Iloilo on my mind. Yours, too. It’s the food craving, admit it. The batchoy, the oysters, the Molo soup, and those sweet stuff that you can’t get enough of— biscocho, butterscotch, barquillos, piaya. But that’s just scratching the surface, so to speak. Iloilo is a gastronomic paradise! It’s for this reason that I hopped on the plane as soon as the direct flight from Davao was relaunched. 

Where to stay in Iloilo? Go for Richmonde Hotel.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo grew up with the address it’s nestled in, within the Megaworld mixed-use township of Iloilo Business Park on the former Mandurriao Airport. What was once a peaceful quarter at its budding stage in 2016 is now abloom and booming. It is one of the busiest zones in the city today and Richmonde is witness to the transformation. The Festive Mall, Festive Walk, the convention center, and the neighboring residential and corporate towers are busier than ever—and the area is still growing. 

To be at the center of Iloilo's most happening zone, Richmonde is surrounded by what every traveler may want or need— entertainment, shopping, local food, a transport terminal, convention center, and even the corporate offices—all steps away from the hotel’s front door. Location-wise, Richmonde Iloilo scores an A+ for convenience. 

When tourism came to a halt, Richmonde stayed afloat by being present for the local market. During the pandemic lockdowns, the hotel was the corporate workforce residence. Soon after, when the locals were more confident stepping out of their bubbles, but still can’t cross borders, Richmonde was the preferred staycation address. 

“The fact that Richmonde was not a quarantine hotel, everybody was very comfortable staying with us,” shared Natalie Lim, general manager of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, of the staycation market the hotel tapped.

Within the 149-room hotel is a showcase of modernity fitted out with “thoughtful conveniences” that delivers comfort, And by “thoughtful,” Richmonde embraces the community it’s in. Aside from the warm Ilonggo hospitality, the hotel tastefully dots the establishment with other local flavors—from interior design and hotel implements to items on the menu. 

Cuisine is the other ace up Richmonde’s sleeve. After March 2022 when domestic tourism was on the rebound, Richmonde started luring in the locals with food. 

“Yes, we did lure people with food. We have a new Ilonggo-based menu. It is something that pays homage to the locals and it’s served in a modern way. Homegrown food, but modern,” said Natalie. 

“We started getting adventurous with our food. Ilonggos love to eat and they love to eat their food. They will try something new, but eventually they will go back to Breakthrough to eat the talaba, to the sugbahan for the inasal, to Central Market or La Paz for the batchoy. By having Ilonggo heritage food, we are tapping into a domestic market that loves to eat and loves to eat well, dine in a nice setting and have degustation,” she said. 

“Our purpose is to help the community. We have articles we use in the hotel made by the hands of local artisans and craftsmen, things that are made by the hands of locals, of Ilonggos. We want to give livelihood to people and to showcase them. We (Richmonde) are in Iloilo and it builds a sense of community. In terms of food and how we incorporate it into the hotel setting, we never forget about our branding of ‘support local.’ We have turned to them for resources in the past three years when supply was disrupted.” 

But it’s not just in Iloilo the raving for modern Ilonggo food is happening. When the Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) conceived its signature menu with items representing the locality where each of the hotels are located, Richmonde Iloilo’s interpretation of the Chicken Inasal landed on one of the most ordered items on the menu nationwide. 

Natalie, Executive Chef Ariel Castañeda Jr. and the hotel culinary team are focused on the evolving development of LaMeza Ilonggo, a degustation that features Ilonggo heritage cuisine on a modern table. Soon, Richmonde’s tribute to the city will be enjoyed by the locals. 

“We are moving forward and moving fast with our food. We have a new menu, we have the MHR signatures, the chef just came up holiday packages that includes the degustation, and we are reopening the Zabana pool bar that requires a new menu,” Natalie said, adding, “When we have settled down, we’d like to develop on the idea of a small restaurant in the mall serving our food, like the signature Ensaymada. We want our food to be more accessible to more people.” 

So you see, when at Richmonde you need not look far or step out of the hotel when craving for local food. The hotel has the best of Ilonggo cuisine in “your home” in Iloilo. 

Staying at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is like having a steaming hot batchoy with everything on it. The Ilonggo delicacy is a hearty meal that’s a welcome treat at any time of day, it promises contentment, it's comfort food. It’s a delightful memory that gets imprinted on the mind (and heart, too) that will make you come back for another serving, and another—just like Richmonde. That’s something to love in the City of Love. 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

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It’s like the Pied Piper. However, it’s not music that lures the folks in but the cuisine. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is playing sweet music to the tune of sizzling pans and grills to induce the appetite and tickle the palates of diners.  The composer? Ilonggo Executive Chef Ariel Castañeda, Jr., with a culinary team as the orchestra.  

