Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals its Greatest Deal Ever

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Norwegian Offers Travellers 70% Off the Second Guest Fare and Five Free Offers with a Value of Up To US$2,900


Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has launched its greatest deal ever - an incredible new BOGO70 (Buy One Get One Seventy Percent Off) offer for guests in Asia. Travellers simply purchase one fare at full price and their companion enjoys up to 70 per cent savings on the second cruise fare*.

Guests will receive five free offers valued at up to US$2,900, including free open bar with a complimentary beverage package, free specialty dining, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and deals for up to two extra guests per stateroom (NCL’s third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings).

Available to book from now until December 9, 2021, this very special promotion is applicable to a wide range of 2022 and 2023 cruises to over 300 destinations in Asia, Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Some of the line’s most popular itineraries are included in the offer, including close-to-home getaway: a 5-Day Japan Round-trip Hong Kong sailing or an 11-day Asia: Da Nang & Nha Trang to Singapore voyage from Hong Kong on Norwegian Sun. For the travellers planning for a long-awaited European trip, they can get on Norwegian Dawn for the 12-Day Baltic: Germany, Russia & Sweden to Denmark sailing or explore the NESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece with Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos & Rhodes on Norwegian Jade.

Travellers can book their next cruise with confidence and peace of mind with NCL’s Sail Safe Health and Safety protocols in place on every vessel. From pre-cruise to new and enhanced measures on board and on shore, guests can cruise with added reassurance.

Travel agents: Please click here to download a toolkit to maximise your selling potential.

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please click here.

For more information about NCL’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.

DOST-SEI, BPI Foundation ink partnership for ‘new’ Innovation Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The BPI-DOST Science Awards is no more.

And in comes a “new and revitalized” BPI-DOST Innovation Awards.

This, as the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the BPI Foundation, Inc. (BPIF), the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, a competition that aims to challenge bright Filipino students to actively participate in resolving problems in the community through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In a virtual ceremony held on November 29, Owen Cammayo, BPFI Executive Director, acknowledged the value of the partnership with the science department in its mission to be “agents for sustainable positive change.”

“When we started the BPI Science Awards in 1989, we did it as BPI alone. But later in 2005, it became a joint undertaking with the DOST. We are very grateful for this kind and fruitful partnership as we nurtured the country’s young scientific minds over the years,” he said.

Cammayo said the rebranding of the project comes in time for BPI’s 170th founding anniversary.

“This year, as aligned in our 170th founding anniversary, our theme is about reinvention. And so, it is just fitting that this year, we are reinventing the BPI-DOST Science Awards and we’ll give it a new and revitalized name—it’s more encompassing and hopefully, more compelling. Starting this year, we will call it the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards,” Cammayo said.

The BPI-DOST Innovation Awards shall be open to all regular junior and senior (3rd – 5th year) college students of STEM. They can join in teams composed of three (3) students, and shall showcase an innovation project that addresses problems in the fields of agriculture, disaster management, education, entrepreneurship, environment, food safety, health, security, transportation, and traffic or road congestion.

The whole cycle will begin with the Call for Proposals, beginning in the coming days, and to be followed by the following phases: proposal submission, project selection, a technical and business workshop for the top 10 teams, a 90-day period for project execution, final project presentation, and an awarding ceremony. The full mechanics and criteria will be available both in DOST-SEI’s and BPIFI’s official website and social media pages.

The competition is expected to culminate in September 2022.

DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, in turn welcomed the new project and noted that the long-standing partnership with BPIFI “has been honoring excellence in research and innovation” and paved the way to development of homegrown talents in the sciences.

“DOST and BPIFI have this shared vision to boost interest and awareness on the value of S&T and innovation in the economy. We both hope to encourage many others to pursue research in the sciences and ultimately set an environment that is healthy for innovation and creation of high value products or solutions,” Biyo said.

In closing, Cammayo said the project is more than just a competition, “but a celebration of young Filipino innovators who can potentially contribute to the realization of a better and sustainable Philippines.”.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou Opening Marks a New Masterpiece of Luxury in Sichuan, China

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The inspiring mountain-side resort offers immersive, enriching experiences overlooking the stunning landscape of Jiuzhaigou



Hilton announced the opening of Conrad Jiuzhaigou, ushering in a new chapter for the luxury hotel market in Western China. Set amid the natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, Conrad Jiuzhaigou features modern design fused with Tibetan and Qiang cultural elements. Neighboring a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its natural beauty and biodiversity, the hotel offers travelers an inspirational getaway complemented by personalized, anticipatory service and exceptional hospitality. Conrad Jiuzhaigou is owned by China Green Development Investment Group Co. Ltd. and managed by Hilton.

