Thursday, July 30, 2020

Inspiring Pinoys to #StayStrong with Century Tuna Superbods 2020



Alden Richards and Nadine Lustre with the Century Tuna Superbods 2020 finalists

The road to Century Tuna Superbods 2020 was all set: launched earlier this year by showbiz royalties Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards with the message “Every day is a chance to be a better you", the annual fitness competition had all 34 finalists lined up. But when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, the competition pivoted to become a   platform with an inspiring message for all.

Times are tough but Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, proved that Pinoys are tougher as it relaunched Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 with a more inclusive and relevant theme: Stay strong, Pilipinas!

Streamed on the Century Superbods Facebook page, the launch featured celebrity Superbods Nadine and Alden, together with the 34 Century Tuna Superbods finalists enjoining everyone to witness the strength of the Superbods spirit to continue pursuing their passion and dreams of a healthier future that begins with proper diet and exercise.   

“Now more than ever, we need to encourage everyone to stay physically and mentally strong, and we feel that that can be achieved by eating right, moving our bodies every day and practicing proper hygiene to protect ourselves from the ongoing virus,” said Century Pacific Food Inc EVP and COO Greg Banzon.

To further reinforce the importance of staying strong, Century Tuna released a rousing video (https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna/videos/221566542278633)  that signalled the resumption of the highly-anticipated Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 competition, following the same objectives: The candidate must be a “Difference Maker,” someone who can make a stand and empower Filipinos to be the best they can be.

Of course, this year’s unstoppable finalists were ready to show off their hot and fit bods to make a difference and inspire everyone to Stay Strong.  In the female category, the 18 fit and sexy finalists are Katrina Arceta (@pasteledpawbykat), Grace del Rosario (@gracedelrosario_makeup), Sherlyn Doloriel (@sherlyndoloriel), Zai Ebido (@zaiebido), Shirley Garcia (@shirleygarcia3797), Lynn Gonzales (@lynnrgonzales), Astrid Hernandez (@astridhernandezph), Renzel Jose (@renzel.mae), Liz Kuczera (@lizkuczera), Karla Lasquite, Samantha Lo (@samantha_ashley_lo), Ines Lorenzo (@tack.n.tanlines), Kai Ochosa (@kaiochsa), Kathleen Paton (@kathleen_paton), Christine Picardal (@tinedoesfitness), Samantha Purvor (@istmesamanthap), Candice Ramos (@candiceramos), and Key Trajano (@keytrajano).

The 16 hot and healthy male finalists are Sam Ajdani (@samajdani), Nelson Banzuela (@nelsonbanzuela25), Kirk Bondad (@Kirk_bondad), Enzo Bonoan (@enzobonoan24), Hans Braga (@hansbraga_), Nicholas Chua (@fat.kid.inside), Robert Hamilton (@roberthamilton_official), Albert Lorenzo (@alberttiongson), Philippe Magalona (@philippemagalona), Erie Matic (@eriematic), Malcolm Mostoles (@malc_mostoles), Gianpaolo Paparo (@gianpaolo.paparo), Julian Roxas (@julsfitph), Gian Ruiz (@makeupmusclesnme), Jason Senga (@oh_jizz_on), and Jojo Urquico (@jojourquico).

Each candidate’s journey to becoming the Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 grand winners will consist of various digital challenges that will be posted on the Century Tuna Superbods Facebook page and can be searched using #StayStrongPilipinas, #CenturyTunaSuperbods, #EverybodCanBeASuperbod.  These challenges will lead up to the finals night happening on September 19, 2020 where over Php 2,000,000 worth of prizes is at stake and where one male and one female grand winners will be selected.

To know more about “Century Tuna’s Everybod Superbod 2020,” visit and follow Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods.
 



Wednesday, July 29, 2020

BDO posts P4.3 billion in Net Income due to P22.4 billion in Upfront Provisions



BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) recorded P4.3 billion in profits in the IH 2020 vs. P20.1 billion in the comparable period last year, as the Bank booked total provisions of P22.4 billion in anticipation of potential delinquencies due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The provisions are anticipatory in nature, and meant to safeguard the balance sheet. By recognizing the provisions upfront, the Bank can now focus on growing its business as restrictions under ECQ/GCQ are gradually relaxed. Core businesses held up well amid the COVID19 pandemic, with Pre-Provision Operating Income (PPOP) up 17 per cent.

