MEGAWORLD UPDATE: Megaworld’s net income jumps 17% to record high of P15.8-B in 2018

April 17, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Megaworld Update: “Office, mall, residential, and hotel businesses see double-digit growth during the year”
MANILA, Philippines, April 08, 2019 ‐ Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, saw its net income grow by 17% to P15.8-billion in 2018 from P13.6-billion (excluding P113-million non-recurring gain) the previous year. Net income attributable to parent company ended at P15.2-billion by end-December 2018, a 17% jump from P13.0-billion in 2017 (excluding P113-million non-recurring gain).

Consolidated revenues grew about 15% to P57.4-billion in 2018 from the previous year’s P50-billion (excluding P113-million non-recurring gain).

The company’s rental businesses, comprising of office and lifestyle mall leasing, strongly contributed to the topline, soaring 21% to P14.3-billion in 2018 from the previous year’s P11.8-billion. This contributed 25% of the total consolidated revenues during the year.

Megaworld Update: In 2018 alone, Megaworld has already achieved over 70% of its rental income target of P20-billion by end of next year.

Last year, Megaworld opened its biggest mall development outside of Metro Manila, the Festive Walk Mall in Iloilo Business Park, offering around 90,000 square meters in gross floor area. It also opened two new community malls – the San Lorenzo Place in Makati City, and The Village Alabang in Las Piñas City.

Also last year, the company closed a historic deal in Philippine real estate when it bagged the long-term lease contract to build the 25-storey Philippine Global Service Center of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. It was regarded as the country’s biggest single lease transaction to date, with around 70,000 square meters of ‘build-to-suit’ office spaces for a single company alone.

“We have already secured multiple pre-lease deals for our office buildings as well that are in the pipeline until next year. Same goes to our mall and commercial spaces that are set to open in our various townships. For our residential properties, we continue to see strong take-up especially in our mature townships, and there is already a consistently growing interest in our newly-launched townships,” says Kevin L. Tan, chief strategy officer, Megaworld.

Megaworld’s residential business, on the other hand, saw a double-digit growth of 11.5% in 2018 to P38.0-billion from P34.1-billion during the same period the previous year. This contributed to 66% of the total consolidated revenues during the year.

The Megaworld Group launched 25 residential projects in 2018, with a total sales value of around P106-billion. The company also achieved P135-billion worth of sales reservation during the year.

Megaworld’s hotel business, likewise, grew its revenues by about 14% to P1.5-billion compared to P1.3-billion in 2017. The company launched two new hotels last year: the 684-room Savoy Hotel Manila in Newport City, and the 126-room Twin Lakes Hotel in Twin Lakes, Laurel, Batangas. This brought the number of Megaworld Hotels to seven (7) by end-2018.

“We have gained the fruits of our expansion in the regions as we saw continuing growth in the demand for residential units as well as office and commercial spaces in our various townships across the country. Perhaps, as we build these townships, people saw the advantage of living where they work, and living where everything is just within reach. This model makes every aspect of our business viable and expandable, and we continue to spot for opportunities where we can further grow and innovate our offerings,” explains Tan.

Megaworld Update: Just several weeks ago, together with its subsidiary Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., Megaworld introduced its 24^th township, the 24-hectare Highland City along F. Felix Avenue in Cainta, Rizal. It allocated P20-billion to develop the township within a 10-year period.

Megaworld Update: Over the last 30 years, the Megaworld Group has expanded its township developments across the Philippines that include: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental; Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-hectares); and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque City (31 hectares.)

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FPG Insurance and Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation open Iloilo Community Learning Center

March 15, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

ILOILO, Philippines – FPG Insurance, the major player in the general insurance industry and Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), the CSR arm of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies (PLGC) formally inaugurated a community learning center under CLFI’s Alternative Learning System Program in Sitio Nagpana, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.

Representative of DepEd Iloilo receive from FPG Insurance and Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation school equipment for the Iloilo Community Learning Center.

Guided by CLFI’s advocacy “Always Love Schooling”, FPG Insurance provided support to the learners enrolled in the program to enable them to complete education and pass the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) test with flying colors. Integrated at the Nagpana Elementary School complex, the recipient community learning center has a historical 99% passing rate for its 2017 ALS Accreditation and Equivalency test.

