To further widen the reach of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, or Expanded 4PH Program, and help address the oversupply of available housing inventory, Pag-IBIG Fund has raised its maximum housing loan amount per borrower to ₱10 million, providing middle-income and higher-earning Filipino workers access to affordable long-term home financing, particularly in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized areas, top officials announced on May 26.

The higher loan ceiling complements the program’s ongoing subsidized 3-percent housing loan rate for qualified buyers of socialized housing, enabling Pag-IBIG Fund to serve more members seeking homes beyond the socialized housing segment through affordable long-term financing.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the increase is part of the government’s broader effort to make homeownership more accessible to Filipino workers across income segments.

“With the higher ₱10-million loan ceiling, Pag-IBIG Fund can now serve more members, especially Filipino workers who seek homes in higher price segments but still require long-term and affordable financing to own homes near their workplaces, schools and sources of livelihood. This move allows Pag-IBIG Fund to widen access to home financing across more income segments, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to make decent and affordable housing more inclusive and accessible to more Filipino families,” Aliling said.

Aliling said the move also supports efforts to improve the take-up of available housing units, particularly in Metro Manila and other urban centers where there is an oversupply of ready-for-occupancy condominium units. He said the higher loan ceiling, combined with Pag-IBIG Fund’s long-term home financing, can make the purchase of these units more affordable for qualified members.

“This is also our call to developers: let us make the numbers meet. Pag-IBIG Fund is expanding the financing available to qualified borrowers. We urge our developer-partners to recalibrate their prices, offer reasonable packages and help bring their available units within the reach of Pag-IBIG Fund members. When housing prices, borrower capacity and affordable financing meet, more Filipino workers can finally own homes of their own,” Aliling said.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the increase in loan ceiling reflects Pag-IBIG Fund’s mandate to serve Filipino workers from all income segments.

“At Pag-IBIG Fund, our mandate is to serve all Filipino workers. This means serving first-time homebuyers and members who need subsidized support, as well as middle-income and higher-earning members who also need affordable long-term financing to buy homes for their families. Because of our strong financial position, we are able to offer a higher loanable amount while keeping our housing loan rates not only affordable, but among the lowest in the market. With the higher loan ceiling, qualified borrowers now have even better access to home financing payable for up to 30 years, with interest rates that may go as low as 5.75 percent a year depending on their chosen fixing period. More importantly, this allows us to widen the reach of the Expanded 4PH Program so that more members, across more income segments, can gain access to decent and affordable homes, while eligible socialized housing borrowers continue to benefit from the 3-percent subsidized rate,” Acosta said.

Acosta said the broader Pag-IBIG Housing Loan Program is intended to make homeownership a practical alternative to renting for more Filipino workers, especially when available housing units are offered at prices that match members’ income and borrowing capacity.

“For many families, rent is already one of their biggest monthly expenses. Through Pag-IBIG Fund’s affordable housing loan terms, monthly amortizations for reasonably priced homes can be lower than rent in many urban areas. This is the value we want to give our members: instead of paying rent month after month, they can use their hard-earned income to pay for a home they can eventually call their own,” Acosta added.

Pag-IBIG Fund emphasized that the higher maximum loan amount remains subject to credit evaluation, capacity-to-pay requirements, collateral appraisal and other housing loan guidelines to ensure that borrowing remains responsible and sustainable for members.

Officials said the higher loan ceiling strengthens Pag-IBIG Fund’s role in bridging available housing supply to actual homebuyer capacity, while encouraging developers to offer homes at prices that better match the income and financing ability of Filipino workers.

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Co returns to Conrad Manila with a new solo exhibition of kinetic sculptures that encourage guests to reflect on the uncertainty and possibilities of the future.

Conrad Manila unveils the 41st installment of its highly acclaimed Of Art and Wine series with Harbinger Metropolis by Ivan Co, now on exhibit at Gallery C until July 25, 2026. Featuring 10 visually compelling and thought-provoking kinetic sculptures, expertly curated by resident curator Nestor Jardin, this latest exhibition offers a powerful meditation on the accelerating pace of progress, and the choices humanity faces on the threshold of an unpredictable future.

