Asian hotel brand set to invigorate Davao’s tourism market

A new property development seeks to redefine luxury and sophistication by offering a world-class living experience in the heart of Davao City. Dusit Thani Residences is a distinctive, full-service residence project that blends hotel-like amenities and the coziness of home in one indulgent environment.

Dusit Thani Residences is being developed across 1.2 hectares of acreage, prominently situated to capture spectacular city views and provide access to the property’s panoramic landscape.

The Php 2-billion development is the pioneering leisure development project of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (Torre Lorenzo), the real estate property firm geared towards expanding its portfolio through focused communities such as Siam 8000. Located at Maryknoll Drive in Barangay Pampanga, Davao City, Siam 8000 is a master planned community project that is part of Torre Lorenzo’s plans to set the bar high for luxury living in the southern metropolis.

“At Torre Lorenzo, we incorporate all the essential elements to effectively create more focused communities that enhance the way people live. We are proud with what we have planned for Siam 8000, an impressive luxury residential community in Davao that will be defined through its distinguishing landmark, the Dusit Thani Residences. Equipped with sleek interiors, superior amenities and modern conveniences, Dusit Thani Residences is envisioned to make Davao the ultimate destination for luxury residence,” said Mr. Tomas P. Lorenzo, Torre Lorenzo president.

Nestled in an exclusive urban setting, Dusit Thani Residences boasts 168 spacious and luxury serviced suites ranging from studio to three-bedroom units. Each unit is thoughtfully appointed and designed with elegant fittings and furnishings, offering guests a relaxed living space and stylish retreat that embody contemporary dwelling.

Residents and guests at Dusit Thani Residences are afforded dedicated concierge, in-room dining, 24-hour security, housekeeping, exterior and in-room maintenance, courier and transportation services. Conceptualized with both business and leisure travelers in mind, Dusit Thani Residences also offers a plethora of premium lifestyle amenities such as spa and wellness center, swimming pool, specialty restaurants, business center, meeting rooms, conference facilities and more.

Dusit Thani Residences marks the entry of an Asian hospitality brand in the Davao market. The new project serves as the inaugural development venture between Torre Lorenzo and Dusit International. Renowned for its unique take on gracious hospitality, Dusit International brings to the table over six decades’ worth of property management expertise.

The Bangkok-based hotel and resort firm is involved during the pre-opening and construction phases of the project, taking on the critical role of design and development consultant, thus ensuring that it is well planned and successful.

With Dusit International on board the upscale project, residents and guests can look forward to experiencing Thai hospitality without leaving the country. As both Thais and Filipinos are celebrated for their warmth and friendliness, Dusit Thani Residences will be a fusion of the best of both cultures.

Dusit Thani Residences is expected to be ready by 2016. Once the project is operational, Dusit International’s pioneering Philippine property, Dusit Thani Manila, will provide strong support through regular training programs, leveraging on the company’s robust history of hotel operations in the country in the last 25 years.

“We are very confident that our partnership with Torre Lorenzo will be successful, given the alignment in vision, complimentary skill sets, and each stakeholder’s commitment to quality. We look forward to seeing this project come to light,” said Mr. Ryan Chen, Dusit International’s Director of Development for Asia Pacific.

Mr. Chen noted that Davao bears immense potential as a travel destination, and this would help the region to exponentially grow the local real estate market.

“We certainly believe that quality projects such as Dusit Thani Residences will help increase awareness of Davao as a destination and raise the area’s profile,” said Mr. Chen. He added that the Dusit International brand is deeply committed to developing projects not only in Davao and the Philippines, but through all of Asia.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free Announce Sponsorship of the Qatar Total Open Women’s Tennis

World number three Simona Halep will return to Doha to defend her 2014 title at this year’s Qatar Total Open

Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free (QDF) have announced their sponsorship of the 2015 Qatar Total Open women’s tennis tournament, which will take place from February 21 to February 28, 2015, at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar.