“It is a personal commitment of our President and CEO Ramon Dimacali to support initiatives that pave way for education. He believes that education is the first step towards success and these privileged students of Barotac Viejo will have that with the help of Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation,” said Branches Business Group Assistant Vice President and Cebu Branch Head Janice Diaz.

The launch was also attended by FPG Insurance Assistant Vice President for Channels Marketing Group Vinelle Haber, CLFI’s Education and Special Projects Head Pebbles Muniz, members of the Department of Education – Iloilo Division represented by Schools Division Superintendent Miguel Aposin, Schools Division Assistant Superintendent Dr. Azucena Falaes, and Public Schools Division Supervisor and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Focal Person Concepcion Tababa, members of the Ati tribal community, and Hon. SB Member Antonio Balairos on behalf of Barotac Viejo Mayor Hon. Niel Tupas III.

CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangan delivers a talk to the students of Sitio Nagpana Community Learning Center.

“Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation has always been active when it comes to promoting and giving access to education. We thank FPG Insurance for being our partner in bridging continued learning for adults and youth of Barotac Viejo. We hope to see more institutions giving out support to enable more learners in the future,” said CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangan.

The students of Barotac Viejo Community Learning Center will all undergo an equivalency examination by the end of their training course to determine their viability to receive a certification from the Department of Education.

FPG Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of insurance products from motor insurance, property insurance, to travel and personal accident coverages.

Insurance Branches Business Group Assistant Vice President Janice Diaz and CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangas cut the ribbon for the Sitio Nagpana Community Learning Center inauguration.

About FPG Insurance Philippines

Formerly known as Federal Phoenix Assurance Co., Inc., FPG Insurance was established in 1958 and is a member of the Zuellig Group of Companies in implementing bespoke insurance and risk management solutions for its clients. FPG Insurance is the trusted name in general insurance solutions. FPG Insurance also has operations in Indonesia and Thailand.

About Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation

Cebuna Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies (PLGC) established in the year 2000. CLFI focuses on programs in education and implements the Nationwide Scholarship and the Alternative Learning Programs as well as initiatives promoting disaster resilience.

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Highland City: Megaworld, Empire East To Build P20-B Township In Cainta, Rizal

March 12, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines, March 11, 2019 – Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban
townships, along with its subsidiary Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., is developing a 24-hectare property
along F. Felix Avenue in Cainta, Rizal, to become the Highland City township. The 24-hectare ‘Empire East Highland City’ will be a master-planned community of residential condominiums, mixed-use towers, lifestyle mall and retail areas, church and an expansive green park.

The company’s 24 th township development, Highland City, will host the expansive Highland Mall with a
gross floor area of around 58,000 square meters, rows of residential towers on a highland area, mixed-
use towers, a church as well as open and green parks.

“We are building another Megaworld Lifestyle Mall that showcases another unique character,
complementing the ‘highlands’ or sloped landscape of the property. The Highland Mall will offer around
58,000 square meters of retail spaces,” reveals Kevin L. Tan, executive vice president and chief strategy
officer, Megaworld.

Highland City will be highlighted by the Highland Park, an 8,000-square meter green and open park,
which will house some retail areas and a 500-seating capacity church. The park will elevate towards the
mall and will serve as a ‘grand welcome’ to the township. On both sides of the park will be a six-lane
road which will serve as the main street entrance to the township.

“We are very excited about this new township that will evoke a character of a city sitting on highlands.
Empire East will develop around 38 residential towers on the elevated portion of the township. These
towers will serve as a dramatic backdrop to the vision of ‘Highland City.” Our proposed Highland Mall
under the Megaworld Lifestyle Mall brand will also be a centerpiece of the development. We will
integrate it with an expansive park that opens towards the township’s main entrance,” says Tan.

Forty percent of the entire development will be dedicated to green and open spaces. Aside from the six-
lane main road, the internal roads will be at least four lanes.\

Megaworld and Empire East will spend P20-billion in the next 10 years to develop Highland City. Land
development will commence by second quarter of this year.

Megaworld owns 82% of Empire East Land Holdings, Inc., which has been known for the development of
mid-cost housing developments including several transit-oriented residential developments in Metro
Manila and in other parts of Luzon during the last 25 years. Among its projects include Laguna Bel-Air
and The Sonoma in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; San Lorenzo Place in Makati City; The Rochester and Kasara Urban Resort Residences in Pasig City; Little Baguio Terraces and Mango Tree Residences in San Juan; Covent
Garden in Sta. Mesa, Manila; as well as California Garden Square, Pioneer Woodlands, The Paddington
Place in Mandaluyong City.

