Boasting its world-class hospitality standards and services in its flagship restaurant, Spiral, its 3 luxury dining destinations and highly acclaimed banquet services, from state and national events to social and corporate celebrations, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila proudly presents Mr. Eric Norbert as the hotel’s newest Director of Food and Beverage.
Coming up to lead one of the metro’s biggest food and beverage team, Mr. Norbert is a self-drivenand self-determined individual withmore than two decades of experiencein restaurant andhospitality,thathas aninspiring success storyof building up one’s career from the bottom whileaspiring to be a leader that he is today.
Early in his career, Mr. Norbert jumpstarted his passion in Food & Beverage in the exclusive five-star, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France while learning century-long hospitality practices and traditions of French luxury and elegance. He was able to progress his career when he worked for La Bernardin, a three-star Michelin restaurant in New York City. In 2006,Heentered the hospitality-chain industry at the world-famous Glass Brasserie in Hilton Sydney, Australia as its Assistant Operations Manager.
In 2012, Mr. Norbert workedwith Chef Cyrille Soenen, Maître Cusinier De France,at the well-knownBrasserie CiÇou as its Restaurant Manager. Because of the exemplary skillshe had shown, BrasserieCiÇou was awardedas the Best French Restaurant of the Year at the Manila’s Best KeptRestaurantSecrets Awards2012.
Mr. Norbert started his career at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in 2015 as a restaurant manager of the hotel’s lobby lounge and patisserie, Le Bar. It was not long that he was promoted to be the manager of Asia’s most interactive dining destination, Spiral. He presented his expertise in world-class dining and service that made Spiral one of the most multi-awarded international buffets in the metro. While Spiral remains to be the country’s top dining destination, He pursued his passion to provide excellence in service as he became the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager in 2019.
3 years ago, as the world went on a hiatus, Mr. Norbert remained resilientand strived to revive thehotel’s food & beverage dining outletsthroughadaptingthe changes in the hospitality service andempoweringhis team not to be discouraged with the limitations during those times. His drive andeagerness for the rise of the industry and his rapport and care for his people, earned his promotion tobe the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage in 2022.
Now reaching his career goal, Mr. Norbert aims to continue his legacy and principle of providing world-class experiences to guests and patrons. As the new Director of Food & Beverage, he aspires to create a modern approach on hospitality experience to connect with guests through food, beverage and service while still upholding French art de vivre and the heartfelt warmth of the Filipino spirit
Communities have become a safe space which allows each individual to grow and thrive. Whether it focuses on housing, food, fitness, or parenting, a community brings together like-minded people to share and uplift one another.
At a time when parent communities were dominated by moms, in came a new dad on the block which led to the birth of one of the country’s largest and most active dad communities on Facebook to date—DadBudPH.
DadBudPH founder Joey Ong on the joy of fatherhood
At the helm is advertising entrepreneur and food content creator Joey Ong, who founded the community in 2019 when his wife was pregnant, initially as a way to seek counsel from more experienced dads.
“Back then, I didn’t know much about being a dad and there weren’t a lot of communities which brought dads together the way mom groups did,” he said. “DadBudPH became a platform to share personal experiences, get inspired, and really just spread the good vibes of fatherhood.”
Kuya Kim Atienza on spending quality over quantity time with kids
Since then, DadBudPH has steadily grown and recently hit gold with over 50,000 members—an unprecedented 90% of which are highly engaged everyday. Fueled by dads and dad figures of various ages, socio-economic classes, and locations, the community brings to life topics related to fatherhood—parenting, family, homes, humor, entertainment, food, fitness, gadgets, pop culture, and more.
Former seminarian Romulo Velasco on raising 5 boys to become good men
Last November 2022, DadBudPH earned international recognition by no less than Meta, a multinational technology conglomerate which owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more. It became the only parenting group in the Philippines to be invited to the coveted Facebook accelerator program which kicked off in Singapore as a thrust to help grow the community further.
LIV Ministries founder Emmanuel Manansala on finding hope
A fresh new concept
To celebrate the golden milestone of over 50,000 members, Joey recently kicked off DadBud Academy, a program which brings dads together in a series of physical events to learn, enjoy, and be inspired for a better future. As parenting events are usually centered on or organized by moms, this is an untapped initiative and a novel way to honor and empower fathers year-round. The freshness and potential of this concept led to popular establishments pitching in to help expand its footprint.
