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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Swiss-Belhotel Blulane welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse on February 17 with an array of festive treats and joyful traditions.

At Swiss-Belhotel Blulane, Chinese New Year is always a significant and heartfelt celebration, especially since it is in the heart of Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown.

“The celebration is not only about festivities, but also about honoring heritage, bringing families together, and welcoming prosperity for the year ahead,” said Linie Palacio, acting General Manager of Swiss-Belhotel Blulane.

Preparations for the much-anticipated event began a month in advance, with Palacio and her team carefully curating festive décor symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, coordinating special culinary offerings with the hotel’s Chef William Ong, and launching exclusive room and dining promotions.

Guests were treated to a lineup of activities honoring the rich traditions of the Chinese New Year. On top of the activities were the Lion and Dragon Dance performances to usher in good fortune and ward off negative energy. There was also a special blessing ritual within the hotel. Adding to the festive cheer, guests received exciting giveaways and symbolic tokens. The celebration was never complete without Chinese-inspired live music in the background, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.

“Being in Binondo, we truly embrace the cultural heritage surrounding us, and we want our guests to feel that authentic spirit the moment they step inside the hotel,” said Palacio.

Flavors of Fortune

A special celebration is synonymous with mouth-watering culinary delights. Thus, Ong prepared not only for flavor but also for its symbolic meaning of abundance, wealth, longevity, and happiness. Guests feasted on the rich spread of traditional and symbolic dishes, including Prosperity Yee Sang (Lo Hei), Steamed Whole Fish, Longevity Noodles, Roast Duck, Dumplings, Chinese-style Braised Pork, Sweet Rice Cakes (Nian Gao), and assorted Dim Sum selections.

The hotel also offered exclusive dining promotions for families and groups, with additional privileges for Swiss-Belhotel Blulane Executive Club (SBEC) members. The Chinese New Year Buffet is available during the celebration week.

A special set menu is also perfect for families or groups of six to 10 persons who wish to enjoy a relaxed celebration filled with indulgent bites and warm conversations.

Ong ensures that guests who prefer traditional comfort food and those looking for a contemporary, health-conscious experience will both find something delightful on the table. He and his team have designed the menu to balance authenticity and innovation.

“While we preserve traditional cooking techniques and flavors, we also incorporate lighter cooking methods such as steaming and stir-frying, reduced oil and balanced seasoning options, fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and vegetarian and healthier alternatives,” he says.

Apart from the thoughtfully curated buffet and engaging cultural activities, Swiss-Belhotel Blulane never fails to deliver excellent service and genuine hospitality.

“They can expect to celebrate prosperity, togetherness, and new beginnings in a place that truly feels like home,” said Palacio.

Swiss-Belhotel Blulane is located at 609 Tomas Mapua St., Sta. Cruz Manila. For more details and reservations, please call (+632) 8777-2258.)

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The spirit of Christmas shone brightly in Binondo as Hotel Lucky Chinatown officially lit its grand Christmas tree, unveiling this year’s theme “Hope All Is Well.” Led by General Manager Geraldine Gaw, the ceremony brought together notable leaders from the City of Manila, the business community, and the tourism sector, marking the start of the hotel’s holiday festivities.

Gracing the celebration were Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chie Atienza, Malaysian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Norjufir Nizar Edrus, Federaion of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) Deputy Secretary General Gino Chen, Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Head Cristal Bagatsing, Lucky Chinatown Mall General Manager Nori Mizoguchi, and Megaworld Corporation Senior AVP for Sales and Marketing Kelvin Uy. The gathering highlighted the importance of unity, goodwill, and shared hope as the city prepares for the most festive season of the year.

Standing before the towering Christmas tree adorned with golden ornaments and warm lights, Gaw expressed her heartfelt message about the theme. “Tonight, as we light this tree, we’re reminded of the simple wish at the heart of the season: hope all is well—in our homes, in our hearts, and in our community,” Gaw said, emphasizing the intention behind the hotel’s Christmas celebration. She added, “This year’s theme is not just a greeting, but a gentle reminder that even in busy times, we must pause and look out for one another. May this tree inspire kindness, compassion, and renewed hope for everyone who walks through our doors.

