A Lifestyle Above Par: BingoPlus VIP Club Brings VIPs to the Fairway

 

From country club greens to golf gatherings, BingoPlus (a prominent Philippine entertainment platform) VIP Club elevates the VIP lifestyle through a shared passion for the game of golf. A great day on the course offers more than a good score. It is the anticipation of the opening drive, the pleasure of playing in beautiful surroundings and the conversations that continue long after the final putt. 

For BingoPlus VIP Club, these are the moments that make premium experiences worth bringing to its members. The initiative aims to bring high-end, lifestyle experiences to its premium members by blending competitive sports with exclusive community networking. 

Its August and September golf calendar included the Ateneo Alumni Golf Tournament (hosted as part of the club's ongoing golf series activities) at Beverly Place Golf Club, the UP Alumni Engineers Golf Tournament (featured dedicated on-course hospitality and representation for club members) at Sta. Elena Golf Club and San Beda University Alumni Association gatherings (where VIP members and influencer Lea Macapagal joined this collegiate and alumni tournament) at Alabang Country Club. 

September also featured the exclusive Malbon Buckets Club 008 (MBC008) golf event at Alabang Country Club (co-presented by the BingoPlus VIP Club and sponsored by brands like Nike Golf alongside Malbon Philippines), with guests like golf personality Lea Macapagal, at the Alabang Country Club, and the Rotary International District 3800 Golf Federation event at the historic Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. 

BingoPlus VIP Club also co-presented the JCI Manila Golf League Season 2 semifinals which took place on September 11, 2026, at the Hann Reserve - Dragon's Landing in New Clark City, Pampanga, as well as the finals at Caliraya Springs Golf Club in Cavinti, Laguna, won by Team Kabet after defeating Bachuca Bunkers Golf Club in the title match. 

For invited VIPs, they offer opportunities to enjoy different courses and spend time with fellow enthusiasts. These gatherings also bring together people whose connections stretch beyond the course, from university friendships to professional circles. Supporting them allows the Club to contribute to occasions that already matter to its members. 

Alongside travel, dining and shopping, golf brings a social dimension to the BingoPlus VIP Club lifestyle. Appreciation feels personal when it reflects how members enjoy spending their time. Sometimes, that means an invitation to a round. Other times, it means showing up for the community that makes the game worth coming back to.

“Drive to Luxury: The Merriest VIP Ber Season"

 

The Philippines is famous for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world, stretching for over four months starting right when the “Ber months” kick off on September 1st, with the first familiar Christmas song (like iconic local staple of Jose Mari Chan), and lasting well into January or even February. Family groups chat about planning a reunion or where to spend the holidays. Long before the decorations are complete, there is already something to look forward to.  It is this sense of anticipation that welcomes the Filipino Christmas season with the “Drive to Luxury: The Merriest VIP Ber Season,” an exclusive monthly leaderboard campaign tailored, exclusively, for high-tier BingoPlus VIP members heading into the Filipino holiday season.

Drive to Luxury: The Merriest Ber Season

The BingoPlus VIP Club, officially relaunched and unveiled, under its "New Code of Nobility" brand identity (which introduces four distinguished membership tiers, Regent, Crown, Imperial, and Maharlika, each offering increasingly exclusive privileges and curated lifestyle experiences), last July 19, 2026 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, is headed by Mr. Jasper Vicencio, President and Head of the VIP Lifestyle & Experience Center.  Running through September 30, 2026, the “Drive to Luxury: The Merriest VIP Ber Season” campaign welcomes the country’s most festive months with a BMW X1 Hybrid as its centerpiece, alongside two elevated luxury getaways and an expanded lineup of 16 high-end lifestyle prizes.

BingoPlus

Eight BMWs have already been awarded through BingoPlus VIP Club’s previous celebrations and promotions, one BMW X1 given away during the BingoPlus Night, followed by two BMW X1s and a BMW X5 awarded through the gamified raffle held for the VIP Club’s brand refresh, plus another four BMW X1s awarded through the “Race to the Top: BMW Luxury Leaderboard,” with one vehicle going to the top VIP each month. (two runners up in every monthly round received luxury travel and shopping rewards). 

