The Book Sale keeps making reading affordable for readers around the world.
The highly anticipated return of the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale in the Philippines is thrilling bookworms across the country. For the first time, Big Bad Wolf Books is bringing its massive Book Sale Online, offering 60,000 book titles for Sale to everyone, nationwide.
From June 30th to July 7th, 2021, the Online Book Sale will offer discounts of up to 95% off as well as exclusive PHP10 peso book deals, free shipping [minimum spend of PHP2,900] and other exciting promotions that are not to be missed.
And, don’t forget to participate in the Big Bad Wolf Books social media contest – “The Grand Wolfie Contest” that is currently running until July 6th, 2021! The contest details and mechanics can be found on Big Bad Wolf Books’ official Facebook page @ facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines. Participants will stand a chance to win e-Gift Cards as well as electronic gadgets with the main two prizes of an Apple iPhone 12 and an Apple MacBook Air.
To ensure smooth access and a hassle-free shopping experience, it is highly recommended that everyone should register in advance at the Book Sale’s official website, which will go ‘live’ at midnight on Wednesday.
To help raise awareness on the importance of reading, Big Bad Wolf Books is proud to partner with the Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale Philippines 2021 in a joint effort to continue to promote and inculcate a love for reading.
For more information about BIG BAD WOLF Books, please visit:
Driven by passion, Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng first launched the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in 2009 as a warehouse sale in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, providing an exciting array of excess books from international distributors. The affordable prices and easy availability of the books proved to be a huge attraction, and in no time, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale turned into a landmark event nationwide.
Offering brand new English books at a discount as high as 75% to 95% off recommended retail price and with the primary aim of encouraging people of all ages to discover the joys of affordable, accessible reading, Big Bad Wolf Book Sale features a wide range of books across all genres, including fiction and non-fiction bestsellers, young adult fiction, as well as an extensive collection of children’s books.
The Book Sale has now successfully extended its footprint to Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, with no plans to stop making reading affordable for readers around the world.
Taking on projects of varying scale and programs, JERDE (The Jerde Partnership) is introducing new mixed-use, commercial and hospitality projects opening in 2021 around the world that allows societies to live, work and play. The iconic and internationally renowned architecture and urban planning studio has a team based in the Los Angeles headquarters, as well as offices in Singapore, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, with projects across continents.
Highlight projects opening in 2021 include Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios in Beijing, Powerlong Zhuji Plaza in Zhejiang, Distrito Armida in Monterrey, Peninsula in Tijuana, Powerlong Zhuhai in Guangdong, and Rykadan Office Headquarters in Hong Kong SAR.
“We spend most of our lives in buildings, whether this is our flats, our offices, or the nearest mall. But in architecture, it’s not about just the building itself as it is the experience you are able to have within. As part of our placemaking philosophy at JERDE, we create experiential designs, designs that provide an experience, an emotion. We are trying to create spaces and objects that are attuned to the human emotion so that these spaces are exciting, welcoming, subtly achieves the ultimate goal, and provides wonderful memories,” says Kenneth Ho, JERDE Shareholder and Senior Design Principal based in Singapore.
Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Beijing, Beijing, China (Opening July 2021)
JERDE was appointed to recreate the magic of the original CityWalk in Los Angeles, for Universal Studios Beijing. Unlike the more linear concept used in the original in Orlando, also designed by JERDE in 1994, the Beijing concept calls for a hub and spoke design, with a central plaza where people gather.
JERDE – Universal CityWalk at Universal Studios Beijing, Beijing, China
At the core of CityWalk in Beijing, spanning 53,350 square meters, a grand plaza serves as a central meeting place and the junction of bustling pedestrian pathways. This urban hub is adjacent to the Entertainment Terrace as well as surrounded by restaurants and retail, all enlivened by street performers and dynamic graphic visuals including a giant LED screen that offers an immersive digital experience. Visitors can access CityWalk through the theme park, metro station, and water taxi hub.
