig, grilled baby octopus with anticucho sauce, and pulled pork slider bao bun.

Providing a perfect accompaniment to these specialties are hot courses that include chawanmushi cups, choice vegetable fares including roasted kabocha with maple miso butter, bok choy and shiitake mushroom black bean; and hearty soups like prawn yuzu miso soup, hot udon noodles. Sushi and sashimi lovers will delight in the wide selection of freshly made Nobu signatures: tuna matsuhisa, yellowtail jalapeño, salmon ksm, oshizushi (pressed sushi), and the chef’s selection of premium sushi cups. Oysters, which are always in demand, the House Special Maki, salmon skin, spicy tuna, and other maki rolls add to the irresistible choices.

THERE YOU ARE Handcrafted Easter Bunnies hiding in eggshells at City of Dreams

Nobu’s Sunday Brunch also includes shichimi-crusted Wagyu Leg prepared in a live cooking station, and grilled items made-to-order from the kushiyaki station, such as salmon belly, beef kushi,and chicken thigh served with teriyaki or anticucho sauce. For those with sweet tooth, green tea ice cream, chocolate bento, tofu cheesecake, and many more desserts are offered. A selection of sodas, chilled juices, mocktails, tea, and coffee completes the all-inclusive Japanese-Peruvian brunch.

Call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. www.cityofdreamsmanila.com

At Sofitel Philippine Plaza, they’re out in the open.

If you must celebrate Easter, do it al fresco, where it is safest. Why not the Sunset Bar at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, which offers the ideal venue at a time outdoor dining is the quintessential setting for a safe and laid-back epicurean experience?

WHERE IN THE BLUE ARE THE EGGS? Breathtaking views of Manila Bay from Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

What’s in store for you there is a weekend gastronomic feast set al fresco with a picturesque view of Manila Bay and its glorious sunset. Nestled in a lush garden with an unparalleled view of the bay, Sunset Bar highlights an exclusive Easter weekend menu featuring a grilled seafood platter with lobsters, oysters, giant river prawn, and mussels, as well as a lechon plate, crab tacos, grilled slipper lobsters, foie gras sliders, and lamb kebab.

Leisurely conversations with family and friends are made more exciting with a wide selection of refreshments and cocktails while live musical entertainment on Saturday and Sunday sets the mood for a relaxing night.

AFTER THE EGG HUNT Treat yourself to this to-die-for grilled seafood platter with lobsters, oysters, giant river prawn, and mussels at Sofitel's Sunset Bar

Easter Special at Sunset Bar is available for à la carte lunch and dinner from April 1 to 4, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests may rest assured of a guaranteed seal of protection with Accor’s signature All Safe Cleanliness and Prevention measures in place.

Call (+632) 8-832-6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com. Follow the Facebook and Instagram pages of Spiral and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for more updates.

#Happy Easter

Where is the Easter Bunny hiding eggs in this new round of lockdowns?