Troy Montero on facing challenges as a parent
The pilot event entitled “Dad Talks” was held at Robinsons Galleria’s Robinsons Movieworld and Playlab, where established dads shared their stories to inspire other dads. TV personality Kim Atienza, former seminarian Romulo Velasco, Filipino-American actor Troy Montero, “ausome” parenting dad Ron Ramos, Kalye Negosyo and Potato Corner founder Jorge Wieneke, and Emmanuel Manansala and Ed Embradora from LIV Ministries spoke to an audience of close to 200 dads and their families, giving them a glimpse of their personal journeys and how they became who they are today.
Ron Ramos on parenting an “ausome” child
“This advocacy aims to let go of any stigma that dads are slackers, or corporate slaves or executives who are too busy for family. We can also be domesticated, entrepreneurial, and most importantly—the best husbands we can be to our wives and the best dads we can be to our children,” Joey said. “We have lots of exciting opportunities up ahead, with the end goal of supporting and honoring dads whose roles in the family are valuable and irreplaceable.”
Potato Corner and Kalye Negosyo founder Jorge Weineke on being a dad-preneur
The DadBud Academy will be rolling out fun-filled events in the coming weeks leading up to Father’s Day, which include with an immersive high-tech play session at Robinsons Galleria’s PlayLab, a deep dive into financial literacy for families, a food festival run by small-medium business (SME) dads, and more.
So stay tuned, dads! For those who haven’t yet, join the DadBudPH community on Facebook and—as they say—“be a buddy to your fellow daddy”.
I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. (I am MAD), a nationwide nonprofit, non-governmental organization, announced it is now accepting volunteers to its ‘MAD Camps’ this year, open for all ages, especially to the Filipino youth and young professionals.
Recognized by the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, ‘MAD Camp,’ the organization’s flagship program is a three-day outreach program where it gathers volunteers to facilitate values formation activities anchored on the Department of Education’s core advocacies.
The group engages school children ages 10-12 with tasks designed to promote positive Filipino traits and inspire them to see themselves as dreamers and future leaders with a volunteer heart. Volunteers usually stay in the beneficiary school to camp. The last day is set aside for local community immersion and exploration. Know more about MAD Camp here bit.ly/madcampinfokit2023.
With a minimal contribution and on a first come, first served basis, registration is now open via bit.ly/madcamp2023reg.
“A volunteer’s registration fee to a MAD Camp is not a payment for comfort. It is an investment for a lifetime experience,” said Christian Marx Rivero, I am MAD co-founder and chairman as he emphasized that joining the volunteer work of I am MAD is not for comfort but for the lessons they will gain in making a difference together with each other and the communities it serves.
With the theme ‘Reignite the MADgic: Celebrating 13 Years of Volunteerism,’ the NGO calls on everyone to rekindle their spark in serving, relight their paths forward, reawaken their vision together with the organization, renew their individual passions, and relive the MADgic of volunteerism for the community.
This year’s MAD Camps mark the return of its full face-to-face community engagements that was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As schools and provinces reopen for face-to-face activities, I am MAD is encouraging everyone to be part of its upcoming full in-person volunteer opportunities get ‘MAD’ in the following areas of the Philippines: Albay (April 28-30), Davao Oriental (April 28-30), Sarangani (May 5-7), North Cotabato ( June 9-11), Davao de Oro (July 21-23), Nueva Ecija (August 26-28), Quezon (September 15-17), Isabela (October 20-22), Negros Occidental (November 10-12), and Bukidnon (November 24-26).
About I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc.
I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. (I am MAD) is a nationwide, volunteer-powered non-profit organization focused on mobilizing the Filipino citizens, especially the youth, in helping empower our younger generation to discover their dreams and passions, adopt a more values-oriented mindset, and eventually make a meaningful contribution to nation-building.
I am M.A.D. believes that even through our smallest positive habits and simplest acts of volunteerism, we can contribute to the betterment of our society.
The organization has been twice recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO)awardee in 2015 for its main program, I am M.A.D. Camp(under the Culture and Arts, Peace, and Human Development category); and a national finalist in 2018 for its MAD Talks events (under the Culture, Arts, and Heritage category).
PHILUSA Corporation has established itself as the partner of every Filipino home with several iconic household brands, including RHEA, MEDIPLAST, Apollo, Cleene, Babyflo, Albatross, and Gleam among others. As the 100% Filipino-owned company celebrates its 65th year, PHILUSA looks to carve new meaning in its positioning as “Katuwang ng Bawat Tahanang Pilipino.”
