Mother’s Day treats at City of Dreams Manila

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City of Dreams Manila pays homage to moms on Mother’s Day with diverse choices, from dining specials at its award-winning restaurants Crystal Dragon and Nobu Manila and finely-crafted chocolate gifts at Café Society, to a DreamPlay special treat, Nobu Hotel staycation packages and pampering treatments at NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa.

Crystal Dragon

Families can express their love and appreciation for their moms with a premium Cantonese feast at Crystal Dragon offered in an a la carte and two special set menus for lunch or dinner especially prepared by Chinese Executive Chef Bong Jun Choi, Crystal Dragon Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean, and their culinary team in the Mother’s Day specials are available from May 2 to May 14.

A la carte dishes include: braised sea cucumber and mushroom meat balls with brown bean sauce; pan-fried stuffed lotus root filled with chopped minced pork, wok-fried grouper fillet with fragrant spices and salted egg yolk; pan-fried scallop filled with minced prawns and abalone sauce; fried crispy stuffed chicken with prawn mousse and almond nibs; and wok-friend noodles with seafood, sliced pork, vegetables and century egg.

The Munificent 6-course set menu is composed of: a combination platter of deep-fried prawn on toast, hand-rolled pong-pong chicken and deep-fried crispy black pepper duck dumplings; braised seafood treasure with bird’s nest and spinach in superior broth; steamed cod fish fillet with shredded pork and mushrooms; oven-baked fresh scallop with fragrant cheese on shell; work-fried flat noodles with sliced beef and vegetables; and warm sweetened coconut flavor custard canton cake.

The more lavish 9-course Virtuous menu, alluding to moms’ virtues of unconditional love and kindness, offers : specialty appetizer platter of aromatic duck roll, deep-fried prawn ball, simmered shredded pork ear with spicy vinegar and Shanghai marinated fish slices; braised sea treasure and bamboo piths with crab meat in superior broth; home-made style steamed grouper fillet with ginger and cordy ceps flowers, crispy roasted chicken in double flavor preparations; wok-fried butter prawn with crispy pumpkin; braised abalone with mushroom, bean curd and broccoli, wok-fried egg noodles with abalone, vegetables and century egg, special dessert platter and chilled mango puree with steamed walnut custard bun.

The Mother’s Day Munificent and Virtuous set menus are at P2,380++ (minimum order for 2 to 8 persons) and P4,380++ per person (minimum order for 8 to 10 persons), respectively. Chinese tea is served with the set menus.

Nobu Manila

Moms and their loved ones craving for renowned Chef Nobu’s Japanese Peruvian fusion artistry will be delighted with the Nobu Mother’s Day Sunday brunch buffet on May 13. 

Nobu Manila Head Chef Mike de Jesus, Sushi Chef Kirika Oi and the culinary team will showcase Nobu hot items such as black cod miso, soy glazed salmon, Nobu style sisig; a selection of sushi and sashimi; yakisoba station with a selection of noodles and condiments; carving station highlighting whole fish lapu-lapu, roasted prime ribeye and vegetable fried rice; robatayaki at the cabana grilling station with various charcoal-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables; and a Mother’s Day themed dessert corner.

As a special treat, all moms will be given a gift of Nobu chocolate petit fours. Nobu Mother’s Day brunch is at P3,880++ per person, with sodas, juices, mocktails, and iced tea; additional of P990++ per person to avail of the standard alcohol package and P1,990++ per person for the premium champagne drink package. Children ages six to 12 years old dine at half price while those five and below are free-of-charge.

Café Society

For moms with a sweet tooth, the stylish delights at Café Society are the perfect Mother’s Day gifts among which are gourmet chocolate stilettos and purses in pink, red and zebra print at P1,200 net and P1,400 net, respectively. Other gift choices that would elicit smiles from moms are the jam flower brioche at P1,400 net and the pop cake at P425 net.

DreamPlay

At the only DreamWorks-inspired play space in the world, each mom is treated on Mother’s Day to a complimentary DreamPlay ticket when accompanied by at least two DreamPlay ticketholders. Moms can enjoy special bonding moments with loved ones in the more than 12 interactive and fun activities inspired by DreamWorks animations Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Puss in Boots and Trolls. Together they can create their own 3D animation inspired by Trolls, Kung Fu Panda or Madagascar movies, attend Gingy’s Cooking Class, learn fun martial arts moves from Po at Kung Fu Fighting Fast As Lighting Dojo, build and fly dragons at How to Fly Your Dragon, take an adventure at Shrek’s Swamp, watch Madagascar Puppet Show at DreamTales library starring King Julien and immerse in DreamWorks short films in 4D at the Dream Theatre. DreamPlay ticket on Mother’s Day is at P880 net per person.

