Search Results forMetro Manila
Philippine president announces 30-day Metro Manila “lockdown”
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the nation on Thursday night amid the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and announced Metro Manila “lockdown”. Avoiding using the term “lockdown,” the whole region is placed under community quarantine following raising the response alert level to Code Red, Sub-level 2, which health officials earlier explained to mean "sustained community transmission”. "Community quarantine is hereby imposed in the entirety of Metro Manila. It’s a lockdown. There is no struggle of power here…It’s just a matter of protecting and defending you from COVID-19,” Duterte said. 5 things that will happen during the 30-day period Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from the capital region will be prohibited for a month from 15 March until 14 April 2020. Class suspension in all levels is extended until 12 April 2020. Train systems- the LRT, MRT lines and PNR- and other forms of mass transportation will remain in operation throughout the quarantine period. But the transportation department will issue guidelines on “social distancing,” a crucial strategy to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading further. Flexible work arrangements are encouraged in the private sector. However, all manufacturing, retail and service establishments shall remain in operation during the same period, provided that strict social distancing measures are observed. Mass gatherings, defined as a planned or spontaneous event, where the number of people attending could strain the planning and response resources of the community hosting the event, shall be prohibited. Even government officials are affected In a matter of days, confirmed COVID-19 cases increased to 52 and 5 deaths. While it is relatively low in comparison with Hubei province in China and in Italy, which were also lockdown, the region is densely populated and Metro Manila lockdown is deemed essential. With more than 12.9 million Filipinos calling Metro Manila their home and 21,000 people in every square kilometre, health officials fear community transmission that will further escalate the numbers. No one is spared in COVID-19. Even some government officials and celebrities were under self-quarantine following contact to a confirmed case. The Philippine Senate was closed for disinfection after a confirmed case visited the building. Every city in the National Capital Region amped up cleaning and disinfecting public spaces. Even huge malls apply rigorous sanitising measures to protect the public. The coronavirus outbreak, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has killed some 4,000 people and infected 110,000 others worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a global pandemic. READ ALSO: My Metro Manila app allows you to explore every nook and cranny of the Philippines’ capital
My Metro Manila app allows you to explore every nook and cranny of the Philippines’ capital
The Philippines’ capital is full of colourful sights, delicious food, and captivating histories and stories. This metropolis is home to the famed Intramuros, drawing in both local and foreign crowds with its history and beauty, while Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, is famous for its authentic Chinese food and old restaurants. But we are far from discovering everything it has to offer, and this is where My Metro Manila app comes in. The app is a powerful tool that condenses everything a traveller should know about Metro Manila in a single app. Created by Explora.ph, it runs with a purpose: making travelling within the city easier, more convenient, and worthwhile. It is equipped to provide a seamless and enhanced tourist experience while in the nation’s capital. Users can do their research, find unique things to do, and book a place to stay inside the app. My Metro Manila App also comes with a real-time messaging feature enabling interaction between its users and DOT-NCR representatives. Travellers can now have a local travel buddy in the app ready to answer queries and make every trip within the city a memorable one. Soon, My Metro Manila will roll out DOT accredited tours and accommodations listings to be included in the app, ready to be booked by its users. These listings are forged by partnerships and cooperation from both DOT and Tourism Related Establishments (TREs). It will soon also include preferred language options to fit everyone. My Metro Manila app makes the capital a more tourist-friendly metropolis by providing comfort, convenience, and information available to every traveller. My Metro Manila is available for downloads on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
PPHG signs MoU to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), the hospitality arm of Singapore-based UOL Group Limited, has signed a management agreement to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay, advancing the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s fast growing long-stay segment. Situated within Metro Manila, the country’s financial and commercial heart, the property will sit inside a two-tower mixed-use development comprising offices, retail space, and serviced suites. The project will have 169 suites, across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options for guests. It is targeted to open in 1H 2027. “Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a clear shift towards longer stays driven by traditional corporate travel, relocations, multi-generational trips, extended assignments, and project-based group stays that blur the lines between work and leisure. The Philippines sits at the heart of that trend, with Metro Manila emerging as a hub for enterprise, innovation and conventions. PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay is a strategic step in our long-stay roadmap, building on our recent launch in Hanoi. It reflects our vision for thoughtfully designed, community-oriented residences that give guests the space and flexibility they need, delivered with the warmth and consistency of our brands,” said Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Building