CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels Opens Second Property in Singapore’s Kampong Glam

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Catering to a new generation of savvy travellers, CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Kampong Glam captures a slice of the rich heritage of Singapore in a handsomely restored shophouse. Under its signature CUBE brand, CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Kampong Glam, is part of the expanding portfolio of hospitality real estate in Asia helmed by RB Hospitality.  Its location in the Kampong Glam Heritage Trail underscores the group's premise for affordable, restored heritage accommodation located in popular conservation and cultural enclaves targeted at a new group of digitally-inclined, discerning travellers. Following the successful launch of its first capsule hotel in Chinatown in 2016, CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Kampong Glam offers another 56 beds - a mix of singles and queens- each in its own cozy capsule.  Measuring 6 ft x 3 ft x 4ft for a single and 6 ft x 5 ft x 4 ft for a queen with plush mattresses and linen, each capsule is well designed to moderate its own temperature and air-flow; and solidly insulated to reduce ambient noise for a comfortable rest. Each unit is equipped with a universal electrical outlet, safe, mirror/vanity area, bedside light, a small space for hanging garments and a locker drawer with digital security for personal storage. Named after the neighbouring streets, room configurations vary between two and 18 capsules. For an extra level of security and privacy, female travellers can choose to stay in the women-only rooms. The rooms are pleasantly shaded in soothing pine tones and sturdily sound proofed against the lively sounds of the vicinity. The bathrooms are spacious with standing showers, hairdryer and bath toiletries. Guests are provided with a dental kit, slippers and one towel, upon check-in and this is exchangeable daily. A washing machine with complimentary detergent is also available for guests while work desks are also provided for guests' use. Besides complimentary Wi-Fi, guests can also enjoy a daily breakfast showcasing local flavours in a relaxed communal dining area. Flanked by Yasu Japanese Grill and a host of food & beverage outlets including halal options, guests are spoilt for choice. Guests can also log onto the Dining Butler, a smartphone tech solution for food orders and delivery. Alfresco seats in the front provide a view of the colourful surrounds of Kampong Glam. Also located in the same lobby is the Singapore Visitor Centre offering tours to popular Singapore locations. Friendly and knowledgeable reception staff in smart uniforms are on hard to offer 24/7 service including insider tips on authentic local experiences. "Kampong Glam is chosen for its vibrancy, charm and rich heritage culture. In addition to the Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre, there are a number of shops, cafes, restaurants and other bustling sites such as the hip Haji Lane. The Bugis MRT Station is only a 5-minute walk away." explained Sonia Anya Tay, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder. CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels are aimed squarely at savvy, sociable travellers, yearning for out of the ordinary accommodation in distinctive locales with immersive cultural experiences.  CUBE has also attracted business travelers who appreciate the conveniences of capsule accommodation without burning a hole in their pockets.  By keeping the most essential hotel features such as daily housekeeping, 24-hour concierge, airport pickups, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, along with tech touches, the CUBE Hotel experience has endeared itself to such visitors without compromising on comfort. Guests can still indulge in a hotel stay, while relishing the cost savings that come with a capsule experience. Each capsule stay can range between S$50 and S$120 per night. "Our guests are typically 18-35 years old global explorers including founders of new generation businesses and special interest groups. The positive interest shown in our properties has inspired us to create a new CUBE Capsule concept which we aim to open before the end of this year. This is very much in line with our vision to grow the number of CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels to eight in Singapore in the next few years" added Ms. Tay. Since the launch of the CUBE brand, the group was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the Chinatown property as well as the ISO 9001:2015 certification in Project Management of Hotel Construction & Renovation and Provision of Hospitality Services.

More Investors, Jobs Seen in Ormoc with Network Upgrade

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The city of Ormoc in Leyte is expecting a boost in investments and jobs, particularly from business process outsourcing companies, following improvements in internet connectivity in their area.

With a population of about 200,000, Ormoc is home to universities and colleges like the Eastern Visayas State University, Western Leyte College, and STI College Ormoc, to name a few which provide the employee base needed by BPO companies as they expand to provincial city centers in various parts of the country.

Now, that potential is being enhanced by the improved data connectivity available via fixed and mobile networks -- the other vital factor for attracting BPO firms.

“Ormoc is very business-friendly. We’re expecting more investors to come in, one of them is the BPO sector. Apart from the malls and the buildings, connectivity is also very important to them, and we are thankful that PLDT and Smart have improved their services in our city,” said Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez.

