Philippine Airlines Forges Partnership with Holiday Inn

National flag carrier Philippine Airlines just made their bid to be the next 5 Star airline in Asia. They plan to do this in a couple of years and they made sure to expand the long list of companies that they'd be working together to be able to achieve this feat. It's not a long shot because other companies were already doing it but they made sure the heart of the Filipino would always be in the forefront, making it even more special. This time, they did it with Holiday Inn Makati.

"It is important that we celebrate this event. We have been flying Philippine Airlines and it's exciting to see how much have changed for how many years. I never had a late flight, when you are loyal about a company you could see the change. It's unusual to get the same crew, but I've had that happen twice and it was nice for them to recognize me. We are both wanting to achieve perfection, in a market where more people are traveling more. We both recognize in our company that it is something important to us, we will keep it as long as possible. Thank you so much!" says Intercontinental Group Head Christian Pirodon.

Jaime Bautista of Philippine Airlines says "The executives unanimously want service beyond expectations for our customers and the goal is to be a 5 star carrier. Our vision is to be a 4 star airline in 2017, and 5 star in 2020. There are only 10 airlines in the world that have that and much of them are in Asia. For us to be able to get that we need to make our passengers happy and this is what we'll implement. We're proud to give our Mabuhay Miles members what they deserve,  we are forging partnerships in more industries. This latest collab with Holiday Inn will make our cardholders redeem world class places to stay, PAL wishes to hold this partnership for the long haul."

Mayette Casanova AVP for Loyalty Programs promises more options for members to earn more miles with more of their partners. Members can now earn miles when they wine, dine or stay in the hotel. Members can now redeem miles as well to pay for it in the hotel. 

Maricor Aquino of Holiday Inn Makati adds "We're having a promo with Philippine Airlines, with Stay Dine Fly, members can now get 50% off on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and for every night you get 500 miles. For Flavors, they will get 500 Miles for every Php 2000 spend valid on buffet lunch or dinner. So it's a great time to do it this long weekend."

Make sure you go to the Philippine Airlines website and book your flights today, use your points because the 50% promo will end this evening. It's best to take advantage, be a member for FREE too by applying for the card at https://www.mabuhaymiles.com. 

KUMAGCOW.COM

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Rest, Good Food and Fun at Azalea Residences in Baguio City

I think this is only my 5th time in Baguio City and I feel it's not the same when I don't stay in Azalea Residences. I've already figured out that this is my home when I'm here. The place is clean, secluded but still right in the middle of where the action is. This summer, I didn't really get to go out that much because of family matters, so when the opportunity to go here with blogger friends arrived, I pounced on it like a hungry tiger who's been on a diet for 8 years. 

I'm keen on actually relaxing this week so I could get that little rest and recreation that I've been longing for all summer. It's almost La Niña season as PAGASA predicts so I might as well do this without the torrential rains in the midst. It's still hot in Quezon City so I braved out sitting 6 hours so I could get fresh air and perhaps some good lovin in Baguio City. First off, I'd like to give kudos to the people maintaining the hotel as they've kept the place spick and span. The rooms must have been renovated, and the front desk offices must have been reconfigured because I could see a lot of new things when I went to check in. They've got Azalea Vacation Club too of which I've been told that you'll get a lifetime 50% off on room rates here and in Boracay. They also have free nights every year if you avail of it too. You may ask the people manning those tables if you're around the area. I think that needs a little research soon!

Then off we go to TRADISYON for lunch. I've been here before so I'm raring to have my fix of Filipino comfort food, and I think that's what we got!

The in house restaurant isn't that expensive too as most of the ala carte dishes are to share. We had Pork Binagoongan, a mix of Chorizo and Tripe, the lovely Pinakbet (which I loved!) plus freshly grilled stuffed squid. They clearly weren't joking about the Filipino comfort food part on their namesake. They also have buffet promos happening on weekdays and weekends so try to check their Facebook page for details on that. Then get your money's worth!

