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Philippine authorities on full alert as vacationers make their way back to Manila
Police security operations in the Philippine capital remain in full effect as vacationers return to Manila following the Holy Week holidays. According to Maj Gen Anthony Aberin, chief of the Philippine National Police’s National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO), inspections at major air and sea ports as well as bus terminals and railway stations will continue along with staff deployment in key urban areas. He said: "Metro Manila is bracing for a wave of returning travelers. We will be there in the streets to deliver safety and security services to the people.” Aberin pointed out how assistance desks will remain open alongside the heightened presence of visibility patrols and local government forces. In light of the wave of returning travellers, the public has been urged to stay vigilant and cooperative, and should not hesitate to report suspicious individuals and / or activities to established hotlines and aid desks. As of Palm Sunday on 13th April, the PNP placed all its units throughout the Philippines on heightened alert, deploying more than 65,000 uniformed personnel to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of Holy Week.
Manila Hotel holds vernissage for Manuel Baldemor’s “Kuwaresma”
The Manila Hotel held the opening reception for Kuwaresma, a solo exhibition by acclaimed Filipino painter, sculptor, writer, and book illustrator Manuel Baldemor, on Sunday, 13th April. Currently on display at the hotel’s Art Gallery. Kuwaresma presents a contemplative visual journey through the sacred season of Lent. The exhibition highlights Baldemor’s vibrant palette, intricate detailing, and deeply symbolic compositions that bring Filipino religious rituals and traditions vividly to life. Kuwaresma, the localised spin of the Spanish word for Lent Cuaresma, captures the spirit of the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, abstinence, and reflection, echoing Christ’s retreat in the desert. The exhibition is on until 30th April. A vivid act of faith Manuel Baldemor is known for his signature distinctive fusion of folk art, religious imagery, and cultural narratives. This 38-piece collection, in particular, explores the solemnity and symbolism of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Baldemor said: “As a painter and sculptor, I want to capture the essence of Filipino life and traditions, especially Holy Week. Kuwaresma is a culmination of my fascination with Lenten folk rituals, particularly the Nazareno procession, whose devotion continues to humble and inspire me.”
Belmont Hotel Manila celebrates Pampanga’s culinary heritage
Throughout April, which is Filipino Food Month, Belmont Hotel Manila dishes up the gastronomic richness of Pampanga’s culinary heritage with Pamana, a special weekend dinner buffet. Under the supervision of renowned chef-entrepreneur Felix Niño Asuncion, the event invites diners to enjoy Kapampangan delicacies every Friday and Saturday of the month. Staged at Cafe Belmont, Pamana (the Filipino word for legacy) invites diners to explore one of the Philippines’ most revered culinary traditions, including unique ingredients, time-honoured cooking methods, and richly layered flavours. According to Asuncion: “Pamana is more than just a meal: it is the story of who we are as Filipinos. Each dish we serve honors the hands that came before us, the land that has nourished us, and the memories that continue to shape us. With this buffet, I hope our guests not only savor the depth and richness of Kapampangan cuisine, but also feel the warmth of our heritage and the soul of our people.” Reimagining culinary classics This unique buffet features beloved Pampanga classics reimagined with elegance and authenticity. Chief amongst the featured specialities are: Asadong Matwa, a sweet and savoury pork stew, slow-cooked the traditional way, inspired by heirloom recipes from Pampanga’s kitchens; and Begukan Babi, a robust, umami-packed pork dish simmered in bagoong (fermented prawn paste) which highlights the bold flavour profile that defines Kapampangan cuisine. These and other exceptional dishes embody the essence of Pamana: a celebration of heritage passed down through generations, enriched by Chef Felix’s personal flair and culinary creativity. Beyond kitchen and table Each plate tells a story of Kapampangan identity, resilience, and innovation. More than a culinary showcase, Pamana also reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. All ingredients are selected from Filipino farmers and producers, dishes are prepared with mindful practices to reduce waste, and the experience supports the communities that preserve our culinary traditions.
