Hotels in Metro Manila [Archive]

SunKing

April 20th, 2004, 08:02 AM

Our Manila Hotel goes
down the drain
Posted: 9:23 PM (Manila Time) | Jun. 15, 2003
Inquirer News Service

Tarted up to death

SHE was once the undisputed Grande Dame of Manila. Now her integrity has been invaded by tinsel facelifts and ill-fitting robes have covered her in cheap glitter. She has been tarted up to death. She is no longer a source of national pride for Filipinos.

Grande Dame status is not available to anyone. To start with, it takes pedigree to be a grande dame. Breeding comes next, then permanence, and above all, dignity. Our Manila Hotel once had all those qualities in abundance. Today they are all gone.

Pedigree? One look tells us that she is undoubtedly "de buena familia" (of good lineage). She could be called an American mestiza who traces her lineage back to the early days of the American regime in the Philippines.

Soon after the turn of the last century, the eminent American architect Daniel Burnham was sent to the Islands to plan Manila and Baguio. Burnham planned Manila on the Parisian model with grand boulevards interlaced with a vast park system. Luneta was to be the centerpiece of the park system. And on one side of the Luneta, the principal landmark was to be our Manila Hotel. She had pride of place, standing alone facing the Army Navy Club and Elks Club on the opposite side of the park.

Burnham returned to the United States and eventually became one of the pillars of American architecture. His assistant, William Parsons, stayed, designed our Manila Hotel and other significant Manila buildings. Parsons was a few years out of venerable, exclusive Yale University where he received his architectural training. Could it be said that the foundation of our Manila Hotel springs from the Ivy League tradition? Whether that postulation should be taken seriously or not, without doubt our Manila Hotel has architectural pedigree.

Elegance and understatement

Breeding? I know what a lot of people liked about our Manila Hotel was her total elegance that she approached with complete understatement. There was never any flash to her. She needed no flash because she was to the manor born. Elegance always surrounded her, it was matter of fact and therefore nothing to flaunt. The old rich are bred that way, and that was what our Manila Hotel used to be.

She continued to remain unassuming after her National Artist architect and her internationally respected foreign interior design team won major awards for their refurbishment of the hotel during the heady Imeldific days. Awards notwithstanding, she remained understated although getting her luster back.

Among all of the new hotels simultaneously built under Imelda's wing that year, our Manila Hotel stood apart in a class of its own. When "tout Manille" flocked back to our Manila Hotel for special occasions, each guest felt special in her Old World surroundings. She was the pinnacle that all of the new Imelda-built hotels were aspiring to reach but none of them ever got there.

Those were proud days for us. Our Grande Dame ranked right up there with the Raffles of Singapore and the Peninsula of Hong Kong. She was world-class.

Permanence? Of course our Manila Hotel had permanence. Her heritage tells us that. Since 1910 she was the premier hotel in the Philippines, where each national figure from the American governors-general to all of the Philippine presidents held official meetings, where they entertained kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, including a number of heavyweight Hollywood stars. If you weren't billeted or entertained at our Manila Hotel, you had no claim to being a true VIP.

History was made at our Manila Hotel. General MacArthur lived there for years. The Manila Rotary Club held its first meeting there and continues to meet there up to this day. Marcos loyalists occupied and trashed the hotel in 1986 during the first attempted coup against the Aquino people-power government. So many events have happened there. She has been in the center of history long enough to merit its declaration as a historic site.

Many Filipinos hold personal memories of intimate dinners or functions at our Manila Hotel, making it a place of collective memories for the general public. No question about it, our Manila Hotel has been part of the Filipino life for a long time. It has history. It has got heritage.

Indignity

Dignity? Where has our dignity gone? Now approaching her centennial, Manila Hotel should all the more have the respect that a Grande Dame deserves. Instead, what happened to her was a crime. She fell in with bad company.

She fell in with a group of people without any respect for her, who removed all of her grace and dignity, who took shameless advantage of her and who tarted her up with paste diamonds set in thin sheets of gold-colored brass. Look at her now, a Grande Dame now decked out like a floozy. And because of that, what happened? Nobody takes her seriously any more.

None of her friends had the courage to tell her. It is about time to let her know. Let her know that it is time for her to recapture her lost glory. Let her know that she has allowed herself to be trivialized, and that the trivialization insults her stature of being part of the national heritage all Filipinos share.

You see, each Filipino has a stake in his country's heritage. He has a psychic ownership over the entire range of his heritage from the Rice Terraces to Vigan and certainly including Manila Hotel. Owners of heritage sites are simply the site's caretakers. Therefore our Manila Hotel is an intrinsic part of our national heritage. We all have a stake in it. It is our Manila Hotel and the Filipino nation has the right to a strong voice in its preservation.

Based on the legal rounds that the hotel was part of Filipino heritage and only Filipinos were capable of caring for their own heritage, a winning bid by a foreign company was revoked and the bid awarded to a Filipino.

Now look at what Filipino care has done to our Manila Hotel. Manila Hotel is going the way of the rest of our national heritage, down the drain.

E-mail the author at afvillalon@hotmail.com

1940's Manila Hotel:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid113/p60323d2565ce4535e386e01a1d2ba85a/f8f26ea3.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid113/pb0a46fef4ceec53ea3262592c9b1a09b/f8f26ed0.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid113/pf1e2609a347a165885823e054bfe756b/f8f26e98.jpg
1987 Picture:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid113/pcfb3a07d6397ed81da0cb5f6f55ab503/f8f26ec7.jpg

renell

April 20th, 2004, 04:45 PM

i'm not really sure what this writer is trying to tell the reader. that the hotel is in a bad state? well from what i've seen it certainly isn't.

bagel

April 20th, 2004, 05:26 PM

renell

April 20th, 2004, 05:29 PM

i must say that ugly high-rise which calls itself "Manila Hotel" is not helping in restoring Manila Hotel's grandeur. :bash:

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 21st, 2004, 08:28 AM

ya i think its cheap to put manila hotel sign at the top of the tower bldg, decades ago manila hotel was voted as one of the best hotels in the world mainly because of its impeccable service even to discerning clients like presidents, kings who stayed their

renell

April 21st, 2004, 05:25 PM

well not just that the whole building is a shame to Manila Hotel. if they would have built a high-rise, they should have built it with grace

ewh1

April 22nd, 2004, 05:21 AM

In May 2004 there will be a new Hyatt opening. It appears to be a Highrise in Malate

http://www.hyatt.com/corporate/hyatt/press_room/future_international.jhtml?ssnav=1

Can someone Post a pic?

Edmundtanso

April 22nd, 2004, 07:18 AM

hmm....i know there is one in pasay, but never heard there was anew one. maybe it's under renovation?

SunKing

April 22nd, 2004, 11:36 AM

I wonder what's gonna happen to Jo Mari Chan's Hyatt along Roxas Boulevard.

renell

April 22nd, 2004, 06:50 PM

May 2004? hmm.. this either is a u/c building that slipped through our informers or this is an old building, but a new Hyat...

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 22nd, 2004, 07:26 PM

now there will be two hyatt hotels in manila, wht abt the grand hyatt project at the fort is it still or shelved, there was the hyatt terrrace before in baguio before its now demolished its was destryed by the earthquake in early 90s

Edmundtanso

April 22nd, 2004, 08:41 PM

hmmm. 2 hyatt in MM? i beleive the hotel occupancy in MM is slow, can't figure why build another Hyatt.

is the sheraton in malate in service already?

yeahm when will we se the Grand Hyatt and ritz carlton u/c?

renell

April 22nd, 2004, 09:51 PM

hm.. well Sheraton Marina is not yet operational, but there is a casino there in the ground floor.

as to where this Hyatt is... it could be that the orange building is not a Sheraton but now a Hyatt. BW Resources (remember during the Erap scandal?) built this building, and most likely they are in the black, sold this building, which is done but no one occupies, to Hyatt. and i saw they were doing work in the building, like the lobby seemed to be furnished and lighted. though i didn't see a Hyatt sign.

and the Ritz in Rockwell is off i heard. but you can see the elevators in Rockwell that would have been the elevators leading to the hotel, above the mall. it's different to the other elevators.

ryanr

April 23rd, 2004, 12:10 AM

This is strange...:? prolly its a old building being renovated into a hyatt. Or the building sheraton was supposed to be in..

But weird, why would Hyatt have two hotels in Manila, and then plans of one in BGC??

Edmundtanso

April 23rd, 2004, 02:10 AM

ritz carlton hotel - too bad the plans of building one in rockwell was canceled. so renell they have the elevators for ritz all planned in the mall, i wonder what is their future plan. i bet they would try to get another hotel chain to build a hotel in rockwell. i kinna like the openess feeling in the center (mall) of rockwell though. if they ever build the hotel, it would block a lot of the condo units there.

hyatt manila - you guys could be right, it could be the old sheraton being refurnished.

SunKing

April 23rd, 2004, 04:20 AM

I managed to dig something up, this is from ABS-CBNNews.com:

Monday, March 29, 2004 12:15 AM

-snip-

Scrambling to undertake damage control following increasing suspicions that Pagcor was in cahoots with Ho to turn the Philippines (like he accomplished in Macau) into a gambling state, the gaming body’s spokesman, Dodi King, was left reading from a script that was found badly wanting.

The Genuino-led Pagcor had to break its usual Trappist-like silence on such matters (no talk, no giving away secrets, right?) to deny that (Stanley) Ho was the silent partner of Hong Kong real-estate tycoon Cheng Yu-Tung in the hurriedly, and surreptitiously, put-together deal that saw a nondescript multistory hotel in Malate that was still looking for its first customer, magically transformed into the “Hyatt Manila Hotel and Casino” (with Jose Marie Chan, who owns the real Hyatt on Roxas, left to his own devises).