"New Code of Nobility" Brand Identity Launch at Manila Marriott Hotel

These milestones set the stage for “Drive to Luxury,” which carries a new monthly leaderboard into the Ber season with a broader selection of prizes. The BMW X1 still remains the campaign’s headline reward but this time, however, the travel lineup deserves its own moment in the spotlight - two luxury getaways, featuring an Asian escape and a local holiday, each for two. The expanded lineup brings a festive dimension to the Club’s promise, “Elevate Your Lifestyle. Experience Premium Entertainment.” It is a celebration of coveted rewards, new discoveries, and experiences made more meaningful when shared. 

For a season so closely associated with togetherness, that detail has particular appeal. A trip for two leaves room for a spouse, a family member, or a close friend. It means having someone with whom to explore a destination, linger over dinner, and bring home a new collection of stories. 

The Asian getaway and Philippine escape also offer different ways to enjoy a holiday. One brings the excitement of discovering another country, while the other offers the pleasure of experiencing a beautiful destination closer to home.  Alongside these experiences, 16 other luxury items round out the prize selection, giving the monthly campaign a festive mix of travel, motoring, and premium gifts. 

In a Filipino Christmas, who comes along can matter just as much as where the journey leads. For many Filipinos, the pleasure of a special reward grows when there is someone to share it with. A holiday becomes time together. A new destination becomes a shared memory. A milestone becomes another reason to gather and celebrate.  That sentiment gives the BingoPlus VIP Club’s lifestyle promise a personal meaning. Through its rewards and experiences, the Club brings premium entertainment beyond the app and into moments its members can enjoy and remember.

For complete promo mechanics, eligibility requirements, and monthly prize details, visit the official BingoPlus app and BingoPlus VIP Club channels.

LOC&STOR 24/7 Newport City is Now Open Near NAIA Terminal 3

 

LOC&STOR 24/7 Newport City

LOC&STOR 24/7, a world-class secure self-storage provider in the Philippines, has officially opened its sixth facility at Newport City. 

Located near NAIA Terminal 3 and surrounding residential condominiums, LOC&STOR 24/7 Newport City brings accessible storage solutions to one of Metro Manila’s busiest travel and lifestyle hubs. The facility is designed to serve travelers, frequent flyers, nearby residents, condominium dwellers, and small businesses that need extra space in a convenient and secure location. 

One of the key offerings of the Newport City facility is its luggage storage service, ideal for travelers who need a dedicated space for their bags before hotel or Airbnb check-in, after check-out, during a layover, or while waiting for a flight later in the day. This allows customers to explore, run errands, attend meetings, or enjoy the area without having to carry their luggage around. 

Luggage storage starts at ₱199 to ₱349, depending on the bag size. For more information on luggage storage, visit: https://www.locnstor247.com/luggage-storage/. 

Beyond luggage storage, the Newport City facility also serves nearby condominium residents who need more room at home. Extra furniture, seasonal decorations, keepsakes, sports equipment, documents, appliances, and other household items can quickly take up valuable living space. LOC&STOR 24/7 can serve as a practical extension of the home, helping residents free up space without immediately parting with belongings they still value. 

The facility is also a practical storage option for nearby small businesses. Businesses may use self-storage for documents, files, inventory, supplies, equipment, marketing materials, seasonal items, or extra stocks that may no longer fit inside their office, store, or work area. With flexible storage space, businesses can keep their operations more organized while maintaining access to the items they need. 

True to LOC&STOR 24/7’s commitment to a world-class self-storage experience, the Newport City facility offers secure, convenient, and professional service for different needs. Customers can choose from 8-unit sizes, enjoy 24/7 access, and store for short-term or long-term needs with a 1-month minimum rental duration. The facility also maintains 14 levels of security to support customers’ peace of mind. 

As a warm welcome, customers who move in now can enjoy 2 months free when they stay for 12 months at LOC&STOR 24/7 Newport City. Book your unit now through our website: https://www.locnstor247.com/inquire-now/. 

For those who need more time, customers may schedule a tour and receive a ₱500 Starbucks Gift Card after completing their scheduled visit. Schedule a tour here: https://www.locnstor247.com/tour/bookatour/. 

