by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 15, 2025 | Business
The Manila Hotel has once again received international recognition, being named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel for 2025 at the 32nd World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony. This prestigious event took place on October 13, 2025, at the InterContinental Grand Stanford in Hong Kong.
Following its victory in 2024, this consecutive win reaffirms The Manila Hotel’s enduring excellence and its status as the country’s premier luxury landmark. The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” honor organizations that set new standards of excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality worldwide. Accepting the award was Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., President of The Manila Hotel, expressed deep gratitude for the international recognition.
“To be named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel once is already a distinct honor, but to receive this award for the second consecutive year is truly humbling,” said Atty. Lina. “This recognition belongs to our people—the heart and soul of The Manila Hotel—whose passion and dedication continue to define Filipino hospitality at its finest. For 113 years, The Manila Hotel has stood as a symbol of heritage and excellence, and this honor further inspires us to uphold that legacy as we continue to elevate the experience of our guests.”
A Legacy That Looks Ahead
With this consecutive win, The Manila Hotel further solidifies its status as a national icon of heritage and prestige. As the hotel continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to enhancing the experience of every guest. Rooted in history, thriving in the present, and focused on the future, The Manila Hotel serves as a living symbol of Filipino pride.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is located beside Kilometer Zero (0), the starting point of the City of Manila, and is within walking distance of the country’s famous landmarks, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. Renowned for its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel has been the preferred choice for distinguished clientele since 1912.
The hotel features more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three ballrooms. Guests can enjoy five-star relaxation and wellness experiences at the Manila Hotel Spa, along with adult and children’s pools, as well as the Manila Hotel Health Club.
Additionally, the Manila Hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, which showcases priceless memories that tell its storied past, and an Art Gallery that offers a glimpse into contemporary art through the perspectives of various artists.
The hotel offers six dining outlets, each providing a unique culinary experience:
- Café Ilang-Ilang, a favorite for its extensive selection of international buffet delights.
- Champagne Room, known for its Old European-style fine dining and acclaimed as Manila’s most romantic venue, serves European cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired space featuring live music.
- Lobby Lounge, perfect for casual dining, aperitifs, post-dinner drinks, or leisurely meetings.
- Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant offering authentic Chinese cuisine.
- Delicatessen, which serves the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
The Manila Hotel guarantees a truly memorable experience with its exceptional services and amenities.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 13, 2025 | Fashion
Manila Prince Hotel is celebrating Filipino artistry by showcasing a stunning gown designed by acclaimed fashion and wedding designer Ryan Chris in its showroom. He was one of the featured designers at the hotel’s inaugural Manila Bridal Fair, which took place on July 26 and 27, 2024, in the Grand Ballroom. Highlights of the event included a bridal fashion show where Ryan’s creations captivated the audience with their modern yet sophisticated flair.
As the CEO and President of Ryan Chris House of Fashion, he has established a brand that embodies timeless elegance with a contemporary fit.
Drawing inspiration from classic bridal styles, Ryan prefers refined silhouettes, soft ivory tones, and subtle details that maintain their beauty for decades. His designs often incorporate elements of Philippine heritage, honoring traditional craftsmanship while infusing a modern touch.
I began in the wedding industry as a planner, helping brides choose gowns before realizing I wanted to design them myself. My journey has always been about creativity, perseverance, and telling each bride’s unique story through her gown.
Manila Prince Hotel celebrates timeless beauty and elegance, the same values I bring to the Ryan Chris brand. This partnership is more than just showcasing a gown; it’s about inspiring others and sharing the story behind every creation.
CEO & President, Ryan Chris House of Fashion
Ryan’s passion for fashion began in childhood when his grandmother gifted him a wedding-themed coloring book, sparking a lifelong fascination with bridal gowns. In school, he would sketch dresses, and his classmates would excitedly choose their favorites.
From sketching dresses as a child to staging fashion shows featuring over 100 original designs, Ryan has become one of the country’s most sought-after designers. His work has been showcased in “Ofrendas de Flores” and “Sketches + Stitches,” a charity fashion show that benefits indigenous students and children with cancer.
“We are proud to support a local talent like Ryan Chris,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of Manila Prince Hotel. “His designs embody the style and quality we value, and we are delighted to have his work in our showroom.”
