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Monday, November 6, 2023

Citadines Bacolod City: Unlocking Potential in Panay Region’s Hospitality Sector

The Ascott Limited, a leading international hospitality company, will be redefining the industry once again with Citadines Bacolod City, the newest addition to its roster of properties. Located in the heart of Bacolod.  The premier-serviced residence, which marks Ascott's maiden entry into the city, is positioning itself as a game-changer in the local hospitality scene.

Bacolod City, known as the "City of Smiles" is a vibrant and progressive urban center located in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is the capital city of the province and serves as its economic, cultural, and administrative hub. The city’s rapid urbanization has had a significant impact on its tourism and hospitality sector, transforming it into a thriving destination that attracts both domestic and international travelers.



Gearing up for 2024, Citadine’s targeted venture is Bacolod’s well-celebrated Masskara festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world. A part of their preparation was the exclusive VIP Night last October 19, which welcomed special guests Mr. Jose Franco Soberano, COO of Cebu Landmasters, Mr. Mathias Bergundthal, Director of SLI Hotels and Resorts, and Mr. Alec Lsutre, President of Capitaine Inc. The event gave a peek into the fun and excitement Citadines has planned for the upcoming year, featuring Masskara performers all night long - drummers, dancers, and singers - giving Bacolod a taste of what’s to come. 



The VIP Night also explored “How Citadines will Change the Hospitality Landscape in Bacolod” with Ascott General Manager Philip Barnes, opening with an optimistic eye for the upcoming opening.


The Citadines brand is committed to providing a seamless blend of convenience, comfort, and connectivity to cater to the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers. Each Citadines property exudes a distinct style and character, reflecting the local culture and community, while maintaining a consistent philosophy of “bringing you to the city, and the city to you”. 


Looking forward to its opening in 2024, A property viewing was also integrated to boast the array of world-class amenities designed to elevate the guest experience. Showcasing the infinity pool, which offers stunning views of Bacolod's skyline, and the fully equipped fitness center to cater to health and wellness enthusiasts. Citadines excites everyone with a teaser of their several restaurants. For those wanting to try out local cuisines and regional specialties, stop by Citadines’ Negrense, your one-stop destination for all the delicacies Negros Occidental. The property’s team of chefs will collaborate with local cooks to deliver flavors unique to each city in the region. 


Viennoiserie and Italian, Citadines Bacolod City’s lobby cafĂ© and bakery, will treat guests with an irresistible blend of aromatic coffee experiences through its collaboration with Coffee Culture, a popular and innovative artisan coffee roaster of local and imported beans. Aligning with the property’s brand signature, “for the love of coffee”, guests can choose from a menu inspired by the local coffee culture and leisurely enjoy food and beverages in an ambiance that radiates comfort and sophistication. Viennoiserie and Italian’s skilled baristas are devoted to transforming each cup of coffee into a journey of flavors, using carefully sourced beans that reflect the essence of the region's coffee heritage.


The property also boasts a selection of versatile event spaces, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings and occasions, such as a grand ballroom. This part of the property provides a spacious and versatile venue, making it an ideal Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in the region. With its state-of-the-art facilities and adaptable layout, this pillarless marvel is poised to be a true game-changer in the MICE industry in the area, setting new standards for elegance, flexibility, and sophistication in event spaces.


"As a property managed by The Ascott Limited, Citadines Bacolod City exemplifies our commitment to providing a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and top-notch service," said Philip Barnes, the Ascott Limited’s Country General Manager. "We are delighted to bring this exceptional brand to Bacolod City and offer travelers a sophisticated stay experience."


The property’s strategic location puts it in close proximity to several of the city’s key amenities and facilities. This includes some of Bacolod City’s top universities, shopping malls, central business districts, and restaurants. Citadines Bacolod City’s central location makes it an attractive choice for business and leisure travelers seeking a well-connected base to explore the city's vibrant offerings.


Along with Bacolod’s rapid urban growth, Citadines Bacolod City’s establishment in the city can help pave the way for further economic boon for the area as a whole. The property’s capacity to become a MICE destination leader in the region can significantly contribute to the city’s revenue generation, business opportunities, and diversification of income. It can also help maintain the region’s occupancy levels, especially during special cultural events like the Masskara Festival, and promote the Ascott brand to the Visayas region.


In terms of future growth, Ascott believes Citadines Bacolod City presents a steep growth potential in the coming years. With Bacolod's popularity as a travel and business hub continuing to soar, the property is well-equipped to cater to the increasing demand for sophisticated accommodations and events facilities. Through its establishment in Bacolod, Ascott aims to strengthen its brand presence in the Panay area by exploring opportunities for expansion and enhancing guest experiences in other key cities within the region.


As Citadines Bacolod City opens its doors to the public, the property invites guests to indulge in a world-class stay experience, backed by Ascott's legacy of exceptional service and unparalleled hospitality. Guests can reserve and advance and look out for updates by visiting the property’s official website and the following social media pages, Facebook and Instagram.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

5 Reasons to check out the You Should Be Writing event on November 4

Independent publishing house HS Grafik Print / PaperKat Books ushers in National Novel Writing Month and National Family Literacy Month with a whole-day creative festival


On November 4, 2023, PaperKat Books will be holding its first-ever creative festival dubbed You Should Be Writing. This all-day event at Estancia at Capitol Commons in Pasig City will be a haven for book lovers, aspiring authors, and creative folk.

What can you expect? Here’s everything to see and experience on this whole day event:


Admission is free

The best things in life are free—and the You Should Be Writing event is one of these! You can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee as you listen in on the program. The whole-day program includes story reading for kids, publishing talks, and back-to-back book launches. Admission is free, but you can also register here (https://tinyurl.com/YSBWEstanciaNov4) or scan the QR code in the event poster to join the online raffle and get free ebooks!


Discover your next great read

There will be no shortage of beautiful books from Filipino authors at this event. From crime novels to speculative fiction, as well as poetry collections to short story anthologies, you may just find your next favorite book—and author—here!


Be inspired by your fellow creatives

Fans of rom-com novels, speculative fiction, Filipino fantasy, crime fiction, and non-fiction will be in for a treat, because several PaperKat Books authors will also be launching their books at the event! Many of them are first-time authors, too!

Plus, select PaperKat Books authors will also be sharing their thoughts about their self-publishing journey. If you’re a writer who needs that final push to finish your manuscript, you might just be inspired when you hear the stories of fellow writers who have already done it.


Learn from publishing experts

Want to learn more about book writing and the publishing process? PaperKat Books is bringing together its publishing mentors from FEU Publications and The Publishing Consultant to answer your burning questions on how you can finally bring your story to life.


Get your creative juices flowing

Stuck in a creative rut? Get inspiration from the wide variety of activities happening throughout this whole day event. Meet and chat with Filipino authors. Listen in on the poetry reading session and story reading with kids. Explore the “Authors’ Playground” where PaperKat Books authors, as well as other local creatives will sell their books and merchandise.

On choosing the Estancia at Capitol Commons to be the venue of PaperKat Books’ first big event, Head of Publishing Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla said, “Since Estancia at Capitol Commons opened, a lot of arts and lifestyle-related events, including painting exhibitions, music, and fashion, have been held here. There are also many areas at the mall where you can sit down and write, and they're all free. The location and the vibe are perfect for people who want to write away from home.”

Eustaquio-Derla added, “That's why we chose Estancia at Capitol Commons to be the Ground Zero of our You Should Be Writing movement. Help us in this movement to encourage more people to write and finish their manuscript, because publishing dreams should have a deadline. And yes, if you want to become a published author, you should be writing.