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City offers guests a Passport to Flavors
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City offers gourmets and gourmands alike to experience a gastronomic journey like no other with its ongoing promotion Passport to Flavors. Launched last 1st April and running until 15th June, the event enables foodies and travel enthusiasts to explore the vibrant and iconic tastes of Bangkok, Seoul, and Ho Chi Minh in a single inspired venue. From sizzling street eats to savory classics, this limited-time experience will whisk your senses away to Asia’s most delicious dining destinations. Dine your way to an Asian getaway But the adventure doesn’t stop on one’s plate, as dining at strEATs could take guests all the way to Bangkok, Seoul, or Ho Chi Minh City. With every minimum spend of Php 1,500 in a single receipt (Monday to Thursday à la carte/Friday to Sunday lunch and dinner buffet), diners earn one raffle entry. Lucky winners will receive roundtrip tickets to one of three vibrant destinations in Asia, each paired with a memorable 3-day, 2-night stay. Travellers get an unprecedented opportunity to explore the dynamic city of Bangkok, Thailand, with accommodations at ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit Phra Khanong; immerse themselves in the energy of Seoul, South Korea, with a stay at ibis Styles Myeongdong; or discover the charm of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, complemented by with an unmatched back beach retreat at ibis Styles Vung Tau. Each winner will also enjoy an Accor Plus Explorer Membership, offering exclusive benefits and privileges throughout their journey. Guests who participate during the promo period can submit their raffle entries until 10:00PM on 15th June, and the grand raffle will be held the following day, 16th June at 3:00PM at strEATs.
Novotel Manila Araneta City goes on a safari-venture for Easter
Novotel Manila Araneta City invites families to get set for an unforgettable jungle-themed escapade this Easter as it brings back its most anticipated family event: the Easter Safari-Venture. Slated for Easter Sunday, 20th April, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Monet 1 and 2 ballrooms, this fun and kid-friendly gathering transforms the city into a vibrant jungle full of excitement. Indeed, this year’s Safari-Venture promises to become a thrilling expedition brimming with adventure, creativity, and festive fun for the whole family. Young explorers aged 10 and below can embark on this adventure for PHP 1,400 nett, which includes exclusive access to our Eggventure Maze and loot bags brimming with surprises. Meanwhile, adults and children over 11 years old can partake in the celebration for PHP 1,200 nett, with access to a variety of engaging activities, delicious bites and refreshments. Guests can look forward to a wide array of fun-filled attractions, including face painting, a kiddie salon, a vibrant themed show, arts and crafts, and exciting game booths with special access extended to participants up to 15 years old. A generous spread of snacks and food carts will also be available, featuring flavoured iced tea for children and coffee for adults, ensuring everyone stays energized throughout the day. The excitement doesn’t stop there, though, as kids are encouraged to come dressed in their most creative safari-themed costumes for a chance to win special prizes. It's going to be an egg-citing day filled with jungle rhythms, roaring fun, and memories to last a lifetime An eggs-traordinary feast Round up everyone this Easter for a festive culinary adventure like no other on Easter Sunday at the Food Exchange Manila. This delectable lunch buffet experience is priced at PHP 3,088 nett per person, and also includes two tickets to the exciting Easter Safari-venture in The City, complete with access to the thrilling Eggventure Maze and a loot bag for the kids. Ideal for families looking to combine food and fun, the package also offers additional rates for extra kids: PHP 1,400 nett per child for those joining the Eggventure Maze (inclusive of a loot bag) and PHP 1,200 nett per child without maze access.
Philippine Airlines launches direct service between Manila and Da Nang
Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the launch of a new direct route between Manila and the Vietnamese city of Da Nang beginning 1st July. Utilising an Airbus A321 which can carry up to 199 passengers, the thrice-weekly service flies on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In a statement released on Monday, 7th April, airline president Stanley K Ng said: “We at Philippine Airlines are excited to strengthen our close relationship with the Vietnamese people with the introduction of direct Manila-Da Nang flights.” Ng added that PAL is committed to offering greater connectivity and promoting tourism and commerce between the two cities. He concluded with: "We look forward to welcoming more leisure and business travelers onboard our flights to Da Nang.” In recent months, PAL increased flights between Manila and Hanoi to daily and will launch services between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh from 2nd May. Likewise, the Philippine flag-carrier operates eight weekly flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh.
