Habitat for Humanity Philippines and Minka Collaborate for a Common Purpose

(from left to right) Anthony Fernandez, Habitat’s Online Fundraising Officer; Jonah Marie Chipeco, Habitat’s Mass Marketing Manager; Mark Rivera, Minka’s Managing Director; Xrell Nikki Mallonga, Minka’s Director of Operations; Charlie Ayco, Habitat’s CEO and Managing Director; Yvonne Lih, Habitat’s Chief Marketing Officer; and Luisito Baclagon, Mass Market Development Head.

“Minka” a South American term meaning “collaborating together for a common purpose” is now starting to be the trendy byword amongst the health-conscious market with its advocacy of being known not just as an ordinary toothbrush, but spearheading a so-called “toothbrush movement” .
In a groundbreaking partnership, Minka Toothbrushes, which are available at all Healthy Options stores nationwide, have partnered with Habitat for Humanity Philippines in its ongoing social advocacy campaign.

For every sale of a Minka Toothbrush at Healthy Options, 10% of its sales will go towards ongoing projects by Habitat, particularly its water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program. The Minka Toothbrush packaging will also include Habitat’s logo, to further promote its advocacy and awareness to socially conscious customers.

Minka Toothbrushes, incidentally, are biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, that are environmentally-friendly.

“At Habitat, we believe sanitation and health are improved when you provide a family with decent housing, tying hand-in-hand with Minka’s vision to raise worldwide awareness on sustainability and health,” said Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat.

Minka also plans to produce a biodegradable soap in line the WASH program and the Toothbrush Movement.

“Partnering with an organization which aims to improve livelihood across the world, strengthens both Minka’s and Habitat’s collaborated work towards a global, unified goal,” said Ayco.

Read More

Celebrate the holidays like no other at The Henry Hotel

The Henry Hotel Cebu, the first design driven boutique hotel celebrates the holiday season with its Christmas package offerings perfect for family and corporate gatherings alike.

Buffet packages start at P750.00 net per person. Guests can celebrate at any of The Henry’s venues including Space 150, Space 40, Scrapyard and the outdoor Garden Pool, while enjoying a gustatory feast with menu selections complete from appetizers to dessert prepared by Rica’s restaurant.

Completing the merry atmosphere, guests can choose decorations and party themes such as White Winter, Old Hollywood and Enchanted Christmas. All themes and packages are inclusive of venue use for four hours, complimentary lechon, basic sound system, projector screen, free corkage for up to two bottles of wine and complimentary room gift certificate with buffet breakfast.

The Henry Hotel is located at One Paseo, Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Entrance Rd., Banilad, Cebu City. For more information on Christmas packages, please call +63 32 520 8877 or email reservations@thehenryhotel.com.

Read More

NEW BANQUEST PACKAGES AT THE MANILA PAVILION HOTEL

Celebrating significant occasions at the Manila Pavilion Hotel bring not just pleasant memories but a host of exciting amenities and specially designed banquet packages, to suit the needs and preferences of discerning guests. Whether it be for meetings, seminars, or conferences, weddings, birthdays, debuts, and other social events, the hotel offers enticing packages replete with the intricacies of an exquisite reception.

Equipped with well-appointed banquet facilities coupled with excellent customer service, guests will have more reasons to book their next event at Manila Pavilion’s elegant function rooms namely – Alcuaz 1, Alcuaz 2, and Alcuaz 3, which can accommodate up to 300 guests for seated functions.

For a hassle-free meeting, seminar, or conference, packages starting at Php1,100 nett per person inclusive of buffet lunch or dinner, proffer the following amenities: use of function room for eight (8) hours; complimentary use of meeting amenities; complimentary parking on a first-come, first-serve basis; complimentary local telephone calls at the function room; and, requisite audio-visual equipment which include podium with microphone, wide screen, and, standard sound system.

Innovative menu selections that boast of the richest flavors and distinctive tastes include among others: penne pasta salad, mixed greens with condiments and vinaigrette dressing; spinach egg drop soup, soft roll and butter; Caribbean lime poached fish, pork stew with Sauerkraut, vegetable tofu with black beans; coconut pudding and strawberry panna cotta.