Gaw further highlighted the hotel’s commitment to fostering connection within the community. “Hotel Lucky Chinatown has always stood as a place of comfort and belonging. As we enter the holiday season, we want our guests and neighbors to feel that this is a home where their well-being matter. We hope this celebration remind everyone that brighter days are always ahead.”

The evening’s program continued with the lighting of the Christmas tree, drawing applause from the crowd as the lights flickered to life, illuminating the hotel lobby in a warm, inviting glow. Guests, media representatives, and community partners gathered to witness the symbolic gesture that marked the beginning of Manila’s festive calendar.

In his message, Domagoso spoke about the significance of the holidays to Filipino culture.
“Today we are here, we are going to light up a symbol of giving. Because Christmas is all about giving—love, affection to one another. Let’s show to the world that the longest Christmas in the world is being celebrated in the Philippines,” the mayor said, drawing laughter and cheers from the audience. He continued, “And that one quarter of the year, we always care and show empathy, sympathy, love and concern to one another.”

Domagoso also shared a heartfelt wish for the coming year. “I wish there will be peace—for the country, for the city, and for the world in 2026. Let’s continue to pray for each other’s safety and peace,” he added, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience, especially during the holidays.

With its message of hope and togetherness, Hotel Lucky Chinatown’s Tree Lighting celebration successfully captured the essence of the Filipino holiday spirit, reminding everyone that despite challenges, the season remains a time for joy, generosity, and shared warmth.

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Hotel Lucky Chinatown, nestled in the heart of Binondo also known as Manila’s bustling central business district, has marked its fifth anniversary last April 10 with special treats for guests.

This year’s anniversary celebration, dubbed as Fivetastic Sparkle Years, promises to be extraordinary as the hotel looks back to the very first day it started operation in April 2019 or a year before the outbreak of Covid-19 that crippled many, if not all, businesses.

Keeping Hotel Lucky Chinatown afloat during the lockdown season was one Herculean task to accomplish for all of its staff members – from the administrative level to the rank and file. It was truly a daunting duty to respond to the impact of the sudden dive in demand for accommodation, not to mention maintaining a secured job for the hotel workforce, as well as keeping them safe and healthy.

According to General Manager Jeremy Russell Go, no one ever expected that the pandemic would last nearly three years with many employees being laid off as a result of the sudden loss of potential guests. Fortunately, Hotel Lucky Chinatown was able to survive, and retained all of its staff members.

Although there was a strict implementation of a lockdown, Go said that rotation of employees turned out to be the best option to keep their jobs. The hotel served as a quarantine facility during the height of the pandemic. That’s why, Go couldn’t be any prouder to have surpassed the challenging years.

Thus, marking Hotel Lucky Chinatown’s fifth year is a milestone. Having completed a successful year after going through the pandemic is truly a reason to celebrate.  

Joshua Yasay, PR and Marketing Officer, stressed that Hotel Lucky Chinatown truly appreciates the continuous support of its guests – local and foreign tourists – that makes it possible for the hotel to reach its fifth year. And there’s no better way to thank them than by giving them special treats.

Guests who book an overnight stay in a Standard Room can avail of any of its anniversary offers of P2,555 (for room only) and the P3,555 deal that includes breakfast for two persons. This extraordinary deal can be enjoyed until December 31. Amazing surprises also await guests who are checked in during the anniversary month.

Hotel Lucky Chinatown is also bringing cheers to kids of Brgy. 108 Tondo, Manila Daycare with its anniversary gift-giving activity through the initiative of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) team.

Currently, Hotel Lucky Chinatown has 93 rooms (54 Twin Standard, 29 Queen Standard, 8 Junior Suite, and 2 Executive Suite) in classy interior designs. It also has a spacious, high-ceiling, and pillarless grand ballroom that can be converted into a stunning venue for parties and can accommodate 350 guests.

For those who are looking for a place for business meetings or seminars, Hotel Lucky Chinatown has function rooms – Ongpin, Escolta, and Benavidez – that have a maximum room capacity of 70 people. For intimate parties, the hotel has meeting rooms namely, Boardroom, Soler, Piedad, and Sanchez, suited for 20 people.

Hotel Lucky Chinatown, one of the properties under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, is committed to providing quality service and comfort to every guest. The hotel truly embraces its philosophy of “One Heart, Your Home.”

For booking and inquiries, please call (02) 5318-8188, 0917-8056062. You can also book directly at www.hotelluckychinatown.com.

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