MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Hotel is the oldest premiere five-star hotel in the country built in 1909 and opened in 1912, centrally located in the heart of the Manila Bay Area. Within walking distance is the Rizal Park and Intramuros, an old walled city built during the Spanish period. It celebrates on this day its 99th year of serving as the Venue of Historical Events and Seat of Hospitality for the Nation’s Guests and Official Visitors.
The management of the Manila Hotel justly takes pride in its past which has made it a historic landmark and a part of the nation’s patrimony, for it was the site for crucial decision that contributed to our country’s journey towards nationhood.
It was the guest house of the American Colonial Administration, the residence of General Douglas MacArthur when he served as Military Adviser to President Manuel L. Quezon under the Commonwealth Government from 1935 to 1941. During the Japanese Military Administration period, it became the seat of government under General Masaharu Homma.
It was also the site for conventions of the Nacionalista Party and the Liberty Part that nominated President Ramon F. Magsaysay, President Carlos P. Garcia, President Diosdado P. Macapagal, and President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The 1971 Constitutional Convention was also held at the Manila Hotel; here President Carlos P. Garcia was elected as the Convention President, succeeded later by President Diosdado P. Macapagal. It also served as the venue for the Philippines’ Oscars, the FAMAS Awards, for many years. From 1961 to 2002, the Manila Hotel hosted twelve glittering incarnations of the annual wards night. The hotel has the offices of several foreign news organizations, including The New York Times.
In keeping with its tradition of being a showcase of Filipino culture and tradition, in addition to the General Douglas MacArthur Suite, the present management refurbished the Presidential Suite for visiting Heads of State, and redecorated suites named in honor and in memory of the country’s great heroes –Dr. Jose P. Rizal, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio, and Gabriela Silang.
Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience.
In 2008, Manila Hotel underwent a series of dramatic renovations in time for its grand centennial celebration on October 6, 2012.
All of Manila Hotel’s rooms are fully refurbished and renovated and are fully equipped with the most modern facilities and amenities. The new guest rooms exude elegance and sophistication while showcasing the beauty of authentic Philippine interior design.
The rooms are further made surreal by huge windows that provide a breathtaking view of the bay and the fabled Manila sunset. All rooms make use of the Ving Card electronic lock system for maximum security. A 24-hour butler service is available for MacArthur, Presidential, and Penthouse Suites. More, it is the first Philippine Hotel to offer Home Box Office (HBO), among other television network systems.
The Manila Hotel’s Pool and Garden, Spa, Health Club, VIP Lounge, and the MacArthur Lounge are among the newly renovated areas. Further, the Mabuhay Palace was also launched in 2009, and it is one of the best restaurants in the country, offering the finest Chinese Cuisine.
Additionally, the new Café Ilang-Ilang was launched in December 2010. Spacious and designed for casual luxurious dining, this modern events buffet restaurant is stunningly decorated and divided into nine buffet sections that are artfully themed to depict the countries they represent. The buffet offers Asian, Mediterranean, European, and Western dishes.
Aside from that, a stunning open Pan-Asian kitchen at its core offers cuisines from China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Sampaguita Hall was also launched on September 22, 2011.
Besides playing host to the nation’s official guests and visiting personalities, the Hotel has likewise been the symbol of happy memories of debuts, birthday parties, wedding receptions, anniversaries, conferences, conventions, exhibitions, and other occasion with the elite of Manila society as its regular patrons.
For meetings and other occasions, the hotel offers eight function room including the grand Fiesta Pavilion ballroom that can accommodate up to 2,500 people, fully equipped with modern meeting and presentation facilities.
The Manila Hotel is an affiliate of the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) and the Movement of Incentive Travel Executives (MITE).
The Manila Hotel’s 99th Anniversary is an auspicious occasion for its Management and Staff to rededicate themselves to their mission of providing the country the example of elegance and gracious living and hospitality, as the Manila Hotel continues its tradition as witness to history and custodian of some of the traditions of the Filipino.
We congratulate the historic landmark Manila Hotel headed by its Chairman, Dr. Emilio T. Yap, and its President, Atty. Jose D. Lina Jr., Directors, Officers, Staff, and its valued friends and clientele, on the occasion of its 99th Anniversary and express our confidence in their unstinting quest for excellence, a venue for great events and memorable gatherings. Mabuhay!
Courtesy of Manila Bulletin
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