Season of Lights (Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Season of Lights 2024 Christmas Tree Lighting Program

Just 42 days before Christmas Day, Lanson Place Mall of Asia officially welcomed the festive Christmas Season with an enchanting display of festive lights, music, and holiday cheer via their enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Held at the Level 3 Lobby, they celebrated this joyous time and the magic of the season with valued friends and media partners.   

The gaily decorated, Christmas gift-laden tree

The evening started with welcome remarks by Lanson Place General Manager Mr. Nils Rothbarth and Christmas messages by Ms. Peggy E. Angeles (Executive Vice-President of SM Hotels) and Lone District of Pasay Congressman Antonino Calixto. All three then joined Ms. Elizabeth T. Sy (President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation) and Atty. Peter Pardo (chief-of staff of Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano) in the jointly illuminating the huge, gaily decorated Christmas tree which made the hall come to life with its radiance and joyous colors as well as filled the air with warmth, bliss, wonder and togetherness.

 

Sheila Valderrama-Martinez

The highlight of the evening was a special Christmas concert by multi-awarded performers Shiela Valderama-Martinez (acclaimed musical theater artist known for her captivating performances and exceptional musical prowess), Arman Ferrer (musical theater performer, Aliw, Awit and Gawad Buhay awardee), Imusicapella (internationally acclaimed church choir from Imus City, Cavite), and Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters (a most sought after music ensemble in the country).

 

Arman Ferrer

The concert kicked off with Bernie Pasamba and the Music Masters’ orchestral rendition of veteran composer Robert Longfield’s Turning Point, a bold overture-style original work for strings. Imusicapella then followed this up with master choral music arranger and composer Tom Fettke’s You Are the Light, an elegant acapella song glorifying the living, loving God. 

 

Imusicapella

Arman Ferrer debuted on the stage with his soulful rendition of British composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s ’s PureImagination, an inspirational ballad originally performed by Gene Wilder in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and theChocolate Factory.  Shiela Valderama-Martinez then made her grand entrance with American composer StephenFlaherty’s The Human Heart, an earthly ballad from the 1990 contemporary theater-crowd favorite musical Once on This Island. 

 

Bernard Pasamba and the Music Masters

Together, Shiela and Arman then sang composer Alan Irwin Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater’s lovely and simply gorgeous love ballad I See the Light (watch video here), a romantic duet, filled with mystical allusions and symbols, from the Walt Disney animated 2010 film Tangled.  Imusicapella returned to the stage to perform the Christmas staple Joy to the World.  Written by English minister and hymnist IsaacWatts, it is a celebration of Jesus Christ’s role as king of both his church and the whole world, intended to show his return rather than his birth.

 

Honored guests at the Christmas tree

All four performers capped the evening Christmas concert with 19th century Scottish poet and hymn writer James Montgomery’s beloved and captivating hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory (watch video here).  Based on the French carol Angels We Have Heardon High, it focuses on each of the key players in the Christmas story (angels, shepherds, the Wise Men, all nations and all the people).”  Their thrilling and dynamic carol arrangement, beginning with a hush, slowly built up in momentum to a joyous invitation, from wherever they are, calling them to “come and worship Christ, the newborn King.”

 

Cocktails at Focus

Following the tree lighting ceremony and concert, guests proceeded to the nearby Focus (the hotel’s co-working space) where they indulged in a delightful, expertly prepared spread of international gourmet dishes from Cyan Modern Kitchen, traditional madeleines and exquisite mini cakes from Madeleine High Tea and refreshing, specially crafted cocktails, to toast the season, from BLK 12 Café/Bar.   It truly was an unforgettable evening of great food, wonderful music and festive cheer, filled with holiday joy and togetherness.