The gown is currently displayed at the Manila Prince Hotel showroom, allowing visitors to witness the artistry that has established Ryan Chris as a standout name in Philippine fashion.
The Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is situated in the heart of Manila’s business district, providing easy access to the city’s historic tourist attractions and major transportation hubs. The hotel features 300 well-appointed rooms, six function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant lobby with a 24-hour reception, a business center, a swimming pool, and access to the gym, providing both value for money and stylish comfort.
Guests can enjoy excellent service and luxurious hospitality at two exciting dining outlets: Marcelino Street Café, an all-day dining restaurant, and Dragon Court, which specializes in Chinese cuisine. Additionally, the hotel boasts a speakeasy bar called Hyde Manila, a hidden gem that transports its patrons to a realm where time stands still, and cocktails are crafted with exceptional artistry.
The Manila Prince Hotel is also conveniently connected to the UN Square mall, offering a range of shopping and dining options. These features make the Manila Prince Hotel a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 8, 2025 | Banking and Finance
In a tech industry that is rapidly becoming more inclusive, empowering women with advanced technical skills and strong mentorship is crucial for closing the gender gap in the sector. With access to the right tools, women leaders can thrive individually and help shape a more dynamic and equitable digital future. This was a key highlight from the recent Women Up Top Masterclass launched by GCash, the country’s leading finance app and the largest cashless ecosystem.
The full-day event brought together 30 participants who earned certifications in Agile 101 and AI/ML Workflow and AutoML. Both courses were facilitated by women leaders within the GCash tech teams, showcasing the company’s commitment to internal mentorship and representation.
While significant strides have been made to improve representation, women in tech still face structural challenges, including fewer mentorship opportunities, limited access to advanced training, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. By equipping women with essential technical skills and leadership tools, this program underscores GCash’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and future-ready digital workforce.
“Technology doesn’t run on code alone; it runs on people. And that includes data professionals, agile thinkers, machine learning engineers, and especially, women who bring not just skills, but empathy, intuition, and insight into every solution they help build,” GCash Head of Data Governance Sara Venturina shared a reminder that the success of any tech innovation depends as much on people as it does on code.
The Agile 101 session introduced participants to the principles and frameworks of the Agile methodology, a foundational capability in modern tech environments. Meanwhile, the AI/ML Workflow and AutoML session provided hands-on experience with the machine learning lifecycle, including practical work with PyCaret, an open-source, low-code machine learning library.
In addition to technical instruction, the masterclass fostered a sense of community among participants. Throughout the day, attendees shared insights, exchanged ideas, and experienced firsthand the support of peers and mentors who understand the unique challenges that women face in the tech industry.
As Venturina said, “We know the tech world hasn’t always made it easy for women. But we also know this: when women are equipped with the right tools and the right community, we can excel and get far in this field.”
GCash is committed to uplifting women and advancing their careers, reinforcing its dedication to creating a tech ecosystem that promotes diversity, equity, and empowerment.
For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.
About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ leading finance super app and the country’s largest cashless ecosystem. With the GCash app, users can easily:
- Purchase prepaid airtime
- Pay bills through partner billers nationwide
- Send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, including to other bank accounts
- Shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers
- Access savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment options
All of this can be done conveniently from a smartphone. The mobile wallet operations are managed by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mynt, which is the first and only unicorn in the Philippines, valued at $5 billion.
GCash is also a strong advocate for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals aim to promote safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while also taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 2, 2025 | Banking and Finance
GCash, the leading super finance app in the Philippines, is offering relief to its borrowers through its lending arm, Fuse Financing Inc. They are providing a 15-day grace period for customers of GLoan and GGives who live in areas affected by the “Habagat” monsoon and Tropical Depressions Crising, Dante, and Emong.
Loan repayments due between July 19 and July 31 will have their deadlines automatically extended by 15 days. For instance, if a customer’s due date is July 21, 2025, and they are unable to make the payment or have insufficient funds, no penalties or late fees will be charged until August 5, 2025. During this extension, borrowers will not incur any additional interest or late fees, allowing them to focus on their recovery without added financial pressure.
Eligible borrowers will receive SMS notifications with details about their new due dates and advice on managing their repayments. Those who can repay early are encouraged to do so.
“We stand with the communities affected by the recent onslaught of typhoons and are committed to helping them rebuild their lives,” said Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing. “Every single effort counts, and together, we can make a significant difference.”
