Jinjiang Inn brand from China opens in the Philippines

Jinjiang Inn, the first franchised Chinese hotel brand to operate in the Philippines under the Hotel of Asia Inc. group. Hotel of Asia is envisioned to have a total of 5,000-room portfolio by 2020 under different hotel brands such as Jinjiang Inn & Hotel 101.

Jinjiang Inn - Ortigas' Business Suite

The first Jinjiang Inn brand opens in the Philippines with 95 rooms in Jinjiang Inn – Ortigas, and 59 rooms in Jinjiang Inn – Makati. Jinjiang Inn will operate in the Philippines as a three-star business boutique hotel, offering value for money accommodations, focused on conveniences that will cater to the real needs of fast paced travelers today.

Jinjiang Inn - Makati's Deluxe Suite

Strategically located at main business centers, Jinjiang Inn – Ortigas is conveniently located at San Miguel Avenue corner Lourdes Drive in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, while Jinjiang Inn – Makati is accessibly situated at A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo Complex, Makati City. Its location in thriving and vibrant financial and business districts provide close proximity to business hubs, shopping malls, and dining options.

Pillars of Conveniences

Jinjiang Inn is positioned to feature a strong housekeeping brand that is mindful of guests’ convenience. As the facilities are simple and straightforward, addressing the basic needs of the traveler, the hotel’s housekeeping makes sure that each room is comfortable and the guests pleased about their whole stay. This Jinjiang Inn brand of housekeeping will be felt through the quiet hands that work behind the scenes.

Jinjiang Inn - Ortigas' Triple Room

Another first in the Philippines, and similarly a conscious effort to provide convenience to its guests, Jinjiang Inn offers its in-room minibar at a reasonable price. Each product is priced exactly or around as much as it would be in the local convenient stores, for example, a can of Coca-Cola is priced at Php 27.00, Oishi potato chips cost Php 24.00, while a can of San Miguel Pale Pilsen is Php 43.00.

Moreover, Jinjiang Inn values connectivity as something integral and crucial to every businessman and traveler alike, as a necessity to communicate with their businesses and also their loved ones. Jinjiang Inn will be investing in providing strong Wi-Fi connection to its guests, in both the lobby and in every guest room. The hotel understands the need to be online, as one of the conveniences the modern traveler needs. Every traveler will find strong Wi-Fi access in every Jinjiang Inn.

Another strong suite of the Jinjiang Inn brand is the openness and promptness of communication lines of the hotel to and from its clients.

Guests often get disappointed or complain because of slow replies through hotels’ social media networks, like Facebook. Jinjiang Inn understands the needs of every traveler and guest, who are always mobile and on the go. 

This is why another convenience Jinjiang Inn offers is accessibility with its guests through the website, http://www.jinjianginn.ph/, through major online travel agents, or through social media networks. With Jinjiang Inn’s presence both online and offline, guests can reach any Jinjiang Inn at ease, book a stay, or join a conversation.

Putting Its Mark in Philippine Tourism

Jinjiang Inn traces its roots from the largest hospitality conglomerate in China, and the 9th largest hotel chain in the world – Jin Jiang Hotels. Through the newest Filipino-owned hotel and real estate development group in the Philippines, Hotel of Asia, Inc., Jinjiang Inn comes to the Philippines, attracting both local and international business travelers, especially those coming from China.

Hotel of Asia, and its subsidiaries, secured the master franchise to operate and franchise the popular Chinese hotel brand Jinjiang Inn in the Philippines. As visitor arrivals from China continue to grow and the Philippine tourism market projected to develop exponentially, Hotel of Asia is geared to put up more Jinjiang Inns in key cities in the country, after the opening of its first two hotel in the Philippines.

The Jinjiang Brand

Jin Jiang Hotels established the Jinjiang Inn brand in 1996, following the demand of a value-oriented fast paced traveler in China. Since then the brand built its position as the largest affordable hotel chain in the country, with premium on location, customer service and accessibility – a vision similar to what Jinjiang Inn in the Philippines is offering to the market.

Lobby of Jinjiang Inn - Makati, along A. Arnaiz Avenue

In 2014, Jinjiang Inn received international recognition as one of the Top 11 hotel brands in the world to have achieved the highest guest satisfaction. Jinjiang Inn brings years of experience in the tourism industry and its dedication in providing its guests with value and convenience to the well-established brand of Filipino hospitality.