During the last 30 years, the Megaworld Group has built over 660 residential developments, 57 office
towers and 17 lifestyle malls in 23 masterplanned townships and integrated lifestyle communities across
the Philippines. These include: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in
Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio
(15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; The Mactan Newtown in
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta.
Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150
hectares); Twin Lakes in Alfonso, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City
(12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park
District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland
Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove
in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300
hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) and Northill Gateway (50 hectares) both in Negros Occidental;
Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6-
hectares); and Westside City in the Entertainment City in Paranaque City (31 hectares.)

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Patient Partners Exclusives: To The Next Level

February 20, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

TMC Iloilo inks partnerships for ‘Patient Partners Exclusives’

The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo is set to bring “Patient Partnership” to the next level as it officially signs a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with its partner brands for its Patient Partner Exclusives Loyalty Card Program on February 6.

The Patient Partner Exclusives Loyalty Card Program is TMC Iloilo’s way of giving premium to its patient partners. The said loyalty card comes with exclusive perks and privileges in the form of discount coupons from TMC Iloilo partner brands.

TMC Patient Partners

Initial partner brands of TMC Iloilo Patient Partner Exclusives Loyalty Card include Asian Massage and Spa Riviera for relaxation; Waterworld Iloilo for leisure; Gym Ni Juan for health and fitness; and Monkey Grounds Coffee, KSpice, BlueJay Coffee & Co., Mrs. Wharton, and Café Panay for dining.

TMC Patient Partners

Aside from those perks and privileges, patient registration, payment, access to billing statements and medical results are just one scan away using this card.

“TMC Iloilo is not only considered a trailblazer in terms of healthcare programs and services in Western Visayas. We are also an innovator in providing excellent patient experience,” says TMC Iloilo Chief Executive Officer Dr. Felix Ray Villa.

TMC Patient Partners

On his part, TMC Iloilo Chief Marketing Officer Prince Juliene Hermaine Celo noted that “the MOA Signing Ceremony is just an initial move as TMC Iloilo is set to further expand the Patient Partner Exclusives Loyalty Card Program with more partner brands and additional features and perks in the coming months.”

The Patient Partner Exclusives Loyalty Card will be available soon and will be given to all admitted patients upon discharge.

TMC Patient Partners

To know more about Patient Partner Exclusives Loyalty Card Program, contact TMC Iloilo at (033) 500-1000 or email us at info@themedicalcityiloilo.com. Also log on to our website www.themedicalcityiloilo.com for more updates.

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AXN Launches Regional Partnership with GoDaddy

February 20, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

PHILIPPINES (February 13, 2019) AXN announced today a new regional partnership with GoDaddy, the world’s largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures, to strengthen its presence in Asia.

This partnership will see Maggie Wilson-Consunji, one-half of the winning team of AXN’s The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, named as GoDaddy Brand Ambassador. As a dedicated entrepreneur, Maggie has leveraged GoDaddy’s online tools to launch an online presence and website for her business unique café and store concept, Casa Consunji (http://www.CasaConsunji.com/) in the Philippines.

Maggie Wilson-Consunji will be featured in two GoDaddy TVCs – The Start Up and Power Your Passion – which were filmed on location at Casa Consunji. The TVCs mark the launch phase of the partnership and will air from January to April.

“AXN is the number one English General Entertainment channel across Asia. Our audience is constantly craving for premium content and we couldn’t be happier to work with a partner like GoDaddy to help take their vision of entrepreneurship mainstream. We are confident of amplifying GoDaddy’s brand awareness and help drive their next phase of growth in 2019 across Asia,” said Avani Bhanchawat, Vice President, Media & Sponsorship Sales, Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks, Asia.

GoDaddy offers an integrated suite of products for small business owners and entrepreneurs, ranging from domain names, hosting, website building, to email marketing, security protections and an online store. GoDaddy offers 24/7 customer support locally, to help guide customers in the growth of their venture, and to find the tools that best meet their needs.

