Sky Ranch Tagaytay is first outdoor amusement park to receive Safety Seal

Tourists and visitors going to Sky Ranch Tagaytay can now visit and enjoy its many activities without worry as the local government of Tagaytay City recently awarded Sky Ranch Tagaytay with the Safety Seal— it’s the first amusement and recreational outdoor venue in Tagaytay City to be given such honor.

The Safety Seal tags establishments that strictly comply with the health protocols that are in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force’s (IATF) guidelines, such as proper wearing of face masks and shields, good ventilation and disinfection, and using the Trace Together contract tracing system. Having this emblem also allows the establishment to operate at an additional 10 percentage points beyond the prescribed venue operational capacity.

For an admission fee of only P50, visitors ages 18 to 65 years old now have a place to hang out or experience al fresco dining with scenic views of the Taal Volcano while filling their tummies with a wide array of yummy eats at Sky Ranch Tagaytay’s restaurants and kiosks.

Even paw parents and their pets can join in on the fun! Because also now open is the Royal Canin Paw Park, which is well-equipped with exciting and safe obstacles that are compliant with the standards of the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI). Aside from the obstacles, the park also features several Royal Canin dog houses where guests can take Instagram-worth photos with their doggos, and a covered seating area where they can simply relax after a fun-filled day.

Visit Sky Ranch Tagaytay now and have a fun-filled day with family and friends. Don’t forget to wear face masks, face shields and always practice social distancing while inside.

For more information and updates on the latest events and promos, follow Sky Ranch
Tagaytay on Facebook and @skyranchphl on Instagram.

Beyond Food Packs: Jollibee Group’s Community Kitchen in Response to Taal Eruption

In Ibaan, Batangas, an unassuming kitchen for Taal’s displaced families shows why it takes a village to rise from the ashes.

On January 12, the province of Batangas was rocked by the Taal Volcano’s sudden explosion, which sent over 38,000 families to various evacuation sites in safer areas. The disaster triggered a flurry of aid coming from different sectors, groups and individuals from all over the Philippines. For its part, Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) mobilized its FoodAid response, providing hot meals to more than 17,000 individuals and food packs to sustain over 2,600 families.

While Taal’s activity has since consistently weaned, and most of the province has gone back to normal, an interim shelter still stands in Barangay Talaibon, Ibaan, Batangas. It houses around 500 families who are unable to return to their homes located within Taal Volcano’s permanent danger zone.

At the heart of the shelter’s operations, the FoodAID Community Kitchen set up by JGF, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Batangas and its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, provides much-needed sustenance to the residents. Powered by volunteers from the displaced families, and supported by the Anihan Technical School and Bangko Kabayan, the community kitchen churns out fresh, hot meals twice a day for these families. This initiative was also made possible, in part, by donations of customers received through the coinbanks located in Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Mang Inasal, Highlands Coffee, PHO24 and Panda Express stores across the country, as well as in MerryMart Grocery and Islas Pilipinas.

The ds Kitchen is driven by JGF’s sustainable approach to its advocacies and programs. In the context of disaster, it is a response to the challenge of ensuring that internally displaced families have continuing access to sufficient and nourishing food even after the relief goods stop coming.

At the Ibaan temporary shelter, construction of the kitchen started on February 10, followed by fitting of equipment for high-volume production cooking. On February 24, the kitchen began its dry run phase, providing meals to residents according to a 30-day menu cycle developed by JGF. It will be turned over to the provincial government of Batangas within March. In preparation for the eventual turnover, volunteer family members and kitchen supervisors from the PSWDO are being trained on food safety and kitchen operation process flow. They also get hands-on experience through the dry run activities.

This initiative is inspired by JGF’s Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) School Feeding Kitchens, a partnership program in support of the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program that aims to keep children in school by regularly providing them with nutritious meals. The meals are prepared by volunteer parents in kitchens set up by JGF and managed by the school community and partner local government units.

The FoodAID Community Kitchen is built for high-volume food production at a Batangas temporary shelter. Volunteers learn food safety and kitchen operation in preparation for the kitchen turnover to the local government.

Cooking area before the FoodAID Community Kitchen was constructed.

DTI Charges Profiteers

Following the series of supply and price monitoring of N95 and surgical masks, DTI caught 18 retail establishments overpricing these essential products. Notices of violations were initially issued to give due process. With insufficient explanations, DTI proceeded with the filing of charges that imposed penalties of up to P300,000 per store.

The recent eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12, 2020 which affected not only CALABARZON but surrounding areas including Metro Manila, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) received reports on alleged overpricing of face masks such as N95, surgical, and other similar masks by some establishments.

Secretary Ramon M. Lopez ordered the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) to immediately conduct prices and supply monitoring of the above-mentioned products. The following days, 13-14 January 2020, enforcement activities were conducted in Bambang, Manila covering seventeen (17) establishments, twelve (12) of which were issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) pursuant to the Consumer Act of the Philippines or Republic Act No. 7394.

FTEB conducted another round of enforcement activities on January 15, 2020 and reports showed that another six (6) establishments were issued NOVs for overpricing. FTEB also reported that prices of N95 masks jumped from Php 50.00 up to Php 180.00 per piece and most establishments monitored were claiming that those products were already sold-out due to the increased demand.