on Philippines’ Growth Momentum Metro Manila is home to government, finance, education, culture and embassies of various countries. It is the Philippines’ premier hub for commerce and investment and is poised for sustained growth driven by a robust economic landscape. The country is one of the fastest growing economies in the region. According to the Asian Development Bank1, the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to expand by 6.0% in 2025 and 6.1% in 2026, up from 5.6% growth last year. The country is also seeing a sustained recovery in international arrivals post the pandemic. According to the Bureau of Immigration2, the Philippines recorded 14,7 million international arrivals in 2024 with South Korea, US, China, Japan, Australia, and Singapore among the top countries where people arrived from. According to data from the Department of Tourism3, tourist arrivals have grown more than 60% between 2022 and 2024. In addition, tourists are staying for longer durations. According to the Department of Tourism4, tourists are now staying an average of more than 11 nights, up from around 9 nights pre-pandemic. This is fuelling the demand for premium long-stay accommodation in Metro Manila. The environment for long stay market remains healthy as overall hotel occupancy rates remain high. According to JLL5, Metro Manila’s overall hotel occupancy rose to 83.2% in Q4 2024 from 78.4% in Q3 2024, driven by strong demand from leisure and corporate guests. Shaping the long-stay future in Southeast Asia The signing of PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay marks another step forward in PPHG’s Version 2.0 growth roadmap. The strategy is centred around an ambition to strengthen and sharpen the Group’s portfolio in line with how guests are travelling today. At the heart of this strategy is the long-stay segment, which continues to expand as business travellers, relocating executives and extended-leisure guests look for flexible living with hotel-level assurance. Across Asia Pacific, industry forecasts point to a strong multi-year trajectory for serviced apartments, underscoring demand for high-quality, professionally managed residences in gateway cities. Building on its proven track record, PPHG has refreshed its PARKROYAL Serviced Suites brand with future-ready concepts that blend residential comfort, thoughtfully curated services and contact-light convenience. “Our focus is to stay ahead of evolving lifestyles and the choices guests make because of them. We are shaping the long-stayconcept around flexible spaces, intuitive technology and a sense of community, delivering the comforts of home with our signature hospitality and a clear commitment to sustainability, so that longer stays feel seamless,” said Choe. With Manila joining the Group’s growing long-stay portfolio alongside recent openings in the region, PPHG is setting new benchmarks for extended-stay hospitality, where convenience, lifestyle and sustainability come together in spaces designed for the way people live, work and connect today.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group inks management agreement for PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay
UOL Group Limited’s hospitality arm Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) recently signed an agreement to manage PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay. The signing for the new property further accelerates the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia’s fast growing long-stay segment. According to PPHG chief executive Choe Peng Sum: “Across Southeast Asia, we’re seeing a clear shift towards longer stays driven by traditional corporate travel, relocations, multi-generational trips, extended assignments, and project-based group stays that blur the lines between work and leisure. The Philippines sits at the heart of that trend, with Metro Manila emerging as a hub for enterprise, innovation and conventions. PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay is a strategic step in our long-stay roadmap, building on our recent launch in Hanoi. It reflects our vision for thoughtfully designed, community-oriented residences that give guests the space and flexibility they need, delivered with the warmth and consistency of our brands.” Located in the heart of the Philippine capital, the property will sit inside a two-tower mixed-use development comprising offices, retail space, and serviced suites. Slated to open within the first half of 2027, the project will have 169 suites, across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options for guests. Rethinking long-term stay options within Southeast Asia The signing of PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Manila Bay marks another step forward in PPHG’s Version 2.0 growth roadmap. The strategy is centred around an ambition to strengthen and sharpen the Group’s portfolio in line with how guests are travelling today. At the heart of this strategy is the long-stay segment, which continues to expand as business travellers, relocating executives and extended-leisure guests look for flexible living with hotel-level assurance. Across Asia Pacific, industry forecasts point to a strong multi-year trajectory for serviced apartments, underscoring demand for high-quality, professionally managed residences in gateway cities. Building on its proven track record, PPHG has refreshed its PARKROYAL Serviced Suites brand with future-ready concepts that blend residential comfort, thoughtfully curated services and contact-light convenience. Choe explained” “Our focus is to stay ahead of evolving lifestyles and the choices guests make because of them. We are shaping the long-stay concept around flexible spaces, intuitive technology and a sense of community, delivering the comforts of home with our signature hospitality and a clear commitment to sustainability, so that longer stays feel seamless.” With Manila joining the Group’s growing long-stay portfolio alongside recent openings in the region, PPHG is setting new benchmarks for extended-stay hospitality, where convenience, lifestyle and sustainability come together in spaces designed for the way people live, work and connect today.