Powerlong Zhuji Plaza, Zhuji, Zhejiang (Opened June 2021)
Known for its picturesque mountains and rivers, Zhuji is one of China’s breathtaking tourist cities, in which there is a state-level scenic region, Huanjiang River-Wuxie Scenic Region. JERDE’s master plan for Powerlong Zhuji Plaza positions the 190,000 square meters site to be the main community gathering space for the ChengXi ShangWu district, located near the high-speed train station and connected to Wuxie Lakefront park.
JERDE – Powerlong Zhuji Plaza, Zhuji, Zhejiang
Consisting of a four-level mall, a lush park with trees and water pools to cool down summer days and host festivities, a street retail village featuring local community retail, and an amphitheater with a large LED screen, the new destination will be filled with enriching and uplifting experiences.
Distrito Armida, Monterrey, Mexico (Opened June 2021)
With views of the iconic mountain skyline of Monterrey, Distrito Armida is a new multi-phase mixed-use project created to support a fully serviced lifestyle in the upscale city of Monterrey, Mexico. Masterplanned and designed by JERDE, the project offers new offices and a full-spectrum community that has been conceived in a space covering 25 hectares. Phase 1, opening this summer, features an iconic office tower atop a commercial podium full of shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces at the south end of the site. The 20-floor office building, branded Torre Malva, is next to a WeWork and a 170-key boutique hotel that is currently under construction.
JERDE – Distrito Armida, Monterrey, Mexico
Future phases include connection to an adjacent hospital and school, as well as residential towers that will open in a couple of years. Distrito Armida will attract young professionals, families, and business owners with a modern outlook and appreciation for urban living. The curving loop of the Distrito Arminda master plan creates a quieter, more residentially scaled, and activated zone, with slower traffic speeds, less noise, and more pedestrian activity than the main thoroughfare.
Peninsula, Tijuana, Mexico (Opening Autumn 2021)
Part of a mixed-use project, JERDE designed the retail space of Peninsula – an experiential destination created by Grupo DLG for locals and visitors alike to engage and explore. Located at a prime gateway site just south of the Tijuana International Airport, this 750,000 square feet project was designed to create a strong identity for individual tenants and eliminate the feel of the traditional mall in every way. This dynamic mixed-use neighborhood district offers state-of-the-art retail and dining concepts, entertainment, offices, residences, and hotels.
JERDE – Peninsula, Tijuana, Mexico
Gaoxin Powerlong Plaza, Zhuhai, Guangdong (Opening November 2021)
JERDE master-planned Powerlong Zhuhai, a mixed-use lifestyle center for the growing regional market, on behalf of Powerlong Group. With a focus on healthy lifestyles, this smart development is set to be the new ‘living room’ for Zhuhai with a culture to leisure programming curated for the community. Integrated technology ensures an experiential yet healthy workplace and hospitality type environment, complete with outdoor merchandising, an art walk that allows for seasonal pop-up stalls and food festivals, digital art and media shows on the lagoon walk, and gathering spaces for families complete with interactive experiences and connections to nature.
JERDE – Powerlong Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong
Designed as a transport-oriented design catalyst site of 46,000 square meters, the project mimics a tropical lush island landscape with the bold presence of native trees, contrasted by the vibrant commercial district in the foreground. To top this masterpiece, sustainable design strategies of harvested rainwater and recycled materials are used throughout the project.
Rykadan Office Headquarters, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong SAR (Opening End 2021)
Adding to its portfolio of office building design and interior design, JERDE’s newest award-winning project is the talk of the town. Winning Gold for Interior Design at MUSE Design Awards, and First Place for Interior Workplace (Concept) at Rethinking the Future Awards 2021, the interior design of the building’s public space includes the main entrance corridor, lobby, lounge, parking garage, and restrooms. To compete with similar office buildings in the Wong Chuk Hang district, the chosen personality archetype was ‘The Ambassador’ – cultured, worldly, erudite, and sophisticated – exactly the artistic edge and distinct identity and story this project needed. The design theme can be seen through all materials and artworks chosen to bring life to space.
