Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts kicks-off the longest holiday season in the world, the Philippine “ber months” with its annual Sheraton September Soirée, featuring an array of exclusive dining deals, wellness treatments, and month-on-month festivities designed to celebrate the much-awaited season of the year.

A soiree that celebrates local artistry

The centerpiece of September’s celebrations is the “Sheraton September Soirée” kick off with Makers Meet Manila, a two-day artistry showcase which took place at Sheraton Manila Hotel’s plug-and-play place, COL|LAB on September 13-14, 2025.

This exclusive collaboration brought together the most talented local artisans, designers, and creative entrepreneurs in an immersive experience. The event represents Sheraton Manila Hotel’s commitment to supporting the local creative community while providing guests with authentic Filipino craftsmanship and innovation.

Event highlights included the “Curated Marketplace” featuring handpicked local makers showcasing anything and everything crafted; the “Meet the Makers Sessions,” an interactive demonstrations and storytelling sessions where artisans share their creative processes and inspirations; “Collaborative Workshops,” a hands-on experience allowing visitors to learn crafts and modern design techniques; and “Culinary and Artistry Fusion,” a celebration of how Filipino artistry meets global standards.

Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resort’s COL|LAB was specially transformed to create an atmosphere that highlighted each maker’s unique story and craftsmanship. Guests discovered one-of-a-kind pieces of experience while directly supporting the thriving creative industry.

Happy Station, Googly Gooeys, along with other craft shops collaborated to make this event happen in cooperation with: Bambu Lab, eSun, Brother, Monaco, Siser, Panchroma, The Happy Station, Canon, Hansol, Prestige, Tombow, Creality, Hello Mardie, Printstar, Ultima, Ecowhite, Kexcelled, Rochas Fabric Store, Elegoo & Fllaments, Loklik and xTool. The two-day event, “Makers Meet Manila” aligns perfectly with “Sheraton September Soirée” theme of purposeful gathering, celebrating local artistry alongside the world-class hospitality brand. A get-together of crafters, makers, and industry enthusiasts for creativity, learning, and discovery.

A Soiree that introduces culinary adventure

The award-winning all-day dining restaurant, “S Kitchen” has the new “Oriental Express Buffet Dinner,” a premium dining journey highlighting Chinese dishes priced at Php3,600 nett per person, available every Friday from 6 PM to 10 PM; and “Italia Uncork,” an exclusive five-course wine pairing experience for Php3,000 nett featuring winning dishes from this year’s Philippine Culinary Cup chefs of Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts this September 27, 2025, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

The five-star Oori presents signature authentic Korean flavors with Haemul Tang – a traditional Korean spicy seafood soup for Php1,350 nett, available September 1-30, 2025 only and the elevated Unlimited Korean BBQ – Premium for Php2,200 nett.

The Lounge, Sheraton Manila’s signature place to chill, offers casual elegance with Pizza and Beer Special – blue cheese and pear pizza by PCC Chef Dave paired with Crazy Carabao Beer for Php1,000 nett available on September 1-30, 2025, from 4 PM to 1 AM.

The limited offer “#MarriottBonvoy Sip and Savor” – signature Sustainable cocktails starting at P490 nett, with the second drink given for free for existing and newly enrolled Marriott Bonvoy members.

A Soiree that promotes wellness and relaxation

Shine Spa a place for guests to unwind through Sheraton Manila Hotel signature treatments: The “Signature Hilot Massage,” 120 minutes of Traditional Filipino healing therapy for Php6,500 nett; the “Outdoor Jacuzzi Experience” relaxation sessions starting at Php2,000 nett; while the in-house “La Styling Salon” extends promotional offer through September 30, 2025, P500 off on color and hair treatments, eyelash extensions, and nail art services.

A Soiree that makes you feel home

The Sheraton “Side by Side” offer is comprehensive room packages, including premium accommodations perfect for distinct and memorable experiences for guests’ gatherings of all ages.

Beyond the fun and relaxation, Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts is all about creating experiences that families will cherish forever. Whether holding an event in the plug-and-play event venue, “COL|LAB” or children having their playtime at the “Kids Club,” savoring signature Sheraton Manila dishes, or spending quality time together in a premium Bi-Level Loft room, every experience is designed to foster genuine connections and happy memories.

The ultimate gathering place, a haven of every important milestone, Sheraton Manila Hotel provides topnotch hospitality signatures that go “beyond happiness.” For more information, visit www.sheratonmanila.com or connect with with the hotel on Facebook and Instagram at @sheratonmanila. To book your stay, please call (+632) 7902-1800 or (+63) 917-8597496.

The post Sheraton Manila Hotel kicks off September Soiree with Makers Meet appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.