All 18 establishments with NOVs were asked to submit their explanation within 48 hours from receipt thereof. Upon finding the explanations to be not acceptable, the NOVs ripened to Formal Charges against the erring establishments citing Article 52 of Consumer Act particularly for selling N95 at an Unfair or Unconscionable price and for taking advantage of the situation.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez warns establishments against taking advantage of the high demand by raising their price excess of the true worth of the said products. He also added that the aforementioned establishments will face an administrative penalty of up to Php 300,000.00 depending on the gravity of the offense.

For further inquiries, clarifications, and/or complaints, consumers may immediately connect through Consumer Care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384) or may email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

DTI ASSURES PUBLIC OF N95 MASKS SUPPLY WITH MEDTECS: DONATION OF 2,000 N95 AND 100,000 N88 MASKS TO BE GIVEN TO AFFECTED AREAS

MAKATI – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Chairman Ramon Lopez assured the public that there will be a constant supply of N95 face masks and N88 surgical masks in the market with the help of the sole local manufacturer of medical masks, Medtecs International Corporation Limited.

“The public should not worry as DTI is working to ensure the supply of reasonably-priced N95 face masks will be made available to the public to protect them from the ashfall generated by the Taal Volcano eruption,” said Trade Secretary Lopez.

Sec. Lopez and DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo met with Medtecs after the company gave 2,000 pieces of FFP2-N95 face masks and 100,000 pieces of N88 surgical face masks for donation to affected areas in Region IV-A through the DTI regional offices.

Medtecs confirmed they will be supplied with 400,000 more pieces of FFP2-N95 face masks from their mother company abroad by next week. They also have two million pieces of N88 surgical masks available and ready for disposal, which are being produced from their plant in Bataan.

Sec. Lopez thanked Medtecs—a healthcare product and services provider that sells a wide range of medical products in the US, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, and is the sole manufacturer of medical face masks in the Philippines—for helping during the crisis. Medtecs has already donated a total of 12,000 FFP2-N95 face masks and 500,000 N88 surgical masks for those affected by the volcano eruption.

“While we are conducting price monitoring operations to certify that there is no overpricing of medical face masks, we are safeguarding the production of critical products needed to address the calamity through a program of incentives in the 2020 Investments Priorities Plan as well,” Sec. Lopez added.

Medtecs Chief Financial Officer and Director Wilfrido C. Rodriguez gave their commitment to supply the needed medical masks in the wake of the recent Taal Volcano eruption and said they can produce bulk orders. They also said they have not increased their prices with the FFP2-N95 face masks still available for purchase at the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of Php60 via their hotline number (632) 8817-9000.

SM Distributes Boxes of Water Relief to Taal Eruption Victims in Batangas

SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and SM Foundation Inc. head to the evacuation centers in Batangas and Lipa to distribute boxes of 6.6L bottled water to the affected residents of the recent Taal volcano eruption.

The boxes of bottled water were given out to the victims who are temporarily residing in evacuation centers in Sto. Toribio, Banay-Banay, and Inosloban-Maraouy in Lipa and Batangas City Coliseum in Batangas.

SM Supermalls has partnered with the Philippine National Red Cross to extend urgent relief support and assistance to affected communities through its 12 malls in South Luzon. Those who wish to donate may drop-off their in-kind donations at the designated Oplan Tulong Express booths in the following SM malls: Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Molino, Rosario, Trece Martires, Imus, Sta. Rosa, San Pablo, Calamba, Batangas, Lipa, and Lucena.

For updates and announcements, visit www.smsupermalls.com or its Facebook page @smsupermalls.

‘No Price Increase for N95 and other Similar Masks,’ Vow Retailers and Suppliers to DTI’

Drug and medical stores committed to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that they will not increase their prices for N95, surgical, and other similar masks as the country faces the effects of the phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano which happened last Sunday, 12 January 2020.

Upon receipt of public reports about the rampant selling of overpriced medical masks in the market, the DTI immediately mobilized monitoring teams in the affected areas of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Metro Manila to monitor the prices and supply of said products, including those goods classified as basic necessities and prime commodities.

Monitoring reports revealed that N95 masks are sold at PHP 120 up to PHP 150 per piece while surgical masks that were priced at PHP 1.00 per piece were sold at PHP 4.00 per piece after the Taal eruption. These were mostly sold out due to an increase in public demand as ashfall enveloped nearby cities and provinces surrounding Taal.

“While we recognize that the N95, surgical, and other similar masks as medical supplies are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health (DOH), the DTI readily dispersed its teams to monitor the prices and supply of these masks to assist the DOH and the consumers. As the Health Department, we understand that its utmost priority is ensuring the lives and health safety of those who are affected by the phreatic eruption. Market surveillance and monitoring is the best form of immediate assistance that the DTI can provide. As the President constantly underscores, A whole-of-government approach is highly necessary and called for especially during times of calamities and disasters,” says DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

The DTI further clarifies that these masks are neither classified as basic nor prime good under the Price Act. Therefore, these have no Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) and were never part of the list of products being monitored by the DOH or any of the implementing agencies of the said law.

