Sri Lanka orders curfew after deadly blasts

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka's defense ministry has ordered a night-time curfew after eight blasts targeting churches and hotels killed nearly 160 people across the country on Sunday.

The curfew will begin on Sunday night at 6:00pm local time (1230 GMT) and run until 6:00am local time (0030 GMT), the ministry said.

Police said an eighth blast hit the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital, but there were no further details on what was targeted.

Nearly 160 people have been confirmed dead so far in the string of attacks targeting hotels and churches.

source: philstar.com

George Clooney calls for boycott of Brunei-owned hotels

WASHINGTON, United States — American actor George Clooney has called for a boycott of nine Brunei-owned hotels over the sultanate's imposition of the death penalty for gay sex and adultery.

"Every single time we stay at or take meetings at or dine at any of these nine hotels we are putting money directly into the pockets of men who choose to stone and whip to death their own citizens for being gay or accused of adultery," Clooney wrote on website Deadline Hollywood.

"I've learned over years of dealing with murderous regimes that you can't shame them. But you can shame the banks, the financiers and the institutions that do business with them and choose to look the other way," he added.


The nine hotels are located in the US, Britain, France and Italy.

Brunei will implement the harsh new penal code -- which also mandates amputation of a hand and foot for theft -- starting next Wednesday.

Homosexuality is already illegal in the tiny sultanate, but it will now become a capital offence. The law only applies to Muslims.

Brunei first announced the measures in 2013, but implementation has been delayed as officials worked out the practical details and in the teeth of opposition by rights groups.

In addition to film-making chops that have netted him two Oscars, Clooney is known for his globe-trotting political activism, especially his tireless campaigning to draw attention to the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region.

source: philstar.com

Cuba diversifies ‘options for love’ via state-run motels

Cuba is reviving a network of state-run “love motels” in Havana where couples can rent rooms by the hour as the communist government seeks to “diversify options for love,” the official trade union weekly Trabajadores said on Monday.

Havana, the capital of the Caribbean island, boasted dozens of such “posadas” until the 1990s, when the remaining few were given to Cubans left homeless by hurricanes.

Privacy has became all the more elusive for lovers, given a housing shortage that forces many families to live in the same apartment and couples to live together long after their divorce.

Private establishments have filled in the gap for some, the trade union weekly wrote, but many cannot afford to pay around $5, or a sixth of the average monthly state wage, for three hours of bliss.

The less fortunate must resort to “parks, dark staircases, the beach and even the Malecon (seafront),” Trabajadores wrote. But now the state wants to make lovemaking easier again.

“We want to revive this service that is in high demand, has a big social impact and without a doubt is very profitable,” Alfonso Muñoz Chang of the Provincial Housing Company of Havana was cited as saying. “We will start with what we call Hotel Vento, a two-storey building with 16 rooms with bathrooms.”

“The city needs this,” Hotel Vento administrator Maria Sterling was cited as saying, noting that employees would be “very enthusiastic” as wages would likely rise with the extra work.

Next, authorities will restore some once-famous love motels like La Monumental to their former glory and convert another hotel, Muñoz Chang said.

“To think about how to diversify options for love is not farfetched,” Trabajadores wrote. “It is a reality that concerns everyone, and cannot become a luxury.”

source: interaksyon.com

Ayala Land Hotels & Resorts: Explore the joy of travel

There is a ubiquitous joy that is synonymous with travel. When we explore different places and synergize with various cultures, we acquire life-changing lessons that incite inspiration, creativity and productivity. If there is one trusted company that understands this more than anyone else, it is Ayala Land. Since 2010, the company has been keeping up with the growth of the hospitality industry via its subsidiary, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp. Starting with its very first five star hotel, InterContinental Manila, AHRC has grown its portfolio to impressive proportions in just two years. AHRC now offers a variety of hotels and resorts that cater to different types of travelers. AHRC spells the difference between living and living well. Affable AHRC group head Junie Jalandoni proudly announced that in addition to the cornerstone hotel whose location is pivotal to the business and commerce industry, InterContinental Manila today has several sister hotels under the AHRC portfolio — global hotel brands like the Fairmont Raffles Makati, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, the first AHRC hotel line Seda Hotels in BGC in Taguig, Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro and Seda Abreeza in Davao and the pristine eco-luxury resorts El Nido Resorts that include Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort in El Nido, Apulit Island Resort in Taytay and the newest portal to paradise, Pangalusian Island Resort.