If (PAGCOR Spokesman Edward) King’s nonsensical assertion in Manila that Hong Kong real-estate tycoon Cheng Yu-Tung and Ho were no longer business partners and were actually “competitors” had been taken with anything but a pinch of salt on the other side of the South China Sea, the Hong Kong stock market would have collapsed.

As for King’s claim that Ho and Cheng were “competitors,” yes certainly -- on the golf course! The duo, who are two of the wealthiest men in Hong Kong, are usually joined by Asia’s richest man, Li Kai Shing, in 6 a.m. golf matches on the back nine holes of the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club that are legendary for their stakes -- with the starting price for the opening hole being $100,000 (that’s US not HK dollars), and with the stakes getting higher as the game progresses.

Trying to put a gloss on Cheng’s entry to Ermita, King pointed out that the Hong Kong tycoon “has invested $120 million” in the newly blessed Hyatt property, where, as it happens, Pagcor will also relocate its corporate headquarters (though we are certain King is under orders to keep that bit of news under wraps for the moment).

But check this out. The Cheng-owned Grand Hyatt Hong Kong -- which is a marble and granite harbor-side celebration of unbridled luxury and grandeur, and the proud flagship of the Hyatt Hotel chain’s upscale Grand Hyatt brand -- cost $147 million to build, decorate and equip. So can anyone comprehend a shrewd businessman like Cheng pumping $120 million to rehabilitate an existing piece of crap in the rinky-dinkiest district that is still trying to live down its honky-tonk reputation of not too long ago for nightly grope fiestas? And $120 million alleged dollars later, it still looks like crap.

We suspect King plucked that figure from out of thin air to give the breaking story a touch of gilt-edged allure. Unless, of course, as a Hong Kong source pointed out, “other considerations” had come into play to up the ante.

In a further lame attempt by King to distance Cheng from Ho, he denied that a certain Hong Kong resident, Paulo Ho -- who was one of Ho’s trusted lieutenants in Macau -- was overseeing the casino operation at the Ermita Hyatt. The Ermita Hyatt! For God’s sake, that’s like saying, Patpong Four Seasons.

King went to great pains to explain that Stanley had nothing to do with Paulo’s presence in Manila, and that the latter was not in anyway connected with the casino operation but was hired by the Hyatt people to manage the hotel because of his “experience.”

That bit of King rhetoric would come as something of a surprise to Hyatt International’s Asia-Pacific office since they have already appointed an Austrian named Gottfried Bogensperger to manage the hotel, and who took up his duties six weeks ago. But then again, we can understand King’s reticence to verbally tangle with a name like Bogensperger, which is a mouthful even when one is cold sober.

As to the sudden hive of activity last week at the Ho-owned Jumbo Floating Restaurant, what with the arrival of two giant cranes alongside the Art-Deco behemoth that has settled into a sort of sad alliance with the flotsam and jetsam of the Manila Bay, King pointed out that Ho had no intention of operating it as anything but a restaurant and would never be allowed to have a casino there.

King obviously knows little of Ho’s business philosophy if he thinks that the Casino King tugged the floating restaurant all the way from the Aberdeen Marina Club to the Manila Bay primarily to serve sharks’ fin soup. Although the delectable soup would undoubtedly be on the menu, for sure Ho will also expect to serve chips (as in plastic, and not potato) with everything.

ryanr

April 23rd, 2004, 12:20 PM

Hmmm interesting... So how come we didnt see this coming?

ryanr

April 23rd, 2004, 01:01 PM

The hotel isn't in bad shape but the author is saying that the hotel shound't just be in good shape... it should be up there with the Raffles and the Peninsula Hong Kong.... it should be as grand as grand can be.

I agree... pity they werent able to keep it as grand as it used to be. It used to be on par with Raffles or Fullerton but now its just a regular 5-star hotel.

renell

April 23rd, 2004, 04:18 PM

@edmundtanso, well i dunno, the supposed lobby of Ritz Carlton is mall space right now.

hmm.. doesn't look like this Hyatt will be a grand one. it's already marred with controversy..

kiku99

April 23rd, 2004, 05:38 PM

i like Hyatt brand. very nice. :)

ryanr

April 24th, 2004, 03:11 AM

@edmundtanso, well i dunno, the supposed lobby of Ritz Carlton is mall space right now.

hmm.. doesn't look like this Hyatt will be a grand one. it's already marred with controversy..

I agree... It will prolly just be a Hyatt Regency or Park Hyatt. Which is strange because Hyatt Regency, Manila in Pasay is so close to Malate. And what about the Grand Hyatt plans in BGC? Will that be canceled? Hope not. 3 possible Hyatts in the metro? very strange.

renell

April 24th, 2004, 12:33 PM

i'm still confused,

about Hyatt in BGC, im sure its not completely scrapped, but don't expect more hotels being u/c in the near future. it could come 2005-2006...

ryanr

April 24th, 2004, 02:12 PM

I really confused about this. THis is quite suspicious. I'd have to see it to believe it:D
:sly:

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 24th, 2004, 03:47 PM

renell

April 24th, 2004, 04:35 PM

well of course, we have two Shangri-la's in MM. but what is weird is the timing, and the two hotels are in the same city in the metro..

SunKing

April 24th, 2004, 05:47 PM

In terms of architecture of the original or base buildings, I think the Raffles, the Fullerton, and the Peninsula Hong Kong are more beautiful than the Manila Hotel. But then again, her simplicity and clean lines make her grand and she's OUR Manila Hotel.

The Peninsula:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/H09PSL09.jpg

The Fullerton:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/fullerton.jpg

Raffles Hotel:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/raffles.jpg

Our Very Own Manila Hotel:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/11271.JPG

renell

April 24th, 2004, 06:00 PM

hm.. that pic of Manila Hotel isn't that bad, the hotel there looks better than it is in real life. that big sign really does make the hotel look fugly.

bagel

April 24th, 2004, 06:12 PM

And it could also be like what a lot of outsiders do-- lump any MM city together with Manila... People don't know what Bonifacio Global City is around the world. But they do know where Manila is. You know what I mean?

renell

April 24th, 2004, 07:33 PM

yeah, Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong to most foreigners are all Manila to them.

ryanr

April 25th, 2004, 09:05 AM

Manila is much more simple than those other hotels. But yeah, those other hotels are much more "grand" than Manila Hotel

ryanr

April 25th, 2004, 10:16 AM

it not strange to have three hyatt brands in one city in major cities there could more than two or possible more five star hotels of the same brand like hyatt, sheraton, hilton holiday inn, etc, since its mention in the hyatt website as a future hyatt hotel then its must true

well besides the bad timing, the hyatts that were said are too close to each other... Plus, there is the grand hyatt proposal in BGC. this is strange because while other hotel chains are avoiding MM (Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton) Hyatt will have three hotels?

Actually Shangri-la has three hotels but they are spread out; Shangri-la Makati, Shangri-la EDSA and Trader's Hotel Roxas Boulevard (a Shangri-la chain)

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 25th, 2004, 03:41 PM

it he htl undertakes a major refurbishment and rebrand it with a five star hote name it will be good

renell

April 25th, 2004, 03:52 PM

what do you mean by "rebrand it with a five star hote name "? i don't think a name change would do the hotel any good nor harm.

renell

April 25th, 2004, 03:53 PM

here's a very old pic of Mandarin Oriental
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotelsite/22/images/photo_main_h1.jpg

SunKing

April 25th, 2004, 04:28 PM

Here are some pics of one of my favorite hotels, the Peninsula Manila:

Night Facade:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/peninsula%7E0.jpg

Various Angles:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/peninsula2.jpg
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/peninsula3.jpg

Peninsula Fountain:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/peninsulafount.jpg

Upper Lobby (you can see National Artist Napoleon Abueva's sculpture "Sunburst" here):
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/upperlobby.jpg

Lobby:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/lobby.jpg

Spices:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/spices.jpg

Old Manila:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/oldmanila.jpg

Swimming Pool:
http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/21784/swim.jpg

Sidebar, I recommend the Peninsula's arroz caldo. M'm M'm Good!

renell

April 25th, 2004, 04:45 PM

i like the pics in general, where do you get them:D

Jerico_08

April 25th, 2004, 05:16 PM

Hey guys! I found this on the net...Hotel Intercontinental is currently constructing another hotel in Manila that will be launched in 2005.I think it is Crowne Prince Hotel. For full details, log on to this site:

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/travelnews03/55Manila.shtml[/url]

Jerico_08

April 25th, 2004, 05:18 PM

renell

April 25th, 2004, 05:24 PM

thanks for the informative article jerico...

here's what it says

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced that it has been awarded two new management contracts by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC). Under the agreement, one of RLC's hotels, Manila Galleria Suites, will be rebranded into a Holiday Inn Hotel, and a Crowne Plaza hotel, which is under construction, will be launched in Ortigas Centre, the newest business and commercial hub in Manila.

These two new developments add to InterContinental Hotels Group's portfolio in Asia Pacific, which includes 144 hotel properties with close to 40,000 guest rooms in 22 countries in the region.

Lance Gokongwei, President and Chief Operating Officer, Robinsons Land Corporation, said, "Exciting times are ahead for RLC - the rebranding of Manila Galleria Suites to Holiday Inn will take place on 1 June 2003 and the Crowne Plaza property will be launched in early 2005 when construction is completed. We are confident that our partnership with IHG is a positive move that will contribute to building value for our properties, our shareholders and the Philippine tourism industry. Through our agreement with IHG, we now carry two of the most recognised brands in the world and have access to IHG's industry expertise, its state-of-the-art reservations system Holidex Plus, and the group's 15 million Priority Club Rewards members".

