Wow The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27!

It is going to be an exciting week for The Manila Hotel!

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 nett per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts. I'm getting hungry while typing this!

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

Launched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was live-streamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via live stream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operate in strict compliance with health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach interviews “candidates” seeking to join online ESL platform 51Talk!

Pia Wurtzbach interviews candidates who wish to be part of online English platform 51Talk. The live stream, with hints of a reality and talent show, aims to attract 30,000 new online English teachers to join the platform.

Manila, Philippines – 51Talk, together with their new Philippine brand ambassador, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, held its first-ever live stream interview via Facebook after hundreds of aspiring online English teachers signed-up to get a chance to be part of the show. The live stream is part of 51Talk’s campaign to invite qualified Filipinos who are interested to take advantage of the 30,000 home-based online teaching opportunities offered by 51Talk where people can teach, learn and most importantly – earn.

Listed in the New York Stock Exchange, 51Talk is the leading online English education platform that connects thousands of Filipino teachers to foreign English language learners via an interactive virtual classroom.

More than 70,000 viewers tuned in and joined the fun and inspiring live stream which allowed them to learn more about the teaching at home opportunity and acquainted them with the application process that can be completed in as fast as three days. Pia interviewed nine pre-selected candidates from different backgrounds who shared their heartwarming stories on how they found hope in 51Talk after losing their jobs or livelihood.

Several of the candidates expressed how the pandemic has affected their current livelihood, especially those who belong to the travel and events industries.

Paula, a professional dancer, and instructor who has been performing and teaching for 14 years had a lot of her events and classes canceled due to COVID-19. She came across the 51Talk online teaching opportunity and decided to give it a shot since she has teaching experience.

“I want to be able to translate my teaching skills from dance and performance arts into teaching English. I just love sharing what I know and see my students grow into the best versions of themselves,” shared Paula.

Trina, a professional events host, found herself in the same boat as a lot of her hosting gigs were canceled or postponed indefinitely.

“While the situation we are in can be very disheartening, I decided to try out as a 51Talk teacher and I’m happy that I made it to this fun interview with no less than Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach!” exclaimed Trina. Trina gave the viewers a taste of her fun, entertaining energy as she sang songs both in English and Chinese

Pearl, another one of the candidates, candidly shared how the past few months have been very tough for those in the travel industry. She was about to return as a flight attendant after her maternity leave but her retraining was put on hold as travel restrictions are still in place. Having no income, Pearl said she had to find a stable and sustainable livelihood that would allow her to help her husband, especially now that they have their first child.

“When I learned about the opportunity in 51Talk, it gave me hope and made me revisit my childhood dream of becoming an educator,” shared Pearl. “Even if I don’t have any teaching experience, I didn’t hesitate to sign-up. I borrowed my sister’s laptop just so I could apply. I’m very excited to start teaching in 51Talk.”

According to 51Talk teacher Angelo Lex who co-hosted the show, being an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher is very profitable as he gets to earn at the comfort and safety of his own home in his preferred schedule. He also shared his excitement when he learned of the platform’s recent announcement about the 20 million pesos incentive program exclusively for 51Talk teachers this month.

Pia felt ecstatic and inspired since this is her first stint in interviewing candidates online. “It’s a humbling experience to interview such incredible candidates from all walks of life, to hear their unique stories, and to witness how talented and passionate they all are,” shared Pia.

Towards the end of the show, Pia said she was moved after hearing the story of one of the candidates, Pearl, the flight attendant who borrowed her sister’s laptop just so she could sign-up to be a teacher at 51Talk. Pia surprised everyone as she decided to personally give Pearl a laptop to help her get started in her online teaching career.  Wow!

“We see your hard work and we’re very sorry for what you’re going through as a young mom. I find you very engaging and who has so much potential,” said Pia.

Aspiring online English teacher Pearl became emotional when Pia Wurtzbach surprisingly announced she would give Pearl a laptop so she can start earning from home to support her family. Pearl was a flight attendant who lost her job but found hope in 51Talk.

“It’s such an honor to represent 51Talk as their brand ambassador and to be able to connect to thousands of Filipinos through this live stream. I hope it inspired them and gave them joy.”

Pia considers empowering Filipinos as her top advocacy, now more than ever when thousands of Filipinos have lost their livelihood due to the pandemic.

