Hotel and Inn Review: Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre (Viet Tri, Vietnam)

 

Date of Stay: November 14 to 15, 2025

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *******

Rooms: ******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: *******

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

 

Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre

Our second night in Vietnam was to spent at the 3.5-star Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre, nestled just 2 kms. from the vibrant heart of Viet Tri.  This smoke-free property, was opened in 2022 and was just recently renovated this year.  It has 105. well-appointed guestrooms (15 sq. m King Accessible Room, King Bed Room, and Twin Bed Room, JO Twin Room, JO King Room, Twin Room, Deluxe Twin/Double Room).  

 

Room 419

The frosted glass bathroom with separate lavatory

Ours had connecting rooms (418 and 419) with air conditioning, 43-inch, flat-screen Smart television with cable channels, phone, minibar, in-room safe, work desk, blackout curtains and complimentary bottled water. The private bathroom had a rainshower head, bidet, free toiletries and a hair dryer. 

 

Our bathroom

Our complimentary buffet breakfast (from 7 to 10 AM), the next day, was at the 24-hour JO247 Lounge, an onsite lobby lounge.  It also serves Continental, buffet, à la carte and Asian lunch and dinner. 

The hotel lobby

The hotel also has a lively lobby with work space, a bar, a game room (foosball), a 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness gym, a communal living room, elevator, a vending machine and a 24-hour Front Desk. Free on-site private parking is available via a spacious car park. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including all rooms 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices) and public areas. 

The hotel bar

They also offer luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, housekeeping, dry cleaning, concierge services, tours/ticket assistance, shuttle service, express check-in/check-out and laundry facilities.

 

Buffet breakfast at JO247 Lounge

The hotel is located 1.6 kms. (a 15-min. walk) from Van Lang Park, 4.2 kms. from Đền Tam Giang và Chùa Đại Bi, 13.2 kms.  from Hung Kings Temple Historical Relics, 21.4 kms. from Military Hospital and Lang Co Duong Lam, 22.5 kms. from Vac Lake, 23 kms. from Vinh Phuc Provincial Museum, 23.1 kms. from Beta Cineplex Vinh Yen, 23.5 kms. from Temple of Hậu Nghĩa Lộc Việt, 23.8 kms. from RiverBay Pickleball Vinh Phuc, 25.1 kms. from Quảng trường Hồ chí minh, 25.8 kms. from Shanxi Citadel, 27.1 kms. (a 50-min. drive) from Ba Vi National Park, 30.1 kms. from Ao Vua Lake, 35.6 kms. from Thiền viện Trúc lâm Tây Thiên and 64.2 kms. from Noi Bai International Airport.

 

JO247 Lounge

Tru by Hilton Viet Tri City Centre: 938 Đ. Hung Vuong Ave., Tho Son Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho, 290000, Vietnam.  Tel: +84 210 3636 555.

Hotel and Inn Review: Bora Hotel (Sapa, Vietnam)

 

Date of Stay: November 13 to 14, 2025

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: ********

Rooms: *******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: *******

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

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

 

Bora Hotel

Our first night in Vietnam was spent at the 4-star Bora Hotel in Sa Pa which was opened last July 2024.  We stayed in Room 409, one of their 65 newly-renovated rooms (Family, De Luxe Twin,De Luxe Double, Superior Twin, Standard Twin, Standard Triple) with balconies, air-conditioning, TV, and wardrobe. 

Room 409

Our private bathroom had a shower and free toiletries. Free WiFi was available in our room and throughout the property.

 

Our bathroom

We had our dinner at the modern, 200-pax Bora Essence Restaurant. With two wood-burning fireplaces, serves brunch, lunch, dinner, and high tea with halal, vegetarian and vegan options and a child-friendly buffet. Its diverse menu featured a harmonious blend of local dishes from the Northwest region and creative Fusion dishes plus a rich collection of local and imported wines.

 

Bora Essence Restaurant

The hotel also has a 24-hour Front Desk, a spa and wellness center (Sapa Essence Spa), sauna, an outdoor seating area, terrace and free on-site private parking. Bora Hotel offers tours, housekeeping service, room service, paid airport shuttle service and luggage storage.

 

The bar

The hotel is located 280 m. (4-min. walk) from the Church of the Holy Rosary (Sapa Stone Church), 370 m. from Quang Truong Square (Sapa Square), 540 m. from Ham Rong Mountain, 1.1 km. from Cat Cat Ethnic Village and 5.3 kms. from Sun World Fansipan Legend Cable Car Station.

