In celebration of 50 years of creating grand moments in Singapore, and looking towards a bold future of more grand moments to be, Grand Hyatt Singapore will be embarking on a hotel renovation project that will be rolled out progressively in phases over an approximately two-year period, with infrastructural and design upgrades.
Remodeling of the hotel’s guestrooms, select restaurants, Damai Spa & Fitness Centre, and wellness areas are included as part of this project.
Commencing in October 2021, Phase 1 of the hotel’s upgrading project will kick off at The Terrace Wing (a complete separate wing from the main hotel) as well as the facilities and outlets that it houses such as Damai Spa and Fitness Centre and the swimming pool. The Terrace Wing will be re-launched as The Wellness Wing of Grand Hyatt Singapore with brand-new spaces designed by renowned designers NAO Taniyama Associates and Strickland, in addition to urban landscaping designed by Grant Associates.
Sketch of The Terrace Wing’s cascading garden and waterfall feature.
Experiences with wellness at the core
Wellness has always been a core foundation of travel, and wellness in this current climate takes on a different meaning, as consumers look to achieve fulfillment both mentally and physically. With its renovation project, Grand Hyatt Singapore will create physical spaces and experiences – for travelers and visitors alike – who are looking for a purpose-driven time of unwinding and relaxing. Some of these key touchpoints include a jaw-dropping, five-story cascading garden and waterfall feature, lounging day-beds designed into the guestrooms, plus additional outdoor options such as event venues to add diversity to the hotel’s current offerings of 16 event venues, and an outdoor fitness area extension to the new Damai Spa & Fitness Centre.
This phased renovation project is primed for an approximate period of 2 years, and The Terrace Wing will be re-launched as the Wellness Wing of Grand Hyatt Singapore in Q1 2023.
About Grand Hyatt Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore is a luxury hotel located on Scotts Road near the start of Orchard Road, the city’s commercial and entertainment district. It features warm timber-interior guestrooms and suites; four unique dining concepts and a bar; and dynamic residential-style event space spanning three extensive floors.
For more information, call +65 6732 1234 or visit singapore.grand.hyatt.com.
Featured photo: Rendering of The Terrace Wing waterfall feature
In line with its commitment to environmental and community sustainability, upscale real estate developer Landco Pacific Corporation together with Aplaya Laiya Corporation initiated the mangrove reforestation at an estuary in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas through a recent series of planting of about 3,000 saplings.
The project was held in collaboration with Laiya’s local community, barangay, and municipal officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and volunteers from Landco executives and staff.
The mangrove tree planting is part of the coastal conservation of Landco to benefit the communities near and around its premium leisure developments in Laiya – Playa Laiya, the master-planned exclusive seaside residential community, and Club Laiya, Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates.
“Wherever Landco develops premium Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE’s), our impact on the environment is an important concern. Our company helps ensure the restoration and conservation of the environment within the vicinity of our developments to deliver our commitment to building sustainable communities, undertake our socio-economic responsibility, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” stated Erickson Y. Manzano, President, and CEO, Landco Pacific Corporation.
“Our primary goal is to make Batangas a leading sustainable tourist destination,” he emphasized.
“At Landco, our team strives to create a healthy environment for our residents, guests, investors, and the community at large. Our company’s role is to be a catalyst for environmental, social, and economic development within and surrounding our properties. The welfare of the local community is one of our top priorities and we do our best to engage them positively and productively through employment and their active participation in environmental conservation,” Manzano added.
Landco’s mangrove tree planting in Batangas was participated by Laiya’s local community, barangay, and municipal officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and volunteers from Landco executives and staff.
The launch of the mangrove tree planting was led by Manzano, along with Aplaya Laiya Corp Vice President Neil Bryant Siy; Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Region IV Officer In-Charge Allan Estillore; Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Head Noel Pasco; Laiya Aplaya Kagawad Ranel Domingo representing Barangay Chairman Wivin Llana. Present during the activity were volunteers from Landco, Aplaya Laiya Corporation, and the local community.
Within the framework of its long-term sustainability program, Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates — CaSoBe and Club Laiya are both LEED-registered. Its affiliate Millennial Resorts Corporation is Edge-registered. Overall, its developments implement practical strategies and solutions focused on sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, waste segregation, marketing campaign on sustainability and ethical consumption, and local communities’ livelihood program on recycling materials, and opportunities for socio-economic growth.
