by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, entertainment, news, sustainability, technology
MANILA, Philippines – As the senior vice president at Newport World Resorts (NWR) in the Philippines—the country’s premier integrated gaming resort—Kathy Mercado brings significant expertise from her background in hospitality and business operations. Her contributions have been pivotal for renowned global hotels, where she introduced innovative ideas and led successful promotional strategies. During an exclusive conversation, she delves into market analysis, cutting-edge marketing approaches, environmental initiatives, and upcoming trends shaping the industry.
How does the Travellers Group categorize the clientele for its different hotel brands?
The answer is that Newport World Resort accommodates five global hotel brands, each targeting a specific customer group.
• Hotel Okura Manila: This upscale establishment combines the refined aesthetics of Japan with warm Filipino guest services. It has earned a place in the Michelin Guide Hotel Selection 2024, a significant international accolade.
• Marriott Manila: Boasts the biggest pillar-free ballroom in Manila, making it an ideal location for hosting various MICE events like business meetings, incentive programs, large-scale conferences, and live shows. It attracts prominent corporations and well-known guests.
• Sheraton Manila: Famous for Collab, a contemporary workspace with an industrial theme tailored for business travelers and sophisticated professionals seeking trendy places to network and host events.
• Hilton Manila: An accommodating hotel for pets offering luxurious and family-oriented accommodations, attractive to vacationers who prioritize ease and individualized care.
• Holiday Inn Express Manila: Boasting as the biggest Holiday Inn Express globally, featuring more than 700 rooms, offering cost-effective lodging options suitable for business visitors, extended stay patrons, and flight crew members.
Q: What steps do you take to distinguish and customize your marketing approaches for every segment?
At Newport World Resorts, we shape our approach using six main principles:
• Lodging Options: Presenting top-tier global hotel chains designed for business guests, tourists seeking leisure activities, and those looking for luxurious stays.
• Dining: Enhancing food experiences through partnerships with internationally-acclaimed names such as Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, which marks its debut in the nation, drawing notable guests and gastronomy lovers alike.
• Entertainment: Showcasing top-tier performances akin to those seen on Broadway at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT). This venue has emerged as a focal point for Filipino artistic expression, hosting global shows along with homegrown Filipino musicals like “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and our most recent offering, “Delia D.”
• MICE: Establishing NWR as a top-tier MICE location featuring exceptional facilities such as the Marriott Grand Ballroom and Sheraton Manila’s Collab, designed for contemporary business tourists.
• Shopping: Providing an exclusive shopping encounter featuring high-end global labels alongside niche boutiques designed for both tourists and local patrons.
Every section is promoted via customized online promotions, collaborative alliances, reward initiatives, and individualized customer interactions to guarantee involvement and lasting brand loyalty.
Q: In what ways are cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or AI, data analytics, and personalization shaping your marketing strategy?
A: At the core of our approach to engaging guests lies technology. We utilize AI-driven personalization, data analysis, and automated processes to improve the customer experience.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: We employ predictive analysis to forecast guest preferences and provide tailored offers and promotions.
• Customization: With our customer relationship management systems, we can develop tailored travel and entertainment experiences for guests, informed by their actions and past interactions.
• Effortlessly smooth reservations and digital synchronization: Our sites and mobile apps provide seamless bookings, combined hotel stays with entertainment options, along with immediate customer assistance through AI-powered chatbots.
Through adopting these advancements, we guarantee staying at the forefront and providing outstanding experiences everywhere they interact.
A: What strategies can be used to ensure a uniform customer experience when managing several locations?
A: Maintaining consistency is crucial in the hospitality sector, which we accomplish via:
• Brand guidelines and education: We ensure our staff receives ongoing instruction to meet the specific service criteria of every hotel brand.
• Cross-promotion and combined loyalty initiatives: Customers can reap rewards at all venues via our consolidated NWR Rewards Program, guaranteeing a smooth encounter.
• Gathering guest input and ensuring quality: We proactively gather guest feedback through instant polls, active participation on social platforms, and one-on-one conversations with guests, enabling ongoing enhancements to our services.
