Business
True to Its Name, Balance is the Key at Mezzo Hotel
Adding to Cebu Citys roster of recommended accommodations is the recently-opened 4-star business hotel with its 151 guest rooms: Mezzo Hotel.
With numerous developments springing up left and right over the city, it’s clear that Cebu is a flourishing economic hub. Times have changed, and the city’s landscape has evolved drastically, and will continue to do so over the next couple of years.
If the changing skyline isn‘t enough of a progress indicator, then perhaps the influx of tourists—foreign and local—is a better measure. Naturally, to accommodate these tourists, the need for hotels rose. Depending on preference, one may choose a beach resort for a relaxing escapade or a city hotel for business trip. Whichever the case, a wide range of options are available.
Adding to this roster of recommended accommodations is the recently-opened 4-star business hotel with its 151 guest rooms: Mezzo Hotel in Cebu City. Standing in a prime location that’s a short walk away from enjoying what the city has to offer, Mezzo Hotel allows access to Cebu’s business district, premier shopping centers, and main tourist attractions. This means that guests get to experience a little bit—and more—of everything in the city.
Pronounced as /met.tso/, the hotel’s name is derived from an Italian word, which means “balance”, “middle”, or “center”. True to its namesake, Mezzo Hotel is a center between two big cities—Mandaue City and Cebu City—and two major malls. A huge advantage, especially for guests who need to move around often.
“Mezzo Hotel features a minimalist concept, allowing extra space to unfold and relax,” says Joan Osabel-Caparoso, their hotel manager. “Complemented with modern amenities and facilities, Mezzo is your partner in providing upscale service, both for business and leisure.”
Aside from its 151 guest rooms, Mezzo Hotel also has 35 serviced units for guests who want to enjoy a seamless stay. Other amenities include a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 1000 guests, a business center that can accommodate up to 15 people, a meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 people, Café Mezzo, Piscine (the pool bar), a swimming pool, a fitness gym, a convenience store and a clinic.
“Apart from being near the shopping and business district, guests feel at home when they make it Mezzo, especially due to our service enhancement directives of a more personalized service,” Joan adds.
She further shares that guests who book directly on their website, through walk-ins, by phone-ins or through email, can get early and/or late checkout perks depending on availability and a one-time turndown service.
What makes the hotel a more charming accommodation, though is in the details. While Joan describes their aesthetic as “straight-forward, clean and minimalist” at best, what adds depth are the hotel’s lighting fixtures, which immediately draw attention. In every space of the hotel, there’s bound to be a source of light that doubles as an art piece, of sorts.
“Our concept is more of a minimalist approach with elements of clean lines and curves which was assisted by Polaris Anne Tiro, our Interior Designer,” Joan adds.
Joan, who has been in the hospitality industry for ten years now, is on her second year with Mezzo Hotel. Her favourite part of the property—which they are looking to develop soon—is a vacant space on the 4th floor which grants a view of the sky above. Joan divulges that it could soon be developed into a mini-garden or lounge for in-house guests.
There’s a lot of thought put into the hotel’s design, and it’s interesting to note that their very own Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Henry T. Tan, was very hands on during construction until turnover.
“Every nook and cranny of its design marries functionality,” Joan shares. “We made sure that there’s no dead investment in the whole of the building—that whatever we put in are very useful to guests and associates alike.”
For the rest of this year, Joan, together with their President, Shannen Keisha L. Tan, plan to continue to work towards their thrust, so they can be ready for full systematization come 2020.
“As we’re serious on our Vision to the choice of our guests and associates, we will make sure to continue what we already do best and be consistent to the commitment to deliver consistent top-notch service to all our guests and stakeholders,” she says.
To enjoy dibs of discounts like special room rates and a 30% discount on all ala carte food items, use the code ‘mezzoXzee’. For more information on Mezzo Hotel, visit their website at http://mezzohotel.com, call them at (032) 231 0777, or you may check out their Facebook and Instagram.