Alino New Manila marks Keyland Corporation’s foray into hospitality sector
Philippine boutique property developer Keyland Corporation recently made its debut in the hospitality sector with the opening of the Alino New Manila. This new property is a four-star, 20-storey lifestyle hotel along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue in Quezon City and is the first for Keyland’s Alino Hotels brand. As such, it is switching things up in a portfolio long associated with residential and office projects. The name Alino is drawn from the phrase Alagang Filipino (Filipino care) and underscores the brand’s commitment to genuine, authentic Filipino care. At its heart is the value of malasakit (compassion), the uniquely Filipino way of taking away another person’s burden. By observing this Filipino value in travel and hospitality, Alino Hotels aims to ease the stresses of travel, offer reassurance, and deliver comfort that feels both sincere and personal. Where growth matters General manager Lady May Elegado, a hotelier with more than two decades of local and international experience, leads the operations at Alino New Manila. Her appointment reflects Keyland’s commitment to delivering a service culture defined by malasakit which differentiates the Alino Hotels brand in a competitive hospitality market. Likewise, Alino New Manila signals the start of Keyland Corporation’s broader strategy to diversify into hospitality and lifestyle-driven developments. It embodies Keyland’s vision of offering accessible, authentic, and thoughtfully designed hospitality which reflects on the Alino Hotels brand promise of Care in Every Detail, while also positioning it within the evolving hotel and lifestyle sector in Metro Manila. Alongside this, Alino Hotels is also committed to develop and nurture its people as it aims to be a stepping stone for staff to grow their skills and build strong careers in the hospitality industry. By setting international standards locally, Alino New Manila gives its team the foundation to excel with the vision of bringing Filipino talent onto the global stage. Convenience, comfort, and chic Located across St. Luke’s Medical Center, Alino New Manila is within a district that bridges heritage and modernity. New Manila, known historically for its large post war ancestral estates and film studios is now emerging as a growth corridor with strong connectivity to Ortigas, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and beyond via the Skyway. Because of the location of Alino New Manila, it is able to serve diverse demand drivers such as medical tourism, visiting families, young professionals, business travelers, and long staying guests. The hotel features 128 rooms across a range of categories, including Essential Twin, Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Queen, Premier Queen, Junior Suite, Deluxe Suite, and a Premier Suite. Standard in-room provisions include high-speed WiFi, 55-inch TV, coffee and tea setups, microwave, and electronic safe. A dedicated Healthcare Room with a Hepa Air purifier and hospital-grade cleaning solutions to accommodate families of patients at St. Luke’s who require a more sanitized environment. Additional amenities include a laundrette, outdoor pool, gym, and flexible function rooms. Guests can enjoy dining at Kutchara, Alino New Manila’s all-day dining Filipino restaurant led by executive chef Rexsan Abarquez. Kutchara celebrates local cuisine while giving it a fresh, contemporary touch. The menu highlights classics such as Kinilaw na Tanigue cured in suka sa niyog and calamansi, to Kansi at Baka, an Ilonggo beef shank broth with the tang of batwan fruit, to Whole Inasal na Manok marinated in calamansi and lemongrass. Each dish is prepared with care and designed to tell the evolving story of Filipino food.