"InterContinental Hotels Group is on the move in Asia Pacific. With the best brands for both business and leisure travellers in some of the most sought after locations in the region, the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza properties in Manila will complement our existing properties including the InterContinental Manila and Holiday Inn Resort Clark Field, and boost our presence in the Philippines," said A. Patrick Imbardelli, Managing Director of InterContinental Hotels Group, Asia Pacific.

"Together with the strength of our Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza brands, our partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation will enable us to leverage our people, infrastructure and knowledge to attract lifelong customers, enhancing revenues and returns for the properties," added Mr. Imbardelli.

Through the management contract, the 284-room Manila Galleria Suites will be rebranded to a Holiday Inn Galleria Manila in advance of a 12-month refurbishment programme. The project will include the installation of facilities required by the corporate market including high-speed Internet access, conducive work spaces and recreational facilities.

The new 260-room Crowne Plaza Hotel, will boast extensive meeting facilities, as well as new service initiatives to cater to the small and mid-sized meetings market. The new Crowne Plaza Hotel is under construction at a prime location at the corner of Ortigas and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Avenue.

Jerico_08

April 25th, 2004, 05:49 PM

Great news guys! I also found this on the net. Hyatt will be launching another hotel in Manila this coming May!I don't know where exactly this hotel is situated but according to sources,it will have 392 well accomodated rooms and a casino.

Here is the link:

website:http://7608www0.chi1.attens.com/corporate/hyatt/press_room/future_international.jhtml

Jerico_08

April 25th, 2004, 05:54 PM

Ooops! Sorry, meron na pla

renell

April 25th, 2004, 06:13 PM

hey would you know anything about this project jerico? we need every info we can get here in ssc :)

SunKing

April 26th, 2004, 01:59 AM

That new Hyatt already has a marketing director:

THE PHILIPPINES
MR Eugene Tamesis has left his director of sales and marketing position at The Marco Polo Omni Saigon Hotel in Vietnam. He is now director of marketing at Hyatt Manila Hotel and Casino, which will be opening mid-year.

ryanr

April 26th, 2004, 12:20 PM

What a beautiful picture of Mandarin Oriental.:eek: The picture may be old, but its nice. Mandarin Oriental, however isnt one of the nicest looking hotels in MM..

Great pics of Peninsula Makati. I just love that hotel. Its probably the best hotel in the Metro. I just love that fountain, especially at night. The two hotel wings are getting old, though. They should renovate them a little (the exterior). But the interior is just gorgous. I've been inside, and the lobby is so grand.

Just wondering, do you have pics of the Manila Peninsula before they renovated the fountain? It used to have this blue waterfall, and when i was a kid i always felt like swimming in it.

ryanr

April 26th, 2004, 12:22 PM

btw, is Crowne Plaza in Ortigas already finished? The last time i saw it, they still had to paint it.

SunKing

April 26th, 2004, 12:22 PM

It used to have this blue waterfall, and when i was a kid i always felt like swimming in it.
I was always asking my parents if I could go swimming there!

ryanr

April 26th, 2004, 12:34 PM

hehehe...it looked so refreshing, thats why:D

renell

April 26th, 2004, 04:40 PM

actually when i was there it wasn't functioning anymore. i guess the gov't told them to save water:D

i haven't seen anything about this Crowne Plaza, any pics?

SunKing

April 26th, 2004, 05:09 PM

Well, its formal name is the "Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila."

renell

April 26th, 2004, 05:20 PM

hey isnt it in ortigas? :D

SunKing

April 26th, 2004, 05:23 PM

Well you know these 'aliens,' to them the Greater Metro Manila area is just MANILA. :nuts:

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 26th, 2004, 05:40 PM

what do you mean by "rebrand it with a five star hote name "? i don't think a name change would do the hotel any good nor harm.

of course it does having a brand name that is prestigious like marriott or hyatt or meidien does make a difference especially to the international market it appeals especially to discerning and demanding clients to be staying in a hotel with five star brand name

JudeD

April 27th, 2004, 05:40 PM

Hi people! This is my first post. Ang galing-galing naman ng forum na ito! I've always enjoyed talking about infrastructure projects or urban development, but among my friends walang nakaka-relate sa hilig ko na ito. I'm so glad I found you people.

I'm replying to this thread because I live right in front of the soon-to-open Hyatt Hotel and Casino. If someone can teach me how, I can post pics of it. A year or so ago when Megaworld (who absorbed the property from BW) was pre-selling the property, I was able to take a look inside one of their model units. They had an entire floor open for viewing. I remember that it was very luxurious with a great view. At the time, the hotel was supposed to be managed by the same group that runs the Richmonde Hotel. I'm glad to hear that it's been passed on to the much more internationally renowned Hyatt Hotels. The curious thing is though, the casino filipino signs are up but they haven't put up any Hyatt signs yet around the building. It's very very close to completion. In fact, the casino is good to go!

I don't think the location is much of a problem. The two Hyatts aren't near each other at all. In fact they're just about as far away from each other as Edsa Shang is from Makati Shang. I guess this hotel will be for people who want to stay in the Ermita/Malate area of Manila. The Hyatt Regency is several kilometers away in Pasay City and is for those who want to be near the airport, World Trade Center, Baclaran or Asiaworld/Boulevard 2000. They both have views of the bay, but the new Hyatt has a better one because there's no reclamation work along that stretch of Roxas and at night you can see all the bubbling lights Atienza installed along the Baywalk.

renell

April 27th, 2004, 06:03 PM

first of all you need a host, such as www.imagestation.com .. welcome btw :) have fun here

can you help me out on this one, i'm making a guess, is this the building?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid112/p25bb9f0f18cebc94d7e6701021014c2d/f8f8fdd7.jpg

SunKing

April 27th, 2004, 06:05 PM

Welcome to the forums JudeD!

You could create an account with http://gallery.cybertarp.com or with imagestation.com. Cybertarp provides a url after you upload the picture so just put that in here along with the img tags. With imagestation, you should just post the image that it uses as a preview after your picture has been uploaded (without the 'orig.jpg'). Example: "http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid113/pac7972b0e75b864a26ad0a8f1b64c814/f8e6c535.jpg" Is this about right guys?

JudeD

April 27th, 2004, 07:29 PM

Yup, its the one on the left. Landbank is in the middle, and Diamond Hotel on the right. I can take more pics tomorrow.

renell

April 27th, 2004, 07:47 PM

bingo! :guns1:

i remember that place was finishing up, the lobby was almost done, and beside it was a Casino Filipino.. finally puzzle solved;)

Edmundtanso

April 28th, 2004, 02:29 AM

wasnt that hotel building suppose to be sheraton? guess it changed management

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 28th, 2004, 09:30 AM

I Think This Htl Will Cater To Those Clients Who Wants To Gamble Since The Casino Will Be There

ryanr

April 28th, 2004, 12:26 PM

Welcome to the Forums, JudeD!!:) And thanks for you clarification. Helped us a lot.

@ Edmund, yes you are right. That building was supposed to be a Sheraton, but i guess Sheraton decided not to push through their operations so Hyatt took over and finished the job. Its nice building, we should see how the interior looks like once it opens.

ryanr

April 28th, 2004, 12:53 PM

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 28th, 2004, 03:48 PM

imo, i think it is better to keep it as the "Manila Hotel" rather than "Marriott Manila Hotel" or something... Keeping it as Manila Hotel makes it our own luxury 5 star hotel and not some multi-national hotel chain.

ya ur right manila hotel is a historical landmark so lets keep it that way but you see owners of hotels do see having internationally knowned brand names like marriott or inter-con to manage their hotels is an impt factor to consider in running a successful hotel business althrough these properties are actually 100% owned by filipinos

renell

April 28th, 2004, 04:55 PM

i guess it will be called Hyatt Marina Square now...

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 28th, 2004, 05:05 PM

its the owners decision the contract to manage the hotel i presumed its was initially offer to sheraton but didnt materialize so they approach hyatt and signed the contract to manage the htl.

JudeD

April 28th, 2004, 06:42 PM

The hotel was supposed to be managed by Sheraton when the property was still owned by BW Resources, and we all know what happened to that company during the impeachment trial. Megaworld absorbed the property and they intially approached the Richmonde Hotel group but I guess they courted the Hyatt group and eventually nakuha din nila.

Here's a pic of the Hyatt from the penthouse of our building.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid114/p333b3f20497a3b29ccaf08c1db6f9fd6/f8d9ce60.jpg

And another from in front of the Diamond Hotel.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid114/p1125593b62dc4d259d7e9cfe8d6798a3/f8d9ce59.jpg

renell

April 28th, 2004, 06:46 PM

hey nice photo. :cheers:

it also has the distinction of one of the skyscrapers that are colored oranged in the Metro..lol

Edmundtanso

April 28th, 2004, 09:19 PM

very nice pictures. any plans of making the utilities underground? btw, very nice building also, again the rendering looks a little better =)

Jerico_08

April 29th, 2004, 07:08 AM

Good news guys, Marriot plans to build another hotel in Manila and plans to expand their presence in the country for the next 3 years. Here's what it says:

Marriott plans to build new hotel in Manila in next 3 years
From Manila Bulletin
Vol. 376 No. 29
April 29, 2004
By EDU H. LOPEZ

LOS ANGELES — Marriott International, Inc. remains committed to expand its hotel business in the Philippines and is looking to building another hotel in Manila over the next three years.

Marriott operates its first hotel located at the Ayala Center in Cebu in partnership with Cebu Properties and Ayala Land, Inc., the real estate arm of the Ayala Group.

"We’re very happy to be in Cebu," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of Marriott International, saying that Marriott would continue to look for opportunities in the Philippines with a possible investment of another hotel in Manila.

Fuller said that the hotel business is a long-term investment and Marriott is also planning to invest in resorts in the Philippines.

