Come one, come all for a day loaded with fun and games at Diamond Hotel Philippines’ EASTER FUNLAND on April 9, 2023 from 10am to 3pm. At Php1,000 net per person, there’s something for kids and kids-at-heart with the line-up of Easter activities at the Diamond Ballroom and 2nd Floor Function Rooms such as: Arcade Games, Inflatables, Bubble Show, Face Painting, Kids’ Salon, Photo Booth, Puppet Show, Little Chef, Glitter Tattoo and Lootbag giveaways.
To delight the guests, the hotel will prepare a delectable culinary spread available for sale at the Ballroom foyer. Guests can have their fill of delicious snack bites such as freshly baked cookies, sandwiches, spaghetti, chicken shawarma wrap, mini pizzas, popcorn and a whole lot more!
Ticketholders are entitled to join the raffle for a chance to win Roundtrip Airline Tickets to any local destination for two persons via Cebu Pacific! Also at stake are gift certificates from Diamond Hotel Philippines.
Tickets for the Diamond Hotel Easter Funland Event are available for sale now until April 9, 2023. For ticket inquiries call (632) 8528-3000 ext. 8461. You may purchase at the hotel lobby or online at onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com.
Book the Easter Staycation Package from April 1-9, 2023 and get ready to have an amazing family staycation. Rate starts at Php7,500 nett for an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of one (1) FREE ticket (per room, per stay) to the Easter event on April 9. Stay also includes buffet breakfast for two at Corniche, wifi access, use of the Health Club and Spa, access to the swimming pool, 20% discount at Corniche and 20% discount on massage.
Room packages are applicable to local residents only. Prior reservation is required. Offers may not be availed in conjunction with any other promotions or discounts. For room reservations, call (632) 8528-3000 ext. 1141.
Travel is back in full swing, and according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), the country’s air passengers quadrupled to 15.93 million for domestic trips alone for the first nine months of 2022, and 6.3 million for international, increasing threefold from 2021.
Bet you also caught the travel bug! Whether you go local or international this summer, it’s always best to be prepared. Here are tips on how you can plan that well-deserved summer trip:
Prepare a rough budget. Before planning any vacation, the responsible thing to do is to come up with a rough estimate of all your expected expenses for the trip. No need to go into too much detail yet, but make sure to prepare estimates of the major costs such as transportation, accommodations, food, attraction fees, shopping, insurance, and many more as this would already help you create a ballpark figure you can set aside.
Check your travel documents. Despite the easing of travel restrictions, certain destinations still have additional safety requirements for entry. Always research on these requirements and check if you need to update or secure new travel documents. For local travel, prepare your vaccination card, while international trips call for updated passports and visas, as needed.
Do some initial research. Everyone has different travel styles – some prefer to plan their trips down to the last minute, while some prefer to go with the flow. Regardless of your preference, do some quick research on your destination to arm with you with essential information such as the season during the visit, if the locals speak English (maybe learn a few helpful phrases!), the local currency, important cultural sensitivities, etc. These will come in handy when you work on your daily itinerary nearer your trip, as you’ll be more aware of the parameters you’ll need to work with.
Plan with peace of mind. Traveling is fun until the unforeseen happens. That’s why it is strongly advised to get travel insurance for you and your loved ones. It protects you from travel inconveniences throughout your trip such as delayed flights, lost suitcases, last-minute cancellations of flights, and medical emergencies, depending on the plan or variant you choose.
Smart Traveller, AXA Philippines’ comprehensive travel insurance, is designed for you to enjoy every moment with your family and friends. It offers 24/7 emergency travel assistance for round-the-clock travel and medical support anywhere and has top-tier medical coverage for expenses such as hospital costs, doctors’ professional fees, and more in case you suffer injury or illnesses during your trip.
With Smart Traveller, you can also file a claim for reimbursements of pre-booked, non-refundable travel expenses in case of trip cancellations or postponement, while offering protection for your personal belongings in case of loss and damage.
Smart Traveller’s Classic and Elite variants are also Schengen-accredited, so you can tick this off your visa requirements as well. You can also get additional savings when purchasing this product for two or more people, and if you are a frequent traveler, AXA has annual plans you can avail of as well.
In a bid to promote safer and more accessible roads in the country, SM Cares and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently launched their joint “Share the Road” campaign that aims to educate road transport stakeholders on the importance of sharing the road. The launch was held last March 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
Among the key individuals who attended the event were DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista, DOTr Usec. for Road Transport and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Steven Pastor, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo. Representatives from various active transport groups were also present, including transport advocacy group Move as One Coalition’s co-convener Dr. Robbie Siy.
