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She had a very productive stint at the now-defunct AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc. It was also during this period that she honed her skills in Marketing when she had the opportunity to serve as Committee Member at the prestigious Philippine Marketing Association.
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2GO Travel, the country’s premier sea travel operator, received two major recognitions at the 2025 TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia. The company was awarded with the Community Engagement Programme of the Year – Philippines and Cruise Ship Entertainment of the Year – Philippines honors.
The Community Engagement award recognizes 2GO’s Enrolment to Employment (E2E) and Apprenticeship Programme, which provides practical, industry-based training onboard 2GO vessels. The program equips young Filipinos with hands-on experience in hospitality and maritime services. Participants live, learn, and work onboard, interacting with passengers, managing services, and applying their coursework in authentic vessel environments. Through this initiative, 2GO transforms its ships into floating classrooms that develop confidence, competence, and character.
Students in the E2E Program gain exposure to both hospitality and ship management operations and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. They also benefit from career coaching, resume-building sessions, and soft-skills training aligned with global hiring standards. These support services ensure that graduates enter the workforce with stronger qualifications and a competitive edge.
“These awards affirm the value of integrating programs like E2E into our operations. We take pride in helping aspiring hospitality, tourism and maritime professionals prepare for meaningful careers. While we have always seen our trainees leave the program more confident and capable, this recognition simply is the cherry on top.“ said George Narag, 2GO Travel Head of Product Development.
2GO also received the Cruise Ship Entertainment award for Travel Fun, its signature onboard entertainment program. Travel Fun features cultural performances, games, music, and themed activities both onboard and at terminals. The initiative consistently receives high passenger satisfaction scores and reinforces 2GO’s commitment to making sea travel enjoyable for Filipino travelers.
“This recognition validates our commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. Travel Fun creates an environment where passengers can relax, enjoy, and make memories during long-haul sea travel. It motivates us to keep raising the standard for domestic sea travel,” said Roland Sunga, 2GO Travel AVP for F&B, Ancillary, and Hotel Operations.
These awards underscore 2GO’s dedication to developing Filipino talent and enriching the passenger experience across its fleet.
For more information on 2GO Travel’s programs and services, visit travel.2go.com.ph.
The challenge of isolation, keenly felt in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Batanes Province, requires more than simple aid and demands specialized expertise and unified effort. This need was met head-on by the Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na may Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS²) outreach program spearheaded by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the three distinguished alumni networks of its Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) Outstanding Filipino Teachers, Police Officers, and Soldiers, along with other private and civil society organizations.
The unique strength of GPS² lies in its multi-sectoral foundation, pooling resources and specialized skills from the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED), The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership (TOPSOLDIERS), and the Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming, and Empowering Communities (PROTECT). This convergence of excellence is supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Education alongside partners like One Meralco Foundation, Manila Tytana Colleges and Rotary Club of Makati Metro, Rotary Club of New Manila East, Rotary Club of Camp Crame, Rotary Club of Makati Poblacion, and Rotary Club of Makati Zobel, and The Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles.
“Naglalayon na magsilbing tanglaw ang GPS² sa patuloy ng pagbabago at pag-angat ng Ivana at marami pang komunidad sa ating bansa,” (“GPS² aims to be a guiding light for the continuous progress and transformation of Ivana, Batanes Province and many other communities across the country.”) said Joseph Anthony M. Quesada, Metrobank Foundation executive director.
GPS² received immediate local validation because it was grounded in the community’s own identified needs, gathered through close consultation with the local government units (LGUs). It also aligns directly with the Batanes Provincial Government’s priority program, Mission H.O.P.E., which focuses on health, housing, opportunities, peace and order, preparedness, education, and e-governance.
Support to Inclusive Learning
Bridging the distance in educational access meant providing highly specialized training and resources. Forty-three teachers from Basco Central School and various schools in Ivana Municipality were given critical knowledge during a session on Inclusive Teaching Strategies and Behavior Modification for learners diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) facilitated by Amcy Esteban—2015 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher—and her colleague from the DepEd Division of Manila, Teacher Ynna Marie Manzano. Furthermore, Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan and Police Lieutenant Marsha Agustin—both Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Police Officers—together with Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Edgar Durana, led a sign language proficiency workshop for 10 Batanes PNP Women and Children’s Protection Desk officers and local Special Education (SPED) teachers. The session strengthened their ability to communicate with residents with speech and hearing impairments, allowing them to offer more responsive and compassionate support.