Landco’s sustainability initiatives including its mangrove tree planting are in line with Metro Pacific Investment Corporation’s commitment to helping achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Featured photo: Spearheading the mangrove reforestation in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas is shown on the photo (From left): Neil Bryant Siy, Vice President, Aplaya Laiya Corp.; Ranel Domingo, Kagawad Laiya, Aplaya, Batangas; Noel Pasco, Head of MENRO (Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office); Allan Estillore, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Region IV; and Erickson Manzano, President, and CEO, Landco Pacific Corp.
Discover the island sanctuary, be your own artist and create your holiday masterpiece.
Banwa Private Island can be entirely and exclusively yours… it’s the perfect blank canvas to design your own private holiday and off-site business experience. There are endless possibilities of reconnecting and rediscovering in the intimate all-villa luxury destination with pockets of lush garden and stretches of pristine beach within a marine reserve in north-eastern Palawan.
Charter the whole island exclusively, and let life imitate art. Banwa Private Island can take your holiday to an exceptional level from family and friends’ reunions, social celebrations to corporate planning sessions, and select incentives.
With the island completely yours, you have the artistic freedom to create deeper connections and be completely at one with family, friends, and colleagues. Extraordinary moments can be enjoyed in various natural locations within the enchanting garden island featuring private chefs and unscripted menus made of freshly-grown ingredients from the organic farm.
Let the tropical shade in the Coconut Grove be the perfect scene for cocktails or intimate wedding receptions. The dynamic atmosphere of the Compass Room can spark strategic ideas and future directions. Under a starry night, the Latitude Terrace is the ideal spot toasting milestone birthdays or anniversaries. Swim, dive, snorkel, go fishing, or take a sunset cruise.
With each brushstroke from your own color palette, the entire island is exclusively yours at Banwa Private Island.
If you’re Pinoy, you have most likely asked or been asked this question upon meeting a kababayan (countryman). Pride in one’s hometown is a quintessential Filipino trait; in the new Original Production by AXN Asia in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), My Hometown Is G.O.A.T., three sets of celebrity adventurers explore the regions they call home to show audiences what makes these destinations the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.).
AXN Asia presents its new travel and lifestyle series, My Hometown is G.O.A.T
The six-episode travel and lifestyle series will premiere regionally in Southeast Asia on November 4, with episodes coming out on AXN Asia every Thursday and Friday at 8.30 PM, and on the AXN Asia YouTube channel every following Wednesday at 8.30 PM. The show will also be broadcast on AXN Taiwan and AXN Korea starting November 8 and November 13 respectively.
From the pristine beaches of Zamboanga to the gastronomical delights of Pampanga, and all the way up the long, inviting roads going to La Union, each 15-minute episode of My Hometown Is G.O.A.T. will show off different regions in the Philippines through the eyes of hosts who call these places home. By their own example, the hosts will also demonstrate how to travel safely in the new normal.
To celebrate their second wedding anniversary, celebrity couple Megan Young and Mikael Daez head to Megan’s hometown of Zambales, then visit neighboring Pampanga and Tarlac for a taste of their delicacies and history.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados flies to Zamboanga for a grand homecoming. She embarks on an “Eat, Pray, Love” solo rendezvous, where she rediscovers the most breathtaking adventures that the region has to offer.
Finally, Marc Pingris, along with fellow basketball superstars JC Intal, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Rico Maierhofer, takes the long road on his motorbike up to the most scenic spots of La Union, passing by his hometown of Pangasinan on the way. Revved up to ride, play and eat, the Philippine Bikers Amazing “PBA” Moto Club is set to have the adventure of a lifetime in the great North.
As they revisit their roots, the celebrity hosts will be telling stories about their childhoods and bringing out a more personal side for audiences to meet. In addition, they will also be showing viewers how to be safe and savvy when traveling in the new normal.
George Chien, Co-founder, President, and CEO of KC Global Media Asia, the network that owns leading English general entertainment channel AXN Asia along with Asian content destinations Animax, ONE, and GEM, said about the show:
“While we remain at home, our desire for travel continues to grow. In My Hometown Is G.O.A.T., viewers can discover beautiful destinations in the Philippines intimately as our celebrity hosts share the best of their hometowns. We hope that the show can help satiate the wanderlust of our audiences as we wait for the world to become ready for travel. On the flip side, we also hope to reach our many Filipino fans across Asia and help soothe their longing for home, while rekindling their nostalgia and pride in their own hometowns.”
DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat added, “Now, we will see a destination through the eyes of not just a tourist, but someone whose roots go deep, whose community ties hold strong, and whose love for their hometown makes it indeed the greatest.”