Net Interest Income (NII) likewise went up by 17 per cent. Customer loans rose by 1 1 per cent to P2.3 trillion, while total deposits went up by nine (9) per cent to P2.6 trillion, driven by the 19 per cent expansion in Current Account/Savings Account (CASA) deposits which now account for 77 per cent of total deposits. As of end-June 2020, branch operations have been fully restored from only 45 per cent at the start of the ECQ in mid-March 2020. Non-interest income settled at P24.8 billion, led by fee-based income with PI 3.4 billion and insurance premiums with P7.0 billion.

Operating expenses dipped by one (1) per cent to 256.0 billion on lower volume-related expenses, and despite the additional costs and operational adjustments to adapt to the 'new normal" to ensure the security, health, and safety of BDO employees and clients.

Gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio increased to 1.95 per cent while NPL cover settled at 139.4 per cent.

Total capital base settled at P367.5 billion, with Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) ratio at 13.8 per cent and 12.7 per cent, respectively, despite the upfront provisions. These ratios are well above regulatory minimum and deemed sufficient to support the Bank's anticipated asset growth as well as regular quarterly dividends.

Going forward, BDO believes that its solid balance sheet, sustained business growth, and dedicated team effort will allow the Bank to weather the COVID-19 crisis and sustain its long-term performance post-pandemic.

About BDO
BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services. These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards and credit card services.

BDO has the country's largest distribution network, with over 1,400 consolidated operating branches and more than 4 400 ATMs nationwide. It also has 16 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2020. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

The power of Mommy Bloggers and Influencers in today's digital platform


It is undeniable that no influence is so powerful as that of a MOTHER.



It has been observed that most of the noble characters and fine leaders of history have had good, God-fearing mothers. When it comes to questions of honesty, industry, kindness, and temperance - the children know and absorb a mother's example, attitudes, and beliefs. Indeed, a mother's influence cannot be measured as it is amplified every time she discovers something new. Her influence transcends and becomes a foundation not just within the four walls of their home but even outside of the community they belong to.

A mother's influence is felt around the world. It is in fact, being recognized and that gave every mother the chance to let their voices be heard and let their influence rule the digital platform and the influencer marketing industry.

The attention and importance being given to Moms gave rise to the so-called Mommy influencers. 

Who are mommy influencers?
Most Mommy influencers started as a mother who blogs about her children, motherhood, parenting, or any related topic. Mommy Influencers are products of the Mommy blogger revolution that was formed more than a decade now as current, future and experienced mothers took to the internet to share their unfiltered experiences with motherhood, careers, families, and everything in between.

These Mommy influencers are inspiring homemakers who are social media savvy. They can juggle a few kids, a camera, and a handful of contracts, at once. They have created a career and a brand around making the most of motherhood, and they do a pretty good job of capturing the good, the bad, and sometimes even the ugly. They boomerang the best moments and then blog about their setbacks—the spills, the sleepless nights, and the daily attempts to lose those last ten pounds. 

As a parenting influencer, these Moms use their voice to connect with other parents and share their work with the world around them.

The Rise of Mom Influencers and Bloggers

In the United States, there are 14% of American mothers with at least one child in their household who blog about parenting or turn to blogs for advice, according to a recent study by Scarborough Research. The same research found out that, there are about 3.9 million moms in the United States who identify themselves as bloggers.

Furthermore, the average mommy blogger in the United States is 37 years old and 89% of them have kids between the ages of 2 and 11. They are socially conscious and are 85% more likely to have supported a politician based on an environmental issue, 88% more likely to buy eco-friendly products, and 38% more likely to volunteer than the average mom; based on studies conducted about Mommy bloggers and influencers.

See how big is the world of a mother and how vast the topics they cover every now and then? Their world revolves around everything and anything under the sun. Sometimes their world becomes complicated but they manage to stay calm and compose.

The rise of Mommy bloggers and influencers has been a worldwide trend in the past decade, with some now earning a significant income from their personal ‘brand’ and role as social media influencers. Successful mum bloggers and influencers are often courted by international brands and organizations for projects and campaigns.

The mommy blogger has been around for several years now, but did you know the army of chatty, tech-savvy mothers was this large and they are today's advertising power players? You won't see them in a boardroom, they're usually hanging out at a playground but they are prized for their ability to sway other parents, mom influencers, or bloggers — who share everything from advice and product recommendations to snippets of their family lives on social media.

Mommy influencers are considered "new media." These powerful women have a tremendous reach and influence and they are trusted by other parents over celebrities and well-known personalities, endorsers, and brand ambassadors. Why? Because these Moms aren't brands telling you that their product is amazing. This is an actual mom who is living and experiencing exactly what you are living and experiencing, therefore her followers can relate to her on a personal level.