Q: Could you discuss some creative or notably effective marketing campaigns that you’re especially proud of and explain what makes them stand out?
A: Our most significant project is the Epic Pass, a membership scheme providing continuous access throughout the year to top-notch shows akin to those seen on Broadway at NPAT. Since implementing this initiative, we’ve observed heightened viewer involvement, strengthened customer allegiance, and raised international recognition for Philippine theater arts.
Moreover, our I Love Earth Campaign—a recipient of the distinguished Agora Award for Sustainability—demonstrates our dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and supports the 17 goals set forth by the United Nations for sustainability.
Our efforts include:
• Environmentally friendly hotel practices: Designs for energy efficiency, initiatives for reducing waste, and procurement of sustainable resources
• Eco-friendly gatherings and occasions: Motivating business customers to embrace carbon-neutral event procedures at our locations
• Community involvement: Collaborating with nearby groups to advocate for environmental preservation and sustainable travel
These initiatives underscore our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and uplifting Filipino skills.
Q: Is there considerable and increasing interest in sustainable travel experiences? What particular inquiries do travelers in this category pose, and how does this influence your marketing approach?
A: Definitely. Modern tourists are increasingly aware of their ecological footprint and look for eco-friendly accommodation choices.
Visitors frequently inquire about: environmental certifications and their carbon impact; sustainable eating choices and locally grown produce; as well as the hotel’s green practices and efforts toward reducing waste.
As a result, we make sure that sustainability is ingrained in our brand’s core identity.
Q: In your view, how might consumers’ expectations change over the coming three to five years? Which trends are you getting ready for in the days ahead?
A: The direction of the hospitality industry’s future will be determined by:
• Mass personalization: Travelers will anticipate highly customized experiences fueled by artificial intelligence and data analytics.
• Wellbeing and comprehensive trips: Visitors will focus on consciousness, health initiatives, and seamless travel encounters aimed at reducing stress.
• Sustainable and moral travel: Mindful tourism will boost the preference for environmentally friendly accommodations and conscientious hospitality procedures.
• Hybrid gatherings and digital incorporation: The MICE sector will progress with “phygital” (combining physical and digital elements) event structures, boosting connectivity and audience scope.
At NWR, we’re proactively gearing up for these developments by pouring resources into advanced hospitality tech, elevating customer interactions, and spearheading eco-friendly practices within Philippine tourism.
—CONTRIBUTED
Josiah Go serves as the chairman and chief innovation strategist at Mansmith and Fielders Inc.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, cargo, commerce, driving, transportation
MANILA, Philippines – Despite entering a field dominated primarily by men, Joy Ann Torres chose driving various sized vehicles as her career. She holds the belief that women make for better and safer drivers than their male counterparts.
Her dad instructed her on driving when she turned 12. By the time she reached 18, she had acquired an official permit enabling her to operate big rigs like buses and semi-trailers. During this period, she also mastered changing tires and diagnosing typical motor issues.
“Frankly, mas madaling ko pong mag-park ng trailer truck,” shares the 40-year-old with a smile.
READ:
Lista, Mober, and Zed make it onto Forbes Asia’s ‘100 to Watch’ list
In 2017, Torres transitioned from being a captain’s steward on a cruise ship to becoming a bus driver. Daily, she would travel the path between Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and Monumento. She expresses that this role held great significance for her, as she felt proud to be among the few women driving public transportation vehicles.
Her 12-year-old daughter frequently boasted to her classmates about how her mom drives a bus for work. “I suppose it made her feel proud knowing that her mommy has a role typically played by dads,” she shares in Filipino.
In 2023, Torres saw a job posting for a female driver of electric vehicles (EV). Wanting a change of scenery, she tried her luck. After hurdling the initial screening and safety process, she was hired as the first female truck driver of Mober, a pioneer in green logistics in the Philippines.
Torres, who is now known as a green delivery specialist, operates Mober’s electric vehicle for transporting furnishings within Metro Manila and Cavite. Accompanying her on these routes are an assembler and a helper.