In the Asia Pacific region, Marriott has 74 hotels in 14 countries with 28,693 rooms and six lodging brands — Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and New World, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments.

Marriott International’s portfolio in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow by 14.1 percent to 87 hotels by 2006, offering 32,548 rooms and six brands in 15 countries.

Fuller sees a strong growth of its hotel business worldwide with more aggressive expansion in China.

With 33 operating properties in China, Marriott is building seven hotels over the next three years with four hotels expected to be completed this year — Sanya Marriott Resort, Renaissance Tianjin TEDA and Ramada Hotel Wuyishan.

Two hotels would be completed in 2005 — the Renaissance Suzhou Hotel and Renaissance Wuhan Hotel.

It was projected that there would be 20 million Chinese travelers this year, higher than Japan’s 17 million.

Ramada International Hotels & Resorts, a division of Marriott International, has a portfolio of 25 hotels in seven countries, offering 5,905 rooms.

In 2006, Marriott would open its 226-room Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments and the 224-room Courtyard by Marriott Manukua City in New Zealand.

Two hotels would be rebranded with Marriott flag this year. These are the 225-room Rihga Royal Miri Resort in Sarawak, Malaysia and the 308-room Hyderadad Marriott Hotel in India.

Five Ramada hotels are currently under construction in Ballina, Australia, Wuyishan in China, The Forest Crestwick, Pelican Waters in Australia and Noumea in New Caledonia.

Marriott International’s current pipeline of new units exceeds 50,000 rooms, 25 percent of these hotels would be located outside the United States.

SunKing

April 29th, 2004, 07:49 AM

Wow, a lot of international hotel chains are expanding in the PI! That only means the construction of more (hopefully beautiful) buildings around the country!

ryanr

April 29th, 2004, 11:34 AM

Great news! Marriott is one of my favorite hotel chains...Maybe they will ressurect their Gateway plan. Or maybe build one in Malate/Ermita. Possibly Ortigas or BGC...

ryanr

April 29th, 2004, 01:41 PM

Nice pictures, JudeD. Thanks for clearing things up. Where is its swimming pool?

Imo, it doesnt look as "grand" has other 5 star hotels. It is very nice, but not "grand". Will this be a Hyatt Regency, Park Hyatt or Grand Hyatt? I doubt it will be a Grand Hyatt. The Hyatt proposed in BGC is supposed to be a Grand Hyatt.

bagel

April 29th, 2004, 04:40 PM

Marriott (more precisely parent company Sodexho-Marriott) is also hte largest operator of private sector-run prisons in the US. Fat chance I will be a patron....

ryanr

April 29th, 2004, 04:49 PM

haha, interesting. They operate both Hotels and Prisons..the irony.

SunKing

April 29th, 2004, 04:57 PM

I hear some Americans don't want private-run prisons, how would you not like one when it's run by Marriott! j/k

renell

April 29th, 2004, 05:22 PM

well is it a 5-star hotel in the first place?

renell

April 29th, 2004, 05:32 PM

adding a Marriott, or a Sheraton or whatever to Manila Hotel will just make it sound ugly quite frankly. and Manila Hotel is owned by Summit International already. imagine "Summit Manila Hotel".. that just doesn't sound right.

amras

April 29th, 2004, 06:26 PM

very nice pictures. any plans of making the utilities underground?

they should... all those wires aren't really pleasant to the eye...

SKYLINEPIGEON

April 29th, 2004, 07:41 PM

i thought manila htl is owned by emilio yap the owner of manila bulletin

JudeD

April 29th, 2004, 07:51 PM

Well, both prisons and hotels are large buildings full of rooms with beds where people sleep in at night, and where people can have their meals during the day. Nagkaiba lang sa ambiance. :-)

I don't think Summit "owns" the Manila Hotel, it's just a hotel group that they're part of, mostly for international reservations purposes. If you read the brochure about Summit that you can find in the Manila hotel's rooms, it says "Summit hotels is a group of independently owned hotels..."

The Manila hotel is actually owned by Manila Prince Hotel inc., which is owned by Emilio Yap, who also owns Manila Bulletin. They've also put up an actual "Manila Prince Hotel" along San Marcelino St., near SM Manila. It's very big and looks like a lot of money was put into it, but it's still not a very aesthetically impressive building. Especially the signage, the blocky font they use really isn't very classy.

The truth is, I don't really mind anymore who owns the Manila hotel (Filipino or not) as long as they can maintain it properly. At the moment, their facilities are mostly disappointing considering the price, especially the rooms in the new building! Sobrang napag-iwanan. Unless they're waiting for the centennial in 2007 before they start renovating again, which is the only good reason I can think of for them to put it off. As of now, the deluxe hotel of choice in the Manila area is supposedly the Pan Pacific. Ang taas ng average occupancy rate nila, an eye-popping 80%! 60% is supposed to be good na. When the new Hyatt opens, it might give the Pan a run for its money since it's just blocks away and has a better view.

Edmundtanso

April 29th, 2004, 08:28 PM

great news! this means that the country's tourism and business sector is improving and getting better! i wonder where the new marriot would be built?

ryanr

April 30th, 2004, 04:32 AM

well is it a 5-star hotel in the first place?

I'm assuming it is because its a Hyatt. If not a 5 star, it could be a 4 star.

ryanr

April 30th, 2004, 04:36 AM

Summit does not own Manila Hotel. They just manage it.:)

Jemini

April 30th, 2004, 08:50 AM

great news! this means that the country's tourism and business sector is improving and getting better! i wonder where the new marriot would be built?

It's gotta be the proposed JW Marriott hotel in Makati, the BPI Plaza.
KL, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, and even Jakarta have JW Marriott hotels...
Metro Manila deserves no less than one of these top of the line signature hotels.... now bring on the Ritz Carlton and Grand Hyatt.... i feel a boom comin'!?!?!

SunKing

April 30th, 2004, 09:14 AM

Marriott Hotel scouting for partners in Manila
Source: BUSINESSWORLD (PHILIPPINES)

LOS ANGELES - Marriott International, Inc., a leading international hospitality company is looking for partners for the possible opening of a Marriott Hotel in Manila.

"We are continuing to look for opportunities in Manila, specifically for a Marriott Hotel," Edwin Fuller, president and managing director of Marriott Lodging International, said at the sidelines of a breakfast for international journalists hosted by Marriott at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood.

But Mr. Fuller said there is no definite time frame as the New York Stock Exchange-listed company is still scouting for partners.

"To get a Marriott Hotel in Manila will be our first priority. Then we will spread out to some of the resort locations," Mr. Fuller said when asked what the company's plans for the Philippines are in the next two to three years.

Mr. Fuller said Marriott International is opening at least 21 hotels in the Asia-Pacific region between now and 2007 including one in Bali, Indonesia, two in Malaysia and seven in China.

US-based Marriott began operations in the region in 1989 and by the end of 2006 will have 87 hotels in Asia Pacific offering 32,548 rooms and six brands in 15 countries.

"We still have lots of space to cover in Asia, you'll see more from us," Mr. Fuller added noting the importance of the region to Marriott. He said the group is looking at introducing more of the Courtyard brand in Asia.

In the Philippines, he said Marriott has just renewed its contract for the 300-room Cebu City Marriott Hotel adding the group is satisfied with the performance of the hotel.

"We're very happy to be in Cebu," although he said the hotel could still post more growth.

Marriott also operates the 598-room (New World) Renaissance Makati City Hotel.

"I think we've had some ups and downs in the Philippine market but right now we're very pleased. Over the long run we have a lot of interest in the Philippines," Mr. Fuller added.

He said the security situation and political uncertainty in the Philippines is not a major consideration for Marriott when it looks for partners in the country.

"We look at hotels as long-term investments. So we don't look at the momentary situation that's why we are in parts of the world where we are. The customers has to make their own decision and the ups and downs in the market will be a result of their concerns," he added.

He cited as example the bombing of the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in August 2003 that killed 12 people. Mr. Fuller noted that since then, occupancy at the Jakarta hotel has bounced back. "We reopened [the JW Marriott Jakarta] within 30 days [after the bombing]. It is bustling now although we'd like to see more," he said.

Mr. Fuller said the attack has not discouraged Marriott to expand in Indonesia and the Asian region in general. Marriott's existing hotels in Asia contribute a third of the group's more than $3 billion in international revenues.

Marriott has over 2,600 lodging properties in the US and 68 other countries and operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard and Ramada International, among others.

Mr. Fuller said Marriott expects 30% of its growth this year and in 2005 to come from operations outside the US and then grow to 40% "as we keep moving."

He said after the slump in the travel and hotel industry following the global economic slowdown in 2001 and the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the US, the sector is now recovering.

"This time last year, things were very challenging for the industry. This year the tone has changed," he said noting the recovery in the sector.

For Marriott, alone, Mr. Fuller said the group has been growing in critical markets adding that other international hotel chains are also enjoying the same growth. "We feel we will see tremendous growth all over the world," he added.

Jemini

April 30th, 2004, 09:28 AM

I'm glad Hyatt is taking over that beauiful building!
They are a very reliably renowned hotel chain. Just look at the Hyatt Regency Manila in Pasay City...it's been there for almost what, 20 years and has kept a loyal clientale for a small 265 room Hyatt.
I think this new one will be more of a Park Hyatt... and we'll just have to wait for the Grand Hyatt in BGC!....things look definitely upbeat now for the Philippines

renell

April 30th, 2004, 11:41 AM

I'm assuming it is because its a Hyatt. If not a 5 star, it could be a 4 star.

i'd say 4-star. :)

renell

April 30th, 2004, 12:14 PM

Summit does not own Manila Hotel. They just manage it.:)

right, i stand corrected then.

sounds like we'll be seeing another scraper in either the Makati CBD, or along Roxas Blvd...:guns1:

bagel

April 30th, 2004, 05:08 PM

They also seem to have good food services. I used to loooove the Japanese restaurant at the Hyatt Regency in Pasay. I wonder if that restaurant is still good.

