More than a stay: Unlocking the art of immersive travel
These days, with the wonder and aid of technology, tourists can easily log on and surf the web for things to do and eat in countries they are traveling to.
However, there are just way too many options out there and choosing can be overwhelming.
The Peninsula Manila recognizes this and wants to offer a personal service that will help their hotel guests filter out the choices down to a curated and notable few. Hence, The Peninsula Academy was born.
Introduced back in 2013, the experiential program was created to give their visitors an insider introduction to Filipino culture, lifestyle, cuisine, arts, and history through individualized classes, tours, and activities. But it’s not just any other run-of-the-mill activity they are offering.
The luxury Makati hotel meticulously did its homework, reached out to its network, and sourced the very best tour guides and partners in forming its exclusive programs. And much like what it does in the hotel, it also made sure to extend the same level of attention to detail it has become known for.
I was fortunate to have been recently invited to attend one class (there are currently 12 to choose from), where I found myself sitting across the staff from a United States travel publication that was in town to do a lengthy feature on the Philippines. We attended the program called “Burda: Embroidery Art of the Philippines” and it involved a visit to the salon of Len Cabili, founder and designer of Filip + Inna, which is a contemporary clothing line inspired by traditional Filipino patterns and fabrics.
Cabili first took us to where all the magic happens and introduced us to her sewers and weavers, whose nifty hands are responsible for the beautiful work on the men’s and women’s casual, formal, and resort wear. Then we were led to her showroom where racks and racks of her limited-edition clothes that feature beadwork and embroidery were on beautiful display.
From fashion to food
We then proceeded to the al fresco area where a multicourse dinner that included chicken binacol and pork humba as well as cocktails and refreshments from the fancy cart were waiting. As soon as desserts were served, guests were regaled with performances of ethnic dances like Asik and Tadaltahon, both of which are tribal wedding numbers. The whole experience was not only immersive but also inspiring.
And I’m sure the same can be said with their other programs. There’s “Manila Design: Experience Philippine Art, Design and Fashion,” where guests will be brought to a gated Pasay community housing the Avellana Art Gallery, the showroom of Eric Paras’ Artelano 11, and the atelier of fashion designer Jojie Lloren; “Get Picky: Mango Picking and Tasting Tour,” where guests are flown to a farm via a helicopter, allowed to pick mangoes, then have a picnic lunch under the trees; “Lutong Pinoy: Cooking the Filipino Way,” involving a visit to a market, introduction to local produce, and participation in a cooking class; and “Pasalubong: A Filipino Crafts Class,” a three-hour introductory session on crafts like taka painting or pabalat cutting.
Having lived in the Philippines most of my life, I sometimes feel like I still don’t know and appreciate much of what my very own country has to offer. Thanks to curated cultural experiences like this, I get to acknowledge what we have and, more importantly, feel proud of it.
The Peninsula Academy is exclusive to the hotel’s guests. For inquiries and reservations, email reservationPMN@peninsula.com; call tel. +632-88872888, extension 6630 (Room Reservations) or call direct tel. +632-85816630.
