Friday, March 30, 2012

Laura Ashley to open boutique hotel



The fashion firm Laura Ashley - famous for its flowery decor - unveiled plans to open a boutique hotel in the United Kingdom's Hertfordshire, according to The Guardian.
The paper says Laura Ashley bought the hotel (actual address still unknown) for around $9.2 million (£5.8 million) as a unique way to showcase its home accessories, furniture and decorations.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Hotel lobbies go digital


Welcome to the iHotel, where you can check in — but there's no check-in counter.
At the Andaz West Hollywood, a host stands near the entrance to register guests on an iPad tablet.
The 239-room boutique hotel — which also features free Wi-Fi and communal tables designed for laptop use in the lobby — is just one of many hotels that have adapted their reception areas to be a better fit for the digital-savvy guest.
Because working alone in a hotel room seems as antiquated to young business travelers as typewriters, these hotels are going for a Wi-Fi coffee-shop atmosphere in their lobbies.
At the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, electrical outlets have been installed on the surface of the lobby bar so guests can power their laptops and mobile devices 24 hours a day.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Saving energy pledge preludes Earth Hour event

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 28 (PIA) -- Around 300 people participated in a pledge to save energy and save the environment at the Oriental Hotel, MacArthur Park, Leyte, Tuesday as a prelude to the observance of Earth Hour. 

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Office Region 8 partners with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Department of Energy (DOE) gathering participants from government agencies, schools, business establishments, the army, media, and non-government organizations to commit themselves to save energy. 

Led by a student of Tanauan, Leyte high school, the 300 participants pledged to "save energy everyday." 

The pledge culminated the half-day Seminar on Electricity Conservation in Households and Schools. 

Read more

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Heavy rains flood Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, March 28 (PIA) -- The continuous downpour on March 27 has rendered many areas in Tacloban City flooded and several road impassable, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. 

OCD Region 8 Director and RDRRMC Chairman Rey Gozon informed at about 5:30 in the afternoon of March 27 that among the roads reported to have been rendered impassable to light vehicles were Maharlika-Nulatula at Barangay 74, Maharlika-Tigbao at Barangay 94and Maharlika-Abucay at Barangay 9, Barangay 109 at V&G Subdivision and Barangay 109-A. 

The other areas which were flooded were Abucay, Barangay 95 Apitong, Barangay 95 and 95A in Caibaan, among others. 

The Tacloban DRRMC through the TOMECO conducted ocular land survey on the flood and landslide prone areas in the City. 

Monday, March 26, 2012

P28M needed for flood project rehab


TACLOBAN CITY — Over P28 million worth of funds is needed for the rehabilitation of a Japanese-sponsored flood control project in Ormoc City, a local Public Works official said.

Irwin L. Antonio, assistant district engineer at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Ormoc City, said urgent desilting is required in the flood mitigation project in the Anilao and Malbasang Rivers constructed in 1998 through a grant from the Japanese government.
The efficiency of the projects has been reduced by silt deposits and debris which have accumulated over time, Mr. Antonio said.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Councilor Questions Tourism Slogan


Tacloban Blank Slogan
Tourism plays a vital role in a local and national economy because of its potential to create jobs, but tourism promotion for this city is lacking, a councilor said.
Councilor Bianco Mate questioned during their recent session the status of tourism campaign, particularly the tourism slogan.
Mate said Tacloban City does not have a slogan, which would help in catching attention of tourists.
Committee on tourism Chair Councilor Cristina Romualdez said some of the tourism slogans they came up during a meeting are: “City of Progress, Beauty and Love”, “City by the Bay”, and “Gateway to Eastern Visayas”.
“But these are not yet final,” Romualdez clarified.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Extorionist Caught in Tacloban


A 44-YEAR-OLD man alleged to be an “extortionist” was arrested by operating elements of Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas Regional Intelligence Division (RID) in an entrapment operation at P. Zamora Street,Tacloban City.
RID acting chief Senior Superintendent Tomasito Clet identified the suspect as Marlon Buenaventura, a resident of Barangay 95, Caibaan, this city.
Buenaventura was arrested around 4 p.m. of March 10 at the vicinity of Sto. Niño Church at P. Zamora Street.
Before the arrest of Buenaventura, a certain Eleanor Bico, 66, widower from Barangay Tigawon, Calanipawan, also this city, had asked for the assistance of the police, Clet said.
Bico said she had been repeatedly extorted of cash with a total amount of P300,000 by the suspect. Instead of giving in to the demand of the suspect, Bico personally went to seek police assistance.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Aggressive Business Expansion Targets Tacloban


