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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Step into a world of sweets, surprises, and sunshine as Pico Sands Hotel invites families to Easter Sweetopia: Picoy and Tiny’s Sugar Rush Land on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 10 AM at the Events Park.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Pico de Loro Cove, this year’s Easter celebration transforms into a whimsical candy-colored wonderland, where imagination runs free and every corner brings a new delight. Guests can look forward to a vibrant lineup of interactive games, live entertainment, and hands-on arts and crafts designed to spark joy for kids and kids-at-heart alike.

At the heart of the celebration is the much-anticipated Easter egg hunt, where little adventurers can fill their baskets with colorful eggs packed with sweet treats and exciting surprises, making for a truly “egg-straordinary” day.

Adding even more magic to the experience, beloved mascots Picoy the Parrot and Tiny the Turtle will be out and about, bringing energy, laughter, and memorable photo moments throughout the day.

Tickets are available for both members and guests, with guest rates starting at ₱800 for adults and ₱1,300 for kids. Attendees can also enjoy delightful treats and exciting giveaways from our valued sponsors: SM Supermalls, Taal Vista Hotel, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Oishi, Gardenia Bakeries, Tom’s World, Toy Kingdom, Cherifer, Ritz Food Product Corporation, Leslie Food Corporation, and Franville Corporation.

Celebrate Easter in a destination where fun meets nature, and every moment becomes a cherished memory. For inquiries and reservations, visit www.picosandshotel.com or email customer.care@picodeloroclub.com. You may also reach us at (+63) 917-8091289 / (+632) 8464-7888.

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Nestled amidst lush landscapes and serene waters, Pico de Loro Cove provides a picturesque backdrop for romance and relaxation this Valentine month. Guests can enjoy room accommodations matched with an exquisite dinner at one of our restaurants. Pico Sands Hotel’s Better Two-gether Valentine Package offers couples a romantic escape designed to create lasting memories. Rates start at Php12,000 nett per night, with bookings and stays available until February 28, 2026.

Guests can delight in a buffet breakfast for two at Pico Restaurant, savor a five-course dinner for two at the garden steps of Pico Restaurant, and enjoy a 60-minute signature massage at Rain, The Spa. The package also includes guest fees for two to access the Country Club swimming pools and Pico Beach, providing the perfect balance of relaxation, indulgence, and shared experiences.

For couples who wish to enjoy an intimate dining experience, Pico Restaurant & Bar offers the Romantic Indulgence menu by the scenic lagoon. Available until February 28, 2026 from 6 PM to 10 PM, this curated experience features a five-course meal and a bottle of red or white wine for two, priced at Php2,000 nett per person.

For those looking to enhance their romantic escape, Rain, The Spa offers a serene couple’s experience with its signature full-body treatments. Guests can enjoy a 60-minute Romantic Spa Experience using natural soy-based oils, priced at Php2,500 nett per couple. Each treatment is carefully designed to relax the body, awaken the senses, and create a sanctuary of wellness and bliss, making it the perfect complement to a memorable Valentine’s getaway.

This Valentine’s season, escape the ordinary and create unforgettable moments with your special someone at Pico de Loro Cove.

To book your romantic getaway, visit www.picosandshotel.com, email reservations@picosandshotel.com, or call (+63) 917-8091289 / (+632) 8464-7888.

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There’s no doubt that the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season in the world as it starts with the “ber” months.

In the hospitality industry, you know it’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas when hotels and resorts hold their Christmas tree lighting, festivities which come with deeper meaning and purpose as they usually highlight their properties’ advocacies and their season’s messages.

We had the chance to be part of these celebrations and we gladly share them because beyond the glitter is what Christmas represents—joy, hope, and the warmth of togetherness and the great message the world has received—the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Conrad Manila

Luxury hotel Conrad Manila ushered in the Yuletide season with the lighting of its shining, shimmering, and glittery Christmas tree on its grand lobby. With the theme “Bright holidays, Brilliant memories,” the tree, adorned with sparkling crystals and gold and silver ornaments centered on messages of gratitude, family togetherness, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit.

Okada Manila

Okada Manila’s magnificent Christmas tree features bold red accents, striped ornaments, gold spheres, carousel horses, and whimsical hot air balloon elements inspired by the resort’s holiday theme, “Christmas Carnival.” Topped with a grand red bow and surrounded by festive decor, it stands as a vibrant centerpiece that captures the playful charm and wonder of the season.

Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club

Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club’s inspiration on its Christmas tree comes from the mangroves, “nature’s quiet protectors that bring life and light to our surroundings. When mangroves thrive, they become home to fireflies—tiny sparks that illuminate the night, reminding us that even the smallest lights can create something truly wondrous together,” said General Manager Maxi Gavino.