2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Police Officer Major Mae Ann Cunanan demonstrating the essential Filipino Sign Language to help officers assigned to the PNP Women and Children’s Protection Desk communicate with speech- and hearing-impaired residents in their communities.
To aid in learning, schools in the municipality also received five desktop computers from Manila Tytana Colleges, a laptop from the 2025 police officer awardee, Police Master Sergeant Ivan Velasco, five Smart TVs from PNPA Class of 2001, 10 printers with ink from the Metrobank Foundation, and 981 workbooks from TOPSOLDIERS and NOTED. Student safety was also addressed directly when Police Major Helen L Dela Cruz conducted a lecture on Republic Act 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law) for the children of the Ivana Elementary School.
Overall Health Support
Promoting overall wellness was a key component of the mission, extending from basic physical health to mental resilience. Apart from medical and eye check-ups benefitting 158 individuals, the GPS2 team also provided a crucial session focused on Workplace Mental Wellness and Dealing with Stress facilitated by 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Dr. Regina Hechanova-Alampay for 85 teachers and police officers. To promote access to healthy produce, PLTCOL Maria Susana V. Pascual led an Organic Farming lecture for 33 farmers. Participants also received seeds and gardening tools to help them start their own sustainable gardens and improve their harvests
Focusing on foundational health practices, Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Susana Pascual conducted an engaging lecture for 61 students, using interactive demonstrations and a lively dance performance, emphasizing proper tooth brushing and handwashing as part of the W.A.S.H. Program. Following the lecture, 200 learners were given hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, and bath soap, thanks to PROTECT members and Procter & Gamble Philippines and all 344 learners of Ivana Municipality were given a pair of rubber slippers.
Support for Community Preparedness
To ensure the safety of the youth, ENS Fernando Parcon (Ret), a 2016 Outstanding Filipino Soldier and Rotary Club of Makati Metro president, led the basic self-defense training using arnis for high school learners. The municipality also received 336 food packs from the Philippine National Police, 960 pairs of slippers from police officers, 40 solar lights from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 5 solar lamps from a police officer awardee, PMSg Dennis Bendo, and 150 solar flashlights from One Meralco Foundation; more than 20 mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes, and walkers, from the Rotary Club of Makati Zobel for 15 individuals; 70 first aid kits from Manila Tytana Colleges; five generator units from the Fraternal Order of Eagles for five different Barangay LGUs; and 170 emergency kits from Makati and Pasig LGUs to enhance community preparedness.
Nominate a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Today
The remarkable success of this multi-sectoral effort in Batanes is a testament to the powerful difference exemplary individuals can make in their communities. Be part of this movement to amplify excellence by nominating outstanding teachers, soldiers, and police officers who go beyond duty, lead with compassion, and inspire change through the Nomination Portal: https://bit.ly/2026OF-Nominate.
Beyond championing excellence in public service through Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, MBFI also uplifts learners and educators; preserves and promotes Philippine art; and partners strategically with social development organizations to implement transformative programs that address urgent needs in health, education, livelihood, and disaster risk reduction and management.
The Forbes 5-star destination Okada Manila is set to welcome 2026 with one of its most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations yet, bringing together music, entertainment, dining, and dazzling fireworks across the resort. Ring in the New Year at Step Right Up to 2026: New Year’s Eve Countdown, which promises an extraordinary night designed for all revelers, with more than thousands of guests expected across Cove Manila, The Fountain, The Garden, and The Coral Lounge.
At Cove Manila, Okada Manila stages its biggest concert of the year.
