Richmonde Hotels Roll Out The Red Carpet for Mom this Mother’s Day

Tweet

As the world honors the incredible women who bring the family to life and make lives brighter, the Richmonde Hotels in Ortigas, Eastwood and Iloilo have prepared to welcome all mothers with a specially curated lineup of treats in celebration of their special day this May. From gourmet delights to pampering stays to unforgettable experiences, loving offsprings and doting partners can spoil mom with blissful indulgences she deserves.  

Moms get a special Mother’s Day cake and other perks and freebies when you book her a staycation at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas under the Merry Month of Mom promotion available the whole month of May at rates starting at only PhP 4,200nett

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

The Richmonde Café serves up a lunch buffet in honor of mom on Mother’s Day consisting of a tasty spread of well-loved international dishes for the entire family to enjoy, priced at an affordable PhP 1,785nett per person.

If mom’s the type who’s always on the go, then booking her a fun and relaxing quick city break will be a cinch even with her full calendar because it’s the Merry Month of Mom at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas! Let her pick any day in May to have a staycation with the fam and she’ll get a petite Mother’s Day cake, a Richmonde neck pillow, Sampaguita smoothies good for two, 15% discount on in-room massage services, and the luxury to just chill out in cozy comforts and even take a refreshing dip in the heated indoor pool. Rates start at PhP 4,200 nett (room only) and PhP 5,200 nett (with breakfast buffet for two) and are valid until May 31, 2024.

Richmonde Ortigas’ Richmonde Café goes all out on May 12^th as it serves up a Feast for Mom at the Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet happening from 11:30am to 2:30pm. It offers an international spread of crowd favorites including sushi and sashimi, balsamic roast chicken, pork ribs barbecue, seafood thermidor, US prime rib, and a whole lot more appetizers and entrées. Not to be missed are the pasta and pizza stations where diners can choose their sauces, noodles, toppings, and ingredients and have these expertly cooked by the chefs a la minute. An array of breads, salads and desserts complete the menu. The buffet is priced at PhP 1,785nett, inclusive of one round of mimosa, and coffee or tea, plus a token for mom. Children 6 to 12 years old get 50% discount and those 5 years and below eat for free.  

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Give mom the best of both worlds on Mother’s Day and let her spend quality time with the kids plus get her some well-deserved me time as well. Book Eastwood Richmonde’s Summer Lovin’ Room Package which includes a relaxing in-room massage for mom.  

Feast on exquisite seafood choices and more at Eastwood Café+Bar’s Mother’s Day Lunch & Dinner Buffets for only PhP 1,799nett per person. 4+1 deal available.

When mom wants to have exhilarating summer fun with the kids but also some quiet time for herself, give her the best of both worlds with Eastwood Richmonde’s Mother’s Day Summer Lovin’ Deal. Take advantage of the hotel’s direct access to Eastwood Mall where the whole family can delight in awesome indoor recreation like playtime at SuperPark, and Artboom. As soon as exhaustion kicks in, conveniently return to the hotel’s comfortable rooms in just a few steps. So have a summer staycation as you celebrate Mother’s Day and enjoy breakfast buffet for two adults and two children 5 years old and below, welcome drinks for two at Eastwood Café+Bar (choice of coffee, tea, or iced tea), 20% discount on food and beverage orders, use of the gym and swimming pool, and just for mom, an in-room body massage, all for as low as PhP 5,800nett. This promotion is available for stays from May 10 to 13, 2024.

Eastwood Café+Bar brings a Feast from the Sea for mom on Mother’s Day with a curated menu of exquisite seafood favorites and a meat carving for a happy balance. Included in the buffet spread are garlic butter prawns, sweet & sour crabs, steamed maya-maya, baked seabass in thermidor sauce, sushi and sashimi, tender roast beef, and so much more! This Mother’s Day Buffet is available for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and dinner from 6pm to 10pm, for only PhP 1,799nett inclusive of bottomless iced tea and coffee or tea. Children 6 to 12 years old get 50% off while those 5 and below are free. Mom also gets to dine for free with the 4+1 Deal where if 4 persons at the table pay the full price, mom’s buffet is on the house!   