JERDE – Rykadan Office Headquarters, Hong Kong SAR
Keeping with the times and insights on the importance of mindfulness and a sense of calm in co-working spaces, the 130,000 square feet site was designed with a sky garden on the sixteenth floor, offering building occupants a place of refuge and respite, and a zen garden that sits in the transitional space between the front desk and elevator lobby, greeting visitors and occupants alike with a reminder of another culture.
Intimacy is an important part of every relationship. Besides the fact that it’s an activity that is sure to release dopamine, it’s something that allows you and your partner to develop a bond. For most couples, sex is an act of intimacy and a way to feel more secure. It’s an opportunity to show your partner love and affection.
Research shows that sex brings about many benefits in long-term relationships. It improves connection, bond, and relieves stress. It’s also a good activity to improve your physical body. A study in 2013 found that sex can also soothe headaches.
Sex compatibility is important. Two people in a relationship with different sex drives may affect each other’s love language. There are surveys that show that only 42% of women are truly satisfied with their partners. 4/5 women say size matters and while the world’s average male organ size is 5.2 inches, Filipino men have an average of 4.2 inches.
It’s always a good idea to keep the spark alive and keep things different once in a while. Whether or not your partner is gifted in that aspect, having an extra edge in size may translate to deeper satisfaction. If you’re looking for ways to keep the passion alive, Achilles Rise is a great find.
Achilles Rise is an FDA-approved, proprietary blended topical gel used for enhanced sexual activity and masculinity. It’s a cool gel emollient that is infused with concentrated maca extract and pepha tight – natural ingredients for male organ enlargement and vascular simulation.
Achilles Rise, paired with penile exercises, is the perfect weapon for the modern-day man to grow 4- 7cm extra within a few weeks. It’s also powered with Centella Asiatica extract to further boost libido and increase sexual pleasure.
Achilles Rise also promotes erection and added vigor, helping you perform your best in bed; as well as prepare your organ for Penile Lengthening Exercises – “Jelqing.” Jelqing exercises, done with Achilles, allow one to attain permanent gains in terms of organ enlargement. The Achilles Rise 50ml bottle retails at Php 899. The package itself comes with a manual on different Jelqing techniques for E-Z use.
So keep the spark alive. After a long day of work or at the end of the week, maybe it’s time to let off some steam and rekindle the romance. Perhaps, you haven’t had the talk about your sex life – what you enjoy doing in bed, how often should you do it, what else can you improve on? Now’s the time to ask and put more effort to satisfy each other!
Maybe you can treat him to some fancy dinner, bring out a bottle of wine, and a tube of Achilles Rise. Thank us later. It’s a win-win, anyway!
Over 2,500 frontline personnel were vaccinated at Araneta City’s mega vaccination site, while Bellevue Bohol employees alongside hospitality frontliners of Panglao have undergone their first vaccine dose to ensure further safety of the tourists and their fellow employees.
Araneta City front liners, lessees receive free COVID-19 jabs
Araneta City has strengthened its efforts to safeguard the public against COVID-19 as frontliners and merchant partners at the City of Firsts were included in Quezon City’s inoculation program at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Over 2,500 frontline personnel were vaccinated at Araneta City’s mega vaccination site, which was set up by the city government and the Araneta Group through the arrangements of J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF).
According to JAAF Executive Director Diane Romero, this is part of Araneta Group’s goal of providing a safe and healthy life, work, dine, shop, and play environment at the City of Firsts. With the whole community now receiving COVID-19 vaccines, we are assured that our people are protected and patrons can visit any Araneta City property with more ease.
Aside from the free vaccination, the Araneta Group continues to ensure the safety of customers, residents, employees, and personnel through regular sanitation and disinfection. Social distancing measures and other health and safety protocols continue to be strictly implemented. Individuals are still required to wear facemasks and face shields, and precautionary measures in entrances such as temperature checks, alcohol dispensers, and foot baths remain.