“Ivan Co’s works are a compelling centerpiece to the celebration of Conrad Manila’s 10th anniversary this June,” said Rupert Hallam, General Manager of Conrad Manila. “Magnificent in form and profound in meaning, the collection invites guests to reflect on both the uncertainty and the boundless possibilities of what lies ahead. It seamlessly aligns with the hotel’s commitment to providing meaningful and enriching experiences.”

Harbinger Metropolis showcases 10 meticulously crafted automaton, gravitram, and pendulum sculptures adorned with semi-precious gemstones. Through these dynamic works, Co depicts a world in constant motion, alluding to the transformative shifts already underway. Rather than offering definitive answers, the collection sparks curiosity and encourages viewers to contemplate the evolving landscape shaped by rapid technological advancement.

 “The intricate gears of the automaton, the relentless journey of the gravitram, and the hypnotic swing of the pendulum all serve as harbingers, which are symbols of the accelerating change that will inevitably reshape our urban landscapes and our very existence,” featured artist Ivan Co shared. “Through this collection, I invite all viewers to confront the precipice of a new era, where the boundaries between utopia and dystopia blur into an uncertain horizon,” he added.

“The intricate gears of the automaton, the relentless journey of the gravitram, and the hypnotic swing of the pendulum serve as harbingers, symbols of accelerating change that will inevitably reshape our urban landscapes and our very existence,” shared featured artist Ivan Co. “Through this collection, I invite viewers to stand at the precipice of a new era, where the boundaries between utopia and dystopia dissolve into an uncertain horizon.”

The exhibit’s opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Elizabeth Sy, President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC); Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SMHCC; Rupert Hallam, Conrad Manila General Manager, and featured artist Ivan Co.

All artworks on display at Gallery C are available for acquisition. For inquiries and more information, guests and art collectors may contact (+632) 8833-9999 or email Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com.

About the artist

Ivan Co is an artificer of the unseen. Working from a private atelier in Manila, he channels years of technical mastery into kinetic sculptures that appear to breathe with a life of their own. His practice is defined by a disciplined, almost reclusive dedication to the manual calibration of metal and stone, an exploration of “Ancestral Futurism,” where mechanical form attains a sense of permanence and vitality.

Co was the sole Filipino featured in The Official Platinum Jubilee Edition publication commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign in 2022. He was also recognized by The Rolls-Royce and Bentley Club of London for a second time as one of the world’s most promising artists, featured in the 2024 commemorative volume Strive for Perfection: Celebrating 20 Years of Goodwood, authored by award-winning writers. Produced by St. James’s House, the publication highlights global leaders in innovation and sustainable luxury shaping the future. Robert Jobson, award-winning author and biographer of the British royal family, writes: “Ivan’s kinetic artworks, informed by his profound understanding of movement and depth, are truly exceptional. These bejeweled works of wonder, crafted from handwrought precious metals and semi-precious stones, move with their own rhythm. With scientific precision, employing pendulums, axles, and intricate balancing points, each piece becomes a mesmerizing sculpture in motion.”

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While cardiovascular disease persists as a leading cause of global mortality, medical experts are increasingly shifting away from viewing heart health in isolation. Many of them are now advocating for a holistic approach that integrates mental health care into standard cardiac treatment.

After all, the physiological link between chronic stress, anxiety, and heart function is profound; sustained high levels of cortisol and adrenaline can accelerate arterial damage, trigger inflammatory responses, and contribute to hypertension, effectively placing the heart in a state of constant, damaging strain.

The connection between mental health and heart health was brought to light during the Advocacy Hour Usapang Puso sa Puso, held as part of the 56th PHA-PCC (Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology) Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting on May 26, 2026, at Edsa Shangri-La Mandaluyong City.

With the theme “Mental Health & The Heart,” the session brought together cardiologists, psychiatrists, faith leaders, mental health advocates, and members of the public to discuss how stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout may affect cardiovascular health.

PHA Director III and Advocacy Hour Committee Chair Dr. Iris M. Garcia was joined by Philippine Psychiatrist Association President Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, actress and television host Hershey Neri, and spiritual leader Dr. Ed Lapiz.

Dr. Garcia emphasized that mental health plays an important role in how people think, feel, act, and make decisions in their daily lives.

“Mental health is part of our overall health. It affects how we think, feel, act, relate with others, and make decisions every day,” she said.

She added that emotional struggles can also affect the body, including the heart.