 

Hotel lobby

Bora Hotel: 54B Phố Cầu Mây, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 33000, Vietnam.  Tel: +84 214 3871 313. Email: info@borasapa.com.

Savoy Hotel Manila Makes it 5 in a Row

 

Savoy Hotel Manila - 5 time winner of the Philippines' Leading Airport Hotel

Last October 13, Savoy Hotel Manila, strategically located 350 meters across from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 (offering unparalleled convenience for travelers), plus seamless access to Terminals 1 and 2 via the Skyway, was again named Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony, held at InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong. The Philippines took home six titles, including Asia's Leading Beach Destination and Asia's Leading Island Destination.  

The WTA, founded in 1993, is the foremost symbol of excellence in global travel, recognizing destinations that exemplify outstanding hospitality and tourism.  Present during the gala ceremony was Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Ms. Maria Rica Bueno representing DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, together with other industry leaders and government officials from across Asia and Oceania.

 

Savoy Hotel General Manager  Ferdinand "Den" Navarro holding the award

Mr. Ferdinand “Den” V. Navarro, and Ms. Ma. Theresa “Tess” S. Dela Paz, the hotel’s General Manager and Director for Marketing and Communications respectively, were on hand to accept the award in behalf of the hotel. Den shared “This award belongs to our hardworking associates who go above and beyond to deliver the warm, heartfelt Filipino service our guests truly deserve.  We also thank our MHR family, our loyal guests and our partners for their unwavering support.” 

This award recognizes the hotel's commitment to service excellence and authentic Filipino hospitality for travelers, particularly those near NAIA Terminal 3. The award also acknowledges the hotel's consistent delivery of genuine Filipino hospitality and its high standard of service. The win is seen as a reflection of the hotel's dedicated staff and the support of its guests and partners. 

 

GM Den Navarro with Ms. Ma. Theresa "Tess" Dela Paz, Savoy Hotel's Marketiing and Communications Manager

The 684-room hotel, now entering its eighth year of delivering exemplary Filipino hospitality and award-winning service, now marks it fifth consecutive win, having also won in 2024 (September 4, Manila, Philippines), 2023 (September 6, HoChi Minh City, Vietnam), 2022 (September 7, HoChi Minh City, Vietnam) and 2021 (October 19, London, United Kingdom). It also won as Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel in 2021.   The hotel was also awarded “The Value Star” at Tripzilla’s Travel Excellence Awards 2024.  Not bad for a hotel which opened its doors just seven years ago, on June 28, 2018. 

The hotel was also nominated as the World's Leading Airport Hotel in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021; Asia's Leading Airport Hotel in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022; and Asia's Leading Marketing Campaign in 2023.  

Megaworld Hotels and Resorts wins the title of the  Philippines's Leading Hotel Group during the 2024 WTA Awards

Savoy Manila’s parent company, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), was also awarded the prestigious title as the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group during the WTA Awards in 2024. This accolade marks a significant milestone for MHR, a rapidly growing homegrown hotel chain renowned for its heartfelt service and dedication to showcasing Filipino pride.  As the nation’s largest hotel operator, MHR boasts a portfolio of 13 hotels (Savoy Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Belmont Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Mactan, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila and Grand Westside Hotel) across 7 brands with more than 8,500 room keys.  Grand Westside Hotel, with 1,530 rooms, is recognized as the Philippines’ largest hotel. 

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.

Launch of Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition (Quezon City, Metro Manila)

 

Last October 25, 2025, the Mama Sita Foundation (MSF), in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Studies Program of Ateneo de Manila University, successfully launched Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition at the Le Cordon Bleu campus of Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

 

Tableya: Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas

The event brought together students, faculty, members of the academe, food historians, judges, and heritage and culinary enthusiasts for an afternoon celebrating one of the Philippines’ most enduring food traditions. This inaugural activity also serves as a key milestone in ongoing efforts to secure Geographical Indications (GI) recognition for particular “terroir” of cacao and tableya in the Philippines. Terroir has been translated as “kapookan” by renowned food writer and historian Mr. Guillermo "Ige" Ramos, referring to both natural and cultural factors that make the G.I. products unique.

The Mama Cita Foundation partners with the Ateneo Cultural Heritage Studies Program to promote terroir and heirloom crop value chains

Designed as a demonstration event ahead of a planned nationwide competition in 2026, the Tableya Awards showcased eight tableya brands selected by students under Dr. Fernando Zialcita’s Cultural Heritage course, in a hot chocolate drink competition curated by cacao expert Estela Duque. 