Nobu Hotel Manila

Nobu Hotel Manila offers a month-long Nobu staycation package in celebration of Mother’s Day. The package includes an overnight stay with complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Nobu restaurant, P5,000 dining credits valid in City of Dreams Manila-operated outlets such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, The Tasting Room, Red Ginger, Jing Ting and Café Society. A special welcome amenity awaits moms. 

Guests can choose from Nobu Deluxe or Nobu Premier rooms with either city view or pool view, Nobu Executive, and Nobu Suite with the package net price starting at P15,888. The Mother’s Day offer is available until May 31, 2018.

NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa

To honor moms and provide them a respite from their busy schedules, the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Four- Star awardee NÜWA Spa and Nobu Spa offer curated Mother’s Day spa packages for a delightful pampering experience available from May 1 to 31. While gift vouchers are available, bookings can be made directly at the two spas.

NÜWA Spa at the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awardee NÜWA Manila, draws inspiration from Nüwa, the goddess who created mankind in ancient Chinese mythology. Among many of her great deeds, Nüwa smelted together five colored stones to patch up the azure sky, saving the world from destruction. The myth about the five stones encapsulates the fundamental principle of Chinese medicine that equilibrium can be achieved by honing the power of nature. NÜWA Spa captures the power of these “healing elements” and incorporates the soothing power of nature in the spa therapies.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, NÜWA Spa has hand-picked a few of the highly-acclaimed holistic spa treatments for an indulgent experience for moms. 

The 2-hour One Mom-ent in Time package consists of a bespoke body polish, gold hydration intensive facial and head, neck and shoulder massage at P5,800. For an immersion in Philippines’ age-old healing techniques, traditions and ingredients handed through generations, the 2 hour-and 30 minute Mother’s Day Out comprises Heal-ot massage with Dagdagay foot massage and NÜWA Radiance facial at P6,800 net. An option for Ayurvedic therapy to balance mind, body and spirit is available with the 2 hour-and-30 minute Mum Me-Time which includes Shirodhara treatment, Abyanga massage and OM facial express at P7,800 net. All packages come with a long-stemmed American rose and a signature chocolate bar.

The Nobu Spa situated at the Nobu Hotel Manila offers a fully-immersive rejuvenation in an elegant and contemporary Japanese oasis. The 1 hour-and-30 minute Super Woman Retreat consists of chocolate body glow treatment and Juan Hilot’s Pride massage at P3,800 net. For a more youthful radiance, the 2-hour

Flawless Mom package includes pink salt body polish and collagen skin booster facial at P4,200 net. For a total revitalizing experience, the 2 hour-and-30 minute Ageless Beauty package comes complete with a renewal massage, Dr. Babor BTX lifting facial and For Your Eyes Only treatment at P4,600 net. All packages come with a special Ikebana flower token and a signature chocolate bar.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 8008080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreams.com.ph.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa helms“The Nobu Experience” - a one-night culinary affair at Nobu Manila, City of Dreams

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World-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be in Manila to host “The Nobu Experience”, a one-night culinary affair at his eponymous restaurant at City of Dreams Manila on March 31, from 5 pm to 11pm. The experience will have the guests moving around the room, interacting with him and Nobu Manila’s chefs, indulging in dishes that are passed around canapé style, complementing those served exquisitely on a buffet counter, or prepared a la minute in live action stations.   

Capping his  month-long promotional tour to key cities around the world to visit select Nobu hotels and restaurants in London, Milan, Munich, Paris, New York, Melbourne, Perth and  Kuala Lumpur, Chef Nobu makes his last stop in Manila to spearhead a dinner for the third time since the restaurant’s opening in 2015.Chef Nobu is the recipient of the prestigious GQ Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 British GQ Food & Drink Awards, an accolade presented to him 23 years since opening the first Nobu restaurant in New York.

With the support of Nobu Manila’s Head Chef Michael de Jesus and Head Sushi Chef Kirika Oi and their team, the celebrated chef’s March tour finale dinner showcases  his Japanese-Peruvian fusion artistry in the selection of handcrafted finger food and other dishes to be served in strategic stations: the sushi bar for cold dishes, robatayaki station for assorted charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, a teppan table for meat carving items and another for salmon and shrimps, and a dessert corner for  signature pastries, sorbets and specialty desserts  made a la minute. 

A number of  dishes will be served to diners at table seats: freshly made hors d’oeuvres from the cold kitchen – such as Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Bigeye Tuna Sashimi Salad Skewers in Matsuhisa dressing, Tachiuo (swordfish) Dry Miso on Endive, Lapu-Lapu New-Style Sashimi; and Japanese Octopus Tiradito – and canapés fresh from the hot kitchen such as Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy, Black Cod Butter Lettuce with Crispy Kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry), Nobu Mini Tacos (King Crab, tuna, Wagyu, salmon avocado, and pork), Chilean Sea bass with Jalapeño Miso, Umami Chicken Wings with Sweet Soy Anticucho, Green Papaya Salad with Yuzu Dried Miso, Mixed Seafood Ceviche with Quinoa, Aka Miso Braised Short Ribs with Tofu Crema, and Roasted Baby Corn with Aji Amarillo. 

