Savoy Hotel Mactan to showcase new dishes monthly through ‘Secret Menu’ with Executive Chief Semblante

SAVOY Hotel Mactan is proud to announce the launch of its new monthly series, "Secret Menu" with Executive Chef Coke Semblante. This exciting series will showcase exclusive dishes, “OFF THE MENU” with a rotating roster of guest chefs, each bringing their unique culinary perspectives and specialties to the table.

“We are thrilled to bring this new experience to our guests,” said Semblante. “Our secret menu series allows us to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine and offer truly one-of-a-kind dishes that can only be found here at Savoy Cafe.” Each month, guests can expect a new menu filled with innovative and delicious creations, featuring the best in local and international flavors. These dishes will only be available for a limited time, making each visit to Savoy Cafe a new and exciting culinary adventure.

“Food is an important part of the travel experience, and we are committed to providing our guests with memorable dining experiences,” said Semblante. “The secret menu series is a way for us to bring a touch of excitement and exclusivity to our guests' dining experience.” Join Semblante and his talented roster of guest chefs as they create a culinary masterpiece every month at Savoy Cafe. This is a dining experience you won't want to miss!

For more information, you may contact us at +032 494 4000 / +63 917 854 0739 or email fbservice@savoymactan.com. You may also follow us on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown | Facebook / @savoymactannewtown / Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.

FOR centuries, food has been a key element to make celebrations and festivities more meaningful and remarkable. In different parts of the world, food has been the center of gatherings providing comfort and colors that create more meaningful conversations. In the Philippines, food has provided distinction and cultural uniqueness that make it more interesting and exciting.

Over the past couple of years, Filipino food has been making waves in different parts of the world mainly due to the increasing number of Filipinos abroad. Along with this, gaining popularity in developing countries such as America and England, Filipino food is now considered a must-try and must-enjoy cuisine in the world whether it’s from a fast food chain or fine dining restaurant.

As the new era continues to be in favor of the rich and diverse culture of Filipinos, Filipino food remains a main attraction among local and foreign guests in the Philippines. With many regions being considered a leading food hub, Cavite is one of the provinces in the country that takes pride in providing heartwarming dishes that captivate even the most discriminating palettes.

Nestled at the heart of Silang, Cavite is Balai Palmera Restaurant & Pasalubong Center, a budding destination among local and international guests, Balai Palmera takes pride in serving authentic and unique Filipino dishes with Caviteno twists.

Led by Chef Ryan Mapilis, president of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, this restaurant offers a grandeur ambiance suited for large groups and families. With its modern Filipino interior, Balai Palmera provides its guest with that homey feel while enjoying sumptuous Filipino dishes that have bold and rich flavors.

“The trend that was established by our colleagues in the international scene has brought so much pride and challengse to all local restauranteurs. We, at Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, use this as inspiration in providing our guests a remarkable and memorable dining experience with their loved ones,” shared Chef Ryan.

Since it opened its doors to the public last year, Balai Palmera has seen a significant increase in the number of guests from Metro Manila as well as balikbayan overseas Filipino workers, who are looking for a spacious and decent place to dine with their families and friends, and craving for some authentic Filipino dishes that are to their liking and budget.

“We’re very happy to welcome more of our kababayans here in Balai Palmera, whether they are from the city, nearby provinces, or balikbayans who are spending their vacation here in the country. We are committed to making their experience here in Balai Palmera worthwhile, something that they will forward to visiting again once they revisit the Philippines,” Chef Ryan added.

Located along Aguinaldo Highway, Bypass Road, San Vicente 2, Silang, Cavite, Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center offers a wide array of offerings that have been a hit among tourists and foodies. Guests can also bring with them some souvenir goodies that are sure to remind them of their wonderful time here in the Philippines.

From the assorted tarts, which include local flavors such as banana and buko, to their lovely pastries and bread, guests cannot resist these local offerings. Among the crowd’s top favorites is Balai Palmera’s Buko Pie, which exudes natural flavor as it is usually served fresh out of the oven.

“Food has been an important component that provides strength and power to our bodies. Good food gives us not just fulfillment but positive energy through our hearts, mind, and soul and motivates us in our lives. Capped with relaxing ambiance and wonderful Filipino service, Balai Palmera Restaurant & Pasalubong Center is devoted to making its guests’ visit fulfilling, remarkable and meaningful while carrying out that distinct Filipino pride that we carry where ever we are,” Chef Ryan concluded.

Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center is located at Aguinaldo Highway, Bypass Road, San Vicente 2, Silang, Cavite, and at Tagaytay-Sta. Road Brgy. Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite. For other information, updates, and news, you may follow Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center is on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

STARK FITNESS GYM GRAND OPENING. The brand new gym, which is situated on the 2nd Floor of San Antonio Mall along Buendia Ave, opened its doors last January 27, 2023. This grand opening event attended by some well-known celebrities such as Max Collins, Jameson Blake, Winwyn Marquez, Michelle Vito, Pat Sugui, Tyronne Tan, Kim Rodriguez, model Kirst Viray and fitness influencers like Princess Legazpi, Dan of Fitness, Coach Legran, Coach Anton. Members of the media were also present. As the gym showcased its own premium and

SEC okays merger of insurance company AXA PHL with former subsidiary Charter Ping An

THE Securities and Exchange Commission has given the green light to the effectivity of the consolidation between AXA Philippines—a joint venture between the Metrobank Group, GT Capital, and the Paris-based AXA Group— and its former general insurance subsidiary Charter Ping An Insurance Corp.

The approved union concluded the yearslong process that started when the former acquired the latter in 2016.

While the merger took place years prior to the ensuing pandemic and other global issues, the need for easier and more convenient methods to acquire insurance became more urgent with the advent of these volatile periods.

“Recent times have highlighted the importance of protecting what matters to us,” said AXA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Bernardo Serrano Lopez.

With the consolidation, AXA fully absorbs Charter Ping An, thus, providing its customers with an improved and robust suite of insurance products: from life, health, savings and investments, to car and home insurance products, to name a few.

“Since we offer different types of insurance that cater to the varied protection needs of our customers, it will be much more convenient for our customers to find solutions for their insurance needs under the single AXA brand,” he noted.

“Convenience has become a vital necessity. Merging life and non-life insurance under a single brand takes that convenience a big step further and becomes another means for us to be of service to our customers,” Lopez stressed.

Clients of Charter Ping An will not be affected by the merger, and all current policies will remain valid and are considered active and in force, subject to the relevant terms and conditions of their insurance policies.

Other existing contracts with Charter Ping An that have not previously expired remain valid as well. Roderick L. Abad