PHILUSA releases on social media a two-part video series, highlighting the company’s partnerships with like-minded organizations that advocate for clean water access and the reduction of ocean-bound plastic waste.
“Layunin ng PHILUSA na itaas ang kaalaman sa sustainable sanitation at proper hygiene practices, pati na rin sa tamang pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan,” says Neogin Evangelista, PHILUSA Corporation President and General Manager. “We want to empower and encourage Filipino households in bringing about positive change and making the world a safer and cleaner home for all of us.”
Plastic Bank and Coke event at Robinsons Gen. Trias, Cavite
The first video, titled “Katuwang sa Kalinisan,” follows PHILUSA’S efforts in promoting basic access to clean water, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF). Data reveal that 50.3 million Filipinos still do not have access to water sanitation facilities and services as of 2020.
To address this pressing issue, MWF has launched “WASH: Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene,” a program that promotes health and sanitation in marginalized communities. PHILUSA joins MWF in its mission to improve access to clean and potable water, as well as the promotion of proper hygiene practices in communities. PHILUSA also partners with MWF in the observance of other related programs, including Global Handwashing Day, World Toilet Day, and World Oral Health Day.
PHILUSA Team, Plastic Bank representatives, and Plastic Bank Waste Collectors
Meanwhile, the second video, titled “Katuwang sa Kalikasan,” narrates the efforts of PHILUSA in helping save the environment. According to studies, the Philippines ranks as the 3rd largest contributor of marine plastic waste.
In its bid to reduce ocean-bound plastic waste, PHILUSA joined hands with the Canada-based social enterprise Plastic Bank. The organization is committed to getting rid of ocean plastic while helping improve the lives of plastic collectors. In just a year, Philusa and Plastic Bank collected 2.5 million plastic bottles, preventing them from entering the ocean.
“Bukod sa mga nakamit na layunin ng dalawang programang ito, nais ng Philusa na ipahiwatig ang mensahe na patuloy ang laban,” says Maya Leander, PHILUSA Corporation Marketing Head. “We hope every Filipino household joins us in our continuing mission to take care of our environment and everyone else.”
The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. announced it is now accepting entries to the 71st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMA), open to all Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages.
Logo and Photo: Palanca Awards
Like last year, all submissions must be DONE ONLINE. The Carlos Palanca Foundation WILL NOT ACCEPT PRINTED AND EMAIL submissions for all categories. Authors who wish to join may submit only one (1) entry per category, as follows:
● English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;
● Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;
● Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.
The special Kabataan Division for young writers below 18 years old is also now open for entries in its two categories: Kabataan Essay (English) and Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino). Submissions must be informal (personal) essays on the theme: “Emerging out of the Pandemic, what are the most pressing issues surrounding mental health among youth and how can Society and Government help in addressing these concerns for the growth and well-being of our younger generations?” for Kabataan Essay and “Sa pagsulong mula sa Pandemya, ano ang mga pinakamabibigat na isyung pumapalibot sa kalusugan ng isip ng mga kabataan, at paano makatutulong ang Lipunan at Pamahalaan na tugunan ang mga ito para sa ikauunlad at ikabubuti ng ating mga nakababatang henerasyon?” for Kabataan Sanaysay.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS ON 31 MAY 2023.
For other inquiries and concerns, email info@palancaawards.com.ph or call (632) 8843-8277 / (632) 8478-7996. Look for Ms. Leslie Layoso or Ms. Susan Castillo.
FIBA Basketball World Cup (FIBAWC) global partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues the countdown to the world’s biggest basketball event as it unveils the official FIBAWC 2023 video on the iconic 3D billboard at the Bonifacio High Street Crosswalk (between Central Square and One Bonifacio in Bonifacio Global City).
The larger-than-life 400-square meter 3D Billboard features JIP, the official mascot of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, whose name stands for the three host nations in this year’s FIBAWC showcase: Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The launch drew quite a crowd of excited fans at the venue, giving off familiar vibes with the way people gather at 3D billboards seen at Times Square in New York City and the famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.
Ranked #40 in the world, the Philippines has gained an outright berth in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Games by being one of the host nations. This is the sixth time that the Philippines is playing on the world stage, and its second time as host nation following its hosting in 1978 where it finished in the top eight.
For basketball fans who frequent the Pioneer area along EDSA, watch out for Smart’s special FIBAWC billboard installation soon for an exciting new virtual basketball experience. To enjoy this interactive billboard with AR (augmented reality) integration, simply scan the billboard using a smartphone camera. After this, you will be redirected to an AR Instagram filter that allows you to see larger-than-life digital players dunk on an actual rim installed on the billboard.