The “Share the Road” campaign is an information, education, and communication campaign that seeks to promote a culture of sharing the road among Filipinos, regardless of their preferred mode of transport, through a change in mindset. It is centered on a video that communicates road sharing guidelines and road safety tips in a way that’s fun and easy to understand, narrated by no other than Kim Atienza.
“From respecting road rules, to understanding that everyone has the same rights as us, there are a number of things that we need to remember so we can enable a culture of sharing the road,” said Tan.
“We need every Filipino to adopt and accept the mindset that every cyclist, every pedestrian, has an equal share on the road,” said Usec. Pastor. “More importantly, we need private sector partners like SM to help us expand our horizon, to help us make people understand what we’re trying to achieve. The culture should change now.”
“This event shall reaffirm the Department’s partnership with SM to intensify and strengthen our information and education campaign for the benefit and empowerment of active transport users across the country,” said Sec. Bautista.
Near the end of the event, SM and DOTr led by their representatives recited a Pledge of Commitment to reaffirm the partnership and vowed to continue pushing for enhanced and wider coverage in promoting the active transport agenda, and for activities that will enable more educated and disciplined road users.
Through the joint initiative, SM Cares supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being” and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
Other initiatives in line with promoting road safety are dedicated bike lanes in key SM Malls, expanded parking areas for bikes, 24-hour vending machine stations where riders can purchase tools and refreshments, and service repair stations that bikers can use free of charge, as well as continuous information, education, and communication campaigns focused on road safety and motorist etiquette.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the creation of bike-friendly SM Malls, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, and Senior Citizens.
Holistic wellness, relaxation, and much-needed private sanctuary has returned home to its premier address as Chi, The Spa returns with enhanced facilities, featured brand partners, and an elevated program of spa treatments for our discerning urbanites.
On March 9, 2023 Chi, The Spa, Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s premier day spa reopened its doors with its full collection of wellness journeys, signature massages, and facial and body treatments. To mark its return, a short program format – Chi Chats, featuring wellness keynote speakers Elizabeth Abela and Tet Fojas Bachmann took an intimate group of guests on a quick guide to wellness fundamentals: the quality of sleep and how to get there; and the mindfulness of breathwork. Self-care being among the primary takeaways of the last couple of years, Chi The Spa’s return includes the launch of a healing journey with invitational Chi Chats resource speakers and specialists that will enable members and guests towards their holistic wellness goals.
With a comprehensive menu of treatments, Chi, The Spa’s selection includes facial and body treatments with brand partner, Algotherm. A French marine cosmetics brand with over 55 years of industry mastery on skin care and beauty with its in-depth study, selection, and assembly in what is now known as Algotherapy. A haven for not only wellness but beauty inside and out, Chi, The Spa also features New Lounge with facilities and innovative amenities on eyelash technology and nail spa treatments promoting confidence and empowerment right down to every minute lash flutter.
Embrace Your Chi
Visit Chi, The Spa and learn more about our enhanced offers, from A Little Time with Chi wellness journeys, massage therapy, to signature facial and body treatments.
Among its unique offers are treatments that blend tradition, culture, and innovation. The Traditional Philippine Hilot is an ancient traditional Filipino massage that uses banana or tuba-tuba leaves to release any obstruction to energy flow, pushes out toxins, hold changes in temperature and prevent external elements (wind or cold) from entering the body. The treatment includes the use of virgin coconut oil with ylang ylang or lemongrass scent. Traditional Philippine Hilot starts with a Foot Bath “Suob,” followed by Head and Shoulder Massage “Hingut-an,” gentle patting dry of the feet, the Hilot massage and soothing ginger tea to end the 120-minute relaxing respite.
From the deep roots of Philippine massage therapy, Chi, The Spa also serves as the haven for the unique Traditional and Royal Hammam body treatments. This enchanting old-world tradition has been transported to Chi, The Spa’s carefully curated facilities – a private refuge elegantly covered with a heated marble-topped ‘bathing slab’, cold wall panels, bathtub, and private shower and changing room. Hammam is traditional bath which may be traced to meanings related to heat or heating. Commonly referred to a Turkish Bath, it is a full body treatment that captures a reviving body scrub and a foam massage to soften muscles and refresh the mind, body, and soul. Guests can enjoy an exfoliating scrub and relaxing foam massage designed to help blood circulation, revive skin and release tension. This ritual succession was created to draw deep impurities, detoxify, invigorate, and relax the whole body.