SunKing

April 30th, 2004, 05:15 PM

@boybaha, Man do I love Tempura Misono too! I haven't eaten there recently but I'm still reading rave reviews about the resto!

SKYLINEPIGEON

May 1st, 2004, 05:03 PM

ya a hotel boom is usaully equated with more tourists coming in so these hotels will surely come in if our tourism traffic will grow tremendously, we are only getting 2m tourist annually if u compare it to malaysia, thailand, singapore they get almost 10m tourists every year

ewh1

May 2nd, 2004, 04:32 AM

Hey look Marriott Owns Ritz Carlton!!!!!! maybe the Rockwell project can be ressurected!

ryanr

May 2nd, 2004, 08:03 AM

possibly...but lets not get our hopes up. They just said that they will build more Marriotts in the Philippines, starting off in MM.

SKYLINEPIGEON

May 2nd, 2004, 08:26 AM

there is already renaissance hotel in makati, the rennaissance hotel brand is also owned by the marriott group as well as the ramada, courtyard, and several others

ryanr

May 2nd, 2004, 08:32 AM

Yes, thats true. But they dont have a true "Marriott" hotel besides Marriott Cebu.

SKYLINEPIGEON

May 2nd, 2004, 09:30 AM

i'd say 4-star. :)
if its a brand new property and its going to be hyatt it must be five star

SKYLINEPIGEON

May 2nd, 2004, 10:03 AM

yes it will be nice to have marriott hotel in manila, it adds prestige to the city to have internationally renowned hotels, iamgine haveing a four season or ritz carlton in manila, only select cities in the world have these kind of hotels

renell

May 2nd, 2004, 10:34 AM

heard from sources in Rockwell that Ritz-Carlton in Rockwell was canceled already..

anyways, if one DOES get built, it's going to be a long time. this Marriott only got built because it was a building that was already finished, all they needed was interior furnishing. building one from scratch is a bigger investment

renell

May 2nd, 2004, 10:37 AM

well, it was supposed to be run by Sheraton, but something happened, and now Hyatt was offered to run it. but i don't think they own the whole building, since there's also a casino in the ground floor. reckon PAGCOR might own the building..

JudeD

May 2nd, 2004, 11:06 AM

What "happened" was the BW Resources scam/Erap impeachment. Megaworld owns the building, they absorbed BW's debts. The Casino is huge. Before they tinted the windows you could see into the casino lobby. Right now they're installing colorful ala-Vegas lights along the casino side. I'll try to take some night pics soon.

ryanr

May 2nd, 2004, 11:22 AM

cool! You should really do so;)

I bet it is a 5-star hotel.

ryanr

May 2nd, 2004, 11:27 AM

What Marriott are you talking about, renell? New World Renaissance?

well, im not surprised that Ritz Carlton was cancelled. Well, if Marriott is really interested in the Philippines, we might see a new Ritz Carlton proposal somewhere else.

I betting that the new Marriott in MM will be a JW Marriott:)

renell

May 2nd, 2004, 03:57 PM

could be. but i still think it's gonna be 4-star.. but if it's 5, hey, it's better then:D

this hotel will mostly be occupied by the people using the casino, since you already have Manila Diamond nearby. so it will be kind of a Vegas-like hotel, minus the nightclubs...

renell

May 2nd, 2004, 04:02 PM

whoops. :bash: i was gonna say Hyatt

ryanr

May 2nd, 2004, 05:41 PM

oh ok.

Jerico_08

May 3rd, 2004, 05:44 PM

2 Intercontinental Hotels in Manila

InterContinental Hotels Lands Two Manila Contracts - Monday, May 05, 2003
from Lodging Magazine Internet Edition

InterContinental Hotels Group has been awarded two new management contracts by Robinsons Land Corporation for developments in Manila, The Philippines. Under the agreement, one of RLC’s hotels, the 284-room Manila Galleria Suites, will be rebranded as the Holiday Inn Galleria Manila, and a 260-room hotel currently under construction will be flagged as a Crowne Plaza.

SunKing

May 4th, 2004, 02:46 AM

ryanr

May 4th, 2004, 01:50 PM

There are? Are they still there now? Or are they gone?

It really is nice to see Intercontinental expanding in the Philippines. I hope they build more resorts though. Intercon resorts are the best (one of)!

SunKing

May 4th, 2004, 01:55 PM

If you go to the Intercon during lunchtime, you'll see the bigwigs of Philippine industry there. It could be a potential terrorist target...

ryanr

May 4th, 2004, 02:06 PM

I havent eaten in Intercontinental yet. But i love Shangri-la Makati and Manila Peninsula's coffee shop buffet!:)

btw, whats bigwigs?

SunKing

May 4th, 2004, 02:14 PM

bigwigs=bigshots :) They eat at the Intercon's Prince Albert Rotisserie, which is just divine! Here's a picture:
http://www.manila.intercontinental.com/mnlha/picsbig/manint03p009.jpg

ryanr

May 4th, 2004, 02:18 PM

Oh cool. Is Intercon's restaurant really good? I ought to try it when i'm there, since bigwigs;) go there...

As for Jakarta, bigshots go to Grand Hyatt Jakarta and JW Marriott Jakarta. Thats the reason why JW Marriott got bombed:( :bleep:
I havent eaten in JW Marriott since it got bombed...I go to Grand Hyatt, Shangri-la and Grand Mulia instead...

SunKing

May 4th, 2004, 02:25 PM

Oh so those are the hotels with good food huh? I once tried out Century Park Hotel (the former Sheraton) and I found out that its food is absolutely delicious!

ryanr

May 4th, 2004, 02:29 PM

hmmm...nice tip. I'll check it out too:D

My sister says that Shangri-la EDSA has amazing food. Is that right? I'll try that too.

SunKing

May 4th, 2004, 02:36 PM

Yeah, the EDSA Shangri-La is pretty good too, I like eating at the Summer Palace! But I especially love Shangri-La Makati's Inagiku and Shang Palace.

JudeD

May 4th, 2004, 04:45 PM

The Century Park's (when it was still the Sheraton) former Mediterranean restaurant, the "Sud", always used to be voted the best restaurant in Manila.

The best hotel buffet is said to be the Heritage Hotel's though. I've eaten at the Shangri-la Makati's newest restaurant, "Red", but wasn't all that impressed. I didn't try their steaks though, maybe I should have.

By the way, I think one reason why Intercontinental is expanding elsewhere in Manila could be because they're planning to close down the one in Makati, demolish it, and put up a bigger one. It was last renovated pa for APEC in 1997 so I guess they decided that instead of just renovating the interiors again they ought to start from scratch. It'll be strange not having the Intercon there for a while though. It could take years before the new one is finished and re-opens. Although it'll be great if it's a really impressive building.

SunKing

May 4th, 2004, 04:58 PM

The Intercon at One Ayala Avenue is the longest-running international hotel in the PI. It was built in 1969. I remember the building being there for the longest time and it hasn't changed much, if it has at all!

renell

May 4th, 2004, 04:58 PM

Manila Hotel has a buffet at 700 a head.. effin expensive if you ask me... i reckon all hotels are like that

JudeD

May 4th, 2004, 05:11 PM

700 pesos is medyo puede na. If you check out the prices of the buffets in the 5-star hotels in Hong Kong or Singapore, you're gonna start hyperventilating. I got to eat at the buffet at the Conrad Hotel and I remember the price was sky high, to think the conversion then was only HK$1=PHP3.5. Buti na lang, the chef at the time was a Pinay friend kaya libre. :-)

ryanr

May 5th, 2004, 01:43 AM

I know...my dad is used to eating in expensive restaurants and hotels (coz of all his meetings and stuff) so whenever he takes us someplace in Singapore or Hong Kong, my jaw drops @ the freaken high price! But hotel dining in the Philippines and Indonesia isnt too bad, Singapore is really $$$!

SunKing

May 5th, 2004, 03:02 AM

Our family once ate at one of those sidewalk restos in Clake Quay/Riverside Point in Singapore, when the bill arrived, I realized I could have eaten at the Prince Albert many times over with that amount of money.

ryanr

May 5th, 2004, 05:57 AM

I know, Clark Quay and Marina Quay restaurants are really expensive!! I ate in Raffles Place in this Italian restaurant and a Lasagna was seriously expensive. It tasted really good though...so i was happy.

renell

May 8th, 2004, 07:46 PM

there are some restaurants in Baywalk, but not fine dining.. but restaurants along the Pasig is a good idea.... something like Clarke-Quay..

Jemini

May 9th, 2004, 08:45 AM

and a 260-room hotel currently under construction will be flagged as a Crowne Plaza.[/QUOTE]

Ooohh! Great news....Crowne Plaza's are Holiday Inn's high end hotels.
Anyone know the whereabouts of it's construction?

thomasian

May 9th, 2004, 01:12 PM

That Crowne Plaza is actually the Hotel part of Robinsons' Galleria Regency, the rest of the building will be the Condo.

Its 33 storey tower is actually topped off and painting is finished.
I guess they're working on the interiors of the building.

ryanr

May 11th, 2004, 12:50 PM

Jemini, Crowne Plaza is almost finished (as thomasian has said) and is located in Ortigas. Right behind Robinsons Galleria.

ryanr

May 11th, 2004, 05:23 PM

Dunno how relevant this is now, but....