Shoppers and diners are also encouraged to utilize contactless payment modes and channels. One may pay over-the-counter using tap debit/credit cards or through QR mobile payment apps such as PayMaya and GCash.
Through JAAF, the Araneta Group also partnered with the city government to use the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the New Frontier Theater in its inoculation program for free. The same free use of Araneta City facilities was extended to Philippine Red Cross. A drive-through RT-PCR saliva testing conducted by the Philippine Red Cross is available in the Araneta City Busport.
Since the pandemic hit the country last year, the Araneta Group prioritized to make its businesses safe for its employees and customers with its slogan “Safety First at the City of Firsts”.
Bellevue Bohol employees get vaccinated against COVID-19
To help boost the recovery of the tourism industry and highlight the importance of vaccination to fight against the ongoing pandemic, the five-star resort in Bohol – The Bellevue Resort is stepping up its support for the government’s vaccination campaign by urging its employees and industry members to get vaccinated.
On Friday, June 18, 2021, The Bellevue Resort – Bohol hosted the country’s first vaccination drive for tourism frontline workers led by Governor Art Yap together with the Department of Health and the tourism industry stakeholders at the resort’s Pavilion, gearing for the province’s green zone concept for Panglao island to a trailblaze gradual reopening of international tourism. Stringent safety procedures and sanitation protocols were installed in the Pavilion as a vaccination site. The vaccines were allocated through the Department of Tourism under Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and approved by vaccine czar Carlito Galvez and testing czar Vince Dizon.
The Bellevue Resort’s Managing Director, Mr. Dustin Chan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the national and provincial government of Bohol for the momentous opportunity, encouraging tourism employees to get vaccinated, while remaining compliant to the government’s safety prevention protocols – primarily for their protection and assurance for a safe environment.
“Vaccination marks our first steps to winning this war against COVID-19, not only for the island of Bohol but for the whole tourism industry in the Philippines; including the industries behind it,” he added, during his virtual welcoming remarks.
Setting an example that the vaccines are safe, Mr. Doer Escoto, Resort Manager, and BAHRR Board Member was honored to be the first tourism frontliner inoculated with the Sputnik V vaccine. With the resort’s goal to attain herd immunity, 178 employees received their first dose of vaccine shots developed by Russia’s Gamaleya Institute. The second and final doses of the vaccine are scheduled for July 9 and 10, 2021.
The Bellevue Resort has been fully committed to heightening its safety measures by continuously implementing its regular COVID-19 testing and health monitoring for employees. The vaccination will add an extra layer of protection as part of its highest standards of hygiene protocols in place to ensure its employees and guests will have a secure and comfortable environment – creating a safe experience.
The luxury resort is one of the recipients of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp in the country. The WTTC Safe Travels stamp is the world’s first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp that will allow travelers to recognize establishments around the world that have adopted health and hygiene globally standardized protocols.
Bohol province is now open for leisure tourists of all ages from NCR Plus bubble subject to IATF, Government of Bohol, and Department of Tourism guidelines.
To learn more about the travel guidelines and The Bellevue Resort’s room packages, please visit its website at www.thebellevuebohol.com or send an email to reservations@thebellevuebohol.com.
The Bellevue Resort – Bohol is a luxury resort perched on the serene Doljo Beach in Panglao, Bohol.
For more information about the resort, visit www.thebellevue.com or call (038) 422-2222.
The province of Pangasinan has a lot to offer than just its famed Hundred Islands. There is surely something for everyone to enjoy – from the crystal-clear waters of its many beaches and the freshest seafood to the awe-inspiring churches and heritage towns, Pangasinan is a well-loved tourist destination.
Thousands flock to the province annually, not only for tourism but also for a religious pilgrimage to several historical churches, particularly the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaog which houses the 17th-century ivory and silver image of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus.
