Solaire Resort and Casino Unveils Its New Plane Livery #SkySolaire

Solaire Resort and Casino, the Philippines’ premier integrated resort, in partnership with Air Asia unveils a breakthrough branding project in the Philippines.  

Solaire again raises the bar as it wraps its brightly colored livery on Air Asia’s popular Airbus A320, which is scheduled to embark on its maiden flight this July.  Solaire is the first-ever consumer brand in the country to fully wrap and brand a commercial airline, with an underlying thrust of further promoting tourism in the Philippines and in greater Asia.  

This dynamic collaboration between Solaire and Air Asia represents another step forward in an on-going journey towards providing modern travel and leisure experiences for its customers, with a fresh new approach to their target market.  This partnership will facilitate more passenger and cargo traffic in both regional and domestic flights, and foster stronger trade, cultural and tourism ties within Asia.

“This milestone is a key undertaking between two passionate brands with entrepreneurial and dynamic mindsets. This unprecedented branding project in the Philippines may be taken as a "leadership statement," which attests to Solaire's strong growth momentum in the industry. Yes we are again raising the bar; this time we're taking it to the skies.” says Donato Almeda, Board Director of Solaire Resort and Casino.

Currently, Solaire’s brand colors are donned by just one airplane, but nothing is stopping them from further rolling out this innovative wrap on additional aircrafts in the future with broader partnership arrangements.  The campaign will continue until 2016 and it is envisioned that this high-impact ad in the sky will generate more hype and publicity as the partnership progresses.

Jasper Evangelista, Vice President of Brand & Marketing, Solaire Resort and Casino said, “This aircraft-branding campaign is a strategic branding initiative which would allow us to literally take our brand to greater heights. We have created amazing moments for our customers since Solaire launched last year, and now we’re aiming to further connect with our local & foreign guests and travellers by reinforcing our brand presence in the country’s airports. Sky Solaire will enable us to get immediate traction on this effort and even take it to a level all its own.”

In-line with Solaire’s “Create Your Moments" campaign, which highlights Solaire as the perfect place to create unforgettable memories, this fitting partnership with AirAsia, one of Asia’s leading and multi-awarded airlines in their category, harmoniously evokes the key thrusts of customer service, hospitality, and excitement for both their industries.  This marketing initiative is also primed to open up new revenue streams for both the integrated resort and the airline carrier.

AirAsia Philippines Chairman Maan Hontiveros said, “AirAsia Philippines is a sociable and innovative brand. We also take pride on our collaborative nature. This new livery demonstrates our creative approach to partnerships and marketing opportunities especially with companies that support our vision to grow tourism. We are thrilled to carry Solaire’s brand in the sky and on the grounds at the airports here and abroad extending to as far as our destinations in Malaysia, China and Korea.”

The Solaire experience is stamped with an unparalleled brand of service style, world-renowned Philippine hospitality, top-of-class luxurious accommodations, diverse dining options and impressive gaming facilities, which have all contributed to the way people people view resort casinos in Manila. Many have opted to extend their stay at the resort, to have simply grown to embrace the aspirational and stress-free lifestyle offered to them at Solaire. Solaire Resort and Casino clearly offers the utmost experience of comfort, elegance and luxury in the Philippines right now.

[Solaire Press Release]

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Flying to Boracay in 35 Minutes via SEAIR

I've only been to Boracay two times--post-summer of 2006 with my church-mates and labor day weekend of last year (2013) for the Smart Live All Out event. Last week was my third time (June 20 to 22) courtesy of SEAIR when me and three other blogger friends went to the "island paradise" for the #SEAirBackToBoracay event.

Actually, it's my second time to fly with SEAIR. The first time was in 2010 when we took the Singapore-Clark route in their Boeing 737 freighter. Last week, I met their Dornier 328 dubbed as the only leisure airline to Boracay and the fastest one at that.   

Our flight was scheduled at 2:00pm and we arrived at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark around 12:45pm. After checking in and paying the P150 terminal fee, we proceeded to the waiting area and spotted the Dornier 328 being prepared for the flight. As early as 1:30pm, we were called to board the 30-seater plane.

Me and @showbiznest @maxtermind and @juanderfulpinoy started taking pictures and selfies with the Dornier plane in the background.

Since all passengers were already inside, the plane took off 5 minutes ahead of schedule.

After around 35-50 minutes, touchdown Boracay Airport! It was indeed faster than my flight to Boracay last year.