Hotel and Inn Review: Savoy Hotel Manila (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Date of Stay: November 5 to 6, 2024

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *********

Rooms: *********

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

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

Room Comfort: *********

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

Other Amenities: *********

Value for Money: *********

 

Savoy Hotel Manila

What gift do you give your loving wife on her birthday?  Flowers? Chocolates? A greeting card? All these are fine but, thinking outside the box, I went the extra mile by arranging a hotel staycation instead. Well not just any hotel but one that goes beyond the traditional hospitality by rising above conventional business practices to contribute meaningfully to environmental solutions (a subject that is dear to our heart) – the 4-star, 11-storey Savoy Hotel Manila which had its soft opening last June 28, 2018.

 

Our bed at Space Suite (5066) with all the birthday trimmings

The Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel for four consecutive years (2021 to 2024), this Newport City hotel is located just 350 meters from NAIA Terminal 3 (plus seamless access to NAIA Terminals 1 and 2 via the Skyway) and is a premier choice for leisure travelers, business professionals, millennials, young families, and cherished Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Balikbayans travelers seeking both comfort and convenience, enhanced by the warm, welcoming spirit of Filipino hospitality. 

Space Suite

Our living area

Work desk

The hotel is one of 13 homegrown hotel development launched by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts across the Philippines.  Also within Metro Manila are the 19-storey, two-tower, 1,530-room Grand Westside Hotel (the biggest hotel in the Philippines in terms of total room keys), the 529-room Kingsford Hotel Manila (Paranaque City), Hotel Lucky Chinatown (Manila), ArcoVia Hotel (Pasig City), Belmont Hotel Manila (Pasay City), Richmonde Hotel Ortigas (Pasig City) and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel (Quezon City).

Classic Room

Premier Room

Also within Luzon are Savoy Hotel Capital Town in San Fernando City, Pampanga; Twin Lakes Hotel in Laurel, Batangas; and the 10-storey, 306-room Savoy Hotel Palawan  and the 313-room  Paragua Sands Hotel, both in San Vicente, Palawan.

Premier Deluxe Room

Runway Suite

Within the Visayas are Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Belmont Hotel Iloilo, both in Iloilo City; Savoy Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay and  Chancellor Hotel Boracay, all in Boracay; Kingsford Hotel Bacolod in Bacolod City; and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Belmont Hotel Mactan, all in Cebu. 

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by no less than the hotel’s General Manager Mr. Ferdinand “Den” Navarro, a seasoned hotelier and, himself, an OFW for 17 years, together with Ms. Maritess “Thessa” Dela Paz (Director of Marketing & Communications) and Mr. Karlo Evangelista, the hotel’s Compliance Manager and a sustainability champion.

 

Deck Suite

We stayed in a 49 sq. m., clean, cozy and comfortable Space Suite (5066), one of the hotel’s 684 cozy and well-appointed airconditioned rooms.  Our room was furnished with electronic door locks, a flat-screen TV, NDD/IDD phone, tea and coffeemaking facilities, a snack bar with Nespresso machine, a minibar, safety deposit box, a work desk, blackout curtains, a spacious living area and ensuite bathroom with walk in shower and free toiletries.  

Our ensuite bathroom

Other room categories include the 23 sq. m. Classic Twin Room (two single beds), the 23 sq. m. Classic Queen Room (one large double bed), the 23 sq. m. Premier Twin Room (two single beds), the 23 sq. m. Premier Queen Room (one large double bed), the 27 sq. m. Premier Deluxe Queen Room (one queen bed), the 27 sq. m. Premier Deluxe Twin Room (two twin beds), and the 53.3 sq. m. Deck Suite (one large double bed). The 38.1 sq. m. Runway Suite, located on every floor, has one large double bed and a view of the NAIA Terminal 3 runway.  All rooms come with Wi-Fi access and some rooms have access to the 150-pax Executive Lounge which is also available for special events.

Savoy Cafe entrance

 

Savoy Cafe

The hotel has three food and beverage outlets. Our usual hangout was their on-site, all-day dining Savoy Cafe (open 6 AM to 10 PM) which serves a menu of international and Filipino cuisine and special dishes ala carte. 