Jinjiang Inn in the Philippines will be a notch higher than its counterpart in China, as it provides guests with a full-serviced 3-star business boutique accommodations, with comfort and convenience in mind in all its hotels strategically located all over the Philippines.

Hotel of Asia Inc. (HOA), through its subsidiary, Hotel 101 Management Corporation, manages and operates the Jinjaing Inn hotel brand in the Philippines. Similarly, it also operates the 194-room Injap TowerHotel located in Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, and the newest and upcoming 518-room Hotel 101 – Manila located at EDSA Extension, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

El Nido Resorts' Apulit Island at the Philippine Travel Mart 2013

El Nido Resorts, the leading eco-island-resorts in the Philippines, will be at the 24th Philippine Travel Mart this September 6-8, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Exciting deals and discounts await those who will go to this 3-day massive travel sale. See you there! :)

Post by El Nido Resorts.

Ilocos Sur Travel Guide

The whole Ilocos region is a great destination, but you will appreciate it even better if you can focus on each region at a given time. For instance, Ilocos Sur is perhaps the best representative of Ilocos’ significant contribution to history. Let’s check out the things to do and places to see in this place up in the map of the Philippine Islands. 

• Vigan. Oh, this town deserves a longer time under the spotlight, but in summary, it is the most beautiful heritage walk in the Philippines. Calle Crisologo, in particular, is worthy of many shutter clicks and a blog entry, perhaps even a poem! Don't forget to also check out the burnayan, where you can create a clay pot ala Demi Moore.
• Vigan Empanada. While Ilocos is home to different food specialties, Vigan empanada remains to be a favorite. In fact, everytime there is a trade fair in Manila, booths that sell Vigan empanada always have long lines of people wanting a taste of this baby! So have it right where it was created, where there’s no long line, and just the perfect setting to have a hearty merienda.
• Vigan Longanisa. Since we’re already in the topic of food, it is also worthy to mention Vigan longanisa, one that isn't typical, and can easily please your choosy palate. It is garlicky rather than sweet, and is perfect with vinegar and garlic fried rice. You will most likely be served Vigan longanisa for breakfast in your hotel!
• Sta. Maria Church. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sta. Maria church is the first stop you will make upon reaching Ilocos Sur. It has a beautiful staircase that leads to a beautiful church. If you were using a camera loaded with film, you’d start to feel bad about how you’re so limited in taking photos. Luckily, we live in the digital age.
• Baluarte. Just a short trip from the Vigan town center, Baluarte is a provate property owned by Governor Chavit Singson. Good thing he opened this to the public, because OMG this is such a hot property! It’s a zoo with a very interesting layout, which means kids will have fun exploring and adults will get in touch with their inner kid too. Although you won't be allowed to pet some animals, watching a python patiently wait for a live chicken for lunch can be quite interesting. Live Animal Planet, if you ask.

Travel Information

You can take a plane going to Laoag City via any domestic airline such as Cebu Pacific Air. From there, you simply need to take a bus ride that will take you to the land of windmills and beaches.

You can also opt for the longer, yet usually more enjoyable, mode of transportation, and that is hitting the road. Whether you go there with a driver or take a commuter bus, as long as you’re in good company, you’ll have one heck of a road trip to Ilocos Sur.

El Nido Palawan's Newest Eco-Luxury Resort, Pangulasian Island, now opens

Last October 15, the Philippines’ newest premier eco-luxury resort, Pangulasian Island in El Nido, Palawan officially welcomed its first guests to its shores, a Taiwanese couple, who were given a grand El Nido Resorts reception by the resort staff, headed by Pangulasian Island’s resident manager Lei Policarpio.



Pangulasian features 42 deluxe villas, which shares a pristine beach almost a kilometer long. It has a swimming pool, gym, spa, resort center with restaurant, library, boutique and a conference room, among other facilities and activities.

Take a dip at Pangulasian's Swimming Pool

The resort mixes contemporary Filipino and cutting edge “green” design with luxurious amenities and impeccable and personalized service, which makes it the ultimate eco-luxury destination in the Philippines.

The Taiwanese couple who were on their honeymoon stayed in Pangulasian for two nights, while the rest of their 8 days stay was split on Lagen Island and Miniloc Island in El Nido, two of the four island resort properties of El Nido Resorts; the last being Apulit Island in Taytay.

