Gala Pinoy Redux

The right place, at the right time. That pretty much summarizes Astoria Plaza’s event last March 4, especially if you were one of the lucky bloggers to have been there like me.


Astoria’s new logo presented on an ice carving.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me first tell you what I was doing there. I got invited to Astoria’s media-only event called “One Night Only” where they unveiled their new logo.

Arnold Gamboa, Astoria’s Communications Manager

So what does the new logo mean? Arnold Gamboa, Astoria’s Communications Manager, said that it, “symbolizes contemporary luxury that Astoria Hotels and Resorts are known for. The lines woven together signify the union of visionary inspirations evident in the designs and features of the hotels and resorts. It also signifies the concerted effort of the staff in providing quality service for the ultimate customer satisfaction.”

Quite a mouthful I should say, but not devoid of meaning.

Yep, because the food was fantastic. Now if I were to don my writer’s hat here, I’d call it a “gastronomic feast”, but you do understand the words delicious, sumptuous, and heavenly, right? Because that’s how the food was. Just look at the photo of the cake below, and you’ll know what I’m trying to get at.

One of the desserts offered during the event. Yummy, eh?

The staff was also extra courteous. Never mind that I was only wearing jeans and shirt at the time, hobnobbing with Astoria’s bosses. I was honestly impressed.

Rows of cake slices. Mmm.

But the event didn’t end there.

The event also introduced the media to Astoria Boracay, which will open this April. The fast facts below alone would tell you the kind of experience you can expect to experience when you get there:

Astoria Boracay Fast Facts

Location: Boracay Island, Station 1 area

No. of Rooms: 39 rooms, ranging from De Luxe Rooms to Honeymoon Suite, with floor areas that range from 26-50 square meters.

Room Features: Airconditioning, LCD TV, Cable TV, Internet access, Refrigerator, Safety deposit box, Telephone, Voicemail, Non-smoking room, Slippers, Balcony/terrace, Tea and coffee-making facilities, and Bathroom and toilet amenities. Plus, a microwave oven and a kitchenette on selected rooms. There’s also a room for the disabled.

Facilities: Coffee shop/restaurant, Sunset bar/lounge, Dinner barbecue at beach area, and room service

Vivian Ng, Astoria’s VP for Operations.

Such features were enough to make me drool and wish I were able to stay there myself. And it didn’t help that Ms. Vivian Ng, Astoria’s VP for Operations made a 3D presentation of the place.

“Geebus, please take me there,” I said to myself.

And you know what, my prayer was answered—pretty quickly at that—when Arnold Gamboa announced a surprise for the media people who were there.

We got a freaking cool gift certificate for a 3 days, 2 nights stay for 2 at the Astoria Boracay.

Boy Abunda, Astoria’s celebrity endorser.

Needless to say, I went home a happy boy. And speaking of boys, The Tito Boy Abunda—Astoria’s celebrity endorser—also graced the event.

So I guess I was really at the right place and at the right time during that event. Great food, great service, Boy Abunda, and an even greater surprise of being able to check out Astoria Boracay for myself.

Thanks, Astoria!

Side note: I learned only after the event was done that blogger Sire Arevalo was also there. Too bad I was unable to catch her. Maybe next time. :D