Monday, June 30, 2025

More Than a Loyalty Program: My Discovery Elite Raises the Standard for Filipino Hospitality

Discovery Hospitality, the trailblazing Filipino hotel group behind some of the country’s most celebrated hotel and resort brands in the Philippines, is elevating its signature loyalty program, My Discovery Elite, with a refreshed suite of benefits that reflect the brand’s enduring promise: heartfelt service, meaningful connection, and a deep understanding of what makes Filipino hospitality truly exceptional.
At the heart of the update is a new birthday benefit—Php 2,000 in hotel credits and double points throughout the guest’s birth month. It’s a gesture that goes beyond rewards. It’s about remembering, honoring, and celebrating guests in a way that feels personal—something Discovery has always done best.

One of the program’s most valued benefits is early access to Discovery’s biggest groupwide campaigns, such as the Independence Day Sale and the Black Friday–Cyber Monday Sale, where exclusive add-on discounts are offered on already reduced rates. Perks also extend to major travel events like the Travel Tour Expo and the Philippine Travel Mart. Seasonal members-only sales also feature limited-time deals, complimentary experiences, and insider privileges.
Across all tiers—Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—members enjoy a core set of privileges designed to enhance every stay. These include up to 20% off the Best Available Rate, a welcome voucher for food & beverage or spa credit, and complimentary welcome drinks. Members also receive spa discounts at Discovery Primea, Discovery Coron and Discovery Boracay, with percentages varying by tier and service. Additionally, a 10% food and beverage discount is extended to members (applied to the individual member only, with a max bill amount of Php 10,000), making every meal more rewarding.

These benefits span Discovery’s core portfolio: Discovery Boracay, the rebranded luxury beachfront icon in Station 1; Discovery Coron, a private island resort in Palawan’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; Discovery Samal, the largest resort convention facility in Davao; Discovery Primea, a premiere luxury address in Makati’s central business district; and Discovery Suites, a long-time favorite in Ortigas. These thoughtful touches reflect Discovery’s signature brand of service, known as Service That’s All Heart—a culture of care that’s consistent across every destination, from island escapes to city towers.

“Loyalty is no longer just about transactions and earning points—it’s about trust, relevance, and emotional connection,” said Jun ParreƱo, President of Discovery World Corporation and Chief Operating Officer of Discovery Hospitality. “At Discovery, we’ve always believed that brand love is earned through consistency, sincerity, and service that resonates on a personal level. My Discovery Elite is our way of deepening that relationship—by creating meaningful touchpoints that turn satisfied guests into lifelong advocates.”
What makes My Discovery Elite so distinctly Filipino isn’t just the perks—it’s the spirit behind them. The program is built on values that resonate deeply with local travelers. Guests are welcomed like family, their preferences remembered, and their milestones celebrated with sincerity. It’s this emotional intelligence—paired with Discovery’s consistent service excellence—that has earned the group some of the highest repeat guest rates in the industry.

As a proudly homegrown brand, Discovery Hospitality continues to lead the way in shaping what Filipino hospitality looks like on the global stage. It introduced the first all-suites hotel in Ortigas, setting standards for extended stays and personalized service in the local industry. From pioneering luxury in Boracay to redefining service across its entire portfolio, the group’s legacy is built not just on properties, but on people—and the relationships they nurture.

My Discovery Elite is not just a program. It’s a reflection of Discovery’s belief that loyalty is earned through care, not conditions.
To learn more or enroll, visit www.mydiscovery.ph.

SAY YES TO SM’S END OF SEASON SALE

There is no better time to revamp your wardrobe, refresh your space, and restock your must-haves than right now—because SM’s End of Season Sale is in full swing, and it is everything a bargain hunter dreams of.
This limited-time shopping event, which runs until July 6, 2025, offers up to 70% off across hundreds of stores, ranging from fashion-forward finds to home essentials and everything in between. Whether you are eyeing that new appliance, hunting for a sleek sofa, or itching to update your closet, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela have you covered.
Stretch your peso with irresistible markdowns from your favorite stores at SM—including The SM Store, Surplus, Miniso, Watsons, Simply Shoes, SM Supermarket, and SM Hypermarket. Fashion lovers can say YES to fresh new looks from SM’s trendiest boutiques, while wellness seekers can treat themselves to beauty and self-care finds, all in one convenient destination.
And it is not just about shopping—SM makes it an experience. Swing by SM Appliance Center for major upgrades on home electronics, Our Home for chic interiors, and Ace Hardware for DIY essentials. Feeling peckish? Make a delicious pit stop at the SM Foodcourt or explore the mouthwatering new food stalls at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela—where flavors from around the world meet local goodness.
So, whether you are in it for the steals, the thrill, or simply a good day out, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela are ready to welcome you with doors wide open and discounts waiting to be discovered.
Time is ticking, and the deals are flying—shop now, save big, and say YES to SM’s End of Season Sale before it ends on July 6!

TinBo Brings Home to Hong Kong: A Celebration of Freedom and Filipino Pride at HK Fest 2025

For four vibrant days, Hong Kong felt like home for thousands of Filipinos living and working there. HK Fest 2025 was more than a celebration—it was a tribute to the strength, heart, and unity of the Filipino community abroad.

From June 12 to 15, PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), through its one-stop online marketplace Tindahan ni Bossing (TinBo), together with partners MQuest Ventures and Philippine Airlines, led the celebration of Philippine Independence Day with a series of events that brought the best of Filipino culture, cinema, and entertainment to the city. It was a reminder that no matter how far Filipinos are from the Philippines, home is always within reach.