Qian Jin, president of Hilton Greater China and Mongolia, said, "Conrad Jiuzhaigou introduces another incredible hotel from Conrad Hotels & Resorts to one of the most extraordinary locations in China – adding to our existing portfolio of 12 Conrad properties across Greater China in key destinations like Beijing, Hangzhou, Sanya, Guangzhou, and more. Since ancient times, Sichuan has enticed travelers with its wealth of attractions, and as a key tourist destination in the province today, Jiuzhaigou welcomes millions of tourists yearly. With growing regional tourism, Conrad Jiuzhaigou builds upon our two other hotels in the region – Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort and Hilton Garden Inn Jiuzhaigou – providing more diverse accommodation options for travelers."

Surrounded by mountains, Conrad Jiuzhaigou is conveniently located 12 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage site Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, and 46 kilometers from the Fairy Pool Scenic Area. Amdo Tibetan villages, both large and small, can be found nearby, offering guests an authentic cultural experience just steps away.

Nils-Arne Schroeder, global brand head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts and vice president of Luxury & Lifestyle for Hilton in Asia Pacific, said, “With its breathtaking natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, Jiuzhaigou is an ideal destination for growing Conrad Hotels & Resorts in China. Through the hotel’s desirable location and distinctive bold design, and the brand’s signature intuitive service, travelers can enjoy an enriching stay infused with local connections and excellent culinary experiences.”

Locally-inspired Design and Architecture

Conrad Jiuzhaigou is a modern interpretation of the local Amdo Tibetan culture, with Tibetan cultural elements and motifs woven throughout the design and architecture of the hotel. Upon arrival, guests will notice original artifacts such as sword handles, and wooden furniture featuring bold, traditional patterned fabrics, which create a charming, quintessentially Tibetan atmosphere with a contemporary twist.

A Peaceful Sanctuary

The public spaces provide guests a relaxing experience, as greenery combined with high ceilings and abundant natural light exude a sense of space and airiness.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou offers a total of 161 expansive guest rooms, including 26 independent villas nestled among the lush trees on the mountain. Ranging up to 460 square meters, each guest room features a terrace with a panoramic view of the forested mountainous landscape. Guests are welcomed to their rooms with an art piece inspired by the Hada – a white silk scarf that is a sign of respect and welcome – as a nod to sincere Tibetan family-like hospitality. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, providing guests with a quiet space to relax, rejuvenate and find inspiration.

The hotel offers Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton that can be instantly confirmed upon booking, themed rooms for children, and multi-bedroom independent villas for family and friends traveling together – allowing groups of any size to find a suitable option for their stay.

Elevating Dining Experiences in Jiuzhaigou

Conrad Jiuzhaigou features an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty grill restaurant, both of which enable guests to enjoy a sophisticated environment while exploring the local culture through the sense of taste.

 

• At the BAS.IN all-day dining restaurant, guests can enjoy freshly made dishes and drinks made with carefully-selected local ingredients from the plateau, providing guests a delightful culinary experience. To compliment the Tibetan wooden furniture, the restaurant features traditional local handicrafts displayed alongside art pieces that combine green plants and native materials.
• M'EAT Specialty Bar & Grill innovatively fuses culinary art with grilling. The open kitchen allows guests to enjoy a sensational live cooking experience of freshly grilled meats over crackling flames. The restaurant serves specialty yak meat and local ingredients, and offers guests a variety of seasonal menus for lunch and dinner. Rich furnishings made of leather, wood and aged metal add to the warm and comfortable ambiance. Guests can also enjoy alfresco seating on a large terrace for a scenic dining experience, immersing themselves in nature as they overlook the Zhongcha Valley.

 

As a member of Hilton’s portfolio of 18 acclaimed brands, Conrad Jiuzhaigou participates in the award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members can enjoy instant benefits when booking directly through official Hilton channels, including payment options that allow members the flexibility to choose a combination of points and cash to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, and free Wi-Fi.

To celebrate the grand opening of Conrad Jiuzhaigou, Hilton Honors members who book a stay through Hilton official channels can earn an additional 5,000 Hilton Honors points for minimum 3-night stay, from January 1, 2022 to April 30, 2022.

Guests can enjoy peace of mind with enhanced levels of cleanliness during their stay, with elements of Hilton CleanStay greeting guests from the moment they enter the hotel and present throughout every aspect of their experience, ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and team members without compromising the hospitality Hilton is known for.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou is located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China, 623402.

For more information or hotel reservations, please visit www.conrad.hilton.com.cn/jiuzhaigou or call +86-837-8198000.