Wild Mushroom Cream Soup

Lechon Kawali

Here, we tried out their Wild Mushroom Cream Soup (3 kinds of mushrooms blended with cream and served with sesame pretzel grissini, Php275), Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly served with special vinegar dipping sauce and steamed rice, Php460), Sampaguita Rubbed Pork Barbecue (smoky, tender slices of pork belly smothered with their homemade barbecue sauce, Php550) and their Halo-Halo (Filipino cold dessert with assorted fruit compote, drizzled with evaporated milk, and topped with ice cream, custard flan and maraschino cherry, Php350).   

Fresh Salmon Ravioli Pasta

Halo-Halo

Zabana Bar, open 7 AM to 12 midnight, is located at the hotel's spacious lobby.  Named after Zabana Rum, the latest product from Emperador Distillers, Inc., it offers signature drinks, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and bar bites.  

Zabana Bar

Located on the second floor are a spacious outdoor area with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and the Poolside Bar (open 7 AM - 10 PM) which offers expertly crafted signature cocktails and a selection of premium wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

The Poolside Bar

Both bars’ menu includes Gambas Al Ajillo (garlic shrimp in olive oil served with bruschetta), Bruschetta Trio (cream cheese balls, cocktail shrimp, classic tomato, and pesto), Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls (kani sticks, Chinese sausage, cucumber, vermicelli, fresh herbs, nuoc cham, and peanut sauce), Nuoc Cham Chicken Wings (Crispy fried chicken wings glazed with honey and fish sauce), Salmon Croquettes (crispy golden brown crust, pan fried salmon, peppers, onions, and seasoning), Crispy Pata (crispy pork leg with special vinegar dipping sauce), Chicharong Bulaklak (crispy fried pork mesentery, served with pickled vinegar, and cucumber dip), Meatball in Tomato Sauce (mix of ground beef & chicken stewed in fresh tomato salsa served with bruschetta) California Maki (sushi stuffed with ripe mangoes , cucumber , and crabstick , served with wasabi and soy dipping sauce) and Charcuterie Plate (salami lyoner, boursin, brie, sharp cheddar, pickles, grissini, assorted nuts, and dried fruits).

Connect Lounge

The Connect Lounge is a versatile space for meetings, conferences, workshops and social gatherings that brings people together for meaningful encounters.  It offers Business Packages that can be customized according to your needs.

Sauna and Steam Room

Spa

Located on the second floor are a spa and sauna room (open 7 AM to 8 PM) and the fully-equipped fitness gym (Move Health Club) which offers modern cardio machines, strength training and free weights.  Open 7 AM to 8 PM. 

Move Health Club

Move Health Club

The unique Squares Lounge, located at every two floors of the 11 storey building, are open, co-working spaces with lots of rooms and electric sockets.  An ideal spot for productivity and relaxation, it has a wide, long and bright lobby.  Here, you can hang out with friends, get work done or stream your favorite TV series, all while keeping your personal space private.  Stationed at every square are computers, a snack bar and hotel staff that can take your orders from any of Savoy's F&B outlets.

Squares Lounge

The hotel also has a 24-hour Front Desk and a business center.  Located on the same floor are a spa and sauna room (open 7 AM to 8 PM), and an indoor swimming pool (open 7 AM to 8 PM).  They also offer complimentary airport shuttle, laundry service, car rental, concierge, currency exchange, on-site parking and 24-hour room service.  The customer service was excellent and the hotel staff were respectful, friendly and accommodating. 

The outdoor swimming pool

The hotel is located 200 m. from the vibrant township of Newport City, which features top-notch residences, hotels and enterprises.  It is also located 3.2 kms. (a 10-min. drive) from the City of Dreams Manila, 5.1 kms. (a 15-min. drive) from SM Mall of Asia, 5.5 kms. (a 15-min. drive) from Glorietta Mall, 8 kms. (a 20-min. drive) from The Mind Museum, an interactive science center, and 9.6 kms. (a 20 min. drive) from Rizal Park. 

The spacious outdoor seating area beside the pool

A cabana beside the pool where you can relax

A Vertical Garden overlooking the swimming pool

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends to its Sampaguita Initiative, which aims to revitalize the sampaguita industry by incorporating the Philippines’ national flower into its branding.