Chi, The Spa is open to all hotel guests, outside customers and wellness afficionados. It offers a wealth of other treatments that draw inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being. It is a private sanctuary of calm, personal space and timelessness.
Nestled within Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Garden Wing, this private luxury spa features an exclusive entrance for ultimate privacy and convenience of guests. It also features a variety of single, double and specialty treatment suites, outdoor bathing facilities, relaxation lounges, a library, and a yoga studio.
Chi, The Spa at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila is open daily from 9am to 11pm. For reservations, please call (63 2) 8633 8888 extension 7777 or e-mail chi.esl@shangri la.com.
The pressing need of Metro Manila urbanites over the past decade for a setting that would quickly reconnect them to nature has driven the expansion of Seda Nuvali from a boutique hotel to a 356-room resort-like property. Its new tower offers suites, a ballroom, additional meeting venues, and a bigger and better gym, children’s playroom and Game Room.
Through the upgraded Skyway and South Luzon Expressway systems and the connecting high-speed Cavite-Laguna expressway, families and friends seeking a respite from crowded Metro Manila can be in Laguna’s premier lifestyle destination in less than one hour. Many head to Seda Nuvali for a quick staycation in a resort-like environment, celebrate events like weddings and corporate milestones or engage in team-building activities.
For families on a weekend getaway the highlights of a Seda Nuvali visit since its opening in 2014 have included riding a boat and feeding Koi fish on the lake, going through Nuvali’s bike and hike trails and simply taking in the unspoiled surroundings.
With the opening of the new wing of the hotel, the Seda Nuvali experience can now also include more hours in the bigger child-friendly swimming pools with areas segregated for toddlers and for older children wishing to practice their strokes. The Pool Bar will also be an added amenity. The children’s playroom, game room and even the gym have likewise been expanded and updated with new learning centers, gadgets and exercise machines. For groups marking events, the Narra Ballroom was designed to accommodate up to 400 guests and even allow cocktails and exhibits in a new pre-event area once it opens on the 2nd quarter of the year.
Melissa Carlos, Seda Hotels’ senior group director of Sales and Marketing, assures: “Lakeside ceremonies and activities beside the Nuvali lake, that also serves as a reservoir, remain an option for guests seeking calming water views for wedding ceremonies and other group activities.”
The core of the Seda Nuvali experience, nevertheless, is the hotel’s 356 contemporary guest rooms and suites now spread out over two towers. General Manager Armand Angeles emphasizes the addition of four types of suites – the Suite, Executive Suite, Family Suite and soon – the Seda Suite. The Family Suite has a master bedroom with a tub, a children’s room, and separate living area, and is ideal for staycationing families especially during long weekends and extended holidays.
But Angeles discloses that the suites are also highly popular with the business travelers that occupy the hotel during weekdays as they do business with clients in the surrounding industrial parks and other manufacturing facilities within Calabarzon.
He adds: “We have the best of both worlds – guests seeking leisure time over the weekend as well as travelers on business mostly on weekdays.” He discloses that Seda Nuvali is set to undergo more improvements in line with the increasing needs of both markets.
What has remained unchanged is the brand of service Seda provides to guests and its desire to always delight the customer. “We believe in weaving together destination, service and value for a remarkable hospitality experience,” notes Angeles.
Airbnb today revealed that its Host community in the Philippines is its second-largest women-powered Host community in the worldafter New Zealand. Women make up for two-thirds of all Airbnb Hosts* in the country — proof that Filipinas are powering the local tourism industry now more than ever.
Known for their iconic warmth and hospitality, Filipinos – and especially Filipinas – are increasingly contributing to the country’s tourism economy by welcoming travelers into their homes, and employing fellow women to support them in their daily operations. Hosting is also providing a significant financial opportunity amidst rising costs of living, with Filipina Hosts collectively earning over Php 2.5 billion in 2022*.
Featuring Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Mich Goh, Mayor of Quezon City Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer Noelle Wenceslao, Airbnb Host and content creator Colleen Vidal, and Airbnb Senior Communications Manager for Southeast Asia Cheryl Tay (Photo: Airbnb)
Women are a cornerstone in Airbnb’s guest and Host community and comprise 55% of all Hosts globally.* They also comprise 40% of Airbnb’s 1 million Superhosts**, who provide guests with outstanding hospitality in more than 200 countries and territories. Solo travel is also gaining momentum in the Philippines. In the Philippines, 56% of all solo traveler nights in 2022 were booked by women.