Canopy by Hilton Makati to Debut in Manila with 400 keys by 2026
Left to right: Maria Ariizumi, vice president, Development, South East Asia, Hilton; Clarence Tan, senior vice president, Development, Asia Pacific; Mariana Zobel de Ayala – Senior Vice-President, Leasing and Hospitality Ayala Land, Inc.; and George Aquino – President and CEO, Ayala Land Hospitality Hilton and Ayala Land Hospitality have announced the signing of Canopy by Hilton Makati in Metro Manila, an economic and cultural gateway to major financial institutions, multinational companies and vibrant street life. Scheduled to open in 2026, Canopy by Hilton Makati will rise above the bustling One Ayala development, a new landmark development where culture, creativity, and commerce converge in Makati’s most vibrant neighborhood. Canopy by Hilton is known for stylish, locally-connected stays that reflect the spirit of the locale. With more than 40 hotels open across 14 countries and territories and more than 40 more in the pipeline, each Canopy hotel is different by design, thoughtfully tailored to its setting. Canopy Makati carries that spirit forward with a perspective that’s rooted in warm hospitality, full of energy, and infused with modern design and a bold perspective. “Introducing our Canopy brand to the Philippines is a significant milestone, especially in such a vibrant junction in the heart of Makati. Metro Manila is ripe for a fresh perspective on hospitality, and we believe Canopy’s lifestyle approach will resonate with both local and international guests. This launch also marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership with Ayala Land Hospitality, who are passionate stewards of the Canopy vision,” said Maria Ariizumi, Vice President, Development, South East Asia, Hilton. Spanning 24 storeys and 400 stylishly designed rooms and suites, the hotel will feature a mix of sleek urban escapes to spacious suites blending contemporary comfort with materials and artwork inspired by Manila’s creative and cultural scene. The hotel will also become a new hub for the city’s social and food scene. Locals and guests alike can explore a destination restaurant, rooftop bar with skyline views, and hidden speakeasy that channels Manila’s eclectic energy. More than just places to dine and drink, these spaces will play host to Manila’s creative pulse. From DJ sets to stylish social events and modern cultural activations, Canopy by Hilton Makati will be a gathering place where the city comes to life. Guests can unwind at the pool deck or recharge at the hotel’s high-performance gym with top-tier equipment and engaging group classes. For gatherings that break the mold, Canopy Manila’s reimagined meeting spaces draw on local creative inspiration for meetings and offsites or weddings and celebrations that are as vibrant and memorable as the city itself. “The Philippines continues to shine as a vibrant and dynamic destination, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming people, making it an ideal setting for the Canopy experience. Makati has long been—and will remain—a favorite among travelers seeking a mix of urban sophistication, culture and lifestyle experiences,” said Alexandra Murray, Area Vice President and Regional Head of South East Asia, Hilton. “We’re thrilled to team up with Hilton to bring Canopy’s vibrant spirit to Manila,” said Ayala Land Hospitality President and CEO George Aquino. “It’s not just about adding rooms—it’s about creating stays that spark curiosity and celebrate Filipino creativity. This exciting collaboration brings us closer to our goal of shaping the Philippines into a must-visit destination, one unforgettable stay at a time.” Canopy by Hilton hotels participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard WiFi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City introduces The Style Curators
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City recently launched a pioneering creative movement in Manila’s City of Firsts: The Style Curators. The programme kicked off on Saturday, 5th July, with Palette & Patterns, a guided painting session held at Le Bistro at Gateway Mall 2. ibis’ first-ever Style Curator, self-taught artist John Salcedo, led the session which highlighted his vibrant work which blends nature, heritage, and community themes. More than just a localised brand programme, this marketing communications initiative is a bold celebration of artistry, community, and self-expression. It’s an initiative where emerging creatives, especially the young and upcoming creative minds with a passion for art, design, and storytelling, can flourish. Empowering a creative new generation The Style Curators series is designed to empower emerging artists across the metro in order to cast the spotlight on the next generation of visionaries. These are those who dare to dream, design, and explore whether it’s through visual arts, multimedia, fashion, or performance. These artists aren’t just creators: they’re changemakers shaping the evolving identity of Manila’s cultural landscape. Initiated in partnership with Studio ArtFix, The Style Curators programme features a rotating series of workshops, artist residencies, exhibitions, and creative labs that offer emerging talents not only a platform but also a