The world of Networld

MANILA, Philippines - For 12 years, that corner of Roxas Boulevard and Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue houses the little secret of in-the-know travelers. That familiar space, Networld Hotel Spa & Casino, proves that unassuming is not a bad thing. Considering its rather compact size, the Japanese-oriented service boutique hotel is a complete package in itself.

In terms of accommodations, Networld’s 89 well-appointed air-conditioned rooms are configured into standard, deluxe, executive, super deluxe, royal, and penthouse. Each room has in-room coffee and tea services, multi-lingual cable television, key-card locking system, safety deposit boxes, voice messaging system, and free Internet connection. Because Networld is celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, stay-in guests are in for a real treat.

“We are offering 50 percent off on our published rates, which means our rates are available from P2,650 net per night,” begins Networld general manager Raquel Marasigan. “Until the end of July this year, this promo entitles guests to complimentary daily buffet breakfast, use of sauna at SM Kenko Spa, and transfer facilities to Mall of Asia and Robinsons Place Manila. Another promo lets guests buy five Networld gift certificates and get one GC for free. It is a value-laden package that should not be missed.”

Travelers should not skip Networld’s food and beverage outlets — havens of delicious discoveries that defy description. Loyal guests know all too well that the Spanish-inspired Le Amoretto Café & Bar serves mighty good coffee, pizza, pasta, pastries, and local and international dishes. There is a regular nightly musical performance, and a P500 drink-all-you-can promo. Yes, that counts cocktails, beer, beverages, and juices.

Now, if Networld’s fiercely loyal Japanese nationals make a beeline to its Kaishu Japanese Restaurant, then one would already know that it is worth lining up for. The 570-square meter Kaishu serves fresh and authentic Japanese dishes for the most discriminating palate. Just ask Chef Shinsaku Hosono, who will never compromise the quality of his culinary creations. It is also Chef Shinsaku whose signature dish became a Networld favorite: the Japanese spaghetti. The pasta dish, with its quirky Japanese and Italian ingredients, has become an unexpected hit among guests. In fact, it is considered one of the favorites here, making fans out of local and foreign travelers.

Chef Shinsaku’s creativity has also led him to come up with the Bento Delivery. For as low as P300, Networld’s Kaishu Restaurant will deliver hot and fresh boxed meals at one’s doorstep.

People have a choice of five bento boxes, with chicken, beef, fish, California maki, and tempura thrown in for good measure, he says. So far, he says, the phone has been ringing off the hook because word has spread that Kaishu’s no-fail bento boxes can be enjoyed in the comfort of one’s home or office.

Guests with an appetite for rest and relaxation, especially those in the know, should happily share their secret hideaway in SM Kenko Spa. If one is looking for a true Japanese spa experience, then SM Kenko is the place. Networld offers a wide range of massage and spa services, from the Japanese Shitao Stone Face & Body Massage to its increasingly popular Moroccan Bath Body Therapy.

A few hours at SM Kenko Spa is all it takes to rub the day’s stresses off one’s system. In our case, it all starts at the sauna, where one can choose between wet and dry. The steam sauna is notable for its use of yomogi or Japanese mugwort, a type of plant known for its healing properties. “We import yomogi straight from Japan,” notes SM Kenko Spa operations manager Kits Tagle.

The sauna is also known for its one-of-a-kind hydro-jet pool, with its water jets massaging aching bodies.

“If there is something we are proud of, it is our uncompromising commitment to cleanliness,” says Tagle. “We keep everything clean for our guests. I think that is one aspect of our spa that its patrons appreciate the most. They know they are coming to a safe, sanitized and relaxing environment.”

Frequent guests also know that the massages at SM Kenko are one of a kind and are such an experience. “Our masseuses go through a very stringent training program. Being able to perform a massage is not enough. They are trained to be more meticulous.”

Men and women have their own common massage rooms, with more rooms to be added in the coming months. The executive room can accommodate seven persons, a great idea for spa parties.

“We have a Spa Party Package for seven people,” Tagle adds. “For only P6,300 net, the package includes exclusive use of the spa, one-hour body massage, unlimited use of the wet floor, manicure and pedicure, foot scrub, and welcome drinks. It is a great way to bond with family and friends as they have the room all to themselves.”

For in-house guests who would rather stay in the comfort of their own rooms, SM Kenko has the room service massage for a discounted rate of only P575.

The country’s first authentic Japanese health spa is also offering Spa Serenity, a good deal at P780 which includes an hour of regular body massage and shower. Transient guests can stay and relax for a couple of hours while waiting for their flight schedule and business meetings at the lounge. In addition, as part of the SM Kenko Spa’s 15 years of world-class spa expertise, it is offering 15 percent discount on all spa services from Monday to Friday until August.

SM Kenko also runs a full-service salon, complete with hair and make-up, facial treatments, waxing, and hand and foot services.

Aside from Networld, SM Kenko Spa has branches at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport: Terminal 1, West Concourse Departure Area, and Terminal 3, International section fourth level area.

“We are pleased that our satisfied customers have begun to spread the word about SM Kenko Spa. First-timers are always pleasantly surprised to discover us and our complete facilities, and they do come back,” Marasigan says.

The Networld experience would not be complete without a good spot of play at its casino, located at the basement and at the second floor. Networld has upgraded its machines to the top-of-the-line models. These are not the only ones leveling up; even their membership rewards card is upping the ante, says casino operations manager Ramil de Leon.

Basically, the cardholders earn points that they can exchange for raffle coupons, food and service discounts, and other valuable items. De Leon says, “The more points, the bigger the rewards.”

With Networld’s anniversary celebrations in full swing, the casino is holding Cash Bonanza and Play & Drive promos. The latter’s grand prize is a brand-new Toyota Vios to be raffled off on May 8, 2014.

GM Marasigan promises that all these features are just the tip of the iceberg. “We are happy that in its 12 years of existence, Networld has exceeded all our expectations. We have a high, sustained Japanese market, with locals and other foreign guests finally finding out about us. Developments are in the offing, including meeting rooms.”

“Remember this, Networld Hotel Spa and Casino, the perfect place for business and pleasure is going to be bigger,” she concludes.

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Networld Hotel Spa & Casino is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay City. For more information, call (632) 536-7777, fax at (632) 536-5835, e-mail at info@networldhotel.com.ph or visit its website at www.networldhotel.com.