I was the last one to alight the plane to have my photo taken with the friendly flight attendant named Sharmaine (See her videos below).

If you're looking for the fastest and most affordable flight to Boracay (Caticlan), I highly recommend SEAIR International. It was fun, fast and smooth travel riding the Dornier 328.

SEAIR flies daily from Clark to Caticlan, except Tuesdays and Saturdays, and flies Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Caticlan to Puerto Princesa and vice versa.

You can book online at www.flyseair.com. They also have an ongoing promo at Ensogo (78% discount) which is good until July 17, 2014 for the travel period: June 17, 2014 to October 27, 2014.

To keep updated on the lowest fares to Boracay, like SEAIR's Facebook page @flyseair and follow them on Twitter @flyseair.

TRAVEL VIDEOS

Meet Sharmaine, the friendly flight steward:

  Preparing for landing:

Finally, Boracay!:

 

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SEAIR Teams Up with Muranglipad.com

SEAIR International (SEAIR) announces its partnership with Muranglipad.com to offer airfare comparison to passengers.

SEAIR, the brand that pioneered commercial flights to Boracay in 2005, is back to offer premium services with fast and stress-free travel to passengers. Part of its thrust to offer innovative services to clients, is the belief to offer the best value-for-money fares to passengers.

Muranglipad.com, a division of Triplestar Travel and Tours Inc, provides airfare comparison to all domestic and international destinations, across all airlines. SEAIR clients can now enjoy expert travel advise from Muranglipad.com’s pool of Travel Specialists. To avail of specialized travel assistance, passengers may call the reservations hotline at 849-0100 or visit www.muranglipad.com. Office hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays, to accommodate consultations, bookings and reservations.

Triplestar has 11 ticketing offices nationwide, particularly in Makati, Manila Domestic Airport, Quezon City, SM Clark, Cebu City, Cebu International Airport, Davao City, Davao International Airport, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban and Bacolod. All are strategically located to cater to passengers’ immediate travel requirements.

To find out more about the new and exciting service, please like SEAIR Facebook fan page at www.facebook/flyseair and Muranglipad.com’s Facebook fan page at www.facebook/muranglipad.com for updates on promotions.

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Malaysia's Largest Green Hotel 'Tune Hotel KLIA2' Officially Opens

GBI Gold-Certified Tune Hotel klia2 made an energy-efficiency demonstration project for Malaysian building sector. With the double recognition it received for its green technology and energy-efficient features, Tune Hotel klia2 is now being tagged as the largest green hotel in Malaysia.

Beyond the conventional green products of LED lights and energy-efficient equipment, Tune Hotels has taken its green initiative further by employing a holistic sustainability agenda driven into its building design right from the beginning.

The hotel has been awarded a provisional Gold Rating by the Green Building Index (GBI) Accreditation Panel and subsequently submitted as the first demonstration project under the Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project (BSEEP), a national project implemented by the Public Works Department Malaysia in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and co-funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). BSEEP has for its goal the reduction in the annual growth rate of emissions from buildings in Malaysia by promoting energy conserving designs of new buildings.

Tune Hotel klia2 was officially opened on June 25 by the Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid.  

Deputy Minister Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid said: “I am very pleased to be here today to witness a very local homegrown brand making giant efforts in embracing the usage of energy and water efficiency, as well as green technology. Today, the need to care for our environment has never been more crucial. It is no longer a ‘special interest’ but a mission entrusted upon all of us to save our only planet we have got from environmental degradation. It is part of the Government’s objective to accelerate the national economy and promote sustainable development through efficient energy use. We want to improve the quality of life for Malaysians, increase national economic development by means of technology and safeguard the integrity of the environment.”

At the event, the Deputy Minister also presented the Gold GBI certification to Mark Lankester who received it on behalf of Tune Hotel klia2. GBI was represented by its Chairman Ar. Von Kok Leong.

Mark Lankester said: “We are elated with these recognitions. To be the largest hotel to be GBI Gold-certified is a fantastic accomplishment for our Projects team while as an ongoing BSEEP national demonstration project, we are very pleased to showcase how energy-efficient buildings can be operationally very cost effective, and most importantly benefit the bottom line of the business. As we have always said, being more cost effective allows us to pass on benefits to our guests.”