At Cove Manila, Okada Manila stages its biggest concert of the year with a star-studded lineup for the New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert headlined by Gary Valenciano, with special performances by Yeng Constantino, Randy Santiago, DJ Pretty Dragon, DJ Tom Taus, and DJ Sofia Miguel. Sponsored by Coca-Cola and San Miguel Beer, the event promises nonstop energy as guests celebrate into the early hours of 2026. Doors open at 8 PM, with an electrifying program hosted by Regine Tolentino and MC Smurff. This ticketed event is exclusive to guests aged 18 years old and above.
Okada Manila is set to welcome 2026.
Cove Manila tickets, cabana reservations, and table bookings are now available through Okada Manila Restaurant Reservation at +632 8555 5799 or restaurantreservation@okadamanila.com and via the following authorized ticketing platforms: SM Tickets, Ticketnet Online, and Ticket2Me.
Over at The Fountain, Okada Manila presents a full-scale New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration featuring performances by Michael Pangilinan, Marko Rudio, and JM Dela Cerna & Marielle Montellano, with host Ana Ramsey. Guests will enjoy live entertainment leading up to a synchronized countdown and the resort’s signature grand fireworks display, best experienced from the resort’s central deck areas, which is open to the public starting 8 PM.
The Garden offers a breathtaking view of the midnight fireworks show for families and guests seeking an open-air setting. This public viewing area can accommodate up to 1,200 guests and provides a vibrant space to gather and welcome the new year together under the night sky. For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, The Coral Lounge offers entertainment and curated food packages—a fitting choice for guests who want to unwind and enjoy the countdown experience as the evening builds toward midnight. The Coral Lounge New Year’s Eve Countdown is for 21 years old and above only.
As mindful travel continues to shape the future of tourism, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the largest hotel operator in the Philippines, is embracing the movement with the launch of MEGreen Mindful Stays, which is a unified sustainability stay program designed for today’s rising breed of conscious travelers who seek meaning and positive impact in every journey.
“At Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, we want to do more for the growing movement of mindful travelers and become instrumental in this important shift. The recent disasters we have witnessed across the Philippines remind us that sustainability is no longer optional, it is the only way we should go forward. Through MEGreen Mindful Stays, we hope to inspire guests to travel with deeper intention,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.
MEGreen Mindful Stays is MHR’s unified sustainability program embracing the growing number mindful travelers.
“Mindful travel goes beyond choosing greener options, it calls for a complete shift in mindset. It is about understanding the impact of every decision we make while traveling, from how we consume to how we connect with local communities. By embracing this mindset, we can collectively create more meaningful journeys for our guests,” she added.
MEGreen Mindful Stays is rooted in MHR’s long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility and community empowerment. The program reflects the group’s belief that hotel stays can be greener while making a greater difference. Guests are encouraged to make thoughtful choices throughout their visit, becoming active partners in shaping a more sustainable tourism landscape in the Philippines.
Designed to celebrate sustainability, community, and purposeful travel, MEGreen Mindful Stay invites guests to slow down and savor experiences rooted in intention. A minimum two-night stay comes with well-balanced and locally sourced dishes, carefully curated turndown touches, and keepsakes that inspire mindful living long after the trip. Travelers may opt for the MEGreen Mindful Stays program in any MHR property across the country.
Supporting Communities Across the Philippines
A portion of each booking directly supports MHR’s partner communities and initiatives across its destinations, including the Ati Komunidad in Boracay, which preserves indigenous heritage and livelihoods; Project PEARLS in Manila, which provides nourishment and educational support to underprivileged children; Visit Iloilo campaign, which supports various heritage, culture, and art-based programs and advocacies in Iloilo; Coral Reef Care in Mactan, Cebu, focused on reef restoration and marine protection; and the Highland Farmers & Forest Guardianship initiative in Tagaytay, which sustains farm-to-table harvests and preserves cool-climate greenery.
Aside from the abovementioned room package, MHR is also integrating deliberate, property-wide actions that make sustainable habits more effortless for guests, from greener dining choices to responsibly sourced amenities and operational practices designed to minimize environmental impact.
