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.

Cheesy Twists to Your Christmas Faves

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Merry Christmas is almost upon us. We are looking forward to the festive dishes that will be served during family gatherings, especially on Noche Buena. The more people and food, the merrier! 

Every family has their own recipes served on Noche Buena that they have mastered and improved over decades. After all Christmas is all about traditions, and it’s a wonderful thing to share traditions with the people closest to you. But it’s also the perfect time to start your own traditions. Where better to start than with the food you’re serving on Noche Buena! It might be time to revamp your Christmas cookbook with cheesy twists to those traditional dishes.

Liven up your Noche Buena table with Danes Cheese Ball. It’s creamy, delicious and cheesy on its own. But what’s even better is that it’s so versatile you can mix it into your own recipes or make new dishes with it! 

Here are four dishes that can then make your Noche Buena handa extra special:

1. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a Filipino party essential and Christmas is no exception! Something about this just screams, “Let’s celebrate!” This Christmas, why not make your sweet spaghetti even better with cheese mixed into the sauce. Then sprinkle a lot of cheese on top. This will surely be a hit with the kids!

2. Caldereta 

Every mom has a specialty dish, and you can expect it served on the grandest occasion of the year. Caldereta is one of the most popular mommy specialties. It’s a common heirloom recipe passed on from generation to generation. Adding cheese to the sauce makes it even more savory.

3. Kakanin

When the Simbang Gabi starts, churches will be surrounded with stalls that sell colorful delicacies like bibingka and puto bumbong. As an appetizer or dessert, we can’t get enough of kakanin, especially with cheese sprinkled on top of them! Besides, nearly everything is better with cheese, right?

4. Fruit Salad

What’s Noche Buena without Lola or Tita’s fruit salad? Most of us probably even helped making this as a kid, right? Bonding over Noche Buena preparations is a special part of our family memories. It’s a really cheesy moment we share with our families.

These are just some of the dishes you can make with Danes Cheese Ball, you can mix it into your own recipes or make new dishes with it. It’s great eaten on its own and it’s great with your signature dishes as well. 

Danes Cheese Ball is available in all leading groceries and supermarkets. #HappyHoliDanes, indeed!

So what are you waiting for? Give your traditional Christmas dishes an awesome flavor boost with Danes Cheese Ball and create new family favorites. 

Check out their awesome video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr5TxZQ2nxs

For more Danes Cheese Ball recipes, visit facebook.com/danescheese.

Regal, all set to offer a new kind of horror via Sitsit... "HAUNTED FOREST" targets thrill-seeking millennial viewers this Christmas

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"We will surely be the number one choice of adventurous millennials this Christmas because 'Haunted Forest' was especially made not only for kids and Regal horror fans but primarily to the adventurous and thrill-seeking teenagers who would love to enjoy Christmas with their friends."

This was how the Regal Entertainment Inc. matriarch, Mother Lily Monteverde described her anticipation for the unique success that await Regal's biggest and scariest supernatural teen horror masterpiece and the only horror film in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 -- "Haunted Forest." 

"We know that this year's lineup is mostly composed films starred by MMFF blockbuster veterans like Vice Ganda, Coco Martin and Vic Sotto," shared Mother Lily. "However, we believe that the festival and our moviegoers deserve something fresh and exciting. We want to give a chance to young talented actors who excellently gave life to a uniquely-Filipino yet world-class horror film crafted by no less than international award-wining director Ian Loreños."

Like Mother Lily, her daughter and seasoned producer Roselle Monteverde believes in the unique charm of the "Haunted Forest" to the moviegoers once MMFF opens on Monday, Christmas Day.

"Every Christmas, it has been part of MMFF viewers' long tradition to watch not just comedy but also horror films," said Roselle. "Kids, horror fans and most especially groups of friends always look forward to the extraordinary thrill and adventure that they experience while watching Regal's horror movies --- the unexplainable joy of sharing the scary and fun moments of the movie together with your barkada. And that's what makes 'Haunted Forest' unique for our young viewers."

