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Sherwin Lucas glides with Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod
Like a graceful swan on a lake, general manager Sherwin Lucas determinedly steered Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod through some rough waters during the health crisis, which the public seemed to not have noticed just how difficult he tirelessly paddled underwater. He initially targeted a college double major in Business and Accounting. However, with the closure of the American bases where his dad was gainfully employed, a reversal of fortunes occurred. When it was finally time to continue his studies, he graduated with a degree in Commerce instead. [caption id="attachment_175659" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Art Cove[/caption] Fresh out of university, he initially applied as a Cost Controller, but was quickly referred to the Front Office. Little did he know this would kickstart his career in the hospitality industry. He soon became the supervisor and the events head for Discovery Suites. He then accepted the challenge to become the resident manager of the Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay. A firm believer in continuous education, he trained at the Asian Institute of Management and at the prestigious Professional Development Program in Cornell Nanyang in Singapore. He also possesses hands-on experiences in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175660,175661"] While on a holiday in Hong Kong, he chanced upon an interview opportunity for The Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel as the assistant events manager. Strange as it may seem, this began his back-and-forth stints between properties in Manila and Macau — as he methodically climbed the ranks, as the director of operations, events manager and director of events. When the global pandemic brought the world to a standstill, he grabbed the opportunity to be the general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and has settled with his wandering pair of shoes ever since. Established in 2021, the property boasts 150 rooms and suites, all located within the accessible SM City Bacolod Complex. Guests look forward to amenities, such as the pool deck, in-room spa services, fitness center, a jogging path, and even an art cove, where one may acquire featured pieces from local artists. [gallery size="full" ids="175662,175663,175664"] Culinary-wise, executive sous chef Billy Jo Andaca offers the all-day international dining at Arima, a grab-and-go counter of DASH, the chill Lobby Lounge and the popular pool bar Marapara al Fresco. Should Lucas not have been a hotelier, he would have pursued a career in education or medicine. In his free time, in addition to reading spy, crime and mystery novels, he looks forward to this private time in the kitchen. He likewise lets out stress by driving while listening to music. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175665,175666"] We recently had a brief chat with Lucas, where he shared some interesting tidbits on himself and the Park Inn. Career highlights As a resident manager, there was not a same single day in the perplexing world of hotel operations. I recall I handled my biggest-ever event — with 15,000 delegates in attendance — as the director of events. Finally, I’m so glad and fulfilled when I was appointed as the general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. Management style I believe in engaging the team by having a clear and relatable ‘reason for being’. We stand by four tenets: our guests, the owning company, our team and the community-at-large. All these factors affect each other, but may sometimes be seemingly conflicting in interests. All our decisions — may it be big or small — always consider the effects on these four pillars. I stand by guided empowerment — teach and mentor not just the officers, but also individual staff members to enable them to make informed decisions. We also need to provide safety nets that allow them to learn without major harm to the organization. Important ingredients to be a property of choice It’s definitely an empowered and engaged team. We also need to continue to fine-tune and self-improve our systems and processes as the need arises. Location is of utmost importance. Marketing preference Social media has a wider reach — with almost limitless creativity and possibilities! Dream post I am living my dream post — it allows me to explore my talents to form, to lead and to nurture the team. Sometime in the future, I would wish to mold promising hospitality leaders. The post Sherwin Lucas glides with Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati Shangri-La reopens post-Covid
The iconic Makati Shangri-La reopens its doors today after nearly three years of temporary closure due to the backlash of the coronavirus disease 2019 on tourism and domestic spending. The hotel announced a temporary closure back in 2021 after operating since 1993. “For the past three decades, the hotel has provided a tranquil sanctuary within the city’s bustling business district,” Udo Wittich, hotel manager, said. “The reopening symbolizes a fresh beginning for Makati Shangri-La, Manila. It presents us a unique opportunity to provide guests with refreshed experiences and colorful joys of life that span our accommodations, dining destinations, and even in the ways we work with our community,” Wittich added. Improved experience Makati Shangri-La will introduce a Horizon Club Business Room designed to provide business travelers with an enhanced workshop with the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and functionality. Each Horizon Club Business Room is equipped with a range of remote amenities such as an Omnidesk adjustable standing table paired with ergonomic chair and