However, the Price Act provides that the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) in which the DTI and DOH are part of, can recommend to the President the inclusion of these masks in the list of basic or prime goods. When approved, the NPCC through the recommendation of the DOH and consultation with relevant stakeholders can set an SRP, if found necessary.

Since stocks of the medical masks are depleted, the DTI talked with local suppliers and major drug store chains such as Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Southstar Drug, to ensure that they immediately restock and ensure constant availability of supply in their branches, especially those located in the affected areas.

At the interim, current inventory in their branches and warehouses in non-affected areas will be distributed to their stores in CALABARZON and Metro Manila while waiting for the arrival of new stocks. Foreign suppliers were also contacted by the DTI to immediately send stocks to the country.

In an earlier advisory, the DTI reminds the retailers to refrain from unreasonably increasing the prices of N95, surgical, and other similar masks. Prices of manufactured basic and prime goods shall likewise remain unchanged as of the published 30 September 2019 DTI Suggested Retail Price Bulletin.

Those found to have committed profiteering or any form of illegal act will be filed with appropriate administrative and criminal charges and will be dealt with the fullest extent of the law.

Report overpricing and any other illegal act of price manipulation through the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

ADVISORY

It has been reported that some retailers have jacked- up their prices of face masks and gas masks, taking advantage of the surge in demand of these products due to the recent eruption of Taal Volcano.

The Department of Trade and Industry hereby issues notice to all retailers that we have dispatched teams to monitor and observe movement of retail prices in the market.

Those found to have unreasonably increased their prices for gas masks, face masks and other similar items, which act is tantamount to profiteering, shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

Prices of manufactured basic necessities and prime commodities shall likewise remain unchanged as of the published September 30, 2019 DTI Suggested Retail Price Bulletin.

DTI will not hesitate to file administrative and criminal charges against unscrupulous business entities and individuals who capitalize on the consumers’ need for their own profit.

PLEASE BE WARNED ACCORDINGLY.

Beat Holiday Stress with RedDoorz 499 Promo

The holiday fever is on! Mall sales, Christmas tiangges and bazaars are up and Chtistmas shopping is on everyone’s mind.

It’s easy to get stressed even just by thinking of how to navigate through the hustle and bustle of the days ahead, how to survive the horrendous traffic and get all one’s Christmas errands done.

RedDoorz, the Philippines’ No. 1 affordable hotel chain and Southeast Asia’s largest, fastest-growing, technology-driven hotel management company, may just have a good solution. For the month of October, RedDoorz is offering rooms at Php 499 for overnight stay at selected RedDoorz hotels nationwide.

This means..

1. You can rent a room to serve as “battle station” while you shop till you drop.

Shopping and walking with all those bags and packages in your arms can be really uncomfortable, plus the chances of you dropping or missing a package or two increases with each new purchase. You wish you could have a place to leave your bags so you can free your hands and do more “battles” at store counters and tiangge queues.

Why not check into a nearby RedDoorz hotel with a 499 Promo? You can deposit all your stuff while you go out and “shop pa more”, maybe even grab a bite or drink in between. You can rest assured that all your belongings will be safe. You can even grab some snooze time if you want.

2. You can beat the traffic with an overnight stay at an affordable but clean and comfy hotel.

         

The MMDA says traffic is going to get even worse, thanks to Holiday mall sales, night markets and tiangges. A lot of people decide to let the traffic subside by staying at restos or roaming around malls a little bit longer. Only to find out that a thousand other mall-goers are thinking the same thing. The result? You all get caught in the jam, and the traffic is still heavy even up to midnight.

Bypass the stress and the traffic. Check your RedDoorz app and look for the nearest RedDoorz hotel. Book a room and let the thought of the traffic melt away as you enjoy a warm shower, savor the clean sheets and treat yourself – yes, the family too! -- to a relaxing overnight stay. At very affordable rates.

         

3. You can cook up a quick, low-budget Barkada Party and save big bucks.         

It’s hard to find a get-together place this time of year. Restaurants are fully booked, bars are crowded and event places are too expensive. Instead of looking for a costly place and spending lots of money on food and beverages, why not hold your cozy Christmas party at a nearby RedDoorz? You’ll get a different vibe, lots of time to chill, and while you’re on a low budget theme, you can ditch the fancy foods and just party on chips, finger foods, and drinks.

4. You can have a happy, cost efficient Holidays.

So for the Christmas season, don’t be afraid to pursue your dream holiday staycation. Celebrate Paskong Pilipino with family and friends anytime, anywhere in the Philippines. RedDoorz’s affordable hotel rates – even those not included in the 499 Promo -- lets you experience and enjoy travel as much as you want, near or far. RedDoorz now has 200 partner hotels all over the Philippines from way up north in Baguio, to Pampanga, Metro Manila, Tagaytay and Palawan all the way down south to Cebu, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Tacloban, Bohol, Davao, Cagayan De Oro and Boracay. Your best Christmas celebration yet could be just a RedDoorz away.

Download the RedDoorz app on Google Play Store and App Store to find your perfect location this Holiday season.

YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY GETAWAY IS JUST A REDDOORZ AWAY

It's the ‘Ber months and it’s time to plan that holiday getaway with friends or family. What's holding back most people from going all out to make their dreams get real is budget concerns. Now, RedDoorz with its all-out traveller perks and budget-friendly rates will make this the most memorable holiday vacay ever.