The soon-to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay is MHR’s newest 554-room property in the tourism estate of Boracay Newcoast known for its private beach and stunning views of the iconic keyhole rock formation. Positioned between Belmont Hotel Boracay’s business-and-meetings escape and Savoy Hotel Boracay’s vibrant energy, Chancellor Hotel Boracay offers immersive, wellness-led experiences that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and savor the very best of the island.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) ushers in the Christmas season by illuminating the iconic facade of its Main Building with a striking Lubenas parol from Pampanga alongside a belen logo, forming a centerpiece that embodies the enduring spirit of the Christmas season for Filipinos.
Titled “GABAY,” the display also highlights the building’s ongoing construction, making it a major component of the display.
The façade lighting will be on display from 6pm to 5am, from December 16, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
This year’s Christmas facade lighting references the early Filipino belief that a star-shaped lantern (parol) guides churchgoers to the dawn masses (Simbang Gabi).
The light display is directed by CCP Trustee and Gawad CCP Awardee for Lighting Design Felix “Monino” Duque. It was conceptualized and designed in collaboration with culture and arts officer and lighting designer Jericho Pagana.
“I wanted to have one clear element, which is the logo of the belen. It serves as the heart of that big parol,” said Pagana. “Lit in warm colors of red and orange, the CCP Main Building lights the way for our churchgoers to the CCP Annex where we hold our Simbang Gabi.”
For Duque, who wishes to highlight National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin’s brutalist structure, the approach to lighting the building was to light it as a major piece, not as a canvas: “We light the building the way it is now, and not the way we thought it was. We light it with all the elements of the construction. So, we don’t just use the building as a surface to project on – we highlight the building.”
Even with its temporary closure in January 2023, the CCP continues its long-standing tradition of lighting the iconic facade during special events and occasions, honoring its rich heritage while delivering a powerful message about Filipino creativity and cultural identity.
“What I want for people to see is the CCP from a different point of view, with elements that are not supposed to be there. I believe that that may never happen again, at least in my lifetime,” added Duque, whose career in lighting design and theater spans over 50 years. “So, it is a special moment when the CCP takes a different face, a different character. Para sa akin, mahalaga na mailawan ko siya para lumabas ‘yung character na yun.”
Tying the elements of the parol, belen, and construction together are the warm colors of red and orange, inspired by the Genesis artwork by National Artist for Visual Arts HR Ocampo, the iconic stage tapestry of the CCP Main Theater. The CCP logo is also included in the display, placed over the metals and scaffolding.
“Kahit under renovation pa rin ang CCP, hindi nagkulang ang institution sa pagpapatuloy ng mga projects, productions, at outreach programs,” explained Pagana. “In essence, the CCP logo truly continues to shine despite everything. Behind every metal, every scaffold, every debris falling from the CCP main building due to renovations – it highlights that we’re still here, we’re still standing, and we’re still shining.”
The installation comes to life with technical assistance from the CCP Tech Team, composed of technical director Danilo Villanueva, Shantie De Roca, with execution by Lucio Tapiru, Earl Barrera, Mary Grace Budol, Benjamin Lim, Joefel Alas, and Jovel Bensurto, and with supervision from CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan and Production Design and Technical Services Division head Ricardo Eric Cruz.
Belmont Hotel Manila officially unveiled the third Pamana collaboration, a culinary advocacy that honors Filipino food heritage through heirloom recipes, regional flavors, and stories passed down through generations, during an intimate media gathering at Café Belmont.
Pamana reflects the hotel’s commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable dining experience through dishes crafted with passion and inspired by the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines. In this most recent collaboration, Belmont Hotel Manila featured the rich flavors of Panay Island, particularly the Ilonggo cuisine prepared by the Executive Chef of Belmont Hotel Manila, Chef Dan Jason Acido and guest chef, Chef Rey Parreno II.
(From left): Chef Rey Parreno II, featured chef and new executive Chef at Richmonde Iloilo, and Dan Jason Acido, Executive Chef, Belmont Hotel Manila.
An advocate of traditional and contemporary Ilonggo cuisine, Chef Rey delighted guests with some of the beloved Ilonggo dishes such as Bordon Mechado, a slow-cooked beef dish rich in heritage flavors; Piangang Manok, a traditional Mindanaoan chicken dish infused with burnt coconut and spices; and Inadobadong Apahap, a refined take on the classic adobo featuring locally sourced Asian sea bass.
