Diamond Suites & Residences

Diamond Suites & Residences, which boasts of 102 guestrooms and 27 condominium units, recently opened with ribbon-cutting ceremony and party complete with live band entertainment and dancing.

Highlight of the evening was the symbolic handover of the hotel key to Diamond Suites & Residences General Manager Ann Olalo, a seasoned hotelier with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The handover was led by Ray Manigsaca, Venus Manigsaca, Mario Lua and Jessica Lua and was witnessed by both Governor Gwen Garcia and Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young.

Diamond Suites & Residences is located at #8 Apitong Street, Escario and is owned by Sunsky Development Corporation.

Gothong Southern’s new boat experience

Gothong Southern’s recent launch of Doña Conchita Sr. raised interest among travellers nationwide. “I am amazed of my boat experience now than it was before,” a traveller named Geraldine said in an interview. “This isn’t usual, very nice experience for travellers like me and my friends,” she added.

“Wow, a café onboard!” Another traveller exclaimed as she entered Café Dara while she was on her way to Cagayan de Oro City.  Café Dara has a full-service kitchen that offers a wide array of treats for travellers who long for mouth-watering dishes onboard.  More than fun and excitement, it satisfies travellers’ taste buds for fresh and delicious food only Gothong Southern can deliver while at sea.  Passengers of Doña Conchita Sr. are accorded with less expensive, yet hotel-like and stylish culinary treats: a hearty soup, a choice of fish, pork or beef for the main course, and a dessert.  Budget-friendly treats are also available. Café Dara ensures that the food needs of passengers are met with satisfaction.  

The kitchen staff are no amateurs.  Jane Yu Franco, managing director of an uptown business hotel who operates the ship’s Café Dara, explained: “We have qualified cooks on board, highly trained at every level.” Mrs. Franco is a self-made entrepreneur with a wide experience in culinary operations’ dating back in the mid-80s that ultimately moved her to open a Culinary School in Cebu. She is known for her attention to details and high regard to food quality. 

With upgraded facilities and excellent customer service, Gothong Southern makes each voyage comfortable and hassle-free.  The usual inter-island boat ride has transformed into an overnight escapade among travellers. 

From eTicketing, eBoarding,  xBunk,  eRestroom and eSleeping, Gothong Southern assures every passenger of eXtraordinary boat  experience.

The eTicketing service of Gothong Southern allows passengers to purchase tickets online.

The eBoarding feature of Gothong Southern’s e-Travel is a convenient boarding process.  It gives every passenger a grand and warm welcome in wide and fully-air-conditioned lobby. With it are facilities and amenities such as a prayer room, free WiFi access, state-of-the-art audio-visual entertainment system, sub-zero beer sold onboard, complete dining facilities serving home-cooked meals and a free baggage allowance (four standard size balikbayan boxes).

What about xBunk? Passengers’ bunks are safe and comforable.  All xBunks are eXtra wide and eXtra long for eXtra comfort.  Safety box is under the headrest to secure valuables.  There is also a ladder with safety hand grab for upper bunks.  Individual AC Power outlet is available for cell phone and laptop charging.  Readers can enjoy a favorite book with individual reading light.  Moreover, there are also individual luggage rack, mirror, clothes hook, eyeglass ledge and drinking glass holder to serve the passenger’s needs. 

There are also 32 Business Class xBunks all with private audio-visual LCD entertainment systems (available on first come, first served basis), a privacy curtain and above- industry standard aisle space between bunks.

While many passengers worry about non-hygienic restrooms onboard, the eRestroom is an exception.  It is a 5-Star fully air-conditioned restroom present in all accommodations. 

With e-sleeping, there is no more onboard ticket inspection to ensure that passengers can rest have a good night’s sleep.

For passengers who want a hassle free arrival, there is a disciplined and regulated porter system. With Gothong Southern’s new boat experience, travellers have something to look forward to in every trip!