“I am encouraging all qualified individuals to sign-up and to seize this wonderful livelihood opportunity. See you in our next live stream!” exclaimed Pia.

Next month, 51Talk will be doing another round of interviews with a new set of candidates via their official Facebook page. To get a chance to be interviewed, showcase your talent, and have a #DateWithPiaAt51Talk, sign-up via 51Talk’s website at www.51Talk.ph.

(This is a press release.)

K-HIPHOP indie artist, JUNGSU releases new single "Need Ya Now" !

I've always been amazed by Korean performers especially their rigorous training. They are famous labels and groups and it's my first time to encounter a Korean Hip-hop singer invading the American music scene! 

His name is JungSu. He released his new hit single "Need Ya Now" on July 7, 2020, at 7 PM (Pacific Standard Time). When you listen to the new track, the song reflects the intense need of every person asking for God's help and mercy. The impact of the line, "Free me from all things scheming to hurt me," listeners may respond the same to the pleading sentiments of the character asking for forgiveness for the wrongs he had done in life. I just listened to it and I'll definitely press the repeat button not only once but a couple of times!

He is a new hip-hop and R&B musician who made his debut in April 2019. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, he moved to Los Angeles and lived there since the young age of 8. He had his first encounter with rap in an 8th-grade mathematics class, where his teacher asked them to memorize the value of Pi (π). Who would have thought that one day, it will bring him to where he is now. Amazing right?

He always keeps his music consistent. JUNGSU, being Christian, an element of his songs has a prominent significance for God. His songs are soothing, and adding warm to them is his deep-toned voice that goes so well with his style in music.

Have a taste of the song of JUNGSU's "Need Ya Now" on Spotify.

{Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZP4qo03jF0wE29b1oEimQ?si=ha7_XTe9QYKG38_pIi2AZw}

He will continue to develop as an artist in the Korean hip-hop music scene and to create his own path. You will definitely be going to fall in love with his music so you better watch him out.

Follow JUNGSU online to keep you updated:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jungsubak SoundCloud – https://soundcloud.com/jungsubak Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/jungsubak

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ohokrJMkcaqza2gpFjSGF

Apple Music/iTunes – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jungsu/1457526211

You can hear one of his tracks "Off My Chest" on his official YouTube channel:

{Link: https://youtu.be/e7m1Q-Thsmw}

◼

SURA: Your next fashion statement!

With so many clothing brands that are being introduced in the market, you feel like you want something unique but at the same time, the style has cultural roots.

Let me introduce to you Sur Unida Raza Apparel or SURA.

It is a Mexican-American brand established in 2018 by Flaca, founder and the brain of this Cholo style of clothing.

*What is Cholo clothing?

The first time that I heard Cholo was in highschool. I thought that it was a modern word but later on I found that it already existed in 1609! And to think that the ‘oversized’ and baggy aesthetic that everyone is getting crazy about is actually Cholo clothing!

This amazing discovery makes me more curious about this fashion style!

*The birth of SURA

 Flaca, who was in Mexico in 2018, went shopping around a local vendor. When she decided to come back to Dallas, she immediately drew the attention of others with the clothes that she wears. The people surprisingly even offered to buy her clothes off her back!

That’s when she got the idea to start Sur Unida Raza Apparel, SURA for short.

*Dream Come True

Flaca excitedly then opens her first shop at a local flee shop in Dallas, where immediately, her apparel was flying off her racks and with questions like, “When will you be back?” “Do you have an online store?” “When will you have more?” “Can you do custom designs?”

This positive feedback encourages her to expand her business!

Flaca has just opened up her online store and she is excited to see what the future brings.

*Why SURA?

Most of their apparel is custom made by an Air Brush artist. Wow!

SURA has anything from clothes, shoes, hats, wallets, and other accessories that you would surely love to own.

Curious about how the style looks? 

Here are some photos of the distinct and artistic designs that truly caters Cholo clothing:

What makes SURA unique is that to their knowledge, they are only the Cholo vendor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. How cool is that right?

I like that SURA wants to bring people together and inspire the Cholo culture to different countries. They do not promote or support any violence, guns, drugs, gangs, or anything illegal.