modern electronics featuring dual-screen 4K monitors, speakerphones, mobile stands, and fast-charging cable adaptors. Other amenities such as the Health Club also reopens to provide guests with weight training and cardiovascular systems, as well as a jacuzzi and cold plunge. The outdoor pool, children’s pool, and tennis courts will also be ready for families who desire outdoor activities. The hotel spa will reopen in the first quarter of 2024. The reopening of Makati Shangri-La, Manila will be accompanied by the progressive reopening of Makati Shangri-La’s acclaimed dining outlets. Sage, the hotel’s signature grill restaurant also makes a return with an updated look and a highly focused culinary approach that prioritizes sustainably sourced quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy signature beverages such as the Sage Martini, handcrafted using the hotel’s own blend of vermouth and sherry infused with sage or the Sage Negroni as a post-dinner cocktail. Other dining establishments such as Circles Event Café and Sage Bar are slated to reopen in the upcoming months. The post Makati Shangri-La reopens post-Covid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual is urging private entities to continuously work with the government in addressing issues crucial to economic recovery and growth. At the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council meeting in Cebu City last Friday, Pascual said the partnership between the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the APEC Business Advisory Council is actually regarded by the Philippine government as a cornerstone of its vision for the country’s future. “It exemplifies the power of synergy — when government and business come together and connect, we lay the groundwork for a trade environment that is not just functional, but inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This dynamic collaboration enables us to stay agile and responsive as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology,” he said in a speech. In line with this year’s theme, “Equity, Sustainability, Opportunity,” ABAC Philippines focused on helping communities build back stronger through collective efforts. With critical goals to pursue, Secretary Pascual called for stronger partnership and collaboration among APEC Member Economies in crafting policy reforms that would spur economic growth. Areas of focus For this year’s work program, the ABAC will initially have these areas of focus: (1) Economic Integration Working Group; (2) Sustainable Growth Working Group; (3) Digital and Innovation Working Group; (4) Finance Task Force; and (5) Inclusion Task Force. Secretary Pascual has also commended the efforts of ABAC in shaping a strong, credible, and relevant World Trade Organization even as he recognized ABAC’s strong push toward the eventual realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. “The Philippines views the FTAAP as a mechanism to boost economic recovery in the region, especially for medium, small and micro-enterprises most affected by the pandemic. We thus support the immediate implementation of the FTAAP Agenda Work Plan which contributes to APEC’s sustainability and inclusion objectives,” he said. ABAC Philippines is currently focused on several initiatives including the promotion of the availability and accessibility of climate risk scenario information, the exploration of the viability of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source, and other use cases under the Sustainable Growth Working Group. Further, it is working on enhancing cross-border data flow in financial services. For its part, the DTI is prioritizing (1) APEC’s Support for the Safe Passage of Maritime Crew in the Covid-19 Era, (2) Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs, and (3) APEC Trade Repository. Aligned with this year’s ABAC meeting theme, the DTI aims to provide equal opportunities for all, promote regulations for environmental stewardship, and commit to fostering a digitally inclusive APEC community. The post Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korea fires missiles ahead of key anniversary
Pyongyang conducted twin missile launches late Monday, ahead of Korean War anniversary celebrations that will be attended by Chinese dignitaries in the first foreign delegation visit to the country since its 2020 pandemic border closure. South Korea's defense ministry described the two projectiles as ballistic missiles that flew about 400 kilometers (248 miles) before falling into the sea, according to reports by news agency Yonhap of South Korea and Japan's Kyodo. "Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11:55 pm on the 24th and at midnight of the 25th," Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang, and come as Seoul and Washington ramp up defense cooperation in the face of soaring tensions with the North. Last week South Korea hosted a visit by a US nuclear-capable submarine, the first deployment there by such a nuclear-armed American vessel in decades. And in a move that likely further provoked the North, a second US submarine, the nuclear-powered USS Annapolis, arrived at a South Korean naval base around the time of Monday's missile launches, according to Yonhap. The reclusive North Korean regime routinely conducts weapons tests, and the launches come days after leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the latest firing of the country's newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fuel Hwasong-18. Relations between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points, as diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul has stalled and Kim has called for ramping up weapons development, including tactical nukes. In efforts to bolster deterrence, Seoul and Washington have staged joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets. The White House took issue with Pyongyang's latest action, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying "we certainly condemn the DPRK's ballistic missile launches," referring to North Korea by the acronym of its formal name. The missile tests "pose a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and the international community," Jean-Pierre said, adding: "Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad." Significant visit Monday's launches come ahead of celebrations in North Korea this week marking the 70th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War. A Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong will travel to the North for the event, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported, in what is the first known visit by a foreign delegation since the start of the pandemic. North Korea has been under a rigid self-imposed coronavirus blockade since early 2020 to protect itself from Covid-19, only resuming some trade with China last year. An armistice agreement ending Korean War hostilities was signed on July 27, 1953 but the two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice and not a peace treaty. Tensions on the Korean peninsula also have ratcheted up recently due to the disappearance of a US soldier, Travis King, who was on a tour of the demilitarized zone last week when he ran across the border into North Korea. The UN Command, a US-led multinational force that oversees the Korean War truce, said Monday it has begun discussions with Pyongyang over the missing American serviceman. The post North Korea fires missiles ahead of key anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Transport hub to aid mall-goers
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ Lucky Chinatown’s transport hub is about to make travel easier for its customers going to and from the establishment. The mall, nestled in the heart of Binondo, has alleviated one of its customers’ concerns when it comes to its accessibility. The Filipino-Chinese community’s hub did not have a direct line to one of the bigger transport centers which is in Cubao, Quezon City. The transport hub has included additional jeepney routes going to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange via Taft Avenue and from PITX to Lucky Chinatown via Mabini. A van service has also been provided in the transport hub that goes directly to Sucat via the Coastal Road and vice versa. Lastly, TokTok riders were also included in the hub who can drop off customers at any point in Manila. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is the retail and commercial development arm of Megaworld Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest real estate companies. The Retail Asia Awards 2023 Marketing Initiative of the Year awardee’s mission is to make happiness and meaningful connections a lifestyle for its communities as the country’s premier developer of lifestyle destinations with exceptional designs, offerings, and experiences. There are currently 20 Megaworld Lifestyle Malls across the country. These include Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Lucky Chinatown, Uptown Bonifacio, Forbes Town, Venice Grand Canal, Newport Mall at Newport World Resorts, Southwoods Mall, Festive Walk Iloilo, Three Central Mall, Paseo Center, San Lorenzo Place Mall, Arcovia City, California Garden Square, The Clubhouse at Temple Drive, Greenhouse at Village Square Alabang, Alabang West Parade, Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Mactan Alfresco and Boracay Newcoast. The post Transport hub to aid mall-goers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pride takes off
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, kicked off its Pride Month celebration with the launch of its very first Pride flight on 5 June, highlighting the airline’s unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equity for every Juan. CEB Flight 5J 905, which flew from Manila to Boracay, was operated by LGBTQIA+ members and allies. The team includes Captain Bensie Tan, Captain Bettina Mercado, First Officer Lorenz Montinola, First Officer Chezka Carandang, Christopher Ian Mau, Kevin Jason Baetiong, Kimberly Naval, Niña Marudo and Mikee Vitug. Passengers on board were treated to Pride-themed giveaways, fun games, and an exclusive chance to win a free roundtrip domestic flight ticket, among others. “We take great pride in the diversity and inclusivity that define Cebu Pacific’s culture. Throughout the years, we have created a safe space for every Juan and have consistently progressed towards celebrating individuality. This year, we are thrilled to pay tribute to our moment makers from the Pride community by featuring them on a special flight — a truly remarkable way to kick off the celebration of Pride Month,” said Candice Iyog, CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer. The Pride flight is only the first installment of CEB’s lineup of events dedicated to Pride Month. Throughout June, CEB will host various training and online courses, all aimed at fostering equity and advocating for gender sensitivity in the workplace. To further support the cause, several fundraisers have been planned to help the non-profit organization Golden Gays. The funds raised from these activities will be dedicated to extending assistance to the elderly members of the Golden Gays. In 2019, CEB played a pivotal role in shaping Philippine aviation by employing the first transwomen cabin crew, Jess Labares and Mikee Vitug. The milestone serves as a testament to the airline’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. The post Pride takes off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe Group, Aklan LGU push for responsible tourism in Boracay