“Kapag ang isang tao ay dumadaan sa depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, lack of sleep, or emotional overload, hindi lang isip at damdamin ang naaapektuhan. The body is affected too, including the heart,” Dr. Garcia said.

Dr. Garcia also noted that heart advocates have a role in creating safe spaces where mental health can be discussed openly and with compassion.

“As we continue promoting heart health, may we also create safe spaces where mental health can be discussed with compassion and without judgment. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward healing,” she said.

In addition, Dr. Perez-Rifareal said mental health should not be treated separately from physical health, especially as many people continue to experience chronic stress and emotional struggles.

“Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. We cannot separate one from the other,” she said.

She said stress is part of life, but excessive and unmanaged stress may lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, unhealthy coping habits, and other health risks.

“Do not be afraid of the word stress. It is part of life,” Perez-Rifareal said.

Perez-Rifareal also encouraged the public to protect their mental well-being through proper sleep, healthy food, exercise, hobbies or stress outlets, and a strong support system.

Meanwhile, celebrity guest Hershey Neri, who is currently a Psychology student and mental health advocate, shared the physical trauma she had at 19 and how therapy helped her understand said trauma and healing.

“The therapy really changed my life,” Neri said.

She reminded the public that healing can be difficult, but seeking help is an important step toward recovery.

“Healing or going to therapy is like peeling off a band-aid. It hurts because you are healing,” she said.

Neri also encouraged people to show compassion to those who are struggling emotionally.

“Sometimes people do not need advice right away. Sometimes they just want someone to ask, ‘How can I help?’” she said.

“I have more than a thousand bashers, but I have five best friends and my parents. I have seven people who love and support me and they are my safe place,” Neri as she chose to focus on the people who genuinely support and care for her.

She added that she chose to work for comedy because she uses humor to heal. “Because laughter is medicine, I want to share my life, a beautiful life of laughter, to others,” she concluded.

Pastor Ed Lapiz, on the other hand, warned about the emotional burden caused by social media pressure, negativity, and information overload.

“There is a difference between being informed and being invaded by information,” Lapiz said.

He urged the public to protect their peace while staying compassionate.

Quoting the Bible verse, “Let not your heart be troubled,” he said: “Guard the heart, but do not harden it,” Lapiz said.

The discussion highlighted the need for whole-person heart care. While medicines, exercise, healthy food, blood pressure control, and cholesterol management remain important, emotional wellness, rest, stress management, safe relationships, and professional support must also be part of prevention and recovery.

Panelists urged the public not to wait until emotional struggles become overwhelming before seeking help, stressing that protecting the mind is also part of protecting the heart.

By addressing the psychological underpinnings of patient well-being—such as depression and burnout—healthcare providers can mitigate these systemic stressors, thereby improving long-term heart outcomes. Ultimately, recognizing mental health as a fundamental pillar of cardiovascular wellness is no longer just a nuanced preference, but an urgent necessity in reducing the global burden of heart disease and fostering lasting physical resilience. 

To learn more, view the episode uploaded live at the official Facebook page: Philippine HEART Association.

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In the heart of Binondo, where culture, cuisine, and heritage come together, a new wellness experience is inviting travelers and city dwellers alike to discover relaxation through a proudly Filipino ritual inspired by the country’s national flower.

Hotel Lucky Chinatown (HLC), managed by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), officially launches the Sampaguita Hilot Massage in partnership with Nuat Thai Foot & Body Massage, under LuckySource888 Wellness Spa, offering guests a signature 90-minute treatment that combines traditional Filipino hilot with modern lymphatic drainage techniques.

According to HLC General Manager Geraldine Gaw, “traveling has always been a gift that allows people to discover themselves and the world around them.” Beyond offering comfortable accommodations and a selection of food and beverage experiences in the heart of Chinatown, Gaw shared that “the hotel is now introducing a deeper sense of healing into every guest’s journey through its first of its kind Sampaguita Hilot Massage, thoughtfully designed to soothe tired muscles, calm the mind, and deliver a distinctly Filipino wellness experience rooted in relaxation, care, and cultural tradition.