 

Sampaguita Boursin and Salmon Tartlets

Some of their signature dishes, such as the Sampaguita Boursin & Salmon Tartlets (Php420), Roasted Vegetable and Sampaguita Terrine (Php350), the aforementioned Sampaguita Rubbed Pork Barbeque, Sampaguita Polvoron (Php180), Gambas Royale (Php650) and Mango Sampaguita Cheesecake (Php320) as well as the Sampaguita & Lychee (Php220), Sampaguita Smoothie (Php280) and  SanMaRRa Tea (Php220), are infused and enhanced with sampaguita, adding a fresh flavor to a meal or drink. 

 

Sampaguita Rubbed Pork Barbeque

Savoy Hotel Manila: 101 Andrews Ave., Newport City, 1309 Pasay City. Tel: +63 (02) 5317-2869.  E-mail: stay@savoymanila.com. Website: www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

After Dark: Calavera Carnival! (Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Halloween came early at Lanson Place SM Mall of Asia with their After Dark Fiesta: Calavera Carnival!, a night of Mexican flavors, crafted cocktails, and a whole lot of fun at Cyan Modern Kitchen, with live music, face painting and an exciting costume contest.

 

After Dark Fiesta: Calavera Carnival!

Step into the enchanting world and vibrant, age-old tradition, filled with flavors, colors, and culture, of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”), a joyful occasion and a vibrant celebration of life and remembrance that honors the memories of loved ones with feasts, music, and lively festivities.  It’s a time when life is celebrated to the fullest, and Cyan Modern Kitchen brings this exuberant tradition to life with the specially curated “After Dark Fiesta” buffet. 

Mr. Deczle Enriquez, Director of Food and Beverage at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, shared “We are delighted to bring the lively traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead to Cyan Modern Kitchen. Our ‘After Dark Fiesta’ offers guests a unique culinary and cultural experience with exquisite dishes and signature tequila cocktails.”

 

An array of authentic Mexican dishes

At this ultimate fiesta, embark on a flavorful journey and prepare your taste buds as you delight and feast on an array of bold and authentic Mexican dishes and mouthwatering favorites such as the zesty Camarones A la Diabla, smoky Roasted Suckling Pig with Mole Sauce, and the refreshing Ceviche. 

 

A selection of bewitching, tantalizing and free-flowing craft tequila cocktails

Raise your glass and say “Salud” to a selection of bewitching, tantalizing and free-flowing craft tequila cocktails and even brighter and vibrant spirits. Whether you’re a fan of classic margaritas or you’re eager to try something new, these cocktails are sure to add a refreshing twist to your evening. With bold new blends, every sip is perfectly crafted for the festive energy of the Calavera Carnival. Savor the rich, smooth flavors of Corazon Tequila, the tangy sweetness of the Tamarindita, the kick of the Bala de Canon, the mystery of the Moradita, and more.

 

Dia delos Muertos-inspired Halloween costumes and face paint

The fiesta reaches its peak on the Grand Night on October 26. Come dressed to impress as you show off your best and most creative Halloween costume, inspired by the Dia de los Muertos, and make the night even more memorable by being crowned with the coveted title of "Best Dressed of the Night," winning exciting special prizes, including a complimentary pre-dinner buffet for two at Cyan Modern Kitchen. 

Truly an unforgettable night full of festive spirit and a vibrant celebration to remember filled with delectable dishes, spirited cocktails, and a celebration that’s all about life, love, and laughter.  With a minimum of 4 guests per booking, guests can enjoy 30% discount between October 6 and 20, 2024. 

The “After Dark Fiesta” runs daily, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, until November 11, 2024, with weekday rates at Php2,100 net per person, and weekend rates at Php2,500 net per person. For those joining the celebration on the Grand Night (October 26, 7 to 10 PM), dinner is priced at Php2,900 net per person. For reservations, reach them at +63 917 812 8061 or email fb.lpmn@lansonplace.com.