“Nonetheless, the comfort of our guests was our overriding priority when in the design stage for the Tune Hotel klia2. Great emphasis was given on the indoor environment quality, thermal comfort, lighting levels and luminosity, noise control, air quality and daylight availability, on top of energy and water efficiency, amongst many others,” added Lankester.

The construction of the Tune Hotel klia2 has demonstrated various key aspects of energy efficiency in buildings, providing unparalleled opportunities for both government and private sector practitioners in gaining practical information as a result of implementing energy-efficient building projects.

Group CEO of Tune Hotels Mark Lankester (left) receiving the Green Building Index (GBI) GOLD Rating Certificate from Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia Dato’ Seri Mahdzir Khalid (centre) witnessed by the GBI Chairman Architect Von Kok Leong.

As a BSEEP demonstration project, Tune Hotel klia2 will provide real-time data to illustrate and improve confidence in the feasibility, performance, energy, environmental and economic benefits of energy-efficient building technology applications. It is intended to be an example in supporting the design and construction of other real-life energy efficient buildings.

Faber Group Berhad, through its subsidiary Faber Facilities Sdn Bhd, provided Environmental and Sustainable Design (ESD) Consultancy for the project.

Azmir Merican, Executive Director of Faber Group said, “The benefits of going green for hotels and resorts are obvious for the move would translate into savings in energy and water usage. More importantly though it reflects the proprietor’s commitment towards a sustainable future. With the increase awareness of ESD concept, we hope that more building owners in Malaysia will implement a green strategy and adopt the technology in reducing their carbon footprint.”

On the implementation of ESD for Tune Hotel klia2, Azmir said that during the design stage, extensive simulations were carried out to ensure the Tune Hotel klia2 is energy efficient with a projected Building Energy Intensity (BEI) index of 159KWh/m2/yr.

In Malaysia, the BEI benchmark for similar performance rating is at 200KWH/m2/yr for ‘up to 3-star’ hotels and 290KWh/m2/yr for ‘4-star and above’ hotel categories while the BSEEP benchmark is 187KWh/m2/yr. In comparison to the Australian hotel industry benchmarked ‘best practice’ performance indicator is 208KWh/m2 for accommodation hotels and 292 KWh/m2 for business hotels.

Another key highlight of Tune Hotel klia2 is water efficiency which is estimated at more than 40% water savings compared to a conventionally designed hotel building. This is attributed mainly towards the use of harvested rainwater for the water closet (WC), cleaning and irrigation purposes. Landscape plant selection also played a key role in that, only native or locally adaptive plants which required minimal or almost no irrigation was planted. Notably, the landscape provision for this project exceeded the local authority requirements by 154%.

The 400-room Tune Hotel klia2 opened for business on 9 May 2014. The hotel is directly connected to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) terminal via a covered walkway and link bridge, allowing easy and convenient access to check-in counters as well as the Gateway@klia2 shopping mall.

Tune Hotels has innovatively transformed the guestroom experience into a modern-style accommodation featuring the all-new room design with a sleek writing table, luggage platform and a 32-inch flat screen LED TV, bringing about an improved, sophisticated but cool ambience throughout the Tune Hotel klia2.

To add to the guest experience and comfort, the hotel’s spacious lobby features a cool casual seating lounge with free wifi and an expansive open-air courtyard lounge, overlooked by a 24-hour restaurant and beverage centre. For guests with further transportation needs, the hotel includes a transport counter for overland transport needs and for flights, two AirAsia self check-in kiosks and klia2’s flight information displays are provided within the lobby for added convenience to hotel guests.

Guests at Tune Hotel klia2 enjoy great connectivity to the Kuala Lumpur city and its surrounding suburbs as the klia2 Terminal boasts not only bus and taxi services but also the Express Rail Link (ERL) train service that connects to and from Kuala Lumpur Sentral. For guests arriving at or departing from the KLIA Main Terminal, they can make use of the scheduled shuttle service via the ERL that costs just RM2 one way and stroll over to the hotel via its covered link bridge.

The hotel also features 167 parking bays which are conveniently located just a few steps away from the airport terminal. A portion of the parking area has been allocated exclusively for green, electric and hybrid vehicles. 

With a projected annual capacity of 45 million passengers, the klia2 is the world's largest purpose-built terminal dedicated for low cost carriers (LCCs). The new airport commenced commercial operations on 2 May 2014.

Tune Hotels is part of Tune Group, a lifestyle business conglomerate co-founded by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, who are the Group CEO and Executive Chairman respectively of Asia’s largest low cost carrier AirAsia.