The best of Filipino hospitality and excellent customer service is embodied in all their properties for both global and local branded hotels and resorts. Worthy to note, Ayala Land’s core value is its customer orientation and this value is reinforced in all its hotels and resorts.

Way back in 1969, there was the InterContinental Manila and everything revolved around it. I remember my siblings and I would tag along with our grandfather Patrocinio Dayrit who was a member of the enduring 365 Club that would regularly converge at the Jeepney Coffee Shop. Like many other families, our family has celebrated several milestones in this hotel. Ayala Land indeed sees beyond generations. Forty-four years later, InterContinental Manila continues to offer the same familiar Filipino hospitality. Manny Rofel, who is in the concierge team of the hotel, shared that he and around 20 colleagues have been with the hotel for almost three decades. He vouches that the InterContinental Manila continues to be a legacy in the hotel industry with an established clientele of loyal patrons from here and abroad through the years.

A goal is a dream with a deadline. To prove this, Jalandoni added: “From 2009 when AHRC decided to focus on aggressively expanding our hotels and resorts in a variety of market segments, we now have 2,000 rooms and envision to have 4,000 more by 2016 or earlier. It was a leap of faith for us to venture into this direction for our hotels and resorts in 2009, but the results are definitely worth the pursuit.”

I was blessed with the opportunity to experience all these unique hotel offerings and declare that to appreciate each hotel and resort’s brand promise, you must try them for yourself.

Walking into the ultra-luxurious Raffles Makati (as one is warmly welcomed by its charming director of communications Monique Toda) is akin to being transported back to the time of regal opulence and elegance reminiscent of the famed Raffles hotel in Singapore named after the illustrious explorer Sir Stamford Raffles. The Long Bar patterned after the original Long Bar in Singapore and The Writers Bar in Raffles Makati surrounded by leather-bound books remain my favorite oases. The hotel is a living museum with 1,800 commissioned artworks by Filipino artists.



Traipsing down nearby Fairmont Makati sweeps one to the iconic enclave of old-world class with modern touches. Embark on an intimate retreat of relaxation and rejuvenation at its luxurious Willow Stream Spa. Fairmont Makati offers an exclusive lifestyle experience called “Fairmont Gold.” Designed for the most discerning business and leisure traveller, guests are known by their name and room preferences are honored.

My recollection of past visits to the Fairmont Vancouver located conveniently near the cruise terminal, Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec, which is a stunning UNESCO heritage castle and the Fairmont Hotels in Ghirardelli and Knob Hill in ritzy San Francisco made my heart skip a beat in excitement knowing that this privileged chain has a property in our shores that is known for stellar world-class amenities and service.

From The Fairmont Raffles, I walked a few blocks to the Holiday Inn & Suites and tried the Citron Lobby bar, which features a unique menu based on flavors and your specific blood type. The contemporary themed bar by the relaxing pool at the roof deck is an impressive nook of eclectic colors. The hotel’s lobby and public areas are tastefully styled by the country’s only floral architect Rachy Cuna, whose first job was as a museum volunteer at Ayala Museum before becoming its curator in the ‘80s. Even the floral installations at the lobby of InterContinental Manila are ingeniously done by Rachy.



To cater to the local market, AHRC has introduced Seda hotels at the heart of the country’s most dynamic destinations. AHRC Chief Operating Officer Al Legaspi announced that the company is planning six more hotels under its four-star Seda brand and will diversify its portfolio with the addition of Seda suites, Seda resorts, and larger properties with 400-500 rooms. At the moment, Seda hotels offer between150 to 200 keys. “That’s the model for Seda. We want to be in Ayala Land’s mixed-use developments where we maximize synergies with our malls, office buildings and residential properties.” Legaspi added.