With Smart, Filipino basketball fans can live more today with non-stop FIBA basketball action by catching all the games, including those played in the previous windows, via Smart Livestream App, which exclusively hosts live and on-demand sports, concerts, and other epic events.
Through the app, which is downloadable on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Smart subscribers can catch every minute of live basketball action when the FIBAWC 2023 games get going and get a chance to win tickets to the live games.
To enjoy the app, subscribers will only need to enter a valid Smart Prepaid or Postpaid mobile number to continue. Upon registration, users will promptly receive an OTP code via SMS, which can be used to start enjoying the features of Smart LiveStream on their smartphones.
Relive the best plays of previous FIBA WC 2023 qualifiers with Smart LiveStream powered by Smart, the Philippine winner for Best Mobile Network, Fastest Mobile Network for five years in a row, and Best Mobile Coverage as awarded by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.
Enjoy all of these and more by registering your Smart mobile numbers until April 26, 2023 at http://www.smart.com.ph/simreg.
The Easter Bunny is back in town, and she’s bringing a basket full of treats for everyone!
New World Makati Hotel is proud to announce its Easter Carnival Fun Fair, set to take place on April 9, 2023, from 9 AM to 12 NN. This exciting event promises to be a highlight of the Easter weekend, featuring a range of activities and attractions that are sure to delight both children and adults alike.
The Easter Carnival Fun Fair will be held at the hotel’s grand ballroom, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled morning in the heart of Makati. Attendees can look forward to a variety of rides, games, and attractions that have been carefully selected to appeal to kids of all ages.
Children will be thrilled to meet Blossom, the Easter Bunny, who will be making a special appearance at the fair. Blossom will be on hand to greet guests, pose for photos, and spread some Easter cheer. She will also be handing out eggs filled with surprises for everyone in attendance.
They will likewise be thoroughly entertained by the range of carnival rides on hand, including a mini carousel, various coin operated rides, and an inflatable castle. Guests can also test their skills at a variety of carnival games, such as ring toss, balloon darts, and basketball shooting. Other activities include a bubble show, balloon twisting, a fun magic show, and even some face painting!
No carnival would be complete without delicious food, and the Easter Carnival Fun Fair will not disappoint. A range of food vendors will be on-site, offering a variety of treats, including mini hot dogs, cheesy French fries, and caramel popcorn, along with Easter-themed sweets like cupcakes and chocolate mousse on chocolate egg shells.
Those who wish to join the egg-citing fair may avail of the hotel’s Stay and Play Package, available for stays from April 1 to 9, 2023. The package, with rates starting from PHP8,500++, comes with a hearty buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 11 years and below, as well as two tickets to the Easter Carnival Fun Fair.
New World Makati has something delicious in store for diners on Easter Sunday, too! Jasmine will offer a special iteration of its famous Yum Cha for Easter, replete with classic dimsum such as har gao and xiao long bao, signature Jasmine favorites like the seafood taro puff and the chicken and cheese spring roll, together with specially crafted Easter items like a cute milk cream filled bun shaped like a rabbit. Meanwhile, enjoy an upgraded selection of dishes from Café 1228 when you dine in for lunch. Children aged 11 years and below who are dining in both of these restaurants will also get access to select game booths and rides at the fair.
Take a bit of the Easter fun home with The Shop’s colorful sweet treats. Indulge in the sweetness of Easter with some delectable chocolate eggs and bunnies, available in a variety of sizes to satisfy every craving. The shop’s Easter cake, an Oreo, brownie and cream cheese confection, is also sure to delight both eyes and tastebuds.
For the forthcoming Easter season, The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Manila Bulletin, brings back HATCH – a one-of-a-kind showcase of artfully crafted Easter eggs. Displayed as a focal point of the Grand Lobby of the hotel, guests will be treated to a delightful display of novel collaboration of Filipino artists.
With the aim to promote the local art scene and highlight the creative genius of local artists, HATCH: The 5th Edition features 18 uniquely customized acrylic eggs showcasing multitude of creative styles and distinct personalities of Filipino contemporary artists who come from different disciplines. Just as the artists adapted their respective unique styles of mixed media, each Easter egg has a different story to tell.