The judging panel featured respected leaders in the food and culture sectors, including Ms. Felice P. Sta. Maria (originator of the Philippine Food History website), Mr. Oscar Mejia, Ms. Carla Villanueva, Ms. Rosario Juan (founder of the celebrated Commune Cafe) and Mr. Jan Christian Gregory "Jancy" Kilayko (part-owner of Primal Brew and officer of Philippine Coffee Board).

 

Mama Cita's Heirloom + Rice Champorado

“The Philippine Tableya Competition is more than a culinary showcase—it’s a cultural and agricultural advocacy,” organizers noted. GI protection for tableya and cacao is expected to strengthen value chains, elevate production standards, and support the farming communities behind these heritage ingredients.

 

The Mama Cita Foundation serves  Balatinaw Heirloom Rice Champorado and Balatinaw Heirloom Rice Pinipig

Guests were treated to a curated merienda featuring Mama Sita’s Heirloom Rice Champorado (a delicious dark chocolate rice porridge) and Heirloom Rice Balatinaw Pinipig (flattened roasted young grains of Balatinaw rice), highlighting the diversity and depth of local agricultural traditions. The Mama Sita Foundation’s participation reflects its continued commitment to promoting terroir, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of heirloom crop value chains.

 

Mama Cita representatives Leila, Iya and Philip at the Tableya Competition

L-R: Ms. Estela Duque, Dr. Fernando Zialcita and Mr. Andrei Valerio

This initiative was supported by Ateneo’s John Gokongwei School of Management and Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo, institutions that bring academic rigor and culinary excellence to the program. Together with the Mama Sita Foundation, they aim to scale the Tableya Competition nationwide in 2026, strengthening research, advocacy, and community engagement connected to the country’s GI aspirations.

 

L-R: B.S. Restaurant Management students Mr. Vito Tomacruz, Mr. Matthew Christian Galang, Mr. Brennon Gleason and Ms. Elise Milana with Program Director Dr. Annalisa Mariano-Diaz.

L-R: Ms. Estela Duque, Ms. Felice Sta. Maria and Dr. Fernando Zilacita

The event marks the beginning of a sustained collaboration to elevate Philippine tableya—honoring its origins, empowering its producers, and securing its rightful place in both local and global markets.

Ballet Philippines' Alice in Wonderland at The Theatre at Solaire (Paranaque City, Metro Manila)

 

Ballet Philippines' Alice in Wonderland

As part of Ballet Philippines’ (BP) 56th season, BP will present a full-length ballet adaptation of  “Alice in Wonderland,” choreographed by BP’s multi award-winning artist , choreographer and Artistic Director, Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk (a star dancer of the Kremlin Ballet Theatre), this coming December5-7, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire. 

Mikhail "Misha" Martynyuk

Martynyuk's version  portrays Wonderland as a "labyrinth of Alice's thoughts, memories and imaginations." For him, Alice in Wonderland is more than a reinterpretation of a classic - it is an exploration of the limitless creativity that defines ballet.  He explains, "In Alice, I wanted to create a world where movement tells the story beyond words.  Through choreography, mime and expression, we invite audiences to feel the humor, absurdity and heart that make Wonderland so unforgettable"

Ms. Katleen Liechtenstein

Ms. Kathleen Liechtenstein, President of Ballet Philippines, shares, "As we continue to evolve Ballet Philippines' artistic journey, Alice in Wonderland represents our ongoing mission to celebrate imagination, courage and the joy of discover.  It also reflects our deeper purpose - to bring Filipino talent and artistry to the forefront of the global stage, showcasing how collaboration between world-class artists like Mikhail Martinyuk and our homegrown dancers creates a uniquely inspiring expression of creativity and excellence."

This festive and enchanting original holiday production comes to life with playful choreography, surreal sets and a captivating score. A spellbinding journey for audiences of all ages, Alice in Wonderland is the perfect holiday escape into wonder and delight. Performances are scheduled for December 5 at 8:00 PM, December 6 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and December 7 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketworld. 

Part of the gala cast of Alice in Wonderland

This new take on the magical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved classic and timeless story is set in a vibrant and whimsical world where logic bends and imagination take center stage, whisking audiences down the rabbit hole and into a land filled with zany characters, mad tea parties, flamingo croquet, and tap-dancing playing cards.  

Handed down from one generation to the next—not just in Carroll’s cherished books (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) but in more than thirty stage versions and countless films. 