Truly, AHRC values moments that perpetuate through time. My niece Christel Boncan and her fiancé Mike Constantino are exchanging vows on Nov. 15 this year. Their wedding celebration will unfold at Seda Bonifacio Global City. Mike proposed to Christel at Straight Up, Seda’s breathtaking roofdeck bar. Since then, this charming, cozy, Filipino inspired hotel with complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel and inspiring interiors by Ann Pamintuan and Kenneth Cobonpue has been their preferred hotel. Seda’s rooms are fitted with ports for gadgets and electronics that ensure guests stay connected.

Jetting down to the south, the Cebu City Marriott Hotel is ready to let its guests experience the AHRC welcome. It is nestled next to Ayala Center Cebu, a sprawling shopping complex that has since been the lifestyle center of the South. Cebu City Marriott Hotel, the first international hotel brand in Cebu City, had recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in February. It has a newly renovated grand ballroom and meeting spaces, making it the newest event space in the city. The hotel also refreshed its menus and banquet service. Through the years, Cebu City Marriott Hotel has continued to offer genuine hospitality and care – always going the extra mile, finding brilliant ways to serve guests.

Travel + Leisure magazine recently proclaimed Palawan as the best island for international travelers, besting even the Maldives. AHRC has four properties in El Nido, Palawan that include Miniloc, Lagen, Apulit and Pangalusian. All these properties are designed to bring out the natural beauty of the location and are a testament to AHRC’s commitment to sustainable practices. In this paradise, one can surely feel God’s omnipresence as the divine designer of all creation. Once you step into these tropical sanctuaries, you will be graciously greeted: “Welcome to the most beautiful place in the world.”

El Nido Resorts president Laurent Lamasuta shared, “Miniloc and Lagen resorts are globally recognized for embracing nature-based guest activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and island hopping. The Apulit Island resort is a retreat back to the essentials as the place commands a sense of serenity and reverence. Pangulasian Island is the most luxurious among the eco-island resorts of El Nido Resorts. All the years of sustainable operations and best practices from the other resorts are put in place here. Having an 800 meter stretch of white sand, it’s an all villa resort that has views of both sunrise and sunset,” Lamasuta adds.

With the expansion of hotels and resorts in the country comes a serious commitment for sustainability. Legaspi shared that even the orientation of the buildings, the kind of materials used and the way they built their properties were taken into consideration right from the project planning stage.

As we continue to pursue the joy of travel, AHRC provides the choice venues where these memories and milestones will unfold. It seeks to send guests home with the intangibles like emotional and blissful memories, not just tangible souvenirs. More significantly, it doesn’t just build edifices — it builds priceless dreams and memories.

Every choice you make creates a statement about who you are. Though AHRC properties are profoundly different from each other, they all possess an aesthetic sense of place. Ayala Land goes beyond amenities by providing Filipino hospitality and service that match the unparalleled beauty of the destination.

AHRC holds true to its promise, “We see beyond hotels and resorts, we see the joy of travel.”

source: philstar.com

Traders Hotel Manila gets a new look

MANILA, Philippines -  Traders Hotel, Manila opens its doors to corporate events, weddings and social occasions with its newly-renovated grand ballroom and function rooms.

The modernized and elegant design of the brand new Embassy ballroom on the second floor can accommodate up to 500 persons and the four smaller function rooms can seat from 50 to 150 attendees.  The updated and exquisite meeting rooms complement the hotel’s 312 renovated guestrooms, the Traders Lounge, the newly renovated pool and the Japanese restaurant.

Guests will feel a more vibrant ambiance with the contemporary architectural design highlighting the crystal chandeliers, art glass and stained mirrors, metal doors, cream-colored textured leather padded walls, the elegantly appointed earth tone motif with abstract and linear pattern for the fully-carpeted ballroom and function rooms along with the original Italian marble flooring for the foyer.