Featured artists include: Addie Cukingnan, Agi Pagkatipuna, Al Perez, Aner Sebastian, Carlito Ortega, Carlo Magno, Cindel Tiausas, Carlos Cee Cadid, Demet dela Cruz, Migi Sebastian, Egai Fernandez, Emmanuel Nim, Jinggoy Salcedo, Margie Organo, Maria Magdamit, Migs Villanueva, Monnar Baldemor, Reen Barrera, Remy Boquiren, Roger “Rishab” Tibon.
In 2020, Manila Bulletin won the gold award for HATCH during the 55 th Anvil Awards. The exhibit moved from city to city where visitors were introduced to an exceptional showcase of Filipino artistry.
HATCH will be on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until April 23, 2023.
Everyone’s most formative memories have to do with learning to write in script. The satisfaction of looking at your immaculate, handwritten notes is something everyone can relate to even today, in the advent of technology that has taken us away from the simple act of writing with pen and paper.
Even if you can’t write that well, the sight of other people’s neatly spaced writing can still take your breath away. Here are some people whose handwriting can inspire you to pick up the pen and practice your way into becoming the scribe of your dreams.
Other than being an award-winning advertising creative, Leigh Reyes is an avid pen collector. “The thrill of acquisition does fade, and in its place the joy of discovering newness in what one already owns glows more brightly,” she writes on her website (https://leighreyes.com).
On Instagram (@leighpod) you can find evidence of her handwriting prowess, where she posts photos of handwritten notes, and gamely answers questions about all things pens and writing.
At the Manila Pen Show, she will give a workshop on 2:00 PM, March 18, titled “Mad Scientist,” and will moderate March 19’s 3:45 PM panel featuring fountain pen collectors.
Imma Frias started her calligrapher journey in 2013, and since 2014 has been an instructor at calligraphy, and penmanship from 2016. “Calligraphy is something that is therapeutic… once you get the hang of it, it’s actually soothing,” she told The Lasallian a few years back.
Take a look at her Instagram (@dyosaimma) to see her deeply satisfying works of handwritten art. At the Manila Pen Show on March 18, she will lead a Handwriting Hangout at 10:30 AM, and at 2:15 PM on March 19, host Modern Calligraphy with Flex Pens.
On Lorraine Castaneda’s Instagram (@calligraphyspot), she calls herself a “Purveyor of calligraphy appreciation, teacher of beautiful writing, and a stay-at-home time traveler.” All those things are true: her beautiful handwriting would not look any different from a passionate love letter written in the 1800s.
On March 18, 3:00 PM Castaneda will be heading a talk on Fountain Pens for Kids of All Ages, proving it is never too early to start enjoying the art of handwriting.
If you thought fountain pens could only be used by those who write in elaborate script, you haven’t seen Clement Dionglay’s Instagram (@clemdionglay). Here, she shows neatly written words in print, along with an impressive collection of pens.
Another enthusiast who likes to write in print, Pao Alfonso’s Instagram account (@the.serial.doodler) showcases her thoughts on the world of pens. “Nib preferences really do change over time. I started out preferring fine nibs, then fell in love with medium and stub nibs. Now I’ve come full circle and prefer fine nibs again.”
Pao’s drawings, accompanied by her writing, work as mini food reviews of places she’s enjoyed.
Toni Santos’ feed (@toniscalligraphy) features her calligraphy, with thoughtful handwritten quotes and song lyrics that offer inspiration and occasionally humor. Other than being a pen collector, she also collects notebooks.
On March 19, she will be heading a talk about Fountain Pens for Kids 7-12.
The Manila Pen Show takes place on March 18 to 19 from 8:00AM to 6:00PM at the 5th floor of Holiday Inn and Suites in Makati. A portion of the proceeds will go to Save the Children Philippines and their Life-Changer for Children program. For a full list of exhibitors and speakers, schedules, and general updates, please check @manilapenshow and #manilapenshow2023.
For its outstanding level of commitment to sustainable practices at the luxury level, City of Dreams Manila emerged as one of the three finalists among hundreds of global entries for the Forbes Travel Guide’s (“FTG”) inaugural 2023 Responsible Hospitality Award. Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and cruises, and the world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service.
Colleague-volunteers from different departments of City of Dreams Manila comprise the Sustainability Committee. They actively implement eco-friendly measures on property to help advance Melco’s “Above and Beyond” vision to achieve carbon neutral and zero waste resorts in all its jurisdictions of operations by 2030.