Timed to International Women’s Month this year, Airbnb is celebrating the growing role of women in driving greater equity in the Philippines travel and tourism industry. The global hospitality platform today launched its inaugural #WomenInTravel industry dialogue discussing how travel is challenging stereotypes and breaking boundaries, as more Filipinas take action to uplift and empower new generations of Filipinas in the travel and tourism industry.
Speakers included Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City; Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative; Noelle Wenceslao, Philippine Coast Guard officer, mountaineer, and the first Filipina to summit Mount Everest; and Colleen Vidal, tourism entrepreneur, Airbnb Host, and Filipina content creator.
Highlighting the importance of Airbnb’s women-powered Host community in the Philippines, Mich Goh,Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan said, “Women Hosts are playing an increasingly pivotal role in the travel and tourism sector, and especially in the Philippines. We are heartened to see more and more women open their homes to travelers and provide the authentic hospitality that Filipinos are renowned for. As more Pinays step up to lead our Host communities and share hosting tips with one another, we remain committed to supporting and growing our Pinay Host community and ensuring that their roles in contributing to the industry are recognized.”
Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City shared, “Quezon City is committed to ensuring that every woman is recognized, empowered and celebrated through various initiatives that promote economic empowerment, equality in business and livelihood opportunities for all genders, including women tourism entrepreneurs. We will continue to be a leader and model of local governance to create a society that is inclusive and unbiased. We look forward to industry players such as Airbnb supporting our goal to make Quezon City and the Philippines a go-to destination, with women at the forefront of tourism development.”
Echoing the need to drive more visibility of Filipinas in the tourism industry, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative Anne Jeaneth Casalme added, “The Philippine Commission on Women fully supports initiatives to empower Filipinas in the tourism sector. We are excited to see companies like Airbnb showcasing their expertise in tourism development and promotion of women entrepreneurship in the country while advocating the safety of women tourism travelers. We look forward to more discussions on women’s sector development with the private sector in the country.”
Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer Noelle Wenceslao added, “Throughout my years in the Coast Guard, I’ve worked alongside so many diverse and strong women, including a two-time Olympian, a world champion dragon boat paddler, women rescue divers and bomb squad members. To top it off, they are mothers – proving that stereotypes exist only if we allow them to.” On being the first Filipino to summit Everest, Noelle shared that she drew strength by looking at the journey as her ‘highest’ goal, “I believe everyone has their own Mount Everest, an ultimate goal we want to achieve. It took me three years of preparation and three months on expedition to spend just thirty minutes on the summit, but it meant so much that the long preparation was nothing compared to what I felt when I conquered it.”
Colleen Vidal, Airbnb Host, and content creator, shared her journey from content creator to travel entrepreneur, “When I first started creating travel content, I wanted to share tips to guide my followers on how best to plan their vacations. Along the way, I realised that I could provide these very accommodations and activities – and that’s how my journey as a tourism entrepreneur came about. Throughout the years that I have called Siargao my home, I have learned that us locals make up its very soul. Promoting the island’s travel offerings has meant giving back more economic opportunities to local communities, while also helping tourists experience what Siargao is all about.”
*Based on internal Airbnb data from January to December 2022 **Refers to Hosts who held Superhosts status and identified themselves as women as of September 30, 2022
After staying at home for such a long time due to the pandemic, it is no surprise that we are all raring to go on those vacations and staycations that we feel we’ve missed out on. As the revenge travel continues to pick up, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts promises to bring you further convenience and flexibility this 2023 with their latest offerings, whether it’s in Go Hotels, Summit Hotels, or Grand Summit Hotel.
Maximize your stay with GO24/7
Taking away the time constraints on your booking and stay are the GO24/7 and GO365. The GO24/7 skips the standard check-in and check-out times, allowing you to choose what time you’ll check in and check out so you can better plan your itinerary and fully enjoy the day rate you paid for your room! All you need to do is make a reservation 72 hours prior to your stay and they will make sure that your room is ready upon your arrival.