United Airlines Launches Adelaide-San Francisco Route and Expands to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila
South Australians are preparing for an aviation milestone, as United Airlines announces the first-ever direct flight from Adelaide to North America. From 11 December 2025, travellers will be able to fly non-stop to San Francisco, marking a historic connection between South Australia and the United States. This new 15-hour flight opens up countless opportunities for both leisure and business travel, while showcasing the growing prominence of Adelaide as a gateway city. A Seamless Connection Across Continents The seasonal service will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using United Airlines’ cutting-edge Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This aircraft, featuring 257 seats, includes the comfort of 48 Polaris Business Class and 21 Premium Plus seats, ensuring an elevated travel experience for passengers. Adelaide departures are scheduled for 2:55 pm, with arrivals in San Francisco the same day. Return flights will arrive in Adelaide at 9:30 am, making for convenient travel both ways. Travellers departing from Adelaide can also take advantage of one-stop connections to more than 75 US destinations, from iconic cities like New York and Las Vegas to cultural hubs like Chicago and Seattle. Even Perth passengers, who currently lack direct access to the US, can seamlessly connect through this route, further enhancing accessibility for Western Australia. United’s Commitment to Australia With the addition of Adelaide to its network, United Airlines becomes the only carrier offering direct flights between the US and four major Australian cities—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and now Adelaide. This strategic expansion, adding almost 25,000 seats annually between Australia and the US, underscores United’s dedication to providing unmatched connectivity. United Airlines Managing Director for APAC Airport Operations, Sam Shinohara, highlighted the significance of this new service: “Direct flights are a big factor in people deciding where to travel. This game-changing flight makes United the only airline to offer nonstop service to four major Australian cities, enhancing travel options for more Australians than ever before.” Boosting South Australia’s Tourism Industry SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison celebrated the announcement as a historic collaboration that will have transformative benefits for South Australia. “South Australia has been named one of the most welcoming regions on the planet by Booking.com, and this route reflects the growing appeal of our state. It’s a wonderful coincidence that Napa Valley lies one hour north of San Francisco, just as the Barossa is one hour north of Adelaide—creating exciting opportunities for wine tourism and cultural exchange.” Adelaide Airport Ltd Managing Director Brenton Cox echoed the excitement, emphasising the potential for long-term success: “We intend to make this service a great success and build this towards a year-round route in the future.” A New Horizon United Airlines’ Adelaide-San Francisco route is a breakthrough moment for aviation in South Australia. This direct connection not only links two vibrant regions but also fosters closer ties between Australia and the United States. From seamless travel options to unparalleled experiences, this milestone redefines international connectivity for Australians, while bringing global travellers closer to South Australia’s unique charm. As this partnership takes flight, the future of travel in the Top End has never looked brighter. New Pacific Routes: A Landmark Expansion This October, United will become the only U.S. airline offering direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These daily services will operate via Hong Kong, providing convenient one-stop connections from Los Angeles and San Francisco. These routes open doors to vibrant cities known for their rich culture, history, and attractions, enhancing United’s presence in Asia. Also launching this October is a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila. This additional service will give travellers the flexibility of choosing between daytime and evening travel options, ensuring more convenience in both directions. Unparalleled Pacific Connectivity With these new additions, United Airlines will offer flights to 32 destinations across the Pacific. This expansive network solidifies United’s commitment to providing customers with unparalleled options for international travel. Whether heading to Asia, Australia, or beyond, United continues to lead the way in creating innovative travel opportunities that connect the world. These transformative routes showcase United Airlines’ dedication to meeting the needs of travellers while fostering closer ties between continents. From leisure to business travel, the possibilities for discovery and connectivity continue to grow, making United the airline of choice for navigating the Pacific. The future of travel has never looked more promising.