From Marriott archives:

"scheduled hotel openings in asia.....Mactan Island Marriott Resort, 325 rooms, Philippines and JW Marriott Manila, 430 rooms, Philippines....2001"

"407-room The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Manila in the Philippines (2002)"

hmmm...seems like the Ritz Carlton proposal has now been cancelled (maybe it still has a chance). How about the Mactan Island Resort and JW Marriott Manila proposals? Looks like they might be pushed through from recent articles about Marriott wanting to build more hotels in the Philippines.:cool:

SunKing

May 12th, 2004, 03:23 PM

Here's a picture of what was once the swankiest hotel in the Philippines, the Manila Hilton. Now, it's the Manila Pavilion Hotel.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid116/pee6f150bea45d7e8bc10fbf8331e310f/f8b8ffda.jpg

ryanr

May 12th, 2004, 03:36 PM

Thats quite an old hotel...How come hilton moved out?

SunKing

May 12th, 2004, 03:50 PM

I read that there was a disagreement between the owner of the hotel, Delbros Hotel Corp. and Hilton Hotels. I think Hilton pulled out in the mid- or late-80s. That probably soured Hilton's experience with the Philippines and it took 20 years for them to come back.

ryanr

May 12th, 2004, 03:57 PM

Took them 20 years with what? Hilton Cebu? They dont have a hotel in MM, though.

SunKing

May 12th, 2004, 04:02 PM

Yeah, the Cebu Hilton and Towers.

bagel

May 12th, 2004, 06:27 PM

Is the Pavilion Hotel the one on the CCP Complex fronting the old Manila Film Center?

JudeD

May 12th, 2004, 06:37 PM

No, that's the Westin Philippine Plaza. The Manila Pavilion is the one in front of PhilamLife and beside Manila Doctors, it's along U.N. Avenue, near Luneta and the World Health Organization. Up until recently when Holiday Inn transferred operations to the Galleria Suites, it was also the Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion for a long time. The last time I stayed there it was still the Holiday Inn so the service and food were good. I don't know how it is now that it's just the Manila Pavilion again. It's got one of the most patronized casinos, all the matronas with money to burn go there to gamble (and go ballroom dancing).

bagel

May 12th, 2004, 06:44 PM

Ah ok... I do remember when it was the Holiday Inn. But I never went in there. I was visiting somebody at Manila Doctors at the time. There's this great Ramen place around the corner.

renell

May 14th, 2004, 08:16 PM

hm.. it does look like Westin Philippine Plaza..

bagel

May 14th, 2004, 08:52 PM

All those 70s hotels look the same.

Skyblade

May 16th, 2004, 10:34 PM

Wow can't believe what I've been missing when it comes to hotels in the PI... :runaway:

ryanr

May 17th, 2004, 01:51 PM

@ boybaha - Yup...and they dont look so nice. Maybe they did when they were freshly built. I dont like the looks of the Hyatt Regency.

I really want new sleek, modern hotels to be built in MM. Sometimes, Hotels are the nicest buildings in a city...

Robville

July 17th, 2004, 01:28 AM

Nice to see InterContinental expanding here in the PI. On a side note, I was looking at an old 1980 route map of Pan Am and the map also showed the locations of InterContinental hotels worldwide since Pan Am also owned the hotel chain. I was surprised to see that there were InterContinentals in Calatagan and Davao!
In 1984 I stayed at Punta Balluarte, which used to be an Intercontinental Resort in Calatagan. Great place, but lacked a good swimming beach on site. I think Punta is still operating but no longer flies the Intercon flag. I have brochures and stuff from 1984 still. I stay at the Intercon in Makati whenever I spend time in Manila. The Jeepney Cafe used to have actual jeepney's to sit in while eating, but weren't that great for some of us tall Westerners (like my Dad) but I was just 14 in '84 so kinda liked sitting in it.

Robville

July 17th, 2004, 01:32 AM

JudeD

July 17th, 2004, 05:39 AM

The Cebu Plaza Hotel used to be under Intercon as well. By the way, the staff of the new Hyatt Manila are already starting their training, I've been seeing them walking around Malate in black Hyatt T-shirts.

renell

August 14th, 2004, 07:20 AM

what's the official name of that Hyatt in Marina Square? Park Hyatt Manila?

renell

August 21st, 2004, 07:34 AM

anyone checked if this sign still stands?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid52/p12bc144fa7ca465255afcfd51a10d2ea/fc9606b2.jpg

photo by weirdo

ryanr

August 21st, 2004, 08:11 AM

I dont think so...but we could get confirmation from JudeD;)

federal

August 21st, 2004, 04:45 PM

the sign isn't there anymore...
i love the new mini-skyline there... with Lanbank, etc... i'll post pics later

Thunderflip

August 21st, 2004, 06:23 PM

anyone checked if this sign still stands?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid52/p12bc144fa7ca465255afcfd51a10d2ea/fc9606b2.jpg

photo by weirdo

Bakit pinagiba ito?What is it right now?Sazang naman,ang ganda pa sana.

ryanr

August 22nd, 2004, 04:07 AM

Because it is no longer Marina Richmonde hotel. It is the new Hyatt;)

ryanr

September 4th, 2004, 02:15 PM

No idea...maybe a Manila resident knows?:D

So, no new high profile hotels coming up soon??

federal

September 4th, 2004, 08:13 PM

I think it's Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

http://manila.casino.hyatt.com/

renell

September 5th, 2004, 08:32 AM

this one seems to be the latest, opened only because it was an already built structure with no owner. we might see new hotels, but no new buildings....

thanks for the link federal

JudeD

September 6th, 2004, 07:13 PM

There's a new medium-sized hotel being built along Adriatico St. in Malate, it's called the Rainbow Inn. Based on the name and location, could this possibly be Manila's first gay-themed hotel!?

Dvorak

September 9th, 2004, 06:01 AM

Here are a list of MM Hotels that I have tried:

1. Century Park Hotel - Vito Cruz
- buffet is very good and reasonably priced
- one of the best buffet in town, lots of choices
- i love having breakfast here
- top of the century gives you a very nice view of Manila bay
- nice lobby, specially during Xmas, where they have the big xmas tree
- rooms are ok but are getting old.
- they just renovated the 15th floor I think

2. Heritage Hotel - Edsa corner Roxas Blvd
- I love the seafood in their buffet, but the cafe isn't that big
- rooms aren't that nice

3. Westin Phil. Plaza - CCP complex
- I love the pool area, it's like you are in a resort
- rooms aren't that good
- their buffet is ok, but the location isn't, it's like they just put up tables along the hallway

4. Manila Hotel
- the grandest lobby I've ever seen.
- I love the buffet
- If you want good music.. the TAP room is a must!
- rooms are nice

5. Dusit Hotel - Edsa / Ayala
- lobby isn't that nice
- I love FIESTA SAN MIGUEL! the only place to get freshly brewed SMB!
- Food is ok and reasonably priced
- rooms aren't that nice, but the executive suit is good
- swimming pool area is wierd, you can see SM Makati lol

6. Mandarin Oriental - Paseo de Roxas
- Paseo Uno is the best buffet in town! love the seafoods!
- rooms are average

7. New World Hotel - Greenbelt
- rooms are ok
- food is average
- good coffee

8. Shangrila Makati
- nice rooms!
- grand lobby
- good food! I love their crispy pata! yum yum

renell

September 24th, 2004, 08:54 AM

what are the five-star hotels in Metro Manila?

ron_guevara

September 24th, 2004, 09:39 AM

what are the five-star hotels in Metro Manila?

Hmm, there are so many, let me see... It sometimes depends on who's reviewing them.

From what I know...

In Makati CBD
- The Peninsula Manila
- The Makati Shangri-La
- The Mandarin Oriental
- Dusit Hotel Nikko
- New World Hotel
- Hotel Intercontinental

In Ortigas CBD
- The Edsa Shangri-La

In Manila/Pasay (Bay) Area
- The Manila Hotel
- The Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel
- Manila Diamond Hotel
- Century Park Hotel Manila
- The Pan Pacific Manila
- Hyatt Regency Manila

mhe-ann

September 25th, 2004, 04:45 AM

2. Heritage Hotel - Edsa corner Roxas Blvd
- I love the seafood in their buffet, but the cafe isn't that big
- rooms aren't that nice
ahhm, I can't eat the seafood in their buffet. :D yes, rooms are not that nice and big (our company held a dinner last december there, that's why I know). :D

ryanr

September 25th, 2004, 05:09 AM

Let me do some changes:

In Makati CBD
- The Peninsula Manila
- The Makati Shangri-La
- The Mandarin Oriental
- Dusit Hotel Nikko
- New World Renaissance Hotel
- Hotel Intercontinental
- Oakwood Premier (5 star condotel)

In Ortigas CBD
- The Edsa Shangri-La
- Robinson's Holiday Inn (the new one)
- Robinsons Galleria
- Discovery Suites

In Manila/Pasay (Bay) Area
- The Manila Hotel
- The Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel
- Manila Diamond Hotel
- Century Park Hotel Manila
- The Pan Pacific Manila
- Hyatt Regency Manila
- Hyatt Hotel and Casino

thomasian

September 25th, 2004, 06:06 AM

Let me add some more:

Ortigas CBD:
Astoria Plaza
Linden Suites

Dvorak

September 25th, 2004, 06:25 AM

The Peninsula - Makati
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng11/images3/peninsula1486s.JPG

Makati Shangri-la Hotel
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng11/images3/shangrimkti897u.JPG

Bayview Park Hotel - Manila
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng9/images3/bayview592.jpg

Heritage Hotel - Edsa corner Roxas Blvd.
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng9/images3/heritage498u.JPG

The Manila Hotel
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng9/images3/manilahotel452u.JPG

Edsa Shangri-la Hotel
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng9/images3/shangri341u.JPG

Marina Richmonde Hotel - Manila
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng9/images3/marina273u.JPG

Century Park Hotel - Vito Cruz
http://www.geocities.com/charleskeng8/images3/century45.JPG

mhe-ann

September 25th, 2004, 06:30 AM

nice pics @Dvorak. thanks for that. :)

SKYLINEPIGEON

September 25th, 2004, 08:40 AM

i think the dusit is classified as five star but not deluxe same as the holiday inn galleria is a four star superior first class hotel

JudeD

September 25th, 2004, 10:14 AM

The Manila Richmonde has been known as the Hyatt Hotel & Casino for several months now. They only used the Richmonde name back when it was still in the middle of being constructed.

cropher

September 25th, 2004, 03:27 PM

Bellevue Hotel
Vivere Suites

Newest hotels in Muntinlupa City ( Filinvest -Alabang ) recently accorded with 5-star / deluxe status .

thomasian

September 26th, 2004, 07:16 AM

About that Marina Richmonde turned Hyatt Hotel

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MANILA’S DOWNTOWN MALATE DISTRICT
All is set for the opening of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star (weird, I found the same article in both newspapers)

A brand-new Hyatt presence in Manila

The opening of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila on Sept. 15 marks a brand new Hyatt presence in the Philippines. The latest five-star deluxe hotel to open in Manila in the last six years, is a lifestyle destination located in the heart of Manila’s downtown Malate district in the corners of Pedro Gil, M.H. del Pilar and Mabini Sts.