Under the baton of the hotel’s general manager, Natalie Lim, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s cuisine is continuously evolving to keep the local foodies wondering what’s up their sleeve. 

Lim admits that they are enticing everyone with food, especially the locals. With the populace more confident stepping out of their bubbles, but still anxious to go beyond borders, the hotel is on top of mind of the staycationers. So why not offer a total fun experience indoors by serving exciting cuisine? 

“Ilonggos love to eat and they love to eat their own food,” she said, explaining that no matter what new cuisine enters the city, they will still go back to their comfort food. This is why Richmonde has become creative and innovative with their food concepts, including the introduction of the degustation menus that salutes the Ilonggo cuisine—LaMeza Ilonggo. 

“LaMeza Ilonggo is interpreting Ilonggo heritage cuisine on a modern table,” said the GM. It’s one of the hotel’s tribute to the city that welcomed them to the community, along with championing Iloilo's artisans, farmers, growers, etc., via the ‘support local’ campaign. Just like several of the hotels’ dining and interior appointments, all of LaMeza Ilonggo’s ingredients are sourced locally.

“As Ilonggos, my kitchen team and I are honored to present our own interpretation of the dishes, ingredients, and flavors we grew up with to our fellow kababayans. With our modern take on classic Ilonggo fare, we hope to bridge the gap between the past and the present,” shares Chef Ariel. General Manager Natalie Lim adds, “There is no replacing Iloilo’s treasured original heirloom recipes. We, however, believe in keeping these fresh, exciting, and interesting. This is our way of preserving the legacy of the region’s food culture.”

At present, the 5- and 7-course degustation dinner events are hosted by the hotel. However, the hotel has been receiving a number of inquiries about it. It will be available to the dining public soon, said Lim.

Krung Thep is calling. Again. Time to flex the wings and travel to Bangkok. The airlines are increasing their flights to the Great City of Angels. Hop on one. 

In Bangkok, there is always something new to experience, whether its cuisine, shops, spas, clubs and, yes, hotels. You’ll be nodding in agreement if the city is marked as a favorite and frequently visited destination. 

When it comes to places to stay, chances are hotel hopping is a habit. That’s not surprising at all because Bangkok hotels are exciting as the city itself, and it multiplies as fast as the progression of the city. 

However, there is a handful, if not one, that you will gravitate back to. One that you developed a connection with, where you felt at ease, felt like it’s home. Which one is yours? 

Shangri-La Bangkok may just land on your list. 

As the globe emerges into a new era of travel and tourism with safety as one key factor, Shangri-La Bangkok is ready to welcome travelers. 

“Business and leisure travelers will be prioritizing hygiene. Our ‘Shangri-La Cares,’ the hotel brand’s effort to create a trusted and nurturing environment for our guests which was initiated during the early pandemic, will be followed through,” said Joanne Chung, Shangri-La Bangkok Director of Marketing. 

Here’s why you should stay in this hotel on your next trip to Bangkok. 

Are you up for an extraordinary experience? It starts with a smile and the wai, the traditional Thai greeting of a slight bow and palms pressed in prayer-like fashion. The moment you arrive, you feel the warmth of Thai hospitality at its finest. 

Classics endure the times. Since it opened in 1986, Shangri-La has become an iconic figure by the famed waterway of Bangkok. It’s an institution in Bangkok’s hospitality industry. 

“Our warm hospitality like coming home, the friendliness and services of the staff and being the largest hotel and longest riverfront landscape,” said Chung. 

As the largest hotel having the longest riverfront landscape, the Shangri-La Bangkok is a tropical paradise making the hotel a destination in itself. Imagine being in the middle of a bustling metropolis and finding a sanctuary set in verdant oasis where chirping birds and scurrying squirrels are part of the daily sights and sounds. It’s an instant departure from the rush and crowd of the city. Flanking the piece of Eden is the magnificent River of Kings that gleams under the sun and reflects the city lights at moonrise. 

Within the oasis are impressive facilities with the view of the river. It can wow any world traveler. Score points in the tennis courts or lift weights in the well-equipped fitness center, one of Bangkok’s largest, then dive into the cooling waters of the swimming pools; balance the chi with a therapeutic session at Chi Spa; and have a sumptuous meal in any of the indoor restaurants or in a traditional teak Thai pavilion, or perhaps dine al fresco at the riverside deck, the scene is romantic at night. 