This Holiday Season, why not target these new places where RedDoorz has opened up and making a big difference in the travel scene?

Davao

If your dream vacay is a nature trip, with some history, exotic scenery, shop-till-you-drop shopping and glorious, inexpensive food, mark Davao for your next adventure.

The Crocodile Park, the Philippine Eagle sanctuary, the Davao Butterfly House, Eden Nature Park and Resort, zipline adventures and more, are what make Davao a heaven on earth for thrill-seekers and adrenaline-junkies. Climb the summit of the “King of the Philippine Peaks,” Mt. Apo and get a 360-degree view from the country’s highest peak. Or go island-hopping and take a dip in the waters of world-class beaches.

Vacations are never complete without feasts. Enjoy native Dabawenyo dishes like sinugbang tuna (grilled tuna), inato (grilled chicken), pasayan (deep-fried shrimp), kinhason (baked scallops), and imbaw (clam soup). Sample their pomelo and durian products ranging from fresh fruit to candies to ice cream and shake. There are 22 RedDoorz hotels in the heart of this big city that will be your launch pad for your holiday adventure.

Palawan

For indelible memories, Palawan is Ground Zero for you. The natural beauty of its beaches, rivers and caves plus the tropical vibe that this island brings will mesmerize you.

Here’s where you’ll find its most popular attraction – the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the world’s longest navigable underground river – that has made it one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The Ihawig River is a perfect place to commune with nature and just feel good to be alive. A visit to this historic river will not be complete unless you experience its most famous tourist attraction, firefly watching.

And to complete your magical experience in Palawan, experience the sands of the popular Honda Bay. You can use the site as a jump-off place for a lot of other islands to travel to. Choose from any of 13 RedDoorz hotels in Palawan to be nearest the island attraction you want best.

Tagaytay

Sometimes you don’t need to go far to escape the stress of the city. Only a few hours away from the noise of Manila, you can find solitude and a much-needed break whenever you want.

Enjoy the City’s varied attractions, from the mind challenging and jaw-dropping Puzzle Mansion where you can find the most extensive collection of Jigsaw Puzzles in the world. The lady who completed all the 2D, 3D and 4D puzzles here – some as big as murals – is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the unmatchable number and kinds of puzzles she completed.

Enjoy Tagaytay’s cool breeze and chilly evenings with a romantic dinner or even just a hot sip of healthy Tagaytay Bulalo.

Don’t miss its most famous attraction - the People’s Park in the Sky. It stands at the highest point of Tagaytay and lets you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, the best vantage point to see Taal Lake and Volcano. If you want rides and kiddie adventures, visit the Sky Ranch for rides and panoramic views. You can find the best branded items at outlet stores in Sta.Rosa where you’ll find quality, outlet-priced gifts to give for the holiday season.

RedDoorz at the Ridge, Mahogany and Sta. Rosa are all just minutes away from all the best Tagaytay landmarks.

But whatever location you choose, booking your RedDoorz hotel will be easy as pie because the RedDoorz App is your go-to companion for your discovery adventure. This user-friendly, 100% safe app allows you to compare hundreds of hotels, get real time prices, read traveller reviews so you can plan your trip in detail. Once you’re there, RedDoorz will pamper you with free Wifi, clean beds, clean sheets, free toiletries, unlimited water and a pleasant experience – all for very affordable rates. Even paying is easy! You can use credit cards, Dragonpay or pay-at-hotel without need for credit card guarantee.

Just one RedDoorz away should also mean that entire discovery, booking experience is just “one-app” away and few clicks

So for the holidays, don’t be afraid to pursue your adventure. There are RedDoorz Hotels - RedDoorz, RedDoorz Plus or RedDoorz Premium - that fits your budget. You’ll be glad to know that a RedDoorz Hotel is just “one app and a few clicks away” in whatever city you choose.

Eton City: The Gateway to the South

In the last few years, an increasing number of people are moving into the peripheries of Metro Manila to settle into a more peaceful and less stressful suburban life. More and more offices and commercial centers are setting up in major growth corridors such as Laguna, Cavite, and Pampanga. However, this rapid urbanization also exponentially increased vehicular traffic in these rising districts. Because of this, finding a neighborhood that is centrally located and easily accessible from major road networks makes a meaningful and wise investment for those looking to purchase a property in these areas.

In Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Eton City makes a strong case for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living in a suburban community, like having access to wide and serene natural spaces, but still want to be close enough to the urban comforts and conveniences that surround the area. Before getting into the inner business districts and residential areas in Sta. Rosa, Eton City welcomes you to the South with its own exit along the South Luzon Expressway. It still offers a faster and safer route going to Tagaytay. With this exclusive exit, the Alabang CBD is approximately 25 minutes away and the Makati CBD about 45 minutes away.

Low-Density Residential Villages

Developed by Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the real estate arm of the Lucio Tan Group, each village in Eton City takes inspiration from various architectural influences, creating premium-themed communities that give way to elegant living.