Globe recently partnered with the local government of Malay, Aklan in its move to encourage sustainable tourism with the return of Love Boracay (formerly known as LaBoracay) held on 28 April to 1 May 2023. Globe has been supportive of Boracay’s environmental conservation efforts by conducting offshore clean-up drives, coral reef rehabilitation, community support for prevention of untreated effluents from entering the sea and raising awareness among the youth and the community on how they can contribute to environmental conservation. "Globe fully supports the local government of Malay, Aklan in its efforts to advance responsible tourism in Boracay. At this year’s Love Boracay, we carried out activities to encourage customers to adopt sustainable practices. We hope that this event raises awareness for responsible tourism throughout our country," said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Globe chief marketing officer. To encourage Boracay visitors to “Go Lang Nang Go” and discover how they can responsibly enjoy the island’s beauty, Globe held various activities at the Globe Eco Station located at the picturesque beachfront of Boracay’s Station one. Plastics for a prize. Tourists got the chance to spin and win prizes by turning over single-use plastic bottles, plastic cups, cans or plastic bags and presenting their GlobeOne app and proof of SIM card registration. They also got a shot at the prize by donating at least P10 to the Save Philippine Seas group via the GlobeOne app or GCash. GForest signup. A GCash booth allowed customers to sign up to GForest, where actual trees are planted through points collected via activities such as walks tracked on health apps or transactions within the e-wallet, from bills payment and bank transfers to buying load. Globe At Home cash giveaway. Globe At Home gave away P5,000 in GCash credits to customers who took a photo at the Globe At Home photo wall and shared it on social media. The photo with the most likes and shares got the prize. Customers also received P50 GCash credits for turning over plastic bottles at the Globe At Home booth. Globe and KonsultaMD essentials. Globe also had booths at D’Mall and Lake Town where customers got the chance to win beach kit essentials by downloading the GlobeOne app, registering their SIM or registering to Go+99 via GCash. KonsultaMD also offered medicine vouchers, vitamin packs and other freebies to those who registered and downloaded the app. At the GCash booth, customers also got a kit with beach essentials for every proof of payment with GCash at partner establishments. For sports fans, the Globe Boracay Sportsfest proved to be a treat. The event held tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and soccer competitions at the Station 1 beachfront from Estacio Uno to Ambassador on 29-30 April. The awarding ceremony was held at the sunset session featuring a local DJ, with Globe and GCash providing cash prizes for the games. Globe also brought top DJs and bands at the Globe Love Boracay Musicfest in Lake Town. [caption id="attachment_135104" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Globe held various activities at the Globe Eco Station located at the picturesque beachfront of Boracay’s Station 1.[/caption] “GCash has been powering the Globe Group's goal of promoting a digital ecosystem in the country. For example in Boracay, you can now pay for your e-trike rides, food trip, activities and other local shopping via the GCash app. This is our way of not only promoting local tourism but also making sure that businesses in Boracay benefit from the growing digital economy," said Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Marketing Officer. To learn more about Globe’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability. The post Globe Group, Aklan LGU push for responsible tourism in Boracay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stop small businesses’ closure
A plea to the mother of the City of Manila. Owners of small businesses in Barangay 420, Sampaloc, Manila are asking Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna to reconsider the cease and desist order issued them by the city government. Mostly sari-sari stores, dress shops, and carinderias selling cheap food, the businesses had been charged penalties of as much as P14,000. One of the affected business owners, 68-year-old Marilyn Equila, a store owner, said they do not earn enough to put food on the table to be levied excessive taxes and fines. “We are small businesses; we do not have a lot of capital,” Equila told Daily Tribune in Filipino. “We are just trying to make a living.” Equila has pledged to register her business and to get a business permit, but she expressed the concern that she will not be able to afford the fees. She said Mayor Lacuna has promised to help small businesses. “We are asking for Mayor Honey’s help,” Equila said. “We need her to help us keep our businesses open.” The cease and desist order has caused a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty among the small business owners in Barangay 420, according to those affected. Barangay 420 residents said the closure of businesses would negatively impact on their community as they provide essential goods and services. The closure would leave a void that would be difficult to fill, they warned. The post Stop small businesses’ closure appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Boracay tourism stakeholders cry for clean public toilets
Stakeholders in the tourism community of the world-famous Boracay Island are demanding more public toilets......»»
Fact check: DOH did not recommend shutdown of resorts due to heat wave
The Department of Health did not recommend the closure of Boracay Island and other tourist destinations due to a supposed heat wave, contrary to posts circulating on Facebook......»»
