For a memorable journey

Marco Polo Hong Kong’s head of sales and marketing Sonny Ang and director of communications Samantha Poon recently came to Manila to share with the members of the press what’s new with the Marco Polo Hong Kong hotels. Ang and Poon also discussed some special offers that will make one’s journey to Hong Kong more memorable.

Situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the three Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong — Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel — form part of Harbour City, which is Hong Kong’s largest shopping complex featuring more than 450 shops and the world’s leading luxury brands. The three hotels comprise 1,460 well-appointed and spacious guestrooms and suites, all equipped with complimentary handy smartphone and Wi-Fi.

Yes, you read that right, complimentary handy smartphone!  Forget about data roaming charges whenever you check-in at all three Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong. This smartphone, which comes pre-loaded with bespoke software specifically designed for tourists visiting Hong Kong, is for hotel guests to keep them connected while exploring the city. Guests are given instant access to complimentary unlimited local calls and international calls to five countries including China, the Philippines, Japan, the US and the United Kingdom. The smartphone is now available in all 1,461 guestrooms at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and Prince Hotel.

The three hotels offer proximity to Harbour City. Guests can simply present their room keycard to any of the 124 outlets (such as Adidas, Bally, Cole Haan, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade New York, Moschino, Paul Smith and Tumi) in this shopping complex to avail themselves of the exclusive deals. This offer is valid until March 31, 2017.

A special treat awaits Philippine MasterCard holders who will book at least three days in advance the “Marco Polo Hotels and Star Ferry Offer.” For this offer valid until Dec. 2016, MasterCard holders should book a stay for two consecutive nights or more to avail themselves of amazing offers, which include a complimentary Star Ferry four-day pass for two persons, guaranteed late check-out, complimentary room upgrade to next room category and 20 percent discount on food and beverages at designated restaurants of the three Marco Polo Hong Kong hotels.

The hotel team that went to Manila also said that the Gateway Hotel’s 400 guestrooms and suites underwent a complete makeover. General manager Fritz Sommerau explained, “Gateway Hotel introduced a brand-new 360-degree redesigned property that showcases a totally innovative design concept. We also introduced Three on Canton, the ultimate gourmet destination that is an impressive space of 20,000 sq. ft. to dine, wine, lounge and network on its third floor. In addition, each newly renovated room features a flat-screen TV and the popular Nespresso coffee machine with a complimentary selection of flavors. All suites offer a soothing rain shower and bathtub built in the newly designed marble bathrooms.”

With what these three hotels have to offer, I certainly know where I’ll be staying when I go back to Hong Kong next time.

(For more information, visit www.marcopolohotels.com.)

Woman, Thy Heart is Picasso

It was an evening of art, poetry, wine and food at the launch of Woman, Thy Heart is Picasso — a book of art and poetry for women compiled by publisher Sandra Bitanga Jocson Fernandez.

The artwork for the book was provided by Charito Bitanga-Peralta and the poems were written by Julie Bitanga Purugganan-Lingan. The Bitanga women put together this book to showcase a woman’s soul — sensual, feisty and free of inhibitions.

The night was a double celebration as guests toasted Sandra, who is called “Marquesa” by her Spanish friends.

Live classical music was provided by the Saraza family, including violinist Diomedes Saraza Jr., who played a few pieces as tribute to Sandra for playing an integral part in his education.

A teaser for the upcoming Marquesa Con Clase website was also shown during the event. Sandra decided to put together a website to document her fondness for the finer things in life: wine, food, adventures and new discoveries.

(Woman, Thy Heart is Picasso: A Bitanga Collaboration on Love, Life, Poetry, Art is available at Maria Luisa’s Garden Room at the Makati Garden Club. For inquiries, call 552-7051, 552-7045 or e-mail [email protected].)

Classical guitar night at The Manor

The Manor at Camp John Hay in Baguio City presents its Garden Concert series with classical guitarist Sachiko Miyashita on June 25, 7:30 p.m.

Miyashita bagged the first prize at the Classical Guitar Competition in Tokyo and has performed in 11 countries worldwide. She is also a recipient of the Sapporo City Outstanding Artist Award and the 20th Hokkaido Bank Art Culture Award.

Tickets are on sale for a certain price inclusive of a buffet dinner at Le Chef at The Manor by Chef Billy King.

All rooms in The Manor are discounted by 50 percent until Oct. 15.

(For ticket inquiries, call (074) 424-0931 to 43. Tickets will also be available at The Manor front desk.)

The power of ‘X’ unleashed

Caltex unleashed the full power of its newest line of Havoline and Delo products in a fun-filled event centered around X-Men: Apocalypse at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium in Pasay City.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the all-new Caltex product line such as Delo Sports with ISOSYN Technology, Delo Sports Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 and Delo Sports Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-30. These products are particularly designed for diesel-powered SUVs and pick-up trucks, providing enhanced engine protection and increased power even in the most trying of driving conditions.

Chevron Philippines Inc. area business manager Joe Bronfman said, “At Caltex, our customers are the cornerstone of our business. Every bottle of Havoline and Delo engine oil is imbued with the power to protect their engines and deliver optimized performance.”

The venue was transformed into the X-Men School for Gifted Youngsters where mall-goers got to take home exclusive X-Men premium items by joining the Caltex Xtreme Power Challenges at the venue. Cosplayers, who dressed-up as X-Men: Apocalypse characters, obliged fans with selfies.

Pio Cesare wine dinner

Pio Boffa, fourth generation owner of renowned Pio Cesare winery, was back in town to host an exclusive Pio Cesare wine dinner at The Tasting Room in City of Dreams Manila.

The highlight of the dinner was the two older vintage Barolo Classico magnums, the 2003 and 2004 — both over a dozen years old. Other wines served in the special dinner were all limited release single vineyards wines, namely: the Piodilei Chardonnay 2012, the Fides Barbera d’Alba 2010, the Il Bricco Barbaresco 2009 and the Ornato Barolo 2009.

(Pio Cesare wines are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Golden Wines Inc. Call 638-5025 to 27.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)