Lei Policarpio leading the couple to the resorts center

The Taiwanese couple meets their personal butler :)

El Nido Resorts now maintains and operates four island resorts in El Nido and Taytay, Palawan, with sustainability and eco-tourism as its thrust, putting a premium on integrating the protection and preservation of the environment, and the beauty of Palawan, with modern facilities, technology, and luxury.

Pangulasian Island resort staff with a grand El Nido Resorts welcome.

For inquiries about Pangulasian Island and El Nido Resorts, give them a call at +63 (2) 813 0000 or email them at holiday@elnidoresorts.com. You may also visit their website at http://www.elnidoresorts.com/ or their Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/elnidoresorts

Land Rover "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign with DOT

Land Rover Philippines together with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) recently launched, at the Opus Restaurant and Lounge in Resorts World Manila, a joint tourism promotional campaign dubbed "Land Rovering. More Fun in the Philippines."



The campaign includes a series of Land Rover TV commercials and print advertisements featuring local tourist spots as well as off-road destinations in the country. Land Rover is the first automotive brand to tie up with DOT through the popular "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign.

"We are very excited with this project with DOT and TPB which will run until 2013 and hopefully will include an international campaign as well," shared LRPhils Motors Executive Director Marc Soong.



Asec. Domingo Ramon C. Enerio, representing the DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., was on hand during the launch of the Land Rover-DOT campaign tie-up. "DOT is proud to have found support from a distinguished world-class brand like Land Rover in our campaign to promote Philippine tourism," said Enerio, the Asst. Secretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions & OIC Tourism Promotions Board.



LRPhils also launched the first official "Land Rovering. More Fun in the Philippines" video which will be aired starting October 2012.



The video showed the multi-awarded Range Rover Evoque driving through the Paoay sand dunes of Ilocos Norte, while also featuring the giant windmills of the Bangui Wind Mills, and also Patapat Bridge which can also be found in Ilocos Norte.

Hamilo Coast's Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club

Hamilo Coast's Pico de Loro cove is one of the thirteen coves being developed by Hamilo Coast as a leisure lifestyle destination near Manila. Pico de Loro cove boasts of a beach and country club, and properties such as residential condominiums, villas, residential lots and a hotel.



We were able to inspect the property recently, see the development happening in the cove, and enjoy what Pico de Loro gives to its members and guests.



Pico de Loro Beach Club offers an unobstructed view of the sea. Some of the activities you could do, besides swimming in the sea and in their pools, includes going through the eco-trail, kayaking, scuba diving, birdwatching, or touring Hamilo Coast's magnificent coves.



On the other hand, Pico de Loro's Country club offers a variety of activities and services everyone can enjoy. It has a huge pool, kiddie center, library, function rooms, tennis, badminton and basketball courts, table tennis tables, gaming consoles room, bowling and billiards area, and a beautiful view of nature.



If a day is not enough to fully enjoy the grandeur of nature and the great scenery, a nearby hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, will give you the chance to extend on overnight or week-long visits - just like what we did! The hotel offers great accommodation, great food, a relaxing spa service, and the right relaxation and rejuvenation one needs, away from a stressful city life.

El Nido Resorts at the Philippine Travel Mart in SMX Mall of Asia

The 23rd Philippine Travel Mart organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association or PHILTOA pushed through last August 10-12 (Friday to Sunday) at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. There were a lot of local travel trade participants who set up and sold packages exclusively for the three days travel mart. Here are some photos taken from El Nido Resorts' booth and activities.

With Cesar Cruz of PHILTOA

ENR with Philippine Department of Tourism Officials: ASec. Bong Bengzon, USec. Danny Corpuz, Sec. Mon Jimenez and ASec. Chicoy Enerio

With DoT Region IV: Southern Tagalog Region

With DOT Region IV Regional Director Louella Jurilla

El Nido Resorts' staff with Mr. Laurent Lamasuta, ENR President

El Nido Resorts with DOT officials again :)

Travelling to Paradise in the Philippines this Summer

As we say in the Department of Tourism, "It's More Fun in the Philippines!" And this is so true, I believe, because of the unparalleled beauty the Philippines offers to both local and foreign tourists - destinations with picturesque coastlines, scenic natural landscapes, clear blue waters, and warm hospitable people. In fact, there are a lot of beaches, 7,107 islands, to choose from.