Boracay Island Flavors: A Culinary Journey at Savoy Hotel Manila (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Boracay Island Flavors - A Culinary Journey at Savoy Hotel Manila

Following the tradition of the successful Ilonggo Culinary Treasures and the Cebu Food Fest, Savoy Hotel Manila believes it’s time for Boracay to take center stage with Boracay Island Flavors: A Culinary Journey at Savoy Hotel Manila, a limited-time celebration of Boracay’s finest cuisine which will be held from October 7 to 20, 2024.  Here, you can experience the true flavors of Boracay’s beloved dishes without leaving Manila for the island.

 

Executive Chefs Kit Carpio and Nicks Valmeo

The event will showcase a special menu, inspired by the rich, comforting, well-loved and authentic dishes of Boracay, prepared by Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast’s talented and admired Executive Chef Nicks Valmeo who will join forces with Executive Chef Kit Carpio of Savoy Hotel Manila to create a delectable culinary experience for Manila’s valued patrons. Invaluable support in making this event possible was provided by GM Maia Israel of Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast and her team.

 

Boracay Menu Sampler

Chef Nicks Valmeo shared his excitement, saying, "I grew up loving the outdoors, and I take great joy in cooking the most requested dishes from our customers who are vacationing with us, especially favorites from Aklan and the Visayas region. These are the flavors that bring people together."

 

Binacol na Manok

Savoy Hotel Manila GM Ferdinand “Den” V. Navarro” added, "As the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel, we have guests who stay with us while en route to various parts of the country. Serving Boracay Island’s iconic dishes at our very own Savoy Café gives our guests a taste of vacation even before they reach their destination."

 

Ensaladang Paco

In a press conference held last October 8 within the modern and cozy ambiance of the Savoy Café, members of online and print media got to preview and savor a sampler of mouthwatering dishes from this event that promises a culinary adventure filled with unforgettable flavors and a feast for the senses.  This was not just a dining experience.  It was a journey capturing Boracay’s essence ….

 

Pansit Bisaya

For starters, we tried out the Binakol na Manok (chicken sautéed in ginger, garlic, and onion with a hint of lemongrass with fresh coconut juice and meat), Alugbati at Kesong Puti Salad (Mesclun greens, local alugbati, cherry tomato, black olives and kesong puti, drizzled with dalandan-honey vinaigrette) and Ensaladang Pako (crisp and refreshing salad consisting of fiddlehead fern, cherry tomato, sliced onion rings topped with crispy danggit fish with calamansi vinaigrette on the side).

 

Tinumis

The highlight of the foodfest was a banana leaf-lined bamboo tray filled with Hurnong Talaba (baked oysters, from New Washington in Aklan, with Mornay sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top), Beef Kansi (an Ilonggo sour soup made with beef shank and jackfruit flavored with batuan, lemongrass and anatto), Tinumis (sautéed pork with fresh tomato, onion, garlic, vinegar, and batuan puree for a tangier, sour flavor), Inubarang Manok (slow-cooked chicken in coconut milk, flavored with lemongrass and ginger, and flavored with ubad or banana pith which is abundant in Aklan), Tinumkay/Linapay (ulang or freshwater shrimps, coconut meat, ginger, and spices wrapped in taro leaves and gently simmered in coconut cream), Chori Pasta (Pinoy spaghetti with a Boracay twist) and Pansit Bisaya (A famous noodle recipe in the Visayan Region combining egg and rice noodles with seafood, pork, and chorizo).

 

Inubarang Manok

For dessert, we tried out the Inday-Inday (palitao with bukayo with coconut sauce on the side) and Eangkoga, the Aklanon's version of binignit or bilo-bilo in the Tagalog Region.  You can add to these the Mango Graham Shake, a tropical dessert of sweet mango, coconut and crushed Graham crackers, topped with whipped cream, that completed our taste of the Boracay Island life.

 

Eangkoga

Inday Inday

For inquiries and table reservations, please call +63253172817 or email dine@savoymanila.com.