Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Unveils the Milestone Lounge
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, an IHG hotel, is delighted to announce the opening of its Milestone Lounge on the 4th level of Robinsons Galleria.
The Milestone Lounge, which also offers seamless access from the hotel, is open 10 AM to 7 PM daily. A Crowne Meetings and Events expert will be ready to take guests’ inquiries throughout the day.
This was followed by a mini bridal fair at the Ruby Ballroom on October 21 featuring partner event planners and suppliers. The event was attended by couples, some of whom have secured dates for their big day in the following year. The 2-day affair culminated in a Chinese Lauriat-style lunch, masterfully prepared by Xin Tian Di’s executive chef, David Chu. It aimed to showcase its expertise in Chinese cuisines, perfect for Chinese weddings or Ting Hun ceremonies.
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria takes pride in having the most spacious ballroom in Ortigas, with a capacity of 1,200 persons, an ideal venue for any life celebration or business conferences. Complement it with culinary delights from its chefs that prepare the same dishes in Seven Corners and Xin Tian Di, Crowne Plaza’s award-winning and top-rated restaurants.
The grand ballroom is set to undergo refurbishment, with expected completion in the second quarter of 2024. The management sees no interruption to business during the course of the renovation.
Both Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria have been undergoing significant transformations since 2019. According to GM Patria Puyat, the guest rooms are being transformed to align with the distinct identities of the two brands — where the joy of travel begins at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and the fun that does not end when business begins at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
Japan provides support for DOH cold chain management and logistics
On October 23, Minister for Economic Affairs NIHEI Daisuke graced the turnover ceremony for the Department of Health (DOH)’s Program for COVID-19 crisis response emergency support. The event was led by DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and was attended by esteemed guests including JICA Philippines representative SAKAMOTO Takema and other DOH officials.
In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency and a pandemic in March 2020. In the Philippines, the government of Japan was among those who responded immediately to this concern and provided various assistance to effectively deal with the pandemic. Among the notable contributions is a grant totaling approximately 700 million Japanese yen, or PHP 260 million, dedicated to bolstering the Philippines’ cold chain management and logistics. This includes the procurement of essential resources, such as 8 refrigerated vans, 17 delivery vans, 17 pick-up trucks, 18 wing van trucks, 500 biothermal packaging systems, and 140 ice pack freezers. This support was designed to fortify the country’s capacity in effectively responding to existing and future health crises.
In his speech, Minister NIHEI Daisuke lauded the efforts of the Philippine government especially the Department of Health, and the entire health workforce in effectively responding to the crisis. He also hoped that the pandemic’s lessons will serve as catalysts to better prepare for future health emergencies. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation of stakeholders at all levels in ensuring a safe and healthier environment for all.
Overall, Japan has provided over 100 USD billion comprehensive COVID-19 support to the Philippines, ranging from vaccines, medicines, equipment, technical assistance, budgetary support, food, and livelihood, among others.
8th STY International Gymnastics Cup: showcase of talent and excellence
The 8th STY International Gymnastics Cup, held at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, was a breathtaking display of talent and skill of young gymnasts from around the globe. From October 20 to 22, over 600 young gymnasts from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines converged to compete in this prestigious event. Hosted by the PGAA STY Gymnastics and Sports Center, this competition highlighted the exceptional skills and unwavering commitment of these promising athletes.
One standout athlete who graced the event was ten-year-old Euan “EJ” Jireh, a rising star from the PGAA STY Gymnastics team. EJ demonstrated exceptional skill and talent, surpassing 47 gymnasts from various countries to secure an impressive 3rd place finish in her category. She graciously expressed her gratitude to her coaches and supportive parents, whose unwavering guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in her victory.
Notably, PGAA STY Gymnastics and Sports Center emerged as the overall team champion, showcasing their commitment to nurturing and developing young talent in gymnastics.
The 8th STY International Gymnastics Cup provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and compete at an international level. The event fostered camaraderie and friendly competition, highlighting the universal language of sport.
As the competition ended, president and head coach of PGAA STY Gymnastics and Sports Center Butch Ty expressed gratitude to all participants for their breathtaking performances and the camaraderie forged among them. The 8th STY International Gymnastics Cup has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the gymnastics community, inspiring young athletes to strive for excellence and pursue their dreams.
DOE, Solane join forces to move forward with LPG law
The Department of Energy is moving to fully implement the LPG law with the active participation of industry partners through a series of symposiums spearheaded by LPG brand Solane.
Along with representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and various local government units, DOE reached out to over 3,000 LPG players nationwide through the series of Solane Retailer Trade Outlets (RTO) symposium in 20 key areas nationwide with LPG retailers, dealers, and stakeholders.
The DOE gave assurance that it will continue to accept and process applications for the issuance of permits to qualified LPG participants even after the deadline.
According to Marvin Castor, Solane LPG liaison officer, among the most common challenges encountered by LPG partners in Luzon is the presence of unauthorized and non-compliant LPG sellers and refillers.
In Cagayan alone, agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, in collaboration with Solane LPG and Petron, were able to seize PHP 1.5 million worth of fake and illegally produced LPG tanks, seals, and paraphernalia.
Signed in 2021, the Republic Act 11592, or LPG Law aims to protect consumers from LPG malpractices, including the sale of counterfeit and illegally refilled, mostly rendered hazardous, LPG cylinders.
Several of Solane LPG’s retailers and distributors, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the implementation of the law will put an end to unfair business practices in the market.