Exclusively available at the hotel’s Wellness Amenity area on the sixth floor, the signature treatment combines the restorative touch of hilot with the wellness benefits of lymphatic drainage. A long-standing Filipino healing practice, hilot focuses on easing body tension, improving circulation, and restoring balance through intentional massage techniques. Complementing this are lymphatic drainage methods that help reduce water retention, stimulate circulation, support detoxification, and encourage overall relaxation and recovery. Together, the experience is designed to help guests unwind from physical fatigue, travel stress, and the fast pace of everyday life.

The wellness journey begins upon arrival at the hotel lobby, where guests are welcomed by the calming scent of Sampaguita and the warmth of Filipino hospitality that Megaworld Hotels & Resorts has become known for through its Sampaguita inspired brand of service. Guests are then guided into softly lit spa facilities designed to immediately create a sense of calm and ease.

Inside the tranquil massage rooms, skilled therapists carefully perform the signature treatment over the course of an hour and a half, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience either alone or alongside a loved one. To conclude the ritual, guests are served the hotel’s signature SAMARA tea, a soothing blend of Sampaguita, mango, and tarragon crafted to leave a refreshing finish to the wellness experience.

The Sampaguita Hilot Massage also reflects Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ growing advocacy to elevate the Sampaguita beyond symbolism and into meaningful guest experiences rooted in Filipino culture, healing, dignity, love, and service excellence. Across its properties nationwide, the hotel group continues to integrate the Sampaguita experience through sensory touchpoints and community initiatives that celebrate Filipino identity while strengthening tourism experiences for both local and international visitors.

Maricel Naviamos, co-owner of the Nuat Thai branch, shared that “we take pride in being part of this collaboration to have the opportunity to help create a wellness product that better represents the Philippines through healing, relaxation, and Filipino care.” Beyond the signature Sampaguita Hilot Lymphatic Massage, the wellness facility also offers a range of massage services available to both checked in and walk-in guests, with access to the Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room for a complete urban wellness retreat in the heart of Manila’s China

For  inquiries  and  reservations,  guests  may  contact  Hotel  Lucky  Chinatown through stay@hotelluckychinatown.com or call (+63) 917-805 6062 / (+632) 5318-8188. More information is available at www.hotelluckychinatown.com.

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Officials from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Pag-IBIG Fund conducted a site inspection and ceremonial turnover of housing units under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program in Cabuyao, Laguna, on May 21, 2026. The activity highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to help more Filipino families gain access to decent and affordable housing.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling and Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, together with other government officials and private sector representatives, inspected Pasinaya Heights, one of the pioneering condominium developments in South Luzon under the Expanded 4PH Program.

During the event, Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the ceremonial turnover reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to make homeownership more accessible to more Filipinos.

To date, nearly 300 Pag-IBIG Fund members have already purchased units in Pasinaya Heights through Pag-IBIG Fund’s affordable home financing program.

“President Marcos has been clear in his directive: decent and affordable housing must be brought closer to Filipino families, especially workers who need government support the most. Pasinaya Heights shows what can be achieved when government, Pag-IBIG Fund, and responsible private developers work together. Through the Expanded 4PH Program, we are turning the President’s housing directive into actual homes that Filipino workers can afford,” Aliling said.

The 2.5-hectare socialized condominium development consists of four seven-story residential towers with more than 2,700 housing units. It also features amenities such as a swimming pool, covered basketball court, playground, day care center, health care center, and open spaces for residents.

Acosta said Pasinaya Heights shows how the Expanded 4PH Program and the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan work together to help Filipino workers own homes through affordable monthly payments.

With the program’s subsidized 3-percent interest rate during the first five years, an eligible borrower buying a Pasinaya Heights unit valued at ₱1.404 million may pay about ₱5,919 per month. This is lower than the ₱8,644 monthly amortization under Pag-IBIG Fund’s regular housing loan rate, and is also below many condominium rental rates in nearby Laguna areas.

“Every peso saved from monthly housing payments matters to our members. It can help pay for food, education, health care, utilities and other daily needs of the family. Through the Expanded 4PH Program and Pag-IBIG Fund’s subsidized Housing Loan rate for socialized homes, Filipino workers now have a real and practical path to owning a safe and decent home. In doing so, we help ease the monthly burden of Filipino families, bring homeownership within their reach, and allow them to build a better future under a Bagong Pilipinas,” Acosta said.

