Alino Hotel Taps Veteran Hoteliers to Lead Quezon City’s Newest Landmark

Alino Hotel, the first hospitality project of property developer Keyland Corporation, has announced the appointment of its senior leadership team as the company prepares to open the 20-story, 128-room boutique hotel along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.

Heading operations is General Manager Lady May Elegado, a hotelier with more than two decades of experience in both the Philippines and Malaysia. Her background includes senior roles at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Berjaya Makati Hotel, and City Garden Grand Hotel. Over the course of her career, Elegado has overseen hotel functions ranging from pre-opening to day-to-day operations in both luxury and standard-class properties, giving her broad exposure to multiple areas of management.

On the culinary side, Executive Chef Rexsan Abarquez will direct the hotel’s food and beverage program, including its all-day dining outlet, Kutchara. Abarquez has also logged more than 20 years in the industry, most recently as Executive Sous Chef and Acting Executive Chef at Marco Polo Ortigas. His resume includes time with Conrad Manila’s pre-opening team, as well as kitchen posts at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Mandarin Oriental Manila, and Makati Shangri-La. His experience in international kitchens and high-end hotels allows him to blend global techniques with Filipino flavors.

The Manila Hotel Receives Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the 1st Philippine Tourism Awards

The Manila Hotel has been honored with the Tourism Pillar Excellence Award at the first-ever Philippine Tourism Awards, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. The recognition highlights outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, with a focus on excellence, sustainability, and innovation.

A landmark in Philippine history, The Manila Hotel was cited for its enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. The accolade underscores the hotel’s commitment to preserving its storied heritage while evolving to meet the needs of the modern traveler.

“It is with immense pride and gratitude that we accept this award from the Department of Tourism,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This recognition reaffirms our belief that true hospitality lies in creating unforgettable experiences, from a warm welcome at the door, to impeccable service at every touchpoint, to the genuine attention extended to every guest. This award belongs not only to The Manila Hotel, but to the legacy of Filipino hospitality we strive to share with the world.”

VIYLine MSME Caravan Rolls Into SM City Masinag This September 17–23

VIYLine CEO Viy Cortez–Velasquez joins merchants and influencers at the caravan, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to uplifting MSMEs.

The VIYLine MSME Caravan is bringing its vibrant showcase of local entrepreneurship and proudly Filipino products to the east as it lands at SM City Masinag this September 17–23. Organized by VIYLine Group of Companies together with SM Supermalls, the caravan has become a well-loved platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to shine in some of the country’s busiest malls. From beauty and wellness essentials to fashion finds, home must-haves, and foodie favorites, shoppers can look forward to discovering the creati vity, resilience, and grit of Filipino entrepreneurs.

Top 3 Things You Can’t Miss at HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair

Culinary Creations by Rising Negrense Chefs - Two Negrense talents wowed the crowd and stole the spotlight during the  media launch of Himbon: The 39th Negros Trade Fair last Aug 26, 2025—and their names are worth remembering. Their gastronomic menu was just a taste of what’s possible: innovative, world-class, and proudly Negrense! 

Chef Cara Davis (Halong, Makati) – trained in Michelin-starred kitchens  

from New York to San Sebastián, she now fuses bold Asian flavors with her  

Treat Lolo and Lola to an unforgettable Grandparents’ Day at Araneta City

Grandparents carry stories we all love to hear. This Grandparents’ Day, Araneta City is giving them the spotlight they deserve. With the theme A Blast from the Past, the City of Firsts is rolling out a heartwarming lineup of activities that blend nostalgia, wellness, and simple joys. This is perfect for our most beloved lolos and lolas!

Free Coffee, Light Exercise, and Relaxation

Start the day with fresh air, gentle movement, and good company at aRUNeta Run Club: A Grand Meditative Morning on September 14, from 5 AM to 9 AM. Grandparents can join Qi Gong sessions, then enjoy free coffee and mixed pastries while catching up with loved ones and fellow participants. It’s a refreshing way to energize the body and soul while bonding with family and the community.

The Manila Hotel is Named No. 1 Cultural Hotel, No.1 Gourmet Hotel, and among the Top 20 Premium Hotels at Trip.Best Awards

The Manila Hotel has once again affirmed its stature as the Grand Dame of the Philippines, taking top honors at the Trip.Best awards by Trip.com. The iconic landmark was named No. 1 Cultural Hotel 2025 and No. 1 Gourmet Hotel 2024 in Metro Manila, while also earning a spot among the Top 20 Premium Hotels for 2025.

The No. 1 Cultural Hotel award is given to historic properties that preserve their architectural style and heritage, offering guests an immersive experience of history. Established in 1912, The Manila Hotel has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities, with storied spaces such as the MacArthur Suite serving witnesses to pivotal moments in Philippine history.

Beyond heritage, The Manila Hotel shines in the culinary spotlight as its signature Chinese restaurant, Red Jade, secured the No. 1 Gourmet Hotel distinction. Known for its refined take on traditional Chinese cuisine, Red Jade has become a dining destination in its own right.

MVP Receives the 2025 Travel and Tourism Enabler Award from the Manila Overseas Press Club

Business icon Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Travel and Tourism Enabler Award (MPIC) and Chairman, President and CEO of PLDT and Smart, was honored with the 2025 Travel and Tourism Enabler Award by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) during the MOPC Grand Tourism Night at the New World Makati’s Grand Ballroom.

With tourism contributing 8.9 percent to the nation’s GDP, and domestic and international arrivals projected to reach record highs, the MOPC Grand Tourism Awards celebrate “the doers and shakers” who champion world-class destinations and Filipino hospitality. Since their launch in 2023, the awards have honored some of the most influential names in Philippine tourism and business, including the Sy, Ayala, and Gokongwei families; Ramon Ang; and industry leaders such as Cebu Pacific, Newport World Resorts, and El Nido Resorts, cementing their reputation as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field.

Empowering Staff for Success: Key Takeaways from Araneta City’s Seminar on Retail Management

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, customer expectations are higher than ever—and frontline staff are at the heart of meeting them. 

This was the central theme of the latest free seminar hosted by Araneta City in partnership with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on August 8 at The Hub in Cyberpark Tower 1.

Leading the discussion was entrepreneur and sales coach Ruben Lanot, who shared practical insights on how retail teams can elevate the in-store experience and build lasting customer relationships.

He highlighted the important role that frontline retail staff play in a business, directly influencing customer experience, sales, and loyalty through service and product knowledge. “More than just employees, frontline retail staff are the living, breathing representation of a business, and its success greatly depends on their ability to connect with customers,” Lanot said.