Philippine tourism department lauds launch of Air Canada’s Vancouver-Manila route
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) believes that Air Canada’s new direct route between Vancouver and Manila will result in a significant boost in leisure and business tourism. Passengers aboard the maiden Vancouver to Manila flight arrived at Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Thursday, 3rd April. The DOT prepared a festive welcome that included performances from local talents, as well as giving of leis and tokens. Air Canada will operate three nonstop flights per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout April and increase to four flights per week by May. The introduction of Air Canada’s non-stop flights between Vancouver and Manila reduces the previous 20-hour journey to just 12 to 14 hours. Air Canada managing director Rocky Lo pointed out that the Philippines is a fast-growing market for the Canadian commercial aviation sector. Lo said: "The flight has solidified Air Canada's position as the North American airline, serving the most non-stop destination in this region, supporting Canada's Inter Pacific strategy." Lo added that Filipino students represent the third-largest overseas student population in Canada, underscoring the importance of direct flights for both educational and cultural exchanges. New opportunities Tourism secretary Christina Frasco opined that the new route will provide more opportunities for tourism and business, providing easier access for Filipino-Canadians to fly to Manila while further opening up the country to the Canadian market. She said: “The launch of this nonstop flight is to significantly boost leisure and business tourism, further contributing directly to our local economies and enhancing the livelihood of our communities.” The tourism secretary further pointed out that Canada plays a significant role in Philippine tourism as a source market. She said, "Being home to nearly 1,000,000 people of Filipino descent, Canada is one of the largest diasporas globally. And therefore, this inaugural Air Canada flight will further foster cultural connections between our countries and drive economic growth. So this inaugural flight represents more than just mere travel, for it symbolises a powerful bridge connecting our countries closer than ever before.” Based on DOT data from this week, the Philippines has welcomed 1,682,531 visitors this year, including 91,671 from Canada. In 2024, Canada ranked sixth in tourist arrivals in the Philippines, with 269,300 visitors contributing US$304.32 million to the national economy. Canadian ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman remarked that the new route was mounted in part due to the new and economic reforms in the Philippines. Hartman said: “Recognising the importance of this route and investing in a service that meets the growing demand for travel between North America and the Philippines. This flight not only reflects the deep ties between our nations, but it will also open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and overall people-to-people connections.”
The Manila Hotel hailed the Philippines’ Best Heritage Hotel
The Manila Hotel, an icon of Philippine hospitality, again shone as a contemporary legend as it was hailed as the country’s Best Heritage Hotel at Tatler Best Philippines 2025. The accolade is part of Tatler Philippines’ recently reconceptualised Tatler Best guide, and was given in recognition of the hotel’s steadfast commitment to preserving its storied past while delivering the true Filipino hospitality it is known for. The Manila Hotel’s vice-president for sales and marketing Marvin Kim Tan declared: “This award is a testament to The Manila Hotel’s unwavering commitment to preserving its rich legacy while providing exceptional service. We are immensely grateful for the guidance of our president, Atty Jose D Lina Jnr, and the visionary leadership of our board of directors, whose dedication has enabled this remarkable milestone possible.” A true icon Steeped in history, The Manila Hotel has long been a witness to pivotal moments in Philippine history, having hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and industry leaders. Its storied halls echo with the narratives of those who have shaped the nation, making it a living landmark of heritage and grandeur. Beyond its rich historical significance, The Manila Hotel remains a benchmark of luxury and Filipino hospitality, offering a carefully curated selection of experiences. These include historical tours of Rizal Park, Intramuros, the National Museums, and more, as well as the Heritage Museum, which features the hotel’s captivating historical photos and archives. The hotel also maintains an Art Gallery that celebrates Filipino creativity, alongside dining experiences that pay homage to local culinary traditions. As The Manila Hotel pays tribute to its illustrious past, it also looks toward the future, ensuring that every guest enjoys an unparalleled blend of history, luxury, and true Filipino hospitality: an institution where history lives on.
Belmont Hotel Manila opens its fifth Lobby Art Exhibit
Belmont Hotel Manila opened its fifth Lobby Art Exhibit, Hiraya: Crafted Visions by Josso Baldera last 27th February; the exhibition is ongoing until 20th April. The exhibition marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s dedication to showcasing the richness of Filipino culture and supporting local artists. Crafted Visions features the remarkable three-dimensional works of Josso Baldera, a young, talented artist whose pieces explore themes of life, nature, and the human experience. Each sculpture serves as a powerful visual narrative, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty and complexity of our world through the lens of Baldera’s creativity. Each piece featured in the exhibition tells a compelling visual story, inviting audiences to reflect on the beauty and complexity of the world through Baldera’s creative lens. A portrait of a young artist Baldera’s artistic journey began under the mentorship of the renowned artist Angelito Cacnio, with whom he apprenticed for nearly a decade. During this time, he honed his craft, learning the intricacies of sculpture while developing his own unique style. His perseverance, coupled with his inherent talent, helped him transition from apprentice to artist, making him able to create pieces that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. Baldera’s work has been featured in the book Alphabet of Filipino Contemporary Artists: Volume 2 by Lander P Blanza. This is outstanding proof that the young artist’s work will continue to gain recognition for its depth and artistic significance.
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