Acosta likewise recognized Joy-Nostalg Hearth Corporation for its continued partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund in advancing socialized housing projects nationwide. She noted that the developer has consistently been recognized among Pag-IBIG Fund’s top-performing partners, reflecting its significant contribution to expanding access to affordable housing for Filipino workers.

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Committed to elevating gastronomic experiences, the luxury hotel by the iconic Manila Bay welcomes new leaders set to introduce fresh and innovative dining concepts.

Conrad Manila is delighted to welcome distinguished additions to its culinary leadership team: Vikram Singh as Indian Chef and Jaquelyn Sunderarajo as Director of Food and Beverage. With their extensive experience and refined expertise, guests can anticipate elevated offerings and thoughtfully curated culinary experiences across the hotel’s signature dining venues.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome new reinforcements to the culinary powerhouse of Conrad Manila,” said Rupert Hallam, general manager of the hotel. “We began the year with exceptional dining experiences, and guests can look forward to even more remarkable moments in the months ahead, especially as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, with Jaquelyn’s strategic direction and Chef Vikram’s passion for authentic cuisine.”

Sunderarajo brings with her over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, having held leadership roles across some of Singapore’s most well-known hotel brands. Prior to joining Conrad Manila, she led one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most complex food and beverage operations at Hilton Singapore Orchard. She is recognized for driving guest satisfaction, delivering strong commercial performance, and fostering high-performing teams, alongside introducing innovative and compelling dining concepts.

Singh, meanwhile, offers a uniquely inspiring journey into the culinary arts, having spent nearly two decades in the corporate world before pursuing his true passion. Guided by his mother’s culinary heritage, he undertook formal training in international cuisine before deepening his expertise in North Indian gastronomy under her mentorship, continuing a rich family legacy. Today, he is dedicated to showcasing traditional and often lesser-known North Indian cuisines, such as mughlai and awadhi, while preserving their authenticity through the thoughtful use of seasonal ingredients.

Together with Conrad Manila’s Executive Chef and its award-winning culinary team, they have already begun introducing exceptional dining concepts that continue to captivate epicureans and hotel guests alike.

The Philippines’ biggest dessert buffet at Brasserie on 3

Featuring over 100 meticulously crafted desserts, Conrad Manila unveils Wonderland Reverie, an imaginative and indulgent dessert buffet at Brasserie on 3. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, the experience presents seven curated stations that reimagine the classic tale through exquisite sweets and savory creations, inviting guests into a journey of fantasy and flavor.

Wonderland Reverie

Until July 31, 2026

Saturdays and Sundays

Php2,500 nett per person

Signature curries across the world at Brasserie on 3

As part of the refreshed themed dinner offerings for 2026, Curries of the World presents a rich and aromatic exploration of curry traditions from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and India, among others. Highlights also include a dedicated laksa station and an array of curated desserts.

Curries of the World

Wednesdays & Thursdays

Until December 31, 2026

Php3,600 nett per person

Hermès-inspired afternoon tea indulgence at C Lounge

Conrad Manila invites guests to experience Heures d’Orange, a bespoke Hermès-inspired afternoon tea at C Lounge, curated in collaboration with The Amenity Studio. Available until July 31, 2026, this limited-time offering explores the harmony of fragrance and flavor, pairing tea selections inspired by iconic Hermès scent profiles with an elegant assortment of artisanal pastries, refined savory bites, and delicate confections by the hotel’s award-winning pastry team.

Heures d’Orange

Until July 31, 2026

12 NN to 6 PM

Php3,288 ++ per set

As Conrad Manila celebrates its 10th anniversary this June, the hotel looks forward to unveiling more exceptional dining experiences defined by luxury, innovation, and purposeful hospitality. For inquiries and reservations, please call (+632) 8833-9999 or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.

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Some nights are remembered not because of where you went, but because of how they made you feel.

This June 1–8, Savoy Hotel Manila transforms its beloved Zabana Bar into a place where stories, flavors, and meaningful moments come together through “Nights of Zabana,” an 8-night celebration designed not just for cocktail and food lovers, but for people looking to slow down, connect, and simply enjoy the night.

Created as part of Savoy Hotel Manila’s 8th anniversary celebration, “Nights of Zabana” brings together bartenders and Executive Chefs from sister properties under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts — including the newly opened Belmont Hotel Iloilo and Chancellor Hotel Boracay, alongside Savoy Hotel Mactan and Twin Lakes Hotel — each bringing the flavors and experiences that make their destinations memorable.

