by Ferry Bayu | Feb 8, 2024 | Business
Love motels are an open secret to us, and over the years, Victoria Court has been unveiling one themed room after another. You may have heard of their Squid Room suite at the height of the show’s popularity (pandemic doom, we feel you) or their juicy and sweaty nudge to Filipino daily commute (and JAV chikan) with their MRT-inspired room.
Anyone who’s been inside these themed suites can attest that the beauty is in the details. From the Red Light, Green Light guns to the MRT train hand railings and color schemes, the rooms are designed accurately. Maybe too accurately.
After all, aren’t guests the ‘main character’ of their fantasies?
Speaking of getting into your main character era, who isn’t planning a spicy, steamy experience this Valentine’s Day? Whether we hide it or not, it’s been a long-standing tradition for Victoria Court to create an adult playground for love and intimacy this time of the year.
Victoria Court Owner Atticus King weighs in on how they’ve turned the drive-in motel chain’s themed suites from ideas into guests’ short-lived realities: “I had a professor once say, a room is a room is a room. With that in mind, we thought about how important it is to go beyond that, we wanted to give them an experience they couldn’t just get anywhere and that would make a mental mark and become a core memory. “Remember that time we went to VC…”
Yes, how could one forget a rendezvous night spent with their partner trying to live happily ever after? Victoria Court’s Ever After room in Pasig can do just the trick. The room’s jacuzzi is their biggest one yet, and you can literally float on it without touching the sides of the tub. Talk about real happy endings, right?
You’d also be surprised to know which themed rooms are well-suited to the Filipino taste. “We have the most number of suites in our Panorama Branch in Pasig. There, our top 10 busiest rooms are CLOY, Chips, Squid Room, Oval Office, Venice, Bachelor’s Pad, Moulin Rouge, Cirque, 50 Shades, and yes, Princess Jasmine,” Chief Operating Officer Sam Pineda reveals.
We’re not here to gatekeep on other steamy perks these rooms have to offer. “Aside from custom-built jacuzzis, we have rooms with playful additions like places to strap folks in. Our Homerun and Casting Couch rooms in Pasig are good examples,” Pineda adds.
Of course, behind each themed room is a story of how it came to be. “It’s a combination of looking at what is trending, what is underserved, and what we think looks fun. When we built the Oval Office room, my father [the late Archie King] said I’d end up losing my visa because it was a replica of the Oval Office but my selling point was how often can you say I’ve partied in the Oval Office? The room was a hit when we launched it and I didn’t lose my visa,” King explains, laughing.
But how exactly does the motel chain decide which fandom or Netflix show will turn into the next themed suite? “We have several recipes but to be honest, sometimes themes we think will be a big hit just do okay and others that are okay do exceptionally well. We always listen to our guests and we try to design themes to make their crazy fantasies real,” King says.
Even then, Victoria Court has moved away from its public perception of being a mere ‘biglang-liko’ or place for illicit affairs to a hotel chain that hosts (wholesome) parties and offers an award-winning food menu.
“The bigger suites are typically what end up hosting parties (and some couple stays). For couple stays, we find that while some regulars have a favorite room, others prefer not to use a room they’ve already seen – and that’s what’s beautiful about it,” Pineda explains. “You can choose or you can just go for any and be (pleasantly) surprised!”
Guests, despite being discreet, aren’t shy to offer a thought or two about these rooms. “We’ve received great feedback from either camp, with some loving the variety, while others have a favorite jacuzzi, enjoying the special effects, the tantra chair, or even something as simple as preferring rooms with more mirrors.” Pineda says.
Not all themed rooms are here to stay, though. But some rooms are classics and crowd-favorites that guests will always come back to now and then. “When we see a certain theme starting to look dated, we decide whether to reinvest to upgrade it or what we fondly like to call belo and make it fresh again or we take a vote on what new theme we can reintroduce.”
But more than rooms to play out fantasies is a vision to create an adult Disney experience for King: “I think our product will continue to evolve to serve couples looking for an experience that will bring them right to the edge of their comfort zone and inject that feeling of adventure.”
Well, folks, it’s time to head over to the nearest Victoria Court branch this Valentine’s Day and see their themed suites for yourself. You’ll never know what you’ll find there–a newfound fantasy or a tantalizing experience that will keep you on your toes, craving for more.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 8, 2024 | Food & Beverage
She’s passionate, trendy, comforting, and addicting. A true foodie with a heart full of wanderlust, this Filipina embodies love, life, and adventure. She travels the world in search of the finest cuisines, taking you on a journey through savory delights and sweet indulgences that transport you to every melting pot imaginable—no passport needed.
Meet LUV, VCKY—the next brand in the Philippine food and beverage scene, set to bring a fusion of global cuisines back home to excite the local Filipino palate.
Born from the creators of Victoria Bites and Kim King’s Kitchen, Luv, Vcky redefines indulgence with a meticulously crafted menu. Inspired by diverse cultures and flavors from her travels, Vcky promises to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings in the healthiest way possible—without seed oils or iodized salt.
“We create from the heart, using only the best ingredients. No shortcuts, no compromises. Just pure love in every bite,” says Kim King, the visionary behind Luv, Vcky.