The fascinating Sabang beach became our playground for three days. We enjoyed immensely playing with the waves. How many times did we fall but returned and continued to play with the waves?
I’ve always wanted to go to Baler in Aurora Quezon. I’ve been interested in the stories shared about the place. Back of my mind, “I’m not a surfer, not even an excellent swimmer. So, why the eagerness to go there?”
Baler is the capital of Aurora, a province popular for its natural wonders, pristine beaches, and surf-worthy waves, as well as its place in Philippine history and world cinema.
Without much planning, my family headed on a journey to Baler during the Holy Week break some years back. We traveled by land. First, we stayed overnight at the Harvest Hotel in Cabanatuan City. Then, from Cabanatuan City, we traversed the roads with the aid of GPS (geographical positioning system).
However, the GPS led us to the rough roads of Nueva Ecija and Aurora Province, crossed the shallow river to be able to hit the cemented roads leading to Baler proper. Indeed, the four and a half drive turned out to be an adventure! We were told that we should have taken the Pantabangan roads going to Baler.
Beautiful waves at Sabang beach.
The second challenge we faced was how to get a place to stay since most of the hotels and resorts were fully occupied by tourists. We continued to ask around until one gracious lady from the souvenir store referred us to her relative who has a transient house. In short, we were taken in for overnight accommodation.
Baler Boardwalk
After only 30 minutes of interval, the other nice lady from a transient house texted me that there was already an available air-conditioned room. So, we decided to transfer the next morning. We liked it there better since it was located on the beachfront, very convenient when we go swimming. We were truly lucky to get a decent place, and most importantly, we immensely enjoyed the fascinating Sabang beach!
Sabang beach is popular for being the surfers’ paradise.
Local and international travelers (surfers and non-surfers) are always captivated by the charm of Sabang beach. At first, you had this inner fear of being drowned.
But lo and behold, my daughter and I found ourselves playing with the waves. The vast beach shorelines became our playground. We laughed and anticipated every approaching wave to hit us. How many times did we fall but returned and continued to play with the waves?
Now, I understand, why surfers like it here; they are after the waves. They want to surf the waves! Thus, Sabang beach became the surfers’ paradise.
At the Manuel L. Quezon Monument.Museo de BalerThe Baler Monument symbolizes the 400th Anniversary of Baler township, created by foremost installation artist Junyee. His design is composed of four pillars — representing Baler’s 400 years of history interconnected by horizontal bars.
Traveling creates new discoveries – from within yourself, the places you have been, the people you met along the way – all these make our journey truly a memorable one.
A pause to recharge or reimagining a future that empowers Filipinos to co-build a more robust tourism industry in Batangas, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) is not your conventional business leader as he strikes a balance of both endeavors.
As Chairman of the infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and other numerous companies that provide essential services, MVP stays on top of the company’s COVID-19 response in support of the government efforts. At the same time, he jumpstarts the preparedness of the Philippine economy to bounce back from the global health crisis with his vision for tourism in Batangas.
MVP leads his team to have courage in facing the future with bright prospects through the uncertainties. He does all these while he visits the pristine beauty of the Landco’s latest Leisure Tourism Estates (LTE) – the 15-hectare Calatagan South Beach, better known as CaSoBē.
“Through Landco Pacific Corp.’s latest beachside projects: CaSoBē and Club Laiya, I take pride in promoting Batangas as one of the country’s top tourist destinations. These properties are responsibly developed to preserve the cultural and natural features of the place; provide employment for locals; and give Filipinos an opportunity to recover from these unprecedented times by not just building their dream beach homes but opting to create Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that cater to the tourism market,” MVP stated.
Aquaria, Millenial Resorts’ Facilities at CaSoBe.
These master-planned estates are the newest projects of upscale real estate developer Landco, a subsidiary of MPIC. These developments under Landco BeachTowns are close to MVP’s heart as he foresees these lively leisure and tourism destinations in Batangas as the next big thing. The country’s answer to some of the world’s most vibrant beachside destinations: Ibiza, Spain; Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Capri, Italy.
For more than three decades, Landco made its mark in developing exclusive and luxurious properties around the country. One of its leading projects is Peninsula de Punta Fuego, a premiere luxury seaside residential community situated on the 88-hectare of pristine coastline in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Leveraging tourism as one of the key drivers for the country’s growth when it emerges from these challenging times, Landco with the leadership of MVP envisions a revolutionary and innovative new concept.