Inclusive and sustainable
She mentions during an interview with SANGGRALOKA that driving an electric vehicle offers great ease and convenience. One of the reasons for this is that she doesn’t have to concern herself with environmental damage.
Mober is at the forefront of shifting towards eco-friendly deliveries in the Philippines. By concentrating on helping companies reduce carbon emissions from their delivery operations, Mober provides smooth solutions that do not require initial investments.
This B2B platform aids deliveries for IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestlé Philippines, Nespresso, Ajinomoto Philippines, and Maersk.
Dennis Ng, the founder and CEO of Mober, aims to dismantle obstacles by promoting careers in logistics for women. He states, “At Mober, we are committed to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everybody gets a chance.”
Prior to their deployment, the drivers of Mober’s eco-friendly fleet receive training on the proper handling of the electric vehicles. “We advise them to apply gentle braking,” Ng further explains, “since each time you press the brake pedal, it helps recharge the battery.”
Every truck boasts a battery lifespan of up to eight to ten years with adequate upkeep, enabling them to cover distances of around 210 kilometers per full charge.
‘Handywomen’
In addition to drivers, Mober is currently recruiting female furniture assemblers. Known as “handymen,” these women receive training to assemble and install IKEA furnishings.
Nelda Palisoc previously worked as a domestic helper in Kuwait, Norway, and Hong Kong before she joined Mober last year. She was one of the initial employees hired at Mober as a female assembler.
Following her completion of the upskilling and safety training at the “Assembly Academy” held within the company, she acquired knowledge on the correct usage of a drilling machine and identifying useful tools.
Many times, some customers doubt whether she can handle the task, particularly when it involves assembling big, heavy furniture. She simply smiles at them. “In the end, they will be astonished by my abilities,” states this 45-year-old woman in Filipino.
Torres and Palisoc mention that they have never faced discrimination from their male counterparts. In fact, their fellow workers are quite willing to offer assistance and share their technical expertise with them.
Central Charge
Wing Alforque, who leads transportation at Mober, observes a rise in applications from women seeking roles as truck drivers, assemblers, and helpers.
READ:
Mober introduces completely electric truck tractors.
“They would share with me during interviews their enthusiasm about taking on a role typically dominated by men,” she clarifies.
On March 10, Mober revealed the nation’s biggest commercial electric vehicle charging station. Situated in Pasay City, Central Charge spans 3,000 square meters and features 56 stations designed for e-van and e-truck fleets.
Using a well-organized three-shift schedule, this ₱14 million facility has the capacity to recharge as many as 200 electric vehicles (EVs) per day. The station comes equipped with 50 charging points each rated at 7 kilowatts (kW), along with an additional two stations capable of delivering power at 60 kW for rapid charges. This setup allows Mober to optimize their processes and reduce idle time for their fleet significantly.
The inauguration of the new site comes after the debut of the firm’s initial charging station in 2023, covering an area of 800 square meters with 30 charging stations located in Pasay City.
Solar energy
In order to considerably decrease its environmental impact, Mober is considering installing solar photovoltaic panels along with a 500 kWh battery energy storage system at Central Charge.
“Central Charge isn’t merely about investing in infrastructure; it’s a strategic move to address the rising need for environmentally friendly delivery options while upholding our pledge of zero emissions,” Ng states.
Ng points out that Mober’s innovation surpasses just infrastructure with its exclusive battery management system (BMS) and transport management system (TMS). The BMS aids in prolonging the lifespan of electric vehicles’ batteries, whereas the TMS aims at optimizing delivery paths, cutting down energy usage, and boosting overall operational effectiveness.
The logistics firm intends to construct two extra charging stations, which could be located in either Bulacan or Pampanga along with Laguna. Both the Northern Bolt and Southern Spark facilities will cover an area ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 square meters, aiming to improve their logistics network and facilitate growth.
Mober’s objective is to grow its fleet to 500 units by 2026. However, in the short term, they plan to increase their number to 240 electric vehicles by the end of this year, starting from the current count of 110 units.