And since it is summer time once again, I am sure you're wondering where's the next beach destination you should go to. In my travels around the Philippines, I have been to a lot of beaches and destinations, but one has stood out for me - Palawan.

2nd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge

The 2nd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is all set this April 28-29, 2012 at the municipality of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, which will bring Island to Highlands adventure to both participants and those who just want to experience a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here's a promotional video/ teaser by the DOT Region XI (Davao) of what to expect if you're joining the 2nd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge. This was taken during last year's competition.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is now part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature

Yesterday, the Department of Tourism (DOT), together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) gave recognition to Puerto Princesa City and its leadership Mayor Edward Hagedorn for the inclusion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Held at the DoT Atrium, the program was headed by no less than the Secretary of Tourism himself Ramon Jimenez, Jr., DENR Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio Jr, who represented Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, and a representative of Secretary Jessie Robredo, together with officials of the DoT and public sector representatives. The three lead agencies of the Philippine Government gave their commendation messages to the Mayor and to Puerto Princesa.

Metro Magazine, Shamcey Supsup and Philippine Tourism

Metro Magazine just launched its Hot List Issue featuring Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup. I was the one assigned to assist their shoot at the Department of Tourism. It was her second time to visit the Department of Tourism; the first was when the Bb. Pilipinas beauties paid then Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim a courtesy call before Shamcey left for the competition. Anyway, can't wait to see the other shots (she did two to three wardrobe changes in the DOT part only).



Now the Philippines' Miss International bet, Dianne Necio is in China for the pageant. Well wishes and good luck to her! Pinay Beauty reprezent! :) (Sorry for the crappy resolution of an iPhone 3G in low light setting...)


*We weren't able to take behind the scene shots of the Metro Mag shoot because we were forbidden to as it would preempt this issue

Rizal's Dapitan and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

After the successful launch of Rizal @ 150 Heritage Trail at the Rizal Park in Manila, the Department of Tourism, in partnership with DOT Region 9 and the local governments of Zamboanga del Norte, brought another launch in the peaceful Mindanao city of Dapitan, where Jose Rizal was exiled.



We arrived at Dipolog City Airport, had lunch, and proceeded to Dapitan City for the launch by the sea, at the Rizal landing site. After which, we toured all of the Lakbay Jose Rizal @ 150 sites in Zamboanga del Norte. Here are the following sites found in Dapitan City, Dipolog City, and Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte :)

1. Rizal Landing Site, Santa Cruz Beach, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - Punto del Disembarko de Rizal en Dapitan, Sunset Boulevard. On July 17, 1892, Rizal landed here at 7pm with Captain Delgras and three artillery men. They walked through Sta. Cruz Street with a farol de combate to the Casa Real where he was presented to Don Ricardo Carnicero, the Spanish military governor of the area.



2. Dapitan Plaza, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - A National Historical Landmark. It was planned and beautified by Rizal during his exile. Acacia trees which he personally planted can still be found in the plaza.



3. Map of Mindanao, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - A National Cultural Treasure. Rizal created this map as an aid in teaching history and geography to the locals.



4. Dapitan Church, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - Built in 1883, St. James Church of Dapitan has a historical market which can be found in the exact spot where Rizal stood every Sunday during his exile from 1892 to 1896.



5. Site of Casa Real, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - The official residence and administration building of the politico-military governor of the district. Rizal lived there from July 17, 1892 to March 1893 when he was transferred to Talisay, now the Rizal Dapitan Shrine. The original building was demolished in the 1920s.



6. Rizal Shrine and Waterworks, Baranggay Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte - Rizal's estate in Dapitan. It houses replicas of structures he built there for himself, his family, pupils, and patients including the Casa Residencia, Family Kitchen, Casa Redonda, Casa Quadrada, Casitas de Salud and Casa Redonda Pequena among many others. Jose Rizal purchased the property with his prize money from the Manila Lottery and his earnings as a farmer and merchant during his exile. He also built a waterworks system which can still be found within the city.



7. Dipolog Cathedral, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte - Rizal is said to have designed the church altars of the Dipolog Cathedral. Although the facade has been extremely renovated, the interiors remain relatively intact.



8. Rizal Farm, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte - The farm was acquired by Rizal from Calixto Carreon, a blind patient who offered it for free out of gratitude for his successful treatment. Rizal refused and paid him Php 200 for the land. He cultivated it every weekend with his pupils. The Rizal monument was a gift by one of his students.