The Philippines’ largest homegrown hospitality chain, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), was recognized as a Tourism Industry Excellence Awardee at Department of Tourism’s (DOT) first Philippine Tourism Awards held in Parañaque City on September 8, 2025. The group was honored for its Muslim-friendly initiatives and Sampaguita brand of service, reaffirming its role as a leader in shaping Philippine hospitality.

“Each of us has a role to play in moving the tourism industry forward. We are truly humbled that the Department of Tourism has recognized our efforts. This award reflects the close collaboration we had with the DOT, from championing inclusivity through our Muslim-friendly initiatives and in our vision to creating the Sampaguita as an iconic representation of Filipino hospitality that sets us apart from the rest of the world,” Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

“This award is not just for Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, but for every member of our team who continues to serve with heart. This recognition inspires us to create meaningful experiences for every guest who walks through our doors,” she added.

The Philippine Tourism Awards is envisioned as the highest and most prestigious citation in Philippine tourism, recognizing creativity, professionalism, and service that strengthen the country’s position as a top global destination.

Inclusive tourism efforts

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts proudly partners with the Department of Tourism in advancing Muslim tourism in the Philippines. Within just seven months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding, MHR successfully transformed all 13 of its properties into Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments—a pioneering move that reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and global competitiveness. This achievement follows its earlier recognition at the 2025 Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore, where CrescentRating, the world’s leading authority on halal-friendly travel, named MHR as the Philippines’ first-ever Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain. Strengthening this commitment, MHR continues to train its associates with in-depth market knowledge, enhancing their understanding of Muslim cultures and practices to better serve a diverse and growing market.

Cultural preservation and representation

In support of the Department of Tourism’s Filipinization efforts, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has pioneered the Sampaguita brand of service across its properties—an initiative that embraces Filipino culture, upholds core Filipino values, and celebrates the nation’s unique identity. This distinct brand experience engages all five senses, creating meaningful and memorable guest interactions at every touchpoint.

More than just a service philosophy, the Sampaguita brand has become MHR’s dedicated advocacy. To date, MHR has planted over 6,000 seedlings across four Megaworld townships and partner communities, diffused more than 18,000 liters of its signature Cool Sampaguita scent across its 13 properties, and incorporated over 30,000 grams of food-grade sampaguita buds into its curated menu offerings. Through its collaboration with Dwellbeing and Project PEARLS, over 8,200 families have received nourishing meals as part of its community outreach efforts.

Anchored in Megaworld’s MEGreen program, the Sampaguita brand of service has evolved into a powerful advocacy for nation-building, sustainability, and cultural preservation. This meaningful work has earned industry acclaim, winning Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign at the 10th Virtus Awards and securing a Silver Anvil Award in 2024 for the Sampaguita Project.

More recently, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Megaworld’s Estate Management and Development team, and collaborators from the Rotary Clubs of Biñan, San Pedro, Laguna, and Marikina, along with local farmers, planted 2,500 Sampaguita seedlings at the 4,300-sq.m. Sampaguita Park. This landscaped space is being developed by MHR in partnership with Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI) and the Rotary Club of Biñan, with full support from the National Parks Development Committee.

Accepting the award were Cleofe Albiso and Art Boncato, MHR’s Group General Manager, in a ceremony attended by tourism leaders, private stakeholders, and media.

The Philippine Tourism Awards, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), honor the outstanding efforts of industry players and local government units (LGUs) in advancing the country’s tourism. Reinventing the former KALAKBAY Awards and Tourism Star Philippines.

Through these awards, the DOT also seeks to instill a culture of Filipino hospitality and excellence, foster innovation and competitiveness, and pay tribute to the individuals and organizations whose contributions drive the growth of Philippine tourism.

The post Driving PH tourism forward through culture and inclusivity appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.

The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) proudly announces the return of the September Online Sale (SOS) 2025, the country’s most eagerly awaited online travel fair offering up to 80-percent off on accommodations, dining, and leisure packages from nearly 100 participating hotels and resorts across the Philippines. Running from September 1 to 30, 2025,  SOS 2025 is the premier platform for Filipino travelers seeking exceptional value and convenience when booking their next getaway – and to showcase how much they “Love the Philippines.” This month-long online fair allows travelers to lock in the best deals for stays valid until 2026 and even 2027,

Now in its 6th year, SOS has become a trusted platform for Filipino travelers looking for both affordability and quality. Under the theme “Discover the Best Stays in the Philippines,” SOS 2025 highlights experience-driven packages curated for families, couples, barkadas, business travelers, and even fur parents.

This year’s edition highlights the Department of Tourism’s flagship campaign, “Love the Philippines,” underscoring HSMA’s commitment to support the DOT’s  focus on the domestic market and encourage more Filipinos to explore local destinations.

Unlike traditional travel fairs that require guests to brave Metro Manila crowds and traffic (not to mention the additional challenge of finding parking), as well as quick, on-the-spot decision-making, SOS 2025 offers travelers the luxury of browsing and booking the best hotel and resort deals from the comfort of their homes. With a full month to explore options, travelers can take their time to find the perfect accommodation without the pressure of crowded venues, traffic concerns, or time constraints.

