oleh 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.
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | entertainment, events and festivals, festivals, film festivals, news
![]()
The
Sundance Film Festival
has discovered a new abode in the Centennial State.
The
long-running movie exhibition
, formerly located in Park City, Utah, has selected Boulder, Colorado, as its new home base, announced the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.
announced Thursday
.
“Boulder boasts a close-knit community, unique natural allure, and a thriving arts culture, which makes it perfect for the festival’s expansion,” the statement noted. Competing locations included Cincinnati and Salt Lake City.
Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all the essential news directly in your mailbox every morning.
“Ebs Burnough, the chair of the Sundance Institute Board, stated in an official release that they hold deep admiration for both the finalist cities and their respective communities… These entities submitted exceptionally robust applications and invested their efforts, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout the entire process,” he mentioned officially.
When will Sundance relocate to Colorado?
The Sundance Film Festival plans to officially relocate to Colorado starting from its 2027 event. For this year’s iteration in 2026, similar to past events, it will continue to be held in Park City and Salt Lake City. Established by filmmaker Sterling Van Wagenen, the Sundance Festival initially commenced in Salt Lake City in August 1978 under the title of the Utah/US Film Festival.
Sundance Film Festival 2025:
Here are all the top movies we watched, listed in order
Colorado is “delighted” to host the cinematic charm within its borders.
Gov. Jared Polis
stated in an official release, emphasizing that Colorado takes pride in “supporting the arts and film industry as a vital economic engine, significant source of employment, and essential element of our vibrant cultural landscape.”
The marketing group Visit Boulder expressed their deep honor over the city’s choice, according to CEO Charlene Hoffman in an official statement. Hoffman further stated, “Imagination, ingenuity, and self-expression define what makes Boulder unique, and we’re excited to host filmmakers and movie enthusiasts globally.”
The institute along with its board of trustees expressed their gratitude towards the festival’s long-term home and vibrant core, which has been hosting the event for over four decades—Park City alongside the state of Utah—as stated in Thursday’s announcement. They emphasized that Park City and Utah will remain integral parts of the festival’s legacy.
Review:
‘Atropia,’ ‘Twinless’ lead Sundance award winners. Check out these additional films we enjoyed.
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival, held in January, featured films like the war satire “Atropia” and the dark comedy “Twinless.”
collect top awards
, while the event
spotlighted other works
including “The Ugly Stepsister,” “Oh, Hi!” and “Pee-wee in His Own Shoes.”
At the red carpet event for the festival,
boasted star-studded appearances
from the likes of
Jennifer Lopez
,
Ayo Edebiri
,
Chloë Sevigny
,
Cynthia Erivo
and
Glenn Close
.
The upcoming Sundance Film Festival is scheduled to take place next year starting from
From Jan. 22 to Feb. 1, 2026
.
Contributors: Brian Truitt, Patrick Ryan, and Kim Willis, USA TODAY
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY.
The Sundance Film Festival is moving to Colorado after almost half a century in Utah.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | entertainment, film festivals, local news, news, politics
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — On Thursday, the Sundance Film Festival declared that
its new home
will take place in Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027, following a 40-year stint in Park City, Utah.
This choice concludes an extensive year-long competition where multiple American cities aspired to become home to the renowned independent film festival—a platform pivotal for many filmmakers, performers, and Academy Award hopefuls. In the final round of selection, Boulder, Cincinnati in Ohio, along with a joint proposal from Salt Lake City and Park City emerged as top candidates.
Sundance’s newest retreat in Boulder also boasts a link to its creator.
Robert Redford,
Who went to school there during the 1950s?
Below are some of the responses to Sundance’s impending relocation:
In our state, we honor the arts and film industry as a major force behind our economy, generating numerous employment opportunities and playing an essential role in fostering our vibrant cultural scene. With the introduction of the renowned Sundance Film Festival, we anticipate further growth in job creation, which will greatly support local enterprises such as shops and eateries. This was stated by Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
“As I mentioned right from the start, our aim was for Sundance to remain with us. We conveyed this clearly to their management team and crafted an extremely attractive offer. In the end, the choice rests solely with them; however, I feel this would be a misstep, and eventually, they will recognize that they have forsaken more than just a location—they’re giving up part of their legacy,” stated Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
“The Sundance Film Festival serves as a driving force for innovation, artistic expression, and the unveiling of pioneering independent movies that motivate and influence the next chapter of narrative artistry. This endeavor offered us a chance to envision how we can revamp the festival without straying from our core values and objectives.” —Amanda Kelso, acting Sundance CEO, stated this.
“By making this change, we aim to maintain the festival’s commitment to embracing risks, backing inventive storytellers, encouraging autonomy, and captivating as well as educating our audience. I extend my gratitude to the Boulder community for their backing, and I’m eager to witness what the upcoming days hold for the festival in that location.” — stated Redford.
“Although we’re naturally disappointed with this outcome, the State of Utah, along with Park City and Salt Lake City, have consistently been valued collaborators of the Festival. We appreciate the enduring influence it has imparted upon our communities. Our dedication to nurturing artistry remains steadfast within Utah’s borders, as the essence of narrative will perpetually flourish here.” — a collective declaration issued by the leaders of Park City, Salt Lake City, and the Utah Film Commission.
“Although Cincinnati wasn’t chosen as the venue for the Sundance Film Festival, we take pride in showcasing our city’s vibrant contribution to the film sector,” stated Kristen Schlotman, president of Film Cincinnati.