Customers may also reserve a unit online to secure their slot before move-in. Reserve your unit here: https://locnstor247.com/Reservation/. 

Ready to make extra space? Move in today at LOC&STOR 24/7 Newport City. View the location here: https://www.locnstor247.com/locations/newport-city/. 

Loc&Stor 24/7’s modern, accessible facilities, open 8AM - 5PM, Mondays to Saturdays (storage facilities open 24/7), are also strategically located in the following locations:

• 54 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C5), Brgy. Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 8570-2561 and (02) 902-1898.  Mobile numbers: (0916) 567-3004 (Globe) and (0998) 968-9746 (Smart).
• 7192A Urban Ave., Brgy. Pio Del Pilar, Makati City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 8810-9556 and (02) 7902-1898. Mobile numbers: (0917) 706-9362 (Globe) and (0919) 912-6800 (Smart).
• 155 JP Rizal, Space Solutions Bldg., Brgy. Tejeros, Makati City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 7902-1898. Mobile numbers: (0917) 709-5390 (Globe) and (0949) 992-5657 (Smart).
• 1238 Epifanio de los Santos Ave., Brgy, Apolonio Samson, Balintawak, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 8353-6936. Mobile numbers: (0917) 703-4159 (Globe) and (0908) 819-1952 (Smart).
• RLX Warehouse, Meralco Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 7902-1898. Mobile numbers: (0917) 711-8854 (Globe) and (0998) 537-6224 (Smart).

For inquiries and bookings, contact the team at (02) 7902-1898, 0917 180 6064, or 0998 282 2498, or send an email to talk2us@locnstor247.com.

Opening of Travel Madness Expo 2026 (SMX Convention Center, Pasay City)

 

L-R: Atty. Carmelo L. Arcilla (Executive Director - Civil Aeronautics Board); Ms. Frances Gail E. Male (SVP and Head of Consumer Business Sector - Metrobank); Mr. Roberto Zozobrado (General Manager and CEO- Philippine Retirement Authority); Mr. Januario Garcia (Mayor - Pagsanjan Laguna); Ms. Maria Andrelita S. Austria (Undersecretary for Migrant Workers and International Economic Relations - Department of Foreign Affairs); Mr. Stanley Ng (Undersecretary - Department of Tourism); Ms. Maria Paz Alberto (TME 2026 Chairperson); Mr. Jaime J. Bautista (former Secretary of Department of Transportation); Ms. Lesley Anne Calixto Rubiano (daughter of Pasay City Mayor); Mr. Bayani Liwanag Jr, (OIC - Pasay City Tourism); and Ms. Diana Cher Lacsamana Batica (Sales Manager- Malaysia Airlines).

Last July 10, 2026, the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2026, one of the Philippines’ largest and most anticipated mid-year travel and trade fairs, was officially opened at Halls 1 -4 of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Ms. Maria Paz Alberto, TME 2026 Chairperson, led the opening ceremonies. She was joined by Mr. Stanley Ng (Department of Tourism Undersecretary), Bryan L. Ang (Philippine Airlines Regional Head-Philippines), Atty. Carmelo L. Arcilla (Executive Director - Civil Aeronautics Board); Ms. Frances Gail E. Male (SVP and Head of Consumer Business Sector - Metrobank); Mr. Roberto Zozobrado (General Manager and CEO- Philippine Retirement Authority); Mr. Januario Garcia (Mayor - Pagsanjan Laguna); Ms. Maria Andrelita S. Austria (Undersecretary for Migrant Workers and International Economic Relations - Department of Foreign Affairs); Mr. Jaime J. Bautista (former Secretary of Department of Transportation); Ms. Lesley Anne Calixto Rubiano (daughter of Pasay City Mayor); Mr. Bayani Liwanag Jr., (OIC - Pasay City Tourism); and Ms. Diana Cher Lacsamana Batica (Sales Manager- Malaysia Airlines).  Their presence signaled strong ties between the government and the private sector. 

The opening day was exclusive to Metrobank cardholders who enjoyed early access to the event’s travel preview sale. By showing their valid card and a government ID, Metrobank cardholders also received free admission. That first day, many visitors flocked to the booths to secure flight deals and holiday packages. 