Photo courtesy of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts
This offer will initially be available in seven Go Hotels properties: Otis-Manila, Puerto Princesa, Mandaluyong, Lanang-Davao, Iloilo, Dumaguete, and Tacloban while the other Robinsons Hotels and Resorts properties are also in the pipeline. You can avail of this offer via e-mail bookings, direct calls, and the Go Hotels booking engine starting March 2, 2023.
Grab the best deals with GO365
If you love planning ahead to catch the best deals on your travels, you can also take advantage of GO365! This allows you to book your stay in advance from at least 15 days before your chosen dates to a maximum of 365 days and secure the rate from the day of booking.
“This way, you get to avail 10% savings on the best available rate without having to worry about not being able to book rooms and to take advantage of discounts or special offers at the time of booking,” says Joy de Mesa, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Group Director of Sales and Marketing.
The GO365 will be available across Go Hotels, Go Hotels Plus, Summit Hotels, and Grand Summit, by booking directly via the website. The offer will also roll out this March 2, 2023.
Another offer to further the convenience in booking your stay with Robinsons Hotels and Resorts is GO ONLINE which will roll out soon on Messenger and Viber. Through the chatbots, you can now book your stay or purchase vouchers for gifting in a jiffy, making the booking process easier on top of the convenience that their RHR App already provides.
The much-coveted 5-Star Award from the Forbes Travel Guide has just been awarded to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila for the seventh year in a row! Even with the challenges the industry had to face due to the pandemic, the “Philippines’ First Sky Hotel” continues to deliver world-class services to its guests– from its luxurious rooms and facilities to its lineup of premier dining outlets.
As the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, guests can expect the most meticulous standards when it comes to the Forbes Travel Guide’s rating system. And being awarded with another 5-star Award, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is one of the few hotels in the country that are on par with the elite hotels in the world.
Photo courtesy of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
“It is an honor to receive this prestigious award for the seventh consecutive year. We are thankful to our team for the hard work and exceptional service they provide every day, as well as our valued guests for supporting this journey,” said Colin Healy, General Manager of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. “We will continue to give back and be of service for our guests to explore, discover, and experience the best of Philippine hospitality.”
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila gives back through generous promos.
To give back to its guests, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is offering a celebratory promo with the Bed and Breakfast rate starting from a Deluxe Room. This includes breakfast for two; club access; an automatic upgrade to the next room category; special Forbes chocolates as a turn-down amenity; and 20% off in the top-quality Continental and Asian buffet at Cucina, the authentic Cantonese cuisine at the award-winning Lung Hin restaurant, and the signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge. The booking period runs until March 10, 2023, and can be used until May 31, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
If you fancy Afternoon Tea, the country’s first Sky Hotel also offers a package for two with your choice of their signature English or Asian tea at P1,265, available until March 31, 2023.
Furthermore, the hotel will be holding a Thank You Raffle for a Superior Room overnight stay and seven exclusive benefits to boot:
Continental Club lounge access.
Afternoon Tea for two at the Connect Lounge with two glasses of Prosecco.
A 30-minute complimentary spa service for two.
20% off in all dining outlets.
A P1,000 voucher at Café Pronto offering beverages, pastries, and sandwiches.
A bottle of red wine and selected artisan chocolates.
A free upgrade on the next staycation via direct booking.
What are you waiting for? Make the most of your next hotel stay and book with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila to score these exciting promos on top of that 5-star award-winning hotel experience!
The Marco Polo Ortigas Manila towers over the Ortigas area in Pasig City with its 45-floor structure. For reservations, call (+632) 7720 7777 or visit marcopolohotels.com. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram to be updated on their latest offerings and promos.
Nüwa at City of Dreams Manila retains its Five-Star rating both for the hotel and the NüwaSpa in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG). Both are honored by the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises in this year’s Star Awards which are announced today on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
Nüwa Manila and Nüwa Spa maintained their FTG ratings for the sixth and fourth consecutive years, respectively, since 2018, contributing to the 17 Five-Star awards and total of 97 stars achieved in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide by Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s (Melco) portfolio of integrated resort properties in Macau and Manila, across its entire hotel, dining, and spa facilities.
FTG is the world-renowned authority on excellence in hospitality, evaluating properties based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. Its global team of inspectors are anonymous and inspect both service and facility.