Behind emerging restaurants in Boracay is a tight-knit community of small business owners
At Boracay in Aklan province, the restaurant scene has proven different. Perhaps it’s the chill vibe of the island that has rubbed unto small business owners. But ultimately, it’s the pandemic that has made them into a tight-knit community......»»
‘Lifting age restrictions for travelers to boost Boracay tourism’
MNN The municipal government of Malay in Aklan is optimistic that the lifting of age restrictions for interzonal travel in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ will boost tourism in Boracay......»»
DOT: Travel for tourists of all ages from NCR Plus to Boracay, other MGCQ areas still in effect
The Department of Tourism on Wednesday stressed that travel for leisure purposes for all ages from the National Capital Region Plus bubble to Boracay and other tourist destinations under modified general community quarantine has been extended until June 30......»»
‘Worst visitor arrivals in Boracay’
Boracay recorded its ”worst” visitor arrivals last month as residents of Metro Manila were barred from traveling while the region remains under stricter community quarantine......»»
Court premises of MECQ areas to remain closed, but operations to continue via videoconferencing
The Supreme Court has extended the closure of premises of courts in Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine areas but stressed that operations will continue through videoconferencing......»»
Lockdown in 2 Boracay villages lifted
The implementation of enhanced community quarantine in Barangay Balabag and the “surgical lockdown” of seven zones in Barangay Manocmanoc in Boracay were lifted yesterday......»»
SC extends temporary closure of courts
The Supreme Court announced Wednesday the extension of the physical closure of courts in areas under the modified enhanced community (MECQ) until 30 April. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo issued the directive, saying the temporary closure was in line with the schedule earlier announced by Malacañang. The areas placed under MECQ until the said period include […] The post SC extends temporary closure of courts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNB plans to establish digital bank subsidiary
The Philippine National Bank (PNB) is thinking of putting up a digital bank either as a subsidiary or stand-alone unit, according to its president and CEO Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso. PNB president and CEO Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso “We’re discussing internally with the principals,” said Veloso. “They really want us to set up a digital bank” and a pure digital bank at that. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has drafted a circular for the establishment of digital banks in the country and the banking community is currently being consulted on this, including the proposal to impose a minimum capitalization of P1 billion for a digital banking license. “Clearly, as we get to see more regulations (or) the regulatory body encouraging digital bank participation, we would like to also review that and probably put into a subsidiary or stand alone,” said Veloso. “I understand there is going to be different regulatory relief or ease of doing business for those that are going to set up purely digital banks. That is something that we are seriously reviewing.” Veloso, in a virtual press briefing on Friday, said that in the digital banking landscape as it is currently set up now, PNB is one of the leaders in the digital experience and since March when the lockdowns were implemented, the bank has been trying to convince clients to go digital. “Others claim to be ahead of space in the digital world. I can proudly say that the only thing they are ahead of us are — for one bank, the end-to-end account opening, and for another bank, it’s because of the end-to-end check deposit. But otherwise, there is no dfference with what they’re sharing with everyone else,” said Veloso. The bank has seen an increase of 18 percent in its digital and mobile transactions during the height of the pandemic lockdowns. As of end-September, they now have 696,000 users of their digital platforms, up 31 percent year-on-year. “We want our customers to understand how they can easily manage their funds and transact by going online using our digital channels. We also want more people to learn about the products that are meant to fit all their needs (with digital banking experience),” said Veloso. Presently, PNB branches across the country are “reaching out to customers who have not yet registered with internet banking or mobile banking”. In the BSP proposed circular on digital banks, any existing banks applying to shift to digital banking are given three years to complete conversions including the closure of branches or branch lite units. The BSP said a digital bank will be confined to a digital platform and/or electronic channels “with minimal to no reliance” on physical touchpoints. It will not have a branch or branch-lite unit but it can offer offer financial products and services through cash agents and other delivery partners. However it will be required to keep a head office in the Philippines as its main point of contact and as a “central hub for receiving and resolving customer complaints.” There are three banks that are already applying to deliver digitized financial services but these applications are not digital bank applications but are applying under existing BSP banking classification, pending the digital banking regulation......»»
DOT: Remove age restriction for Boracay tourists
Tourists regardless of age should be allowed to visit Boracay when it reopens to visitors from areas under general community quarantine or GCQ next week......»»
Boracay to accept tourists from GCQ areas
Boracay will accept tourists from areas under general community quarantine or GCQ starting Oct. 1......»»