The carving station at the teppan table highlights Nobu-Style Wagyu Pastrami Sliders and Wagyu Gyoza with spicy ponzu sauce. The robatayaki station features assorted kushiyaki skewered & grilled beef, chicken, chicken skin, squid, baby octopus, leeks, and shiitake stars. At the sushi bar, a buffet of Nobu specialties includes Sake cup sushi, Kumamoto Australian oysters with Nobu sauce, Kohada (local gizzard shad), Norwegian Salmon Toro Nanbanzuke (deep-fried and flavored with red chili and leek, then soaked in vinegar), Japanese Uni Shooter Sake and Ponzu, Manila Prawn Cocktail; and Seared Norwegian Salmon with Karashi su Miso. Also at the sushi counter sushi, maki and sashimi are prepared to order, as sashimi  are sliced fresh from the fish  display.

The dessert action station features decadent treats prepared a la minute: Chocolate Bento cake, , Mini Miso Cappuccino, Nobu-Style Halo-halo consisting of shaved iced from either fresh fruit-infused Fiji water or fresh coconut water, and sake-infused yuzu, raspberry, and blueberry sorbets. Assorted mini pastries complete the selection, namely: Azuki Bean Crème Brulee, Green Tea Royal, Yuzu Dome Cake, and eclairs. The Chocolate Satandagi (fried donuts with a melted dark chocolate filling) will be the pass-around dessert. 

The one-night dinner experience with Chef Nobu is at P10,000 net per person and includes the canapé dinner, a meet-and-greet and photo ops with the celebrity chef, and a signed copy of  his book, “Nobu: A Memoir”. 

For reservations, guests can call 800 8080, e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Holy Week Staycation and Easter Treats at City of Dreams Manila

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Families and friends looking for a Holy Week getaway can choose to visit City of Dreams Manila and avail of the Nobu family staycation package with complimentary DreamPlay access and more, or the Easter “Eggs-perience” at DreamPlay packed with thrilling activities and goodies for the season.

Nobu Hotel Manila

Nobu Hotel staycation package during the Holy Week consists of a minimum two-night stay with buffet breakfast for two at Nobu Manila restaurant, four DreamPlay passes, complimentary Zumba classes during the guests’ stay, and free shuttle services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday for the Visita Iglesia and other Lenten services at the Shrine of Jesus church, near SM Mall of Asia. 

The four DreamPlay passes included in the staycation package enable families to bond together in more than 12 thrilling attractions and activities. They can bake and design gingerbread cookies, build and fly dragons, experience the excitement of DreamWorks short films in the 4D theatre, train to be a Kung Fu master, and a lot more.

Over at the Nobu poolside deck, families can indulge in a summer swim at the modern lap pool and dance their way to wellness with complimentary Zumba classes from 8 to 9 am, 9 to 10 am, and 4 to 5 pm.

The drop-off and pick-up schedule of the complimentary shuttle services from Nobu Hotel Manila to the Shrine of Jesus near Mall of Asia are at 10 and 10:30 am, 3 and 3:30 pm, and 7 and 7:30 pm.

The staycation package starts at P20,888. in a Nobu deluxe room, with booking period until March 28, 2018 and stay dates: March 29 to April 1, 2018. The complimentary buffet breakfast is for two adults and two children five years old and below. Children six to 12 years old enjoy 50% off the buffet breakfast price while those 13 years old and up pay the adult rate. Other terms and conditions apply.

DreamPlay

The Easter Sunday egg hunt, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon”, is one of the highlights of DreamPlay’s “Dragon’s Ultimate Easter Eggs-perience” on  April 1.

Guests who avail of the DreamPlay Easter package at P1,488 net per person get to also decorate their own plaster dragon egg, bake and design egg-shaped cookies, watch the limited-time run of the “Book of Dragons“ movie in 4D, enjoy 10% discount on all How To Train Your Dragon merchandise and enjoy an all-day pass at the DreamWorks-inspired play space for the rest of the day. 

For more information, call 800 8080, e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com .