“These dishes represent different regions, memories, and cooking traditions from across the Philippines,” said Chef Rey Parreño II. “By sharing Bordon Mechado, Piangang Manok, and Inadobadong Apahap, we hope to honor the people and stories behind these recipes and keep them alive for the next generation.”
Guests can continue to enjoy Chef Rey Parreño II’s featured dishes through the Pamana Weekend Dinner Buffet at Café Belmont, available every Friday and Saturday, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, for PHP 1,700.
“Pamana is more than a dining experience for us. It is our way of honoring Filipino food heritage by celebrating heirloom recipes, regional flavors, and the stories that have been passed down through generations,” said Mayann Malapote, Hotel Manager of Belmont Hotel Manila. “Through initiatives like this, we hope to create moments that bring people together and deepen appreciation for our culture.”
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) continues to grow at an exponential rate as it announces the opening of Park Inn by Radisson SM City Dasmariñas, the newest addition to its growing hospitality portfolio in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group (RHG). This achievement underscores SMHCC’s thrust in building well-designed hotels that are ready for the future and can handle the country’s quickly developing travel, meetings, and events industry.
Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2027, it has easy access to SM City Dasmariñas, a large retail hub in Cavite. The hotel features 148 guestrooms, one (1) suite, and a fitness center all thoughtfully designed to accommodate the demands of both business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant spans 332.81 square meters and can seat up to 70 to 78 guests. Catering to meetings, events, and intimate celebrations, the property offers two function rooms with a combined area of nearly 240 square meters, complemented by three meeting rooms totaling close to 161 square meters. These flexible venues reinforce the hotel’s position as a preferred destination for corporate gatherings and social occasions in the area.
Park Inn by Radisson SM City Dasmariñas façade.
The opening of Park Inn by Radisson SM City Dasmariñas follows SMHCC’s recent announcement of three new hotel developments in the Philippines, further highlighting the company’s rapid and strategic expansion.
At the heart of the 67-hectare SM Mall of Asia Complex, SMHCC and Radisson Hotel Group jointly introduce a landmark dual-brand hospitality hub, bringing together a multitude of hotel brands under one address by 2031.Radisson Hotel SM Mall of Asia Manila features 200 rooms, including 49 suites and a presidential suite. Guests can look forward to refined social spaces, including a lobby lounge bar, a specialty rooftop bar and restaurant of approximately 160 square meters, and a pool bar. The hotel will anchor one of the most compelling meetings and events offerings in the country, with 3,486 square meters of total event space, highlighted by a 2,160-square-meter ballroom, alongside an executive lounge. Wellness and family-friendly amenities include a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and an outdoor kids’ pool.
Complementing this upscale offering, Park Inn by Radisson SM Mall of Asia Manila will add 300 rooms, including 45 suites, delivering a seamless midscale option within the same precinct. Facilities include a coffee bar, pool bar, gym, outdoor swimming pool, and outdoor kids’ pool. The surrounding district is home to one of the world’s largest retail destinations, the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the SMX Convention Center Manila, and the upcoming SMXCITE (SMX Center for International Trade and Exhibitions), estimated to open by 2027 and expected to host up to 20,000 attendees, further driving demand for accommodations and flexible event spaces.
Further south, Park Inn by Radisson SM City Santa Rosa, slated to open in 2029, introduces 200 rooms, including 25 suites, to the fast-growing city center of Santa Rosa, approximately 45 minutes from Manila. The hotel features three food and beverage outlets, modern meetings and events facilities, and a comprehensive leisure offering that includes a gym, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor kids’ pool, and outdoor play areas.
Placing of time capsule to commemorate the milestone led by: (from left) SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles, SMHCC Senior Vice President for Project Management and Technical Support Services Eric Uy, and Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga.
SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles said, “With the opening of Park Inn by Radisson SM City Dasmariñas and a robust pipeline of developments across key growth corridors, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation continues to strengthen its position as a leading force in Philippine hospitality that delivers scale, diversity, and long-term value through strategic partnerships and visionary developments. Our strategy rests on creating well-thought-out hotels for business, meetings, and leisure, spanning major hubs like Santa Rosa and Mall of Asia as well as new locations like Dasmariñas. This steady progress demonstrates our unwavering dedication in providing top-notch hospitality developments that boost regional economies and improve visitor experiences around the country.
This holiday season, Taal Vista Hotel invites guests to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Tagaytay with festive stays, delicious dining, and heartwarming experiences. Whether it’s a cozy family getaway, a romantic escape, or a fun-filled celebration with friends, Taal Vista promises a memorable holiday for everyone.
The hotel’s Stay, Eat, Be Merry! package is the perfect way to savor the season. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner buffet, starting at Php 12,000 for a Superior Room — an ideal option for those looking to experience the holidays in comfort and style.
Holiday dining is also available without room bookings. Taza Fresh Table is open daily from 12 NN to 10 PM with a special seasonal menu to complement the celebrations. The Festive Christmas Eve Dinner at the Grand Ballroom offers a sumptuous holiday feast accompanied by performances from Gemini Band and Harmonic Choir, starting at Php 4,180 per person. Sparkling Nights, the New Year’s Eve celebration, features a buffet, live entertainment, a sparkling wine toast, and a spectacular fireworks display, starting at Php 5,180 per person.
Guests can also enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. Meet Tudor, the Santa Bear, from December 21–25 during breakfast and lunch, join a Night of Carols on select evenings, or attend Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Mass at 10:15 AM. Festive beverages are available at the Lobby Lounge, holiday spa packages start at Php 2,000, and Christmas goodies for pasalubong are on offer. Exclusive SkyRanch access is also available through the hotel gate.
With breathtaking views of Taal Lake and thoughtfully curated holiday experiences, Taal Vista Hotel offers the perfect setting to create unforgettable Christmas and New Year memories. Guests are encouraged to reserve early and celebrate the season with warmth, joy, and togetherness.
For more information about future events and offerings at Taal Vista Hotel, please visit www.taalvistahotel.com or follow @taalvistahotel on social media. For inquiries, you may call +63 (2) 7917 8225, email reservations@taalvistahotel.com for room reservations, or veranda@taalvistahotel.com for dining inquiries.
In Metro Manila, the holidays take on a unique charm when city lights shimmer like ornaments, streets buzz with festive energy, and local traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythm of urban life. It’s in this vibrant setting that Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel bring together the warmth of Filipino holiday customs and the excitement of city celebrations. This year, both properties present thoughtful stays and heartwarming feasts crafted for guests spending the season in the metro. From stylish commercial hubs to thriving lifestyle districts, each hotel offers a comforting retreat where merrymaking, convenience, and genuine hospitality naturally come together.
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: Timeless Christmas Charm in the Heart of Ortigas Center
Situated in the bustling Ortigas Center, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas remains a cherished choice for travelers and residents looking for a familiar and dependable place to spend the season. The hotel’s holiday room offerings—starting at PhP 4,500 nett—provide a soothing escape from the rush of December, whether for quick family get-togethers, restful staycations, or festive city celebrations.
Richmonde Ortigas Holiday Stay.
Special stays on December 24 and 31 come with inclusions to make the holiday experience extra ordinary. The Christmas Eve room rate with breakfast buffet is priced from PhP 6,200 nett, and the full package with dinner and breakfast buffet for two starts at PhP 9,000 nett. On New Year’s Eve, rates begin at PhP 6,700 nett for room with breakfast, PhP 8,900 nett for the package with breakfast and countdown party access for two, PhP 9,500 nett for a stay for two with dinner and breakfast, and PhP 11,700 nett for an all-out celebration with accommodations, dinner, party tickets, and breakfast for two.
Richmonde Ortigas Bahay na Bato Gingerbread House.