We gave ourselves a few hours of rest, then woke up to go to Cafe Yagam. The cafe is quite close to Azalea and is easily found on Google Maps. The establishment is known for their high altitude arabica coffee that's heavily demanded outside the country. If you're there for food, try the home grown Cordillera food they have on the menu. Then have the rice cakes and the famous coffee. I'm telling you, it's all worth the journey there.

I highly suggest you also ask about the rice cake with coconut cream as it is heavenly. They also have Pesto Sandwiches if you're up for something filling. You can also watch the whole community do this process of doing manual, quality assurance as they discard coffee beans that don't pass their standards. It was endearing to see them do this seriously as there are a lot of people, their families, that earn a living off of it. A visit to the place would also help the locals maintain something that would show part of their lives that could be greatly appreciated by tourists, local or otherwise. Then we prepared to shop since there's a UK night market near Burnham Park and Session Road, something I enjoyed most!

Here's a video I made of our day in Baguio. It was quite a remarkable trip to the north and I'm so glad I did it with blogger friends! I think we connected on different levels, it was lovely!

Here's our second day adventures at Bencab Museum

Day 3 includes a cafe, plus our Treetop Adventures in Camp John Hay!



Thank you so much to Azalea Residences for being my home in Baguio City. I couldn't tell you how much I enjoyed everything, I'll be uploading the interview I also did with the cafe owner very soon so stay tuned for that!

Update, we've got the owner of the cafe interviewed on this video. I learned a lot in those few minutes just talking to her!

Til the next Azalea Residences visit! :)

For more information about their hotel:

Azalea Residences Baguio City

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Visit their official website

http://www.azaleabaguio.com/

Experience History at Manila Hotel's Red Masquerade Ball

I've only been in Manila Hotel twice. One was when I was a kid; and two was just a few weeks ago when they celebrated their 101st Anniversary. They chose the Maynila Grand Ballroom and I only felt quite nostalgic when I got inside this almost 40's pseudo American war era vibe that they were gunning for. I felt right in that time... that I was really there; complete with the same people who probably existed then. I felt so grateful I got to experience this complete with a ballroom full of people enjoying the music of that age and to stay in Manila Hotel with some of Manila's famed bloggers was definitely a plus. 

Spirited, strong and stylish... we donned ourselves with the theme of that evening. We all wore RED here and there and it was fun doing that with a bunch of influencers. I felt right at home.

There was a live band right front and center providing some of the well loved classics that the lounge singer also adored. I danced quite a bit in the past and ballroom was definitely my forte. I was acting like I didn't know how to so I wouldn't be forced to dance in front of the others. But yes, I still did dance after a few chinks of wine.

I guess this thing that I'm seeing was Manila Hotel's charm. I often ask myself "if only these walls could talk"... there must have been hundreds of stories and real history made in this establishment that they have only witnessed, endured and made part of.

A short note saying "Shall we dance?" was a deal breaker for most of the people in my table. I stood up and had fun with their in house dance instructors. They were pretty good at it too. They adjust accordingly to their partners and I've seen dance sport level routines on the floor, if you want to get risky they have that as well.

Food was awesome and service was just right. I had tons of those Quail eggs and chicken sate which is part of the Manila Hotel Sampler. You should get that and their signature drinks.

But I've never seen such a spirited blogger and dancer like my friend Rod Magaru. Eventually, the dance instructor gave up because she was tired after a couple of dance exhibitions with Rod hahaha joke! =)

Paul of PaulThePRGuy also gave it a go. He did quite good, I think he'd pass for a model than a dancer though.. peace Paul! Hehe

We surely had so much fun and almost had to call it a night but that wasn't the end of it. It's going to be a bigger and better evening by marching off the TAP ROOM which is just a few doors nearby.

They've got really great booze on this joint and would probably appeal for the yuppies. The place is also friendly to smokers, plus it's cozy for a group with friends who just want to have a good time. There are single ladies too, so you don't really need a date haha.