___
Hannah Schoenbaum and John Seewer from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | entertainment, news, television, television series, tv
Washington D.C., [USA], March 28 (ANI): The medical drama ‘
Watson
which follows the tale of Dr
Watson
, an intimate associate of the detective
Sherlock Holmes
, has received a renewal for a second season from CBS, as reported by Variety.
The series stars
Morris Chestnut
Leading the way, the show is reportedly drawing an average of 6.79 million viewers per episode according to recent Nielsen ratings during the ongoing season.
CBS has reported that the pilot episode, which was broadcast after the AFC Championship game in January, attracted 18.7 million viewers across multiple platforms within three days of airing, according to Variety.
In addition to Chestnut, the main cast features Eve Harlow, Peter Mark Kendall, Inga Schlingmann, Ritchie Coster, and Rochelle Aytes. According to the official synopsis, the series unfolds six months following the demise of the protagonist’s friend and partner.
Sherlock Holmes
by Moriarty. The series features
Morris Chestnut
as Dr. John
Watson
, who restarts his medical career as the director of a clinic focused on diagnosing and treating uncommon conditions.”
It further reads, ”
Watson
His past isn’t finished with him yet—Moriarty and
Watson
are ready to pen their own page in a narrative that has captivated viewers for over a hundred years.”
Craig Sweeney penned the pilot script and acts as both the showrunner and executive producer. Chestnut holds an executive producer role alongside Sallie Patrick, Larry Teng, Sharon Moalem MD, PhD, Aaron Kaplan from Kapital Entertainment, and Brian Morewitz. The production is handled by CBS Studios.
According to Variety, the second season of
Watson
One of the most recent renewal announcements from CBS this season.
Previously, the network had greenlit new installments for numerous series such as: Tracker, Fire Country, NCIS, NCIS: Origins, NCIS: Sydney, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Elsbeth, Hollywood Squares, Matlock, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and FBI. Additionally, CBS has secured two extra seasons of the popular sitcom Ghosts.
It is inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. (ANI)
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | actors and actresses, celebrities, celebrity gossip, entertainment, television
Actress and television scribe Ruth Jones is set to be bestowed with a special honor at the St David Awards ceremony.
Jones, hailing from Bridgend, will be presented with the First Minister’s Special Award on Thursday night for her achievements and for bringing global attention to Wales.
She gained recognition primarily for portraying the beloved character Nessa in the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey.
“She expressed that it holds great significance for her and conveyed deep feelings of honor. She also shared that she feels truly proud,” she stated.
Based on what Jones’ younger sister Maria said
,, she had been performing since her younger years.
She attended Porthcawl Comprehensive School, where she befriended Rob Brydon, who was also a cast member in “Gavin and Stacy” and was enrolled there as well. Afterward, she pursued her interest in drama at the University of Warwick.
Jones secured employment at SANGGRALOKAWales in television and radio comedy productions. Ruth was also part of the comedy sketch show Little Britain, where she played the character Myfanwy.
Later, she expanded her work into theater before securing a part in the ITV show Fat Friends.
It was present when she began collaborating with James Corden, and together they went on to produce three successful episodes of Gavin and Stacey in 2007.
The program was viewed by millions of people with the
The series finale turned into one of the highest-rated scripted television shows of the century.
After the tremendous success of “Gavin and Stacey,” Jones proceeded to take on a role in the comedy-drama series “Stella.”
When she isn’t starring in comedic roles, Jones likes to write and has penned four novels. Last September, she performed in “Sister Act” at the West End.
First Minister Eluned Morgan expressed her delight at celebrating the “significant achievement of Ruth Jones”.
“He highlighted the kindness and humor of the Welsh folk. It’s a privilege to count such great ability among us,” he remarked.
Now in its 12th year, the national Welsh awards will honor individuals from all over the nation for their contributions in fields such as volunteerism, heroism, entrepreneurship, and community service.
-
Corden and Jones set for reunion at Hay Festival
-
Gavin & Stacey draws in 19.1 million viewers.
-
What makes the Welsh population so fond of Gavin and Stacey?
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | entertainment, entertainment industry, music, music industry, news
An English-language version of
aespa
In 2024, “Whiplash” by ‘s will make its debut on Thursday, as announced by SM Entertainment.
The group of four will present this updated version for the initial time at
Billboard
In 2025, ‘s Women in Music event will occur in Los Angeles on Saturday. The ceremony aims to honor Aespa as the group of the year during this prestigious award show.
The English rendition of “Whiplash” will be featured in the band’s upcoming single album, alongside a techno house remix produced by DJ and music creator Steve Aoki.
In a shared Instagram post alongside aespa,
Billboard
praised the K-pop girl group for establishing fresh fashion trends.
Thanks to their bold style, [aespa] are establishing fresh trends while remaining authentic,
Billboard
It also cited Karina, who leads the team, stating that their objective was to achieve greater professionalism and authenticity.
“We’re genuine. Obviously, you should maintain professionalism and put forth your best image, but we also aim to reveal our less perfect aspects… We aren’t attempting to censor everything or overly disguise ourselves,” Karina stated.
Billboard
.
“Whiplash,” which serves as the lead single for aespa’s fifth extended play released last October, started at number 53 on Spotify’s global Top Songs Chart. This EP also marked the band’s fifth successive release to achieve over a million sales.
Recently, aespa concluded their global tour, which included 41 shows in 28 different cities, with a two-day performance in Seoul on March 16.
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