Aggressive Business Marketing
ThreeSixty just opened two of its planned five outlets in Leyte. They now have 54 branches in total.
Tacloban, the provincial capital of Leyte, became the second Visayan city outside Cebu that ThreeSixty penetrated after Tagbilaran City in Bohol, where it operates two other branches. There are currently 50 branches in Cebu province.
“We are confident [we will] operate 60 stores when we mark our second anniversary on May 27 and 80 branches by the end of this year,” said business operations manager Len C. Ramos. Sites have been identified in Dumaguete and Iloilo cities.
Ms. Ramos said they were also scouting for sites in Ormoc City, about two hours away from Tacloban.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Smart Store in Tacloban City Now Open


Smart Store Opens in Tacloban
Smart, the leader in wireless communication just opened a Smart Store in Tacloban City. Located at 117 RSU Building, Zamora Street, with the goal “to provide a richer customer experience by enabling visitors to explore and play with products and services so that they would know which solutions work best for them.”
With newer, better and more innovative services and offers than the existing Smart Wireless Centers. Some of their features include a self-service section, a technical expert counter where the customers can go one on one with the questions they may have regarding their Smart products and the new launch pad (demo area) where users can test, interact and tinker with the showcased products.
This new Smart Store in Tacloban will open up new possibilities that will amaze all guests and visitors in the city, tourists and local residents alike.
Click here to read more

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Calayan takes care of Kring Kring


Christina Kring Kring Romualdez
One of the most beautiful Filipinas both in showbusiness and politics, Cristina “Kring-Kring” Gonzales-Romualdez remains to have a face even angels may envy.
And this lovely countenance is the new face of Calayan Surgicentre.
The two-term councilor of Tacloban City is the latest endorser of the leading cosmetic center in the country. She and two other lady politicians were chosen by doctors Manny and Pie Calayan, beauty doctors to the stars and pioneers of Smartlipo and Vaserlipo in the Philippines, to endorse the world-class Calayan Surgicentre.
Blessed with beautiful genes from screen legends Josemari Gonzales and beauty queen Rosario “Chayong” Gonzales, Kring-Kring’s mestiza good looks need special care, especially with her busy lifestyle.
As a councilor, Kring-Kring visits even the remotest areas of the city. She is also busy with her responsibilities as a public servant, the wife of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, mother to two girls, and even a businesswoman.
Kring-Kring herself admits that politics is stressful, hectic, and definitely unglamorous. Unlike when she was still active in front of the cameras where she was always made up, Kring-Kring now usually is garbed in polo shirt, jeans and rubber shoes as she goes around the city. She hardly has time to exercise and maintain a fitness regimen but she makes it a point to eat healthy. Now with Calayan taking care of her skin, face and body, she can focus her mind and energy on her constituency and her family.

Electric Vehicles Get Boost From Hotels and Car Rental Companies

Electric Vehicles Charging StationHand in hand, hotels and car rental companiespromotes a cleaner, greener and safer environment through electric vehicles. Car rental companies increase the number of electric vehicles for rent and hotels increase the number of stations to recharge them. A win-win situation for everyone – hotels, car rental companies, customers and the environment.

Electric Vehicles – A New Way to Travel

An electric drive vehicle is a type of vehicle that is powered by electricity instead of fuel. They are a safer and cleaner choice since they don’t provide as much environment footprint as fuel-powered cars, if any at all. Some electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf can travel up to 70 miles on a fully charged battery giving travelers the freedom to travel the distance before recharging at the charging stations. Hybrid vehicles are also available like the Toyota Prius. These vehicles can be powered both by fuel and electricity, enabling travelers to have flexibility in choosing which power they want to use instead of being locked to electricity only. This is very useful for places that don’t offer an electric vehicle charging station yet.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Hotels Try Harder to Woo Business Customers


In these difficult (economic-wise) times, hotels try harder to woo business customers. Gone are those days when business travelers just sleeps comfy in a room where lots of extra’s and perks are awaiting at the bar, the nearby restaurant or the room fridge at the expense of the company.
Businessmen staying in hotels – luxury or not – now need to explain to their financial managers or superiors why they chose a hotel and why consume the “extras”. Because of this, business travelers now choose a hotels whose room rates include the so-called extras.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Beach Resorts to Know Before Booking Tacloban Hotels

Tacloban Beach Resorts
Going to beach resorts can be a very fun experience. Specially if you are with your family and friends celebrating that special birthday, debut, wedding or just about any occasion. Here are a list of beach resorts near and within Tacloban city that can offer the best relaxation and recreation services in the area.