Melco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lawrence Ho said, “We thank FTG sincerely for the honors. The accolade highlights Melco’s continued dedication to providing guests with exceptional hospitality across our Hotels, Restaurants and Spas. While pandemic-related challenges have indeed been felt over the past few years, we are ready to welcome back the steady influx of tourists to our global resort properties by further enhancing Melco’s signature culture of service excellence with dedication and commitment. We also anticipate extending our service excellence to more guests from the world over at Melco’s soon-to-open Studio City Phase 2 and City of Dreams Mediterranean.”
City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres shared, “It is a distinct honor for our three hotels and the Nüwa Spa to be consistently recognized in the illustrious annual Forbes Star Rating list, as this achievement affirms our commitment to provide luxury service. I thank and commend our colleagues for warmly demonstrating our commitment to service excellence very single day.”
City of Dreams Manila’s two other luxury hotels, Hyatt Regency Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila which earned their sixth Four-Star rating this year are also showcased with other 2023 Star Award honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com .
“Travel is in an incredible position for continued growth, as people prioritize authentic, in-person experiences,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “The hotels, ocean cruises, restaurants and spas on our 2023 Star Rating list demonstrate an impressive commitment to creating memorable environments that nurture connection, joy and sense of place as we experience the world to its fullest.”
For more information on City of Dreams Manila’s 2023 Star awardees call (63 2) 8800-8080 or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.
The Philippine capital joins Tokyo, Bangkok, and Singapore among this year’s most popular Valentine’s Day getaways in Asia, according to Agoda. To pay homage to these and other romantic hotspots in the top 14 searched destinations, Agoda commissioned AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT to compose unique poems.
For the Pearl of the Orient, ChatGPT’s love note reads:
Manila, city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist. A place of beauty and diversity, where the heart of the Philippines persists
Being the hot new thing, recently introduced chatbot ChatGPT already has millions falling in love with its capabilities. When asked by Agoda to channel its inner artificial intelligence-Shakespeare the chatbot composed lines like ‘From Pad Thai to Tom Yum Goong, Bangkok’s food is a taste that lingers on’ (Bangkok, Thailand), ‘With every visit, I’m captured whole, in this gem of India, I find my goal’ (Goa, India), and ‘Mount Fuji in the distance, a sight to behold. Tokyo, a city that never gets old’ (Tokyo, Japan).
Using ChatGPT to compose poetry may be a gimmick, but the artificial intelligence technology powering the chatbot is beyond promising, said Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer of Agoda: “We’re all about hassle-free travel at Agoda and a technological leap like this has a lot of potential to further enhance the booking experience on digital travel platforms. We’ll be paying close attention as Agoda is already among the frontrunners exploring how technology can be applied in a practical way to help make travel more accessible to all.”
Lovebirds in the Asia Pacific are opting to spend time together in energetic cosmopolitan cities this Valentine’s Day, with eight of the top ten destinations being city-based trips. Other destinations where Cupid’s arrow meets its target include beach destinations like Bali, Goa, Da Nang, and Dubai. For each destination, Agoda asked ChatGPT to pay tribute in the form of a poem, which has then in some cases been translated by the chatbot to the destination’s local language.
Sweet Serenades for the top 14
1. Tokyo ‘Mount Fuji in the distance, a sight to behold. Tokyo, a city that never gets old’
2. Bangkok ‘From Pad Thai to Tom Yum Goong, Bangkok’s food is a taste that lingers on’
3. Singapore ‘The Gardens by the Bay, a wonderland. A nature’s beauty, so close at hand’
4. Bali ‘The beaches are a tropical paradise, with waves that gently roll. A place to find true serenity, and leave the world’s woes a whole’
5. Hong Kong ‘With dragon dances, dimsum delight, it’s a place of endless wonder and might’
6. Taipei ‘Temples ancient, yet revered with care. A glimpse of Taiwan’s rich cultural flair’
7. Seoul ‘A place where the past and present cower. A city that’s forever in the hour’
8. Manila ‘Manila, city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist. A place of beauty and diversity, where the heart of the Philippines persists’
9. Kuala Lumpur ‘Kuala Lumpur, a city of pride. A destination, always worldwide’
10. Goa ‘With every visit, I’m captured whole, in this gem of India, I find my goal’
11. Dubai ‘With sun-kissed sands and waters so blue, it’s the perfect place for me and you’
12. Macau ‘From ruins of St. Paul’s to casinos bright, its rich history, on every street in sight’
13. Da Nang ‘Da Nang, city of the sea. Where sun and sand meet endlessly’
14. London
‘We’ll take a stroll through Hyde Park’s green, and create memories that will always be seen’
