The Manila Hotel is Named No. 1 Cultural Hotel, No.1 Gourmet Hotel, and Among the Top 20 Premium Hotels at Trip.Best Awards

The Manila Hotel has once again affirmed its stature as the Grand Dame of the Philippines, taking top honors at the Trip.Best awards by Trip.com. The iconic landmark was named No. 1 Cultural Hotel 2025 and No. 1 Gourmet Hotel 2024 in Metro Manila, while also earning a spot among the Top 20 Premium Hotels for 2025.

The No. 1 Cultural Hotel award is given to historic properties that preserve their architectural style and heritage, offering guests an immersive experience of history. Established in 1912, The Manila Hotel has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities, with storied spaces such as the MacArthur Suite serving witnesses to pivotal moments in Philippine history.

Beyond heritage, The Manila Hotel shines in the culinary spotlight as its signature Chinese restaurant, Red Jade, secured the No. 1 Gourmet Hotel distinction. Known for its refined take on traditional Chinese cuisine, Red Jade has become a dining destination in its own right.

The Manila Hotel’s recognition as one of the Top 20 Premium Hotels confirms its standing as one of Metro Manila’s leading luxury destinations, blending heritage with modern amenities and world-class service. This distinction also highlights the hotel’s unwavering commitment to upholding Filipino hospitality at its finest.

Rose Angelie Quilicol, market manager for High Star and Local Chains of Trip.com extended her congratulations, “Warmest congratulations to The Manila Hotel for being honored with the prestigious Trip.Gourmet and Trip.Best awards. Long celebrated as the Grand Dame of Philippine hospitality, The Manila Hotel continues to stand as a timeless icon—where history, elegance, and exceptional service come together to create unforgettable experiences.”

“We are honored to receive these recognitions, which affirm our commitment to preserving the rich heritage of The Manila Hotel while continuously enhancing our service and culinary offerings. We remain grateful to our guests, whose support inspires us to keep the True Heart of the Philippines alive for generations to come,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

Banwa Private Island – Multi-Award-Winning Experience Receives Latest International Recognition

Manila, Philippines (15 August 2025) – Banwa Private Island, the ultra-exclusive private island in Palawan, Philippines, continues to solidify its standing among the world’s most exceptional destinations with its third consecutive inclusion in Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth for 2025.

Robb Report’s 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth, established in 2023, celebrates the pinnacle of global hospitality. Published by Robb Report, a leading authority on luxury lifestyle since 1976, the list is meticulously curated by 26 Travel Masters—globally respected luxury travel specialists renowned for crafting extraordinary journeys for an elite international clientele. Each expert nominates their top five exceptional properties, encompassing both new openings and timeless icons across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Among them is Henry Cookson, founder of Cookson Adventures, who lauded Banwa Private Island for its extraordinary marine setting and ecological significance:

"This is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands. It’s set in a marine-protected sanctuary, and we love it for its incredible diving—it’s possible to scuba alongside whale sharks as well as encounter the rare Hawksbill turtle and black tip reef shark."

This latest recognition adds to Banwa Private Island’s growing list of international accolades, including the Editor’s Choice Award in The Gallivanter’s Guide 2024; being named “Private Island of the Year” by Destination Deluxe for three non-consecutive years (2020, 2022, and 2023); “Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort in the Philippines” by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific in 2023;  “Best of the Best in Travel” by Robb Report Hong Kong in 2024; and “World’s Leading Luxury Private Island” by the World Travel Awards in 2019.

Banwa Private Island has become a preferred retreat for celebrities, heads of state, and private families seeking more than just privacy. With only six contemporary beachfront villas—each with expansive interiors, private terraces and gardens, a jacuzzi, and a full-sized spring water pool—Banwa Private Island offers an experience defined by space, serenity, and sustainability. Among the largest and most luxurious in the world, the villas provide rare comfort and complete seclusion, with discreet service staff available at a moment’s notice but never in view. Whether reserved individually or through a full island charter, each stay is designed to feel effortless, private, and deeply personalized.

Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island is surrounded by one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse marine corridors. Each guest stay contributes to vital conservation efforts through the Aquos Foundation, which supports habitat protection and scientific research—including in one of the country’s 10 Important Sharks and Rays Areas (ISRAs). Endangered species such as the Hawksbill turtle, blacktip reef shark, and whale shark thrive in these protected waters.

Sustainability is woven into daily island life. Banwa Private Island operates its own organic farm that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens. A self-replenishing artesian well provides natural water for drinking, bathing, and pools. The island is also uniquely mosquito-free, maintained through an entomologist-designed trapping system that eliminates the need for chemical sprays while safeguarding the delicate ecosystem.

Dining at Banwa Private Island is entirely bespoke—there are no menus to browse, no decisions to make. Each meal is thoughtfully crafted by the island’s chef, who takes time to understand every guest’s preferences and dietary needs. Using the freshest ingredients from Banwa Private Island’s organic farm and surrounding seas, the chef designs personalized menus that surprise and delight. Meals are served in stunning locations chosen to suit the moment—whether it’s a romantic dinner at Bantigue sandbar, sunset dining at the Platform, or an alfresco lunch by the pool.

Guests enjoy a seamless, all-inclusive island journey that extends to curated excursions, wellness treatments, and private aviation coordination. From snorkeling the vibrant house reef to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, each itinerary is crafted to inspire discovery and connection with nature.

As The Gallivanter’s Guide noted in its 2024 review: “The meticulous attention to detail is what makes Banwa Private Island truly special. The presence of vibrant flower bouquets that are refreshed every other day, the discreet room servicing during breakfast times, and the continuous replenishment of ice buckets and welcome treats—all without having to reach for the phone.”

“Today’s luxury traveler seeks more than privacy—they seek purpose,” said Simon Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Banwa Private Island. “Banwa Private Island delivers that rare combination of meaningful travel, uncompromising comfort, and untouched natural beauty.”

Villa rates begin at USD 3,050 per night, with a two-night minimum stay. Full island buyouts are available upon request.

For more information, visit www.banwaprivateisland.com

Porsche Design and HONOR Join Forces to Combine Cutting-Edge Technologies with Functional Design

Manila, Philippines, December 21, 2023 – Giant technology brand HONOR, and luxury lifestyle brand Porsche Design have announced a strategic partnership to create cutting-edge smart devices that combine exceptional design and advanced technology. The collaboration aims to deliver a range of high-end products, offering consumers a sophisticated and luxurious electronic experience that embodies the best of both brands.

“HONOR’s human-centric design melds with Porsche Design’s brand philosophy to create intelligent luxury products that will accelerate the mobile lifestyle of tech enthusiasts and Porsche aficionados alike. This long-term collaboration between HONOR and Porsche Design opens exciting new opportunities to bolster our growth in markets around the world,” said George Zhao, Chief Executive Officer of HONOR.  

 

The excitement surrounding this limited-edition collaboration escalated with a teaser poster showcasing Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the original designer of the iconic Porsche 911, who also created the world’s first all-black wristwatch. The poster highlighted the goal of becoming a future classic, paying homage to Porsche's design legacy. 

 

According to Stefan Buescher, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche Lifestyle Group, the exclusive partnership with HONOR is a milestone for the further expansion of Porsche Design’s iconic electronics product portfolio as Porsche and HONOR share the same goal to become leaders in the modern luxury segment of smart devices.  

 

HONOR and Porsche Design will introduce their first jointly developed smart device in China in January 2024. 