Since its launch in 2012, this premier annual mid-year event, designed as a one-stop shop for all travel-related needs, has connected travelers with the most influential players in the travel industry (airlines, hotels, travel agencies, cruise lines, theme parks, insurance providers, national and local tourism offices, educational institutions, real estate developers, as well as key stakeholders from the retail and food sectors) under one roof. 

For this year’s event, Malaysia Airlines also joins as the Official Airline Partner, while Philippine Airlines serves as the National Airline Partner. On the international front, TME 2026 welcomed new participating destinations including the Republic of Georgia (Georgia Tourism), the Czech Republic (Czech Tourism), and Papua New Guinea (Niugini Tourism Office), alongside returning exhibitors from Japan (Japan National Tourism Office or JNTO), South Korea (Korea Tourism Organization or KTO), Taiwan (Taiwan Tourism Administration), Hong Kong (Hong Kong Tourism Board or HKTB), Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) and Guam (Guam Visitors Bureau).  

Enjoying strong support from tourism authorities, the expo, held over three days (July 10-12), has created a trusted and credible marketplace for both consumers and industry professionals and allows consumers to plan, book, and customize their trips in one convenient venue. To plan their next journey, visitors can find everything they need - from airfare and accommodations to pocket WiFi, destination sights and attractions, tours, and travel essentials. The expo also promotes domestic tourism and authentic travel experiences by connecting travelers with local tourist spots and activities. Aiming to deliver the best travel deals of the year, TME 2026, renowned for its energetic atmosphere and immersive showcases, featured destinations, cultures, and experiences from around the world as well as exclusive, limited-time offers and on-the-spot bookings available only during the event, making it a must-attend mid-year event for travel enthusiasts and industry stakeholders alike. 

TME 2026, with its strong mid-year positioning and commitment to delivering exceptional value, meaningful connections, and unforgettable travel inspiration, continues to set the standard for travel expos in the Philippines—year after year.

Media Launch of Travel Madness Expo 2026 (City of Dreams, Paranaque City)

 

TME 2026 Media Launch at City of Dreams Manila

From July 10 to 12, the exciting and dynamic Travel Madness Expo (TME), one of the most anticipated travel and trade fairs in the Philippines, returns to Halls 1 to 4 of the SMX Convention Center Manila.  Last June 25, the City of Dreams Manila hosted the exclusive media launch of TME 2026 with the presence of Ms. Maria Paz R. Alberto (President of Ark Travel Express, Inc. and TME Chairperson); Ms. Amabelle D. Nucom (Metrobank’s Head of Usage, Partnerships & Communications Management); and Mr. Bryan L. Ang (Philippine Airlines’ Regional Head – Philippines) who announced the event's return and major partnerships. 2GO Group, Inc. and Duty-Free Philippines also provided their generous support.

 

TME 2026 Media Launch

The Travel Madness Expo, a premier travel event launched in 2012, is one of the Philippines’ premier travel trade events, bringing together valued partners and industry leaders such as airlines, hotels, tourism boards, accredited travel agencies, and travel service providers, to offer competitive travel packages while supporting the growth of both domestic and international tourism. 

It will feature exclusive travel deals, expanded airline and tourism partnerships, and curated experiences that celebrate the culture of travel simply beyond booking the next trip. This year’s trade fair aims to encourage Filipinos to return to travel after a slowdown following the COVID 19 pandemic and the recent US-Iran War. Held during a traditionally slower period of travel, it also aims to encourage Filipinos to look beyond the usual holiday and summer travel seasons by discovering destinations that can be enjoyed year-round.

 

Ms. Maria Paz R. Alberto (TME 2026 Chairperson)

This year’s exhibitor lineup (179) mirrors the changing priorities of Filipino travelers. While millennials and families continue to account for a significant share of regional and international travel, younger travelers are increasingly drawn to experience-driven and cultural itineraries. Retirees also remain an important market for long-haul leisure travel and organized tours.​

​“When you walk onto the expo floor, you are engaging directly with airlines, tourism boards, and accredited travel partners offering one-of-a-kind and hard to resist exclusive packages and curated itineraries,” said Ms. Alberto.  She added, “many of the bundled travel deals, coordinated group packages, and promotional fares available during the expo are often unavailable through standard online booking platforms. She also emphasized the continued value of accredited travel agencies, particularly for travelers planning complex itineraries, multi-country vacations, or group tours, where professional guidance and post-booking assistance remain essential.”