This year’s championship will see the 2014 winner and world number three, Simona Halep defend her title against other top 10 world-ranked players including the current Wimbledon champion and world number four Petra Kvitova, Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska who is ranked world number six, and world number eight Caroline Wozniacki. Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams will also compete in this year’s tournament.

As part of the Qatar Airways sponsorship, this year the airline is inviting spectators to visit its pavilion at the event where they are being offered the opportunity to have their photograph taken against a choice of backdrops (the Doha skyline, the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 XWB or the bespoke Airbus A380) and then be given a print of the photograph as a gift from the five-star airline.

Qatar Duty Free to offer visitors a 10% discount voucher to redeem on their purchases at Hamad International Airport

In the run up to the tournament, Qatar Airways also ran a Facebook competition to win two return tickets from a Qatar Airways gateway city to Doha, two tickets for the semi-finals and final of the tournament and hotel accommodation at Oryx Rotana. The lucky winner was announced on: www.facebook.com/qatarairways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways is proud to continue in its role as the airline sponsor for this internationally recognised sporting event, bringing these world-class players to Qatar for another season of thrilling tennis. As the event continues to grow every year, we are delighted to continue our support, and enable tennis fans to enjoy this great sporting spectacle here in Doha, which has become a global hub for international sport.”
During the tournament, Qatar Duty Free will showcase its portfolio of global luxury brands at a dedicated pavilion located in the public village where visitors can drop in and collect a 10% discount voucher, which they can redeem against their purchases the next time they shop at Qatar Duty Free in Hamad International Airport.

“Qatar Duty Free is very excited to be a sponsor of this prestigious sporting event again this year,” said Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President, Keith Hunter. “This world-class tournament always brings in tennis fans from all over the world, and is a highlight on the Qatar Duty Free annual calendar of events. We are delighted to provide visitors to the tournament with a unique opportunity to collect an exclusive 10% discount voucher, which they can redeem next time they shop at Qatar Duty Free in Hamad International Airport,” he added.

At Hamad International Airport, QDF offers 40,000 square metres of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, establishing the retailer as a premier shopping and dining destination. With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels such as Bulgari, Chanel, Giorgio Armani and Hugo Boss, Qatar Duty Free at HIA caters to all passengers’ tastes. In addition, more than 30 cafés and restaurants offer a sumptuous selection of global and local cuisine.

Tacloban Waste-to-Energy

(L-R) RHI Field Manager Mr. Ronnel Agustin, RHI Mktg. Director fro Tacloban Mr. Norman Vadillo, Mayor Alfred Romualdez and guest fron Victory Tacloban and Victory Fort Pastor Jix Javier and Mr. Roy Moralde

A multi-million-dollar Solar Energy and Waste-to-Energy facilities in Tacloban City just did its groundbreaking ceremonies last February 12, 2015.

This project was made possible by Rainbow Holdings, Inc. and Woojin Energy Ltd. Korea, in support to the implementation of RA 9003 of Tacloban City.

Initially, a multi-million Solar Energy harvesting facility donated by the Koreans will be constructed to provide the necessary electricity requirement for the construction of the solid waste Resource Recovery Facility. The planned solar energy system can produce at least “1 megawatt of electricity, more than enough to power 1,000 households,” Mr. Jinwook “Jerry” Jeong, CEO of Woojin Energy Ltd said.

The resource recovery system will process the city’s solid waste and converts them to the much-needed power for the city, with no harmful by-products released to the environment. Both technologies are acceptable and compliant “green” systems based on the guidelines set by the Solid Waste Management Act and the DENR-EMB.

The groundbreaking was attended by Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Vice-mayor Jerry Laokasin, Tacloban City Council Representatives, Barangay officials, the city’s various department representatives, DENR Provincial Representative, Mr. Myung Chan Son and Mr. Rai Myung Jung of Woojin Energy Ltd., Rainbow Holding’s Vice President Mr. Diosdado Sebrio Jr., Field Manager Mr. Ronnel Agustin, Int’l Marketing Director Mr. Charbert Jara, Marketing Director for Tacloban Norman Vadillo and guests.