As the country reels from a global health crisis, Pangasinan has to adapt to the current situation. Communication solutions have become God-sent as people cling to faith and family to help weather the pandemic.
Parishes have gone digital to live stream their eucharistic services to their congregation, but technology also comes with its own challenges.
“Yung live streaming ng misa, nagfe-freeze video, hindi naman pwedeng hihinto kami sa pagmimisa. Tapos sabi ng mga parishioner namin, patalon-talon daw ang video na napapanood nila, hindi sila maka-focus sa misa, hindi nila maisa-puso kasi distracted sila sa problema ng mabagal na koneksyon,” said Rev. Fr. Allan V. Lopez (O.P.), Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Manaoag.
Even at home, families try to cope with the new normal. Video calls, for instance, allow Drs. Ana and Federico Peralta III to keep tabs on their three children who are all doctors stationed at different hospitals in Metro Manila.
Dr. Ana shares how important video calls have become to their own family: “Kapag nag-vi-video call kami ng mga anak namin, dahil nakikita namin sila online, hindi kami nag-iisip kung bumabagsak ba ang katawan sa hirap sa trabaho sa ospital o maysakit ba sila. Kaya nawawala yung agam-agam at parang katabi lang sila na kausap. Napapanatag kaming mag-asawa.”
Peralta family
With the growing dependence on data-heavy technologies, Globe has stepped up to the plate for the public. To be able to provide the best service to its subscribers, Globe has been upgrading its cell towers in Pangasinan and other nearby provinces for faster and more stable 4G LTE service.
The improvement was immediate. Rev. Fr. Allan exclaimed: “Salamat at dumating din sa aming probinsiya ang 4G na ito. Kahit sa abroad malinaw na kaming mapapanood ng mga deboto. Pwedeng pwede kayong mag comment, mag type ng amen!”
Even Drs. Ana and Federico Peralta III shared how the upgraded 4G LTE connection has improved the quality of their online connection. “4G pala yang hi-tech na sinabi na solusyon sa pagka-miss ko sa mga anak ko. Wala na akong kaba sa sitwasyon ng mga bagets. Proud na proud ako sa lakas ng loob at malasakit na ipinapakita ng mga anak ko sa bayan.”
Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group assures the public, “We are bringing connectivity to everyone, especially to areas where a strong, reliable, and accessible internet can spell the difference between surviving and thriving. This is the new normal, and together we will triumph.”
To enjoy these improved services, customers in Pangasinan and other parts of the country who are still using old and slow 3G SIM cards must shift to the 5G-ready 4G LTE SIMs now. Globe assures customers that their mobile numbers will be retained when they switch to the new technology. If quarantine protocols in their respective areas allow, customers can go to the nearest Globe Store to change their SIM cards for FREE. For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/help/mobile-internet/lte/faqs.html.
Customers are also encouraged to update their mobile devices to 4G LTE-capable ones and their handset firmware to the latest available on the system for a better mobile data experience.
Interested customers can inquire at Globe stores nationwide for affordable 5G-ready 4G/LTE capable mobile devices.
Globe reinforces its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 that highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. The company also fully supports the 10 UN Global Compact principles and contributes to 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The new Peri-Peri Grilled Wings come hot off the grill – kissed by fire and coated in Peri-Peri’s signature sauces that allow the flavor to permeate through each piece of the wing. Create your own flavor adventure from mild, hot, and extra hot with Peri-Peri’s 9 signature sauces for an extra kick of taste that will surely make you come back for more!
Choose from 9 different flavors for your Grilled Wings– tour your tastebuds to South America with the creamy, tart, and subtly spicy Cajun Remoulade. If you fancy a sweet blend of Asian flavors, try Sweet Soy, Hoisin Sesame, Asian BBQ, and Sweet BBQ. Try the distinct Mesquite BBQ sauce for that smokey taste with a boost of chili. And if you like it spicy, they also have Garlic Brew, Chili Peppa, and Harissa Exotica sauces. The levels of spiciness go well with a cool and refreshing Peri-Peri’s House Blend Iced Tea.