“Ng mentions that we’re expecting 100 additional units, which means we require 100 drivers.”
And indeed, the firm is giving priority to recruiting additional female employees.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | foreign policy, government, military, petroleum, venezuela
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – On Thursday, high-ranking U.S. official Marco Rubio straightforwardly cautioned Venezuela about potential aggression towards oil-abundant Guyana, emphasizing the might of the United States Armed Forces as a safeguard for the tiny South American country.
Venezuela, led by the left-wing president Nicolas Maduro who is disliked by Cuban-American Rubio, has been asserting its claims over the contested Essequibo area governed by Guyana with greater frequency. The country faced accusations recently for allegedly encroaching into the territory.
“I have full confidence saying it now as secretary of state — there will be consequences for adventurism. There will be consequences for aggressive action,” Rubio told a joint news conference on a visit to Guyana.
When asked about the potential U.S. response if Venezuela were to attack ExxonMobil’s oil operations in Guyana, Rubio stated: “That would turn into a very bad week – a very bad week indeed for them.”
Abstaining from explicitly mentioning a military strategy, Rubio stated: “Our naval forces are substantial and capable of reaching nearly every corner.”
Maduro reacted furiously to the threat, labeling Rubio as an “idiot” and stating, “No one threatens Venezuela.”
During his time in Guyana, Rubio entered into an accord aimed at enhancing security collaboration between the two nations, which involves increased data exchange. This development follows several years after Guyana and the United States consented to conduct shared naval missions.
The President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, expressed his approval of Rubio’s position, who described Venezuela’s assertions as “unlawful.”
“I am highly satisfied with the assurance from the U.S., which guarantees the protection of our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” stated Ali.
The Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated in aTelegram message that Venezuela does “neither require nor pursue conflicts; however, we also won’t permit foreign interests to attempt altering the truth regarding our Essequibo.”
He added, ‘Take your noses out of this dispute!’
Mauricio Claver-Carone, the U.S. special envoy for Latin America, previously stated that the United States foresaw a future “binding” security alliance with Guyana akin to the one seen in the Gulf area, wherein American forces safeguard oil-rich Arab monarchies, notably from threats posed by their bigger neighbor, Iran.
Later, Rubio went to visit nearby Suriname, where oil production has likewise seen an increase.
The US aims for an edge over China.
Guyana, an English-speaking country that was formerly a British and Dutch colony, remains home to most of its 800,000 inhabitants living in poverty. For many years now, this nation has hosted a small but persistent group advocating for Guyana’s integration into the United States.
This kind of official inclusion wasn’t part of the plan, yet Trump hasn’t hidden his enthusiasm for expanding influence in the Americas, sometimes even at the cost of long-standing partnerships.
The wealthy Republican has pledged to seize control of Greenland from Denmark and reclaim the Panama Canal, citing increasing Chinese dominance.
Even though Exxon has been dominant in the oil sector, China — considered by the Trump administration as the primary global rival — has swiftly gained ground in Guyana through various infrastructure initiatives such as upgrading the international airport which Rubio arrived at.
Trump has proposed imposing major fees on vessels linked to China, but the idea has hit opposition from US farmers as well as Caribbean nations which say they have little option and will take a hit.
Rubio stated that it was “risky for just one nation worldwide to construct all the vessels.”
However, departing from Trump’s typical hardline stance, Rubio recognized the worries expressed by Caribbean countries and mentioned that he would suggest US trade officials be aware of the dangers posed by potentially damaging relationships with American allies.
“You can be confident that we will convey your message,” Rubio stated.
Rapid oil growth
The legislature in Caracas passed a bill last year to designate the Essequibo area, comprising two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, as Venezuela’s 24th state, an action dismissed on the global stage.
Guyana maintains that the border was established by an arbitration panel in 1899. However, Venezuela asserts that the Essequibo River to the eastern part of the area serves as a natural boundary, one they claim has been acknowledged since 1777.
ExxonMobil from Texas has become the frontrunner in offshore oil exploration, with operations expanding quickly after the significant discovery of large crude deposits in 2015.
