A few years back while having afternoon tea at a Tokyo hotel, I noticed how the server carefully moved her hand over and around the tray, presenting the pot of tea like it was a thing of luxury and serving it with a precise and calculated movement.
The same calculated movements are true while having ramen at a local Tokyo noodle joint. The ramen is served in a precise manner, aligned with its best angle towards the guest. It was at moments like these I realise how different Japanese hospitality is from what I was accustomed to in Durianburg.
This realisation made me even more curious on each country and culture’s own brand and style of hospitality and made me ask, what is Filipino hospitality? Some may say that Filipino hospitality is one that is done with a genuine smile, others may say that it is the warm positive energy that is Filipino pride and spirit.
On a recent trip to Manila, I stayed at the Discovery Primea, a luxury hotel located along Ayala Avenue, at the heart of the Makati Central Business District. While the hotel’s brand may be new to some readers, Discovery Hospitality Corporation, the Filipino hospitality group behind the Discovery Primea, is also responsible for other award-winning properties such as Discovery Suites Ortigas, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Shores Boracay, and Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan.
Setting foot at the Discovery Primea I immediately felt Discovery’s Filipino spirit. While the hotel has a distinctly contemporary design, it is in the details like the art on the walls, the carefully curated sculptures, and the warm friendly smiles of the staff that create that Filipino vibe.
Luxury accommodations with Filipino flair
The contemporary Filipino vibe continues as soon as I opened the door to my room, with Filipino-made furniture, and artwork laid out in a spacious 40-square meter space with two massive windows giving me views of Rockwell, BGC and Pasig in the distance.
Each room at the Discovery Primea comes with free high-speed internet access, 46” LED Smart TV, in-room safe, and coffee and tea making facilities. Picky sleepers can also choose from the pillow menu which comes with a wide selection of pillow types.
The bathroom comes with separate shower and bathtub, 19” LED TV, rain shower head, and premium Roberto Cavalli bath amenities.
Built for business and dining
With the Discovery Primea conveniently located within walking distance to the headquarters of top corporations; close to upscale shopping centres and entertainment destinations; a fifteen-minute drive away from the newly established lifestyle hubs and international firms in Fort Bonifacio Global City, the hotel is the perfect address for business meetings or just good food.
With five food outlets, two which are mentioned in T Dining’s Best Restaurants list, instead of going out for a meeting, why not bring the meetings to the Discovery Primea instead?
For power lunches, a visit to the hotel’s Tapenade is a must. Bold, light and summery flavours of Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and Morocco shine through a tempting Mediterranean menu. A highlight of the restaurant is the Tapenade Salad Room, offering one of the most exquisite salad experiences in the Philippines, replete with greens and choice charcuterie.
Afternoon meetings can be held at the Gilarmi Lounge. With a laid-back sophistication, the hotel’s lobby lounge pays homage to the historic Gilarmi Apartments, Asia’s first serviced residences which once stood where the hotel now rises. As afternoons turn into evenings you can try one of Manila’s most extensive collections of gins, wines, spirits, and coffee, paired with signature Filipino bar chow.
To dine with a view, then head on up to Flame, featuring a playful yet sophisticated menu featuring modern Asian cuisine created by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco. I love the restaurant’s expansive marble-top open kitchen and its panoramic view of the Metro Manila skyline with only chef Chikiamco’s food tearing your eyes back onto the plate with its bold fusion flavours.
Filipino art of leisure
The Discovery Primea is, of course, not just all about business but it also provides a much needed respite from city life.
Top of the list is the hotel’s Terazi Spa which offers a signature Hammam treatment. There is also a 20-meter heated infinity pool, a 24-hour gym, a salon, and the Lily sundry shop which carries various Filipino food products, crafts, and fashion accessories.
While it may be true that there are many hotels in the Philippines that champion Filipino hospitality, the Discovery Primea provides genuine Filipino luxury and “Service That’s All Heart” with its impeccable knack for details, love of everything Filipino, and service that comes with warm smile.
Discover more about Discovery Primea by liking them on Facebook at DiscoveryPrimeaMakati, Instagram at discoveryprimea, twitter at discoveryprimea or visit their website at discoveryhotels-resorts.com.