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

On Mother’s Day, bring mom to a global gastronomic dinner adventure at The Granary where she can relish an array of delectable cuisines—and even enjoy sips of “mom-osas”! The dinner buffet is priced at PhP 1,650nett

Hear mom say “Wow!” when you treat her to Richmonde Iloilo’s Mother’s Day Room Packages filled with wonderous experiences like a sunset cruise and wholesome pleasures like a soothing massage.   

Surprise mom with an unforgettable stay at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo with its amazing Wow Mom Mother’s Day Room Packages featuring wonderous experiences and wholesome pleasures mom will love. Give her some pampering time and make her feel like a queen with the Wonders of Wellness Room Package that includes accommodations in a spacious and well-appointed room, a choice of Moroccan full body massage, aromatherapy, Ventosa, head & back massage or head & foot massage for mom, 10% discount on additional massage and wellness services, and use of the hotel’s gym and pool. A filling breakfast buffet for two at The Granary, a serving good for two of the hotel’s signature All Day Treats consisting of an assortment of sweet and savory Ilonggo delicacies with a twist plus coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea, are also part of the package. Rates start at PhP 7,275nett.    

For a bit of adventure and exploration, let mom bask in the Waves of Wanderlust Room & Cruise Packages where she and the family get to see a different side of Iloilo City via an exclusive boat tour and relish the comforts of Richmonde at the same time. Mom’s Sunset Cruise is a viewing of the magnificent sunset along Guimaras Strait from 4pm to 7pm and is priced at PhP 30,000 nett, while the Ride the River with Mom is a nighttime city tour along Iloilo River from 7:30pm to 10:30pm priced at PhP 27,400 nett. Both packages include the following: overnight stay in two Deluxe rooms for a maximum of two adults and two children 12 years old and below per room, breakfast buffet for two adults and two children five years old and below, 50% discount on buffet breakfast for children 6 to 12 years of age, van transfers from the hotel to The Boat Club and vice versa, charter cruise good for a maximum of 10 persons with refreshments consisting of pastries, charcuterie and more with non-alcoholic drinks. For additional room bookings, the special rate of PhP 5,300 for a Deluxe room with breakfast may be applied.    

 It will be a momentous occasion indeed come Sunday, May 12^th at Richmonde Iloilo’s The Granary as it makes way for a spirited celebration in honor of mom. The kitchen team prepares a delectable dinner buffet filled with global cuisine highlighted by Italian antipasti, Spanish tapas, Japanese sashimi and tempura, a hotpot station, dim sum bar, shawarma, and premium meats of roast lamb leg, braised short plate, and lechon Ilonggo at the carving table. To add to the fun, MOMosas (mimosas) and other refreshments will be served at the Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet, which is priced at only PhP 1,650nett. Children 6 to 12 years old get half off the buffet rate and toddlers 5 years and below eat for free.     

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is located at 21 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. To reserve or inquire, call (632) 8638 7777 or (63) 917 859 7914 or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. To book online with instant confirmation, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. Follow Richmonde Hotel Ortigas on Facebook and Instagram @RichmondeHotelOrtigas for the latest hotel updates.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel is located at 17 Orchard Road, Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City. To reserve or inquire, call (632) 8570-7777 or (63) 917 521 6867 or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. To book online with instant confirmation, log on to www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph. Follow Eastwood Richmonde Hotel on Facebook and Instagram @EastwoodRichmondeHotel for the latest hotel updates.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is located at Megaworld Blvd. cor Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. To reserve or inquire, call (6333) 328 7888 or (63) 917 580 9642 or email stay@richmondeiloilo.com. To book online with instant confirmation, log on to www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph. Follow Richmonde Hotel Iloilo on Facebook and Instagram @RichmondeHotelIloilo for the latest hotel updates.

The Richmonde Hotel group is the first homegrown hotel brand established by the country’s premier real estate developer, Megarowld Corporation, under its hospitality division, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. Currently, there are three Richmonde properties located in key commercial and business districts in Metro Manila and Iloilo City. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, log on to www.richmondehotels.com.ph and follow @richmondehotels on Facebook and Instagram.

Take the first step to a healthier future at Araneta City

Tweet

Easily find the medical services you need at this health and wellness hub

There is a growing trend of people being more conscious about their health. According to the GWI Consumer Trends Report 2022, 98% of Filipino consumers are more conscious about their health and have made the switch to a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, 68% said that they have found ways to be more physically healthy – an encouraging sign pointing towards more Filipinos being proactive about their health.