There are currently 45 Tune Hotels available for booking across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, England, Scotland, Australia, India and Japan. For real-time updates and promotion alerts, guests can stay connected with Tune Hotels via Facebook at www.facebook.com/tunehotels and on Twitter via www.twitter.com/tunehotels.

For booking and further information, visit www.tunehotels.com.

[Tune Hotels Press Release]

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Travel Tip: Malaysia to Singapore by Bus (or Vice Versa)

If you're visiting Malaysia, you can maximize your vacation by taking a side trip to Singapore, or vice versa. Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa takes 4 to 5 hours travel time by bus and I would highly recommend it!

But of course, you have the option to travel by plane but it's expensive. If you're on a budget, the bus fare from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa  is only S$30 or P1,000.00 (or lower if you're coming from Kuala Lumpur).

The VIP buses have spacious seats and large seating space between the front rows and your seats. You can incline your seats to almost 70deg. There's also a toilet and television in some of these buses. When taking plane, unless you are taking 1st class seats, the economy seats are normally small.

Furthermore, total traveling times are almost comparable. If you're travelling by plane, you need to check in 2hours earlier prior to departure.

There are many express bus service from Singapore to KL. Some of the famous express bus operators offer almost hourly trip. Just proceed to the Golden Mile Complex. There's also express bus services which depart at other location like Key Point, Harbour Front, Novena, Boon Lay Shopping Centre and many more.

In Malaysia, the bus terminal is located at Puduraya, the largest express bus terminal in Malaysia. Some buses will call off at other locations like Berjaya Times Square, Bangsar, 1 Utama Shopping Centre or Pasar Rakyat. 

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First World Plaza - Genting Highlands, Malaysia

On our first morning in Genting, it was really cold and fogs are covering the theme park.

At around 9:00am, we had a very heavy breakfast at the First World Cafe. The buffet is included in the accommodation rate.

And while we're waiting for the theme park to open, we strolled inside the premises and checked out some stores.

I bought a Petronas Towers figurine, just the small one. :)

And as the sun came out, so did we...

The flowers, the trees and the climate remind me of our very own Baguio City.

But inside, it's like a dream sequence of some sort...

The colorful planet balls, the superhero on the wall, Santa's magic sleigh above - the ambiance was really cool!

It's actually a mall and indoor theme-park rolled into one.

It's not a horror house. It's actually a NIKE store.

And that's the Statue of Liberty at the center.

The First World Plaza is a shopping and recreation center located below First World Hotel, the biggest hotel in Genting. Aside from the shops and rides, other attractions inside this mall include a bowling center, cineplex, a Watersplash pool, a horror house, a pavilion for daily night performance shows and a Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum. And of course, there are lots of dining outlets inside the mall from American fast food to local restaurants.

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Hotel Review: First World Hotel in Genting, Malaysia

First World Hotel is a great value for your money. For only around P2,800 per night (for two persons already), you get a comfortable accommodation filled with lots of attractions inside the premises, an eat-all-you can breakfast, a clean and spacious room. Just don't expect more because it's only a 3-star hotel. Take note that there's no aircon inside the room. You won't need it because of the cold climate.

The room includes a desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub/shower, coffee/tea maker and complimentary bottled water.

The only downside is the lack of wireless internet.

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Genting Theme Park - Malaysia

The Genting Theme Park is considered as Malaysia's biggest theme park (bigger than Sunway Lagoon) and boasts of around 40 rides. The outdoor theme park has all the rides that both young and old will enjoy. This is the exterior part of the indoor theme park that we visited on Day 1.

If you want to relax, try boating. The sound of the waterfalls is soothing to the ears.

That's the First World Hotel at the background!

One of the most exciting attractions that kids should not miss is Beryl's Chocolate Wonderland.

A theme park will never be complete without the carousel:

The Cable Cars in different designs:

There are also thrill rides like the Pirate Ship, the Corkscrew (roller coaster), the Grand Prix Fun Kart, the Spinner (similar to EK's Flying Fiesta), Flume Ride, Bumper Boat, Space Shot and the Flying Coaster - the only hang-gliding roller coaster in Southeast Asia that mimics the sensation of flying.

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Genting Highlands - Malaysia's Summer Capital

If Baguio City is our own "Summer Capital," then we can consider Genting as Malaysia's version of Baguio City. Or perhaps not only Baguio but Las Vegas!

