by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 4, 2025 | Food & Beverage
This July, The Manila Hotel invites guests to enjoy an enticing selection of culinary experiences at its renowned dining outlets.
Fresh Offerings at the Lobby Lounge and Tap Room
In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the Lobby Lounge is pleased to present an exquisite Chocolate Afternoon Tea from July 7 to 13. This delightful experience will be available daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Guests can indulge in a sophisticated selection of chocolate-infused treats, including Chocolate Scones with Raspberry Syrup, Chocolate Bibingka, Tart au Chocolat, Pralines, Chocolate Madeleines, Banana Chocolate Turon, Tablea Chicken Adobo Sandwich, and Eggplant-Chocolate Napoleon. Each set is accompanied by a choice of freshly brewed coffee, premium tea, or the hotel’s signature hot chocolate.
Additionally, throughout July, guests can savor the Dark and Stormy cocktail, a bold and refreshing mix of rum, ginger beer, and lime—perfect for enjoying during the rainy season.
Bastille Day at the Champagne Room
Join us in celebrating Bastille Day with a taste of France at the Champagne Room from July 9 to 15. We are offering a specially curated French set menu available for both lunch and dinner. The menu features:
- Country Pork Terrine
- Onion-Wild Mushroom Soup
- Lamb Rack with Herb Crumble
- Ratatouille
- Brie de Meaux
- Cherry Clafoutis
- French Macarons
Guests will also have the option of choosing between coffee and tea. This exquisite dining experience is priced at Php 4,688 nett per person.
Explore new favorites at the Delicatessen, where you’ll find freshly baked goods and indulgent sweets. Savor the soft, pillowy brioche and shokupan, perfect for breakfast or gourmet sandwiches. For a luxurious treat, try the Dubai Pistachio Chocolate, a rich fusion of pistachios and fine chocolate.
The Manila Hotel has introduced a new lineup of vegan offerings to cater to plant-based lifestyles and health-conscious guests.
At the Lobby Lounge, you can enjoy the Vegan Burger, which features a hearty Portobello mushroom patty served in a vegan bun, accompanied by sweet potato fries. This dish is available for a special price of Php 600 nett per order.
The Champagne Room offers an elegant Vegan Degustation Menu that includes: a Duo of Chickpea Purée and Eggplant Salad served with Tortilla Chips, Tuscan White Bean Soup with Vegetables and Kale, Mixed Mushroom Potato Ravioli, Vegetable Sofrito sautéed in Truffle Oil and Herbs, Green Mango Sorbet, Strudel of Sautéed Vegetables and Tofu in Curry Cream Sauce, and a selection of fresh seasonal fruits.
Additionally, at the Delicatessen, guests can indulge in the Vegan Chocolate Almond Cake, which is a rich and moist dessert made without dairy or eggs, perfect for health-conscious chocolate lovers.
Mid-Autumn Festival Early Bird Offer
To celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, The Manila Hotel is offering an exclusive early bird promotion on its Mooncake Box of Four. Guests can enjoy a 30% discount off the regular price of Php 3,888, now available for Php 2,721.60 per order. This offer is valid until September 15.
Each set is crafted with the finest ingredients and comes in an elegant commemorative box that pays tribute to the iconic façade of The Manila Hotel, making it a delightful gift and a timeless keepsake. Pick-up for orders begins on September 16. Please note that the early bird offer is subject to terms and conditions. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-229154 Series of 2025.
For more information, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email re************@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated beside Kilometer Zero (0), marking the starting point of the City of Manila. It is within walking distance of the Philippines’ most famous landmarks, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. Renowned for its rich history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel has been the preferred choice for distinguished guests since 1912.
The hotel features over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three ballrooms. Guests can enjoy five-star relaxation and wellness services at the Manila Hotel Spa, as well as access to adult and children’s pools and the Manila Hotel Health Club.
Additionally, the hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, which showcases priceless memorabilia that narrate its illustrious history. The Art Gallery also offers insights into contemporary art through the perspectives of various artists.
Dining options at The Manila Hotel are diverse, with six outlets that promise a unique culinary experience:
- Café Ilang-Ilang is popular for its extensive selection of international buffet delights.