 

“HK Fest is our way of honoring every Filipino in Hong Kong,” said Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global. “We’re grateful to our partners and the community for making this possible. TinBo is proud to be part of your journey. This celebration is also a tribute to the strength and resilience of overseas Filipinos—their ultimate sacrifice to care for their families and secure a better future is nothing short of heroic.



On June 12, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong hosted a National Day Reception for overseas Filipinos and guests. Consul-General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Mrs. Catherine Joy P. Israel, and the honorable Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong Paul Lam were in attendance. The crowd was serenaded by Filipino musicians based in Hong Kong, and Asia's Diamond Soul Siren Nina. 

 


Overseas Filipinos have fun at the TinBo booth during the Makabayan Film Fest in Hong Ko



Fans in Hong Kong got to meet stars like Enchong Dee, Sid Lucero, Sue Ramirez, and Cedrick Juan in intimate conversations hosted by Ana Ramsey.

 


On June 14, the spotlight turned to the Philippine Association in Hong Kong Charity Ball held at The Ritz-Carlton. The evening honored Filipino excellence, including a special tribute to business leader and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan for his contributions to nation-building and support for overseas Filipinos. The night sparkled with performances from Randy Santiago, K Brosas, Donita Nose, Nina, and Richard Poon.

 


The celebration peaked on June 15 at Chater Road with Saludo 2025 -- a whole day event that featured the best of Philippine talents, from Filipino Communities in Hong Kong representing the different regions in the Philippines to the exciting performances by celebrities. Senator Raffy Tulfo joined the crowd, and the cast of Eat Bulaga—led by Bossing Vic Sotto—brought joy and laughter to the stage. The event also marked the official launch of TinBo’s newest campaign, Alagang Bossing, featuring Vic Sotto, which celebrates the everyday heroism of overseas Filipinos. TinBo also awarded a loyal ePadala user in Hong Kong with the Alagang ePadala certificate and P100,000. Winners from New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Australia were also announced during the event. Another lucky TinBo user in attendance won P100,000 on the spot during the raffle draw.    

TinBo is a one-stop digital platform that empowers overseas Filipinos abroad to support their families in the Philippines. From bills payment and mobile load to healthcare, insurance, and e-gift vouchers TinBo makes caring across borders simple and meaningful. Filipinos abroad can download the TinBo app via Google Play or the App Store, or visit www.tinbo.ph to start sharing the love with their families in the Philippines.

HK Fest 2025 was a celebration of freedom, family, and Filipino pride. And through it all, TinBo stood by every kababayan—proving that distance can never break the bond of home

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Michael Harris Conlin Wins 2025 Philippine Barista Championship, Paving the Way for Philippine Coffee on the World Stage

Michael Harris Conlin, a long-time advocate for Philippine coffee and social entrepreneurship, has been named the 2025 Philippine National Barista Champion, following his standout performance at the Philippine Barista Competition held recently at MAFBEX. His victory not only marks a personal milestone, but also reaffirms his mission: to build a beautiful coffee future by elevating Philippine coffee —  through connection, unity, and bold innovation.

With this win, Conlin will represent the Philippines at the World Barista Championship, to be held at HostMilano in Milan, Italy from October 17 to 21, 2025.

This will be Conlin’s second time competing on the world stage. In 2019, he made history as the first Filipino barista to reach the semi-finals of the World Barista Championship in Boston, USA, placing 15th in the world — a groundbreaking achievement that broke the glass wall and opened the path for more Filipino baristas to follow.

This year, his goal is even higher: to reach the global top 6 — and to bring home the World Barista Championship title to the Philippines for the first time.

Known for his deep commitment to uplifting Filipino coffee farmers and creating sustainable, community-driven impact through his ventures, Conlin’s championship routine centered on the theme of “connection.” It was a compelling message woven through coffee, community, and co-creation — demonstrating that truly exceptional coffee is not a solo achievement, but a collective triumph across the value chain.

“This win isn’t just mine,” Conlin shared. “It belongs to the farmers, the roasters, the scientists, the baristas, and the dreamers who all worked together to create something extraordinary. Coffee is about co-creation — and that’s what we’re celebrating.”

At the heart of his presentation was a championship blend of Philippine Liberica (Barako) from Laguna and Colombian Mokka, developed through months of experimentation and collaboration with world-renowned Colombian producer Wilton Benitez. This bold fusion symbolized the potential of cross-cultural partnerships to transform local coffee into world-class experiences — while proudly showcasing Liberica’s unique qualities to a global audience.

Beyond the competition stage, Conlin is the founder of Henry & Sons, The Giving CafĆ©, and the Institute for  Coffee Excellence, through which he has built long-term relationships with coffee farming communities across the Philippines. From advocating for fair trade and post-harvest innovation to investing in farmer education and product development, his work champions a common goal: to create a beautiful coffee future — one rooted in dignity, collaboration, and global recognition for Philippine coffee. “We’ve always believed in the beauty and potential of Barako,” he said. “This isn’t just about flavor; it’s about identity, resilience, and pride. When we unite as an industry — farmers, processors, scientists, and baristas — we don’t just compete. We resonate.”
As he prepares to return to the world stage, Conlin’s message is clear: this is more than a competition — it’s a movement. A movement to connect, to uplift, and to bring the spotlight to the richness of Philippine coffee. With passion, unity, and purpose, his dream is within reach — to bring the WBC Championship title home to the Philippines.

Michael’s competition coffees, including the Philippine Liberica  Colombian Mokka coffees, are now available for coffee lovers to experience at The Giving CafĆ©, and online through Henry & Sons’ official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TheVault.ph.

For more details about the Michael Harris Conlin and his bid at the World Barista Championship stage, please visit thevault.ph.