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.
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.
Best Western Plus Metro Clark relaunches in the Philippines
Best Western Hotels is celebrating the opening of a major extension at Best Western Plus Metro Clark in the Philippines. Situated in the heart of Angeles City, this 14-story hotel has been upgraded and rebranded. Formerly known as Best Western Metro Clark, it now offers a total of 186 contemporary rooms, all equipped with comfortable king or twin beds, modern amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Three diverse international dining options are available, including Namari Japanese Bistro, The Legend Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant and Cactus Jack Smokehouse. Guests who want to relax with refreshments and great views of Angeles City can chill out at Jack’s Pool Bar. Travellers can also cool off in the outdoor pool and work out at the fitness center, while the hotel’s extensive event space makes Best Western Plus Metro Clark an outstanding venue for corporate meetings and social gatherings. Best Western Plus Metro Clark is easily accessible, just 10km from Clark International Airport and approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Manila. With a prime position on the McArthur Highway, Angeles City’s main thoroughfare, the hotel is surrounded by attractions including restaurants, bars, shops and casinos. The Saver’s Mall is located right next door. “We are delighted to celebrate the extension and relaunch of Best Western Plus Metro Clark. This was already a popular place to stay in the center of Angeles City. Now, following this important extension, we will be able to attract a wider range of travelers – including business and leisure guests – while also attracting local residents and other visitors to our restaurants. We look forward to welcoming everybody to this newly revitalized hotel,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.
Jetstar Asia adds more weekend services to Bangkok and Manila, retimes Ho Chi Minh City
In August, Jetstar Asia will increase the number of services it operates to Bangkok and Manila, providing customers even more options when visiting two of Southeast Asia’s most popular metropolitan cities. As demand for travel to Manila continues to increase, Jetstar Asia will operate two additional morning services on Sunday and Monday from 1 August to meet the pent-up demand. Jetstar Asia will now operate 13 services a week to the Philippines’ capital with one-way low fares start from just SGD138. From 6 August, Jetstar Asia will operate an additional Saturday morning service between Singapore and Bangkok, increasing its services to eight return services a week. The additional service will help accommodate transiting customers from codeshare partners, Qantas, Emirates, Srilankan Air and Finnair. One-way low fares start from just SGD96. Mr Woo Wai Keong, Jetstar Asia’s Regional Sales Manager for SEA, said it was encouraging to see demand for air travel continue to recover as consumer confidence is restored. “In July, Jetstar Asia’s Load Factor averaged over 90 per cent meaning we are welcoming more passengers on board our flights and are making the world more accessible for our customers again,” Mr. Woo said. “By restoring and growing our short-haul network, we’re helping reconnect families and friends, giving our customers more opportunities to take a well-deserved break, while helping rebuild economies of the communities we fly to.” Starting from 19 August, Jetstar Asia will retime two services between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, to depart on Friday and Sunday evenings instead of Wednesday and Sunday mornings, allowing customers to make more of their stay. The service also helps customers connect from Qantas, Emirates, Srilankan Air, Finnair and KLM flights. The turnaround return flight from Ho Chi Minh will depart at 10:00pm and arrive in Singapore at 1:00am with one-way low fares start from SGD73. Jetstar Asia currently operates more than 200 flights a week from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 to 12 key destinations across Southeast Asia.
Manila sets stage for WTTC Global Summit 2022
The capital of the Philippines, Manila is gearing up to host the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit 2022 from 20-22 April, with the world leaders of travel and tourism in attendance. The theme for year’s Global Summit is REDISCOVERING TRAVEL – the WTTC aims to bring together people from around the world who embrace the same empathy, values and ambitions in solving the many social, environmental and economic challenges. Following last year’s successful event in Cancun, Mexico, the Summit will be hosted in Metro Manila in-person, with a global audience joining virtually. The Summit is one of the most influential travel and tourism events in the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
WTTC announces new dates for Global Summit in Manila
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), has announced that its highly anticipated 21st Global Summit will now take place in Manila, Philippines, from 20-22 April 2022 - just a month from its original March date. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “As countries around the world begin to unlock the door to travel, we have taken the decision to reschedule our Global Summit by just a few short weeks. This will enable more international participants to join us in Manila and help guide and lead the sector as we head towards economic recovery. Our Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar. We are looking forward seeing our Members, industry leaders and key government representatives gather in Manila in April to continue our efforts in safely restoring international travel.” Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary, said: "The WTTC Global Summit will be a significant opportunity for us to showcase the preparations that we have put in place for our eventual reopening to international visitors. Tourism has always provided us with endless opportunities. The reopening of our destinations and borders amid the pandemic is crucial to sustaining the livelihood of the millions who depend on travel and tourism." The Summit will be hosted in Metro Manila in-person, with a global audience joining virtually.