Are you following a few Mom bloggers and influencers? What are your preferences for following them?

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Kid-friendly Recipes, Rich in Protein and Calcium for National Nutrition Month



The National Nutrition Council (NNC) sets the theme “Batang Pinoy, Sana Tall. Iwas Stunting, Sana All” for this year’s nutrition month. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) joins the nation in celebrating the National Nutrition Month this July to bring to light the ill effects of stunting and how to prevent a child’s healthy growth from being stunted. 

According to the 8th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 3 out of 10 Filipino Children (5 and below) are stunted. Stunting or “pagkabansot” in our native tongue is a manifestation of long term occurrence of malnutrition. It is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) “as impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation”. 

How Stunting is Stunted
Growth failure can start from the womb and progress after birth. The effects of stunting, if not immediately and properly addressed, can be permanent and irreversible. There is a window of opportunity to reverse or prevent stunting through effective interventions for children 5 years old and below. Unfortunately, there is no cure to stunting, so prevention is critical for young children to have healthy growth and development.  

It is imperative for parents to track their child’s growth. The National Nutrition Council provided a simplified and more understandable Child Growth Standard Table based on WHO’s Child Growth Standards (WHO-CGS) 2004 and WHO’s Reference Data, 2006. These information can be access through https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/blog/how-to-track-child-growth/


Importance of Proper Nutrition to avoid Stunting
Women of child-bearing age and expectant mothers must have adequate nutrition to prepare their bodies to a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a well-nourished baby. It is also highly important that breastfeeding mothers get adequate nutrition in order to supply the needs of their babies throughout the 6 months exclusive breastfeeding journey. Exclusive breastfeeding from 0-6 months is recommended for babies to gain optimum nutrients perfect for their age. To prevent your child from having growth failure, it is important to address poor diet, inadequate calorie intake, poor quality of meal intake, and insufficient supply of macro nutrients like protein and micro nutrients like calcium specific for growth and development. 

The Culinary Nutrition Team of Ajinomoto puts together a treat for kids to enjoy and for homemakers to conveniently prepare and serve. Try to make these 4 calcium-rich recipes using 4 ingredients done in 4 easy steps made with AJI SAVOR™ on Rice Topping Mix and 4 protein-rich recipes using 4 ingredients done in 4 easy steps made with Prottie® Soymilk Drink Mix. 

AJI SAVOR™ Rice Topping Mix Chicken/Beef is available in leading supermarkets. Prottie® Soymilk Drink Mix is available on LazMart, an online store on LazMall. For more healthy and delicious recipes, visit http://www.ajinomoto.com.ph and https://www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/.  


*** 
The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies. 

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society. 

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 35 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2018, sales were 1.1274 trillion yen (10.1 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com. 



Wednesday, July 22, 2020

BDO Life offers protection from life’s ‘what ifs’




What if she says ‘no’? What if she gets pregnant right away? What if she gets sick? What if I get sick?”—these are the thoughts running through the mind of a young man as he prepares to propose to his girlfriend in the newly-launched online video of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc.

The video spotlights a man confronted by life stage uncertainties or the ‘what ifs’ that come with getting married, starting a family, and growing older.
“What if she wants a big wedding? What if she gets pregnant right away? What if we have twins? What if ours kids want to get double majors?” Like the video’s lead character, it’s 
normal to feel uneasy over these ‘what if’ questions despite the excitement of beginning a life together. Fortunately, there is a way to address life’s ‘what ifs.’


“Everyone needs two plans in life. Plan A consists of a wealth accumulation program focused on successfully saving and investing within a given timeframe. But given life’s uncertainties, lifestyle needs, health risks, education costs, and other similar concerns, it’s smart to have financial safety nets, and that’s Plan B,” said Renato Vergel de Dios, president and CEO of BDO Life.

Vergel de Dios said that life insurance is Plan B. When Plan A is disrupted, Plan B takes over and infuses cash to complement Plan A. When life throws a curve ball, insurance money enables families to preserve their financial dignity. With sound preparation and planning, their lifestyle won’t have to change much—bills will be paid on time, children can continue their schooling, and there’ll be no need to agonize over expenses when invited to social occasions.

BDO Life’s video is part of its corporate mission to instill a protection mindset among Filipinos by educating them on the value of life insurance, in keeping with the company’s tagline, “We Protect.”

