Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan

Tweet

Photo  : Al Jazeera

In observance of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan, Malacanang on Monday declared July 6, Wednesday,  a nonworking holiday.

Eid’l Fitr, which is celebrated for three days, marks the end of the holy month of fasting for Muslims.

Republic Act No. 9177, signed into law in November 2002 during the Arroyo presidency, declares the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Fitr.

However, this day is dependent on the Islamic calendar.

Ramadan takes place between June 06 and July 06, 2016. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is spent by Muslims fasting from dawn to sunset, and with extra prayers. While fasting Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, Ramadan begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. The religious feast is celebrated during the entire month. (This text has been taken from www.cute-calendar.com)

Also known as “Eid-al-Fitr”, “Wakas ng Ramadan” and “Pagtatapos ng Pag-aayuno”, it is a national public holiday for all in the Philippines.

Originated by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, Eidul Fitr is a cause for celebration and thanks giving to Allah. Eidul Fitr has been proclaimed a national holiday in the Philippines since 2002, and was the first predominantly Christian country to do so. This proclamation was made to foster peace and goodwill between major religions in the Philippines.

According to RA 9177, "the approximate date of these Islamic holidays may be determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient."

Promising Japan-Made Water Purifier Launched for Filipino Households

Tweet

Each person requires at least 20 to 50 liters of clean, safe water a day for drinking, cooking, and simply keeping themselves clean. Clean water is vital to our health.

WATER filtration system is still a significant product segment in the Philippine consumer market. This holds true as water-refilling stations continue to mushroom everywhere, indicating that most households turn to them for drinking water supply. 

There is no confidence on choosing to drink from the tap. This concern is aggravated by many unreliable piping systems in the country. 

Majority of our water refilling stations on record is not consistently compliant with the process for certification required by the concerned government agencies. Furthermore, one is not sure if those five-gallon containers are thoroughly cleaned, carefully handled or properly stored. 

The safety of the drinking public now becomes uncertain. 

But all agree, that every Juan deserves safe drinking water. Now, there is no need to worry, as the solution has finally come to the Philippines.

Introducing the Torayvino Water Purifier––a market leader in Japan, with a filtration technology that boasts of a 99.99-percent bacteria removal feature––thanks to its four-stage purification system. 

Initially at the prescreen process, impurities bigger than 465 microns, such as rust, sands, sediment and particles are removed. Those bigger than 114 microns will then be taken away in the second screen. Next, the water will pass through the granular activated carbon, which efficiently removes residual chlorine, harmful chemicals and bad odor. 

Finally, the optimal hollow fiber membrane structure removes contaminants larger than 0.1 micron, such as bacteria and other microorganisms, rust, turbidity, and microscopic impurities. Such technology, which is likewise used in dialysis machines and artificial kidneys, provides low elution and high flow rate of water. While it undergoes a stringent filtration process, calcium, magnesium and other essential minerals are retained.

Torayvino Water Purifier is easy to install, with no plumbing required. Attachments are provided to fit most of the faucets available in the market. Unlike other water purifiers, it's space-saving, compact and is even portable, perfect for condo-dwellers, especially those who live in smaller units.

Torayvino is more affordable than water delivery, since it costs the buyers as low as P0.92 per liter––half of P1.85 a liter of water sourced from refilling stations. It comes in four models, with prices ranging from P1,980 to P4,980.

30 percent savings on water is also achieved when one chooses to use the unfiltered spray setting which is perfect for washing dishes or vegetables. Moreover, it operates without electricity. 

Truly a very relevant product for the Philippine market today.

Torayvino Water Purifier is manufactured by a diversified company called Toray Industries, Inc. with presence in Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Central America and South America. This is the leading brand in Japan, with 66 percent share of the market for the faucet-mounted type.

Torayvino Water Purifier conforms with the Japan Industrial Standards and is also certified and approved by the Philippine Department of Health. 