- Champagne Room, designed in an Old European style, is celebrated as the most romantic dining venue in Manila, featuring exquisite European cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Tap Room is styled like an Old English pub, where guests can enjoy live music in the evenings.
- Lobby Lounge is perfect for casual dining, aperitifs, post-dinner nightcaps, or informal meetings.
- Red Jade is a fine dining restaurant offering authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Delicatessen features the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
The Manila Hotel provides an unparalleled experience for both leisure and business travelers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 2, 2025 | Stories
On May 20, 2025, I created an account on Letterlux, but I was still undecided about whether I should dip my toes into writing fiction. So, I pondered … for a couple of weeks. I kept stopping to think: Do I have a story in my head that’s worth writing?
In case you didn’t know, I’m a reader, editor, and reviewer—so you can just imagine how self-critical I must be.
At first, I tried other apps like Goodnovel and Dreame, but neither panned out. With one, a confusing conversation with a company rep left me frustrated (I won’t get into the details), while the other said my story wasn’t a good fit for the platform. That one, I actually understood—because I knew going in that the story didn’t follow any of the established tropes.
Then on June 11, 2025, I woke up with a brand-new story doing its best to burst out of my head. It was relentless, like a puppy trying its darnedest to get my attention. It forced me to sit up, open Word, and start typing—a YA/Teen story blending shifter romance and tech/gaming. Within a few hours, I had eight or ten chapters written. The words just kept coming!
That made me wonder: Where would be the best place to publish this?
I asked around. Friends who’ve published on reading platforms—and even on Kindle and paperback—shared their insights. Some of what they said, I’d already seen echoed on social media by other authors.
In the end, I narrowed it down to two platforms: Inkitt and Letterlux.
Inkitt is user-friendly and accepted my story quickly. However, it’s subscription-based (like Ream Stories), so unless I already have a solid following, it’s hard to know what to charge. On the upside, if my story performs well, it might end up on Galatea.
Letterlux, meanwhile, is an umbrella company that distributes to several reading apps. Self-promotion might be trickier once I sign a contract, but the good news is that I won’t have to apply to each app individually.
Even though Letterlux seems a bit more complex, I’m feeling optimistic. I applied for a contract on June 11, once I hit the 5,000-word minimum. On June 16, I received an encouraging message after their initial review. The next milestone is at 30,000 words.
On June 30, I received this system notification:
Good job on writing a longer story! We’ll review your story as soon as possible, and you’ll be notified when the result comes out. If your story passes our review, we’re more than happy to sign a contract with you! Please stay tuned!
I’ll be honest—I had already reached 30k+ words a few days earlier, but I didn’t want to stress myself out. So, I scheduled daily chapter releases. I guess you could say I “banked” chapters, just in case my creative well runs dry in the future.
To date, I’ve written 34 chapters for Call Me Alpha! on Letterlux. Here’s hoping the book gets signed soon, because that would be just the push I need to keep the momentum going. ✨
If you’re curious about the story or have tips on your own publishing journey, I’d love to hear from you!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 12, 2025 | Business
Robert Conrad Gonzales
Robert Conrad Gonzales, the Chief People Officer of GCash, has been named one of this year’s 100 Most Influential HR Leaders in Southeast Asia. This annual recognition honors top HR executives who have made significant contributions to leadership, innovation, and transformation in the HR industry.
Recipients of this prestigious citation are chosen based on their social media influence, engagement levels, industry awards, community impact, thought leadership, and innovative HR practices. Additionally, the impact of HR initiatives on revenue growth and overall market influence is also considered.
Gonzales believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is meant to enhance employee productivity rather than replace them. As the highest-ranking Human Resources (HR) officer at GCash, Gonzales emphasizes the company’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing people in the era of automation. GCash is the leading finance app in the Philippines and the largest cashless ecosystem, recognized as an innovative fintech company that has received several accolades for being one of the best companies to work for.
“HR should champion automation and lead in adapting to technology, including AI, because our people need it, our employees rely on it,” said Gonzales. “If we do this right, our people will become more productive and serve our customers even better. Invest in people, champion leadership development, and embrace innovation. The future belongs to organizations that prioritize their people as their greatest asset.”
Gonzales was recognized for his contributions to the HR landscape when he received an award during the recently held Future Forward Philippines 2025, organized by The Economic Times, the second most widely read English-language business daily after The Wall Street Journal.