But beyond the cocktails and curated pairings, the event is really about the experience of traveling through flavors. It is about hearing the story behind a drink while watching a bartender carefully craft it before your eyes. It is about discovering how a smoky pour perfectly complements a comforting local dish. It is about conversations shared over cocktails, laughter among friends, and the simple joy of ending the day with something beautifully made.

Every evening offers guests something new to discover. Savoy Hotel Manila introduces comforting and familiar creations like the refreshing Dyip paired with Zabana Rum Cured Salmon Sinuglaw, the velvety Pedikab served with Brandy-Glazed Beef Short Rib Bao, and the warm alcohol-free Habal complemented by Kesong Puti & Honey Rum Samosa.

From Iloilo come tropical and nostalgic flavors through cocktails such as After Glow, Ilonggo Breeze, and Pine Batuan Iced Tea, each thoughtfully paired with dishes inspired by local favorites. Boracay brings vibrant energy through refreshing citrus and berry-forward creations like Ginlime Infusion and Frost Berry Fizz, alongside the bold and smoky Zabana Old Fashioned.

Meanwhile, Savoy Hotel Mactan offers floral, refreshing, and tropical creations inspired by island life, while Twin Lakes Hotel brings comforting flavors influenced by Batangas favorites — from barako coffee notes to calamansi and coconut blends that evoke relaxing sunset moments by the lake.

What makes “Nights of Zabana” truly special is the experience itself. Guests are invited not just to drink and dine, but to engage with the people behind every creation — the bartenders, chefs, and storytellers who bring each destination to life through flavor.

For eight nights, Zabana Bar becomes more than just a place for cocktails. It becomes a space for discovery, connection, and celebration — where every sip tells a story, every dish sparks nostalgia, and every evening offers a moment worth savoring.

Meet the bartenders. Taste their creations. Experience the stories behind every pour — only at “Nights of Zabana.”

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Marco Polo Ortigas Manila has once again been awarded the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation by the Department of Tourism (DOT), reaffirming its position as one of the Philippines’ leading luxury hotels and its continued commitment to service excellence, world-class hospitality, and exceptional guest experiences.

“We are honored to once again receive the Department of Tourism’s 5-Star Accreditation,” said Fredrik Johansson, General Manager of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our colleagues, who consistently deliver exceptional service and genuine hospitality to our guests every day. It also inspires us to continue elevating the guest experience while upholding the standards expected of a leading luxury hotel in the Philippines.”

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila features 316 elegantly designed rooms and suites offering panoramic views of the Metro Manila skyline, alongside signature dining destinations including Cucina, Lung Hin, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge, Connect Lounge, and Café Pronto. Complementing these are premium wellness and leisure facilities such as an indoor heated pool, fitness center, spa, and versatile event spaces, including two levels of Continental Club that accords additional privileges and benefits, making the hotel a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers.

The hotel is also home to a Grand Ballroom and 10 function rooms. Awarded Forbes Five-Star from 2017 to 2023 by the Forbes Travel Guide, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is a member of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

The DOT 5-Star Accreditation is the highest classification granted to hotels under the National Accommodation Standards, recognizing excellence in facilities, service, guest experience, and operational quality.

For reservations and inquiries, guests may call (+632) 7720-7777 or email manila@marcopolohotels.com or restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com. For more information, visit marcopolohotels.com, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

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SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) proudly announces the appointment of Kits Pinga as Club General Manager of Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club.

A seasoned hospitality and club management executive, Pinga brings more than 20 years of expertise across the hospitality, fitness, and leisure industries. His appointment marks another significant step in SMHCC’s continuing commitment to strengthening operational excellence and enhancing the overall member and guest engagement within its growing portfolio of premier leisure destinations.

Prior to joining Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club, Pinga served as General Manager of Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, where he oversaw overall club operations, financial management, customer relations, and business development initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held management roles in several respected golf and country clubs, including Dakak Golf Club Inc., Calatagan Golf Club Inc., Valley Golf and Country Club, and Alabang Country Club.