City of Dreams Manila sets the bar for CSR initiatives with more than 4,000 active volunteers

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City of Dreams Manila recognizes the participation of more than 4,000 of its employees or approximately 80% of its workforce who in 2017 engaged in the luxury resort’s fourth year of long-term and sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

City of Dreams Manila’s year-round outreach program last year included provisions for basic needs, social and learning activities for orphans and the elderly; refurbishing classrooms through the Department of Educations ‘Brigada Eskwela’ campaign; annual blood donations for Red Cross; relief goods for those affected by disasters; and mangrove and tree-planting and coastal clean-up drives. The various undertakings were aptly named “Spoonful of Dreams” for the care of orphans and street children, ”Connecting Dreams” for the special time spent with the elderly, “Headful of Dreams” for educational sessions for children and elders “Hopeful Dreams“ for hospital visits to indigent patients and “Growing Dreams“ for environmental protection.

“Volunteerism is ingrained in our employees’ commitment to give back to the community in meaningful and creative ways. Various CSR activities are held at least twice a month and during these undertakings, employees throughout the ranks in different departments work together to help the less fortunate and conserve the environment,” states Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning.

Volunteers visited the integrated resort’s adopted orphanage in Paranaque, Bahay Aruga, monthly, providing the children with meals and creative learning activities. During the festive season, the orphans were brought to DreamPlay, the DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space at City of Dreams Manila as the volunteers assisted them in experiencing the various attractions of the popular facility, having their photo ops with Dreamworks’ animated characters and joined them at a hearty lunch at Chez Gingy.

Employees also contributed their time visiting the elders, orphans, sick and abandoned children at the Missionaries of Charity in Tondo, Manila, did general cleaning and laundry services to help provide the residents a more comfortable living space, prepared and cooked meals for the residents. In addition, to support the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela campaign with the Paranaque city government, volunteers cleaned and refurbished 12 classrooms in San Dionisio Elementary School, Paranaque.

Upon the invitation of benevolent blogger Jane Go, volunteers from DreamPlay and other departments together with DreamPlay character Puss in Boots brought gifts and cheer to children confined at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, a government owned tertiary hospital in Quezon City that provides pediatric medical care and clinical research.

Through the Purple Center Foundation, one of the resort’s beneficiary institutions, volunteers also gave immediate assistance and relief in the aftermath of a typhoon and fire in two separate incidents in Tondo, Manila. Canned food, bottled water, and medical supplies were provided to 1,500 families affected by the typhoon. Linens, bed sheets, cutlery, plates, glasses, and other basic items were given to 700 families whose homes were gutted by the fire.

City of Dreams Manila’s team members also reached out to various non-government institutions, among them: Anawim, a sanctuary to poor and abandoned elderly in Rodriguez, Rizal, with whom they engaged in social activities, provided care and basic needs; My Father's House in Manila for children in need of special protection, parental care and spiritual nurturing; Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in Cainta, a social enterprise which provides continuous holistic development to persons with disabilities including a livelihood program and rehabilitation; and the Hospicio de San Jose and Virlanie Foundation’s orphanages.

For the employees’ participation in the integrated resort’s semi-annual voluntary blood donation drive for its blood bank, the Philippine Red Cross, presented City of Dreams with plaques of appreciation for their commitment to help save lives.

Apart from the scheduled CSR programs, the Security team of City of Dreams Manila also spearheaded various CSR activities supported by other colleagues from various departments, such as: the coastal cleanup along Manila Bay and tree-planting in Cavite, a special thanksgiving tribute to the war veterans in Paranaque’s 16th district, providing them wheelchairs, walking canes, medicines and vitamins, bed pans, adult diapers, and food packs; and its own “Drop of Hope” campaign, periodically providing bags of food, water, and basic necessities to street children and families living along the coastline of Metro Manila.

The long-term volunteering efforts of City of Dreams Manila’s employees demonstrate the staff’s commitment to be good corporate citizens and their growing awareness and contributions towards the social and economic needs of local communities – an advocacy that they are determined to uphold.

NÜWA at City of Dreams Manila receives 2018 Forbes Five-Star Award

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NÜWA City of Dreams Manila achieves Five-Star rating in the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide, the only new Five-Star award for hotels in Manila. Forbes Travel Guide is considered as the annual “Oscars” of the hotel industry and is known for its exacting and stringent standards. The prestigious list of award winners is comprised of the world’s best hotels and resorts.

“It is through the vision and leadership of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho and the hard work and commitment of our management and staff that NÜWA City of Dreams Manila has achieved this recognition. We’re extremely proud of our colleagues for contributing to this high standard of service each and every day and we thank our guests for their trust and confidence,” said Kevin Benning, City of Dreams Manila Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited’s luxury integrated resorts in Macau and Manila garnered a collective total of 71 stars from 2018 Forbes Travel Guide. NÜWA Macau is the only property with a total of 5 Five-Stars for its offerings in accommodation, spa and restaurants. Altira Macau is one of only two resorts worldwide with quadruple Five-Stars; and Studio City’s Star Tower and NÜWA Manila are only two of the new 27 hotels to receive the Five-Star rating among other 50 countries.