 

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website
 www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

Banwa Private Island Awarded as “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 8th June 2023 - Banwa Private Island is thrilled to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious award as “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” in the inaugural Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

Peter Nilsson of Banwa Private Island expressed his gratitude for the support of Travel + Leisure readers and the recognition bestowed.  He stated, “We are honored to receive this esteemed award. This accolade underscores the dedication and passion of our island team members whom we warmly refer to as ‘Banwaites’, in providing intuitive yet unpretentious, seamless service, creating inspirational and unforgettable experiences that capture the hearts of affluent, seasoned travelers.

Nestled in the heart of Palawan, Banwa Private Island offers a sanctuary of privacy and tranquility amidst stunning natural beauty.  The garden island features contemporary beachfront villas ensuring exclusivity and serenity for discerning travelers.  With its commitment to sustainable practices and immersive experiences, Banwa Private Island sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region.

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 serves as a prestigious platform that recognizes and celebrates the pinnacle of excellence in the hospitality industry in the region.  An evolution of the Travel + Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022, the awards program includes an expanded list of 16 countries and award categories.  Nominees were selected by a team of editors and expert contributors across Asia Pacific, without any paid promotions.

The award was announced June 5 at the Park Hyatt Bangkok in Thailand.

For more information and enquiries on Banwa Private Island, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

About Banwa Private Island

Banwa Private Island is an intimate all-villa destination for discerning guests wanting to experience privacy and seamless service in a marine and land nature reserve. Nestled in one the world’s last frontiers of natural biodiversity, north-eastern Palawan in Philippines, the island sanctuary boasts of breath-taking views, verdant landscape, pristine beach and turquoise waters.

Banwa Private Island’s beachfront villas are designed to soak our guests in the natural beauty of the island. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the outside to flood in, the beach and garden terraces are mere bare-footsteps away and an infinity pool melts into the ocean. For a quintessential island escape, guests can choose to stay in a contemporary-designed villa or exclusively charter the whole island for family, friends and colleagues.

Central to Banwa Private Island’s ethos, the Aquos Foundation was established to support, nurture and protect delicate ecosystems. Among its pioneering programs is the protection and restoration of habitats of the critically endangered Mantanani Scops Owl, Hawksbill Turtle and the Tabon Bird (Philippine Megapode).

www.banwaprivateisland.com

Phoenix Supports Sports Car for a Cause

Shiny, fast automobiles may be an expensive hobby but indulging in them gains more meaning with events such as the 3rd Sports Car for a Cause street car show, sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum and FamilyMart.

This year’s event was held on February 9 along 4th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, where proceeds benefited the Sister of Mary Schools and Fr. Al’s Children Foundation Inc., institutions that aim to help Filipino youth attain a better future through proper learning and education.

Students from the Sister of Mary Schools expressed their gratitude and serenaded the audience with choir singing accompanied by instrumental bells. Special guest entertainer Sitti also lent the event a relaxed, cool vibe with her bossa nova numbers.

Nearly a hundred car enthusiasts, including special guests comprised of ambassadors and consuls of various countries, were delighted by an impressive collection of high-end sports and classic cars from iconic luxury brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche.

Phoenix PULSE fuel items and merchandise were raffled off, and motorists were introduced to the superior line of Phoenix lubricants suitable for super cars, such as the those featured at the show. Free FamilyMart Coffee Creations samples were also handed out to attendees, providing their caffeine fix.

Landers offers 60% Off at Azalea

Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership shopping establishment in the country, ties up with Azalea Hotels and Residences so you can experience the perfect getaway as the Holidays draw near.

All Landers members can get up to 60% discount on room rates at Azalea in Baguio and Boracay. The discounted offer will include an overnight room accommodation and breakfast buffet. Those who will stay at Azalea Hotel & Residences Baguio will also get free parking for one car throughout the duration of the stay.

To avail the said discount, members can call Azalea's reservation hotline at +632 484-0080 to 81; mobile users can contact +63 917 861 1641 or +63 919 994 4140. You can also send an email to reservations@azalea.com.ph and mention the promo code "LANDERSSUPERVACATION." Another way to book your reservation is by going to www.azaleabaguio.com or www.azaleaboracay.com and filling in the information on the "Azalea Crazy Sale" tab. Make sure to use the promo code "LANDERSSUPERVACATION" to unlock special rates.

