THE century-old Manila Hotel is vamping up its MICE facilities in order to grow MICE business from Asia in a refurbishment that will be complete by 3Q2014.
Denise Tambuatco, senior vice president, marketing, said the hotel will draw from its competitive edge of well-preserved colonial architecture, and history as the Grand Dame of the Philippine hospitality scene.
The Fiesta Pavilion will have its pillars taken down to increase capacity from 1,500 to 2,000 guests, and comes with new lighting technology for an element of drama. Meanwhile the multi-level Maynila ballroom, designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, is also being jazzed up.
Tambuatco explained: “We are mindful of how event planners and organisers look for spaces they can easily mould so they can exercise their creativity. We are integrating this concept across our MICE facilities and banquet spaces”.
She also disclosed plans “to extend the hotel to the sea as it was designed to do when it was built 102 years ago”. It is understood the expansion may take the form of more areas for entertainment and gatherings, stretching up to the hotel’s jetty port.
The hotel’s makeover further covers the upgrading of its 535 rooms and F&B outlets, and changing staff uniforms into period costumes.
Manila Hotel is also developing several technology platforms including an app that will enable guests to view a video of the hotel’s history from various points within the property.