Business
bai Hotel Cebu named 2024 PH’s Leading Business Hotel at World Travel Awards
bai Hotel Cebu has emerged victorious as the Philippines’ Leading Business Hotel at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards. Standing out among the nine other contenders from across the country, bai Hotel Cebu claimed the coveted title, solidifying its position as a premier business hospitality destination in Cebu.
Held at the City of Dreams Manila, the award was handed over to VP-Operations and General Manager Alfred Reyes and Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Carlo Rivera last September 3, 2024 at City of Dreams Manila.
This accolade, being the first of many this year, reaffirms bai Hotel Cebu’s steadfast commitment to providing world-class Filipino hospitality. “I would like to thank our guests for continuously supporting and for patronizing bai Hotel Cebu,” GM Alfred Reyes said. “This win is also yours as your loyalty inspires us to deliver the exceptional service bai Hotel Cebu is known for,” he continued.
Operating since 2018 with 668 rooms, 8 restaurants, and over 13 function halls, bai Hotel Cebu has established its presence in the industry having just been awarded as Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Tourism Standard Awards – ASEAN MICE Venue (Meeting Room Category).
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to the country’s Department of Tourism headed by Secretary Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco for being recognized as Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign award for its “Love the Philippines” campaign and as Transformation Leadership in Tourism Governance.
Based in London and established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is dubbed the Oscars of the travel industry that acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. It is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
Business
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino Celebrates 25 Years of Commitment to Service
Waterfront Hotels & Casinos’ flagship property in Cebu is proud to announce its 25th-year anniversary on July 25, 2023. Over the past quarter-century, the hotel has been home to local and international tourists traveling to Cebu City for business or leisure.
Since 1998, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino has been recognized for maintaining its commitment to providing both patrons and guests with remarkable and notable services to create memorable experiences. From the hotel’s world-class amenities, luxurious accommodations, to exceptional dining experiences, and exciting offers, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino continues to be the venue of choice for special events, large conventions, concerts for local and international artists, trade exhibits, a relaxing staycation, and much more.
Exemplary for its ability to provide for large groups and conventions, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino has warmly welcomed nationwide governing positions and well acknowledged communities for events throughout the years such as the Governors’ Workshop on Social Welfare and Development: Partnership for Devolution in 1999, the 25th Annual Convention of the Philippine Neurological Association in 2003, the United Architects of the Philippine’s 16th National Conference in 2004, the Annual General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines in 2007, the Sangguniang Kabataan National Congress in 2008, and Liga ng mga Barangay events are set to take place in the property this year .
Being one of the city’s well visited venues for getaways, special occasions, grand events, and an appreciative dining experience, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino to name a few has been recognized for major and key awards on the following years:
- – 2012: Gold Circle Award from Agoda
- – 2013: Top Producing Hotel by Room Nights from Expedia
- – 2014: Most Engaged Hotel Partner from Expedia
- – 2015: Powering Global Travel Award from the Global Tourism Awards
- – 2016: Tin Gow as the Grand Slam Winner for Best Chinese Restaurant from
SunStar’s Best of Cebu
- – 2017: Chinese Preferred Hotel from Ctrip
- – 2018: Venue Standard Award from MICE
- – 2019: Top Taxpayers Award from the Cebu City Government
- – 2020: Grand Slam Winner for Best Events Venue from SunStar’s Best of Cebu
- – 2021: Traveler’s Choice from Tripadvisor
From Cebu’s humble beginnings, it’s safe to say that Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino was there in the midst of the city’s development into one of the Philippines’ most progressive areas. Since the beginning, the property and its peers have always prioritized the citizens’ convenience by strategically placing themselves at the center of it all. Right across the hotel, what used to be Cebu’s very first airport is now a well-known destination for business development and commercial establishments, commonly referred to as the I.T. Park. Although the area has drastically changed over the years, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino managed to adapt and develop just as the Queen City of the South developed.