Combining unique homes, verdant surroundings, and open spaces in distinguished village concepts, Eton City is envisioned to be a vibrant and accessible community. Strategically located with easy access to education, business, and lifestyle hubs, the themed residences and premium amenities of West Wing Residences, TierraBela, Riverbend, and South Lake Village will be investments that grow as individuals, families, and communities do.

Hospitality Startup RedDoorz Raises US$45 Million to Cement Its Leadership Position in Southeast Asia

Singapore, 29 July 2019 – RedDoorz, Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing hotel management and booking platform, announced today the successful fundraise of US$45 million in a Series B round. The Singapore-based startup has operations across more than 80 cities in four countries in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam and operates more than 1,200 budget hotels and properties.

The new round of funding was led by Chinese venture capital firm Qiming Venture Partners alongside Jungle Ventures and its network of limited partners. The round also includes new investors MNC Group (the leading media company in Indonesia) and saw continued support from Susquehanna International Group, Hendale Capital, International Finance Corporation and others. The company intends to use the new amounts to aggressively pursue growth strategies and further increase its lead in the region’s hospitality segment.

In the Philippines RedDoorz garnered over 150 properties in over 10 cities within just one year of operation. Besides Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Tagaytay and Davao, new areas have been opened up in Bacolod, Iloilo, Palawan and Baguio, with over 3 million customers served.

Amit Saberwal, founder and CEO of RedDoorz, said: “Our growth in 2018-2019 has been exponential. It has been such an important period for us as we were able to set the pace and establish new industry benchmarks in the affordable hospitality segment in Southeast Asia. We are still deeply committed to our vision of empowering the local hospitality owners and connecting them with a growing base of customers who are using our platform to discover new destinations and travel more. The journey is just beginning for us and we are very excited about becoming the go-to-choice for quality, predictable and standardised accommodations in the region”.

Helen Wong, a partner with Qiming Venture Partners, said of the new investment, “We have seen the trend of budget hotel chains in China about 15 years ago, and believe that standardized accommodation at affordable prices will appeal to consumers and business travelers in SE Asia too. As online penetration of the travel industry grows, RedDoorz will be a key beneficiary with the most extensive network of hotels in the region. The company has executed well to become number 1, delivering strong value to hotel owners in user acquisition, technology and customer service. We look forward to working together with them and sharing our learnings from the China market”.

Commenting on the new strategic partnership and investment with RedDoorz, MNC Group President Director David Fernando Audy said, “MNC is delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this funding round. We believe the company’s track record in the online accommodation booking and hotel management is a brilliant solution for the independent hotel owners across Indonesia and provides great value for mass market nationwide customers. RedDoorz has a scalable business model and a practical solution for the fast-growing online travel booking Industry, especially in South East Asia. We will support RedDoorz to grow the brand in Indonesia and overseas."

Anurag Srivastava, co-founder and managing partner of Jungle Ventures, said of the series B raise: “We are proud to reiterate our support for RedDoorz, on its mission to deliver quality accommodations for Southeast Asia. RedDoorz has consistently outcompeted its rivals and over-delivered on the expectations of all stakeholders, in building this business. We look forward to RedDoorz's continued success and value-creation for the region.”

RedDoorz has also recently announced that it is on track to achieve one million occupied room nights per month by year-end. As of July 2019, RedDoorz is growing five times year-on-year and it has already reached 500,000 occupied room nights, an industry-first in Southeast Asia’s travel and hospitality category.

About RedDoorz

RedDoorz is Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing, technology-driven hotel management company offering affordable accommodations for everyone. With a vision to enable people to travel more and provide an affordable reliable stay in all major cities and destinations across the region, RedDoorz is disrupting the hospitality industry by transforming the fragmented supply inventory into branded, standardised accommodations and leveraging its mobile app and digital channels to drive strong consumer demand.

The company was founded in 2015 by a team of senior executives with deep experience in the online travel and hospitality industry and has grown into a regional powerhouse with operations in Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. The firm has been growing by five times year-on-year.

As part of the RedDoorz brand network, hotel owners are able to grow their businesses and increase revenues while streamlining their operations. RedDoorz’s solutions help partners manage distribution, pricing, marketing, customer experience and technology solutions – offering an end-to-end platform powered by an advanced technology infrastructure. For more information, please visit www.reddoorz.com.

Reddoorz Makes Traveling Fun, Easy and Oh-So-Affordable

Current trends in traveling have drastically changed over the years. More and more people are looking for ways to start an adventure without having to shell out a lot of money to visit beaches, tourist spots, and other cultural landmarks, be it in the outskirts of the Philippines or in international territories.

One way to ride the wave of the travel boom is to look for affordable airfare and budget-friendly hotels.

Thankfully, Reddoorz, the hotel management and booking platform, has opened up opportunities for both local travelers and foreign tourists to find and live in comfortable, well-appointed hotels that cost only a fraction of the cost of five-star hotels.

The Reddoorz travel app – downloadable on the Google Play Store and App Store – has helped drive the travel fever, putting booking and access to affordable accommodations all over the Philippines at one’s fingertips. The Reddoorz app has consistently placed among the top 5 travel apps of choice, but climbed to Number 1 as of July 24, 2019.