Landco CEO Erickson Y. Manzano supports MVP’s vision to position the LTE as thriving and inclusive seaside communities in the travel and leisure destination of Batangas, inspiring entrepreneurship and work-life harmony.
“It’s a gamechanger approach. Instead of making it exclusive, it’s open to the tourism market but remains aspirational and premium,” said Manzano. “It presents an opportunity for budding Filipino entrepreneurs or those who would like to work closely with nature. Eventually, the place will not just be a hotspot for local tourists but for inbound travelers from abroad,” he added.
CaSoBē offers a mix of seaside residential homes, and beachside retail and commercial establishments. There’s a Retail Row, a Harbour Walk, and an Activity Block – with lot sizes ranging from 356 square meters to 890 square meters. All these lots are near the beach and paved with pedestrian streets. There’s a common area estate WIFI, 24/7 security with CCTV, a beach promenade, and a hotel-inspired property management service.
It’s is a haven for those who prefer more privacy and a laidback and intimate lifestyle. It is near Cape Santiago lighthouse, a golf course, Little Boracay sandbar, Starfish island, and the underwater pyramid.
MVP at CaSoBe.
Located on the other side of the Batangas coastline, the 24-hectare Club Laiya features a combination of residential and commercial-ready lots in the tourist spot of San-Juan Laiya Road. It’s a choice destination for the stylish and chic leisure seekers who love to work on their tan, get into water sports, and hang out in the hottest party scenes. A row of diverse resorts, restaurants, and bars already dots its shores.
Two to three hours away from Metro Manila, CaSoBē and Club Laiya are both LEED-registered with Landco’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability.
MVP attests to CaSoBē’s significance as a tourist destination and an ideal work from the beach venue in the new normal. His business calendar was filled with Zoom meetings and online conferences with a seaside view and assistance from the warm and friendly local staff.
Helmed by Landco’s Senior Consultant for Hospitality Patrick C. Gregorio, the Edge-registered Millennial Resorts Corporation (MRC) is the hospitality service provider within the LTE. MRC owns and operates unconventional accommodations: Cocoons and Crusoe Cabins, select leisure facilities: Laiya Beach Club at Club Laiya and Aquaria, a waterpark with a three-story giant slide at CaSoBē These are the tourism attractions for which the properties are known.
Landco projects are in line with MPIC’s commitment to helping achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable; and strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
For MVP, coming home to a tropical paradise in these LTEs is a breeze. It’s going to be the newest trend in the travel industry.
For more information about Landco and its Millennial Resorts and Leisure Tourism Estates Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.
With the easing of restrictions for leisure travel, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and video-making and sharing app TikTok have collaborated once again for a campaign that celebrates the beauty of the country’s islands through #GandaMoPinas.
DOT’s previous collaboration with TikTok, the #SarapMagingPinoy challenge in-app garnered over 700 video entries with over 70M video views, and its main video on Facebook has garnered over 13M views.
“The DOT is using all channels to promote our reopened tourist destinations and this collaboration with TikTok is one way of enticing people to travel locally while reiterating the importance of following the minimum health and safety protocols when traveling,” said Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.
The joint DOT and TikTok campaign will feature the beauty of the Philippines through live video sessions with nine content creators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The campaign will feature one content creator every day, until September 30. He/she will do a live TikTok session to highlight the beauty of his/her region, or province through various tourism products, such as natural landscape, tourist spots, local cuisine, activities, and local products. They should showcase why #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines and how visitors would appreciate #GandaMoPilipinas through their province or region.
The three content creators with the highest number of views during the live show will be recognized as TikTok Funfluencers—one from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Winners will be officially announced on October 4, 2021.
For more updates on the campaign, please follow the DOT’s official TikTok page @TourismPhilippines and visit https://bit.ly/3nzwqnj.
Inspired by Batangas’ coastal surroundings, the eco-friendly beach properties of Millennial Resorts feature designs focused on sustainability and provide guests with unconventional experiences and warmth of heartfelt Filipino hospitality.
For its resource efficiency design, this hospitality group which is a sister company of Landco Pacific Corp., is registered for the prestigious EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification.
“Ingrained in Landco’s DNA is our commitment to long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability in premium property developments for more than 30 years across the country. We do it, first and foremost, because it is the right thing to do. This is evident in our latest Leisure Tourism Estates in Batangas – 15-hectare CaSoBē and 24-hectare Club Laiya, both of which are LEED Registered, and the management of Millennial Resorts which provide the leisure and hotel operations in these properties,” stated Erickson Y. Manzano, President, and CEO, Landco.