“Partnering with AXN Asia gives us the opportunity to reach a broader audience across Asia. We are pleased to be working with them, including sponsoring Asia’s Got Talent and in working more closely together on promoting the GoDaddy brand with targeted audiences in a variety of formats,” said Roger Chen, Senior Vice President of GoDaddy Asia Region. A cornerstone of the partnership is the sponsorship of Asia’s Got Talent that brings together passionate people pursuing their dreams. “GoDaddy supports people who want to create and manage an online presence for their idea,” adds Chen.

This announcement coincides with the premiere of the top-rated series, Asia’s Got Talent Season 3 on Thursday, February 7 at 8.30pm. Expect hundreds of talented contestants from 17 countries to be competing for the winning crown and the grand prize of USD100,000. The contestants will be judged by 16-time Grammy winner and producer David Foster, internationally acclaimed singing sensation, Anggun and multi-platinum recording artist Jay Park.

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including two record-breaking seasons of Asia’s Got Talent, five seasons of the award-winning The Amazing Race Asia; The Elements: Cosentino; Adventure Your Way; Cash Cab Asia and Cash Cab Philippines; The Apprentice Asia; Cyril: Rio Magic; Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition; and Cyril: Simply Magic.

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 133 million households across 21 territories and is available in both SD and HD. AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

To watch extended highlights of Asia’s Got Talent and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, fans can subscribe to the official AXN Asia YouTube Channel at www.YouTube.com/AXNAsia.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy powers the world’s largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures. With over 18 million customers worldwide and more than 77 million domain names under management, GoDaddy is the place people come to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers and manage their work. Our mission is to give our customers the tools, insights and the people to transform their ideas and personal initiative into success. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

About Sony Pictures Television

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global production business operating 21 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 12 countries around the world. Sony Pictures Television is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company.

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Megaworld Unveils Iconic Martin Delgado Monument in Iloilo Business Park

January 24, 2019 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Iloilo City – Philippines, January 19, 2019 – In Iloilo where the city’s rich history is present in every corner, the 8.8-meter bronze statue of the greatest Visayan ‘revolucionario’ General Martin Delgado in Iloilo Business Park (IBP) is something that is hard to miss.

A masterpiece created by Spanish sculptor Gines Serran-Pagan, one of the world’s most renowned international contemporary artists, the Gen. Delgado statue has become nothing short of a landmark in the City of Love. Located at the Casa de Emperador inside Iloilo Business Park, the statue stands proudly as a tribute to Ilonggo hero’s historic feat.

“We are very happy to have such an iconic masterpiece here in Iloilo Business Park, especially one that bears a stamp of artistic greatness courtesy of Gines Serran-Pagan. This statue is truly a fitting reminder of the continued emergence of Iloilo as a progessive city that puts the arts, history, and culture at its very core,” says Kevin L. Tan, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, Megaworld.

The statue was first made in clay, then fiber glass, and eventually casted into bronze by Serran-Pagan himself. It took almost a month for the statue to arrive here in the Philippines from China where it was created, but the overall design and preparation of the massive artpiece took more than three years to be completed.

“I feel really proud because General Martin T. Delgado deserved this honor for having sacrificed his life for Iloilo. The bronze sculpture has the durability of thousands of years. His legacy will be an inspiration to future generations. My gratitude to his family, the people of Iloilo, and to Dr. Andrew L. Tan and his company Megaworld for giving me the opportunity to create this monument and commemorate the most famous son and hero of Iloilo,” shares Serran-Pagan.

Born in Ceuta, Spain, Serran-Pagan has devoted his life in developing communities by combining art, anthropology, history and culture. Some of his remarkable sculptures include the Pillars of Hercules: Abyla and Caipe and The Union of the World: Monument to World Peace, deemed to be the largest works of art depicting Classic mythology in the contemporary world which are both in Gibraltar.

Just recently, Serran-pagan was feted with the Lorenzo de Medici Medal of the Artism Miami, Florida for his valuable contribution to the arts in the world. The recognition was bestowed upon him by Prince Lorenzo De Medici himself, the direct descendant of the Renaissance sponsor of the Arts.