Where to Stay: new hotels in Hua Hin, Manila, Mauritius and more
Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila Location: In Ortigas Center, one of Metro Manila's main financial districts Grade: Upscale serviced residence Keys: 293, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units Facilities: Residents’ lounge, swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants and a garden deck Meeting space: One divisible meeting room that can hold up to 250 people They say: “Bringing Citadines to the heart of Ortigas Center expands our reach to a ready catchment of expatriates and business travellers” We say: A very strategic opening for Ascott. It fills a gap in its extensive Manila portfolio, catering for travellers to another key business district of this vast city Opening: Already open London's Leicester Square Hotel Indigo London - One Leicester Square Location: Leicester Square, in the heart of London's West End Grade: Upper-upscale Keys: 95 Facilities: Rooftop bar and restaurant, gym Meeting space: “Working spaces that can be used for meetings” They say: “The design of the hotel will be influenced by the existing property’s art deco stylings combined with the theatrics of the surrounding Leicester Square areas” We say: Perfect location and stylish decor should attract a lot of leisure travellers. Rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking London will also prove popular Opening: Late 2017 The Holiday Inn Toronto Bloor Yorkville will be completed renovated Kimpton Toronto Bloor Yorkville Location: In the high-end Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto Grade: Upscale Keys: 189 Facilities: Fitness centre, free bicycle hire Meeting space: Unspecified They say: “We’re looking forward to entering the Canadian market and introducing our unique heartfelt service to Toronto” We say: IHG will take over the existing current Holiday Inn hotel following what developers are calling a "full conversion" that will "revitalise and reconcept" the 13-storey property Opening: Mid-2018 U Hua Hin U Hua Hin Location: A beachfront site between Sois 1-3 in central Hua Hin, on Thailand's Gulf coast Grade: Upscale Keys: 132, including pool villas Facilities: Beachfront pool bar and lounge, large swimming pool, restaurant, fitness centre and library Meeting space: Meeting rooms available They say: “We are very excited to work with the owner and project consultants to bring this project to life with the true spirit of U Hotels & Resorts” We say: Guests will be attracted by the beachfront setting, but they are likely to return for U Hotels' guest-friendly amenities such as breakfast "anytime, anywhere" and 24-hour room rental Opening: Early 2020 Courtyard is Marriott's midscale brand Courtyard by Marriott Nha Trang Hon Tam Resort Location: Beachfront setting on the Vietnamese resort island of Hon Tam, 20 minutes by boat from Nha Trang Grade: Upper-midscale Keys: 373 Facilities: Restaurant. Others to be confirmed Meeting space: Unspecified They say: “Courtyard by Marriott Nha Trang responds to both domestic and foreign travellers’ needs by bringing quality, international hotel brand standards... to Nha Trang” We say: Absolute beachfront location will be a great asset on this up-and-coming island. The midscale price point and high inventory will also make it accessible to a large number of visitors Opening: 2020 Shangri-La is expanding all across mainland China Shangri-La Hotel Putian Location: Overlooking the Yanshou River in Putian, an historic city in southeast China's Fujian province Grade: Luxury Keys: 247 Facilities: Restaurants, lobby lounge, spa, fitness centre and swimming pool. The hotel will also be set within a 3,500m² "village-style plaza" Meeting space: A 1,200m² ballroom They say: “Uniquely positioned at the juncture of history and modernity, Shangri-La Hotel Putian will pay tribute to the river town’s ancient heritage” We say: Shangri-La continues its strategy of expanding into mainland China's second and third tier cities and popular tourist destinations Opening: Q4 2020 Avani Bel-Ombre Mauritius Resort Avani Bel-Ombre Mauritius Resort Location: On the south coast of Mauritius' main island Grade: Upscale Keys: 150, plus 12 residential villas Facilities: Two restaurants, spa, kids' club, two swimming pools and a beach activity centre Meeting space: A “large multi-functional meeting space” They say: “Mauritius is one of the most vibrant beach destinations in the world and Avani is the ideal brand to offer honeymooners, adventurers and incentive houses an alternative dynamic hospitality offering” We say: Thailand's Minor Hotels has shown how good its new-build Avani hotels can be with the recent launch of its flagship in Bangkok. This new resort should be similarly impressive Opening: 2021
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