“NÜWA represents Melco’s DNA of sophistication, quality, and innovation. Being one of the select hotels in the world that’s awarded the Forbes Five-Star is a testament to our dedication to provide the highest level of luxury experience and personalized service”, adds Geoff Andres, until recently the Property President of City of Dreams Manila prior to assuming the same position in Studio City Macau early this month.

Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide) has been the gold standard in the hotel industry since 1958. Its rating system is based on more than 900 objective standards for hotels, restaurants and spas worldwide, making it the most comprehensive and rigorous in the industry. To achieve Forbes Travel Guide Four and Five-Star status, properties must meet or exceed the bar-setting service standards, which are determined through an unannounced and undercover service evaluation conducted by Forbes Travel Guide’s expert inspectors.

NÜWA Manila’s Forbes Five-Star award comes a month after the luxury brand was launched on January 16 this year, when Melco Resorts & Entertainment rebranded Crown Towers in Manila and Macau to NÜWA. Melco’s new luxury brand NÜWA, inspired by the eponymous heroine in Chinese mythology, represents classic Asian refinement.

NÜWA, one of the three luxury hotels in City of Dreams Manila, features 254 lavishly-appointed contemporary rooms, and spacious suites and villas with personalized and dedicated butler service. Facilities include a free-form swimming pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art Precore fitness equipment; and the NUWA spa which provides a pampering experience in elegant therapy rooms and spa suites within the 654-sq.meter facility.

An elevated dining experience is also available at NÜWA, with: The Tasting Room, the newly reopened restaurant offering a Michelin-star experience with contemporary French cuisine infused with Asian influences; Crystal Dragon, known for its premium Cantonese and regional Chinese fare in a modern Oriental setting; and Breezes, a poolside restaurant and bar. The Sky Gaming Lounge, a well-appointed private space on the topmost floor is exclusively for Li Ying Hin VIPs. 

For more information on NÜWA, call 800 8080 or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com or www.nuwamanila.com.

A Nobu-Style Romantic Retreat at City of Dreams Manila

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Love is in the air at Nobu Hotel at City of Dreams Manila where two new accommodation packages and three spa packages are on offer for the love month of February. 

Couples booking the “Moments Made Perfect” room package will enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in a Nobu deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two, P5,000 dining credits that can used for an intimate dinner in any of the City of Dreams Manila-operated restaurants such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, The Tasting Room, Red Ginger, Jing Ting and Café Society, and a special Valentine’s amenity. 

For a rejuvenating experience, couples can opt for the “Stay Well” overnight accommodation in a Nobu deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two and a Valentine’s treat, a 60-minute renewal massage for two at the Nobu spa and P3,000 dining credits.

The hotel’s Nobu Spa also presents a “Journey to Serenity” offering a choice from three spa packages: Harmony, Couple’s Indulgence and Nobu Sparty. 

The Harmony package consists of a one-hour Renewal Massage – a combination of yoga stretches, Swedish techniques, and acupressure movements using relaxing blended essential oils – and a Nobu Sunday brunch experience for one guest.

The Couple’s Indulgence is a romantic escapade, starting with a soothing floral foot ritual of a refreshing exfoliation and deep therapeutic massage followed by an intensive 90-minute Philippine “Hilot” full body massage, to help calm the senses and aid restoration, and healthy light snacks at the Wave pool side restaurant where the couple can choose two healthy options from any of these: Thai Beef Salad, Santa Fe Salad, Tofu Wrap and Grilled Vegetables, and Grilled Caesar Chicken Sandwich.

The Nobu Sparty is designed for friends looking for an ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day together and toast to the good times. This Nobu spa package for three persons includes: a 30-minute express facial using products from the Pevonia skin care line, followed by a 60-minute Muscle Release massage to alleviate tension and muscular stress, easing stiff neck, lower back pain, and sore and tight shoulders. After an immersive treatment, healthy snacks follow at Wave restaurant to cap the pampering experience. 

The “Moments Made Perfect” and “Stay Well” Nobu room packages are at P12,888 and P14,888, respectively. The Spa Harmony, Couple’s Indulgence, and Nobu Sparty packages are priced at P5,398, P5,998, and P7,998, respectively. 

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 800 8080, e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com. Terms and conditions apply.

City of Dreams Manila employees won Asia’s Rooms Hotelier of the Year and Asia’s Unsung Hero of the Year at the 2017 BMW Hotelier Awards

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Two personnel of luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila bested their peers in the Asian region at the recently concluded 2017 BMW Hotelier Awards in Studio City, Macau. Director of Housekeeping Judith Matubis and Emergency Response Team Supervisor Michael Lumbres were named as Asia’s Rooms Hotelier of the Year and Asia’s Unsung Hero of the Year, respectively. They were among the 24 winners in the two awards categories for Greater China and Asia.