ExxonMobil expects the total production from Guyana to reach 1.3 million barrels per day by the end of the decade, far surpassing the current output levels in Venezuela.
Under pressure from anti-communist Latino lawmakers, the Trump administration has revoked the sanction waiver for U.S. oil company Chevron, which allowed them to continue operations in Venezuela.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | government, greenland, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Lawmakers in Greenland reached an agreement on Thursday to establish a new government as they faced increased pressure along with fresh threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of this Danish-controlled Arctic territory.
Four out of the five political groups that won seats in Greenland’s Parliament last month have decided to join forces and create a coalition with control over 23 of the 31 available legislative positions. This deal is expected to be formalized on Friday, as reported by regional news outlets.
The accord occurs as Trump escalates and strengthens his attempts to take command of the Arctic territory “by one means or another”.
The US Vice President, JD Vance, is set to arrive in Greenland on Friday. Accompanied by his spouse, Usha Vance, he plans to visit the United States’ Pituffik Space Base, an installation involved in missile monitoring and defense activities.
Initially, Usha planned to make the trip alone, but on Wednesday, JD declared he would join her so she wouldn’t have “all that fun by herself.”
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who leads the Demokraatit party—the largest group in parliament—has been keen on establishing a wide-ranging coalition. Ever since his center-right party unexpectedly won the elections on March 11th, Nielsen has maintained that swiftly forming such a coalition is crucial for withstanding American influence.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede has strongly criticized the Vance family’s planned visit, referring to it as “highly provocative.”
“Up until recently, we could confidently depend on the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we enjoyed working very closely,” stated Egede to the local press.
“But those days are gone, we must acknowledge this, as the new American leadership is entirely and totally unconcerned with what we’ve jointly upheld until now; they’re simply intent on seizing control of our nation above our heads,” he said additionally.
Trump covets Greenland, a self-governing region of Denmark, because it has rich mineral deposits and straddles strategic air and sea routes at a time when the US, Russia and China are all vying for position in the Arctic.
Putin isn’t taken aback by the revived U.S. interest in Greenland.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Trump’s initiative to gain control over Greenland was not unexpected, considering the long-standing American interest in the mineral-abundant region.
At a policy discussion held in the Arctic city of Murmansk, Putin pointed out that the U.S. contemplated strategies to gain dominance over Greenland during the 1800s, and later proposed purchasing it from Denmark following World War II.
“It might appear astonishing initially but it would be incorrect to think this as mere sensational rhetoric from the present US administration,” Putin stated.
It’s clear that the United States will keep pushing forward with its strategic goals related to geopolitics, military presence, and economics in the Arctic region.
Trump irked much of Europe by suggesting that the United States should in some form control the self-governing, mineral-rich territory of Denmark, a US ally and NATO member.
Being the maritime entry point to the Arctic and North Atlantic routes towards North America, Greenland holds significant strategic importance due to China and Russia’s interest in utilizing its sea passages and exploiting its natural wealth.
Putin stated that Russia is concerned about NATO’s actions in the Arctic and plans to address this by bolstering its own military presence in the area.
“We are definitely worried about NATO members referring to the Far North as an area where potential conflicts might arise,” he stated, pointing out that neighboring countries to Russia—Finland and Sweden—are now part of the alliance.
Russia has not posed any threat to anyone in the Arctic region; however, we will keep a close watch on the unfolding events and respond appropriately by enhancing our military capabilities and upgrading our military facilities.
Russia has aimed to extend its control across large parts of the Arctic, contending with the United States, Canada, Denmark, and Norway. This push comes as global warming leads to diminishing polar ice, opening up fresh possibilities for resource extraction and navigation pathways.
China has likewise exhibited growing interest in the area, thought to contain as much as one-quarter of the planet’s untapped oil and natural gas resources.
“We will not permit any violations of our nation’s sovereignty, steadfastly protect our national interests, and at the same time advocate for peace and stability in the polar regions,” stated Putin.