With the help of the app and avid consumer usage, RedDoorz has enlivened the travel scene, accommodating tourists and travelers in over 150 affordable accommodations in over 10 cities in the Philippines. Reddoorz hotels can be found in the busy streets of Metro Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga to bustling tourist spots like Tagaytay and Davao,. The technology-driven company has caught the attention of travel-hungry people who are always on-the-go, letting them know that there is a best quality affordable hotel available at practically any time of the year, letting them save money as they experience big adventures. No need to postpone travel plans until after the usually big amount allocated for travel has been saved or earned.

It’s a “fly now, pay now” experience with Reddoorz. Lodging costs are so affordable, anyone can travel every time the travel bug bites. Furthermore, travelers will be able to allocate a portion of their money for other things like food, transportation, pasalubongs, and fun activities instead of spending a big chunk of the budget on lodging. The good news is, today’s budget hotels place a premium on comfort and convenience as well.

To make sure that not only tourists benefit, but the whole hotel industry as well, RedDoorz has partnered with smaller hotels and apartelles in various cities and key provinces to perk up the tourist activity in more locations.

So now, if the impulse hits to watch and swim with the whale sharks in Cebu, bask in the beaches of Palawan, see the century-old Spanish churches and houses in Iloilo, grab a bite of the famous Chicken Inasal in Bacolod, embark on a food trip in Pampanga, feel the cold air of the City of Pines or Tagaytay, or simply hang out in Manila, there’s always a range of properties to choose from to turn all that into reality. The Reddoorz App makes all that happen right when it’s wanted in the easiest possible way. Just choose the destination, find the Reddoorz hotel there and start packing.

Now crossing out target destinations from one’s bucket list is easy as pie.

Something New is Cooking at Restaurant Verbena

Make sure to put Restaurant Verbena in your Tagaytay food trip check-list because they’ve got a revamped menu with new exciting selections.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat with the Prawn Linguine, Tuna Burger, Fillet of Barramundi and Spanish Sardines Pasta. For those with an insatiable appetite for meat, the hearty Double Pork Chop or Braised Beef in Red Wine will satisfy any craving. It may be tempting to indulge, but leave room for dessert! Your sweet tooth will be spoiled with the Walnut Pie, Chocolate Orange Tart and the Classic Chocolate Cake!

Chef Jay Jay Sycip keeps his creations simple while spicing up the menu and offering more variety. Sycip also keeps dining casual but refined, with high quality ingredients at prices that give customers value for their money. He also stays true to his vision of sustainability, with a selection of Restaurant Verbena’s produce for the new menu items sourced directly from partner farms. Make sure to try the Kale, as well as the Thai Roast Beef Salad, with all ingredients sourced from neighboring farms. Not only does the new menu fit well into Sycip’s vision but he believes

More exciting dishes await you at Restaurant Verbena, so be sure to book a table today to get first dibs!

Insider Tip: Book a table online at https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/ and get a 10% discount.

Restaurant Verbena is located at Discovery Country Suites, 300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City, and is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM. For inquiries and reservations call +63 2 529-8172, e-mailreservations@dcs.discovery.com.ph, or visit https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/

ABOUT RESTAURANT VERBENA

Restaurant Verbena is the multi-awarded gourmet gem of Discovery Country Suites, serving the culinary creations of Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala. Set in the cozy elegance of this lakeside retreat, Verbena pairs the rich, stimulating flavors of contemporary fusion cuisine with the comforting ingredients of farm-fresh country food. The menu is complemented by a prestigious wine list of renowned international labels. Verbena's hearty country breakfasts are a highlight of every stay at Discovery Country Suites, as are the sophisticated selections of wine and cheese served at sundown. Stay up to date & follow them:

Make sure to put Restaurant Verbena in your Tagaytay food trip check-list because they’ve got a revamped menu with new exciting selections.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat with the Prawn Linguine, Tuna Burger, Fillet of Barramundi and Spanish Sardines Pasta. For those with an insatiable appetite for meat, the hearty Double Pork Chop or Braised Beef in Red Wine will satisfy any craving. It may be tempting to indulge, but leave room for dessert! Your sweet tooth will be spoiled with the Walnut Pie, Chocolate Orange Tart and the Classic Chocolate Cake!

Chef Jay Jay Sycip keeps his creations simple while spicing up the menu and offering more variety. Sycip also keeps dining casual but refined, with high quality ingredients at prices that give customers value for their money. He also stays true to his vision of sustainability, with a selection of Restaurant Verbena’s produce for the new menu items sourced directly from partner farms. Make sure to try the Kale, as well as the Thai Roast Beef Salad, with all ingredients sourced from neighboring farms. Not only does the new menu fit well into Sycip’s vision but he believes

More exciting dishes await you at Restaurant Verbena, so be sure to book a table today to get first dibs!

Insider Tip: Book a table online at https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/ and get a 10% discount.