Richmonde Café becomes a gathering place for memorable dining, serving Fil-Hispanic-inspired Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets at PhP 1,950 nett, along with Christmas and New Year breakfast buffets starting at PhP 1,250 nett. The hotel continues its tradition of fun festivities with its New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (PhP 1,450 nett), complete with a bar chow buffet, select drinks, live entertainment, and party favors for a thrilling welcome event for 2026 at the hotel lobby. To enjoy the ultimate evening affair, the New Year’s Eve Celebration Bundle combining the dinner buffet and countdown experience is available at the discounted rate of PhP 2,850 nett. For children 6 to 12 years old, all buffet and countdown offerings are at half price and free for those 5 years old and below.
Adding to the season’s charm is Richmonde’s selection of hampers and pastries featuring Filipino flavors and signature baked creations, like the ensaymada and chocolate cake, that are delightfully nostalgic whether offered as heartfelt gifts or included in any holiday spread. This year’s collection highlights the beautiful and tasty hampers each filled with thoughtfully curated delicacies: the Best of Richmonde Hamper containing Richmonde’s signature classic ensaymada, pork floss, banana walnut bread, basil nuts, dark & white chocolate cookies, and Sampaguita polvoron is priced at PhP 1,950 nett; the Box of Filipino Flavors with five locally-inspired desserts—cacao & kapeng barako tiramisu, kasuy pili brittle, ube keso & pandan macapuno macarons, mango pinipig bars, and peanut butter cookies goes for only PhP 1,650 nett; and the Sampaguita Hamper consisting of focaccia bread, butterscotch spread, bacon onion marmalade, and polvoron flavored with the delicate essence of the Sampaguita, plus Richmonde’s mascot plushy has a price tag of just PhP 1,450 nett.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (632) 8638 7777 / (63) 917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café) / (63) 917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: The Season Sparkles in the Metro’s Vibrant Lifestyle Township
Over at Eastwood Richmonde, the hotel stands at the center of the ever colorful live-work-play community of Eastwood City, making it an ideal holiday base for families and city explorers who enjoy having entertainment, dining, and shopping just steps away. Its Starlit Stays offer discounts for the season with room rates starting at PhP 4,900 nett, and available until January 31, 2026 for long-stay guests, returning city residents, and those who prefer to mark the holidays close to home. For an unforgettably wonderful “stay-lebration” on December 24 and 31, Richmonde presents premium Christmas Eve packages starting at PhP 9,600 nett for breakfast-inclusive stays for two and PhP 12,100 nett for a stay with dinner and breakfast buffets for two. On New Year’s Eve, packages start at PhP 11,000 nett with New Year’s Day brunch buffet for two and at PhP 13,500 nett for a stay with countdown access and brunch buffet for two.
Eastwood Richmonde Holiday Buffets.
Eastwood Café+Bar sets the stage for radiant celebrations with Shining Feasts, a series of sparkling joyful gatherings and dining experiences. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (PhP 2,250 nett) offers festive local and international dishes, wine and drinks, plus fun giveaways, while the Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet at PhP 1,399 nett per person, sets a comforting tone for holiday mornings. The hotel keeps the merriment bright with its Decades & Dancing New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (PhP 2,250 nett) at the hotel lobby featuring a mouthwatering cocktail buffet, bottomless drinks, live band performance, games, and dancing ‘til the clock strikes 12. The festivities continue the next morning with a hearty New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet served at the Ballroom for PhP 1,699 nett. And for feasting that’s truly family-friendly, children 6 to 12 years old get 50% discount on buffet rates and toddlers 5 years and below get to eat for free.
ERH Deluxe Room.
Adding even more happiness to the holidays is Eastwood Richmonde’s Treasure Treats available exclusively for this season. This assortment of goodies—from beautifully assembled hampers, freshly baked pastries, signature ensaymadas, and flavorful holiday hams—are perfect for thoughtful gifting or elevating at-home feasts. Choose from this selection of carefully curated hampers for practical presents that impress: the Sweet Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,975 nett) consisting of banana walnut loaf, quezo de bola and yema ensaymadas, and assorted cookies; the Savory Holiday Hamper (PhP 2,865 nett) featuring sliced muscovado ham, croissant loaf, tablea, fruit jam, and salted egg ensaymada; and the Sampaguita Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,975 nett) containing sliced muscovado ham, Sampaguita dinner rolls, and Sampaguita mango jam.