But there is still much to be done when it comes to our attitude about going to the doctor and ensuring that every part of our body is functioning well. According to a study by Capstone-Intel Corp., only 40% of Filipinos go for annual checkups, and even when they are feeling sick, only 33% consult a physician.

This is a concern that is being addressed at Araneta City. As a rising health and wellness hub, the City of Firsts hosts a wide array of medical clinics and laboratories where people can readily avail themselves of a variety of medical procedures and services with ease. All these are conveniently located in residential towers, office buildings, and malls to help promote a health-seeking attitude among Araneta City-zens.

Here are some of the healthcare facilities you can find at the City of Firsts:

• MakatiMed Care Access Araneta City

Located at the Ground Floor of Manhattan Plaza, the MakatiMed Care Access Araneta City is the first health facility of the renowned Makati Medical Center outside Makati City. It offers the best healthcare services to those living and working in and around Araneta City. Some of the services that can be availed at the MakatiMed Care Access Araneta City are health screening services, diagnostic imaging, and hemodialysis treatment.

• The Medical City Clinics

The brand of excellence that Medical City is known for can also be found at the Level 3 of Gateway Mall, Lower Ground Floor of Ali Mall, and Upper Ground Floor of Cyberpark Tower 1. Patients can consult doctors from different fields of expertise or undergo a variety of services such as laboratory and imaging, tests for the cardiovascular system such as Electrocardiogram (ECG), 2D Echocardiogram and 24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring, can also be availed at these branches.

• Keralty Gateway Clinic

If it’s one-stop healthcare you’re after, then look no further than Keralty Gateway Clinic at Level 2 of Gateway Mall. This clinic offers a wider range of medical services such as consultations with specialists, dental services, dermatological clinical services, imaging and even surgical services, among many others.

• Aventus Medical Clinic

From check-ups to vaccine administration to even audiometry and minor surgeries, you can find it all at Aventus Medical Clinic located in Manhattan Parkview. Aside from the aforementioned services, you can also avail yourself of a wide variety of imaging and diagnostic services and even consult with medical professionals from different areas of expertise.

As part of Araneta City's mixed-use development, all these medical facilities are strategically situated in the heart of Metro Manila, and can be reached via a wide selection of land transportation modes -- PUVs, buses, and trains -- making any laboratory or medical appointment more convenient.

“We know that accessibility, ease, and convenience are foremost in the minds of people today, so we made sure that our Araneta City-zens have all they need and more right here in the City of Firsts–and that includes healthcare,” Marjorie Go, Araneta City’s AVP for Marketing said. “With a wide array of healthcare institutions all found here in Araneta City, our denizens can be assured that they can fully take care of their health and well-being without the need to travel far.”

TPB Launches Enhanced Membership Program

Tweet

Looking to expand and bring more opportunities to its membership program, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) launched its enhanced TPB Membership Program at Luxent Hotel last March 12, 2024.

Under Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, the Tourism Promotions Board shall be open for membership to entities, groups and individuals with economic, social or cultural interest in travel trade, congresses and conventions. Year 2023 ended with TPB having a total of 859 members from all over the country.

TPB COO Marga Nograles showed her solidarity with the TPB members during the event

“In my short time with TPB, I've seen that you are truly the core of our tourism industry. There’s so much potential for us to transform the Philippines into a global tourism leader, and this vision is only achievable through our collective effort,” said TPB COO Nograles addressing the stakeholders at the event.

To strengthen the partnership between the agency and its members, TPB’s work plan for the year is to enhance its membership program. This will enable the members to prosper in the digital age, as they can learn how to leverage market intelligence through a series of modules.

Another benefit of the enhanced program is the inclusion of members in the Travel Philippines app. Members will be featured in the app’s directory and the destinations tab, making it easier for aspiring travelers to reach them for their dream vacation in the country. The app also allows members to advertise their promos to tap into a wider audience now that the number of users of the Travel Philippines app is steadily increasing.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed her support for the program

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco gave a keynote at the event to show her support for TPB’s Enhanced Membership Program. She emphasized that the enhanced program and the inclusion of TPB members in the Travel Philippines app is a significant milestone for the tourism industry, as it increases the connection between tourists and local tourism enterprises.