community of support. As such, it is a purposeful initiative at its core, empowering individuals whose works are rooted in culture, compassion, and meaningful impact. According to cluster marketing head Erwin Dona III: “The Style Curators program shines a spotlight on Manila’s rising generation of creative leaders: visionaries who are boldly reshaping the city’s rich and diverse art scene, from visual to multimedia to performance art.” Dona added that ibis Styles Manila Araneta Center doesn’t just offer creatives a platform, but also a true creative playground. He explained: “Whether it’s the inviting French charm and refined comfort of Le Bistro, the dynamic pulse of our coworking spaces, or the intimate vibe of our StrEATs private dining rooms, each corner of our space is designed to inspire, spark imagination, and connect to visionary talents. It’s here that bold ideas are born and artistic energy thrives powered by community, collaboration, and style. As our very own property embodies the core DNA of the ibis Styles brand: a home for diverse and free-spirited creators.” Coming up The Style Curators shifts its creative spotlight to Jethro Medina, aka Pintang Gala, with his workshop Strokes & Totes at the strEATs Coworking Café. Medina’s session promises a colorful, hands-on experience where guests will paint their own tote bags under the artist’s guidance. A multi-awarded Filipino artist and founder of both Studio ArtFix and Pintang Galà Studio, Medina is known for blending mixed media, expressive painting, and outreach education to bring art closer to everyday people. His approach invites participants to explore both their creativity and personal narratives in an inclusive, community-driven setting. Next month, renowned calligrapher Gabiee Arboleda will host an elegant Calligraphy Workshop at strEATs Private Dining, while multi-disciplinary artist Nomer Husain will lead a Coffee Painting session at Le Bistro Deli Atelier in September to showcase a unique and aromatic approach to art. October introduces Portraits in Clay with sculptor Ken Sioson comes in October, an engaging tactile workshop on the basics of sculpting expressive busts. The series draws to a grand finale in November with a collaborative Oil Portraiture workshop featuring both Jethro Medina and Nomer Husain that serves as a deep dive into traditional portrait painting techniques in an intimate creative setting. With each event thoughtfully designed to spark self-expression and artistic dialogue, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City invites everyone, especially the modern thinkers seeking creativity, connection, and purpose, to be part of this extraordinary journey. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fresh way to unwind, The Style Curators offers a beautiful opportunity to learn something new, make meaningful connections, and carry your art with pride.
Okada Manila observes World Hunger Day by donating 20,000 meals
Integrated resort Okada Manila showed its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility through the donation of 20,000 meals to underserved communities across Metro Manila to commemorate World Hunger Day on 28th May. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines which aims to bring about Zero Hunger and Zero Food Waste by 2030. Since the partnership began in May of last year, Okada Manila has become the first integrated resort in the country to engage in large-scale food rescue as it recovers safe surplus food from its Medley Buffet and banquet operations to give to families in need. The effort has generated significant impact over the past year: Meals served to communities: 20,000 Food rescued and donated: 5,000 kg Communities served: 12 across Metro Manila Carbon emissions reduced: 12,000 kg Okada Manila’s current beneficiaries include Project Pearls Tondo, Hospicio de San Jose, Rivaras Community Pantry, Betterworld Tondo, CM Most Holy Trinity, Barangay Sto. Niño in Parañaque City, BJMP San Mateo Rizal (Male and Female Dorms), Pangarap Foundation, Phase 7 South Fairway (San Pedro, Laguna), Project Marikeños, and WeCarePH in Marikina. No wastage means no one goes hungry According to resort culinary director Josef Teuschler: “Food should never go to waste, especially when hunger is among the world’s pressing problems. Through this programme, we’ve integrated surplus food donation into our daily operations, reducing waste while supporting communities that need it most. It’s a practical, high-impact way to live out our ESG values.” The initiative is also part of the Waste Management pillar of the Okada Green Heart program, which drives environmentally responsible practices across the resort’s operations. In doing so, it contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Okada Manila also supported the SOS Zero Summit 2025, serving as a resource speaker for Surplus Food as a Force for Social and Environmental Good. SOS Philippines general manager Rachel Luna said: “Okada Manila’s strong commitment has helped us reach more communities and expand our food rescue impact. It’s a meaningful partnership built on shared values.” Through consistent action and collaboration, Okada Manila is working to ensure that good food finds its way to those who need it most, one meal at a time.