For Vergel de Dios, insurance is a way of life and a risk mitigation philosophy. The peace of mind that the financial protection life insurance provides is never a waste of money. If the insured makes it to retirement, they would be fortunate to have realized their life’s full earning potential. On the other hand, if tragedy and untimely loss happen, Plan B—life insurance—would act as a safety net and replace a portion of their lost income, the magnitude of which is dependent on the amount of their insurance coverage.

“There is a saying that goes, ‘No widow ever complains that her husband bought too much insurance.’ Try talking to someone who has lost a family breadwinner but whose financial burdens have been eased because of life insurance. Such conversations renew our mission,” added Vergel de Dios.

Talk to a BDO Life Financial Advisor about life’s ‘what ifs’ at www.bdo.com.ph/bdolife/connect-financial-advisor.

Meanwhile, the new BDO Life video can be viewed at the official YouTube page of BDO Unibank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt-UFBlW00M&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Corpcomm&utm_medium=PR&utm_campaign=BDO%20Life%20Launch

We Protect. BDO Life launches a new online video about the value of life insurance in facing life’s ‘what ifs.’ It is available on the official YouTube and Facebook pages of BDO Unibank.


Thursday, July 16, 2020

BDO warns against SIM-card-related scams


BDO Unibank, Inc. cautions against scammers who use SIM cards to deceive and steal their victims’ money. One modus is called SIM Swapping, where scammers disguise as telco agents offering upgraded network connection in exchange for SIM cards. 


More prevalent is the SIM Upgrade modus. Scammers purchase 4G SIM cards, register their victims’ mobile number, and fool their victims into giving the One-Time PIN (OTP) needed to own the mobile number.

In both modus operandi, scammers take over their victims’ mobile numbers to control their victims’ online bank accounts.

BDO urges clients to call BDO Customer Care to deactivate their accounts if they get SMS notifications or emails about suspicious online transactions.


How SIM Swapping and SIM Upgrade work

Scammers identify then gather their victims’ personal information through phishing or from the internet. They mention personal information such as birth date and mother’s maiden name when they call their victims to sound convincing and credible. Once they win their victims’ trust, they are able to convince them to surrender their SIM card or OTP to activate a 4G SIM card.

For protection, BDO advises clients to be prudent in sharing personal information online and to keep their social media accounts in private mode.

With their victims’ personal information and mobile number, scammers can more easily outsmart banks’ multifactor authentication (MFA) and transfer money from their victims’ online bank accounts to their own. Common MFA consists of using a username and password to log in an online bank account, and receiving one-time PINs on a registered mobile number to confirm a transaction.

How to protect yourself

While scammers continue to take advantage of today’s challenging new normal to con people, there are ways to protect against their attacks. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) share the following tips in a recent advisory:
• Never give out personal information and SIM card details in response to unsolicited calls/texts from unknown individuals.
• Always check SMS and email alerts for unusual transactions and/or activities involving your bank/e-money accounts.
• In case you’ve already provided your SIM and other personal details, contact your bank/mobile phone provider immediately.
BDO encourages clients to report suspicious incidents to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph, or get in touch with its representatives by logging in Messenger and looking for BDO Customer Care with the blue verified checkmark from Facebook. Clients may also call their hotline at 8631-8000.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

International Artists Band Together for Covid-19 Relief Drive



The worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill and had a sudden and substantial impact on the arts and culture sectors. 


With exhibitions and galleries still under severe restrictions, artists are among those who were heavily burdened by the circumstances brought about by COVID-19. Responding to their call for help, ArtisteSpace, Inc., together with Arth Art International in India, launches Art CARES to raise funds and support the artists’ communities.

A collaboration of artists from India, Malaysia, Philippines, and the United States, Art CARES gallery provides a platform for emerging and distinguished artists to showcase their art pieces online. While they continue to inspire and shed hope through art, these artists also hope to sustain their livelihood and provide help to those who are most vulnerable.

The funds raised through Art CARES will not only provide support to the artists but also benefit Ekta Charitable Trust in India and two (2) selected non-profit organizations in the Philippines -- LINK Center for the Deaf and ASPROFIL Philippines -- to help fund the medical supplies and protective equipment for frontline health workers, and relief for families in need.

Running until September 30, 2020 , this charitable exhibition features select paintings and works of distinguished artists such as Philipp Badon, Loriel “Yel Cast” Castillo, Joe Datuin, Fil Delacruz, Juno Galang, Raul Isidro, Badz Magsumbol, Nemi Miranda, Al Perez, August Santiago, Bing Siochi, Bing Famoso Tac-an, and Boysie Villavicencio.