Judith was recognized for her more than four decades of innovative contribution to housekeeping as a vital component of hotel operations. A seasoned hotelier, Judith began her journey in 1972, and has since led the housekeeping team of various 5-star hotels in the Philippines, China, Thailand, Myanmar, and Taiwan. In her current role at City of Dreams Manila, she is often referred to as ‘the mother of Housekeeping’ for her maternal care and mentorship of the team members.

Ensuring guests’ safety and security on property is a prime most concern of hotels and integrated resorts operating twenty-four hours a day. A supervisor at City of Dreams Manila’s Emergency Response and Preparedness unit of the Security Department, and one of the pioneer First Aid & Safety Officers, Michael helps safeguards guests’ welfare. He also went the extra mile and volunteered as a member of City Of Dreams Manila’s Firefighting team. With his active participation, the resort’s firefighting team won the 9th National Hotel Fire Brigade Competition, amongst other awards.

“The recognition for Judith and Michael is a testament to their passion and exceptional diligence to ensure that our guests’ comfort and well-being are given paramount importance. On behalf of our more than 5,600 team members, we are truly proud of them both. As pioneers in their respective fields in housekeeping and emergency response at City of Dreams, they have set a new standard for others to emulate,” City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres stated, underscoring their valuable contributions in integrated resort operations and in the promotion of tourism in the country and in the region.

The 2017 BMW Hotelier Awards had more than 500 applications from over 70 different brands across 14 different countries vying for the Asia and Greater China categories. Winners of each category were decided by the expert judging panel through a two-round process and based on a combination of facts presented in the applications, interviews, and testimonials.

The award winners were presented with their prestigious trophies by one of the six judges alongside a representative from the partnering companies. This year’s partners included BMW, Nespresso for the third year running, Lucaris, Pernod Ricard, Sutherland, Bernardaud and Cathay Pacific & Cathay Dragon.

The judging panel was comprised of experts who, between them, hold a significant amount of industry specific skills and knowledge. Those judges were: Yona He, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific region of Forbes Travel Guide; Dai Bin, President of China Tourism Academy & Director of National Tourism Data Center; Alison Gilmore, Portfolio Director, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), Worldwide; Dr. Sacha Stöcklin, Campus Director, Les Roches Jinjiang, Shanghai & Managing Director, Cicas; Zita Ong, Board Member, Edipresse Media Asia; and Simon Kahn, Chief Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific – Google.

Now on its fourth year, the BMW Hotelier Awards celebrate the most talented and hardworking professionals who breathe life into a hotel and inspire the younger generation to join the hospitality industry. The BMW Hotelier Awards announced that in 2018, two separate award ceremonies will be held: The Hotelier Awards Asia in May in Singapore and The Hotelier Awards Greater China in November in Mainland China.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebrations at City of Dreams Manila

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The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year with enthralling Christmas and New Year’s Eve dining experiences and other exciting festivities at City of Dreams Manila. 

Santa giving out Snickers chocolate bars at City of Dreams' main entrance_

Santa Meet and Greet

During all weekends of December and on Christmas day, kids and kids-at-heart can meet and greet Santa at his log cabin for a photo op and receive a holiday goodie bag with Snickers chocolate bars at the main entrance. 

The Tasting Room

Foodies and gourmands can delight in the reopening of The Tasting Room and the introduction of its new chef de cuisine Frederic Thevenet from Michelin star restaurants in Europe and United States. Chef Thevenet together with Maitre D’ Stephen Moroney will captivate guests with a Michelin-dining experience. A holiday five-course dinner degustation menu is available from December 24 to 31: appetizer of Foie Gras Terrine with sangria jelly, papaya chutney, coco bean puree, and brioche; followed by Pollock with pomelos, mango, pear / Mâche (salad green), water cress, and Emmental. The Spinach Ravioli with egg yolk, black truffle, Bordelaise, green beans salad, and Parma ham is a fitting introduction to the evening’s entrée Beef Tenderloin with kohlrabi (cabbage turnip), lentils, and bone marrow. The Chestnut Parfait infused with clementine (a variation of mandarin) brings the dinner to a spectacular conclusion.

The Christmas and New Year Tasting Menu is priced at P5,588++ per cover.

Nobu Manila-Hamachi Jalapeno, Unagi Harumaki and Hotate Ratatouille

Nobu Manila

An exclusive seven-course Omakase menu will be on offer for New Year’s Eve on December 31. Brunch fare will be available for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebration on December 24 and 31, respectively from 11:30 am to 3 pm.

