The Daily Tribune <<< Without Fear or Favor >>>

»HEADLINES

»NATION

TRAVEL NOTES

07/27/2008

Hyatt named Best Business Hotel in the Philippines

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila has been voted Best Business Hotel in the Philippines in the 2007 10th Annual Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards organized by Business Asia magazine. The nominees in each category are chosen by a panel of industry experts, and the winners are then determined by Business Asia readers from across the region through popular vote paper and online ballots.

After just three years of operation, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is delighted to have received its first award from Business Asia. The hotel continues to provide an inviting experience for business travelers and, combined with fine cuisine and exceptional guest service, endeavors to meet the specific preferences and needs of a discerning business traveler in search of privacy, convenience and an outstanding level of personalized service.

For inquiries, contact +63 2 245-1234, fax +63 2 247 1234, email manila.casino@hyatt.com, or visit manila.casino.hyatt.com.

InterContinental names new director

InterContinental Manila is proud to announce the appointment of its new director of sales and marketing, Ma. Correa Aquino. Aquino brings with her extensive knowledge and experience in sales and marketing. Her passion for the industry is evident in her 17 years of being a hotelier. Starting as a reservations clerk, she worked her way to being an account manager, assistant sales manager, director of sales and director of marketing in notable hotels in Manila. Aquino will oversee all sales and marketing activities, as well as generate revenue for the hotel. Her proactive and optimistic outlook makes her a welcome addition to the team.

New hotel properties announce key appointments

HSAI-Raintree, the management company of Hotel Venezia in Legazpi, Albay and the Discovery Bay Misibis, Cagraray Island in Albay, Bicol, announced the appointments of key executives to the two new properties. They are Augusto Lontok as general manager, Ian Varona as resident manager and Bing Gillespie as director of sales. The new executive appointments bring a solid experience to steer Hotel Venezia and Discovery Bay Misibis to new heights.

Lontok has more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry both here and for known international chains abroad. In his new position, he will report to Jose Parreño Jr., vice president for Resorts and concurrent general manager of Discovery Shores Boracay. Previously, Lontok served as director of operations for Discovery Suites. Lontok will oversee overall operations of both Hotel Venezia and Discovery Bay Misibis. Lontok graduated from the Hotel Management School of Les Roches in Switzerland.

Gillespie first joined the Discovery Group as a marketing assistant in 1999, and since 2001 has occupied various positions in the sales department. She has participated in several internal and external executive programs and training activities in line with her career development. She is a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the University of the Philippines. Before re-joining the Discovery Group, Gillespie was director of sales and marketing for a leading resort in Baguio.

Varona was previously division head of business development and community relations of El Nido before his new appointment. He brings with him an extensive experience in strategic planning, handling special projects and crisis management. Varona is currently working on an MBA-Regis Program from the Ateneo de Manila-Graduate School of Business and is a PADI certified diver and medic first aid instructor.

Richmonde Hotel offers special rate for balikbayans

Whether for business or leisure, The Richmonde Hotel is your home away from home. Balikbayans can now experience this distinct brand of hospitality for only P4,400++ for a deluxe room, P4,700++ for a junior suite, P5,200++ for a one-bedroom suite and P6,300++ for a two-bedroom suite. For every seven nights booked, a gift certificate for an overnight stay in a room of the same category comes absolutely free! All room rates are good for one to two adults (up to three adults for two-bedroom suite bookings) and children five years old and below. Rates also come with buffet breakfast, free use of the Health Club facilities, such as the gym, indoor pool and steam and sauna rooms, discounts on airport pick-up/drop-off, transportation services, broadband Internet access, massage services, salon services from Head Zone, food and beverage orders at the Richmonde Grill, Exchange Bar and room service and an Eastwood City Tourist Privilege Card. One- and two-bedroom suites are equipped with a full-service kitchen and dining facilities, in addition to the living room area. Call (632) 638-7777 or call Room Reservations direct at (632) 689-8411 to 12.

Rendezvous in style at Discovery Shores’ Sandbar

Discovery Shores Boracay offers the most scenic and panoramic views on the over four-km stretch of palm-studded and crystalline White Beach, acclaimed as one of the Top Ten Beaches of the World. As a distinguished member of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World – the very select collection of prime hotels and resorts, offering their distinct Six Star service with a fully dedicated staff, Discovery Shores remains unmatched by its competitors in terms of service excellence and attention to detail.

Discovery Shores’ Sandbar is furnished with a first-class bar and lounge area that takes the comfortable indoors right on the beach. The Sandbar’s Sunset Shindigs offer a special Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. daily on your favorite cocktails where you can enjoy a complimentary drink for every order of gin tonic, vodka tonic and rum coke, your choice of passionfruit, mango and lychee mojitos, and traditional margaritas for only P270++ (house pour only; all prices are subject to service charge and applicable government taxes).

Contact the Manila Sales and Reservations office at (63 2) 683-8238/683-8222 local 3929/3438 or Boracay at (63 36) 288-4500/(63 2) 720-8888 or visit www.discoveryshoresboracay.com.