Distributed in the Philippines by Moduvi, Inc. it is now available in modern hardwares like True Value and All Home, as well as condo-partners.

SkyRanch Tagaytay: Your Next Food Destination

Tweet

Thrilling and exciting rides, picturesque beauty of the captivating Taal Lake and Volcano, and colorful and convivial bright lights at night – these are some words that best describe Tagaytay’s most favorite park, SkyRanch Tagaytay. 

But did you know that aside from these images, SkyRanch Tagaytay is slowly getting the attention of the city’s tourists with its well-selected restaurants and food destinations that are set to complete one’s visit in this relaxing, family-friendly place in the south?

The site that once hold the title of “The Biggest Ferris Wheel” just keeps getting better and better with the addition of new attractions that are perfect for thrill seekers and adventuresome. And to satisfy its guests, SkyRanch Tagaytay boasts its place with restaurant partners that are set to satiate one’s craving including top Tagaytay favorites.

For big groups and families, guests can find comfort and satisfaction on Mesa Moderne Filipino, Leslie’s Restaurant, and Kusé’s offerings. These Filipino restaurants are eagerly enticing each guest with their mouthwatering Filipino favorites such as the famous Mesa Filipino Moderne’s Hito Flakes and Tawilis with Mangga on Spoon, Pinatayong Manok and Crispy Boneless Tilapia. Craving for some Bulalo, Leslie’s Restaurant takes pride on their Bulalo Original, Kare-Kareng Crispy Pata and Suman sa Lihiya at Tsokolate Eh! While Kusé offers their bestsellers Bacon Sinigang sa Sampalok, Patotim and Brick Oven Lechong Baka.

Guests who are looking for a more budget-friendly options can indulge on the mouthwatering options of Kenny Rogers Roasters that serves their world-favorite Classic Roast Chicken, Honey Bourbon Ribs, Steak or even some other light and healthy options. Then, there’s Tokyo Tokyo for some Japanese Cuisine options at a very affordable price. Here, you could enjoy their Bestsellers, Sumo Meals, Tokyo Bento, Donburi and Burgers without breaking the bank. And for some unique dishes, one could find comfort at Uncle Cheffy – with their brick-over BBQ, panizza, and platter, there’s something that will fit one’s taste and budget.

Always on-the-go or prefer to spend more time in the park? SkyRanch Tagaytay has KFC, The Red Engine Restaurant and Downtown Pizza & Pasta as well that are always ready with their easy-to-grab meals – all complete with side dishes and drinks. 

KFC serves their all-time favorite set meals all complete with their world-renowned finger-lickin’-good fried chicken, while The Red Engine offers unique variants of comfort food such burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and even rice plates for those who want to fill good. For pizza lovers, Downtown Pizza & Pasta is the perfect place for you. With their selection of Italian dishes such as panini, pasta, calzone, and rice meals, you’ll find comfort and fun here while satiating your discriminating tastebud.

SkyRanch Tagaytay also houses the world-famous doughnut, Krispy Kreme, and 7-Eleven for extra convenience.

These restaurants and the inclusion of the new rides - Log Coaster, Drop Tower, Safari Splash, Play Zone, Lobster Pot and High Striker and top favorite rides such as the Sky Eye, Super Viking, Zip Line and Riding Loop (Horseback Riding) – are what’s drawing guests from different parts of the country and the world now.

This season, SkyRanch Tagaytay is also giving its loyal patrons a chance to take home a souvenir item through their Rainy Days Season. For a minimum proof of purchase worth Php1,500.00, single receipt from Monday to Friday, from any of Sky Ranch Tagaytay restaurant, guest may claim one (1) Sky Ranch Tagaytay umbrella. This promo runs from July 4 to August 31, 2016.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit SkyRanch Tagaytay now.

SkyRanch Tagaytay is located along Tagaytay - Nasugbu Via Tuy Road, Barangay Kaybagal South, Tagaytay City (Beside Taal Vista Hotel). Open Monday to Friday (10:00 am - 10:00 pm), Saturday to Sunday (8:00 am - 10:00 pm) and during Holidays (8:00 am - 10:00 pm).