Woodworks in dark hazel nut and abstract paintings were also added to give contrast to the overall bright walls and the natural light coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Ambassador’s Sala. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly LED lights are used throughout the place, which will certainly amplify guests’ event experience.

For information, call 708-4888 or e-mail events.thm@tradershotels.com.

source: philstar.com

Pavilion to unveil Aquino Suite

MANILA, Philippines - In commemoration of the 30th Ninoy Aquino Day on Aug. 21, Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino is unveiling its newly renovated suite named after former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to give honor and recognition to all of his significant contributions in carving the nation and Philippine history.

Situated on the 20th floor, the Aquino Suite magnifies classic elegance with its floor size up to 150 square meters. Its marble foyer welcomes guests with aesthetic artifacts, thoughtful lighting design, and sleek furniture.

“This hotel has stood tall for 45 years and based on the stories of the people who have been here way longer than me, this specific room has been a witness to a lot of momentous events before Ninoy got imprisoned, exiled, died and became our hero as the inspiration for the People Power EDSA Revolution in 1986,” says GM Christopher Park. “We are glad of that fact that he was once our beloved guest.”

The suite’s master bedroom is especially well furnished, making a subtle entitlement for a royal treatment. Every little detail in the room brings nostalgia. The elegantly appointed room is connected to a dressing room and a marble-tiled bathroom housing a Jacuzzi and walk-in shower, blending modernism and elegance of the past.

When its time for business, the study area functions as an ideal office space. It has a separate workstation, a stylish sofa set, and a mini library reliving the days of the former senator, a reputed wide reader. His birthday, Nov. 27, has actually been declared “Araw ng Pagbasa (Day of Reading)” to recognize the influence of books in his life.

In the living room, Ninoy’s inspiration comes true with the yellow modish armchairs which look like a throne and the P500 bill painting that is quite a scene-stealer.


The floor area is expansive and includes a 40-inch LED TV for personal entertainment. From the living room, the suite unfolds into the dining room. The chandelier hanging above the dining table also leaves a statement, making the view within even more astonishing. 

Guests of the Aquino Suite, located in a private corner to provide maximum privacy, will enjoy the dedicated butler service for all their needs and pleasure.

The Aquino Suite at Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino is an ideal destination for a well-earned getaway. It’s a private sanctuary that lets guests take a peek on the life of a historical icon and pay homage to the heritage of the country.


Visit the Manila Pavilion Hotel at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa St., Manila. Log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph or call 526-1212 for inquiries or reservations. Like or follow @WaterfrontMNL for regular updates.

source: philstar.com

Enchanted Kingdom plans hotels, water parks for expansion

MANILA - Enchanted Kingdom plans to build hotels and water parks in the next three to five years to attract more visitors.

Cynthia Romero Mamon, chief operating officer of Enchanted Kingdom Inc said the company plans to double the size of the theme park from the current 15 hectares to accommodate the hotels and water parks.

"We are actually doing the master plan for now and we are designing it already. As soon as the designs are made before the end of the year then we are ready to start," Mamon said.

She said the company expects to launch a major attraction by next year and the construction of the hotels may start in two years.

Enchanted Kingdom is open for partnerships to expand its operation in other parts of the country, Mamon said, adding that the company is in talks with new investors and existing shareholders for the planned expansion.

"Our goal is to help boost tourism both domestic and foreign. At present, the number of foreign visitors is very little that's why we need to do more major attractions that would be appealing to foreign tourists," she said.

Enchanted Kingdom recorded over two million visitors last year.

"We have experienced impressive growth. We are very, very happy," Mamon said.

Homegrown Enchanted Kingdom was opened to the public on October 1995 and is considered the Philippines' "Disneyland."

source: interaksyon.com

Ayala Land to expand hotel portfolio to 4,000 rooms by 2015

MANILA - Ayala Land Inc (ALI) is developing its own affordable and upscale hotel brands as well as building more tourism estates as part of its plan of having 4,000 hotel rooms by 2015.