Some of the participating artists’ groups include Art Lovers, Arte Bauan, Bastedor Art Project, Bikol Expression, Earth Art, Esprekik, Grupo Kwadro, Grupo Sining Angono, Grupong Batangueno, Quezon Artists Guild, Philippine Botanical Art Society (PhilBAS), Philippine Fauna Art Society (PhilFAS), Singdeo Art Group, Society of Philippine Sculptors, The Filipino Institute for the Advancement of Arts and Culture, Inc. (FilArts), UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Association, YelCast Visual Poetry; International Creative Art Centre, and Nav Siddhartha Art Group in India.



To complement the exhibit, ArtisteSpace and Arth Art are also hosting the Art CARES weekly webinar series dubbed International Artists’ Cultural Arts Exchange. every Tuesday, 12:30 pm, via Zoom Video Communications.

Besides the charitable exhibition, Art CARES also creates an opportunity for everyone to contribute and be part of the efforts in fighting the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by accepting donations through its digital payment partners, Ticket2Me and GCASH.

Art CARES is created in partnership with Global Artists’ Creative Collaboration for Empowerment, USA, and KL City Art Gallery in Malaysia. The gallery can be viewed online at www.artcaresph.com and www.arthart.in.

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Order to Deliver with SM Appliance Center


After being homebound for quite some time, we’ve all come to appreciate our living spaces more. We’ve seen them transform into work spaces as WFH becomes part of the new normal; and into family centers as we embrace more time together.

​With that, we’ve come to realize how having the right home essentials can help everyone to stay happy, comfortable and safe. And the good news is that SM Appliance Center now has its Order To Deliver service that will help creating your dream home more fun and convenient.

​Now you can shop on line for air conditioners to keep your home cool and comfortable especially during the summer months. Some brands have a Nanoe technology which deodorizes and purifies the air in your home.

Give your home a stylish and modern look with Samsung’s line of inverter refrigerators with amazing innovations and designs.

It’s also the best time to create nutritious meals for your family with stylish inverter refrigerators which not only keep your ingredients fresh and frost free but also make your home energy efficient and elegant looking. SM Appliance Center also has chest freezers with dual functions, serving as a freezer and chiller for all your favorite frozen goodies.

Save time, energy and money with this Exclusive LG 10.5 / 7kg. Combi Inverter Fully Automatic Washer Dryer and LG 9kg Dryer in frontload designs.

You’ll also be amazed how innovative inverter washing machines help you save energy, time and money in doing all your laundry chores. There are all in one washer and dryer combo inverter washing machines, which you can remotely operate your laundry, download additional cycles and interact with it with smart convenience with Smart ThinQ features.

Bring the cinema home and enjoy great times with the family with stunning Smart UHD LED TV’s from Samsung.

You can also check out family entertainment centers that will bring the cinema-experience to your home, as well as personal computers that will help you be creative and productive as you work from home, and stay connected with your family, friends and co-workers.

Create a smart lifestyle for your family and live life more with these home essentials from SM Appliance Center.

How to shop with Order To Deliver service? Browse SM Appliance Center products at https://bit.ly/3d53Z8t and place your orders at https://bit.ly/2WN5aEn then an SM Appliance representative will contact you for your order confirmation. SM Appliance Center can deliver to all areas within Metro Manila and accept orders from 9am – 7pm, Monday – Friday. For inquiries, you may also join SM Appliance Center’s Viber community at https://bit.ly/SMApp-Viber. With our easy & secure home delivery service, you can Stay Home and Stay Safe.

​You may also shop online at www.smappliance.com. For more updates, you may also want to like us at facebook.com/smappliance or follow us at instagram account/smappliance.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Shop & Ship with Surplus



As we embrace the new normal, keep your family safe and protected at home or anywhere you go with great nds you can Shop & Ship from Surplus.


There are face masks and smart thermometers to keep you healthy and protected. Surplus is also a one-stop shop for a healthy and happy home: air humidiers and revitalizers, as well as rechargeable handy mist fans to keep you cool this summer. You’ll enjoy homemade juices and smoothies with rechargeable juicers; as well as listening to your favorite tunes with portable Bluetooth speakers.

Join the Surplus’ Viber community to shop, then call the available branch you prefer to be assisted and pay through cash, debit or credit card or online transfer. You may also shop for Surplus essential items at ShopSM.com. Surplus stores that are now open to safely serve you.