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.
DOT launches Hop-On-Hop-Off tour for Manila
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the launch of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Philippines Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) in the country's capital introducing Manila's "Cultural Hub" tours on July 6. Joining Secretary Frasco were officials of the City Government of Manila led by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, and tourism stakeholders. Dubbed as “the country’s first ever hop-on, hop-off bus tour program,” the Manila Cultural Hub links it with Makati’s “Financial Hub,” which Secretary Frasco and tourism industry stakeholders launched last 28 May. Speaking before guests, Secretary Frasco said the flagship program elevates the tourism offerings of the country by providing convenience and digitalization saying, “Our President envisions a tourism industry that is able to compete shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors in Asia as well as the rest of the world. And that is why we introduced tourism to the digital age through this Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tours that allows tourists to book through an app, curate their experiences, and travel at their own convenience,” she said. Secretary Frasco expounded on global changing travel trends and the growing desire of travelers for more immersive experiences. “Travel trends continue to change, and it is incumbent upon us in the national government and local government to adapt. It is time for us to evolve and to truly understand the necessity of ensuring that we are not left behind in the post-pandemic world,” she said of the project’s rosy prospects for visitors to explore and experience the different tourism hubs in the urban jungle. “With the launch of the Philippine Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tours here in the City of Manila, we aim to give opportunities to reintroduce Manila to our fellow Filipinos and to introduce foreign tourists to this beautiful gem of a city, to expose them to your heritage, your culture, the arts and most importantly, the story of the City of Manila,” the Tourism Chief added on how the Bus Tours, with its hassle-free, seamless, contactless and convenient option, will play a pivotal role in improving the tourism experience in Manila. “In the life of every nation as in the life of every city, feeding one’s culture is tantamount to feeding one's soul. And that is why through the PH HOHO Bus Tours, we aim to partner with the City of Manila in your vision to make sure that this continues to be the Cultural Hub of Metro Manila,” the Tourism Chief shared about Manila’s wellspring of culture and heritage. Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna cited the importance of developing the City’s cultural aspect of tourism. “Facing the challenges of urban mobility, this will truly maximize any visit in exploring our attractions and experience a Manila that you’ll keep coming back to. The Department of Tourism and the City of Manila curated the attractions to be visited and made sure that this initial run will truly reflect the character of our city. As the HoHo progresses, we will make sure to incorporate other parts of our eight tourism hubs which is the core of our tourism development plan,” the local chief executive added. According to DOT’s National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) Director Sharlene Z. Batin, the Cultural Hub will have nine stops which will round up Robinsons Manila - Raja Sulayman - Rizal Park Luneta - National Museum - Malacañang Heritage Tours-City Hall - Escolta - Binondo – Intramuros. With the launch of the Cultural Hub, tourists can now conveniently and leisurely stroll Manila’s historic and vibrant culturescape one bus stop at a time. They can choose from curated and do-it-yourself itineraries with the option for private and guided tours. Introductory price for the HOHO Manila Cultural Hub tour starts at Php1,000 per person. The Philippines HOHO features a dedicated website with all essential information, a reloadable EMV-capable card, and to complete the tourist experience, a mobile app for booking tours, making cashless payments, GPS networked-bus arrival monitoring and video guides, as well as information on hotels, food, and tourism merchants. Earlier, Secretary Frasco, Mayor Lacuna and Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles stood as witness to the signing of a certificate of commitment between the City of Manila and leaders of tourism stakeholder associations comprising the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu, Philippine Travel Agencies Association President Patria Chiong, Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International President Loleth So, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies President Racquel Sabucido, and Marinel Barquin Lee CEO of Positive Exposure, the project integrator and tech-provider for the Philippines HOHO bus project. In 2022, NCR recorded a total of 5.3 million overnight tourists in NCR, with Manila ranking fourth at 710,275 arrivals, while Makati City ranks one slot higher with 969,927 arrivals, tailing behind Pasay and Parañaque which took the first and second spots, respectively. Meanwhile, Manila tops the same-day arrivals with 7.4M recorded in the same period last year per the DOT’s record.
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