​

Mr. Bryan L. Ang (PAL Regional Head - Philippines)

“The event brings together both outbound and inbound tourism stakeholders to strengthen industry collaboration while giving Filipino travelers more opportunities to discover destinations through trusted travel partners,” Alberto added. She further explained that “When Filipinos travel abroad, they become part of a broader cultural exchange. At the same time, we continue to welcome international partners who help strengthen tourism ties and economic activity between destinations.” 

​By bringing airlines, tourism boards, travel agencies, hospitality providers, and financial institutions under one roof, organizers hope this year’s Travel Madness Expo will make travel planning more accessible while strengthening connections between Filipino travelers and destinations across the Philippines and around the world.

 

Ms. Maria Paz R. Alberto, Ms. Amabelle D. Nucom and Mr. Bryan L. Ang with 2GO Group mascot

TME 2026 carries the theme “Where Every Journey Tells a Story — From Madness to Memories,” with the sub-theme “The Great Revenge Travel Revival and a New Era of Globetrotting Confidence.” Together, they reflect the evolving mindset of today’s travelers, who are moving beyond post-pandemic “revenge travel” toward more intentional, experience-driven journeys centered on cultural discovery, meaningful connections, and thoughtful travel planning. 

For one, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will offer their best rates. Mr. Lang recommends PAL flyers visiting places like Davao during the rainy season, where various adventures await, or fly to see the aurora australis (southern lights) in Tasmania (Australia) or Queenstown (New Zealand). PAL is also opening new destination routes.  Diving enthusiasts will be able to fly to Palau or Saipan in the United States. 

Hotels and resorts in the country such as Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Chancellor Hotel Boracay Newcoast, Kingsford Hotel Manila, and Hotel Lucky Chinatown among others, will also 50-70% off, including vouchers with no expiration. Various offers, for Metrobank credit card holders, include miles and cashback for gas. Considering the rising prices of accommodations, tickets, and other travel expenses, these offers are expected to encourage locals to get back on the road, not just to regional destinations but other countries as well. 

For this year’s event, Malaysia Airlines also joins as the Official Airline Partner, while Philippine Airlines serves as the National Airline Partner, underscoring the expo’s continued focus on strengthening both international connectivity and domestic travel opportunities. Throughout the event, the Department of Tourism’s “Discover More to Love” campaign will also be featured, reinforcing efforts to promote both established attractions and emerging destinations across the Philippines. 

TME 2026 also welcomes, on the international front, new participating destinations including the Republic of Georgia (Georgia Tourism), the Czech Republic (Czech Tourism), and Papua New Guinea (Niugini Tourism Office), alongside returning exhibitors from Japan (Japan National Tourism Office or JNTO), South Korea (Korea Tourism Organization or KTO), Taiwan (Taiwan Tourism Administration), Hong Kong (Hong Kong Tourism Board or HKTB), Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) and Guam (Guam Visitors Bureau). 

The travel event opens on July 10, Friday, at 11 AM and continues through Sunday, July 12. Tickets prices are Php100 (general public) and Php70 (students, PWD and senor citizens). Upon presentation of a valid Metrobank card and ID, through a dedicated entry lane, Metrobank cardholders will receive free admission. On July 10, from 9 AM to 11 AM, they will also enjoy exclusive early access to the Travel Preview Sale, giving them first priority to selected domestic and international travel packages before the expo opens to the public. During the event, eligible Metrobank cardholders can also take advantage of the bank’s “Book Now, Pay Later” program, allowing them to secure their travel bookings while paying at a later date. 