Restaurant Verbena is located at Discovery Country Suites, 300 Calamba Road, San Jose, Tagaytay City, and is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM. For inquiries and reservations call +63 2 529-8172, e-mailreservations@dcs.discovery.com.ph, or visit https://www.discoverycountrysuites.com/best-restaurant-tagaytay/

ABOUT RESTAURANT VERBENA

Restaurant Verbena is the multi-awarded gourmet gem of Discovery Country Suites, serving the culinary creations of Executive Chef David Pardo de Ayala. Set in the cozy elegance of this lakeside retreat, Verbena pairs the rich, stimulating flavors of contemporary fusion cuisine with the comforting ingredients of farm-fresh country food. The menu is complemented by a prestigious wine list of renowned international labels. Verbena's hearty country breakfasts are a highlight of every stay at Discovery Country Suites, as are the sophisticated selections of wine and cheese served at sundown. Stay up to date & follow them: Facebook: /DiscoveryCountrySuites/
Twitter: @DCSTagaytay
Instagram: @discoverycountrysuites

Best Places in the Philippines for Foreign Retirees

With 7,107 islands featuring gorgeous beaches, upland communities, and busy metropolises, the Philippines offers retirement options for almost any person of any lifestyle. Thousands of islands can be challenging to choose from, especially if you are a nonresident retiree. Fortunately, by taking into combined consideration cost of living, the presence of basic necessities, and the overall retirement atmosphere of an area, it becomes just a little bit easier to narrow the list down.

1. Imus, Cavite

Imus, Cavite. Photo by Ramon F Velasquez via Wikimedia Commons

Imus is an ideal retirement location because it is very close to Metro Manila (approximately 19 km south of the capital), giving foreign retirees a quiet suburb to live in that is not too far from the conveniences of the capital. Earning cityhood in 2012, Imus itself is not one to lack in lifestyle amenities, as it is currently home to 14 commercial centers. While very urbanized, Imus still retains most of its provincial charm. There are also a number of residential developments to choose from, a few of which are upcoming projects by Ayala Land, Vista Land, and Megaworld.

Rent per month: Range from Php4,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse to Php13,000 for a three-bedroom house and lot

Hospitals: 5

Commercial centers: 14

2. Bacoor, Cavite

Bacoor, Cavite. Photo by Lawrence Ruiz via Wikimedia Commons

Widely described as a bedroom community where many of its residents are employees who commute to and from Metro Manila, Bacoor is currently transitioning from being a mainly agricultural economy to one that’s focused on residential and commercial development. Property developers have been keen on developing projects in rural–urban fringes like Bacoor, which will become the future southern terminus of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Also, part of the city will be traversed by the future Cavite–Laguna Expressway, making travel to nearby Laguna very easy.

Along with several shopping centers, the city has a number of resorts, cultural landmarks, and festivals. And similar to Imus, it is very near Metro Manila but still has a laidback, rural atmosphere, making it an ideal place for retirees.

Rent per month: Range from Php6,500 for a three-bedroom house to Php25,000 for a house in Avida Settings Cavite

Hospitals: 8

Commercial centers: 14

3. Tagaytay City

Taal Lake and Volcano as seen from Tagaytay Ridge. Photo via Shutterstock

While widely known as a tourist destination, Tagaytay City is also an ideal retirement destination thanks to its cool climate. Located in relatively short distance from Metro Manila, it is still far enough to provide the peace and quiet that many come to the area for—not to mention spectacular views of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Although Tagaytay’s popularity as a vacation spot makes it quite costly to live in compared to the other cities on this list, Cavite’s agricultural areas ensure that fresh produce here at least is very cheap. Further, if retirees suddenly feel a need to soak up some sun, the sandy coves of Nasugbu are just a short drive away.

Hospitals: 2

Commercial centers: 4 (including partially opened Twin Lakes’ retail area)

4. Cebu City

Downtown Cebu City. Photo via Shutterstock

Among the Philippines’ top three cities, Cebu may not seem like the best place for a retiree. But on the contrary, it is actually ideal because of the comprehensive urban amenities it offers. And being an island locale, it is very near a good number of tropical resorts and natural attractions, including the white sand beaches of Mactan Island. Properties can sometimes be a little costly in Cebu given that it is a major city, but this also means that there are many options available in various estates developed by some of the country’s biggest real estate companies.

Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse in Lahug to Php140,000 for a five-bedroom house in Banilad

Hospitals: At least 16 major hospitals

Commercial centers: 29

5. Santa Rosa, Laguna

Santa Rosa City poblacion area. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons

Another area predominantly serving as a suburban residential community of Metro Manila, Santa Rosa is situated a mere 38 kilometers south of the National Capital Region. The premiere city and hub of South Luzon, the city is often called the Makati of the South due to its economic activity sans the density and level of urbanization. The city is popular for being the location of Nuvali, a massive estate developed by Ayala Land. Sta. Rosa is also home to a number of special economic zones, industrial parks, and master-planned communities resulting in the increase of the city’s comprehensive modern amenities.

Rent per month: Range from Php19,000 for a newly built house in Avida Parkway to Php80,000 for a five-bedroom house in Pramana Residential Estates

Hospitals: 9

Commercial centers: 11

6. Calamba, Laguna

View of Mount Makiling from Calamba. Photo via Shutterstock

Calamba is often referred to as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its many hot spring resorts located on the slopes of Mount Makiling. However, the city has as of late come to be known as a residential destination as well, thanks to the emergence of developments like Ayala-Greenfield Estates and Ciudad Verde.