Jenina Reyes-Ocampo

It brings together all the colorful characters namely the ever-curious Alice (played Ms. Jemina Reyes-Ocampo, on December 5, and Ms. Danielle Kleiner and Ms. Nicole Barroso, on December 6), the eccentric Mad Hatter (played by Mr. Peter San Juan), the frantic White Rabbit (played by Mr. Eduardson Evangelio, on December 5, and Mr. Mark Anthony Balucay, on December 6), the bumbling twins Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (played by Mr. Emmerson Evangelio and Mr. Alexis Piel, on December 5, Mr. Eduardson Evangelio and Mr. Carlo Padoga, on December 6), the mysterious Cheshire Cat (played by Ms. Gia Gequinto, on December 5, and Ms. Clarise Miranda, on December 6), and of course, the domineering Queen of Hearts (played by Ms. Ma. Regina Magbitang, on December 5 and 6, and Ms. Jemina Reyes-Ocampo, on December 6). 

Other characters, played by the gala cast members, include the Dormouse (played by Ms. Joanne Sartorio-Guillermo, on December 5, and Ms.  Gia Gequinto, on December 6), the King of Hearts (played by Mr. Emmanuel Guillermo), the Prince (played by Mr. Rudolf Capongcol, on December 5, and Mr. Ian Ocampo, on December 6), the Duchess (played by Ms. Krystn Janicek), the Mad Rabbit (played by Mr. Carlo Padoga, on December 5, and Mr. Carl Lacaba and Mr. Earvin Guillermo, on December 6),  the Caterpillar (played by Mr. Rudolf Capongcol, on December 6) and the Lead Flowers (played by Ms. Danielle Kleiner and Ms. Nicole Barroso, on December 5, and Mr. Eduardson Evangelio and Mr. Carlo Padoga, on December 6). 

For accessible seating, contact mobile numbers (0917) 550-6997 or (0999) 954-5922 or email tickets@ticketworld.com.ph.  To avail of tickets with Senior Citizen, PWD, Diplomat discount, visit their outlets. Tickets are non-transferrable.  Please come in proper attire. You can wear smart casual or more formal outfits, depending on the show.

Please do not wear slippers or flip flops, shorts, tank tops, sleeveless undershirts worn without a blazer or a coat, or sportswear. Otherwise, The Theatre staff cannot let you in.  Theatre doors open 30 minutes before the show. Late-comers will be allowed to enter The Theatre at a suitable time in the performance.

Casa Alegria Conferred as a UN Peace Center (Tagaytay City, Cavite)

 

United Nations Association Peace Center Conferment at Casa Alegria

Last October 18, 2025, in celebration of the United Nations' 80th Anniversary, the charming, 2-star, pet-friendly Casa Alegria Bed & Breakfast, a sanctuary for rest and regeneration as well as a living platform for peace and sustainability, shone on the global stage as it was conferred the distinction of a United Nations Association Peace Center by the United Nations.  Celebrating its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and peace-building, this designation highlights the property's focus on sustainable living and environmental regeneration within its forest-like setting.

 

Casa Alegria Bed and Breakfast Tagaytay by Cocotel

In line with this milestone, Casa Alegria will also be acknowledged as a Global Citizens Hub of the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC)—a place where leaders, innovators, and communities can gather to nurture dialogue, foster cooperation, and advance shared futures. Moreover, in light of the exemplary leadership and transformative contributions it's founder and owner, outdoor advertising magnate Mr. Alvin M. Carranza, a staunch, environmentalist and visionary, has been invited to serve as a member of the Advisory Board of the World Changers Academy (WCA).

 

From L-R: Casa Alegria General Manager Ms. Joan Karen Vallesteros (receiving award in behalf of Mr. Alvin M. Carranza), PRO - UN Global Citizens Ms. Ma Leonila Garcia, Global UNAP Young Professionals President Dr. Dary E. Dacanay and Global UNAP President Mr. Roderick C. Cruz

Poised to become a legacy movement for nurturing global citizens and future-ready leaders, WCA would surely benefit from Sir Alvin's wisdom and experience serving as invaluable guide to CWA's direction and impact. This dual recognition celebrates Casa Alegria not only as a sanctuary of rest and regeneration, but as a living platform for peace, sustainability, and global citizenship. Together, they will affirm Casa Alegria’s new role and mission as a beacon of hope.

 

Leaders from civil society, business, academe, faith groups, international organizations and representatives from government

This special celebratory gathering of unity included leaders from civil society, business, and academe; faith groups; international organizations; representatives from government; and members from online and print media. The presence of these diverse sectors will underscore the importance of this recognition and highlight Casa Alegria as a beacon of unity and renewal.