​TME 2026 was made possible through the support of its industry partners, led by Metrobank, Malaysia Airlines, and Philippine Airlines, together with Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sunlight Air, the Embassy of the Czech Republic, Tourism Malaysia, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, The Taiwan Tourism Information Center, Duty Free Philippines, City of Pasay, Arsenal Content Marketing, Amadeus, Sabre, Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company (PLDT) and Nestle. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to expanding travel opportunities and inspiring Filipinos to explore destinations with greater confidence, purpose, and cultural appreciation. ​ TME 2026 media partners are Daily Tribune, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Times, Negosentro and Asian Journal/Balikbayan. 

For more information, event schedules, exhibitor updates and inquiries, contact mobile numbers (0917) 585-2213 and (0917) 307- 8613 or email secretariat@travelmadnessph.com.  You may also visit www.travelmadnessph.com or www.facebook.com/TravelMadnessPH.

Hotel and Inn Review: Savoy Mactan Newtown Hotel (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)

 

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown

Date of Stay: June 15 - 18, 2026

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: ********

Rooms: *******

Condition and Cleanliness: *********

Staff Performance: *********

Room Comfort: ********

Food and Beverage: ********

Other Amenities: ********

Value for Money: *******

A complimentary three-day-two night stay (extended to another night) brought me to the 18-storey Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, the first hotel development of property giant Megaworld inside the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown (the first Megaworld township development outside of Metro Manila with its own beachfront) in Lapu-Lapu City.  

Mactan Newtown

This is the third hotel under the Savoy Hotel brand (the others are Savoy Hotel Manila in Newport City, Pasay City and Savoy Hotel Boracay in Boracay Newcoast), a homegrown hotel chain established by Megaworld. Together with 15 other Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) properties, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown is recognized, by the Department of Tourism, as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE).

 

The hotel entrance and driveway

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown offers 547 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, making it the biggest hotel in Mactan Island, in terms of number of rooms, and the second biggest in the entire Cebu (after the 688-room Bai Hotel in Cebu City).  We were upgraded to a 54 sq. m. Junior Suite (Suite 1827) which had one queen bed plus a spacious living area.  

Our Junior Suite (1827)

The hotel also offers Classic Superior Twin (23 sq. m., two twin beds), Classic Superior Queen (24 sq. m., one queen bed), Deluxe Premier Room (37 sq. m., one queen bed), and the Presidential Suite (94 sq. m., with king bed, expansive living and dining areas, kitchenette, bathtub). 

 

Living area

Ensuite bathroom

All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities such as magnetic door locks, air conditioning, in-room electronic safety box, 43” LED cable TV with 99 channels, blackout curtains, work desk, coffee and tea-making facilities, mini-bar, private bathroom (with toiletries, bathrobes and hair dryer) and wireless internet connection.  

This P1.7 billion hotel, officially opened last November 12, 2019, was designed by Casa+Architects, Inc. while the interiors, featuring prominent circular designs to symbolize continuous service and harmony, were designed by world-renowned Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the same firm that designed Marina Bay Sands and Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, as well as Shangri-La Dubai and St. Regis Abu Dhabi in UAE.

 

Front Desk

The hotel has a number of food and beverage (F&B) outlets.  The Savoy Café, for breakfast and all-day dining, offers the super cool Secret Menu, the awesome Filipino-inspired Sampaguita Menu, and the classic A la carte menu.  Open daily, 6 AM to 10 PM.

Savoy Cafe

Savoy Cafe

Every day, at breakfast, the gracious staff would greet us with the mabuhi (welcome) gesture, an official standard of hospitality and respect in Cebu, gracefully placing their right hand flat against their left breast, accompanied by a slight respectful bow or nod of the head.

 

Zabana Bar

Zabana Bar, at the lobby area, offers refreshing juices, the super special Zabana rum and a bunch of one-of-a-kind signature cocktails. Open daily, 9 AM to 10 PM.  The Pool Bar, at the third level, features a selection of light bites. Open daily, 9 AM to 9 PM. The Lobby Café offers coffee and pastries.  The Patio, located at the second level, is an outdoor dining area. 

 

Swimming Pool

Among the hotel’s amenities are a 24-hour Front Desk, a swimming pool and a dedicated kiddie pool (open daily, 7 AM to 9 PM), paved sunbathing lounge, business center, and a flower garden. 