She’s the queen of all hearts this Valentine’s Day–and the queen of all layered cakes.
Tall, dramatic, and covered in silky cream cheese frosting, the 9-inch, 3-layer Classic Red Velvet Cake is regal in every bite. Taste the decadent blend of buttery goodness, the warm embrace of vanilla, and the subtle allure of cocoa, all melting in your mouth with a delightful tang from buttermilk.
Devour this cake in a marriage of flavors, turning each slice into a celebration of love for only 1,900 PHP.
Share the love for yourself, your family, and friends with the Luv Pie.
This 9-inch beauty is a perfect blend of velvety homemade peanut butter and strawberry tomato jam, all encased within a golden, flaky crust.
The rich, nutty texture of peanut butter dances on your palate, while the strawberry tomato jam adds a burst of vibrant sweetness, creating a delightful contrast. The golden flaky crust, crispy and buttery, provides the perfect canvas for this symphony of flavors to unfold.
If you’re craving an elevated taste of peanut butter and jelly, the Luv Pie takes you to a different experience of the classic sandwich for 2,000 PHP.
Fall in luv with every bite
Transform your Valentine’s celebration into an unforgettable affair with Luv, Vcky’s exquisite creations. From the majestic Classic Red Velvet Cake to the enchanting Luv Pie, their offerings are more than desserts—they’re love stories crafted with passion and precision.
Explore the world with Vcky, one bite at a time, and experience a new culinary adventure with their upcoming lineup of thematic food including burgers and savory delights.
Give in to the temptation, because when it comes to matters of the heart, every bite should be a love note.
Luv,
Vcky
Let the taste of love linger on your lips and place your order now at luvvcky.com or contact +639999911351 on Viber/WhatsApp. Follow @weluvvcky and join Vcky in discovering new cuisines!
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 7, 2024 | Business
SMDC FESTIVAL GROUNDS,
MARCH 9, 2024
Ed Sheeran will bring his record-breaking + – = ÷ x Tour to Asia, and Europe in 2024. Information about ticket purchasing can be found at www.edsheeran.com.
Ed Sheeran’s 2018 tour in Manila was an unforgettable night to the sold-out audience who were in the attendance at the MOA Concert Grounds. Now, his upcoming concert is expected to be even more spectacular which will take place at SMDC Festival Grounds, Parañaque City, on March 9, 2024, through AEG Presents and Ovation Productions. The special guest for the show will be singer-songwriter Calum Scott. Tickets will be available at Ovation Tickets and SM Tickets on Thursday, October 26, 2023 (12:00nn)
Sheeran’s upcoming Asia dates will be his first since 2019, and the European shows follow on from his stint on the continent last year. The news comes hot on the heels of his record-breaking USA tour, where Ed set multiple attendance records including Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium; the latter seeing Ed secure the largest single day concert attendance in the USA, ever.
This year alone, Sheeran released two albums, ‘-ʼ (Subtract) and Autumn Variations, both of which flew to No.1 across the globe. Released to critical acclaim in May and September respectively, Sheeran worked with The National’s Aaron Dessner on both LPs.
All official ticket agent websites will be listed on tour advertising and at www.edsheeran.com. We implore anyone trying to purchase tickets, only to do so from these authorised websites.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 7, 2024 | Business
Join Snapsph: A New Era for Filipino Artists, Now Open for Registrations for Photographers and Videographers in the Visual Arts Community.
In a vibrant yet challenging landscape where large agencies and
platforms often overshadow individual talent, SnapsPH has
emerged as a beacon of hope for independent visual artists. Snapsph Marketplace,
with its unwavering commitment to democratizing creativity, is revolutionizing
the way independent photographers and videographers in the Philippines are
seen, heard, and valued. This press release explores how Snapsph is not just a
platform, but a lifeline for these artists, providing them with the visibility
and opportunities they have long deserved.
The Challenge for Independent Photographers
In the Philippines, the realm of visual arts is a dazzling display
of talent and creativity. Yet, this brilliance often remains hidden in the
shadows of large, dominating agencies and platforms. Independent photographers
and videographers find themselves in a relentless struggle to gain visibility
and recognition. The barriers to entry in mainstream markets are high, leaving
many talented individuals without a platform to showcase their work or access
to lucrative opportunities. This lack of exposure not only stifles their
creative growth but also limits their potential to make a sustainable living
from their art.
How Snapsph Marketplace Empowers Artists
Snapsph Marketplace stands as a pioneering platform in the
Philippines, dedicated to rewriting the narrative for independent visual
artists. By offering a space where photographers and videographers can freely
showcase their portfolios and their photography services, Snapsph breaks down the barriers that have long
hindered their progress. The platform is intuitively designed to highlight each
artist’s unique style and vision, ensuring their work receives the attention it
deserves.
Beyond just visibility, Snapsph empowers artists with essential
tools and resources. From educational content that hones their skills to
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encouraging collaboration and shared growth. This holistic approach not only
elevates their art but also enhances their entrepreneurial journey, enabling
them to thrive in a competitive market.
Joining SnapsPH
Are you a freelance photographer or
videographer in the Philippines seeking a platform that truly understands and
values your art? Look no further. Snapsph Marketplace invites you to join a
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Your art deserves a stage, and Snapsph is here to provide it.
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