 

Swearing an oath for peace

Casa Alegria, a small but quiet retreat nestled on a steep hill directly facing the world famous Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, is more than a place to stay. Nestled in a lush, forest-like setting, it offers peace and a place to enjoy the all-time cool and fresh air of Tagaytay. With 8 well-appointed rooms, a dining area where breakfast and dinner are served, an infinity pool and a jacuzzi, all overlooking Taal Lake, it is an ideal place for big families, friends, and buddies.

 

Taal Volcano and Lake

Casa Alegria Bed & Breakfast: 4120 Ligaya Drive, Brgy. Sungay North Tagaytay, Talisay, Batangas.  Mobile number: (0928) 848-3061 and 0917 307 7462. Email: casaalegriabnb@gmail.com.

Hotel and Inn Review: Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast (Tagaytay City, Cavite)

 

Date of Stay: October 17 to 18, 2025

 

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *******

Rooms: ******

Condition and Cleanliness: ******

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: *******

Other Amenities: *******

Value for Money: *******

 

Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast

Last October 18, 2025, in celebration of the United Nations' 80th Anniversary, I, as well as other media guests, covered the conferment of the distinction of a United Nations Association Peace Center, by the United Nations, to the charming, 2-star, pet-friendly Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast the, a sanctuary for rest and regeneration as well as a living platform for peace and sustainability. 

Check out “Casa Alegria Conferred as a UN Peace Center”

 

Room 7 (Agoncillo)

From its location on a steep hill, the property, formerly a family resthouse of outdoor advertising magnate Mr. Alvin M. Carranza (he also owns Casa Alegria in Antipolo and the 12-hectare Melba’s Farm in Talisay City, Negros Occidental), a staunch, environmentalist and visionary, was turned into a bed and breakfast in 2010. It offers scenic and stunning views of the world-famous Taal Volcano and Lake. It has eight well-appointed airconditioned rooms. 

 

View of Taal Lake and Volcano from our room

The guys, including me, stayed at the 36 sq. m. King Suite (Agoncillo), at the second floor, which has 1 king-size bed, a SMART TV with home theater system and a water massage bathtub. (Php7,000 on weekdays and Php8,000 on weekends).  From the foot of the bed, as well as the sofa, we had a great view of the volcano and lake.  The ladies stayed at the Family Room which has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and 2 single beds (Php5,000 on weekdays and Php6,000 on weekends). 

 

Family Room

Other rooms include the 20 sq. m. Standard Queen Room (Room 2), at the second floor, has 1 king-size bed and a glass wall that opens up to a veranda (Php4,200 on weekdays and Php5,200 on weekends). The 20 sq. m. Deluxe Queen Room (Room 5), located at the lower right corner of the building, has a small sofa, dining table and a garden view (Php3,800 on weekdays and Php4,800 on weekends).

 

Roofdeck dining area

Wooden deck, with seating area, around a tree

The 30 sq. m. Superior Queen Room has a 1 king-size bed, a SMART TV with home theater system and a water massage bathtub. (Php7,000 on weekdays and Php8,000 on weekends). The Standard Room (Room 4, Taal), on the ground floor, has quick access to the swimming pool area (Php4,200 on weekdays and Php5,200 on weekends).  Other rooms are the Queen Room A, Quadruple Room and Twin Room.  All rates include free daily breakfast.

 

The infinity pool

There's also a rooftop dining area, for breakfast and dinner, also with a view of Taal Lake and Volcano.  Our dinner (bulalo, crispy pata and pinakbet) that evening was delicious and filling.  Its other amenities include , an infinity pool, a sauna, a foosball table and a jacuzzi, making it suitable for group stays.  It offers daily housekeeping, van rental and free parking. 

 

The sauna and foosball table

Casa Alegria Tagaytay is located 1.3 kms. from Tagaytay Picnic Grove, 1.48 kms. from Museo Orlina, 2.31 kms. from Our Lady of Manaoag Tierra de Maria, 4.92 kms. from Taal Lake, 4.47 kms. from People’s Park in the Sky, 6.13 kms. from Sky Ranch Tagaytay, 6.96 kms. from Ayala Malls Serin and 9.5 kms. from Puzzle Mansion Bed & Breakfast.

 

Media guests. L-R: Ted Pelaez, George Buid, Ann Esternon, the author, Elvira Altez and Ma. Leonila Garcia

Casa Alegria Tagaytay Bed and Breakfast: 4120 Ligaya Drive,Labak, Brgy. Sungay North, Tagaytay City, 4107 Cavite.  Mobile number: (0928) 848-3061 and 0917 307 7462. Email: casaalegriabnb@gmail.com.