Driving business transformation or becoming obsolete in the age of AI?
During the whole day of the event, Gonzales was in the panel discussion titled ‘The Great Debate of HR at a Crossroads: Driving Business Transformation or Becoming Obsolete in the Age of AI?’ He was joined by other HR icons, including Cebu Pacific Air’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Felix Dan Lopez; Globe Telecom Inc.’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Renato Manuel Jiao; and Yasmin Taj, features editor of ETHRWorld/ETEducation, who served as the moderator.
Looking to the future, Gonzales sees artificial intelligence as a game-changer in transforming how organizations approach leadership development. “AI-powered talent identification and predictive analytics will revolutionize how we discover and grow high-potential leaders,” he said. “We’re also leaning into personalized, AI-driven learning paths that adapt to each employee’s growth trajectory because in a market that changes overnight, static development models just don’t cut it.”
GCash is already putting these innovations to work. “We’re expanding our use of AI-driven career development tools and enhancing our leadership programs with real-world business simulations,” Gonzales shared. “This enables us to gauge better readiness, drive engagement, and close skill gaps faster than ever.”
GCash is measuring the effectiveness of its leadership transitions by tracking rates of leadership changes, the retention of high-potential talent, and the business performance following these transitions. To refine its strategies and ensure succession pipelines are prepared for the future, continuous feedback loops and engagement surveys are employed.
Putting people first in an AI-powered workplace
Gonzales stated that GCash’s AI initiatives originate from a strong commitment to both employee well-being and operational excellence. He noted that AI not only enhances customer experience but also contributes to employee happiness by improving their welfare.
“We have a strong commitment to keep our people happy and engaged,” Gonzales said. “Many of our AI innovations are driven by employee needs. For example, team members want faster and more accurate processing of benefits and allowances. That’s why we developed an AI-powered tool called AGA.”
AGA, which stands for Alagang GCash Assistant, is a Gen AI-powered tool that automates and streamlines the processing of employee benefits. From wellness allowances to flexible benefits processing, AGA enables faster and error-free transactions.
Gonzales leaves HR leaders with a pointed message: “HR is no longer a support function but rather a strategic driver of growth. Invest in people. Champion leadership development and embrace innovation in workforce planning. The organizations that do this will be the ones leading tomorrow.”
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 10, 2025 | Food & Beverage
This June, The Manila Hotel invites guests to enjoy a range of memorable dining experiences, including lavish buffets, elegant set menus, seasonal promotions, and exclusive discounts.
Festive Feasts at Café Ilang-Ilang
Celebrate two special holidays at Café Ilang-Ilang: Philippine Independence Day on June 12 and Manila Day on June 24. Enjoy an enhanced Filipino buffet featuring traditional favorites that pay homage to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Regular buffet rates apply.
Additionally, join us for Father’s Day on June 15, where you can indulge in a global culinary spread perfect for the whole family. Dine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and fathers celebrating on this day will receive complimentary sugar cookies as a token of appreciation. Regular buffet rates apply.
Champagne Room’s June Highlights
Create lasting memories this Father’s Day with a specially curated set menu available from June 13 to 15. Priced at ₱5,980 nett per set, this dining experience includes:
- Parma Ham & Burrata Cheese
- Lobster Bisque
- Oven Roasted Sea Bass on Zucchini Risotto
- Mango Sorbet
- Grilled Black Angus Rib Eye
- Baked Alaska Terrine
Additionally, the meal is complemented with macarons, your choice of coffee or tea, and paired with two glasses of Cuvée sparkling wine. This offer is valid for tables of four to ten guests. Reservations are recommended.
Throughout June, cool down with refreshing mint-infused cocktails at the Champagne Room. Choose from revitalizing options such as Mint Julep, Mojito, or Southside, each priced at ₱420 nett per glass.
June Delights at the Lobby Lounge and Tap Room
Celebrate national pride with classic Filipino flavors at the Lobby Lounge and Tap Room! From June 12 to 24, between 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM, guests can enjoy 50% off selected dishes, including Sinigang, Adobo, Kare-Kare, and more. This offer is valid for a minimum of two and a maximum of four orders per table. Terms and conditions apply.