Promo rates are non-transferrable and members will be required to present their membership cards upon check-in. This promo is not applicable on public holidays and hotel-declared long weekends.

What are you waiting for? Don't miss this amazing offer from Landers and Azalea. Booking period is from October 9 to November 15, 2019 while stay period is from October 9, 2019 to January 30, 2020.

For more information, visit http://landers.ph/, www.azaleabaguio.com, or
www.azaleaboracay.com.

‘Tis the Season of Giving! Zen Zest & Scent Station Gift Sets are Now in Stores!

Just a few more days till the holidays and our favorite local fragrance brands Zen Zest and Scent Station are back with their best-selling holiday giftsets!

It has been a long-standing tradition, that Filipinos share love and joy among friends and families during the holiday season. As soon as the -ber months come rolling in, lists are created stating the perfect gift for each person.

However, last minute gift needs are something that cannot be avoided. Don’t worry, Zen Zest and Scent Station got you covered.

Over the years, both brands have provided quality and affordable gift sets which loved ones will surely be excited to receive. This year, nine different gifts sets are being released that consumers can choose from!

1) Sugar Rush in Box
Zen Zest’s cute and refreshing line of body spritz perfect of teens and teens at heart! You can purchase them at Php60.00 each. It’s affordability will even allow you to purchase the whole line to give a truly sweet sugar candy rush to your loved ones!

2) 2 in 1 Christmas Inspired Body Spray for Women
These Christmas Edition body sprays for women comes in 60ml bottles (Winter Apple & Sparkling Snowflake) that’ll surely make your loved ones feel the spirit of the holidays! It also comes in cute pink window box and retails at Php99.00 each set.

3) 2 in 1 Zen Zest Body Spray for Men
Packed in a 2 in 1 box is our own collection of men’s body spray. Perfect for men who are always on the go. Retails at Php99.00 per set too!

4) Body Wash with Loofa Set
A moisturizing and fresh smelling body wash that comes with a loofa and retail at Php99.00 per set!

5) 2 in 1 Christmas Body Spray for Women
If our 60ml body spray bottles are not enough, here’s one in a 75ml cute and classy bottle packaging. Also comes in 2 Christmas inspired scents, Snow Angel & Christmas Fairy and is still affordable at Php150.00 per set.

6) Aromatherapy Roll Ons in a box
Still haven’t found the perfect gift for the #TitasofManila? Zen Zest’s got you covered with their best-selling Aromatherapy Roll On in a classy box packaging. You can still choose from any of their best-selling scents: Energize, Uplift & Sleep. Each box is sold at Php150.00

7) Tea Tree Body Care Set
A cult favorite! Our best-selling Tea Tree duo in a box so cute, it doesn’t need wrapping! This best part? You can get this cute set for only Php199.00

8) Eau de Cologne (EDC) in a box
Take your friends back in memory lane when you give them one of Zen Zest’s best-selling EDC’s! This line has truly been the go to fragrance of every college student! A perfect blend of freshness and light scent that would suit almost anyone and everyone! Grab one at Php120.00 each.

9) Scent Station 2-in-1 C-Series
The series has always been a crowd favorite because of the wide selection of scents and its sleek and compact packaging that fits in perfectly with your every bag. Grab a 2 in 1 giftset for only Php100.00!

BONUS: Scent Station Limited Edition for Him & for Her Eau de Toilettes in a box
Scent Station will be selling these sleek and perfect for travel 20ml EDT’s in an awesome blue and pink box packaging. Perfect for gift giving and also very affordable at Php75.00 each.

Start off the Christmas shopping game right! Head to the nearest Zen Zest and Scent Station store and find the perfect scent!