On the sidelines of the company's annual stockholders meeting, ALI president Antonino Aquino said the property company is conceptualizing a "more economic" hotel brand with room prices at $60 or P2,500 per night. Rates at the Seda business man's hotel averages $128 or P5,000 per night.

Junie Jalandoni, senior vice president and head of AyalaLand Hotel and Resorts Corp, said the affordable hotel brand will rise initially in its South Park District development in Alabang, in Bacolod and in Iloilo. The firm will break ground on the first site in the second half of the year and it will be operational a year later.

ALI is also going upscale with the development of Seda Suites, which will have bigger room sizes. The first Seda Suite will rise in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

"Tourism is one of the major items that has very good tailwind as far as the Philippine economy is concerned. All of our product initiatives are related to what is getting a lot of tailwind from the Philippine economy," said Aquino.

ALI is opening Seda hotels in Quezon City, Arca South in Taguig City, Nuvali in Laguna and Circuit in Makati after rolling out the brand in Davao, Cagayan de Oro and BGC.

By the end of the year, ALI will have a network of 2,000 hotel and resort rooms. It recently opened the Holiday Inn and The Raffles and Fairmont in Makati.

Aside from putting up more hotels, ALI is working to acquire more land and expand its island resort portfolio.

“What is attractive relative to the tourism estate sector is where you have the Visayas islands, that’s the place where marine life is good, a lot of corals have been formed, beaches are nice. That’s the target area where we are very interested,” Aquino said.

The firm had said it wants to double its land bank for tourism estates to 1,000 hectares in the next 2-3 years. It is preparing the master plan for a 300-hectare El Nido property in Palawan, which may include residential developments, among others. El Nido is an island resort complex consisting of the Lagen, Miniloc, Apulit and Pangulasian island resorts.

The real estate firm vowed further developments in El Nido will have limited impact on the environment.

“It will be very balanced. If ever there will be a conflict, it will be in favor of nature,” said Aquino.

ALI has also partnered with Subic Bay Development and Industrial Estate Corp for the development of Anvaya Cove, a 320-hectare leisure complex in Bataan.

source: interaksyon.com

Hotel of the Week: Waimea Luxury Houses in Puerto Galera

Waimea Luxury Houses is located on Sabang Beach in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The easiest way to get there from Manila is by bus or private vehicle via Batangas pier. From there, several boat transfer options bound for Sabang are made available. In Puerto Galera, tricycles are the easiest way to get to the Waimea Luxury Houses.

















Website
http://www.agoda.com/asia/philippines/puerto_galera/waimea_luxury_houses_el_galleon_dive_resort_annex.html

Price specials
Regular discounts available year-round on Agoda.com





What makes this hotel a stand out?
Unlike anything else in Puerto Galera, Waimea’s three luxury private villas are a five- minute walk to El Galleon beach resort but offer the privacy of one’s own home. Set in a lush tropical garden, the private villas are built around a gorgeous pool. Each villa has been tastefully decorated, complete with essential amenities. The villas are divided into two sections: downstairs is a self-contained studio flat that is separate from the main house, and the top floor of the villa has two en-suite bedrooms, a mezzanine with balcony, spacious living and dining areas, and kitchen.

What Agoda guests are saying
“A great compound back on the hillside with its own pool and nice landscape. Great view of palms trees out to the ocean.”
—Edwin T, Couple from the US, October 2012

“Conveniently located from the next door Asia Divers, with a bit more modern flair and clean environment compared to the nearby original hotel.”
—Riwa S, family with older children from the UK, September 2012

“Perfect place. The staff members were great; the place is spotlessly clean; we really loved the place and would stay there again.”
—David K, couple from Australia, August 2012

source: interaksyon.com

Live and play at Marriott Hotel Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Combining the best in luxury hotel accommodations and a prime location, Marriott Hotel Manila is the ideal place to stay for either work or leisure.

This exquisitely appointed five-star hotel sits perfectly beside Manila’s most lavish entertainment complex, Resorts World Manila at Newport City, just across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Being a few steps away from a host of dining and entertainment options plus the convenient proximity to a bevy of transport options makes Marriott Hotel one of the must-stay destinations in Metro Manila.