For more details, you can log on to http://skyranch.ph or follow SkyRanch Tagaytay on it Social Media accounts: 

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SkyRanchPHL) 

Twitter and Instagram (@SkyRanchPHL). 

For Inquiries for ride packages, kindly contact SkyRanch Tagaytay’s Group Sales Department at storylandsales@gmail.com or you may contact 862 ­7709. 

Ride­All-You-Can pass is subject for booking and is not available for walk-in guests.

NIDA Rooms announces partnership with Via.com

Tweet

Manila, Philippines - NIDA Rooms, the largest virtual hotel chain in Asia announces a new partnership with Via.com. The partnership enables Via.com’s travelers to customize holidays easily by having a wider selection of over 3,500 hotel rooms in Asia from NIDA Rooms.

“This strategic partnership enables NIDA Rooms to reach out to more travellers, as Via.com has served over 2 million guests in Asia. NIDA Rooms and Via.com hold similar value of offering a value for money products for our customers. The collaboration is timely as NIDA Rooms Philippines was launched at the end of May with over 200 hotels,” Kaneswaran Avili, Chief Executive Officer of NIDA Rooms said .

Avili added that Via.com is Asia’s largest Online Travel Agent and the company has always been in the forefront of the industry, creating new avenues and continuously reinventing the online travel booking industry segment by introducing new offerings to customers with the aim of making everything simple.

Ramesh Samineni, Country Head of Via.com Philippines said "NIDA Rooms enables travel agents and their customers to book hundreds of standardized rooms in different hotels all over the Philippines. This is a very exciting partnership as VIA will be the first online travel portal in the Philippines to launch this new business concept."

Via.com has changed the landscape of travel industry in each country by having over 90,000 resellers offering comprehensive travel products. It creates new avenues and continuously reinvent the online travel booking industry by introducing new offerings to customers with the aim of making everything simple. Today, Via.com is the leading travel network in India, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and UAE.

Incorporated in September 2015, NIDA Rooms has changed the playing field in the hospitality industry in Asia with a fresh new business model. The company partners with selected hoteliers and secures certain number of rooms. Those rooms are branded as NIDA Rooms and are offered through various online channels mainly their website and mobile applications in Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Rooms sold under the NIDA Rooms brand name has certain criteria that hoteliers need to adhere to namely quality and services that make a hotel stay comfortable.

“In a short span of eight months, we have secured over 3,500 hotel partners located strategically throughout Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. We will be continuously expanding our reach in Asia with immediate plans to penetrate markets like Vietnam,” Avili said, adding that the company’s main aim is to offer customers various types of accommodation at the Right Location, for the Right Price with the Right Quality.

About NIDA Rooms

As Asia’s largest and fastest growing “Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO)”, NIDA Rooms remains committed in its value proposition of 3Rs - Right Location, Right Price and Right Quality to its customers. This is in keeping with the “A Good Night, Every Night” spirit promoted by NIDA Rooms through a comprehensive range of facilities available in all NIDA Rooms, including complimentary wi-fi, hot showers, air conditioned rooms, high quality amenity kit. Through NIDA Rooms, customers can instantly navigate and book thousands of affordable priced rooms in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines via our website atwww.nidarooms.com and our mobile application on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. NIDA Rooms’ commitment to our hotel partners increases their 3Rs - Reach, Revenue and Recognition. To date, NIDA Rooms has over 3,500 hotels partners with over 800 hotels in Malaysia, over 1,500 hotels in Thailand, over 1,000 hotels in Indonesia, and over 200 hotels in the Philippines.