To complement the resort-like living retirees can enjoy in Calamba, its local economy is fueled by a number of lifestyle and commercial centers, providing residents’ basic needs. If the city gets too crowded for a retiree’s liking, however, the very laid-back campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the National Arts Center are just a short drive away.

Rent per month: Range from Php8,000 for a one-bedroom house to Php150,000 for a six-bedroom house in Brgy. Canlubang

Hospitals: 10

Commercial centers: 9

7. Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales

Subic Bay. Photo via Shutterstock

Renowned for being a former overseas U.S. military installation, the Subic Freeport Zone the Philippines. Along with its duty-free shopping, there are also a number of great schools, hospitals, and hotels and resorts in the city. While there is plenty to do and see is perfect for foreign retirees who want to continue their American suburban lifestyle in in the Freeport Zone, probably one its biggest draws as a retirement area is the location’s cleanliness and orderliness.

Hospitals: 3

Commercial centers: 5

8. Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City. Photo via Shutterstock

More popularly known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City is the capital and primary seaport of Negros Oriental. Typical of a provincial capital of an island province, the city is full of beach resorts and dive sites, and is considered one of the best places for beachfront living on a budget. In fact, the city was listed among some of the most affordable and ideal places to retire to in the 2014 Retire Overseas Index.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php18,000

Hospitals: 3 (tertiary)

Commercial centers: 5

9. Bacolod City

Bacolod City. Photo via Shutterstock

Identified by the Department of Science and Technology as a center of excellence for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology, the city hosts a number of BPO companies and voice call centers. While this has resulted in rapid urbanization, sugarcane plantations and heritage houses are still typical sights in the city. Like the island locale that it is, Bacolod also has a number of beach and resort properties suitable for retirement.

Hospitals: 10

Number of malls/commercial centers: 20

10. Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro Press Freedom Monument. Photo by Amarkgio via Wikimedia

Cagayan de Oro City has long been Mindanao’s melting pot. Situated along the northern shores of the island, its economy is driven by agricultural activity and real estate developments, most notably commercial and leisure projects. However, the city also offers plenty of natural attractions, including white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro River.

While highly urbanized and currently ranked the 10th most populated city in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro is ideal for retirement thanks to still being somewhat rural and laid-back but also being a place with plenty of leisure and medical facilities. The city is also very accessible, with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Rent per month: Range from Php16,000 for a fully furnished three-bedroom house to Php90,000 for a five-bedroom, 400-sqm house

Hospitals: 11

Commercial centers: 18

11. Davao City

Davao City’s Chinatown. Photo by Shubert Ciencia via Wikimedia

Arguably Mindanao’s commercial and business center, Davao City is a budding business hub and a popular tourist destination that many expat retirees have chosen as their retirement destination. It helps that the United States, Japan, Palau, and Malaysia have consular offices here. For such a fast-growing city, the cost of living in Davao is relatively affordable. The city is served by an international airport with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and even Singapore, while it is also a jump-off point to Samal Island for those who would like a weekend R&R.

Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 to Php90,000

Hospitals: 31

Commercial centers: 18

12. Baguio City

Baguio City. Photo via Shutterstock

Although Baguio City has experienced rapid urbanization in the last two decades, the City of Pines has retained most of its old charm. It continues to have the trappings of a highland resort, such as quaint B&Bs, cozy cafés, breezy tourist spots, and fresh produce from neighboring La Trinidad Valley. This, coupled with the cool climate, makes the city popular with vacationers and retirees alike. Although it is significantly smaller than other cities like Manila or Cebu, it is by no means inconvenient. It has a good number of commercial centers, BPO centers, good schools, and hospitals within its boundaries.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php110,500 for a forest cabin-style property

Hospitals: 5

Commercial centers: 6

13. Tagum City

Kayaking in Nabintad River, Tagum City. Photo by S5Switch via Wikimedia Commons

Although this city has always been overshadowed by its more popular neighbor Davao City, Tagum (the provincial capital of Davao Del Norte) has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It is cited as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines, and is home to a number of festivals including one that celebrates music and another that celebrates bananas (one of its main crops is the beloved fruit enjoyed all over the world). The city also has a number of good hospitals, branches of national banks, tertiary schools, and shopping centers, and is conveniently accessible to Davao’s international airport through the Pan-Philippine Highway.

Hospitals: 6

Commercial centers: 4

14. Lipa City

Lipa City’s poblacion area. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons

A recreational, religious, commercial, industrial, and educational center for the province of Batangas, Lipa City offers an adequate deal of urban amenities set upon a rural backdrop. Its location between Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot gives it a relatively cooler climate compared to its neighboring towns, making it an ideal location for leisure estates that target vacationers and retirees alike. It is home to a number of health resorts, golf estates, and gated communities.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000

Hospitals: 10

Commercial centers: 2 (major shopping malls)

15. Batangas City

Port of Batangas. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The largest city and provincial capital of Batangas, it is deemed as one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. Dubbed as the industrial port city of the CALABARZON region, Batangas City’s economy is mainly driven by trade, services, and manufacturing. Despite all this, the city is still relatively laid-back. Living in Batangas City gives retirees a central location that is accessible to beach resorts and trek sites. It is also the jump-off point to Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000

Hospitals: 5

Commercial centers: 9