MARCH 26-APRIL 8, 2017 GRUB HUB 9 www.expatphilippines.ph
14 FEATURES
APRIL 12-25, 2015 www.expatph.com
Superstar Virgo cruise ship homeports in Manila By VIA BAROMA
M
anila is officially a cruise home port, as Hong Kong-based cruise line Star Cruises began its threemonth cruise, marking the first-ever home port deployment of Superstar Virgo here in the Philippines. Sailing on the highly-spirited tide of enthusiasm for shared tourism, particularly between the Philippines and China, the luxury cruise ship Superstar Virgo came to homeport in Manila for its maiden voyage from Manila to Laoag, to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to Hong Kong, and back to Manila. Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea led government and travel sector executives in the rites for the launch of the Superstar Virgo cruise from the Manila North Harbor’s Pier 15 on Mar. 19. “As the first-ever cruise ship to homeport in Manila, Superstar Virgo will etch a milestone in our tourism journey, as both the ship and our shores will provide vacationers, including the locals, the convenience of not having to fly to either Hong Kong or Singapore to take a cruise,” said Teo. “I’m certain that the Superstar Virgo will consider the Philippines a growing market as the economic developments are providing the people means of leisure travels.” Discover the Splendor As the flagship of the fleet in Asia, the 13-storey ship features 935 cabins, and carries 2,400 passengers and a crew of 1,100. Cruise amenities include the outdoor Greek-themed swimming pool with the its 100-metre mega water slide, 15 food and beverage outlets, a beauty salon, a library,
a spa and health club, karaoke rooms and entertainment, fitness centers, a basketball court, mini-golf and even a jogging track. Tantalize your taste buds at over 10 restaurants and bars aboard featuring Blue Lagoon (Asian snacks) , Genting Palace (Western cuisine), Mediterranean Restaurant (International cuisine), Noble House (Chinese cuisine), Palazzo (Western), Pavilion (Chinese cuisine), Samurai Restaurant ( Japanese cuisine) and The Taj (Indian cuisine). ’Jewels of the South China Sea’ cruise Superstar Virgo’s six-day / five-night cruise departed on Mar. 19 and will rununtil May 29. The trips are part of the “Jewels of the South China Sea” cruises being promoted by Star Cruises and its partners. From Manila, the ship will travel to its first stop in Laoag, where guests can visit this primitive seaside town with large number of Spanish churches and clock tower surrounded by the European romantic atmosphere, as well as opportunities to see the white sands of Pagudpud. Next, Superstar Virgo will dock at the biggest port in Taiwan in Kaohsiung. Aside from Taiwan’s excellent street food, passengers can also enjoy attractions such as museums, temples, night markets and shopping outlets. Star Cruises President Ang Moo Lim said that passengers can enjoy the visa-free cruise with no baggage allowance. After enjoying the delights of Taiwan, the cruise will voyage to Asia’s truly international and vibrant city – Hong Kong, where travelers can savor a great experience with modern skyscrapers, colorful local markets
Superstar Virgo, the flagship of Hong Kong-based Star Cruises fleet, is the first-ever luxury cruise ship to homeport in Manila's South Harbor
The 13-storey ship features 935 cabins, and carries 2,400 passengers and a crew of 1,100. Cruise highlights its outdoor Greek-themed swimming pool with its 100-metre mega water slide
and roadside food stalls. Star Cruises' Superstar Virgo's homeporting in Manila acts as a catalyst for the Philippines' vision of achieving 300 cruise calls by 2021. Star Cruises is reportedly looking forward to add more Philippine destinations in the cruise itinerary in the future. “I’m pleased to announce that Superstar
Virgo will return to Manila next year. We’ll be offering a lot of exciting cruises to Palawan, Cebu, Boracay, Brunei, Okinawa, Taiwan, Hong Kong to name a few.” Ang Moo Lim beamed. For more information and reservations, call (02) 836-6830/31/32 or email salesmanila@ starcruises.com
Witness Okada Manila’s grand Fountain unveiling
O
kada Manila is getting ready for another milestone as it prepares for the grand reveal of the world’s largest multicolor dancing water fountain set to join the ranks of the country’s top tourism landmarks. Dubbed Manila’s biggest and most lavish integrated resort development, Okada Manila will also unveil many of its key amenities and facilities such as luxurious hotel rooms, topnotch restaurants and retail shops on Mar. 31. An iconic centerpiece Beautifully situated at the heart of the 44-hectare resort, Okada Manila’s The Fountain, will officially debut a spectacular dancing water fountain show in sync with music and multicolor lights. The show will be enhanced with a highly immersive projection mapping onto the glass surface of the 800-meter long crystal corridor surrounding The Fountain, which will create a whimsical augmented and interactive reality. The combination of digital technology, live acrobatic and circus performances and the grand water fountain display is expected to romance the senses of anyone who would come to see the first-of-its-kind and iconic show in Manila. Extraordinary performances On top of the fountain show, Okada Ma-
nila is bringing Manila Bay or mult i-awarded The Fountain singer, songand advanced writer and record in-room techproducer Robin nologies such Thicke to join the as DigiValet grand celebration Service, an and perform his iPad that conhit jams on The trols amenities Fountain stage. and even comAsia’s Got Talmunicates to ent finalist and people outside Filipino classical including the singer Gerphil hotel’s restauFlores, along with rants and conthe 40-piece Macierge. nila Philharmonic Ok ada Orchestra are also Manila is curThe Fountain at Okada Manila expected to wow rently offering the audience with these rooms at their extraordinary and world-class perfor- an introductory rate of PhP8,888 net for stays mances. from Mar. 31 to April 30, except Easter holiThe grand unveiling event will be hosted days. Guests can take advantage of these amazby Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. ing rates by booking via www.okadamanila. com from Mar. 15 to 31. The biggest accommodations in town The lavishly furnished accommodations Manila’s finest gastronomic and shopping will provide luxurious comforts to locals destination and travelers alike. Guests can indulge in the Okada Manila is also home to more than Deluxe King or Twin that ranges from 55 to 40 dining establishments outfitted with mod74 square meters. These rooms also offer de- ern and elegant interiors. On the 31st of March, signer amenities, spectacular views of either key restaurants will be introduced to guests in
search of the finest flavors of the world. Okada Manila’s brigade of revered international chefs will offer multicultural cuisines emphasizing a full spectrum of flavors for patrons and food aficionados with discerning palates. Guests can embark on a gastronomic journey and sample the culinary masterpieces of Michelin-starred chef Hirofumi Imamura at his eponymous Japanese Kappou Imamura restaurant; take a seat at the exclusive Ginza Nagaoka for a taste of masterfully prepared sushi and sashimi specialties; savor the rich Oriental flavors at Red Spice Chinese restaurant; and delight in a variety of cakes and treats at the Lobby Lounge and Pastry Shop. To complete the guests’ experience, retail shops featuring other food and beverage outlets and specialty local and international brands can be enjoyed by every shopper. Oneof-a-kind premium items can also be found in The Okada Manila gift shop so everyone can bring home a little trinket to remind them of their extraordinary visit. These shops will be housed inside the arched-glass crystal corridor and will be strategically located between The Fountain and Okada Avenue, giving guests a delightful retail experience. To know more about the event and ticket details, visit www.okadamanila.com/events/fountain-unveiling