The Christmas tree was created by the CRAFTmas team, composed of Pico de Loro Cove Beach and Country Club’s very own staff. Their innovative designs incorporated upcycled and locally sourced materials from the property and neighboring barangays, including wood scraps, foxtail palm twigs, Talisay fruit, acacia seeds, mangrove branches, mud crabs, and driftwood centerpieces. Each element combined sustainability with artistry, resulting in unique, memorable decorations that embody the spirit of the season.

Splendido Tagaytay Hotel and Country Club

Splendido Tagaytay Hotel and Country Club’s bright and sustainable-themed 23-foot Christmas tree was created out of reclaimed tree branches, put together with care and craftsmanship by the hotel’s very own maintenance team, and decorated with well-loved Filipino touches.

Century Park Hotel

Century Park Hotel’s Christmas tree transports everyone into a magical journey with the enchanting theme, “Century Express,” inspired by the beloved classic “The Polar Express.” The towering 43-foot Christmas tree is adorned with shimmering ornaments in hues of blue and silver. At its midsection, a grand Polar Express train encircled the tree, serving as a unique centerpiece that evoked the cinematic magic of holiday journeys. Snow effects cascading from the ceiling, garlands, nutcracker standees, and festive lights on pillars and trees completed the captivating decor, immersing guests in a winter wonderland.

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A heartwarming and meaningful Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place at Pico de Loro Cove to usher in the holiday season. The event was graced by Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club (PDLBCC) Chairwoman Elizabeth T. Sy, President Rita Dy, SM Leisure & Resort Residences (SMLRR) Business Unit Head Shirley Ong, Head of Design and Planning Harvey Sy, Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel General Manager Maxi Gavino, and SM Hotels & Conventions Corp. Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles and Senior Vice President–Operations Cathy Nepomuceno, along with friends from the media, members, and guests.

GM Maxi Gavino welcomes guests with an inspiring message saying, “This year, our theme — #FeelTheHolidaySparkle — invites us to rediscover the beauty that shines when we nurture what truly matters. Our inspiration comes from the mangroves, nature’s quiet protectors that bring life and light to our surroundings. When mangroves thrive, they become home to fireflies — tiny sparks that illuminate the night, reminding us that even the smallest lights can create something truly wondrous together.”

Aligned with Pico de Loro’s commitment to marine protection and sustainability, all Christmas trees around the cove were adorned with eco-friendly decorations, showcasing the property’s efforts toward environmental stewardship.

With a shared passion for creativity and sustainability, the CRAFTmas team transformed Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel into a holiday wonderland – led by Housekeeping Manager Renante Navarro and Housekeeping Supervisor for Sustainability and Decorations Florencio Garcia, and supported by Housekeeping and Public Area Attendants Cyrus Tito, Mervin Gonzales, Rogie Mendoza, Jeff Montealegre, John Erick Lazarte, Arvin Demora, and John Aaron Sadiasa, the team brought months of preparation and dedication to life.

Their innovative designs incorporated upcycled and locally sourced materials from the property and neighboring barangays, including wood scraps, foxtail palm twigs, Talisay fruit, acacia seeds, mangrove branches, mud crabs, and driftwood centerpieces. Each element combined sustainability with artistry, resulting in unique, memorable decorations that embody the spirit of the season.

PDLBCC President Rita Dy also shared her holiday message sharing, “The Club has laid out a full calendar of things to do throughout this holiday season and throughout the year, for us to have a fun good time right here at the cove.” She also encouraged members and guests to try the Eco-Mangrove tour to appreciate this year’s theme more deeply, and eventually invited everyone for a fun New Year’s Eve Countdown Party dubbed as Jungle Jive this coming December 31.

The event was also highlighted with a message by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Senior Vice President for Operations Cathy Nepomuceno. She said, “Pico de Loro has always been a sanctuary where families connect, friendships grow, and memories take root. And as we continue this journey together, we look forward to unveiling exciting enhancements across the property—from the refreshed Lagoa opening this December 12, Grab & Go to soon offer We Proudly Serve Starbucks coffee, to the reimagined Club Pico for our young explorers to enjoy. All these efforts reflect our commitment to creating experiences that are warm, meaningful, and inspired by the spirit of hospitality we value deeply at SMHCC.”

Guests were serenaded by soprano duo The Nightingales, while children delighted in appearances by Pico de Loro mascots Picoy the Parrot and Tiny the Turtle. The evening also offered a special preview of the menu from the soon-to-open Lagoa Restaurant, thoughtfully curated by Chef Leah Magallanes, Chef Jayme Natividad, and the Pico de Loro culinary team.

The Christmas tree at Pico de Loro Cove stands as a radiant symbol of festive cheer, reflecting the creativity, dedication, and passion of the team who brought it to life.

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