You can enjoy Peri-Peri’s Grilled Wings either Solo at P249 (6 pcs, 1 flavor), Duo at P399 (10 pcs, 2 flavors), or To Share at P599 (16 pcs, 4 flavors). Have them anytime for your me-time or when you’re with family or friends.
#LetYourFlavorAdventureBegin for your taste buds and #exPERIenceflavors in Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Grill with more than 40 branches in Metro and Mega Manila. You may also order from their website www.periperichicken.ph and get a chance for free offers, or order through easy-to-remember hotline 7374-7374 (PERI-PERI). Like and follow our social media accounts: www.facebook.com/PeriPeriCharcoalChicken and https://www.instagram.com/pericharcoalph/ to get updated with more announcements.
For a limited time offer up to August 31, 2021, Subway’s Flavorful Delights, the New Chicken Mosaic in Spicy BBQ Sauce, and Chipotle Cheesesteak will surely bring a whole range of color and excitement for your daily Subway cravings!
For only Php 145 in 6-inch ala carte, enjoy our New Chicken Mosaic in Spicy BBQ Sauce! If you love a bit of heat to bite the back of your throat and a tinge of sweetness to go with the flavor, then this sub is just for you! Also available in footlong for only Php280 and in other carriers like the wrap for Php155.
We also have for only Php 165 in 6-inch ala carte, a delicious mouthwatering steak and cheese sandwich with our Chipotle Cheesesteak! Like any other standard subs which contain American cheese, crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, green peppers, red onions, and jalapeños, this flavorful sub is dressed with a smoky Chipotle Southwest sauce on top of a freshly baked crunch bread. It’s full-filling as a sandwich. Also available in footlong for only Php320 and in other carriers like the wrap for Php175.
And to make it a meal with a 16oz drink and a cookie, enjoy the New Chicken Mosaic in Spicy BBQ sauce and the Chipotle Cheesesteak for an add-on price of Php70 in all sizes and wraps.
Enjoy the fresh new flavors at home by ordering through messenger “Botty.”
As you STAY SAFE AT HOME, you can enjoy your favorite subs and our new Flavorful Delights through FB Messenger ordering for delivery. Delight yourself and your friends & family with Subway’s delicious and freshly made subs and wraps at the safety and comfort of your homes through delivery via FB Messenger “Botty”.
Also available in other delivery platforms via GrabFood & FoodPanda.
Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has passed away this morning, June 24, due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. He was 61.
Aquino served as the 15th president of the Republic of the Philippines from June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2016. He was the only son of late former president Corazon C. Aquino and late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
Aquino will be remembered as “a simple public servant,” who committed his life to serve his country and his people.
“It’s rare that one is given a chance to be in show business. Work hard and make the most of it because you are not going to be in the limelight forever,” Jodi said.
Launched via a soft drink commercial, Jodi Santamaria, popularly known by her screen name Jodi Sta. Maria is steadily trekking a viable career in show business.
It might be fate which brought Jodi her chance to act on TV and the movies. She was discovered by a talent scout while eating in a fast-food restaurant in Buendia. And the rest is history.
In spite of her busy showbiz career, Jodi still leads a normal life by finishing her studies. She’s aware that showbiz is not a permanent job, and would be nice to have a fallback when she decides to retire from show business. Recently, she graduated from college at Southville International School with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the age of 39. “Remember, it’s never too late, and you are never too old to reach your stars,” she posted on Instagram.
In person, Jodi exudes confidence and cheerfulness, a window to her positive outlook in life. Jodie Chrissie Sta. Maria, in real life, is the youngest of two siblings. She grew up in Cabrera, Pasay.
She keeps her svelte figure by working out “whenever she feels like it.” If she couldn’t go to the gym she just does sit-ups at home to maintain a flat tummy. She looks blooming these days, reflective of her happy personal life. At present, Jodi’s boyfriend is actor Raymart Santiago.