This mixed-use complex set in a sprawling 94,000 sq-meter area., encompasses a Hotel, Casino and Residences. Situated in a 32-storey tower with a nine-storey podium, the hotel houses 378 stylish guestrooms including 113 executive floor rooms, 61 suites and five Presidential suites; three innovative restaurants and bars; and three banquet facilities.

The new generation casino is the largest hotel gaming facility in the country. It has been meticulously designed to exude opulence and comfort, setting it apart from all the existing casinos in the country. Occupying 15,000 sqm. of floor area, the 4-storey casino features 1,243 table games and 626 slot machines of 30 types.

Hotel guestrooms are equipped with the latest in-room technology with broadband internet access, flat-screen television and DVD player, and spacious Italian white marble bathroom with two shower options and separate deep soaking tub.

The Regency Club is perfect for the business traveler in search of privacy, convenience and an eminent level of personalized service. Occupying five floors with a total of 61 rooms, guests will enjoy the finest in business accommodations as well as a host of privileges. Facilities and services exclusive to the Regency Club include a tastefully designed circular private lounge where breakfast, all-day coffee and tea and pre-dinner drinks are served.

The five Presidential Suites with 180-degree views of the bay provide a more luxurious alternative. A minimum of 220 square meters in size with living and dining areas, each of the tastefully designed suites evoke elegance and luxury of a residence.

Making a debut in interactive dining, the Market Café introduces an excitingly fresh approach to traditional buffets with eight cooking stations. The contemporary and residential-inspired Lily Chinese restaurant offers authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by five master chefs from Hong Kong. Lily boosts of five private rooms, a tea bar with premium Chinese teas and a wine cellar. The Fireplace, an upscale steak house, offers prime meats and seafood cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. It features a wine library with over 2,000 famous wines from around the world.

Le Salon and two meeting rooms are best for business meetings and intimate social events that require greater detail and attention. The three banquet and meeting facilities are fitted with soundproof partitions, wireless broadband connection and the latest technological features.

The hotel’s architectural design, developed by Hong Kong-based and world-renowned Bilkey Llinas Design, blends classic elegance and contemporary style. To complement the hotel’s tastefully crafted interior design, art consultant Art Internationale Asia has incorporated distinctive art pieces by notable Filipino and foreign artists to exude an ambiance reflecting the traditional warmth and vibrancy of the Philippines.

Taking on the responsibility as General Manager of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is Gottfried Bogensperger. Originally from Austria, Bogensperger has been with the Hyatt International since 1986 and brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and most recently in Singapore, where he has spent the previous five years.

"The presence of Hyatt and this new generation casino hotel will definitely elevate the quality of gaming, accommodation, dining, and entertainment in Manila. It is envisioned to be the new gathering place in this progressive district of Malate where the local government has continuously been reconstructing historical and cultural landmarks to bring back the standing it enjoyed in the 70s," said Bogensperger.

He added, ‘We have sought out youthful, dynamic team members and have embarked on an outstanding employee training program to ensure hospitality excellence. Indeed we are ready to deliver our promise of personalized service, excellent accommodations and authentic cuisine."

The most awaited opening of this latest deluxe hotel in Manila will be in stages. When the doors open on 15th of September, over 100 rooms together with the lounge, and banquet facilities will be available. Other facilities will open in phases until its expected completion by end of November. The hotel is scheduled to mark its grand opening in early December.

SKYLINEPIGEON

September 26th, 2004, 09:43 AM

check out the website of hyatt for the two hyatt hotels in manila it shows the manila skyline along roxas blvd

renell

September 26th, 2004, 12:50 PM

wow that hotel is a new-concept in Manila. it's like Las Vegas in a high-rise:D

ronnaveth

September 26th, 2004, 02:05 PM

too bad they didn't made the electric wires underground

JudeD

September 26th, 2004, 02:31 PM

Thomasian, there's nothing weird about it. That's because it's a press release. Publishing copies of one article in all the major dailies is common practice for big events.

renell

September 26th, 2004, 03:24 PM

well the place is only a small spot for highrises (Marina Square) compared to other areas of high-rises. or it's prolly just bad planning

ron_guevara

September 27th, 2004, 05:00 AM

Bellevue Hotel
Vivere Suites

Newest hotels in Muntinlupa City ( Filinvest -Alabang ) recently accorded with 5-star / deluxe status .

So those two are five-star hotels already? Has anybody here tried them out?

There's not much distinctive about the Bellevue, but the Vivere Suites has a very unusual outcropping on one of its sides, I even thought it's a wrecked or defective portion. I don't know if it's a helipad or something. At least that's what I see when I pass by Alabang-Zapote Road.

mhe-ann

September 27th, 2004, 06:50 AM

but the Vivere Suites has a very unusual outcropping on one of its sides, I even thought it's a wrecked or defective portion. I don't know if it's a helipad or something. At least that's what I see when I pass by Alabang-Zapote Road.
I'm also wondering about that Vivere' unusual outcropping. :dunno:

Power-mad

October 1st, 2004, 05:15 AM

Was researching for hotels in Luisita, clicked on the 5th or so Google page, saw Vivere link, which led me here.

Timely, relevant and nice who-would've-thought info guys!

Like: Hollow square on the building's midrib. That's a qoutable, Francis20!

The photos of Manila Hotel from the Getty archives made me realize that it once looked like the Beverly Hills Hotel. Can't say so now...

Disappointed not to see the Peninsula Manila pics posted by Sun King though.
Something wrong with my access privileges I guess... Was at the lobby a couple of weeks back. My 5-year old nephew commented that the 'sun' is huge but has no face (Teletubbies redux). I looked up and just said 'You are so right!' Might have sounded smarter if I mentioned that "You just happen to be looking at a sculpture done by a national artist, kiddo!" Too late the info from this forum...

Must say the Mandarin Oriental looks pretty in that picture Renell posted. Might you know what year that picture was taken. I could still see a yellow taxicab(!!!) in the foreground. It's odd to see an image of that area before it was overwhelmed by One Roxas Triangle.

OtAkAw

October 2nd, 2004, 05:15 PM

SKYLINEPIGEON

October 6th, 2004, 09:24 AM

ONE of Hong Kong's leading tycoons, Cheng Yu-tung of the New World hotel and property fame, has emerged as the real owner of the new Hyatt hotel and casino in Manila's Ermita district.

Cheng -- no relation to the local Chengs of the PIATCo/Terminal 3 disaster -- was identified in the Monday issue of Hong Kong newspaper The Standard, as the beneficial owner of a little-known company that acquired a building plus several floors of the two-tower Ermita project of Andrew Tan's property development firm Megaworld Corp.

The bayside hotel will be Cheng's second hotel venture in the Philippines after the New World Renaissance near the Greenbelt mall in the Makati business district.

According to the grapevine, the Hong Kong billionaire, who also operates a container terminal in the Xiamen port, in addition to a cellular phone company in Hong Kong, is in talks with the Ayala group on a property venture in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone west of Manila.

Cheng, 78, a partner of Macau gambling tycoon Stanley Ho in the former Portuguese territory, acquired the Ermita property in the first quarter of 2003, after sending an architect and a lawyer from Hong Kong to inspect the project and meet with the Megaworld sales staff.

"At first, we did not have a clue as to whom they represented, and that they were THAT big," said a Megaworld official, who asked not to be identified.

Forbes has listed Cheng as the 231st richest person in the world in 2004.

He reportedly pumped in a total of $120 million to acquire and finish the Ermita hotel and casino project, which had stalled when rumored original proponent Stanley Ho found himself a persona non grata after being embroiled in the BW Resources scandal during the Joseph Estrada administration.

The Hyatt hotel in Ermita will be the 14th venture of Cheng, whose hotels, including the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong, are spread throughout China and the rest of the region.

Publicly listed Megaworld itself retains 40 percent of the two-tower Ermita complex, which it plans to convert into serviced apartments, its first foray into the business.

The Hyatt hotel and casino complex is on a soft run, preparatory to a formal opening in December.

Cheng and his son Henry are expected to grace the opening ceremonies.

Not A-yala's

renell

October 6th, 2004, 09:56 AM

I visited Emporis.com and saw Ritz Carlton Makati there, the sign says it is still on hold, I thought it was cancelled already? Emporis even has its picture and it looks great. What's the truth? Is Ritz Carlton on hold or cancelled?