The look of the tropics is brought into the hotel’s spacious lobby through its floor to ceiling windows. Along with the lush appointments of orchids in full bloom brings warmth, a homey feel, to the grand lobby. 

The warmth carries on to the corridors and onto the luxurious rooms and suites. The balcony is a plus. Catch the sunrise, the landscape of the modern metropolis, the extent of the Chao Phraya River and the expansive patch of greenery where the hotel is nestled. The melange creates a memorable “home away from home” experience. It’s a mix of traditional Thai style and modern comfort. 

Another plus for Shangri-La Bangkok is the accessibility it provides its guests. The hotel is a gateway to explore and discover The Big Mango. Attractions like the Grand Palace or Temple of Dawn to Asiatique and ICONSIAM, and more, traditional and modern Bangkok is within easy reach with the hotel’s direct access to the BTS SkyTrain, public ferries terminal and other modes of transportation. 

“Why stay with us? Along with the warmth of home, friendly staff and the unique amenities Shangri-La Bangkok offer, we have also refreshed and introduced our loyalty program – Shangri-La Circle, which enables members to do redemption points for stay or dine. Moreover, we can get our non-members to enroll as members to enjoy our 10% discount when booking a stay at any of our Shangri-La hotels globally,” shared Chung. 

Find your home by the Chao Phraya. Find it in Shangri-La Bangkok, where Thai tradition and warmth is imprinted in its soul. 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

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Travel, spas, fabulous hotels and food (desserts!) are my indulgences. Bangkok is overflowing with all these. Food? Rough it up on the streets or dress up for a fancy restaurant. Spa? Day spas or the hotel spas, your pick. Hotels? There's a wide range from one to five stars. Whatever the budget is, there are several to choose from.

Twice a year for almost two decades, a visit to Bangkok allows me to immerse myself in these indulgences. After the borders opened and travel restrictions were eased, I was back in the Big Mango. My nest? The chic Le Meridien Bangkok nestled in the most happening and colorful sphere in the capital city— Silom. 

Le Meridien Bangkok is an award-winning, art-inspired, 5-star hotel that captures the essence of its address. Indulgent? Why not, we all need it after being cooped up indoors for more than two years. Its room key unlocks a most-comfortable and well appointed room with a panoramic view of the city skyline that’s most captivating at sunset. Fabulous hotel-check. Moreover, it also accesses two of my indulgences - food and spa, within the hotel. 

Tucked in the Lifestyle Floor on Level Six of Le Meridien Bangkok is the SPA by Le Meridien. The wellness center has won the hearts (and bodies) of spa devotees that it lands on lists of best spas in Bangkok, including Trip Advisor’s. That’s no surprise. Here’s why. 

The luxurious SPA offers a multi-sensory experience that embraces fluidity, a seamless connection of perceptions and events from start to finish. 

Calmness envelopes you as you enter through a pearly pathway with walls blanketed in white river rocks from floor to ceiling. The fluid path leads to the therapy rooms with light-colored wooden doors that open up to a circular therapy area that seem to float on air. The couples room, larger in size, is appointed with its own steam room, shower area and a bathtub. 

For therapies, Le Méridien Bangkok's SPA goes beyond traditional Thai massage. Their’s fuse deep healing and relaxation treatments. Think: personalized wellness experience, this is what the expert therapists will carry out. The effect? A new, rejuvenated you emerges from a cocoon. 

Le Meridien Bangkok’s restaurant, Latest Recipe, serves an amazing array of cuisine from across the globe, but I am marking Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ as a must-eat resto. 

It’s casual dining at this joint with a semi-outdoor setting that looks over Surawong Road. 

“Rolling Ribs Brew Bar & BBQ serves Memphis barbecue, famous for its pork variations,” shared Nuttinee Payungwong, the hotel’s marketing communications manager, adding, “We use a special kind of charcoal which gives the meats a distinct aroma.” 

If you want to dig into the mains and skip the starters and salads, go ahead. The menu lists several grilled meat choices including Thai style barbecue. Which comes recommended? All. The Combo Platter, All Star Plate is the best bet to sample the variety of meat dishes including half rack of smoked pork spare rib, slow smoked pulled pork shoulder, cured pork brisket, organic BBQ chicken, smoked sausages, plus five side dishes. It’s good for four, lesser if famished (like I was). 

To get that good old backyard BBQ feels, pair the fall off the bones tender and tasty meats with the craft beers. 

