The City of Dreams Manila has recently announced a strengthened initiative to support small to medium enterprises (SMEs). Local businesses have been among some of the hardest hit during this pandemic; as a response to this, the luxury resort and casino complex has promised to utilise Filipino goods in 90 per cent of its procurement.

This investment comes as a continued effort on the part of City of Dreams, having first shifted to sourcing coffee beans from local farmers since 2019. Beans from Bukidnon, Benguet, and Batangas are among those roasted, blended, and brewed in all restaurants at City of Dreams. 

The resort also supports local rice that is 100 per cent chemical-free and 100 per cent traceable. Coming from Leyte, these rice grains are harvested by farmers who were former victims of Typhoon Yolanda. The supplier, Dalisay Rice, is known to have some of the best and had won third place (out of 30) at the 11th Annual World Rice Conference just last year. 

Lastly, City of Dreams Manila is proud to announce that its seafood is also now sourced from local fisheries whose business practices align with the resort's vision in conservation. MedGrocer, a local and online pharmacy, has also been supplying the resort with medical and healthcare solutions while Sofia Advertising has been providing them with signage requirements. 

“Moving forward, City of Dreams Manila aims to engage with more SMEs in the future, not only to build a sustainable supply chain but also, as responsible corporate citizens to continue contributing to the economic growth of local communities,” Kevin Benning, Chief Operating Officer, shared.

As part of the largest hotel chain in the world, Sheraton Manila proudly released its four-pronged approach to the new normal: this includes creating transmission barriers, enhancing sanitation, promoting health screening, and nourishing the new normal. 

In creating transmission barriers, the hotel aims to lessen contact but improve connection through mobile check-ins and personalised service through the Marriott Bonvoy app. All personnel are provided with PPEs that include masks, face shields, gloves, and full gear for housekeepers. Restaurants and public areas have also been adjusted to ensure social distancing. Sanitation measures are also conducted hourly using an electrostatic sprayer recommended by the World Health Organisation. 

All guests are set to fill out the Health Declaration Form to improve health screening within the property. Sanitation chambers, mats, and kits are also readily available for all guests. Due to innovative technology and rigorous screening, the Sheraton Manila has been accredited to operate throughout the entire quarantine period. 

Their restaurants have also been fitted to adapt to the new normal with acrylic dividers on dining tables, food stations, and reception desks. Menus and collateral are now accessed through QR codes while the serviced buffet is no longer self-serve; rather, plated food is delivered per table. 

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After months of closure, Discovery Primea announces its reopening coupled with more stringent health and safety protocols. Tapenade, one of its popular restaurants, now offers familiar Mediterranean flavours alongside a variety of health precautions to help ease the mind of worried diners and staff. Masks are now a must-have, as entry is denied for those who do not cooperate with the new rule. Health declaration forms, QR coded menus, social distancing, and a reduced dining capacity are also part and parcel of the hotel's new rules. 

David Pardo de Ayala, the General Manager of Discovery Primea, said: "We believe a restaurant doesn’t simply serve food, it’s also a stage for creating memories. As we planned our return, we wondered, how do we retain the magic that comes with the dining experience, while ensuring our guests’ safety?” 

Well, thanks to the luxurious setup of Tapenade—which includes high ceilings, a capacious layout, and a well-lighted, well-ventilated space—guests can enjoy the same type of luxury they had pre-COVID, with few added precautions such as acrylic dividers and chefs in PPEs. Of course, those who wish to dine at home can also avail of delicious fare from Tapenade on the Go. 

Marriott Manila has an amazing team of people working around the clock to help its clients. At a time of crisis, the luxury hotel has been relying on its solid workforce of people who have had to stretch their talents into various fields. For starters, Eireen, a spa and fitness manager has also taken on the role of loss prevention officer and helps ensure the safety of her fellow associates. Donna, Manila Life Café's team leader has also taken on the same role at Marriott Café Bakery. Eireen and Donna are just a few of Marriott's multi-talented associates who have stepped up as part of the new normal to ensure safety for both guests and colleagues. 

Their new restaurant, Cru Steakhouse, has also recently opened with a delicious menu of oysters and steaks—bringing fine dining back to an already fine establishment. 

Read also: Enjoy Your Marriott Manila Favourites At Home

Discovery Suites Manila is embracing the new normal by creating a new menu of experiences that cater to the demands of the times. As the hotel's goal is to create a safe, worry-free atmosphere away from home, Discovery Suites has created experiences to foster atmospheres conducive to rest or work. 

Those who need a much-needed break or a place to self-isolate can avail of Discovery Suites' Recharge room offer, which is inclusive of board and meals, not to mention grocery assistance services. Meanwhile, professionals looking for a workspace with high-speed internet access can avail of the Work From Hotel package. Here, guests are given access to utilise the hotel's spacious suites. This includes breakfast and a dedicated internet connection with upgraded bandwidth, plus electricity provision for office devices for up to 12 hours per day. 

Guests can relax knowing that Discovery Suites is steadfastly keeping their guests safe. These include frequent sanitation of high touch areas, contactless check-in and check-out, plus food delivery for hotel dining and on-the-phone customer service. 

Seda Residences has been adapting to the new normal with different offerings including exclusive workspaces, a home office suite, and food-on-the-go services. 

Exclusive workspaces can seat between six to twenty-two people, with an added option for food and or a serviced room. Meanwhile, their home office suite offers guests daily replenishment of amenities and provisions for additional tabletop office equipment. Guests are free to use concierge services during their stay. Lastly, their food-to-go service allows guests to choose fare from an extensive menu that features everything from local breakfast specials to international cuisine without leaving the comfort of your suite or office area. 

Enjoy a relaxing and safe stay at Seda Residences! 

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The Shangri-La group continues to stay on its toes in terms of maintaining strict and rigorous health protocol. Not only does the luxury group follow the usual protocol—using high-grade disinfection at regular intervals on high-touch surfaces and the like — but they've also invested in giving their workforce the proper training to enforce such regulations. Diversey, a global hygiene solutions provider, has been involved with training their staff on essential prevention and preparatory measures. 

“The health and safety of our colleagues and guests are of utmost priority. At Shangri-La, it is in our nature to look after people, to anticipate their needs and go above and beyond to ensure they have a memorable experience," Lim Beng Chee, Shangri-La Group's Chief Executive Officer said.