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 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
marketing tools that help them reach a broader audience, the support is
comprehensive. Additionally, the platform fosters a community of artists,
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
community where your creativity is not just seen but celebrated. Register today
as a photographer and embark on a journey of growth, visibility, and success.
Your art deserves a stage, and Snapsph is here to provide it.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 6, 2024 | Business
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 5, 2024 | Business
Manila 05-Feb-2024 – In a strategic move to expand the reach of valuable information, VRITIMES Philippines is excited to announce its collaboration with BoracayIslandNews.com, the leading news outlet for Boracay Island, the Philippines’ top tourist destination. This partnership aims to streamline the dissemination of press releases, ensuring that VRITIMES’s clients’ news is prominently featured and accessible to a wider audience.
Ferry, Co-Founder and CEO of VRITIMES, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with BoracayIslandNews.com represents a significant milestone for VRITIMES. It not only broadens the horizon for our press release distribution but also aligns with our vision of facilitating a more efficient flow of information. We are thrilled to work alongside a platform that shares our commitment to delivering timely and relevant news to the community.”
VRITIMES, known for its innovative approach to media technology, offers a comprehensive platform where users can create, distribute, and analyze the impact of their press releases. By joining forces with BoracayIslandNews.com, VRITIMES is set to leverage the news outlet’s extensive coverage and readership to benefit its clientele, providing unparalleled visibility in the vibrant Boracay Island community and beyond.
This collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to facilitating a seamless flow of information, catering to the needs of businesses, media partners, and the general public. It is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in enhancing the media landscape and ensuring that important news reaches its intended audience efficiently and effectively.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 5, 2024 | Business
February 22, 2024
Thursday 8:00 PM
Mall of Asia Arena
Fresh off the heels of their final North American shows and three-night hometown run, Jonas Brothers have announced that THE TOUR will also journey to the Philippines on February 22, 2024, to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena.
‘The Tour’ is their most ambitious outing to date with 98 shows across 26 countries. Every night is a celebration of five albums and features their best hits throughout the years including a variety of career-spanning deep cuts and fan-favorite hits.
Their monumentally successful North American run, which hit legendary venues including Toronto’s Rogers Centre, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, concluded this month at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In 2024, the tour will continue its trek around the globe starting in The Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand in February. They will also perform for the first time ever in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Hamburg, Lyon, Munich and Norway.
The Jonas Brothers reaffirmed their status as global icons and left a lasting imprint on the hearts of their Filipino fans. Their upcoming concert in the Philippines is promoted by Ovation Productions with Blast TV as the official media partner. General on sale will be on 6 January 2024, at 12 noon through smtickets.com.
For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Ovation Productions at
https://ovation.ph and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions.
About Jonas Brothers
Standing out as one of the most successful groups of the 21st century, Jonas Brothers—Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas—have sold north of 20 million albums and counting, garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, earned 26 Billboard Hot 100 hits, logged three consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard 200, and generated billions of streams. Among many accolades, they’ve recently claimed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2019, they notably ignited the comeback of the decade with their Platinum-Certified Republic Records debut, Happiness Begins. It yielded the history-making, 5x-Platinum smash “Sucker,” which minted them as “the first group in the 21st century to debut at #1 on the Hot 100,” exploded as the “longest running #1 Pop Airplay Single of 2019,” and received a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” Bowing at #1 on the Billboard 200, Happiness Begins impressively scored the “biggest sales week of 2019 at time of release” and housed the Double-Platinum “Only Human” and Platinum “Cool.” The band supported the album with the worldwide “Happiness Begins Tour”—selling over 1.2 million tickets—and the Amazon Original documentaries Chasing Happiness and Happiness Continues. Along the way, the members simultaneously juggled prolific solo careers extending into television, film, and successful business ventures. In 2023, Jonas Brothers once again proved they are a constant force, embarking on a new era with the release of The Album, via Republic Records. The Album was produced by Jon Bellion and features hit singles “Waffle House” and “Wings.” In support of the new album and this new era for Jonas Brothers, they kicked off “The Tour” with two sold-out shows at New York’s iconic Yankee Stadium on August 12th and 13th.
“The Tour” will include stadium and arena dates around the globe through 2024, resulting in the band’s biggest and most extensive tour to date.
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