Reception of First World Hotel in Genting

If you're visiting Malaysia, then Genting Highlands should be included in your itinerary!

It's also called Resorts World Genting, a hill resort in Malaysia which is kinda similar to Las Vegas when it comes to casinos and attractions and the climate is similar to Baguio City--cold! This is because this site is nestled on a mountain peak.

If it takes 6 hours to get to Baguio City from Manila by bus, Genting Highlands only takes 1 hour by taxi or bus from Kuala Lumpur. It's also accessible by cable car called "Genting Skyway" which used to be the world's fastest and South East Asia's longest gondola lift.

Entrance to the First World Hotel

In our case, we took the taxi cab and it cost us around P600 from Kuala Lumpur to Genting. This is not advisable, because the bus will only cost you around P100. We just missed the last bus because we arrived in Kuala Lumpur past 9pm already so our only option is to take the cab.

Reception Area of First World Hotel in Genting Highlands

We checked in at First World Hotel in Genting past 10:00 in the evening. They have a fancy reception area that feels so Christmas-y. 

A room in this hotel cost us P2,800.00 per night inclusive of eat-all-you-can breakfast buffet. Definitely cheaper than those hotels in Singapore that don't have free breakfast. 

And since we're psyched with the place, we had a few snaps inside the First World Plaza after dinner:

A mock version of the Statue of Liberty

A mock (and giant) version of the Oscar trophy

Map of Genting

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Flying to Kuala Lumpur Via Air Asia Zest

I've been to Kuala Lumpur 3 times already and for the first time last weekend, I was able to fly to the Malaysian capital courtesy of AirAsia Zest. Read on!

 
I was among the 3 selected bloggers from the Philippines invited to grace the Pyjama Party in Tune Hotels KLIA2 last Saturday, May 31. The celebration for the recent opening of the new Tune Hotels branch is scheduled at 6:00PM and I was provided with an AirAsia Zest flight ticket with a 6:00AM boarding time. As early as 4:30AM, I arrived at NAIA Terminal 4. While waiting in line at the immigration, I browsed some brochures about AirAsia and learned that aside from Kuala Lumpur, the world’s best low cost airline also flies from Manila to Macau, Shanghai, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and Incheon & Busan in South Korea. They also serve domestic flights like Manila to Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Davao, Cebu, Tacloban and Tagbilaran (Bohol).

Needless to say, I was the last passenger to board inside the plane to have my photo taken with another AirAsia plane nearby as the background.

And before I forget, here's a video on how to self check-in in AirAsia. Self check-in will enable you to avoid the long queues at the airport.

  

You can self check-in here: http://checkin.airasia.com/chkin/step1.aspx?Code=&lang=EN&langId=1 Also learn about Kiosk check-in and mobile check-in HERE. Moving on, more photo ops outside the plane. An airport staff helped me snapped these pictures because my two blogger friends, @supermorgy and @juanderfulpinoy, were already inside the aircraft.

The flight, Z2 948, was operated by an all-Filipino crew. Friendly flight attendant Ace toured us inside the aircraft. He also let me help him in the pre-flight safety demonstration by giving him the oxygen mask and life vest one by one as he inform the passengers how to use these equipments in case of emergency.  

The aircraft took off at around 6:30AM. After the seatbelt sign was turned off, flight attendants started to distribute inflight food and beverage. 

  

For my breakfast, I chose Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice with strawberry yogurt for dessert. A certified bestseller, the meal is dubbed as an Asian favorite. The fluppy seasoned rice served with roast chicken accompanied by Uncle Chin's special secret chilli, ginger and garlic sauce was delectable!

    

Aside from Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice, other available inflight meals include the Nasi Goreng, Nasi Kuning Manado, Roast Chicken with Blackpepper Sauce, Chicken Mayo Apple Sandwich, and more!

  

Here's a tip: When you prebook your meals online prior to your flight, you'll get priority service, more choices and 20% discount! That's me with a female flight attendant wearing the distinct red uniform. Male flight attendants wear black. 

In less than four hours, touchdown KLIA2! 

    

And with just a few hops away from the immigration, we easily spotted the swanky Tune Hotel KLIA2, our home for the night where the fun-filled 'pyjama party' happened.

  

As for my next update, I will blog about my stay in Tune Hotel KLIA2. For more details about AirAsia and to catch the lowest fares, visit www.airasia.com. 

Cross-published in Starmometer

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