SURA is proud to see the Cholo culture being embraced and proudly worn in other countries, outside of Mexico and the USA. They have customers ordering from Mexico, Columbia, Spain, and Japan.

Hopefully, SURA will be available in the Philippines someday. I will definitely buy one from their collection!

Please check out SURA and follow them on their social media platforms:

Website:

https://razaapparel.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SurUnidaRazaApparel/

Instagram:

https://Instagram.com/surunidarazaapparel

Welcome back! You are Safe at Manila Hotel!

Today is the day. I'm excited to the re-opening (albeit partially) of one of the best hotels in Asia!

TMH Lobby

The historic hotel partially reopens in time for its 108th anniversary with upgraded
hygiene protocols for guest safety; and launches special anniversary promo

Just a day before the historic hotel’s founding anniversary, The Manila Hotel plans to partially open its doors to its valued guests, with the famed Café Ilang Ilang, the Lobby Lounge, and the Delicatessen resuming operations today (July 3, 2020). A rebirth of sorts after months of following the government’s quarantine protocols, the hotel has adjusted along with the rest of the world in navigating the “new normal,” and puts a high premium on the well-being of guests.

With the lobby shining bright anew signifying eternal hope, The Manila Hotel commemorates its 108th founding anniversary on July 4 by welcoming guests with an upgraded brand of service that is now focused on enhanced health, hygiene, and sanitation protocols in line with DOH guidelines.

As the hotel prepares for the reopening, Atty Joey Lina, the president of The Manila Hotel, assures the public, “You are safe here. We have taken every precaution to heart so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind when you visit or stay with us.”

To its valued guests who are waiting for Café Ilang Ilang to open, The Manila Hotel offers its 108th Anniversary Promo that gives the first 108 customers for the first 108 days of its reopening (including Saturdays and Sundays) a special dining rate of only Php1,250 for lunch, and only Php1,550 for dinner. Café Ilang Ilang likewise returns with a new system for dining where guests can “order and eat all you can,” meaning they can order as much food as they want from the selection of dishes at a fixed price.

Both Café Ilang Ilang and the Lobby Lounge will be open with limited seating capacity. Thorough sanitation procedures will be implemented, and guests can order using disposable menu, eat using cutlery in sealed containers, and even use tables with acrylic dividers. Front-facing personnel communicating with guests like Guest Services Officers (GSOs) and waiters will don marks, gloves, and face shields. To limit contact with guests, Café Ilang Ilang is also fine-tuning its contactless ordering and payment system.

Adopting best practices, the hotel launches a comprehensive initiative to assure its patrons they are safe at The Manila Hotel. High-traffic public areas will have hygiene reminder signages and distance indicators, and guests will be asked to undergo mandatory temperature checks, and health declaration procedure. Limited capacity will also be implemented in elevators, while several hotel facilities will remain closed including the spa, swimming pool, gym, and other areas.

High-touch points like door handles, elevator buttons, public area furniture, and others will be sanitized multiple times per day using UV technology. Tests reveal that UV sanitation greatly reduces the bacteria count on surfaces, as demonstrated by lower RLU readings—whose value is used as a measure of surface cleanliness—after the procedure.

Barring announcements from the government to the contrary, the hotel also plans to start accepting room bookings by July 3, 2020. The public will be assured of rooms thoroughly cleaned first with UV-C light technology to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses; followed by medical-grade sterilizing and disinfecting solution. A change of fresh and sanitized linens; sanitation of touch points in the room including remote controls, lamps, etc.; and thorough bathroom disinfection are also art of the procedure. Guests will also receive personal wellness kits, issued a UV-sanitized keycard, and arrive to guestrooms with a seal of assurance that they are the first to enter the sanitized environment.

Because taking care of its own people means they can take better care of guests, The Manila Hotel has invested on testing its staff upon return to work to ensure they are healthy. The culinary team strictly adheres to stringent protocols on proper hygiene, hand washing, and food handling. Staff will be required to wear PPEs as needed, and a strict implementation of distancing measures will be done in the offices, front desk, and other areas frequent by guests.

The Manila Hotel looks forward to welcoming both loyal and new guests with the kind of service it is known for, with the assurance that “YOU ARE SAFE HERE” is not just a tagline but a commitment it truly means to uphold.

They hope to see you!