For a list of the branches near you, you can check out these links: Zen Zest Branches / Scent Station Branches. For more info, you can also follow them on their socials:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ZenZestAsia/
https://www.facebook.com/scentstationfragrances/

Instagram:
@ilovezenzest / @ilovescentstation

Super Luxury Resort to open in Siquijor by 2020

A super luxury resort featuring 250 well-appointed rooms built within a 20-hectare property is set to open in the island of Siquijor by 2020. The new development is a landmark project of 8990 (HOUSE) through its newest subsidiary 8990 Leisure and Resorts.

Adama Resort Siquijor boasts of its own private white sand cove and top-notch amenities that highlight the natural beauty and topography of Siquijor. The master plan includes a central foyer that highlights the island’s natural scenery; rooms that are expertly designed to take advantage of natural light enhanced by the use of relaxing earth tone colors; and luxury cabanas beside Siquijor beach’s crystal clear waters. These masterfully designed amenities will be complemented by an exclusive butler service.

The new development marks the company’s first venture in the luxury resort category. According to 8990 Leisure and Resorts president Lowell Yu, the pioneering development will tap the relatively undiscovered tourism potential of Siquijor island who natural landscape that can rival some of the most popular tourism destinations in the country. He adds that Siquijor’s pristine reefs, white sand beaches and its reputation as a mystical island has captured the imagination of tourists who have visited the province. Yu is the man behind high-end membership shopping chain Landers Superstore, Popeyes Chicken, Kuya J, Isla Sugbu Seafood City and the iconic Grand Convention Center of Cebu.

Located in the Central Visayas region, Siquijor boasts of virgin white-sand coastline, clear turquoise waters, pristine reefs and enchanting waterfalls and caves which offer a more exclusive and exciting version of a getaway. It was previously called Isla de Fuego by the Spanish due to the warm glow from the fireflies in the molave trees of the island.

8990 Leisure and Resorts is the newest subsidiary of 8990 Holdings Inc., the largest mass housing in the country listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange as HOUSE. Adama Resort Siquijor is the first of the 10 new hotels and resorts of 8990 (HOUSE). All of which are expected to be completed before 2023 and contribute around P3.00 billion of additional recurring revenue to 8990 Holdings Inc. (HOUSE).

HOUSE generated record revenue of P7.01 billion and net income of P2.82 billion in just the first six months of 2019. Adama Resorts is set to open in the 2nd half of 2020, setting up the stage for its other luxury hotel Kura, and its urban hotel Argo. Together with Adama, these hotel and resorts are set to support the growing key tourist destinations of Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Iloilo, Siargao, Baguio and Metro Manila.

Voting for World Luxury Hotel Awards 2018 begins August 1

Club Paradise Palawan, a tropical paradise in beautiful Coron and a premier property owned by Discovery World Corporation and managed by The Discovery Leisure Company, is calling its loyal and satisfied guests, friends and partners to vote for them in the coming World Luxury Hotel Awards 2018.

Voting starts on August 1, 2018 and ends August 31, 2018.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards (WLHA) recognize service excellence and outstanding service delivery. They are considered the "pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry categories as voted by guests, travelers and industry players alike". 

Club Paradise Palawan proudly won two awards from WLHA in 2017 namely Continent Winner in the Luxury Private Island Resort category and Country Winner in the Luxury Family Beach Resort category.  

This year, Club Paradise Palawan is vying for the following categories: Luxury Wedding Destination, Luxury Family Beach Resort, and Luxury Private Island Resort.  To show your support, please visit https://luxuryhotelawards.com starting August 1, 2018 to cast your vote.

Club Paradise Palawan is an exclusive island resort in Coron, Palawan along the Biosphere Reserve of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It boasts of pristine white sand beaches, charming accommodations, delightful international cuisine and colourful, rich marine life. Guests can engage in a variety of exciting outdoor activities or simply relax to take in the calming sights and sounds of paradise.  

For more information, visit https://clubparadisepalawan.com.