For more information or to make a reservation, call (632) 8570 7777 / (63) 917 821 0333 (Eastwood Café+Bar) / (63) 917 531 6867 (Room Reservations) or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.
Reasons to Celebrate the Season at Richmonde
With inviting stays, heartwarming feasts, and a style of care that feels both personal and familiar, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel present countless reasons to celebrate the holidays in the city. Each property thoughtfully weaves cherished Filipino traditions into its seasonal offerings—honoring what families hold dear while creating space for new rituals to enjoy in the years ahead. Anchored on Richmonde’s signature comfort, intuitive service, and the distinct Sampaguita brand of hospitality, every celebration becomes an experience filled with meaning, connection, and memories that linger long after the season has passed.
The city’s iconic bayfront hotel invites guests and families to a festive two-day culinary celebration, offering the longest brunch experience in the capital.
This holiday season, Conrad Manila sets the stage for an extraordinary celebration with the launch of Manila’s longest brunch at Brasserie on 3. Part of the hotel’s “Bright Holidays, Brilliant Memories” collection of experiences, this festive dining highlight will take place exclusively on December 25 and 31, 2025, offering an extended, indulgent brunch from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Guests can expect an opulent spread of holiday classics and festive specialties, including herb-crusted roast beef with red wine jus, honey-glazed ham with pineapple chutney, lemon-rosemary roast lamb with tzatziki, roasted turkey with sage and chestnut stuffing, tomahawk ribeye roast, lechon, and Omaha beef leg, among other culinary masterpieces. This holiday spread is priced at PHP 4,888 nett per person, with an optional beverage upgrade at PHP 1,000 nett per person for select alcoholic beverages to elevate the celebration.
Bright Holidays, Brilliant Memories at Conrad Manila.
“In a city where the holiday season shines brightest, we’re proud to introduce what we believe is Manila’s longest and most indulgent brunch, crafted not only with festive abundance in mind, but with intention behind every detail, from extended dining hours to a thoughtfully curated spread. It’s a celebration that invites guests to linger longer, connect deeper, and create lasting holiday memories with their loved ones by the bay,” shares Rupert Hallam, Conrad Manila’s general manager.
Brasserie on 3, an award-winning all-day dining destination situated on the third level of Conrad Manila, boasts sweeping views of Manila Bay. Executive Chef Nicolas de Visch, with an impressive background in Michelin-starred restaurants, helms its kitchen and ensures every culinary experience is a symphony of flavor and artistry, designed to ignite festive cheer and indulgence.
Blazing Festive Buffet I 11 November – 30 December 2025 I Daily
Lunch – PHP 3,188 nett per person l 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Dinner – PHP 3,588 nett per person l 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Sparkling Buffet
Christmas Eve I 24 December 2025
Lunch – PHP 3,188 nett per person l 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Dinner – PHP 4,888 nett per person l 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Christmas Day I 25 December 2025
Dinner – PHP 4,888 nett per person l 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Radiant New Year Feast l 31 December 2025
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet
Standard Table | PHP 4,799 nett
Bay View | PHP 4,899 nett
Another anticipated highlight this holiday season is the festive afternoon tea buffet at C Lounge featuring sweet indulgences such as Santa chocolate dome belt, gift box mango coconut, strawberry macaron, mini Christmas yule log, and Christmas tree red wine jelly panna cotta while savory delights include peppered roasted beef, cucumber & cream, smoked apple cheddar, honey-glazed ham slider, parmesan & polenta bite, avocado tuna tartare on savory tart, turkey sage & onion stuffing ball, and more delectable treats. Guests may also savor a crepe made based on their preference at the live station. Served with freshly brewed coffee or a pot of tea, they can enjoy warm, vivid moments by the iconic Manila Bay for PHP 3,288 ++ per person, from December 20 to 26, 2025 between 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
To discover Conrad Manila’s complete roster of holiday offers and festive experiences, visit www.conradmanila.com, call +63 2 8833 9999, or view our digital brochure at bit.ly/BrightHolidaysBrilliantMemoriesatConradManila.