Manila Pavilion’s wedding packages are designed for receptions with minimum of 100 persons with set menus starting at Php152,500 and buffet menus at Php187,500. The hotel’s professional banquets team has added these fine touches, for a truly memorable event: three (3) layered fondant wedding cake; luxury bridal car service for three (3) hours; use of function room for five (5) hours; complimentary bottle of wine and bridal toast; decorated cage with doves and cake table; floral decoration at the presidential table; floral table centerpieces; ice carving for buffet table, complimentary guest book and sound system.

On top of these, couples also get a two-night stay in the Ambassador suite inclusive of buffet breakfast for two (2) persons.

The hotel’s creative culinary experts present an epicurean and sophisticated selection for both set and buffet receptions. Enticing set menus consist of: mushroom soup Hungarian style; freshly baked bread and butter; grilled hanger steak with pepper sauce; Dauphinoise potato and seasonal vegetables, among other for lunch or dinner. Buffet menus consist of a delightful spread of celestial courses of cold appetizers, salads, hot dishes, pasta and dessert stations.

This holiday season, book ahead with us and have a stress-free celebration with our Holiday Revelry buffet packages starting at Php1,200 nett per person. This includes table centerpieces, complimentary holiday goodies, sound system for background music and program support among others. Alcuaz Function Rooms will turn your merry-making activities into an exciting gastronomic occasion with a variety of menus such as Christmas Ham bone-in for the carving; mixed salad greens with condiments, chicken with Apricot Terrine and crab potato salad for the appetizer; creamy beef stroganoff, grilled fish with GarlicBeurre Rouge, spaghetti bolognaise, Moroccan vegetable stew and steamed rice for the main course; with seasonal fresh fruits and opera cake for desserts.

For further details on Manila Pavilion Hotel’s new banquet packages, call the Banquet Sales department at 526 1212 extension 2382 or visit our website at www.waterfronthotels.com.ph. Manila Pavilion is located at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa Street, Ermita, Manila.

Read More

The New Alcuaz Function Rooms at the Manila Pavilion Hotel

The Manila Pavilion Hotel is pleased to welcome weddings, corporate meetings, social, soireés and events of all kinds with the opening of its new Alcuaz Function Rooms this November.

The Alcuaz Function Rooms are visually interesting space located at the third floor of Manila Pavilion Hotel. It can accommodate up to 300 people and can be arranged in a variety of ways to suit a guest’s needs may it be formal, classroom, theater or cocktails.

The Alcuaz Function Rooms pay homage to Filipino National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz who made Manila Pavilion Hotel his atelier and residence for so many years. He stayed in a corner suite of the hotel and his favorite fine-dining restaurant was the old Rotisserie. Alcuaz’s memories continue to thrive at the Manila Pavilion Hotel with the new function rooms named in his honor.

“Federico Aguilar Alcuaz was more of a family to us than a guest. He definitely left a significant mark in this hotel,” said General Manager Christopher Park. “The completion of the new Alcuaz Function Rooms give compliment to our newly renovated rooms. For those who are planning to have a special event, we are very excited to give them a grand affair that is atoned to their desires,” he continued.

The Alcuaz Function Rooms were overseen by Ilustre & Associates, Architects. They restored the space to its original elegance and incorporated modern advances that resulted into a contemporary design highlighted by rich and vivid artwork. Shades of brown and beige can be found throughout its interior; and with black and red for its accents. At the focal point are the paintings of Alcuaz displayed within its walls illuminated by energy-efficient and eco-friendly lights.

Situated in the heart of Old Manila, the new Alcuaz Function Rooms offer culinary mastery, attention to details and ease of access to the city’s variety of attractions, deluxe shopping venues, the historic core of Manila and the famous sunset view of the Manila Bay.

Committed to making a grand affair, Waterfront Hotels, through the Manila Pavilion Hotel truly redefines Filipino hospitality with its continued innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence.


Visit the Manila Pavilion Hotel at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa Street in Manila. Log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph or call 5261212, for inquiries and reservations; Like or Follow @WaterfrontMNL, for regular updates.

