Manila is going back on its feet with leading food, travel and lifestyle establishments reopening slowly during the General Community Quarantine.
It’s interesting to see how the industry is fighting back with new innovations and safety protocols during this pandemic. We first stalk out the brands in their social media to see how strict their safety protocols and mindset are before even considering to visit them.
Here’s the latest on what’s happening in and around Manila in the new normal…
Have you eaten out lately?
Metronome by Chef Miko Calo was one of the first high-end restaurants to open its doors to provide an elevated unique restaurant experience in the new normal. They now serve lunch with a French bistro menu, and you can book their private room for your special occasion.
Listen to my conversation with Chef Miko on “The Story of Metronome in the Pandemic and Beyond.“
Chef Chele and his Gallery by Chele team was one of the first restaurants to fight the Covid pandemic head on. I love our earlier conversation on how his team fought back as they finally reopened for dine in last Oct. 1. Expect a restaurant experience like no other during these pandemic times to celebrate special occasions. Can’t wait to dine in.
Listen to what Chef Chele thinks about the food industry during the pandemic: “AT HOME Story by Chef Chele Gonzales.”
Spiral at Sofitel Manila, the ultimate eat-all-you-can gastronomic feast in Manila, is now open during the weekends! It now features a Central Market where you can pick the freshest produce and have it cooked to your preference a la minute. They believe that “Clean is the new chic. Safety is the new luxury.” And that food is delicious when eaten with a high level of safety protocols.
Congratulations to Executive Chef Bettina Arguelles who is at the helm of Spiral’s 21 ateliers—the first-ever Filipina Executive Chef in a five-star international branded hotel in the Philippines! #pandemicgoodnews
Are you craving for really good steaks in the Ortigas area? 22 Prime Steakhouse is now open to serve your most intimate celebrations or your romantic date with your special someone.
Discovery Hospitality group also recently launched their Safe Space program, and you can actually book a space to consult your doctors from Cardinal Santos Medical Center (for non-Covid cases) in the safety of the meeting rooms in the hotel.
Watch our conversations with the Discovery group here: “World of Discovery Episode 5: Safe Space.”
Marriott dining restaurants are now open under strict safety protocols, contactless best practices and ServSafe-certified servers. Congrats on the return of Marriott Cafe’s eat-all-you-can a la carte dining concept from live cooking stations to platters, Certified Angus and Wagyu steaks at Cru Steakhouse and authentic Cantonese dishes at Man Ho.
For casual dining, your best bet is to dine al fresco at One Bonifacio’s terrace restaurant, even better while the sun is setting in the horizon. Check out Bonifacio High Street’s #SafewithBHS and #HighstrEAT safety campaigns.
Reconnecting with Nature
We are all craving for nature, and the best place near Manila is Nurture Wellness Village where you get treated with the best relaxing massage, healthy food, the backdrop of serene gardens and the highest safety protocols. Best place to celebrate your birthday this pandemic BER season.
The ultimate place to connect with nature is on the white sands of Boracay, which officially opened last Oct. 1. The best place to stay with the highest standards of safety protocols is finally reopening on October 17.
Now, that’s a destination trip worth planning for this holiday season.
I know we are all afraid to fly but did you know that Philippine Airlines planes have the highest standard of air quality with frequently refreshed cabin air, hospital-grade HEPA air filters and vertical air flow systems?
When flying to local destinations, make sure to pre-register online, take your swab test at PAL accredited RT-PCR Test Partners and go through Automated Document Checks to get clearance before check-in.
Yes, cruising is back! Genting Cruise Lines is the first cruise brand to restart its service in Singapore with World Dream making her homeport debut on November 6. In partnership with the Singapore government, they are doing a pilot based on the company’s stringent and enhanced health and safety protocols, complemented by its exemplary safety track record during its first two months of operations in Taiwan.
Can’t wait for the day we can bring the family on a Genting Cruise.
Getting Married?
The Blue Leaf Event Spaces is set to launch their flagship heritage venue in Mira Nila in Quezon City this November. This is perfect for small intimate weddings, family celebrations or exclusive company meetings. This is one of the hottest event places coming out of the pandemic with covid-free protocols integrated into the design of the venue.
Love is still in the air during GCQ, and you’ll see your friends getting married during these pandemic times. Congratulations to Dexter and Kat Lee for tying the knot to celebrate their Korean Telenovela kind of love story! #happyendinginthepandemic
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Thanks to Nikkei Team for the experience. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
Hi there,
I live in the states and well…. we’ve been sort of open all along and that’s why our numbers are out of control 🙁 I do think there has to be a balance and we can’t be looked up forever but at least you guys did a lockdown. Nikki