Courtesy @ jodistamaria on Instagram
As a single parent, she’s a proud mom to son Thirdy from her past relationship with Pampi Lacson, son of Senator Panfilo Lacson.
Jodi intimates that she has come this far because she knows what she wants and she’s serious about her job. “It’s rare that one is given a chance to be in show business. Work hard and make the most of it because you are not going to be in the limelight forever,” she said from a previous interview.
For travel to be delightful, one must have a good place to stay time and again. Whenever I feel like going out of town, my favorite staycation would always be at the Harvest Hotel, the only modern 4-star hotel located in the center of Cabanatuan City.
Whether you’re going away on a family vacation, a short getaway, or a business trip, you can definitely have a pleasant stay here for many good reasons. Recent reviews from guests and visitors support this encouraging feedback. Harvest has now become the hotel of choice in Cabanatuan City for business and leisure travelers, as well as, for the local residents who prefer to hold their social events and business functions here.
Harvest GM Lou Bermejo Gorospe (Photo from the FB Page of Ms. Gorospe)
Harvest Hotel General Manager, Lou Bermejo Gorospe feels thankful and inspired to hear positive reviews from hotel guests. “The reviews range from being satisfied on how the hotel staff attended to them, having comfortable rooms, beds, pillows, room interior; bathroom fixtures, and personal care sets; to good food and value for money. Guests remarked that Harvest is stunning for the price,” Gorospe happily shares. “Guests are immediately impressed with just about everything!”
GM Gorospe (center) with her entire team.
Part of the entire delightful experience is the people who make up the Harvest Hotel team. “We make sure we carry out our Corporate Core Values in our daily work,” says the lady General Manager.
They uphold such values on Innovation, Integrity, Service, Passion, and Teamwork that make them a cut above the rest of the hotels in Cabanatuan City. “Our hotel standard is no less than to provide our valued guests with exceptional care and top-notch products and facilities.”
Superb accommodation
One thing that you will definitely appreciate while on a staycation at Harvest Hotel is its cozy, clean and comfortable air-conditioned rooms – totaling 81 well-appointed rooms. Each room feature beds that are composed of good quality mattresses and beddings for a restful sleep, an LCD cable television, a bathroom with a hot and cold shower, a medium-sized working desk with a telephone, a minibar, an electronic safe, a coffee and tea making facility, iron and ironing board and fast broadband internet connection – everything that will make your stay truly delightful.
Guests can choose from room categories such as Standard Twins, Standard Queens, Executive Suites, Loft 1 and 2. The Standard Twin Room is the basic room category and it comprises the majority of the total room inventory of the Hotel. This 29-square meter room comes with two (2) single beds, a bathroom with shower, a working table, LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.
The Standard Queen room is also a 29-sqm room with one queen bed, a bathroom with a shower, a working table, an LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.
Next to the Standard Room is the Suite Room which boasts of a 38-square meter space that comes with one queen bed, a bathroom with a shower, a working table, an LCD cable TV, a coffee/tea making facility, an in-room safe, and a mini-bar.
The best room of Harvest Hotel is the Loft located on the topmost floor. This 67-square meter consists of two floors with a separate living area, dining space, and a king-sized bed, and a bathroom. These are best for honeymooners, couples, and family guests.
For an uninterrupted workout, you can still sweat it out at the fitness gym located on the third floor. It offers the latest and complete gym equipment.
For guests looking for a venue for their events and meetings can consider the hotel Ballroom that is convertible into two function rooms. Ballroom A can occupy 130 persons, while Ballroom B, 70 persons. The whole Ballroom can accommodate 200 person sit-down, 300 cocktail, and 350 theatre types.
Satisfying Dining Experience
Aside from the comfortable rooms, one can always look forward to the delicious food being served at Café Ecija Restaurant and Bar, located in the lobby. It is ready to serve a sumptuous buffet for breakfast and an all-day a la carte menu every day featuring Filipino and international dishes. It has a 76-seating capacity and is open to in-house guests and walk-in diners daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. An outdoor swimming pool is just right outside Café Ecija.