“The app gives new markets and existing markets access to information about TPB members. In other words, wherever you may be in the world, you can simply open your phone and access information that directly links tourists to your companies,” stated DOT Secretary Frasco.

Also in attendance were Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, and Assistant Secretary Verna Buensuceso. Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Nograles, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cristina Roque, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Roberto Lim, and Director Eduardo Pelaez also graced the event to show their support. Meanwhile, around 350 representatives from various tourism enterprises attended the launch.

The members’ inclusion in the Travel Philippines app and the special access to market intelligence are just two of the many benefits that enterprises can enjoy from TPB’s Enhanced Membership Program. TPB also offers networking and capacity-building, access to information and promotional materials, assistance for brand enhancement, and business opportunities for its program members.

Road trip this long weekend? Here are some tips to keep it hassle-free

Tweet

With the long weekend coming up, many Filipinos are gearing up for a well-deserved break. Road trips are a popular choice during this time, especially to beach destinations as summer approaches.

Here are some tips to ensure your road trip is smooth sailing:

1. Plan your route.

Long weekends may involve road closures, maintenance, or construction, so it’s best to check the news for updates. Navigation apps will prove helpful during this time. The holiday rush may also affect traffic, so beat other travelers by leaving earlier, if possible.

 

2. Check your car.

A vehicle in top condition will be your best friend during a long journey. Ensure your tires are aligned and balanced, car fluids and battery are secure, and lights and turn signals work. Inspect your car before the trip to ensure everyone’s safety.

 

3. Pack essentials.

Long drives call for ample snacks to keep hunger at bay and a steady water supply to prevent dehydration. Bring essential medications and a first aid kit for any untoward incidents.

 

4. Go cashless.

Long lines at ATMs during holidays are inevitable. Embrace hassle-free travel by going cashless. Opt to pay through bank transfers, QR codes and the like.

5. Use Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs.

Streamline your tollway transactions with RFID payments. By eliminating the need for cash transactions, drivers can breeze through tollways, avoiding long lines and unnecessary delays.

For a stress-free road trip this long weekend, effortlessly set up a PSBank account by simply downloading their mobile app. Enjoy cashless transactions through QR codes, and instantly reload your Easytrip and Autosweep RFIDs with PSBank.

For more information on PSBank’s products and services, visit psbank.com.ph or facebook.com/psbankofficial.

Century Park Hotel offers exclusive offers for Elite Card Members

Tweet

Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest and premier hotels in Manila, is pleased to announce that Elite Card members can now avail of additional perks!

Introduced a few years ago, the Elite Card membership program allows patrons and guests of CPH to enjoy rewards and privileges from F & B to room discounts as well as other exciting benefits.  For a nominal fee, one can sign up and become a member right away!

Beginning this March, existing Elite Card Members can also enjoy 20% off on their total bill at Century Tsukiji Buffet by simply presenting their card before billing out.  To avoid any inconvenience, a prior reservation is required.  The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other discounts and not applicable during F&B blackout dates   (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day  and Chinese New Year).

“We always aim to give our guests a memorable experience once they step inside the hotel.  The exclusive offers that we added to the Elite Card members’ enjoyment is our way of expressing gratitude for their loyalty and continuous patronage ,” said Anna Dimagiba, Century Park Hotel’s OIC for Hotel Operations.

You too can become an Elite Card member today!  For applications, contact 0917 3289638 or email eyanson@centurypark.com.ph or visit www.centuryparkhotel.com.ph. Once you are a member you may enjoy these Dining Privileges: Meal discounts at Café in the Park for Lunch and Dinner Buffet: (20% discount for 1 diner, 50% discount for 2 diners, 33% discount for 3 diners, 25% discount for 4 diners and 20% discount for 5 or more diners) Only one membership card may be accepted per table / meal period.

In addition, you may also avail of the following:

• 20% discount on food and beverages in all outlets except at Deli Snack or for special promotional items.

• 10% discount on regular items from Deli Snack.

• Two (2) certificates worth Php 500 each to be used when dining at any outlet except Deli Snack.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary birthday cake in any outlet when dining in (reservation is recommended).

• One (1) certificate for complimentary standard drinks for two (2) persons at the Atrium Lounge.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary buffet for two (2) persons at Café in the Park.

• One (1) certificate for a specialty Ice Cream at Century Tsukiji.