Landco President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano at Crusoe Cabins.
“The EDGE registration of Millennial Resorts along with our measures to reduce our ecological footprint demonstrates Landco’s leadership and advocacy in green hospitality. Our goal is to ensure the stewardship and sustainability of Batangas as one of the country’s prime tourist destinations,” emphasized Patrick C. Gregorio, Senior Consultant for Hospitality, Landco.
Millennial Resorts owns and operates experiential resort accommodations, Crusoe Cabins, and Cocoons, which are situated in the master-planned Landco Beachtowns CaSoBē (Calatagan South Beach) and Club Laiya, Laiya, San Juan Batangas, both approximately a two-three-hour drive from Metro Manila.
CaSoBē offers a relaxed and intimate beachside destination, while Club Laiya is a vibrant hotspot for those who like to have an active beachside lifestyle; and socialize with friends and groups who share their interests.
Both properties highlight resource-efficient designs which include LED lighting fixtures and water-efficient showers and faucets. The rooms are airconditioned, have access to a strong WI-FI connection and provisions for modern comforts. Natural sunlight and airflow are also maximized for efficient use of lighting and air conditioning.
Patrick C. Gregorio, Landco Senior Consultant for Hospitality showcasing the Cocoons.
Situated in CaSoBē and Millennial Resorts’ flagship brand, Crusoe Cabins are contemporary rooms constructed from upcycled container vans and refreshed with rustic and beachy exteriors that blend in with the relaxing coastline of Calatagan.
Cocoons, located at CaSoBē and Club Laiya are refurbished giant concrete pipes built as pod-like rooms for an intimate and cozy overnight stay. It is iconic for its vibrantly painted murals on its exterior celebrating the diverse marine life of Calatagan and Laiya.
Millennial Resorts guests are also provided with the option to go paperless. Check-in and check-out requests for housekeeping services and room service maybe be done through the hotel’s proprietary Milli App. With Millennial Resorts’ resource-efficient design, water reduction measures are also undertaken at Aquaria, a water park with a giant three-story pool slide at CaSoBē and Laiya Beach Club near Club Laiya.
Bike lane at CaSoBe.
Exciting new facilities will soon open such as Captain Barbozza restaurant and bar, Canopy and The Isle — venues for events, and Colony, a beachside co-working space.
As part of a broader community, adventure seekers and visitors at Cocoons and Crusoe Cabins can take part in the resorts’ initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint by utilizing the development’s pedestrian-friendly tree-lined walkways and scenic bike lanes around the beachside properties.
Millennial Resorts is continuing its efforts for greater resource efficiency design in its operations to eventually qualify for EDGE certification.
EDGE is an innovation of International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. EDGE is an international green building registration and certification in about 160 countries and encourages solutions to reduce energy, water, and the energy used to make building materials.
Landco Pacific Corp. is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. For more information about Landco and its Millennial Resorts and Leisure Tourism Estates Club Laiya and CaSoBē, visit https://www.landco.ph/ or FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LandcoPacificCorporation.
Landco Parks: WoodGrove Park in San Fernando, Pampanga; Waterwood Park in Baliuag, Bulacan; Montelago Nature Estates in San Pablo, Laguna; The Courtyard at Lakewood Golf Estates in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Woodridge Garden Village in Zamboanga City; and Hacienda Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon.
Landco Peaks: Canyon Woods in Lemery, Batangas.
Landco BeachTowns: Playa Laiya and Club Laiya in Laiya, San Juan Batangas, Playa Calatagan and CaSoBē – Calatagan South Beach in Calatagan, Batangas and Playa Azalea and Costa Azalea in Samal island, Davao.
About Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE:MPI)
A Philippine-based, publicly listed investment and management company, focused on infrastructure, with holdings in Manila Electric Company, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., MetroPac Water Investments Corporation, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc., Light Rail Manila Corporation, and MetroPac Movers Inc.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine does not only reduce your risk of being infected by or becoming seriously ill from the virus, but it also helps protect your loved ones at home and the people in your community.
Vaccination brings us one step closer to a world that’s safer and where we can again freely dine and travel. The Richmonde Hotel group, a member of the homegrown hospitality brand Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, advocates the vaccination of everyone eligible to get the vaccine, most especially the front liners and the clinically vulnerable. For their part, the three Richmonde properties, namely Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, are prioritizing the vaccination of all staff on duty, getting them “Vaxxed and Ready” to serve the hotel guests safely, while keeping themselves protected as well. With a current vaccination rate of 97% amongst all employees, it won’t be long before the targeted 100% is achieved.