With over 250 exhibitions across 20 countries, international news agencies and organizations consider Serran-Pagan as a western artist who has had more exhibitions in Asia. He earned a master’s degree in Anthropology from New York University and a PhD from City University New York. Serran-Pagan’s artworks are collected by major museums around the globe, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Martin Delgado

Iloilo Business Park was recently named by the prestigious Philippine Property Awards as the Philippines’ “Best Township Development”, the IBP highlights the importance of art in further developing communities. Perfectly blending urban architecture with art, history, and culture, the 72-hectare Megaworld township has become the place where art enthusiasts discover more about their craft at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary (ILOMOCA). One of the latest additions to Iloilo Business Park, the museum happens to be a sanctuary where Ilonggos and tourists alike can feed their love for the art with various paintings and sculptures from local and international artists.

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Levi’s® sets up permanent Tailor Shop in Iloilo

December 13, 2018 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Heads up, style junkies: Levi’s® sets up permanent Tailor Shop in Iloilo

November 30, 2018- The Levi’s® Tailor Shop, where shoppers can step up their denim game through customization and personalization, is now in full swing at Robinson’s Place Iloilo, its first permanent home outside Metro Manila.

At the Levi’s® Tailor Shop, customers can work with a master tailor to place original patches, studs, and collectible pins for added attitude. To give wearers the perfect fit and style, the Levi’s® Tailor Shop also offers alteration services such as hemmings. For those who want an extra touch of ownership and character, there’s custom fabric paneling for trucker jackets and distressing for jeans.

Customization and personalization are key to the #LiveInLevis campaign, which aims to put Levi’s® at the center of culture. Through the Levi’s® Tailor Shop, customers get immersed in an experience where Levi’s® apparel become their blank canvas for authentic self-expression.

“The Levi’s® Tailor Shop is a way of opening up new possibilities for denim wearers to express themselves and celebrate their authenticity. At Robinson’s Place Iloilo, we found an emerging hub of culture and lifestyle, making it a perfect home for the Levi’s® Tailor Shop,” said Charisse Chua, Levi’s Philippines Country Manager.

Follow @Levis.philippines on Facebook and @levis_ph on Instagram for updates.

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FIVE BIG REASONS to love Megaworld Hotels’ CLUB ACCESS Card

November 15, 2018 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Megaworld’s Access Card packed with perks and freebies now available in Iloilo for only P6,999 – Imagine the fun and the thrill of experiencing the best of the Philippines—from the festive city of Iloilo, the splendid shores of Mactan, the chilly hills of Tagaytay, and the thrilling landscape of Manila—with just one privilege card.

Megaworld's Access Card

Discover more of the beauty of Western Visayas and the cities and islands around the country—along with their scrumptious cuisines, our world-class hospitality, and more—Megaworld Hotels brings you CLUB ACCESS, an exclusive membership privilege card packed with exciting perks and discounts from some of the finest local hotel brands nationwide.

Itching to know why this card is a must-have for every traveler? Here are five reasons why you will definitely love to have your own Club Access card.

It’s the most affordable hotel privilege card to date.

Members can fully enjoy the power of Club Access for an entire year for a Php6,999 one-time membership fee. This then entitles the cardholder to discounts on dining, rooms—even during special promotions—amenities, and other hotel services.

Megaworld's Access Card

“Club Access is designed for the quintessential traveler, someone who wants to experience the best accommodations our hotels can offer in several key destinations like Boracay, Tagaytay, and soon, Cebu. It is perfect for people who love being pampered and know that they deserve the best,” says Natalie Lim, general manager of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, who also serves as the Club Access spokesperson.

It gives members access to the most number of homegrown hotels nationwide.

Participating in this privilege program are six (6) existing and ten (10) soon-to-open Megaworld homegrown hotel brands nationwide.

Existing hotel brands include Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, and Savoy Hotel Boracay.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Between this year and the next three years, ten (10) more homegrown hotels will open and become part of the program: Twin Lakes Hotel Tagaytay, and Chinatown Hotel in Binondo, Manila, both of which will be opening within this year; Savoy Hotel Mactan and Belmont Hotel Mactan Newtown, both in Mactan Island, Cebu; Belmont Hotel Boracay and Chancellor Hotel Boracay, both in Boracay Island; Kingsford Hotel and Grand Westside Hotel in Westside City within the booming Entertainment City near Manila Bay; and the recently announced Belmont Hotel Iloilo in Iloilo Business Park and the Upper East Hotel in Bacolod.