• Two (2) certificates for a complimentary swimming pool pass for two (2) persons.

The Elite Card membership also comes with accommodation benefits:

• 35% discount on room accommodations based on best available rates (suites are not included).

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Deluxe Room on the 2nd night with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons (best available rates only).

• Two (2) certificates for a special room rate of Php 8,000 in a Superior room with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons. Each certificate is good for a minimum of two nights’ stay.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Superior room (for a minimum banquet function of Php150,000).

• Four (4) certificates for 45% off on rooms based on best available rates (suites are not included).

• Three (3) certificates for a complimentary room upgrade to the next available room category (suites are not included).

All accommodation benefits are subject to availability and not valid during high occupancy and blackout dates. An advance reservation is required and the offer is not valid in conjunction with other promotions and closed-out dates (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year).

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas celebrates 25 years with sterling offers

Tweet

Since it opened its doors in 1999, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas has been committed to providing its guests with delightful service and value-for-money offerings to create exceptional moments that turn into treasured memories. This year, this pioneering hotel in the heart of Ortigas Center celebrates a quarter of a century’s worth of meaningful experiences with exciting promotions to thank its valued patrons for their unwavering support over the years.

A Timeless Stay.

In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, Richmonde presents its loyal guests with 25% off on a special room package that includes the essentials for a comfortable stay. Room rates start at just PhP 5,000nett, discounted from PhP 6,800nett, and includes breakfast buffet for two persons, free upgrade to the next room category for Superior and Deluxe Room bookings (subject to availability), a box of Richmonde’s signature mini ensaymadas, an exclusive anniversary souvenir, 25% off on food and beverage orders, 25% off on in-room massage services, and complimentary use of the hotel’s gym and heated indoor pool. Available only for stays until March 31, 2024, this promotional room package provides the perfect opportunity to create new memories at an extraordinary value.

Classic Bar Chow & Drink Sets at The Exchange.

Toast to 25 years of good times through the years at The Exchange with a collection of tasty bar bites, ice-cold brews, and delicious cocktails perfect for sharing during nights out with friends. The first of the classic set consists of pica-pica favorites—sisig Kapangpangan, tokwa’t baboy, kropek, and six bottles of San Miguel Light, San Miguel Pale Pilsen, or Smirnoff Mule. The second set is composed of pub grub best-sellers, namely queso fundido, pulled pork quesadilla, house-made potato chips, and three glasses of featured cocktails. Each set is good for two to three persons and is priced at just PhP 1,999nett. Available only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays this March, except during Holy Week.

Savory Sterling Sets at Richmonde Café.

No celebration is complete without the joy of dining. As Richmonde turns silver, the hotel’s all-day restaurant introduces a carefully curated delectable set meal that’s great for those team lunches with colleagues, dinner meetups with friends, and dining out with the family. Designed for groups of three, these sets that come complete with starter, two entrées, dessert, and coffee or tea, offer wonderful comfort food choices at a discounted price of PhP 1,999nett per set.

Those craving for Pinoy dishes can order the set of Richmonde’s crowd favorites that include fresh lumpia, oxtail kare-kare, lechon kawali, and saba con yelo. The family-friendly set of chicken alfredo pizza, two pasta dishes (choice of prawns aglio olio, Bolognese or cacio e pepe), Richmonde fried chicken, and Richmonde chocolate cake will delight the kids and the young-at-heart. For a taste of Asian flavors, the set with Thai beef salad, lemongrass chicken, BBQ pork spareribs with herb potatoes, and chilled mango and matcha cheesecake will surely hit the spot. The Sterling Sets are available everyday until March 31, 2024 and may also be ordered for in-room dining.

The 25-year milestone of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a culmination of not just the hard work, dedication, and determination of its management and staff, but more importantly the relationships forged with guests through the years. “This celebration is not about our hotel’s legacy but about our appreciation to our loyal clients and guests who have become like family to us,” said Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas. “Our journey to where we are now has been more significant and rewarding with the support from our esteemed guests and the community. As our way of extending our heartfelt gratitude, we invite everyone to take advantage of these special offers and join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and more years of creating enriching experiences.”

For bookings and inquiries, call Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777 or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. You may also call or message via mobile/Viber 0917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) and 0917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café). For online bookings with instant confirmation, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.