Direk Ian further explained, "We assure you that this is not just your typical jump scare movie because 'Haunted Forest' is a film that you have to think about per scene in order for you to feel the horror."

"If you'll watch it with your whole barkada, you will all definitely feel like you are friends with the movie's main cast and you are one with them in solving the puzzle of the story and you will altogether get to know who Sitsit is."

Graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board, "Haunted Forest" is written by Jeps Gallon and topbilled by some of this generation's best young actors, Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas.

Jameson Blake, Jane Oineza and Jon Lucas

The story will revolve around the father-daughter relationship of ex-Manila policeman Aris (Raymart Santiago) and Nica (Jane) and the mysterious haunted forest where a dark creature called Sitsit resides.

Aside from the Regal teen stars, also part of “Haunted Forest” are seasoned actors Raymart Santiago and Joey Marquez. Completing the cast are Jerald Napoles, Betong Sumaya, Myrtle Sarrosa, Miho Nishida, Beverly Salviejo, Fiona Yang and Kelvin Miranda.

Make sure that your squad and family are complete this Christmas and watch Regal Entertainment Inc.'s official entry to the MMFF 2017, “Haunted Forest," to be shown on cinemas nationwide beginning Christmas Day, December 25!

For more information and latest updates about "Haunted Forest," simply visit Regal’s official social media accounts:

http://facebook.com/RegalEntertainmentInc/ 

Facebook.com/RegalEntertainmentInc/

http://twitter.com/regalfilms

Twitter.com/regalfilms

http://youtube.com/RegalCinema 

Youtube.com/RegalCinema

 

Globe taps partners to give surprise Noche Buena packs and transport discounts to returning OFWs, tourists

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Globe Telecom's International Business Group, together with Philippine Airlines, Puregold, and the Manila International Airport Authority, pulled another Christmas surprise for arriving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), balikbayans, and tourists this time from Hong Kong and Singapore. 

A returning kababayan from Singapore and her kids cannot contain their happiness over the Christmas surprise which greeted them upon arrival at NAIA Terminal 2. The kids received plush toys while their mom got a Noche Buena package, a free Mabuhay Traveler SIM, and P100 transport discount voucher.

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Terminal 2, all passengers of flight PR502 and PR319 from Singapore and Hong Kong, respectively, were welcomed with holiday greetings and Noche Buena gift packs by representatives of the four organizations. 

Each passenger received a Noche Buena package and a P100 e-voucher discount from Grab, together with a free Mabuhay Miles Traveler SIM card which gives them 500 bonus Mabuhay Miles from PAL, free 300MB of mobile data and unlimited calls to Globe valid for one day, plus a 10% discount at selected Duty Free Philippines shops. 

This was the third and biggest one in a series of surprises prepared by Globe and its partners for OFWs and tourists this month, following the special treats provided to passengers of PR659 from Dubai last December 7 and to all passengers who arrived in NAIA Terminal 1 on December 17. 

"As Christmas draws nearer, more and more of our kababayans who work and live abroad come home to be with their loved ones. There is nothing like spending Christmas with family in the Philippines, going to Simbang Gabi, enjoying traditional Filipino goodies, and gathering for the Noche Buena feast. We at Globe, and our partners, wanted to share this joy and appreciation to our hardworking OFWs as well as to welcome tourists with our signature Filipino hospitality," said Jurist Gamban, Vice-President for Strategic Marketing for Globe International Business Group. 

Jurist Gamban, Globe VP for Strategic Marketing, International Business Group (right) and Ria Domingo, Philippine Airlines VP for Marketing (left) lead the surprise gift giving activity.

The series of surprises was in celebration of the first year partnership of Globe and PAL. Globe and PAL are working together to be of service to more Filipinos in and out of the country with a common advocacy of delighting international visitors and returning Filipinos by giving them a wonderful experience every time they arrive in the Philippines. 

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.