The ideal scenario for a vacation of course, would be just that: a vacation. No thoughts of work or deadlines, client calls or quotas, crisis management or inventory. But for many busy working moms, this is near impossible. Thank heavens, therefore, for resorts and getaways that offer the perfect balance of work and play. For this first helping of Business Agenda’s Business Traveler, and barely a week before Mother’s Day, we asked three on-the-go mothers (two of them solo moms) where they like to take the kids for R-and-R—and get some work done, as well.

Ina B. Teves
Writer, coach, teacher,
graduate student, badminton enthusiast

“A good place to bring work and kids would be some place with Wi-Fi, or at least, plug-in Internet or with many Internet cafes—a university town like Dumagueute, which has many Internet cafes. There are two right outside my in-laws' house, which is beside a university.

“In Cebu, I was able to go online for free at Cebu Waterfront Lahug which has a fast, stable connection, and was able to chat on Facebook with my sons who were left in Manila.

“As I write this e-mail, I am in Kimberley Hotel in Tsim Shah Tsui because I have to be with my son who is in a swim meet in Tai Wo Hau. This hotel has a connection, but you pay (HKD38/hour or HK$100 plus for 24 hours)—a bit pricey but not bad if you really need to e-mail work. HK also has PCCW phone booths on many streets (with signal in the MTR) where you could get an Internet connection by registering online on your browser and charging it to your card. I tried it on a street in Tai Wo Hau because the venue for my son's meet did not have Wi-Fi. I did get a good signal.

“Or, if you plan to be away from the city or town center, look for a place which has 3G coverage so you could have 3G Internet access via a plug-in SIM card. The telephone companies should be able to tell you if there is 3G Internet access where you are going. Some places may not have 3G but you could still get a slow connection that is good enough for e-mails.

“The best thing, however, is to be present when your kids are present — and not have to think of work.”

Marina A.S. Benipayo
Self-growth and behavior
management consultant

“Zuzuni in Boracay, Holiday Inn Clark, Microtel Palawan and the new Manila Hotel…But probably out of the four, I think Zuzuni in Boracay would be so far the best place to bring my kids to and have some work done.

The service staff are very accommodating and they make sure your stay is comfortable. The beach front room with the mini balcony has a nice view, conducive for catching up on my readings for seminars or writing my articles. At the same time, I could have a glimpse of my kids while they're enjoying the beach! And if we're hungry, there are a lot of places to choose from, depending on your budget. Going to Boracay during its lean season is both very therapeutic and relaxing for the soul.”

Evangeline Navarro
Serial entrepreneur and
investor, finance teacher,
Business Agenda columnist

“I like Cebu Shangri-La because it’s a truly tropical resort with the best mix of amenities for adults and kids. It’s got ample age-appropriate indoor play facilities for kids with inhouse supervision so you can keep half an eye on your kid while you chat with friends or sneak for a few minutes to lounge by the pool nearby.

“It has big enough pools so you can avoid the crowded parts, and spacious rooms, comfy bed within a tropical hotel setting. It’s also got an airy, comfy open and indoor bar so that adults can take turns keeping an eye on the kids and still get a wonderful night out; great buffets; a nice beach with requisite extras—lounge chairs, issued towels for minimal stress and trouble of bringing your own. Also, the resort offers golf if you like running after small balls.

The perfect deal-making sport if you ask me.”