As the initial venture of leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation, into the hospitality business, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a proud local brand that opened in 1999 at the heart of the then-burgeoning Ortigas Center. It is now a member of the steadily growing stable of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelOrtigas on Facebook and Instagram.

New UK Visa Application Centre launched in Manila

Tweet

●       UK visa customers can visit the new and upgraded centre from Monday to Friday, between 7AM to 4PM to apply for all categories of UK visas.

●       Customers get a range of optional services to choose from including Premium Lounge, Prime Time Appointments, Keep My Passport, and SMS Alerts among others.

●       Customers can also apply for their UK visa from a location of their choice through our optional On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service.

To offer an enhanced visa application submission experience to UK visa customers in Manila, Philippines, Mr. Alistair White, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, inaugurated the new and upgraded UK Visa Application Centre in Manila on 08 March 2024, in the presence of Mr. Julian Salisbury, Assurance and Integrity Manager for Asia Pacific, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head-Australasia, VFS Global.

The new UK Visa Application Centre in Manila located on the 6th Floor of the Makati Circuit Corporate Tower Two will offer customers a more comfortable and relaxed visa application submission experience. This spacious facility, equipped with modern amenities and services, will have the capacity to process a higher volume of visa applications per day, and enhance the customer experience by making the customer journey even more smooth and seamless.

Mr. Alistair White, British Deputy Ambassador to the Philippines, said, "This new and improved visa application centre (VAC) located at the city center is easily accessible by public transportation, providing our customers with added convenience to ensure they have a smooth start to their journey to the UK, whether that’s to visit, work or study at one of our world-leading institutions. In 2023, UKVI issued around 77,500 visas to Philippine nationals. This was a 24% increase from the numbers we saw issued in 2022. As always, we’re excited to welcome more travellers this year, as the UK stands as a key travel destination for many in the Philippines.”

Spread across 3,300 square feet, this centre offers 10 submission counters with a capacity to process over 300 applications per day. The new center also provides a newly designed state-of-the-art Premium Lounge as one of the optional services for UK visa customers.

Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head - Australasia, VFS Global, said, "VFS Global has shared a long-standing relationship of trust with the UK Government since 2003, and this new Visa Application Centre is a reflection of the strong partnership we share. This centre in Manila will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for travel to the UK. We are confident that this new Visa Application Centre will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth and seamless, thereby helping us better serve travellers to the UK better.”

The visa application centre also offers a host of optional services that include the Premium Lounge service for end-to-end personalised assistance throughout the application process, Prime Time Appointments to allow submission of visa applications beyond regular working hours, and the Keep My Passport service to allow applicants to retain their passports while their applications are being assessed, and only submit them once a visa decision has been reached. Similarly, Courier Return service facilitates delivery of the processed documents to the registered address, while SMS Notifications can help in giving updates at each step of the application journey.

Additionally, UK visa customers can apply for their visa from any preferred location – home or office -- by opting for our On Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV) service.

VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres across two cities in Philippines – Cebu and Manila. This new Visa Application Centre in Manila will cater to UK visa applicants including study, travel, business, and others.

VFS Global, which has been a trusted partner for the UK Government since 2003, won the global contract for overseas UK visa and Citizenship services last year. As part of the contract, during 2024, VFS Global will deploy 240 Visa and Citizenship Application Service (VCAS) Centres for the UK in 142 countries across Africa & Middle East, Americas, Australasia & Europe, China & Taiwan, and Asia & Asia Pacific regions. These centres will accept all categories of visa applications as well as UK passport applications in some locations. Combined, these new centres are estimated to process 3.8 million applicants every year.

For more information, please visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/gbr/.

About VFS Global

As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 67 client governments.  Operating over 3,300 Application Centres in 150 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 280 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and backed by majority shareholder Blackstone, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

Planning the Best Holy Week Vacation: Top Picks and Safety Insights

Tweet

Explore Prestone’s top picks for destinations and gain valuable safety insights to ensure a memorable and worry-free holiday

As Holy Week approaches, Filipinos eagerly anticipate memorable road trips with their families and friends. This period of relaxation and reflection is best enjoyed in a peaceful and stress-free manner, making the preparation of your vehicle essential before embarking on your journey.