To be considered for this inaugural award, City of Dreams Manila demonstrated a commitment to responsible tourism with innovative sustainability initiatives. It proved to be a leader in both heart-of-house and guest-facing practices, such as housekeeping policies, recycling programs, eliminating single-use items and contributions to community-based conservation efforts.
“We thank Forbes Travel Guide for recognizing our eco-friendly practices at a luxury level and seamlessly integrating these into our guests’ experience. Through the vision of our parent company, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, led by our Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho, we remain committed on delivering Sustainable Luxury,” City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres shared.
The luxury resort is named one of the three global finalists for the Forbes Travel Guide inaugural 2023 Responsible Hospitality Award. The accolade recognizes the resort’s comprehensive sustainability initiatives led by Property President Geoff Andres (center, front row). With him are heads of business units involved in implementing eco-friendly initiatives, from left, front row) Executive Chef Markus Tauwald, Director of Engineering Lorgel Tabaniera, Director of Supply Chain Fulya Oguz, Vice President for Human Resources Thesz Liwanag, Deputy Director of Hotel Operations Kelly de Guia, Director of Food and Beverage Chad Ogden and Kaizen Site Leader Bernie Matubis (4th from left, 2nd row) who also heads the Sustainability Committee composed of volunteer-members from various departments (in green shirts).
The announcement was made at the fourth annual Best of the Year awards during the FTG Summit in Las Vegas in early March. For City of Dreams, the recognition comes a month after FTG awarded the integrated resort’s three hotels for the sixth time with: Five-Star (Nüwa Manila and Nüwa Spa) and Four-Star (Hyatt Regency Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila).
Alongside the yearly list of Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended properties, FTG unveiled several special awards to celebrate the exemplary properties and staff members who stand out in their service of guests and co-workers. Properties in Forbes Travel Guide’s worldwide collection were asked to submit nominations for the industry awards. An executive panel then chose the winners among hundreds of entries and named City of Dreams Manila one of three finalists for the Responsible Hospitality accolade. In last year’s Best of the Year Awards, City of Dreams was named winner of Work Here, Work Happy Award.
“Serving the world’s most elite hotels, restaurants, and spas in 81 countries, Forbes Travel Guide understands that sustainability and exceptional guest experiences must go hand in hand,” wrote Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, on the guide’s website.
The three hotels at City of Dreams also received the 2022-2024 ASEAN Green Hotel Award from the region’s tourism organizations, which recognized the resort’s eco-luxury projects on renewable energy, energy efficiency, reduction in water consumption, recycling, digitalization of processes, sustainable sourcing, and supporting local small and medium enterprises.
In 2022, the property significantly reduced the use of single-use plastics including water bottles, disposable amenity bottles, and other plastic consumables with the installation onsite of a US$370,000 NORDAQ water filtration plant and a bottling system, and using reusable, refillable pump bottles and other eco-friendly amenities in rooms.
With the 3,120 PV solar panels installed at the topmost floor of its parking building, it is the first integrated resort in the country to utilize solar solutions. The solar panels have been fully operational since the beginning of 2020 and can generate 1.2MW at full capacity. On an annual basis, the panels can generate over 1,600 MWh, which is equivalent to charging over 139 million smartphones in a year.
The property reuses treated greywater for its cooling towers to reduce water consumption, an initiative that is estimated to save about 88 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water or about 219,000 m 3 annually, from the city’s supply. Laundry wastewater is also being reused for cooling towers, the gardens, and clean latrines. It has considerably reduced food waste at the employee dining room and kitchens. through the Winnow AI technology.
The resort also practices sustainable sourcing in support of Filipino Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with 86% procured from local vendors It sources local coffee beans from farmers, roasts, blends and brews them onsite. It procures local rice that are 100% chemical-free and 100% traceable, from grain sourcing to planting and processing; sources fresh vegetable produce, many of which are hydroponically grown; and purchases responsibly-sourced seafood from local fisheries through sustainable companies whose business practices align with the property’s vision to contribute in the preservation of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities. City of Dreams Manila uses 100% cage-free eggs – known to be more food safe and more humane to animals — the first among the integrated resorts in the country to fully adopt the initiative.
Digitizing the supply chain was also prioritized with the implementation of a new P2P (purchase to pay) procurement system, allowing the property to achieve supply chain sustainability targets, such as going paperless in receiving and warehouse processes, among others.
A Sustainability Committee composed of colleagues from different departments works together to initiate and oversee sustainability projects. Trainings and employee surveys are regularly implemented to engage them in Melco’s sustainability programs, goals, and initiatives to promote awareness and drive employee responsibility.
