Sun, Sea, and Savings: Enjoy Exclusive Summer Deals at Discovery Samal

Discovery Samal invites travelers to an unforgettable tropical escape with its Happy Summer offers, featuring luxurious accommodations, curated dining experiences, and a dynamic lineup of seasonal events. 

Whether guests seek a relaxing retreat or a vibrant social scene, Discovery Samal presents a diverse array of exclusive promotions and immersive activities, designed to create memorable summer moments.

Premier Accommodations and Inclusions

Guests can indulge in the beauty of Samal Island with a selection of luxurious room options, offering comfort and elegance. Rates start at Php 24,112 nett per night for a Junior Suite, with higher-tier options such as the Premiere One-Bedroom Suite available at Php 34,427 nett per night. 

Manuel Baldemor’s Kuwaresma Opens at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery

The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibit by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on 13 April 2025, Palm Sunday, at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent. 

Manuel Baldemor, known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Holy Week in this 38-piece collection. Kuwaresma, which means Lent in Spanish, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection—echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert. 

The exhibit highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life.

“As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week,” shared Baldemor. “Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”

Philippines Emerges as Regional Leader at Routes Asia Awards 2025

Being recognized for sustained efforts to implement tourism development across the country particularly in making it accessible to more travelers, the Philippines claimed victory in two key categories at the esteemed Routes Asia Awards 2025, held in Perth, Australia.

Represented by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines was declared Destination of the Year, while low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific secured the Best Airline title for the second consecutive year. The winners were revealed during the Routes Asia 2025 Networking Evening on March 26, 2025.

The triumphs at Routes Asia 2025 build on the strong momentum generated by the DOT’s initiatives, including the flagship “Love the Philippines” campaign and its aggressive effort on the expansion of domestic and international routes. As of February 28, 2025, 46 new domestic and 47 international routes are in operation, improving access to destinations such as Siargao, Batanes, Panglao, and Coron, among others.

A Love Song for the Philippines

Asia’s Phoenix, Morissette is the powerful voice behind the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) new Love the Philippines song, which showcases the many reasons to fall in love with the country.

More than a travel destination, the Philippines is home to many beautiful things worth discovering. Food, festivals, traditions, and the people all add to the connections that are developed and strengthened when travelers explore and experience what makes the Philippines beautiful and unique. 

A Wickedly Grand Easter Celebration and Holy Week Dining Delights at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events, as well as special dining offers this April. From a magical Easter celebration to a spiritual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, along with dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, and M Takeout, there is something for everyone to experience.

Easter at the EGGmerald City

Families are in for a wickedly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Inspired by the whimsical world of Wizard of Oz, Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into an emerald and pink-colored wonderland filled with activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. Hotel mascot Willy the Bear will make a special appearance, ready to meet junior guests and pose for photos.

Araneta City glows in blue for inclusion and equality

The City of Firsts celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equality this World Autism Awareness Day

This April 2, Araneta City once again joins the global celebration of World Autism Awareness Day to reinforce its commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation of all individuals. 

Every year on this day, communities worldwide unite to enhance understanding, inspire action, and provide greater support for individuals with autism. This year, the City of Firsts partnered with the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD) to come up with meaningful activities from April 2 to 4 that celebrate the talents and contributions of individuals with autism, raise awareness, and encourage community support.

The Travel Club Turns Over Hundreds of Luggage to OWWA to Support First-Time OFWs

In a poignant display of solidarity and support, The Travel Club has officially turned over its first batch of donated luggage to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), benefiting first-time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as they embark on new journeys abroad.

The Donate Your Luggage For A Cause initiative, which allowed customers to trade-in their pre-loved luggage in exchange for exclusive discounts, collected hundreds of luggage, each with its own story of past adventures. Now, these bags are being repurposed to carry the dreams and aspirations of OFWs stepping into a new chapter of their lives. Shoppers came for the discounts, but they left knowing their pre-loved luggage would help someone else start a new journey.