Better connectivity in Ormoc

“PLDT already has existing fiber-to-the-home connections in Ormoc to address the needs of homes and enterprises in the city, and by the end of the year, we will triple their capacity to address the growing need for high-speed internet,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT-Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“We also have existing fiber-in-the-loop (FITL) and we are increasing its capacity to address the requirements of incoming BPOs as well,” said Tamayo, adding that fiber will also be rolled out to more areas across Ormoc this year, including key areas like the Ormoc District Hospital, Sabin Resort Hotel and SM Ormoc.

To improve the mobile data experience of residents in the area, Smart has also fired up Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced sites around the city, as LTE and LTE-A are the best technologies to help bring fast, affordable, and reliable mobile internet services to customers.

Recent internal tests around Ormoc showed speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps in areas like the Ormoc City Terminal and Public Market, Robinsons Ormoc and Sabin Hotel, among others. The Ormoc City Hall is also among the local government offices nationwide powered by carrier-grade Smart Wifi.

Other tie-ups

In a courtesy call with PLDT and Smart representatives, led by SVP and head of Consumer Business for Customer Development Alex O. Caeg, Gomez also discussed possible partnerships between the Ormoc City government and PLDT-Smart in education, sports, health and tourism programs.

“We support the Ormoc City government in improving the lives of its citizens by making PLDT and Smart services more accessible to them,” Caeg said, adding that they are also looking into tying up with the Ormoc LGU in improving its dedicated tourism app.

“We also hope that with improved connectivity and more investors coming in, our tourism and hospitality industry will also grow further,” Gomez added.

Network investments

The city of Ormoc is just one of many areas where Smart has already deployed LTE and LTE-A. Recently, Smart also fired up LTE and LTE-A sites in nearby city Tacloban, in the Philippines’ northernmost province of Batanes, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, and Sarangani, where tourists who took part in the recent SarBay Festival were also able to enjoy better connection with Smart’s newly launched LTE-A in the area and use it during the festivities.

Smart’s LTE roll-out goes hand-in-hand with PLDT’s fiber roll-out, which includes both fiber-to-the-home and hybrid fiber technologies. This modernization and expansion of PLDT’s fixed and mobile networks is supported by a massive capital expenditures program amounting to P58 billion this year.

Home Decor Ideas That Are Timeless

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There are a few homes that give the feeling that they have been decorated just one day back, but the truth is that they have been looking the same over the ages. A few other home decors tend to wear down and go out of style. If you can consider all the differences that exist between these two kinds of decor, you will understand that your decor decisions should be timeless.
Given below is a list of the decor ideas that are timeless.

Fabulous Furnishings
Keep in mind that your furnishings are not only fabulous but also functional. If you have a king sized bed or a sofa set, you should ensure that it provides you comfort and is capable of remaining the same for more than just a couple of years. If you are planning to purchase furniture for your home, you should ensure that the pieces are constructed properly. The styling should not lack sheen. A classic sofa or a table is considered the spine of a gorgeous and timeless look.

Trendy Patterns and Colors
You should opt for ideas that will be able to withstand the change in trends with each passing year. You should not purchase furniture based on the advertisements. Rather, you should be smart enough to choose patterns and colors that will be able to complement your home for years, even when the trends are changing. You can add lamps, pillows, art, tableware, and much more in a number of colors and styles. To gain more information on timeless landscape ideas, you can visit kinglandscapeco.com.

Changing Pillows and Covers
There is no doubt about the fact that the covers and the pillows are the pieces of jewelry of the furnishings that you own. Since they are inexpensive, you can consider changing them in accordance with the seasons and your mood. They can add a lot of pop to the timeless looks.

Neutral Colors
It is true that the color trends keep changing almost every year, but the neutral shades are known to provide a great backdrop, and hence they are timeless! Neutral colors like shades of white, grey, or beige, never seem to go out of fashion.

These color tones tend to work with your furniture irrespective of their style and color. They are popular for evoking a fresh and clean feel. The best part is that your home will feel updated even with the changing trends.

Focus Points in Your Yard
Instead of opting for the same old and boring flower patch or vegetable patch, you should add a point of focus in your yard. For example, adding an antique statue or a group of unique shrubs will make your garden look timeless.

Blending the Old with the New
If you want a timeless look, you should blend the new and the old together. You can mix classic pieces that belong to different eras for beautifying and bringing interest to the already existing decoration in your home.

Conclusion
Keep in mind that you should keep yourself surrounded with the things that you love, irrespective of the trend or style, in order to keep the decoration timeless. All the objects of decoration will be considered timeless if you are willing to keep them forever.