The Hilton Manila returns

The prestigious Hilton Manila is back as it recently opened at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. The hotel was officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Chinese dragon and lion dance.

Equipped with 357 modern and elegant guest rooms, the hotel has three signature restaurants (which I wrote about last week) namely the New York-inspired Madison Lounge and Bar, Shanghainese restaurant Hua Ting, and Kusina, an all-day dining interactive buffet. It also has two other dining establishments: the Port Bar, a perfect place to relish pre- or post-dinner drinks; and the Freestyle Pool Bar situated in its expansive free-form, resort-style lagoon pool.

A sophisticated oasis strategically situated near the airport and within the city’s lifestyle and entertainment hub, Hilton Manila will be a sure popular spot for the who’s who of the Manila scene.

(Hilton Manila is located at 1 Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay. For more information, visit www.hiltonmanila.com or call 239-7788.)

Redefining men’s footwear

(From left) SM Men Shoes merchandising head Charisma Layug, president for merchandising Nico Chu, business unit head Aldwin Co and Celine Marketing Group (CMG) chiarman and CEO Chan Kok Bin.

As one of the country’s leading shoe brands, Figlia has been designing stylish shoes for women for decades.

Recently, the brand launched its new line of shoes for men called Figlia UOMO with a fashion show attended by celebrities, fans, members of the media and brand ambassador  Piolo Pascual. 

Figlia president Joey Enriquez, Celine Marketing Group chairman and CEO Chan Kok Bin, president and general manager Raymund Sanchez, merchandising and marketing director Andrew Chan and director of supply chain and procurement David Chan were present to welcome guests to the event. Figlia merchandising director Jenny Wong, SM Men Shoes vice president for merchandising Nico Chu and merchandising head Charisma Layug were also in attendance.

Seen at the event were volleyball superstar John Vic de Guzman, TV personalities Marco Gumabao, Jairus Aquino and Mark Neumann and singer Jason Dy.

The fashion show featured the brand’s three main collections: formal, semi-formal and casual. Figlia UOMO offers the same quality and competitive pricing the brand is known for.

(Figlia UOMO is exclusively available at SM stores. For more information, visit www.figlia.com.ph/.)

Experience virtual reality at The Garage

(Standing, from left) Bandai Namco Amusement managers Ryuichi Osada and Yukiharu Tamiya with Kevin Benning and Michael Ziemer at the ceremonial turnover of the VR head gear for (seated, from left) Dan Hushcka, Julian Trono, Ataska Mercado and Carlyn Ocampo to experience the Mario Kart Arcade GP VR at the VR Zone.

Listen up, foodies and game enthusiasts!

City of Dreams Manila recently unveiled its newest attraction called The Garage, a virtual reality (VR) zone and food park. Leading video digital entertainment development company Bandai Namco Amusement from Japan provides top VR technology and experience at the VR Zone.

City of Dreams Manila chief operating officer Kevin Benning said, “The Garage is City of Dreams Manila’s latest attraction featuring unique entertainment activities in partnership with Bandai Namco Amusement. With its creativity and cutting-edge technology, we are honored and delighted to partner with Bandai Namco Amusement, and together blaze a trail in delivering extraordinary entertainment experiences that go beyond gaming and recreation in the Philippines.”

The 2,714-sq.-m. food park with 563-seating capacity offers a selection of 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hot Dog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced.  The Garage features graffiti works of street artists Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paeste.

At the VR Zone, during the launch, guests tried the three-minute Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, which enabled them to step right into the action-packed Mario Kart universe. Pam Pastor and I tried the Hospital Escape Terror, which could be played by up to four participants. Unfortunately, we failed to escape and both “died.” It was freaky to see myself being “chopped up” by blades, it seemed so real!

There also is a two-minute Ski Rodeo and other games that are coming up soon!

(The Garage is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, call 800-8080, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.)

Congratulations, HSBC!

HSBC GSC Philippines president and center director Belinda Chen (ninth from left) with (from left) Jay Ortiz, Delia Verma, Richard Venables, Mahaely Salido, Katherine Tan, Collene Daet, Bharat Lalwani, Mark Sto. Domingo, Dushyant Gupta, Allan Corocotchia, Guada Hocson, JP de Guzman and Mark Lugtu.

HSBC GSC (Global Services Centre) Philippines won the Asia CEO Green Company of the Year Award in the recent Asia CEO Awards 2018 for its strong leadership and participation in sustainability and environmental protection programs in the country.

The company has driven real change in its processes and practices by adopting the most wide-ranging initiatives to reduce paper, energy, water and waste. HSBC GSC Philippines is likewise an awardee of the Asia CEO Circle of Excellence for CSR and Wellness Company of the Year Awards.

HSBC GSC Philippines president and center director Belinda Chen was present at the Asia CEO Awards 2018. She was joined by her colleagues who were involved in the initiatives and programs implemented in line with the Green, CSR and Wellness Company of the Year Awards. *

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)