Keep you and your family safe and stay updated as Surplus goes interactive. Like them on Facebook and Twitter at SurplusPH and Instagram at Surplus_ph to know more about the serving branches and great deals.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

BDO Foundation, BDO Remit care


BDO Foundation : PRIORITIZING HEALTH

Repatriated overseas Filipinos at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) receive hygiene kits before they go back home to their respective provinces. In coordination with BDO Foundation, BDO Remit turned over hundreds of bags of hygiene kits to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 and the PITX, which were then distributed to overseas Filipinos who were sent back here due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

The repatriated overseas Filipinos, who have already tested negative in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and completed their required quarantine period, were then transported back to their home provinces thru the assistance of OWWA.



Thursday, July 2, 2020

You are SAFE at The Manila Hotel


TMH Lobby: The Grand Lobby of the historic Manila Hotel will light up again soon as the hotel partially reopens to accept guests beginning July 3, 2020


The historic hotel partially reopens in time for its 108th anniversary with upgraded
hygiene protocols for guest safety; and launches special anniversary promo
Just a day before the historic hotel’s founding anniversary, The Manila Hotel plans to partially open its doors to its valued guests, with the famed Café Ilang Ilang, the Lobby Lounge, and the Delicatessen resuming operations on July 3, 2020. A rebirth of sorts after months of following the government’s quarantine protocols, the hotel has adjusted along with the rest of the world in navigating the “new normal,” and puts a high premium on the well-being of guests. 
With the lobby shining bright anew signifying eternal hope, The Manila Hotel commemorates its 108th founding anniversary on July 4 by welcoming guests with an enduring brand of service that is now focused on enhanced health, hygiene, and sanitation protocols in line with DOH guidelines. 
As the hotel prepares for the reopening, Atty Joey Lina, the president of The Manila Hotel, assures the public, “You are safe here. We have taken every precaution to heart so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind when you visit or stay with us.”
To its valued guests who are waiting for Café Ilang Ilang to open, The Manila Hotel offers its 108th Anniversary Promo that gives the first 108 customers for the first 108 days of its reopening (including Saturdays and Sundays) a special dining rate of only Php1,250 for lunch, and only Php1,550 for dinner. Café Ilang Ilang likewise returns with a new system for dining where guests can “order and eat all you can,” meaning they can order as much food as they want from the selection of dishes at a fixed price. 
Both Café Ilang Ilang and the Lobby Lounge will be open with limited seating capacity. Thorough sanitation procedures will be implemented, and guests can order using disposable menu, eat using cutlery in sealed containers, and even use tables with acrylic dividers. Front-facing personnel communicating with guests like Guest Services Officers (GSOs) and waiters will don masks, gloves, and face shields. To limit contact with guests, Café Ilang Ilang is also fine-tuning its contactless ordering and payment system.
Adopting best practices, the hotel launches a comprehensive initiative to assure its patrons they are safe at The Manila Hotel. High-traffic public areas will have hygiene reminder signages and distance indicators, and guests will be asked to undergo mandatory temperature checks, and health declaration procedure. Limited capacity will also be implemented in elevators, while several hotel facilities will remain closed including the spa, swimming pool, gym, and other areas.  
High-touch points like door handles, elevator buttons, public area furniture, and others will be sanitized multiple times per day using UV technology. Tests reveal that UV sanitation greatly reduces the bacteria count on surfaces, as demonstrated by lower RLU readings—whose value is used as a measure of surface cleanliness—after the procedure. 




Barring announcements from the government to the contrary, the hotel also plans to start accepting room bookings by August 2020.  The public will be assured of rooms thoroughly cleaned first with UV-C light technology to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses; followed by medical-grade sterilizing and disinfecting solution. A change of fresh and sanitized linens; sanitation of touch points in the room including remote controls, lamps, etc.; and thorough bathroom disinfection are also art of the procedure. Guests will also receive personal wellness kits, issued a UV-sanitized keycard, and arrive to guestrooms with a seal of assurance that they are the first to enter the sanitized environment.
Because taking care of its own people means they can take better care of guests, The Manila Hotel has invested on testing its staff upon return to work to ensure they are healthy. The culinary team strictly adheres to stringent protocols on proper hygiene, hand washing, and food handling. Staff will be required to wear PPEs as needed, and a strict implementation of distancing measures will be done in the offices, front desk, and other areas frequent by guests. 
The Manila Hotel looks forward to welcoming both loyal and new guests with the kind of service it is known for, with the assurance that “YOU ARE SAFE HERE” is not just a tagline but a commitment it truly means to uphold.