Nobu Manila-Norway Salmon Sashimi Salad with Ikura and Spicy Lemon Dressing

Nobu Manila-Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Truffle Dashi Broth and Seasonal Mushrooms

At the brunch buffet to be held a day before Christmas, a carving station will include Roasted Wagyu Leg and Baked Salmon with Honey Truffle, a buffet selection ofRoasted Kabotcha with Maple Miso Butter, Scallop Okonomiyaki, and Nobu-Style Uni Palabok. Pass-around items Baked Mussels in Truffle Butter, Chicken Lollipop with Sweet Soy Anticucho, and Rock Shrimp Tempura Creamy Spicy Sauce are paired well with the season’s freshest catch of sushi and special sashimi. A Christmas-themed dessert spread will aptly conclude the hearty feast.

Nobu Manila-Toro Tartar, Ossetra Caviar, Wasabi Soy Kumamoto Oyster New York Salsa Duo

Nobu Manila-Valrhona Mint Lava Cake with Rosé Granita and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For the December 31 brunch buffet, the Rosemary Miso Crusted Prime Rib and Baked Whole Ham Leg along with an assortment of grilled Kushiyaki skewers will be highlighted. In addition, diners can sample hot buffet items such as the restaurant’s signature Black Cod Miso, as well as Braised Shortrib Sliders, Yaki Udon, and Roasted Sweet Potato with Truffle Quinoa, among others. Soft Shell Crab with Truffle Aioli, Washu Beef, and Baked Mussels with Uni Butter will be passed around for guests to enjoy.

Likewise, the New Year’s Eve Omakase dinner lets guests relish seven of Nobu Manila’s scrumptious courses:  a “Zensai” of Senbei Chip And Quinoa Poke followed byToro Tartar, Ossetra Caviar, Wasabi Soy Kumamoto Oyster New York Salsa Duo; a Nigiri platter of Toro, Japanese Saba, Shrimp, Uni, and Japanese Hirame; a sashimi trio comprising Hamachi Jalapeno, Unagi Harumaki and Hotate Ratatouille; Norway Salmon Sashimi Salad with Ikura and Spicy Lemon Dressing; Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Truffle Dashi Broth and Seasonal Mushrooms; Wagyu Beef Croquette with Foie Gras Ganache and Smoked Cauliflower Puree; and Valrhona Mint Lava Cake with Rosé Granita and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

The December 24 and December 31 brunch buffet offers are at P3,880++ per cover. An additional P990++ includes the standard alcohol beverage line-up while P1,990++ provides the premium champagne package.

Crystal Dragon

Families and friends can celebrate Christmas at City of Dreams Manila’s premium Cantonese-style fine dining restaurant – Crystal Dragon. For the festive season, the restaurant offers a choice between a seven-course or eight-course Christmas set menu at P1,988++ and P2,388++, respectively, during lunch at 12nn to 3pm and dinner at 6pm to 11pm.

Set Menu A features dishes such as Pan Fried Fragrant Glutinous Rice served in Abalone Sauce, Steamed Cod Fish with Black Garlic Sauce and Garden Greens, and Chilled Sweetened Mango Sphere with Pan Fried Soft Skin Ube.

Set Menu B showcases Minced Turkey in Golden Cup with Seafood Platter; Braised E Fu Noodle with Chinese cabbage, Mushrooms and Lobster Tails and Creamy Custard Croquette with Kumquat Compote.

 

Red Ginger-Festive Promotion

Red Ginger

Aside from the venue’s best-sellers, a limited-time holiday a la carte selection will be available at Red Ginger from December 16 to 31. The Red Ginger Sampler of Malaysian Style “Otak Otak”, Lemon Grass Chicken Skewers, Tuna Salad Roll, and Sesame Crispy Prawn Toast offers a feast for the senses, along with the Wagyu Beef Phad Thai, Ayam Kodok (Indonesian Style Slow-Roasted Chicken).

Wave

A sumptuous barbecue buffet spread featuring grilled dishes and a variety of Eastern and Western dishes are served by the poolside during the weekly Sunday barbecue dinner at Wave restaurant. Available on all Sundays of November and December, not-to-be-missed staples are the lemongrass-stuffed lechon carving station, the grill with bratwurst, pork barbecue skewers, chicken inasal, and lemon garlic prawns, the risotto cheese wheel, cold cuts station, breads station, salads station, and delectable desserts.

 

Cafe Society Gift Items

Café Society

Ideal presents for loved ones and friends this holiday season can be found at Café Society with treats such as holiday cakes, breads, cookies and chocolates – including adorable chocolate Santa Claus confections in small or large sizes and colorful gingerbread cookie houses – on display until January 1.