Belmont Hotel

It offers up to 5 nights worth of FREE stays!

The Club Access card gives members almost five complimentary nights worth of stay: One (1) complimentary overnight stay in a standard room at any Megaworld Hotel; One (1) 50% room discount voucher at any Megaworld Hotel; one (1) 50% room discount each at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, and Savoy Hotel Boracay; and Two (2) Complimentary Upgrades to the Next Room Category at all participating hotels.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

On top of this, members get unlimited 20% discount on Best Available Rates in all types of rooms, inclusive of breakfast for two. On promotional rates and special holidays, members can still get 10% discount on all types of rooms inclusive of breakfast for two.

“For every stay in the hotel, members will receive our Exclusive Welcome Amenities. There will also be a priority lane for Club Access members so they don’t need to queue in long lines for check-ins and check-outs,” adds Lim.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

Get unparalleled access to hotels in key tourism sites.

“So far, this is the only hotel privilege card that provides more hotel choices within the Philippines, especially in key tourism areas like Cebu, Boracay, and Tagaytay,” Lim shares.

Aptly wrapped in elegant royal blue, the Club Access card also comes with hotel vouchers and certificates that offer discounts and complimentary accommodations and dining experiences.

Savoy Hotel Boracay

The Club Access card is non-transferable, although tagging along another person is always welcome so you fully enjoy the fun of staying at any Megaworld Hotel.

It supports 100% Filipino hotel chains.

No other membership privilege card offers travelers the fun of experiencing some of the Philippines’ 100% Filipino hotel brands that capture the warmth of true Filipino hospitality than Club Access.

Members can indulge in the finest local cuisines for FREE at all participating F&B outlets from any Megaworld Hotel chain when accompanied by one paying guest. Member plus two guests, meanwhile, get 30% discount on total bill; member plus three guests at 25%; member plus four to 19 guests at 20% discount. Even members dining alone automatically get 30% off the total bill.

Savoy Hotel Manila

During special occasions and holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, members can still get unlimited 10% discounts on their total F&B bills. Indulge limitlessly on the mouth-watering cuisines and drinks from Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Richmonde Café, The Exchange, and Lobby Café; Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s Eastwood Cafe + Bar; Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s The Granary, BizBar, and Zabana Bar; Belmont Hotel Manila’s Cafe Belmont and Roof Top 11; Savoy Hotel Manila’s Savoy Cafe, The Poolside, Connect Lounge, and Zabana Bar; and Savoy Hotel Boracay’s Savoy Cafe, Vienne Lobby Lounge, and Chambery Pool Bar.

Aside from complimentary stays, room upgrades, and dining discounts and freebies, members also get the following:

Exclusive Priority VIP Lane for all Club Access members.
10% off on Spa treatments.
20% off on Gym Annual Membership Fees.
20% off on Day Pass use of swimming pool for up to 4 persons (not applicable to Savoy Hotel Manila).
Complimentary non-motorized water sports activities for maximum of 2 hours in Savoy Hotel Boracay.
Complimentary wash & press laundry services for up to three (3) pieces of clothing, excluding dry cleaning services, plus 30% discount on next availment of such services when staying as a paying guest.
Complimentary Scheduled Shuttle service from the hotel to the main station in when staying in Savoy Hotel Boracay.
15% discount on total food bill for banquets and social events with a minimum spend of P20,000 only applicable to the following hotels:
- Richmonde Hotel Ortigas – Dinner on weekdays/All-day on weekends.
- Eastwood Richmonde Hotel – Dinner on weekdays/All-day on Sundays.
- Richmonde Hotel Iloilo – All-day on weekends.
- Twin Lakes Hotel – 15% off on weekdays and 10% off on weekends (not valid on banquet packages).

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Songs from the Sea at ILOMOCA by Renowned Artist Nune Alvarado

November 14, 2018 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

In the coastal city of Sagay in Negros Occidental, Filipino artist Nunelucio Alverado – the creator of Songs from the Sea – has made not only a home but a community.

“Inaawitan ako ng dagat,” says Alvarado of the peace he found in this place – the kind that has paved the way for a new kind of prosperity, one that feeds back into his community to enrich the lives of its members through art.

