Cover From left: Chief Gaming Officer Hakan Dagtas, Pasay City Mayor’s Chief of Staff Peter Eric Pardo, Resorts World Manila President and CEO Kingson Sian, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. Chairman Kevin L. Tan, Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Yasushi Yamamoto, Hotel Okura Co, Ltd. President Toshihiro Ogita, and Hotel Okura Manila General Manager Jan William Marshall (Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Okura Manila)
From left: Chief Gaming Officer Hakan Dagtas, Pasay City Mayor’s Chief of Staff Peter Eric Pardo, Resorts World Manila President and CEO Kingson Sian, Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. Chairman Kevin L. Tan, Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Yasushi Yamamoto, Hotel Okura Co, Ltd. President Toshihiro Ogita, and Hotel Okura Manila General Manager Jan William Marshall (Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Okura Manila)
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The newly opened Hotel Okura Manila offers an authentic taste of omotenashi combined with the warmth of Filipino hospitality
In both the Philippines and Japan, the spirit of hospitality runs deep. In Japan, there’s the renowned culture of omotenashi. A portmanteau of the words “omote” which means “public face” and “nashi” which translates to “nothing”, together it simply means being in wholehearted service to others—honest, genuine, true.
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For decades, the illustrious group of Okura Nikko Hotels has brought omotenashi to nearly every corner of the world and their quest is far from over. Just recently, the group has built their first property in the Philippines, marking the rise of a luxury hotel that marries Japanese and Filipino hospitality in wonderful accord. Months after its soft opening in December last year, the Hotel Okura Manila officially opened its doors to the public last April 19, with glamorous fanfare paid in homage to Japan’s rich culture and tradition.
Corporate clients and partners who came to share their congratulations at the auspicious occasion were treated to a cultural display including a koto performance, taiko drumming, and the traditional breaking of the sake barrel, also known as the Kagami-Biraki. The distinguished guests who stepped forward for the latter shouted “yoisho!”, a warm expression of encouragement and strength, as they broke the lid of the sake barrel, which, once opened, is believed to grant many years of happiness and prosperity from the gods.
See also: A Sucker for Sake: 5 Surprising Sake Pairings From Sommelier Tadeo Chua
“With this unique fusion of two very warm cultures, we are excited to indulge our guests in the signature luxury service that only this hotel can bring,” said Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. Chairman, Kevin L. Tan, during the event. “I would like to invite everyone to experience the luxurious rooms, amenities, and unparalleled service of the Hotel Okura Manila.”
Above Outside the hotel's Yamazato restaurant (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
Outside the hotel's Yamazato restaurant (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
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Nestled in the bustling bubble of Resorts World Manila, the Hotel Okura Manila is a hothouse for modern, Japanese architecture and amenities. Magnificent natural elements of wood and stone populate the entire hotel: the hotel’s atrium lobby features a glass pagoda reception area and a minimalist rock garden, while its accommodations are fashioned with Japanese-inspired design elements, including the Hinoki-yu Rooms which feature wooden bathtubs made of hinoki or Japanese cypress and handcrafted by artisans from the mountainous Nagiso Town in Japan.
See also: 7 Famous Restaurants In Tokyo With A Fascinating History
Above A Japanese cypress (hinoki) bathtub in the Hinoki-yu Room (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
A Japanese cypress (hinoki) bathtub in the Hinoki-yu Room (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
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On the top floor known as SORA Rooftop, guests have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a 20-metre heated pool with enchanting views of the Manila skyline. For a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine, Yamazato is a lavish fine dining restaurant that offers various menus, including teppanyaki, shabu-shabu, and an omakase dinner of up to eight courses.
Above Yamazato's Teppanyaki Counter (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
Above Yamazato's Sushi Corner (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
Yamazato's Teppanyaki Counter (Photo: Hotel Okura Manila website)
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We can’t wait to experience it all ourselves. With this, Tatler toasts to the sparkling success ahead of Hotel Okura Manila. Kanpai!
For inquiries and reservations, call +632 5318 2888, email reservations@hotelokuramanila.com, or visit the Hotel Okura Manila website. For more information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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