Waterfront Cebu does not only provide a place to stay but is an avenue that evokes feelings and creates significant memories to be cherished for a lifetime. One memory that’s worth remembering was when Regine & Martin Nieverra had their concert at the Pacific Grand Ballroom in 2003. Not to mention, 2005 SEA Games held their Dancesport event at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino followed by the prestigious Mr. and Miss Cebu in 2008.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino is not only an essential part of the hospitality industry. The property continues to play its role as a vital force when it comes to giving back and uplifting the community. The premier hotel has contributed significant developments to the city’s growth, economy, and even tourism, but the property did not stop there. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities were also organized for Cebu’s social welfare as well as for the preservation of the environment with the aid of local NGOs and barangays.
Through the years here are some sustainable and transformative activities that the peers at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino have participated in:
- – 2013: Lapu-Lapu Tourism Council Coastal Clean-Up
- – 2019: Refurbishment Initiatives at Barangay Kang-atis Elementary School
- – 2020: Waterfront Cares for Brgy. Suba (Part II)
- – 2020: Weekly Round-Up – Frontliners of Brgy. Lahug
- – 2021: Waterfront Bakuna Center
- – 2021: Waterfront Care Packages
- – 2022: Packages of Love to Barangay Looc
- – 2022: Christmas Party for the Children at Barangay Pardo
- – 2023: Tree Planting at Barangay Pung-ol
- – 2023: Tree Planting at the Nug-as Forest Reserve
As Waterfront continues to blossom in the hospitality industry, its service with a warm smile is a Filipino value that guests would always come back to. In the effort to embody and maintain excellent guest satisfaction, the property’s department heads boast high training to its peers that remain visible in every guest interaction.
Keeping its grounds strong, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino would like to acknowledge the 25 years of support from the local government of the city as well as from the province in Cebu. Celebrating 25 years of Commitment to Service will only continue and progress for the years to come as the property and its management is looking forward to 25 years and beyond of excellent service wearing the ‘Waterfront’ smile.
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino would also like to thank their sponsors for this year’s 25th Anniversary celebration: Global Star Motors Corp., Cebu New Life Press, Premium Sole, Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., DC Fresh Flower Shop & Supply, Kettle & Shaker, and The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
For more information, please visit www.waterfronthotels.com.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterfrontCebuCity
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterfrontcebu
Business
An Exclusive Treat Awaits You at Seda Ayala Center Cebu
On Top of the World at Seda Ayala Center Cebu
by Ryan Daniel R. Dablo
You breathe a sigh of contentment as you sip frozen margarita, looking out onto the city skyline and a sprawling vista of the Ayala Center Cebu terraces and Cebu Business Park. This is the life, you say. You take your pick from charcuterie and a smattering of dishes, savoring your meal just as the sunset casts a halo over the buildings beyond. Moments like these are what await you at the Seda Ayala Center Cebu. Why not treat yourself to such a prize?
Fresh and reinvigorated, Seda Ayala Center Cebu opens its doors after the hiatus of recent years and, as ever, it is hellbent to impress. One of its main draws is the exclusive Club Lounge at the penthouse floor. This lofty perch is open to all who avail of Seda Ayala Center Cebu’s VIP/Club Rooms and Suites, welcoming them to a chic dining place serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails. The buffet caters to varied tastes with its continental cuisine and keeps patrons on their toes with a rotating menu. Add your choice of beverage to the ensemble and you’re set for a day and evening of satisfaction. As a clincher, you can gaze down on a bustling cityscape rendered silent by the height. The view is pretty relaxing, to say nothing of the equally entrancing food on offer.
With a prime uptown location, you’re never far from adventure and other exploits. Sally forth into Cebu’s urban jungle and come home rested and refreshed. With Seda Ayala Center Cebu on top of things and their Club Lounge that offers comfort and enjoyment, you’ll be free to savor every bit of the moment.