The Manila Hotel Celebrates 111 Years of History and Heritage

The Manila Hotel, a symbol of elegance, grandeur, and Filipino hospitality, proudly celebrates its 111th anniversary. Since its founding in 1912, the Grand Dame has been an iconic landmark reflecting the rich history and heritage of the Philippines. To commemorate this significant milestone, The Manila Hotel is delighted to present exciting offers to its valued patrons. 

111 Memories at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel invites guests and patrons to share their cherished memories at the hotel over the years, whether it’s a captivating photograph of their celebration or a memorable keepsake with a heartwarming story. Participants can submit their entries on the hotel’s official website from July 4 to 18. The first 111 entries will each receive a regular Prestige card, while the Top 11 entries,selected by a set of judges, will each receive a staycation voucher and an exclusive The Manila Hotel coffee table book. 

Free Admission To Ayala Museum This July!

Yes, if you are a museum junkie like me, it would mean a big deal for you and me that Ayala Museum will be giving free admissions this coming July 25! The day will also be filled with a set of side events giving a very unqiue museum experience!

However there is just one important condition guests are requested to do in return: “Be kind.”

This event will zero in on the concept of kindness—particularly through inspiring artist activities and the generation of awareness for AFI’s volunteer opportunities.

On Saturday, July 25, 2015 from 9AM to 6PM, visitors are free to enter Ayala Museum to enjoy its permanent exhibitions on Philippine historical events, pre-Hispanic gold from the Philippines, indigenous Philippine textiles, Asian trade ceramics, and Fernando Zobel paintings, which have inspired visitors for generations. Also on view are the following changing exhibitions: Beautiful Handicrafts of Tohoku, Japan, a traveling exhibition brought by The Japan Foundation Manila to showcase the traditional crafts of areas struck by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami; From Citadel to City: Juan Luna paintings and 19th century prints from the BPI Collection, showing the parallels of the development of Juan Luna’s art to social realism and the rise of the city of Manila as seen in the works on display; and Felix Laureano: First Filipino Photographer which exhibits the work of the Panay-born pioneer.

History With Quezon City Oldest Bakery!

Quezon City celebrated their 75th anniversary last year, and the oldest bakery in the city also celebrated its diamond anniversary as well. Kamuning Bakery located along Judge Jimenez street and still has the original pugon that created countless breads that spanned decades. Under the new ownership of Wilson Lee Flores, businessman and writer, he kept the brand alive with an addition of the cafe and soon a chicken restaurant beside each other. 

And with the bakery still open to serve the rare Pan de Suelo, it also aims to revive lost bread favorites that modern bakery have forgotten or have never tried to bake. And with patrons still  flock to the bakery to taste the unique breads, spreads and probably also take some time to dine in their cafe.

Philippine history lessons in 30 grand visions

In this age of Instagram and Twitter, quick short bites of communiqué are the norm. It can be a statement of fact or the start of a meaningful discussion.  SININGSAYSAY:  Philippine History in Art achieves both.  The art exhibit of 30 large-scale paintings covering pre-historic Philippines to modern times should serve as a must for every student and observer of the country’s life and times.

A joint project of the University of the Philippines (UP), the UP Alumni Association (UPAA) and the Araneta Center, the exhibit is open free to the public every day at the Gateway Gallery. Students from elementary and secondary schools are set to tour the exhibit with expert guidance from teachers and historians. For the young and old experiencing history through these murals, it promises to be a pleasurable walk.

New Tourism Campaign Wows International Travel Experts

This year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum at Manado, Indonesia witnessed the newPhilippine brand launch with the line - ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines.’“ATF 2012 is a perfect platform to introduce to some 1,600 international delegates composed of buyers and sellers, the NTO community and media delegates,”Philippine Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.Focusing on the country’s core strength, the campaign singles out what no other destination can offer - and that is the Filipino people. The Lonely Planet guidebook calls Filipinos ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’ Meanwhile, a constant truth that comes out in the passenger exit surveys is the “warmth andhospitality of the people.”“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” says the new tourism chief, who accepted the post in September 2011. The Filipinos are already known around the world to be one of the happiest and warmest people on earth. In a survey conducted among expatriates by international bank HSBC, it was revealed that the Philippines is the 8th friendliest country for them.

The campaign hopes to enjoin the whole country in creating positive buzz of thetagline. The campaign was trending on Twitter Friday noon when it was earlier introduced to local media. Catching like wild fire, netizens flooded the web with creativeways to interpret the line through do-it-yourself-memes which could likely land on shirts,billboards, stickers and other collaterals.

Meanwhile, the ‘#1FORFUN’ local slogan aims to rally the Filipino nation tostrengthen and sustain this well-appreciated fun character and be a “constant reminder to make sure people’s experiences in our country are positive, enjoyable, and most of all, fun,” Jimenez added. The presentation was well-received during the Philippine-hosted dinner on 13January 2012 at the Sultanraja Hotel. The occasion was graced by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria RosarioClaudio Aguinaldo and Consul General Jose Burgos.Exciting travel prizes were raffled off from generous sponsors Philippine Airlinesand various hotels and tour operators. The high spirits continued until curtain fall withparticipants dancing to band music and cheering the world-class performances by topFilipino artists.