Chef Lester Bergado
During our visit, Chef Lester Bergado, the affable in-house chef of Harvest Hotel happily served to us the dishes he prepared for our photoshoot. He shared that they have added more Pinoy comfort food to the menu. Aside from the regular Salmon Head Sa Miso and Hipon sa Kamatis, additional dishes are the all-time favorites, such as Kare-Kare, Caldereta, Pininyahang Manok, Pork Lechon and Harvest Sinigang Beef Buko.
The Experience team was also lucky to have tasted the Friday Feast of the World Buffet with choices ranging from salad, cold and hot appetizer, soup, grilled, hot dishes, and dessert. For the salad, they served Mixed Green Salad with Croutons, Parmesan, corn kernels, tomato, Onion, Cucumber, Capsicum, and Bacon. For the dressing, choices were Caesar, Thousand Island, and Italian Dressing.
Harvest Sinigang Beef Buko
Adobong Pusit
Kare-Kare
Cold and hot appetizers were Assorted Maki Rolls and Mixed Cold Cuts; Crispy Pork Belly infused in Chili jam and Eggplant Parmigiana with Cheese Sauce. For the soup, it felt calming to have tried Seafood Shabu-Shabu and Tuscan Tomato Soup. From the carving station, we surely tried the Slow Roasted Beef Short Plate with Wild Mushroom Sauce; and the grilled Beef, Pork, Chicken, Fish, and Sausage. Happy tummy, indeed!
For hot dishes, they served Asian Beef Kofta in Sour Cream Sauce, Hainanese Chicken, my favorite Phad Thai, and Shanghai Fried Rice. For the Western offering, they prepared Pork Escalope with Peppercorn Sauce, Seafood Gnocchi, Vegetable Polonaise, and Mushroom Risotto Rice.
Choices for dessert vary from Crème Brule Shots, Panacotta Shots, Chocolate Bar. There were also Marshmallows, Breadsticks and Wafer stick at the Chocolate Fountain Station.
Our gastronomic experience didn’t end at the buffet station. There were also additional plated dishes served for our feature and consumption. We tried BBQ Baby Back Ribs, a Texas-style smoked BBQ baby back ribs served with buttered corn, coleslaw, and French fries. Followed by Beef Kare-Kare, slow-cooked ox tripe, beef chunks, and tropical vegetables simmered in Filipino-style peanut sauce served with famous bagoong. For the beverage, they offered us to try the Harvest Potion and Winty Citrus Dew.
Harvest Potion and Winty Citrus Dew
I had a fill of Adobong Pusit, a Classic Filipino Adobo dish where sliced squid is cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, and tomatoes. I must say this was my favorite from among the dishes served to us. I always crave Adobong Pusit since this is seldom prepared at home.
The writer in one of the cozy rooms at Harvest
The Seafood and Aubergine Salad in Turmeric and Cider Reduction, was by far, what Chef Lester has recommended. Seeing the assorted fresh lettuce, grilled seafood, and aubergine with reduction of turmeric and cider vinegar in an ensemble made it an irresistible dish to try.
As a finale, one not to miss the appetizing desserts – a choice of Choco Cream Cake, a Black Forest cake filled with chocolate ganache; and Sans rival, a layered meringue cake with buttercream and chopped cashew nuts.
All in all, it was a satisfying hotel experience made truly special by meeting the hotel owners themselves while enjoying the night away with friends. The team even had a jamming session with Leo Pisces Duo’s band playing that night.
(For more information about Harvest Hotel, please contact: T:(044) 9508888 M: (+63) 917-539-6125 or E: info@theharvesthotel.com. Please visit its website at: www.theharvesthotel.com and Like them on Facebook)
Reposted from Experience Travel and Living magazine. Photos By Renjie Tolentino