Ritz Carlton in Rockwell? I think it was greyx who said it was dead. not even 20% sure on that one:?

Power-mad

October 6th, 2004, 12:31 PM

ONE of Hong Kong's leading tycoons, Cheng Yu-tung of the New World hotel and property fame, has emerged as the real owner of the new Hyatt hotel and casino in Manila's Ermita district.

Cheng -- no relation to the local Chengs of the PIATCo/Terminal 3 disaster -- was identified in the Monday issue of Hong Kong newspaper The Standard, as the beneficial owner of a little-known company that acquired a building plus several floors of the two-tower Ermita project of Andrew Tan's property development firm Megaworld Corp.

The bayside hotel will be Cheng's second hotel venture in the Philippines after the New World Renaissance near the Greenbelt mall in the Makati business district.

Thanks for this Skylinepigeon. I've always wondered who the owner was. Any info on who owns the older Hyatt Regency? The positioning of the older Hyatt is 'homey luxury' because its rooms are smaller. Aside from the obvious casino component, what's the positioning for the newer Hyatt?

Passed by yesterday. The signage is up. Its a black frosted glass slab, with another frosted slab behind it. When it is backlit you could see the brand clearly. Sleekest hotel marker in Manila, dare I say?

They're still doing the brickwork on the sidewalks at the Casino entries on both sides.

I looked up and :eek: 'Are those flourescent lights traversing the height of the building?' I looked closer to see if they're, you know, neon. But, no they're the same flourescent lights you buy at the hardware. Cheap, cheap, cheap...

Landscaping is also very unimaginative.

And let's not even talk about the videoke bars, carinderias, pawnshops and money changers in front of the hotel. I'm really puzzled why they didn't choose to locate the entrance at the M.H. Del Pilar side. The Landbank building beside doesn't look too bad.

I hope to get some photos in next week.

Flourescent lights???

renell

October 6th, 2004, 01:03 PM

the positioning? well they just bought the building, they didn't construct it themselves. i think it was BW resources (remember?) who constructed, with plans for a casino. i guess it's the casino that lured the buyer, positions nothing special though. near Roxas blvd perhaps.

Power-mad

October 6th, 2004, 01:14 PM

@Renell: I meant the 'unique selling proposition' or the 'target market.' Doesn't say in the news article.

renell

October 6th, 2004, 01:51 PM

@Renell: I meant the 'unique selling proposition' or the 'target market.' Doesn't say in the news article.

oh right. i guess it's main the casino goers, like you said. There is very little need for more hotels in MM, so this one was probably built forthe casino people

SKYLINEPIGEON

October 6th, 2004, 04:09 PM

oh right. i guess it's main the casino goers, like you said. There is very little need for more hotels in MM, so this one was probably built forthe casino people

yes your right the target market are the tourists and locals epepcially the rich who love to gamble, remember this htl claims to have the largest hotel gaming facility in the country and its luxurious setting sets its apart from the others

renell

October 7th, 2004, 09:15 AM

yes your right the target market are the tourists and locals epepcially the rich who love to gamble, remember this htl claims to have the largest hotel gaming facility in the country and its luxurious setting sets its apart from the others

wow it must be underground then, the casino, if its going to be the largest in the country. i dont think new Hyatt's lobby is that big.

JudeD

October 7th, 2004, 04:45 PM

No the casino isn't underground, it's along the Mabini side. And it's huge.

The location is very strategic. Pleasure-seeking tourists (not the business tourists) still prefer to stay in Ermita & Malate. The nearby Diamond and Pan Pacific hotels do very good business. We're getting more and more Koreans and Chinese tourists who come here to gamble.

What's wrong with the money changers and videoke bars? Like it or not, they're part of the neighborhood's appeal. Ermita might not be squeaky clean and super sleek but at least it's got character and isn't boring. And that's actually what the tourists are looking for.

Power-mad

October 8th, 2004, 01:44 PM

No the casino isn't underground, it's along the Mabini side. And it's huge.

What's wrong with the money changers and videoke bars? Like it or not, they're part of the neighborhood's appeal. Ermita might not be squeaky clean and super sleek but at least it's got character and isn't boring. And that's actually what the tourists are looking for.

The casino straddles the whole stretch from Mabini to the other side, M.H. Del Pilar. Which means the lobby has been pushed to a tiny area facing Pedro Gil. Yeah, the lobby seems very small for such a big building. I would think this lobby is even smaller than the already 'small-ish' Hyatt Regency lobby.

@Juded: I guess you're right about the character part. Like Renell said, the owners didn't really have any say about where this was built, coming so late in the game as they did. The Pan Pacific Malvar side faces towards an assortment of sari-sari stores, if that tells you anything...

ron_guevara

October 8th, 2004, 04:11 PM

Any info on who owns the older Hyatt Regency? The positioning of the older Hyatt is 'homey luxury' because its rooms are smaller.

From what I know, it is Jose Mari Chan's company that owns the (older) Hyatt Regency Manila.

JudeD

October 8th, 2004, 07:16 PM

Power-mad, you don't have to tell me anything. I live right there in between the Pan Pacific and the Hyatt. I know the neighborhood and love it. And there's only one sari-sari store across from the Pan Pacific on Malvar. And what's wrong about sari-sari stores? I find it charmingly quaint that some have survived in the middle of one of the most highly urbanized areas in the city. To be frank, I don't agree with the rather bourgeoise mentality that everything has to be Starbucked and Seven-elevened. Although in Malate there's plenty danger of that happening already.

renell

October 9th, 2004, 02:38 AM

It has happened in the CBD already Jude. and also slowly outside it.. I guess the metro has gotta have some of it..

ryanr

October 9th, 2004, 12:43 PM

I agree with JudeD. That area is unique, not the nicest, but who cares? Pinoys love it and tourists love it so keep it that way. Yes, Starbucks and 7-11 will come to that area (if they arent there already) but its still good to have some local flavor around like Sari-Sari stores.

JudeD

October 9th, 2004, 06:25 PM

Renell, of course the CBD is going to be full of these multinational franchises, that's why and also because it's a CBD. But Ermita/Malate is not a CBD, it's a residential neighborhood turned tourist/entertainment district. Even with all the high-rises sprouting in the area, it still retains some of the real bohemian community spirit and edgy charm that you can't find in the modern planned developments around the city. And part of that edge comes from the dingy little shops lining the streets that some of you seem to look at with such disdain.

GreyX, Starbucks, Mocha Blends (an Australian chain), Gloria Jean's, 7-11, and Ministop (a Japanese chain) have pretty much conquered the area already, that's why the pockets of non-franchised, authentically Filipino mom-and-pop stores are all the more precious. I guess it may be inevitable that most of them will finally be squeezed out by the multinational juggernauts, but I'm looking forward to that day with dread and not with excitement.

SKYLINEPIGEON

October 10th, 2004, 08:04 AM

dont u notice that some of the best couteriers shops are also in ermita

JudeD

October 11th, 2004, 08:54 AM

Actually, they're mostly in Malate and not Ermita. But yes, there's Ben Farrales, Pitoy Moreno, Josie Natori, and Frederick Peralta to name a few. And their shops are all in old buildings.

XetraDAX

October 20th, 2004, 12:14 PM

dont u notice that some of the best couteriers shops are also in ermita

pansin ko din. :D

cropher

October 28th, 2004, 05:40 PM

What does chain of hotel group does Bellevue Hotel in Muntinlupa City belongs to ?
They are currently expanding the hotel's podium there with the soon to be finish construction of their grand ballroom to accomoadate the high demand of conventions / events that being held there since the hotel has been in operation there not more than two years.
With many multinational companies based on the Calabarzon areas now , most foreign guest with at least weeklong visits in their companies in the Calabarzon areas are billeted to Bellevue Hotel and even Vivere suites due to its proximity to Calabarzon .

JudeD

November 3rd, 2004, 04:45 PM

Just had dinner at the newly opened Market Cafe at the new Hyatt Hotel. I didn't have a real camera with me so I just took pics with my camera phone. Stupidly though, I forgot that I had it set to take pics at the smallest size setting so you can't see much in the pics. These are pics of the restaurant, the lobby, and the third floor. There are lots of modern art and elegant lighting schemes throughout the lobby and other public areas. It really looks as if they spared no expense in outfitting the hotel. The design scheme is more sleek and contemporary than that found in the other deluxe hotels in the metro. The cafe is supposed to be open 24 hours when it's fully operational, as of now it's open from 6 am to 10 pm. The ala carte prices are reasonable, while the buffet costs P1000 but you can really get your money's worth because there's unlimited seafood such as oysters and prawns, and meats such as ribeye steak, rack of lamb, and roast duck. There's a Japanese section with sushi, and a Chinese section. All the other patrons in the restaurant appeared to be Chinese. The funny thing about the restaurant is that they seemed to be playing an endless lop of only 4 songs on their sound system.

After eating, we went to the casino, which is already really huge, but there's still a mezzanine under construction so it's going to be even larger. The card tables were almost all occupied, while maybe 1/3 of the slots had players. I lost P1000 in one hour on the slot machines. Oh well. :( The casino itself is very plush and classy but some of the players aren't. The staff is also very professional, but some of the casino patrons look "professional" too, if you get what I mean. If your cellphone has a camera, you have to surrender it at the entrance before you can enter the casino. It's right in front of where I live so I'm afraid I'll be tempted to go back and play again and again. You guys have any tips for playing slots? ;)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/p75fc301be12e0895de820e7b4e9dda7d/f6640e24.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/pbb7a19a7c26e2920e55543e6c46b8ab8/f6640e27.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/p882165f16f3451888dcb49ea76e33c72/f6640e38.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/p91725f98334beb03b899b728249529dd/f6640e3e.jpg