Known for his hands-on approach and strong operational discipline, Pinga has built a reputation for elevating service standards while cultivating meaningful relationships with members, guests, and teams alike. His extensive background in managing recreational and membership-driven properties positions him well to lead Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club into its next chapter of growth and excellence.

Located in Nasugbu, Batangas, Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club is recognized as one of the country’s premier coastal leisure communities, offering a unique blend of nature, wellness, recreation, and exclusive membership privileges. Under Pinga’s stewardship, the Club aims to further strengthen its position as a preferred destination for families, leisure seekers, and members seeking a well-rounded lifestyle community outside Metro Manila.

In his new role, Pinga will oversee the Club’s overall administration and day-to-day affairs, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives, service standards, and member engagement initiatives. He is expected to lead efforts focused on operational efficiency, community-building, and the continuous enhancement of the Club’s lifestyle and recreational offerings.

“I am honored to join Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and be part of a community that has become synonymous with leisure, wellness, and meaningful connections,” said Pinga. “I look forward to working closely with the team in further strengthening the Club’s service culture, enhancing member benefits, and continuing to build on Pico de Loro’s reputation as one of the country’s premier lifestyle and leisure destinations.”

As SMHCC expands its footprint in the country, the appointment of Pinga reinforces the company’s drive to cultivate transformative leadership, elevate guest experiences, and champion world-class Filipino hospitality across its roster of brands.

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Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp. has announced that its 680-room Hotel101-Madrid has achieved a company record of more than 100,000 euros (approx Php7.18 million) in recurring room revenues in a single day on May 19, 2026, at 100-percent occupancy.

The company believes this record performance underscores the accelerating momentum and exceptionally strong demand for the 680-room Hotel101-Madrid, the first Hotel101-branded property to operate outside the Philippines, which officially opened in March 2026. This record single-day performance at 100-percent occupancy provides support for demonstrable, strong demand for the property and illustrates the property’s potential to generate substantial recurring revenues. This milestone revenue achieved of more than 100,000 euros for a single day is expected to translate to a highly sizable recurring hotel revenues annually, further validating the success of the company’s asset light, prop-tech hospitality model and its focus on long-term recurring revenue generation from the Hotel101 global portfolio.

Hotel101-Madrid has been designated as an “Official Hotel” partner for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix from 2026 to 2035 through an exclusive agreement with MATCH Hospitality AG. Hotel101-Madrid is one of the top five largest hotels in Madrid by room count. Located on a 6,593-sq.m. site in Valdebebas, Madrid, it is strategically positioned, adjacent to the new Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix circuit, overlooking the iconic semicircular Turn 12 titled “La Monumental.” The property offers convenient accessibility, located approximately a three-minute walk to Valdebebas Train Station, four minutes to the IFEMA convention complex, five minutes to the Real Madrid Sports Complex and seven minutes to the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport.

The hotel features modern amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, HBNB Kitchen by awar-winning La Sucursal, two swimming pools, a fitness center, a children’s playground, 24/7 reception, a business center, function rooms and a proprietary Hotel101 app that supports seamless guest services, including digital check-in and digital key access.

Hotel101 Madrid serves as the global prototype for Hotel101 Global and functions as the primary operating springboard for the company’s international expansion, which the company expects to enable the successful replication of its innovative business model. This prototype supports Hotel101 Global’s vision of developing one million standardized rooms across 100 countries, with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s largest single-brand hotel chain.

Hotel101 Global since March 2026 has started to generate recurring revenues from hotel operations in its newly opened 680-room Hotel101-Madrid in Spain, to be followed by recurring revenue generation in Japanese Yen currency from the 482-room Hotel101-Niseko in Hokkaido Japan set to open in December 2026.

This year 2026 will be the year with the highest number of room openings in one year. A total of additional 2,229 hotel rooms are slated to be operational this year 2026, 680 rooms in the recently opened Madrid, Spain, to be followed by 519 rooms in Davao, 548 rooms in Cebu and 482 rooms in Niseko Hokkaido Japan.

The 518-room Hotel101-Manila and the 606-room Hotel101-Fort in the Philippines continue to consistently operate at very high occupancy levels. 2026 is set to be the year with DoubleDragon to start generating high volume of recurring revenues from its portfolio of provincial community mall leasing, industrial warehouse leasing, office leasing and its hospitality portfolio in the Philippines and overseas.

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