Plus they've got REALLY GREAT entertainment with the help of this live band where we had so much fun singing the tunes with. A few expats frequent the place and even though its raining WE WERE PACKED! The band also agreed to sing a few more songs even after their set because we had to request for an encore!

For reservations (if you want to reserve tables in Tap Room) call 527-0011 local 1328 or if you want to reserve a table or two to join the ball next month (Slated November 17th if I'm not mistaken) please call 527-0011 and have your historical and iconic fix in Manila Hotel. Check out Cafe Ilang Ilang too if you plan to have breakfast, lunch or dinner in this hotel. Experience historic Manila the way our heroes lived in the past, stay at the Manila Hotel and get experience it unfold right before your eyes.

For more promos and other offers

Check out their Facebook Page

Manila Hotel

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@ManilaHotel


Or visit their official website

http://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/

The Henry Hotel: Rica's Restaurant and The Scrapyard!

The other thing that's great about The Henry is it's own restaurant found at the ground floor. It's called Rica's. It's got the same themed interiors. It's got pieces here and there that I recognize in most interior design magazines and shops I frequent in Makati. So I kinda know their prices too LOL, these are not cheap pieces I tell you.

The restaurant also has whimsical choice of furniture. From super tall chairs and matching it's dining tables, to huge upholstered boss chairs, corner picnic tables, fabric chandeliers, bunker chairs, top hat light fixtures and walls made from lined up tree trunks right by the window, they've got it all in one place while you enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. They've got continental cuisine to a button plus some really nice choice of reds and whites. 

They provide free breakfast together with the room rates and you can choose between Filipino, American and Continental set meals. I loved what they prepared and it'll keep you thinking about it the whole day. Fresh ham, eggs, sausages plus toast with jam and butter. I don't think I have to convince you with that right? :))

If you prefer a night out but don't want to go to the streets of Cebu, fret not because The Henry Hotel has got one of the nicest spots for partying. This one's called The Scrapyard!

Too bad it was closed when we passed by because it was only lunch time. This place livens up at night and I've seen families, friends who went in and had a couple of drinks.Some were not even guests of the hotel per ce but they are here for the entertainment, food and booze that only The Scrapyard can offer. Give the place a visit the next time you are around the Cebu - Banilad area because this place is sweet!

The Henry Hotel Interiors

The Henry Hotel is special because of the artwork embedded on each corner of the lot. It's interiors are well enough to be a museum of it's own. The art installations, the graffiti on the wall plus the accent pieces they chose in each space is quite a delight to see. It reminds me of the contemporary art exhibition in Makati which was commissioned by the other Museums and Art Galleries in the metro. Just take a look at these!

Some of these art pieces above are for sale. Just ask and they can probably accommodate you, more so on days that they have exhibits and events on The Gallery. VisMin's artists usually set up shop here like the QUBE Gallery. It's Cebu's more "modern" venues for art and to date, they have hosted renowned artists from around the world!

I went to Cebu trying to find rest, an adventure and recreation for a few days. I think I found my place right here in The Henry Hotel. The place was perfect to host my needs both culturally and artistically. It made me see Cebu in a different light; if given the chance to go back I'd really love to get to know Cebu this way... The Henry was much of an interesting approach to modern living spaces and they have represented the province and the Philippines well. I hope foreigners and locals alike find a place so rich and beaming with an undying urge to promote art to the people. If you get the attention of Pinoys then you might have ultimately helped achieve the goal of the artists who did these pieces in the hotel. That's a great to start to my Cebu adventures! Gonna have to tell you about the FOOD and PLACES next! =)

Thank you for the lovely stay in your hotel The Henry! It really is a PLACE Like No Other!

For more information:

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The Henry Hotel

Visit their official website at

http://www.thehenryhotel.com

The Henry

Location #1 Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road,
Banilad, 6000 Cebu City
Phone    +63 32 520 8877/+639173050737