As he committed to bolstering Russia’s military presence in the Arctic, Putin emphasized that the Kremlin remains open to wider global collaboration in the area.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | elections, government, politics, politics and government, politics and law
CANBERRA — On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia has scheduled a general election for May 3. This sets the stage for debates centered around climate policy, nuclear energy, and the rapidly escalating housing market.
In May 2022, Albanese’s center-left Labor Party assumed power, ousting a conservative administration that had become highly disliked after nearly ten years in control.
However, the early excitement surrounding Albanese, who is 62 years old, has faded over the past few months as the government approaches the conclusion of its three-year tenure.
Surveys indicate he is running even with conservative Peter Dutton, aged 54, a tough ex-detective aiming to reduce immigration levels and revoke the prohibition on nuclear energy.
“In recent years, the world has presented many challenges to Australia during these unsure times,” the prime minister stated to journalists.
Thanks to the strength and resilience demonstrated by our people, Australia is starting to recover. On May 3rd, you will decide the path ahead.
Albanese stated he was “poised from birth” to tackle climate issues, tariff disruptions, and the persistent effects of inflation.
He cautioned any external adversaries looking to interfere with the election campaign to “step away.”
Australia, a powerhouse in coal mining, faces a choice between two contenders who have vastly different views on climate change and emission reductions.
Albanese’s administration has supported the worldwide move toward reducing carbon emissions, cautioning about an era where iron ore and environmentally harmful coal exports will no longer bolster the nation’s economy.
His campaign slogan is “building Australia’s future” — a platform that encompasses substantial support for renewable energy and eco-friendly manufacturing initiatives.
Earlier this week, the government revealed unexpected tax reductions through their yearly state budget allocation. At the same time, they directed funds towards conventional labor priorities including education and health care.
“Determining Australia’s course correction,” is the opposing motto of Dutton.
Dutton’s hallmark policy involves a $200 billion plan to build seven large-scale nuclear power plants, eliminating the necessity of increasing renewable energy sources.
He has pledged to reduce immigration by 25 percent and implement “tighter limits” on the number of international students permitted to study in Australia.
Surveys indicate that issues like expensive living costs, particularly housing prices, will be central to the election.
Even though inflation has decreased under Albanese—from 7.8 percent in 2022 to 2.4 percent in December—many families continue to grapple with elevated costs of food, fuel, and electricity.
Each party has pledged to address the scorching real estate market.
The major Australian cities of Sydney and Melbourne have now landed spots within the top ten least affordable housing markets globally, as indicated by the yearly Demographia affordability index.
‘Not a monster’
Albanese has dedicated much of his adulthood to political work, climbing up the ladder within the Labor Party starting from modest working-class origins.
He promotes his affection for independent music and his scruffy cavoodle named Toto — and he once notoriously stated that “combating conservatives” was his mission.
Dutton, a former narcotics investigator, is commonly regarded as a tough political enforcer known for his straightforward approach.
Part of his success will depend on attempts to make himself more approachable and expand his attractiveness.
Dutton’s spouse previously confided to a scandal sheet that her oft-misunderstood partner was “far from a monster.”
A seasoned minister from the former conservative administration, Dutton has overseen significant departments including defense and home affairs.
However, he encountered significant backlash due to his strict approach towards handling asylum seekers during his tenure as Australia’s immigration minister.
Independents day
The political scene in Australia has historically been led by Albanese’s leftist Labor Party and Dutton’s rightist Liberals.
However, increasing dissatisfaction among voters has encouraged independent candidates who advocate for more openness and advancement on climate issues.
Surveys indicate that 10 or more independent crossbenchers might wield the deciding vote — which makes the prospect of forming an unusual minority government quite likely.
The two main political parties in Australia generally concur on matters of defense and national security, pledging their country to a progressively stronger military partnership with the United States.
However, they have had disagreements regarding China before.
Albanese has increased interaction with major trade ally China and achieved a significant visit to Beijing in 2023, becoming the first Australian leader to make such a trip in seven years.
The former conservative administration had strong disagreements with China, leading to a trade conflict that resulted in significant financial losses for Australia amounting to billions of dollars before calming down towards the end of last year.