Pool Bar

For corporate conferences and private events, the hotel also has a wide range of collapsible function halls and executive meeting spaces equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems.  These venues can be configured and tailored to fit various event sizes and setups.

Main Function Hall

The massive Main Function Hall, which can host up to 100 guests (depending on the setup, can be divided into three individual rooms aptly named after Ferdinand Magellan's ships (Concepcion, San Antonio and Victoria).  The more exclusive Function Hall 2, which can accommodate up to 40 guests, can be divided into two separate meeting rooms named after Magellan's remaining ships (Concepcion and Santiago).  For intermediate or medium-sized corporate meetings, smaller setups are also available.

Function Hall 2

For security, all luggage from  arriving guests are scanned by a baggage X-ray machine plus the four 16-pax Schindler elevators are also keycard-operated, restricting access to specific floors.

 

Elevator Lobby

Every day, my son Jandy would exercise at the hotel’s modern, fully-equipped fitness center (open daily, 6 AM to 10 PM), at the third floor.  It offers all the necessary modern cardiovascular exercise machines, strength training equipment, and free weights one needs to maintain your workout routine. 

Fitness Gym

On our last full day at the hotel, we had a relaxing 1-hour massage at the Sampaguita Spa, the hotel’s in-house spa (open daily, 12 noon to 12 AM).  

Sampaguita Spa

It features three treatment rooms (including couples rooms), and specialize in unique treatments infused with local oils, aromatherapy, and various massage styles (Swedish, Thai, Deep-tissue, Hot stone, Sports, and Reflexology).

 

Massage Room

As we loved walking along the beach, we visited the 75 m. long, white sand Mactan Newtown Beach (formerly Portofino Beach Resort) which is located 500 m. from the hotel.  Entrance is free (with beach towels provided) for guests at Savoy Mactan Newtown Hotel as well as in Mercure Hotel. 

Mactan Newtown Beach

Jandy and the author

Here, we checked out the Ceremonial Garden, a popular venue for intimate outdoor weddings, as well as the Glass House and the Grand Beach Tent.  The hotel offered complimentary shuttle services to and from the beach but we just walked as it was just a short distance away.

 

Ceremonial Garden

The hotel is located 500 m. from the Magellan Shrine, 3.2 kms. from the Mactan Island Aquarium, 3.3 kms. from the Jungle Cultural Entertainment Center, 4.7 kms. from the Mactan Marina Mall, 4.8 kms. from the Cebu Yacht Club, 5.6 kms. from the Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan, 5.8 kms. from the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, 5.9 kms. from the Mactan Island Convention Center, 8.2 kms. (a 20-min. drive) from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and 17 kms. from Fort San Pedro, Fuente Osmena Circle and Magellan’s Cross. 

 

Glass Pavilion

Transport services are also offered to guests traveling to and from the airport. They also offer concierge service, express check-in or check-out, 24-hour room service, luggage storage, dry cleaning service, daily housekeeping, laundry service and safety deposit boxes.

 

Grand Beach Tent

On our fourth and final day at the hotel, Ms. Princess Rikah Alfaro, PR and Marketing Assistant of the hotel, invited me to pick up a marker and write my shared experience at the lobby’s interactive, evolving Doodle Wall, a community masterpiece.  Meant to promote connection and shared experiences, it brings to life the hotel’s “Color Your Experience” philosophy.  In doing so, I became part of the growing community artwork.  Truly, a fitting end to a wonderful stay.

 

Hotel Lobby

The current artwork was illustrated by Danielle Nicolas Babor, an architecture student of Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) and son of Ms. Thea Babor, Marketing Coordinator of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.  The space also hosts revolving exhibits of local Cebuano art (available for sale to guests) from artists from the “Artists Beyond Borders” collective and “Grupo ng mga Aktibong.”

 

The Doodle Wall

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown: The Mactan Newtown, Newtown Blvd., 6015 Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Tel: +032 494 4000.  Mobile number: (0917) 868-6746 and (0917) 871-8007.  E-mail: reserve@savoymactan.com and info@savoymactan.com. Social Media Pages (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube): Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown | Facebook / @savoymactannewtown / Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.