But being “Vaxxed and Ready” is not just for the hotels’ employees. Richmonde extends its campaign to guests who are likewise “vaxxed” and ready and raring to visit the hotel. As a show of appreciation to those who have contributed to the country’s goal towards achieving herd immunity, Richmonde offers discount perks to vaccinated guests.
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel are giving 5% off on food & beverage orders to in-house guests ordering from Room Service, and to those ordering take-out. For essential stays, a 5% discount on its Best Available Rates is also offered by Richmonde Ortigas.
Richmonde Ortigas – Junior Suite.
Vaccinated Iloilo residents and travelers to the City of Love can enjoy a 10% discount on its City Haven Room Rates which start at PhP 3,500 nett. A 10% discount is also available on food & beverage orders for dine-in or for takeaway at The Granary.
To avail of the room and dining discounts, guests must show their vaccination card upon check-in or upon settling payments. Discounts are not valid for pastry items, special promotions or offerings, delivery orders, All-Day Snack Menu items at Richmonde Ortigas, Room Service orders at Richmonde Iloilo, and in conjunction with other promotions or discount privileges.
Richmonde Iloilo – Deluxe room.
For inquiries, reservations, and takeaway orders, contact Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at +632 8638 7777 and www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel at +632 8570 7777 and www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo at +6333 328 7888 and www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph. To find out the latest news and updates on Richmonde Hotels, follow their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Featured photos: Vaxxed? Then get ready to enjoy dining discounts from Richmonde Hotels! (L-R) 5% discount from Richmonde Ortigas; 10% discount from Richmonde Iloilo; and 5% discount from Eastwood Richmonde.
Bangkok, Thailand — Leading Thai restaurant group, Mango Tree Worldwide, is poised to double its number of international openings in 2021 compared to the previous two years combined as the company forges a new positive future out of the difficulties caused by the pandemic.
In 2019, the group opened 10 outlets across Asia over five formats, which fell to seven in 2020, but the group has roared back this year and is on target to open 17 restaurants across the region in 2021.
Brand expansion in Vietnam, extending into existing markets such as China, and the creation of new concepts such as Cloud Kitchens and residential formats have been the backbone of the record growth Mango Tree have confirmed for this year which is set to drive total overseas restaurant numbers to 83 outlets across all formats.
“It has been a torrid time for the restaurant business, there’s no doubt about that,” said Managing Director and Partner Trevor MacKenzie. “This is the fact of our times. But we have found ways to reset, adapt and innovate and that has been the secret of this year which will be a record growth year for the group in terms of our footprint.”
COCA Restaurants Cloud Kitchen in Bangkok in action.
The key to the changes has been the introduction of two new concepts. One goes back to the roots of the 60-plus-year-old family dining concept COCA that originally started in Silom in Bangkok catering to the local community. As the market has changed and families have moved out of town to residential suburban centers, COCA Pop Up restaurants, essentially community kitchens serving Thai-Chinese food, hotpot, and dim sum, and noodles, have been a big hit.
The other key innovation has been the launch of Cloud Kitchens, or ghost kitchens, taking advantage of low rentals in highly populated spaces so deliveries can be much faster. The first was set up in Latprao, Bangkok and a second Bangkok Cloud Kitchen will be set up by the end of September. The first in Mumbai, India is currently under fit-out.
The new concepts have boosted a strong pipeline that will see three restaurants open in Vietnam, in partnership with Novaland, four in China, including two flagship Mango Tree fine dining restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai, four in the Philippines, three in Japan, one in India and two in Thailand.
Coca Pop Up
“For us, it has been a base of leveraging our brand which brings with it customer loyalty, getting closer to our customers in terms of proximity, and taking advantage of the opportunities the market presents,” added Mr. MacKenzie. “For example, we have always had to beg and bargain with landlords to secure the best locations, but the tables have now turned. It’s a renters’ market and we are being approached by landlords asking it to take space.”
Mango Tree and COCA restaurants across all formats will grow to 83 by the end of this year – with targets set for 2022 exceeding 100 across the region – with key franchise destinations driving the growth China, Vietnam, and Japan – which has long embraced culinary innovation and quality fast access concepts.
Featured photo: Cloud Kitchen popular glass noodles dish