Read More

Sail across the Turkish Seas and more with Contiki in 2015!

The world’s leading youth travel company for 18 to 35’s goes big in Europe with 16 New Trips

No two travellers are the same. That’s why Contiki’s new Europe 2015 brochure offers something for everyone, with eight new trip styles that cater to the different experiences young people want to have on holiday. The original youth travel brand’s 2015 lineup also includes 16 brand new trips, with Morocco and Portugal as exciting sunny new destinations.

Just like back in ’62, the Contiki (www.contiki.com) mission is the same: provide young explorers with more choice, more freedom and more destinations at a great price and with plenty of awesome included experiences.

No longer will travellers choose their travel experience based on accommodation. Instead, they can choose the trip that works best for their travel style, whether they live for the late nights and bright lights of major cities or choose to take it easy and relax on some of the world’s best beaches.

Contiki’s eight new Europe travel styles include:

• Discovery Plus - See and do it all with top amenities and incredible places to rest your head
• High Energy - Experience Europe through culture-filled days, epic sights and late nights
• Easy Pace - A more relaxed way to see Europe, for those who want to take it slow
• In-Depth Explorer - Get to the heart of the places you visit with more unique experiences and free time to explore
• Freestyle Camping - European camping adventures with all the luxuries of home
• Sailing & Cruise - Discover the freedom of a holiday on Europe’s crystal clear waters
• Festivals & Short Stays - Join our lineup of big festivals, day-trips & Christmas/NYE celebrations
• Winter & Ski - Explore Europe covered in a dusting of snow or hit some of world’s best slopes

‘We’re particularly excited to launch this season’s European trips because of the cool and awesome variety of holiday experiences.’ said Kevin Khor, Head of Sales and Marketing for Contiki (Asia). ‘The new style of trips will appeal to a wider audience, and especially with fun activities like sailing across the Turkish islands or camping outdoors with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop, 18 to 35’s can look forward to more adventures in 2015!.’

Introduced by popular demand from Contiki’s core demographic of 18-35s are three new trips heading to Morocco and Portugal. These culture-filled European hotspots are In-Depth Explorer itineraries, meaning travellers will live like a local with unique regional experiences and more nights in each city.

15-Day Spain, Morocco & Portugal

With 2-3 nights in each city, this epic journey through Spain, Morocco and Portugal will give explorers a real feel for the destinations they visit. When they’re not taking in the sights and smells of the markets on their personal ME Time, young travellers will indulge in the must-see’s of Europe with locally guided tours of Lisbon, Granada’s Alahambra Palace and Marrakech’s Bahia Palace. All included, of course!

21-Day Iberian Peninsula & Morocco

Visiting the same countries as the Spain, Morocco & Portugal trip, the extra week gives travellers an opportunity to discover the Northern parts of Spain and Western coastline as well. Travellers will explore the artistic and vibrant city of Barcelona before flying to the island of Ibiza for beautiful beaches and a party they won’t soon forget!

5-day Morocco

The perfect add-on to any Contiki trip, this 5-day journey spends two nights each in the bustling cities of Marrakech and Fez exploring the markets and learning about the rich history and culture of the Moroccan people.

To see all of Contiki’s 145 trip options through Europe and check out the 16 new itineraries, head to contiki.com/Europe.

"There are only two times in your life – now and too late. Make sure you look back with #NOREGRETS."

About Contiki Holidays

Contiki is the world leader in youth travel experiences, a brand that is all about discovery, epic moments and making every second count. Our journeys unlock the local way of life in each and every destination we visit, and with over 200 trips in more than 50 countries, we see every day as the start of a new adventure. You only get one life and one shot to make it count – #NOREGRETS.

Read More

Skyscanner Reveals the Destinations of the Future: Space Tourism, Underwater Resorts & Hyper-Personalisation

Ahead of World Space Week (October 4th – 10th) Skyscanner predicts that the heights of the Earth’s orbit and the depths of the world’s oceans will become holiday destinations over the next decade. By 2024 space will be the final frontier for well-heeled intrepid travellers taking them to the outer edges of our planet’s atmosphere.

Read More