From June 9 to 16, fathers can enjoy a complimentary glass of draft beer with every order of the U.S. Beef Burger, available from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM. Terms and conditions apply.
Warm up during the rainy season with a comforting bowl of Laksa, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gloomy days. It will be available from June 15 to 30, between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM.
In-Room Dining Set Menu
For guests who desire a more private and intimate dining experience, The Manila Hotel offers a special in-room dining set menu for two. Priced at a discounted rate of ₱4,980 nett (regularly ₱6,225), this exclusive dining offer includes the following highlights:
- Pacific Rim Caesar Salad
- Baked Oyster with Herb Butter Crust
- Surf and Turf
- Spanish Idiazabal Cheese
- Fresh Fruit Platter
- Pralines and Macarons
- Bread and Butter
- A bottle of Rothbury Estate Cuvée Sparkling Wine
This offer is available throughout June from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Please note that blackout dates, terms, and conditions apply.
Experience meaningful celebrations and unforgettable dining at The Manila Hotel throughout the month. For inquiries and reservations, please call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email re************@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated next to Kilometer Zero (0), the point where the City of Manila begins. It is within walking distance of well-known landmarks, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museum. Renowned for its rich history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel has been the preferred choice for distinguished guests since its establishment in 1912.
The hotel boasts over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three ballrooms, providing a range of venues for any event. Guests can indulge in five-star relaxation and wellness experiences at the Manila Hotel Spa, enjoy the adult and children’s pools, and stay active at the Manila Hotel Health Club.
The hotel is also home to the Heritage Museum, which showcases priceless artifacts and narrates its illustrious past. Additionally, it features an art gallery offering a glimpse into contemporary art through the perspectives of various artists.
Dining options at The Manila Hotel include six unique outlets, each providing a distinctive culinary experience:
- Café Ilang-Ilang: A favorite for its extensive selection of international buffet delights.
- Champagne Room: Renowned for its Old European-style fine dining, this is considered the most romantic dining room in Manila, offering exquisite European cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Tap Room: An Old English pub-inspired venue, perfect for enjoying an evening of live music.
- Lobby Lounge: Ideal for casual dining, aperitifs, post-dinner nightcaps, or relaxed meetings.
- Red Jade: A fine dining restaurant specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Delicatessen: Offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
The Manila Hotel promises a truly memorable experience with its exceptional amenities and services.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Apr 12, 2025 | Book Reviews
I usually shy away from stories with ridiculously long titles, such as
“My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow. The reason is that these stories often tend to be predictable, formulaic, and frequently written by young authors whose first language is not English, which can be evident in the text. At times, I get the impression that the manuscripts have been machine-translated, as the English can be quite poor.
“My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow surprised me with its well-written narrative. The story follows a familiar formula: Ryan and Julie O’Brien have been married for several years but are unable to conceive. A significant event causes a rift in their relationship. In their case, the issue arises from their struggles to have a child, prompting Ryan to propose the idea of an open relationship. However, what he truly means is that he wants the freedom to explore outside their marriage, while Julie cannot.
Ryan is openly having an affair with his secretary, Emily. He even goes so far as to bring her to their home, forcing Julie out of her bedroom and effectively ending her role as Mrs. O’Brien. Meanwhile, Julie endures the pain and humiliation of working in the company where her husband is the CEO, all while managing the Marketing Department. One night, she decides to go to a bar to drown her sorrows. There, she meets Luke, who offers to be her fake boyfriend whenever she needs one. This is where the story starts to become interesting.
I found this story on Goodnovel, but I saw it on other reading apps as well. As is my wont, when I find myself engaged after a few chapters, I turn to Amazon and check if the story is available on Kindle. And, YES, it is there! Woohoo! “My Husband Wants an Open Marriage” by Elysian Sparrow is divided into three books on Amazon Kindle and costs $12.97— that is LOADS cheaper than on the reading apps. Click here for Book 1, Book 2, and Book 3 of this story on Amazon Kindle.
38 chapters in and I still love it! So far, it isn’t as predictable as I thought it would be and I love it! I think you will enjoy this billionaire romance, too. And like me, you might fall for Luke as well.
Letterlux, meanwhile, is an umbrella company that distributes to several reading apps. Self-promotion might be trickier once I sign a contract, but the good news is that I won’t have to apply to each app individually.
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