“SOS provides a more relaxed, flexible, and accessible booking experience that truly puts travelers first,” said Ma. Celeste Romualdo, HSMA SOS Project Head/Director for Membership. “Our platform, accessible via hsma.org.ph/sos, eliminates the stress of traditional travel fairs while delivering even better value.”

Unmatched variety 

As an initiative organized by HSMA, made up of the best sales and marketing leaders from the country’s top hospitality establishments, SOS 2025 guarantees the best and lowest rates available for the entire month of September, compared to other booking platforms. Travelers can enjoy discounts of up to 75 percent on accommodations nationwide, along with special offers on hotel and resort restaurants, social banquets, corporate meeting functions, spa treatments, fitness packages, and wellness experiences.

SOS 2025 Deals

The scope and variety of hotel and resort offers from HSMA member properties include:

* City escapes – Staycations in Makati, Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, Alabang, BGC, Pasay, and Parañaque with packages as low as ₱2,800 per night.

* North and South Luzon adventures – Scenic Tagaytay and Batangas resorts, Baguio city breaks, and Rizal highland getaways with discounts up to 63 percent.

* Island destinations – Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, and Davao resorts offering 3D2N packages, family suites, Halal-friendly stays, spa credits, and island-hopping tours with validity until 2026–2027.

* Special packages – Muslim-friendly dining, pet-friendly rooms, wellness escapes, and bundled family offers with extended validity windows of up to two years.

During the booking period, browsers only need to visit the HSMA website by typing hsma.org.ph/sos to view the extensive lineup features properties strategically organized into regional clusters for easy browsing: Manila and Makati; Pasig and Quezon City; Alabang and Bonifacio Global City; Pasay City and Parañaque; South Luzon; North Luzon and Rizal; Palawan, Davao, and Bicol; Cebu, Bohol, and Iloilo and Boracay.

Carefully designed experiences

“HSMA is excited to give travelers not just discounts, but carefully designed experiences across all regions of the Philippines. Through SOS, we’re making world-class hospitality more accessible while boosting our domestic tourism industry,” said Loleth So , HSMA President.

“Love the Philippines finds its perfect partner in SOS. Together, we invite Filipinos to rediscover our destinations, support local tourism workers, and celebrate the richness of our country,” added Assistant Secretary Sharlene Batin, Department of Tourism.

“What makes SOS truly special is how our member hotels and resorts unite for one cause: to give travelers the best value while showcasing the breadth of Philippine hospitality. This collaboration is our way of ensuring that every Filipino can discover world-class stays right here at home,” said Tet Romualdo, HSMA Director of Membership and Project Lead for SOS.

“This year’s SOS is not just about discounts, but about curating meaningful experiences — from family-friendly vacations to wellness escapes and even pet- and Muslim-friendly packages. We want every traveler to find a stay that feels tailor-made for them,” said Amie Villena, HSMA Vice President and Co-lead for SOS.

SOS success

SOS has demonstrated remarkable growth and reliability since its inception, generating significant value for both travelers and the hospitality industry:

• 2020: 1,752 vouchers sold, ₱14.1M revenue
• 2021: 5,164 vouchers sold, ₱29.6M revenue  
• 2022: 5,854 vouchers sold, ₱35.6M revenue
• 2023: 3,666 vouchers sold, ₱19M revenue
• 2024: 5,552 vouchers sold, ₱24.2M revenue
  

In the past five years, SOS has generated an impressive ₱122.5M in total revenue, cementing its position as a major driver of domestic tourism in the Philippines. This is thanks to the support of key industry players, including the Department of Tourism (DOT). This strong support network underscores the event’s credibility and commitment to promoting Philippine tourism.

Why SOS Matters

–  Extended sale period: a full month of browsing and booking.
– Voucher validity of up to 2026 and 2027.
– Nearly 100 participating hotels and resorts nationwide.
– Proven track record: SOS has generated over ₱100 million in sales in previous editions.

As the Philippines continues to showcase its world-class hospitality and breathtaking destinations, SOS 2025 represents the perfect opportunity for travelers to discover exceptional stays at unbeatable prices. Whether planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, business trip, or wellness retreat, SOS offers something for every type of traveler.

Mark your calendars for September 1, 2025, and prepare to explore the best the Philippines has to offer. Vouchers purchased during SOS 2025 are valid for one year or more. Visit www.hsma.org/sos to start planning your next adventure and secure incredible deals on the country’s finest destinations. Follow HSMA on Facebook and Instagram (@hsmaphilippines) for updates.

The post Discover the best stays in PH with HSMA’s September Online Sale 2025 appeared first on Lakbay Magazine.