If you're still in the process of planning your well-deserved holy week vacation, Prestone®, a renowned and trusted brand in Auto Care fluids since 1927, has curated a list of unique destinations, accompanied by practical car care tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for you and your loved ones.

Spend a night with nature through glamping in Zambales

Glamping, a combination of the words 'glam' and 'camping,' is the latest trend among those who want to experience a glamorous version of camping—perfect for those in need of a break from the bustling chaos of the city.

One of the famous sites you can visit is located in San Felipe, Zambales, called The Glamp. The glamping site features boho-themed tents, making it a top choice for those who appreciate the stylish aesthetic for their pictures. The site is also near the beach, which is a plus if you’re looking for more recreational activities aside from relaxing underneath the beautiful summer sky.

Seek solitude on an island in Pangasinan

If you seek solitude and tranquility on a secluded islet, then the beach at the heart of Pangasinan is perfect for you. Colibra Island in Dasol, Pangasinan, boasts clear white sands and rock formations that surround the island, providing a perfect view for relaxation.

The advantage of this island is it’s not well known among typical tourists, ensuring a lack of crowds even during peak seasons. Moreover, the place becomes even more enchanting at night, making it perfect for stargazing and appreciating the vastness of the open sky.

Experience a healing hike in the mountains of Sierra Madre

If you're seeking a unique and rewarding adventure, consider testing your strength and patience on a mountain hike. Fortunately, a beginner-friendly trail is accessible in the highlands of Tanay called Mt. Kulis. This mountain offers a scenic view at a height of 620 MASL and is well-known among outdoor enthusiasts.

One advantage of Mt. Kulis is that you can customize your hiking experience, and there's a cemented road leading to the jump-off point for easy parking. Once you start, the trail is easy, and you can also explore various attractions along the way, providing opportunities for aesthetic pictures.

Prepare yourself and your ride for the best holy week adventure

Why ruin the joy of vacations with stress over an unpleasant car ride? That is why Prestone urges everyone to perform a thorough check before embarking on your next adventure.

Given that these listed destinations involve substantial driving, it's crucial to conduct comprehensive research on your route, considering traffic hotspots and rest stops. Additionally, ensure your RFID sticker is in working order for seamless and secure transactions during toll payments, promising a more convenient travel experience. Don't forget to securely stick your RFID sticker to avoid non-detection and register it under the vehicle owner's name for accountability.

Check the necessary fluids of your car

Road trips can take a toll on your vehicle, so careful preparation is key to avoiding trouble. Prevent overheating on the road by using Prestone Car-Specific Coolant for superior protection. This convenient, high-quality, prediluted coolant is ideal for emergency refills and is equipped with Prestone Cor-Guard Anti-Corrosion technology, offering 5X more effective corrosion protection.

For added safety, equip your ride with a powerful brake fluid like Prestone Brake Fluid DOT 3. Formulated for safe, dependable, and consistent performance in the hydraulic brake system, it helps protect your brakes against overheating, brake fade, and performance decline.

Use high-quality and genuine car care products

During a holy week road trip, ensuring your vehicle is in its tip-top condition is crucial, and this won't happen if you use subpar or counterfeit car products.

“If you aim to protect your car and withstand unforeseen accidents or costly repairs, Prestone emphasizes the importance of using genuine products designed specifically to meet your vehicle’s needs,” said Monique Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Clorox Southeast Asia.

Here are the 3Ps you should note for your protection:

·        Packaging: Detecting counterfeit products can be tricky as they often mimic the appearance of the genuine item at first glance. Here is a quick guide on fake vs genuine that you can refer to:

·        Price: Significantly cheaper products are likely fake compared to genuine Prestone products. If they are marketed as discounts, please double-check if Prestone is having a promotional sale. If not, it's probably fake.

·        Place: Purchase only from official Prestone partner stores like Blade, Ace, Handyman, TrueValue and auto-supply shops nationwide. 

These reminders not only save potential costs but also save lives. Para sa totoong proteksyon, use genuine Prestone products only.

The best Holy Week vacation begins with meticulous planning and maintaining your car in optimal condition. By considering these Holy Week destinations, along with these safety tips, you will not only guarantee a delightful journey but also elevate your driving experience.

To learn more about Prestone and its products, visit its website at https://www.prestone.com.ph/.  You can also visit the official Prestone Facebook page for valuable insights on identifying genuine Prestone products.