An Open Letter To The Manila Hotel

Sorry for the lack of post since last Friday, I blame my crappy internet connection *sad face*. Anyway, how was your weekend? I spent mine together with my family at Manila Hotel for my brother-in-law’s wedding. It was a celebration of love! Seeing Gabbie walk down the aisle made me teary eyed, time really does fly fast. *sighs*. (and if you’re wondering, she was a flower girl! That calls for a separate post!)

Our three days two nights stay was lovely, all thanks to the very accommodating and hospitable staff, the delicious food and of course sharing the joyous event with our families, it was the highlight of our great weekend. And staying at one of the oldest hotels in the city was just charming, it was the quick getaway we needed without the hassle of leaving the city.

Let me share with you some of the highlights of our stay. (warning: photo overload)

Spot Manila Hotel’s swimming pool & lounge area, The Manila Ocean Park and the rest of Manila Bay. Lovely view to wake up to eh?

 We were lucky that despite the bad weather we were able to take Gabbie swimming on the last day of our stay. The sun was out and shinning but the water was tad bit cold, nonetheless the little mermaid had fun practicing her kick and paddle moves.

As much as I love the fact that Manila Hotel opted for branded toiletries, it saddened me that the product isn’t locally made. So I wonder why? and I didn’t stop there I actually wrote a letter suggesting they support local products by using them as toiletries. Here’s what I wrote.

Dear Manila Hotel,

I had a wonderful stay at your place over the weekend. I see that you have gone a long way in improving your overall look yet managed to preserve that old charm of yours. I am amazed at how you’ve captured the essence of showcasing the Filipino culture and tradition which were evident through your hospitable Filipino staff and the overall look and feel of your lobby area with matching traditional Filipino music. I love how you were able to maintain the Filipino heritage by the evident use of our local products such as the capiz shell used as mirror and wall accents, as well as the wooden carved cabinets, windows and bed frames. I know as much as you want to preserve what is uniquely Filipino, it is also inevitable that one must adapt to the changes the modern world has to offer. So I’d like to commend you for a job well done, specifically on how you fully refurbished and renovated your rooms especially the bathrooms. It is exquisitely beautiful, equipped with such modern facilities especially the addition of a waterproof LCD TV and the rain forest like shower. But it baffles me to see that you’ve managed to use products sourced from other countries particularly your toiletries. It would’ve been nicer to see proudly Philippine made products such as Ilog Maria. or Human Nature being patronized by our very own “national” hotel. Not only would you help your fellow countrymen by using locally made products, but you’ll also be showcasing it to thousands of tourists who frequent you in their remarkable stay here in Manila. I hope you or at least those who make up the board would consider this humble suggestion.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who would love to see Filipino made products being patronized by one of our considered historic landmarks and the oldest premiere five-star hotel, but also the tourists who have come to love our country as well. I hope in my next stay with you, I get to use proudly Pinoy made products. That would certainly make my stay more worthwhile.

Thank you and Mabuhay! 

Sincerely,

Jackie Go

I honestly hope that they’d consider my suggestion. I maybe shooting for the moon and stars here but hey I’m still taking the shot. I am proud to be Filipino and I know this is one little step in making my contribution as a Filipino citizen. If one ordinary person can do it, then why not? Right? Anyway, happy 99th anniversary Manila Hotel! (a day in advance) Oh please consider my suggestion, you know it would greatly benefit us Pinoys!

That’s all!

Happy Midweek everyone!