Leave room for dessert. Not to be missed is the peanut butter cheesecake. It can be a delightful surprise and the treat is mildly sweetened. 

Frenzied and fun. It’s a never ending exploration when visiting Bangkok. Whether it's the tuk-tuk or back riding on a motorbike, or taking the cooler and speedy option of the BTS Skyway Train or the MRT, or risk getting stuck in the notorious traffic on a cab or a private car, ticking the entries on street food, sites and shopping, must be checked. 

No matter how many times I visit the place, I can’t cover all the bases. Why? Because the list gets longer with the passing months. The dynamic city develops fast and there’s always something new cropping up. Like the two I mentioned above. 

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Sunset. The breathtaking view of the Bangkok city skyline is captured from the corner deluxe room’s picture window. It frames sky-high modern buildings towering over gilded temples of old - a dynamic scene of the past and present coexisting as one. As twilight marks the end of a work day for the corporate world, the streets below turn on the multicolor neon lights to flood the district with excitement.

Exciting? Take it notches higher and stay in an award-winning, art-inspired, 5-star hotel that captures the essence of one of the most happening area, if not the most colorful, sphere in the heart of capital city - the Le Meridien Bangkok along Surawong Road, a key central business district artery alongside Silom and Sathorn. 

After undergoing a facelift recently, the refreshed Le Meridien Bangkok fuses playful sophistication and modern design with warm Thai hospitality. These are evident upon arrival. I-Jud, the giant white dog, extends a playful welcome to every arriving guest at the concourse. The smokey, art-tinted glass walls behind, although allowing a hazy impression of the interior, tickles the guests’ interest and entices them to explore what’s beyond. 

The fun reception extends indoors at the lobby and the Latitude Bar with more parading brightly colored I-Juds among other curated original artworks. From the inside, the same expansive glass panes that created intrigue to arriving guests present the lively Bangkok street life. While enjoying the view on this side of the window, relax and sip on an invigorating Illy espresso or latte while nibbling on a European pastry at Latitude 13° coffee shop. 

Sawasdee kah. A warm welcome, a speedy check in and I was in my “refreshed + recreated” room facing West on the high floors in no time. A plush sanctuary indeed, with an impressive view to match. A dynamic city as the artwork that’s captivating at day, at sunset and at night. 

There is much to discover and indulge in within the hotel, like the Lifestyle Floor. The outdoor pool overlooking the iconic Mahanakhon building is the perfect spot to cool down and work on a tan, or enjoy cocktails and bar chow on the deck at Plunge Bar while listening to modern tunes that can put you in the right mood. If indoor exercising is your thing then the Technogym-equipped fitness center is your spot. The floor-to-ceiling widescreen window panels connect you to the outdoors. Then there’s the world-class SPA, where seasoned therapists execute holistic treatments aimed at personalized wellness experience. 

What’s your food craving? Latest Recipe embraces global cuisines from French Provençal and Mediterranean to Asian, and one might just pick your palate. The restaurant is known for its lavish entrées, à la carte delicacies and its Sunday brunch menu. Rolling Ribs is all about authentic BBQ in a semi-outdoor setting. The casual restaurant serves fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy meats smoked to perfection. It pairs perfectly with the resto’s craft beers. Cheers! 

While your key grants your access to a uniquely Le Meridien Bangkok Chic, Culture + Discovery lifestyle, it also unlocks a world of experience beyond the hotel. 

“Attractive, fashionable, stylish. Our neighborhood is certainly colorful. The vibrant nightlife appeals across genders. Le Meridien Bangkok is steps from the vibrant Patpong Night Market, celebrated nightlife and Samyan Mitrtown,” shared Nuttinee Payungwong, Le Meridien Bangkok’s Marketing Communications Executive, adding that within the neighborhood are the Jim Thompson House, art galleries and Little Tokyo, the Wat Hua Lamphong, a Buddhist Royal Temple, and the Lumpini Park, referred to as Bangkok’s Central Park— all in walking distance. 

“Exploring farther, our guests can access a myriad of must-see spots in the city via the nearby Sala Daeng BTS and Sam Yan MRT stations,” shared Nuttinee, pointing out one of the conveniences of staying at Le Meridien Bangkok. 

After a long day in Silom and around the city, I rushed back to my plush sanctuary to catch the sun set over Bangkok's skyscrapers and gilded temples. After two long years of home confinement, you and I truly deserve to savor the good life. Why not do it at Le Méridien Bangkok? 

Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.

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