A delightful array of delicacies will be available exclusively during the Christmas and New Year promotion, such as cakes and stollen perfect for festive gatherings comprising traditional minced pie, traditional stollen, traditional English fruitcake loaf, chocolate loaf signature cake, Christmas loaf banana rum pecan cake, and Dundee cake loaf.

Giant gingerbread houses together with the display of premium chocolates shaped like Santa Claus, a snowman, a reindeer, or a penguin make for both charming yuletide décor and yummy treats, complementing the holiday macaroons in boxes of 6 and 12, Christmas cookies in a variety of designs, chocolate balls, pralines, as well as nut and fruit bars in mango & cashew, and dark, milk, or chocolate variants.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 800 8080, e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.  

City of Dreams Manila celebrates the season of giving through granting a father's wish

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Following a touching father-daughter short video titled “Perfect Moments Made Real” that went viral in October with almost seven million views in Facebook, the luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila released another video granting the wish of a father to bond with his family this holiday season, captioned “This was our response to a father who had a simple dream for his family”.

The story of Don Pilapil, an app-based driver and bottling company agent and father of four, was discovered through his comment on City of Dreams’ first viral short video. He expressed a wish to have the time to bring his children to DreamPlay and have the same memorable experiences that his passengers seemed to enjoy when he would drive them to and from the resort. Because Don held two jobs, he got anxious about losing touch with his growing kids because of the little time he spent with them.

City of Dreams Manila’s team reached out to Don to give him the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience and quality time with his family, which included lunch in an elaborate set-up at the Grand Ballroom, play hours at DreamPlay and a staycation at Nobu Hotel Manila. 

“Don’s moving story was something we wanted to share with our audience on Facebook because it resonates with a lot of Filipinos striving for a brighter future for their families. In this season of giving, we take pleasure in making a father’s dream come true to have memorable moments with his family,” stated City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres.

Barely a week since its posting on November 30, Don’s story on City of Dreams Manila’s official Facebook page has reached over 1.4 million views, garnered more than 40,500 likes and reactions, over 7,600 shares and more than 1,600 comments. Don’s heart-tugging words certainly merit a thumbs-up: “I’ve learned that being a good parent isn’t measured by how much you’ve given. It is felt by caring, by spending time with them. So before they totally leave my side, if there’s something they could bring as they grow, I hope they remember that I have been a good father.”

City of Dreams Manila’s viral video ends with the caption “Make more perfect moments together”, which inspires its viewers to give the gift of time and love for their family this holiday season. 

To view the video, click on the following link: https://www.facebook.com/cityofdreamsmanila/videos/740108586180253/.

Chaos brings the house down on December 8 with Trap & Dubstep artist Ookay

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Chaos nightclub at City of Dreams Manila presents international DJ/Producer Ookay (pronounced “Okay”) on December 8 to set the party scene in full throttle. Paving the way for the trademark bass-laden Trap and Dubstep tunes of Ookay are Chaos resident DJs MVRXX and Jet Boado together with hype man MC Ronthug who will kick start the party with riveting energy.

Ookay is the stage name of San Diego-based Abraham “Abe” Laguna, who is best known for his heart-pounding and heavy-handed tracks synthesized with dub and trap beats. His signature style is evident in his latest smash hit "Bouncer" with EDM duo Showtek, which topped the Beatport EDM music chart following its release. In 2016, Ookay’s self-released original titled "Thief," was listed in Spotify and quickly went viral in the US and global charts with over 3 million online streaming listeners. The Sirius Electric Area program by Sirius XM Radio Station which is broadcasted across the US and Canada named “Thief” as the most played song on its first month of release. Ookay's undeniable creativity and talent has garnered support from the likes of Skrillex, Diplo, Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, DJ Mustard.

Cruising from city to city performing for various music festivals in the United States, Europe and Asia, Ookay’s releases including remixes of Congrorock’s “Bless Di Nation Ft. Sean Paul” and Steve Aoiki, and Chris Lake & Tujamo’s “Boneless.” He seamlessly combines EDM and Hiphop influences, while creating a musical style all his own. His collaboration with EDM superstar Diplo to remix Avicii’s “You Make Me” is also considered as one of his best works.

Armed with numerous ear-catching releases and a rapidly growing number of fans around the world, Ookay shows no signs of stopping, creating even more captivating hits including “Chasing Colors” featuring Miley Cyrus’ youngest sister Noah, “Back Again”, and “Lighthouse”.

The event is co-presented by Heineken and supported by Red Bull. For Chaos VIP table reservations, guests can contact 0917-8863678. Door charge is priced at P 1,000 inclusive of one drink.

About Chaos

Manila’s Chaos Nightclub offers an unparalleled nightlife experience. It is situated in the ‘Fortune Egg – an architecturally-unique dome-like structure, accentuated with creative exterior lighting and an iconic landmark in the Manila Bay area.