A paradise of emerald islands
THE PHILIPPINES' MAGNIFICENT TROPICAL BEACHES AND MOUNTAIN RANGES, COMBINED WITH A FIRST-CLASS HOTEL INFRASTRUCTURE, ATTRACT BOTH PACKAGE TOURISTS AND BUSINESS TRAVELERS

BORACAY ISLAND Lapped by the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is a paradise of blues and greens renowned for the hospitality of its population.

Few will argue that the tourism industry has seen better days. There was a time, before September 11, 2001 to be exact, when the wary vacationer could avoid so-called hot spots or areas of conflict. The terrorist attacks on the United States changed all the rules. The entire world is now a hot spot and is expected to remain that way for a long time. In the meantime, the wonders of the world are still out there and are still as inviting as ever.
And as far as seeing the treasures of the world are concerned, the Philippines is a must. An English-speaking nation of 7,000 islands in the heart of Southeast Asia whose people adore everything American, the Philippines remains one of the world’s unspoiled tropical paradises. And in every establishment in the bustling cities–from the most luxurious hotel to the local McDonalds–a friendly Filipino face is there to open the door and greet customers with a sincere welcome and later with a hearty “have a nice day”.

That homegrown courtesy is especially apparent at the Peninsula Manila Hotel, one of the most respected and renowned hotels in all of Asia. Rated by Business Traveler Asia as the best hotel in Manila in 1998, 1999 and 2000 and listed in CondeNast’s list of distinguished hotels, the newly renovated, 25-year-old Peninsula Manila is considered the undisputed reference for luxury business hotels in the capital.

T. MARKLAND BLAIKLOCK General Manager of the Peninsula Manila

“What we are best known for is our high level of service,” notes T. Markland Blaiklock, general manager of the Peninsula Manila. “We are known for having doormen who will remember a guest’s name even after two or three years. We are also a business hotel that has all the technology a business person would want.”

The most striking thing about the Peninsula Manila is its lobby. It is the preferred meeting place for the capital’s power elite and ‘beautiful people’. It is where one goes to see and be seen. “Immediately upon entering the lobby, one’s attention is grabbed by the colossal bronze ‘Sunburst’ sculpture by Philippine artist Napoleon Abueva mounted on the ceiling,” Mr. Blaiklock says. “The lobby walls also display two large tapestries of the country’s two major mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre and the Cordillera. These are based on the original oil paintings by Filipino artist Ephraim Samson that also hang on the lobby walls. The Peninsula’s collection of paintings is the single largest of any hotel in the Philippines.”

The hotel recently opened the Peninsula Business Club floor, after 25 years of being the only hotel without one. “That’s because we offer a butler service on all our floors to all our rooms. But we saw that some business people were not looking for the extra level of service in the rooms. They wanted a lounge or private area exclusive to them and the other guests on that floor,” Mr. Blaiklock explains.
After a comfortable working visit to the financial capital of Manila, a trip to one of the country’s island resorts is a nice way to unwind. One of the most exclusive is the Amanpulu Resort, part of the Seven Seas Resorts and Leisure, Inc. Amanpulo is located on the remote island of Pamalican between Manila and the island of Palawan. Villas go from between $400 and $1,000 per night and all needs are taken care of down to the last detail. Discretion and privacy are the trademarks of this isolated island treasure.