Songs From The Sea

His latest series of paintings and objects dubbed as “Stories of Restoration, Songs from the Sea” is composed of works that appear to be a far cry from the jarring depictions of life in the cane fields and mills for which Alvarado has been known. Instead, the artist takes inspiration from the community he helped create, giving back through art what he himself has gained after over three decades of practice.

Songs From The Sea

“Tonight marks another milestone for us at Megaworld Foundation as we celebrate the first year since we ventured into the intricate world of museum management, and already we are closing the year with yet another highlight exhibit. Nune Alvarado’s ‘Songs from the Sea’ is a moving masterpiece that showcases the beauty of Filipino culture even in mundane everyday experiences. This is only the beginning and we are committed to upholding the undeniable talent of local creative minds and the promotion and preservation of art in the entire region,” says Tefel Pesigan Valentino, Vice President and Head of Marketing and Business Development of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Songs From The Sea

Taking inspiration from the everyday stories of home

A proud Negrense himself, Nunelucio Alvarado is a painter known for his exceptional work as a social realist. A founding member of the Black Artists in Asia – one of the most prominent collectives in the region – Nune, as his friends fondly call him, is known for large-scale depictions of difficulty and despondency in the cane fields of Negros.

Songs From The Sea

While these works have won him awards and recognition, they have also drawn critical attention to the plight of the sakada, as well as other marginalized members of the society. Alvarado now lives in Sagay City, where he runs Kape Albarako, a café and art space that is integral to the city’s creative community.

An Aarts and Culture Jewel in Asia’s ‘best township’

Songs From The Sea

ILOMOCA is Megaworld’s first ever museum located at Iloilo Business Park, the company’s bustling 73-hectare township development in Western Visayas which was recently feted as the Country Winner for ‘Best Township Development in Asia’ at the 2018 Asia Property Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The facility proudly embraces the distinction as the first art institution in Visayas and Mindanao exclusively dedicated to showcasing the works of mostly Filipino and Ilonggo artists within the realm of modern and contemporary art. As a major component in the development of IBP, IILOMOCA serves as a platform for Megaworld in reinforcing its thrust to preserve and promote the Ilonggo brand of artistry, culture and creativity.

Songs From The Sea

A glimpse 0f what you can find at Hulot Gallery today until December 10, 2018.

Songs From The Sea

Songs from the Sea runs at the Hulot Gallery on the ground floor of ILOMOCA from November 11 up to December 10, 2018

To know more about Nune Alvarado’s exhibit, visit ILOMOCA on Facebook or call (033) 320-9903 and (033) 328 1028

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Event, Travel

Iloilo shines with Banaag Festival 2018’s amazing light show

November 5, 2018 by Nile Kris Jan Banga Leave a comment

Fresh from being hailed as the Philippines’ Best Municipal Festival at the recently held 2018 Pearl Awards, the highly anticipated 14th Banaag Festival in Anilao, Iloilo drew excited tourists from all over the country who came to witness the much talked about Festival of Lights and the spectacular culminating program that set the night ablaze with beautiful dancing flames last October 31.

Following the symbolic lighting of the torch, which was lead by Iloilo 4th District Congressman Ferjenel “Dok Ferj” Biron, along with Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque and Anilao Vice Mayor Matet Debuque, this year’s Banaag Festival presented fierce and more enchanting cultural presentations of eight competing tribes vying for the coveted Banaag Festival Dance Drama Competition Championship.

Lighting of Torch with Senator Cynthia Villa and Iloilo 4th District Congressman Ferjenel “Dok Ferj” Biron, along with Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque and Anilao Vice Mayor Matet Debuque

Banaag Festival is a cultural tradition in Anilao, Iloilo which was inspired by local sentinels during the Spanish era who guarded bamboo watchtowers and warned residents of incoming pirates by lighting the torch as a signal to flee. Thus, the torch became a precious symbol of unity for the Anilaonons, and this beautiful burning light has become the source of pride and inspiration for the people throughout the years.

In the recently concluded 19th Pearl Awards of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Phippines – Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) held in Cagayan De Oro earlier this month, Banaag Festival bagged the First Place as Best Tourism Festival (Festival Category, Municipal Level), earning for this Anilaonon tradition its much deserved title as the Philippines’ Best Municipal Festival.

A quick media press conference with Iloilo 4th District Congressman Ferjenel “Dok Ferj” Biron, along with Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque and Anilao Vice Mayor Matet Debuque

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