About Via.com

Via.com is Asia’s leading omni-channel travel & assisted e-commerce platform. Its distribution strategy includes enabling small businesses with an intuitive travel & e-commerce platform and giving both retail & corporate customers a host of options including desktop access, a mobile website and a mobile application to aid in research, search and purchasing. Via.com is the most comprehensive & consistently profitable online travel & e-commerce company with 8 years of experience & presence in 5 countries: India, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and UAE. Through its global network of over 90,000 independent re-sellers in the travel space, the company provides access to a broad array of travel products including air travel, train tickets, hotels, holiday packages, buses, car rentals, insurance, mobile recharges, money transfer & bill payments. In addition to this, Via.com has more than 5,000 corporate customers and also engages directly with consumers through its B2C website and app. Established in 2006 as flightraja.com, Via.com was incorporated in 2007 and has since dramatically disrupted the Indian travel space with its innovative offerings that became hugely viral in multiple markets. IndoUS Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital are the primary investors in Via.com.

Planning your next adventure ? NIDA Rooms goes live in the Philippines!

Tweet

Asia’s First VHO Penetrates Fourth Key Market In Asia

Seven month old Malaysia based NIDA Rooms is now open for bookings in Philippines. Customers can now book NIDA Rooms in four countries, including Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The company also announces the availability of select inventory on Tiket.com, an Online Travel Agent (OTA), with many more OTAs to follow in coming weeks to enable its customers the ability to book easily.

The company, incorporated in September last year, made head ways when it became the first Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO) in Asia. Since its inception, NIDA Rooms has changed the playing field in the hospitality industry by offering high quality stays in strategic locations, spurring tourism in countries where it is present.

As a VHO, NIDA Rooms offers rooms under the NIDA Rooms brand to customers using a State-of-the-art e-commerce platform. This technology platform provides the partner hotels a better chance of selling their unsold rooms by increasing their reach into global markets. NIDA Rooms applies stringent quality and service criteria to choose the right hoteliers to partner with and ensures that the customers are guaranteed top quality experience during their stay.

NIDA Rooms, which recently secured an equity investment of USD4.2 million, has over 200 partner hotels in Philippines and is continuously working towards partnering with qualified hotels in strategic locations in the country. The partner hotels are chosen in line with its philosophy to offer customers, accommodation at the Right Location, for the Right Price with the Right Quality.

NIDA Rooms Chief Executive Officer, Kaneswaran Avili, said “With this development, NIDA Rooms is available for customers to book and stay in four key Asian countries, with over 3,500 hotels in a short span of seven (7) months from its incorporation. This is a milestone that we at NIDA Rooms are very proud of and this achievement would not have been possible without the hardwork from all employees and trust from the shareholders. I thank them for their dedication and support. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our hotel partners for being part of NIDA Rooms family.”

In Philippines, NIDA Rooms is currently present in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Angeles/Clark, and Davao amongst other main and strategic areas.

“Towards year end, NIDA rooms is targeting to have at least 1,000 partner hoteliers in Philippines. We are very pleased that our dream of offering top quality hotel stay under USD 30 is now achieved as most of our hotel partners are offering great prices to encourage customers to experience their good product offerings, that have gone unrecognized before.”Avili concluded.

Visit www.nidarooms.com

About NIDA Rooms

As Asia’s largest and fastest growing “Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO)”, NIDA Rooms remains committed in its value proposition of 3Rs - Right Location, Right Price and Right Quality to its customers. This is in keeping with the “A Good Night, Every Night” spirit promoted by NIDA Rooms through a comprehensive range of facilities available in all NIDA Rooms, including complimentary wi-fi, hot showers, air conditioned rooms, high quality amenity kit. Through NIDA Rooms, customers can instantly navigate and book thousands of affordable priced rooms in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines via our website at www.nidarooms.com and our mobile application on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. NIDA Rooms’ commitment to our hotel partners increases their 3Rs - Reach, Revenue and Recognition. To date, NIDA Rooms has over 3,500 hotels partners with over 800 hotels in Malaysia, over 1,500 hotels in Thailand, over 1,000 hotels in Indonesia, and over 200 hotels in the Philippines.