Jasmin Beach Resort

Brgy. Amambucale, Marabut, Samar, Philippines
Jasmin Beach Resort Near Tacloban
Jasmin Beach Resort is a paradise for nature lovers. Mediterranean-themed, crystal clear waters, colorful marine life and it’s white sand beach. The resort can accommodate for a lot of activities from simply a game of beach volleyball to island hopping. But that’s not all, there are more activities, recreation facilities and sports to be discovered. Ever tried relaxing above the coral reefs? You can do so with the famous floating cottages, a favorite among all beach-lovers of any age. It can cater for any occasion that may even require function halls or rooms and can accommodate up to 200 persons staying overnight. Backup power is available in case of power failure. The resort also has 24-hour security.
Jasmin Beach Resort can be accessed with an hour drive from Tacloban city, just 52 kilometers away. Public transportation vehicles like buses and jeepneys (another sight to see) bound to Borongan or Guiuan can be taken from the bus terminals of Tacloban city.

Caluwayan Palm Island Beach Resort

Brgy. Caluwayan, Marabut, Samar, Philippines
Caluwayan Palm Island Beach Resort Tacloban
Caluwayan Palm Islands Beach Resort is surrounded by amazing views, seascapes, coral reefs and coral gardens and rock formations and coves. The resort an eco-tourism oriented destination which is perfect for more engaging water sports and activities like snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and even sun-bathing. The resort is planning to expand its accommodation to guests by constructing new facilities like function halls and apartments.

Agta Beach Resort

Brgy. Talahid, Almeria, Biliran, Philippines
Agta Beach Resort Tacloban
The Agta Beach Resort is another of those beaches that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is located in the island province of Biliran, just north of Leyte where Tacloban is. It also offers eco-tourism views and sceneries like waterfalls, natural spring waterfalls and natural geothermal hot springs. It is relatively isolated and untouched making it an ideal way to connect with and understand the real Filipino experience. Although the opportunities for aqua-sport activities, some guests prefer to just sit back and relax. For those there is Jimmy’s House with 2 large pools and has a view overlooking the beach and nearby islands.

Other Beach Resorts Within Tacloban City

There are also other beach resorts that doesn’t require long travels and bus rides if you have booked a hotel in Tacloban. The list includes Sandy Beach, Vicmar Beach Resort,Leyte Park Resort Hotel, The Red Beach and Baluarte Beach Resort. These resorts sports white sand shores, basic hotel and accommodation for overnight stay and cottages by the beach for family and friends to enjoy with.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Hotels - A Home Away From Home


If you have a trip such as business trip or vacation, it is inevitable to go to places where you need to stay, such as hotels and guest rooms especially for the night. In these modern times, when someone says “hotel”, what comes in to the mind of the listener?
Nowadays, when someone stays at a hotel, it automatically implies that they are rich. Well, some hotels such as cambria suites, embassy suites, hampton inn, and many other “expensive” hotels really state that those who stays in these hotels are rich.
Hotels A Home Away From Home
But what really is a hotel? Let me explain to you further what a hotel really is. The term hotel comes from the French term hôte which means host. It referred to the building or structure that sees frequent guests/visitors. As the host, they provide the needs of the guests.
There are various types of hotels, which operates in the hotel’s size, function and cost. One is the conference and resort hotels, which often serves luxury service accommodation. Another type is the Historic Inns and boutique hotels, which contains luxury facilities with varying sizes and full service accommodation. Examples of these type of hotels are Conrad Hotels, InterContinental Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Dorchester Collection, JW Marriott Hotels, Starwood – Westin Hotels, Hilton Suites, Marriott, Hotel Indigo, Doubletree, and Hyatt.
One type of hotel is a motel, a short term for motor hotel. It is specialized in serving guests, such as motorists that stays for a short period of time, usually in nighttime. It has a swift and easy access from the room to the vehicle of the guest. Motels are mostly built at intersections and major roads for the convenience of travelers that needs a place to stay. Another type of hotel is the hostel which resembles a mini hotel. It has a cheaper cost for both the maintenance and for the stay. Hostels accommodate long-term stay for a cheap price. It has lesser features and facilities than the luxury hotels, but is good for those who travel far from their homes.