According to Scott Sibley, general manager of Marriott Hotel Manila, people can expect a lot more from the hotel in the next couple of years. Ongoing is the construction of the Marriott Convention Center which is expected to open in January 2015. Located adjacent to the hotel property, the convention center will be linked to the main hotel via a walkway.

“It’s 6,900 square meters of meeting space and another 2,000 square meters of lobby space,” he says. “It’s three storys, an entire city block. You cannot miss it.”

Aside from this, Sibley says the Marriott will have an additional 200 rooms constructed on a separate building which will also be linked to the convention center. All three structures will be connected by the planned walkway.

Sibley adds: “This will make us the largest five-star convention center in the Philippines. This will be a one-stop shop — you come in, book your wedding, your event, your function, your car show, whatever it is, and then it will be dressed up like a five-star hotel and ballroom with state-of-the-art lighting and sound. You will be able to do whatever you want and we will service it.”

The addition of the convention center is expected to generate 600 new jobs for the hotel. As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, Marriott’s fastest growth has recently been in China, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Sibley says Marriott Hotel Manila is poised to join the ranks of its sister hotels. He predicts: “In the next decade, the Philippines will be our next hottest spot, not just in Metro Manila, but in the whole nation.”





Stationed in Manila for almost a year now, Sibley had his start as an executive chef at Marriott 29 years ago. Last stationed at the Marriott in Guam, he reveals that 98 percent of his staffers back there were Filipinos. So, it was not as hard a transition as one would expect.

“Marriot’s known for its service,” Sibley enthuses. “The takeaway here is the Filipino hospitality — how great and fun it is to be in the Philippines, how friendly Filipinos are and how much (guests) enjoy the service here. The hospitality of the Filipinos is outstanding; it’s probably the best in the world. The natural resources here are amazing. Three of the beaches are probably some of the best beaches in the world. For people who like to dive there are some of the best diving spots in the world here.”

Although he heaps praise on the Philippines’ inherent wonders, Sibley is quick to add that Metro Manila is often taken for granted by many foreign tourists. “An hour away from here there’s so much to do,” he says. “I think it’s been overlooked for decades. In the future, I think you are going to see more and more people staying longer in Manila to see more of what it has to offer. This entertainment complex here itself is one of a kind in the Philippines. There’s nothing like Resorts World in the Philippines. You can stay here for three days and never leave the building.”

No truer words have been said. If you are not staying in one of Marriot Manila’s exquisitely appointed guest rooms, you will be spending time at the hotel’s many dining options and leisure facilities. There’s the Marriott Café, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. For relaxing there’s the Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and nearby, the Newport Mall and Cinema.

A Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms also make Marriott Hotel Manila the must-go destination for company meetings and group events from weddings to any kind of celebration.

As if being one of the world’s most successful hotel brands was not enough, Marriott Hotel Manila also engages in the “Spirit to Serve (STS)” campaign which the hotel’s founder started over 60 years ago. Sibley explains: “Mr. J.W. Marriott Jr., who is chairman of the board, has always said that we need to make places that we work in better places to live, work, and play. So we have always tried to give back to the community, in whatever country we are in.”

As it turns out, the STS efforts of Marriott Hotel Manila have impressed Sibley deeply.

“This hotel here does an outstanding job. I have been with Marriott about 29 years now, worked in 16 different countries. The job that the team does here is amazing.”

Marriott Hotel Manila’s STS partners include the Philippine Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the Timoteo Paez Elementary School in Pasay City.

Sibley adds: “Last year we were able to raise P170,000 for Habitat for Humanity. We are doing that again this Christmas.” Chefs at the hotel have also fed about 4,000 kids this year in partnership with the Red Cross.

Marriott Hotel Manila has proven itself to be more than just one of the top luxury hotels in the city. It has shown its heart and spirit to serve, literally, that reflects deeply in the area it resides in. With the upcoming convention center, guests are given assurance of not just a luxury stay but also the experience of the best in Filipino hospitality.

source: philstar.com