HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
Writing about Philippine tourism over my last two columns, some readers reached out to me and remarked that perhaps I was too critical of what seems to be our game plan, of pointing out our deficiencies when compared to our ASEAN neighbors. To those readers, I’d like to say that we spend too much time patting ourselves on the back, propping up our decision makers, and being too diplomatic, avoiding calling a spade a spade. I’d rather be the one declaring the hard truths in a constructive context, than joining a chorus of sycophants.
Undoubtedly, there are numerous success stories in Philippine tourism that we can point to and extol. Once again, I’d like to salute our Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) for the global Tourism awards we picked up in 2023 — ranging from World’s Leading Dive Destination, to World’s Leading Beach and City Destination. And for today, I’d like to mention two destinations that I personally experienced recently in the hope that it can help us understand better why these two reap success, get favorable feedback, and enjoy repeat business. Plus to examine if there’s still room for improvement, as we can never be complacent. One is a beach resort destination, the second a city hotel.
Amanpulo is situated on Pamalican Island, Cuyo, Palawan; and is known for its stunning physical beauty, the luxury amenities and accommodations. It opened in 1993, boasts of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and offers privacy and exclusivity to a niche of travelers who stay at villas or casitas, and travel around the island in golf buggies. It’s part of the renowned global Aman Hotels & Resorts – staying at an Aman is like being welcomed to a private club or home, where discreet, refined spaces, sensitive to the geography and cultural heritage of each location, can be found.
My sister and her family have been regulars at Amanpulo since 1994, and this Christmas break, my middle son and I joined them for a number of nights leading up to the New Year. As one can expect, you cater to this picky and demanding set of luxury travelers, and perfection is an impossible objective; but Amanpulo tries it utmost to cater to its guests’ needs, whims and desires. The Amanpulo hillside Spa is a beautiful sanctuary. New Executive Chef Kengo Tomita hails from Tokyo, paid his dues working in Spain, including a stint at Arzak, San Sebastian. His impact on the Japanese cuisine of the Lagoon Club is an instant hit, a wonderful dining experience – and there’s his Spanish degustation at the Beach Club. A visit to this island will always be full of fond memories.
Here in the city, the Admiral Hotel Manila boutique hotel is part of the MGallery Hotel Collection of Accor, one of the largest international hospitality groups, and based in France. A revived landmark of the history and legacy of the old, grand Manila; the hotel, first built in 1939, is now a proud asset of Anchor Land. I first discovered how chic and noteworthy a job of renovation had been done when I was invited to attend a press-con of the Embassy of France at the hotel in 2022.
To this day, the hotel is an impeccable reminder of how provenance can be afforded respect, while still embracing the comfort, amenities, and technology of today. The Admiral Club is all-day dining, highlighted by a Josper Grill, a Tapas Bar, and the eye-catching catwalk table. The Ruby Wong ‘Godown’ is a secret speakeasy that serves Asian cuisine and is located on the lower ground level, access created through a secret wall panel of books. At the Admiral Club, order the Risotto Primavera, with its Parmigiano tuille, and the size of the imported asparagus spears - a real winner!
What make these two destinations so successful? In the case of Amanpulo, we’re talking of a 30-year track record, and how it’s still looking forward to an exciting future. Beyond the facilities, the amenities, and design; I’d venture to say that catering to this luxury market requires anticipation, imagination, and proactive service. It’s about creating a standard that pays attention to detail in a manner that’s thoughtful and unique to the brand.
Like I mentioned the golf buggies on Amanpulo that all the guests rely on to traverse the island. Whenever we’d leave our casitas and head to any of the Clubs for lunch or dinner, we’d quickly park the golf carts and alight. Upon our return, we’d find they’d been turned around by the staff so we wouldn’t have to back up and maneuver them out of the parking area. That’s thoughtfulness of a different order, and while it may seem such a small thing when being read, don’t think it’s not appreciated!
I’m certain the Accor training at Admiral will have their own version of this kind of attention. When Issa and I had an early evening dinner the first weekend of this year, I must say that the door staff and security were extra helpful when they saw I was driving and had to first park across the road. If it was part of making us feel an iota more welcome, I noticed and was impressed by the effort.
What’s important is that we remain vigilant, we don’t let the standards and level of service slip. That we never fall back on “Pwede na yan,” and we recognize how things can always evolve and get even better. For those who have been successful, complacency is the biggest enemy.