GCash is offering a 15-day grace period for borrowers affected by the recent typhoons in the following areas:
- National Capital Region: Las Piñas, Malabon, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Quezon City
- Region I: Pangasinan
- Region III: Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac
- Region IV-A: Batangas, Cavite, Rizal
- Region IV-B: Palawan
- Region VI: Antique
- Region VII: Cebu City
Additional areas may be added if the government declares them under a state of calamity. Customers with questions can submit a ticket through the GCash Help Center or contact Gigi within the GCash app.
About Fuse Lending, Inc.
Fuse Lending, Inc. is a company that provides simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to empower individuals and small businesses to achieve financial security and growth through a variety of digital lending products. Fuse Lending is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines, and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Mynt, through its fintech operations, is a strong supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals focus on safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
About GCash
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. Through the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through partner billers nationwide, send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines (including transfers to other bank accounts), shop with over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers, and access services such as savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment opportunities, all from the convenience of their smartphones. Mobile wallet operations are managed by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only unicorn in the Philippines, valued at $5 billion.
GCash is also a strong advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals emphasize safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the urgent need for action to combat climate change and its impacts.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 2, 2025 | Food & Beverage
Hot pot season is now in full swing at Dragon Court, the signature Chinese restaurant located in Manila Prince Hotel. Starting August 1, 2025, guests are invited to come together for a feast of simmering flavors with the restaurant’s new hot pot sets. These sets are now even more enticing, thanks to the addition of individual hot pot stations, which provide a fully customizable dining experience.
Elevated Indulgence: Premium Hot Pot
For discerning diners, the Premium Hot Pot set is now available at a special price of ₱1,088 per person, reduced from the regular price of ₱1,288. This set features a selection of premium ingredients, including beef tenderloin, sausage, shrimp, oyster mushrooms, and squid balls, among others. Additionally, it comes with a generous portion of vegetables and noodles to complement your choice of broth and dipping sauces.
Comfort in Every Simmer: Regular Hot Pot
For a classic and satisfying dining experience, the Regular Hot Pot set is available for only ₱888 nett per person, down from the regular price of ₱1,088. This set features popular favorites, including U.S. fatty beef, beef strips, chicken breast, and shrimp balls, making it ideal for a hearty and flavorful meal. Additionally, each set comes with a generous assortment of fresh vegetables, noodles, your choice of broth, and house-made dipping sauces.
Dragon Court has introduced individual hot pot stations, ideal for diners who prefer their own pot and broth, providing a more personalized dining experience. This setup is available for groups of 10 or more and reimagines the traditional communal hot pot, offering added comfort and flexibility while still preserving the joy of shared dining.
The Unlimited Hot Pot at Dragon Court is available daily, with lunch served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Each diner has a maximum dining duration of 2 hours. For inquiries and reservations, please call +632 5328 2222 or 0908 899 1912, or email fn*@**********ce.com.
Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-232427 Series of 2025.
About Manila Prince Hotel
The Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is situated in the heart of Manila’s business district, near the city’s historic tourist attractions and main transportation hubs. The hotel features 300 well-appointed rooms, six function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant lobby with 24-hour reception, a business center, as well as access to a swimming pool and gym facilities.
With excellent service and luxurious hospitality, the Manila Prince Hotel offers great value for money and stylish comfort. It boasts two exceptional dining options: Marcelino Street Café, an all-day dining restaurant, and Dragon Court, which specializes in Chinese cuisine. Additionally, the hotel hosts a speakeasy bar called Hyde Manila, a hidden gem that transports patrons to a realm where time stands still and cocktails are crafted with extraordinary artistry.
The hotel is also conveniently connected to the UN Square mall, offering a range of shopping and dining options. With all these amenities, Manila Prince Hotel is a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.
GCash is the Philippines’ leading finance super app and the country’s largest cashless ecosystem. With the GCash app, users can easily:
Loan repayments due between July 19 and July 31 will have their deadlines automatically extended by 15 days. For instance, if a customer’s due date is July 21, 2025, and they are unable to make the payment or have insufficient funds, no penalties or late fees will be charged until August 5, 2025. During this extension, borrowers will not incur any additional interest or late fees, allowing them to focus on their recovery without added financial pressure.
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