Hotel Industry Trends

Technology is the key to changes in the hotel industry. Not only has technology changed trends but other factors have played a part as well. Nowadays, more and more people travel because of globalization. More people go other countries to find pleasure, for business purposes, and for school. In these cases people seek hospitality and now they seek for other things that add to the pleasure of their stay in a hotel.

People certainly need basic comforts in a hotel but it will add more satisfaction if hotels provide amenities that will entice guests. Investors at present are investing more and more in hotels because of increased travel year by year. In addition, baby boomers are increasing in the next 20 years. They demand something that is “homey” and relaxing.
More and more the trends now are having your own pets with you when you are traveling and staying in a hotel. The elderly often they want to bring their own pets because they don’t have anybody else to look after them when they are having a vacation. Thus, they tend to look for a hotel that says “Pets are allowed”. In 2007 Pet travel statistics reported by Bringyourpets.com says that 77% frequently take their pets with them when they are traveling. They do this especially in the United States because they do not have any housekeepers to take care of the pets so they bring them along. This trend is in more demand, 38.5% say it is difficult to find pet friendly lodging. Many have recognized this issue in the hotel industry so more hotel managers are allowing pets so for those who are pet lovers can enjoy their stay with their own pets. Although in Europe there is a small boutique hotel that lends dogs or cats as long as they stay in their hotel. This shows that having pets in the hotel makes them feel “homey”.
After long day at work in a strange place, don’t you just feel you want to have lots of relaxation? At this moment the trend of a room hotel is to have bigger rooms instead of having lots of furniture inside. Consumers are looking for more space in their rooms so in this case there are now more hotels re-modellling to make the guest rooms appear larger by removing unnecessary furniture. Armoires are not the trend anymore and wall mounted flat panel television are in. More often, as the technology becomes more advanced people tend to need more of their stuff such as their luggage, laptop, Ipod and even small printers so that its convenient for them. Technology surely supports hotel to increase their revenue.
More and more hotels are taking advantage the fact that technology is cheaper from day today, this means they can fully maximized revenue opportunities. A big factor restricting more adoption in the improving systems in both operational and guest-facing areas because of the challenge, they have to keep adjusting which is hard to do. All these issues support the trend not use the more complex operational functions and systems such as to expert, central staff, either corporate or third party. The major factors are the complexity of the hotel environment which is supposed to have many different systems to interact with each other. For example, the house phone in every floor of the hotel which is placed for the guests in the hallways. Although there is lack of awareness of how much efficiency could be improved through the use of modern integrated systems. Hospitality management systems have become more sophisticated, advanced, multi-discipline tools to help properties of all types and sizes to entice guests, increase more revenue and increase the efficiency levels in all departments of the hotels. Usually hotels target to have increase revenue each year.
At the same time, more hotels are concerned about environmental issues such as conserving energy, tuning off aircon and lights when they are not needed. Presently more of people are concerned about global warming and conservation issues. Being environmental friendly is recently of the top trend in the hotel industry. The hotels used the tactics such as putting a sign in their properties initiating various “green” programs such as changing linens and the towels only on request and using water-saving bathroom faucets and toilets. When they know a hotel has an environmental friendly program “73% of the guests indicate that they would participate”. “Since conservation is such an important issue globally, it is vitally important that hotel properties actively market their eco-friendly offerings and make them easy to recognize and participate in”. said Linda Hirneise, executive director of the travel practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Offerings green programs is a win-win situation for both hotel guests and hotel operators. Guests are increasingly looking for these types of offerings, and hotels are finding that going green actually save money”. However, a large number of people would follow and participate if there are rewards in doing the environmental friendly. According to research, providing a non-smoking environment tends to be a high demand to hotel guests. “Overall 82 percent of guests say they prefer a smoke-free hotel environment including public areas and guest rooms-up from 79 percent in 2006.
In conclusion, there are many factors that lead to these trends because the world has changed and will keep on changing due to more advanced technology, different demography which affects the economy, the environment and the society. So, what would be the trends in 2020? Where possibly everyone can access greater information.








All quotations are from: hotel-online.com
Htrends.com/trends-detailed-sid-28509.html

Public Transportation in Jakarta and Manila

Buzzing sound of cars, heavy traffic with loud horns, busy streets with a lot of people in the sidewalks trying to get transportation which is almost falling apart. Buses are effective enough for people who want to save money and who don’t want to drive in the crowded city but annoyingly, the buses stop anywhere they want to as if they own the streets, this creates more jamming of the road. When buses are waiting and looking for passengers on the side of the street, jamming the area, it is called “Mejeng” hanging out, in Indonesian. There are many forms of transportation in Jakarta such as taxi, the old type school buses, busway (brand new buses), “angkot” which is like the FX, a blue soap box on wheels with no fancy decorations. An “angkot” has no conductor at the back because it is small, not like a bus. Two people can sit at the front beside the driver and the payment goes directly to him. Signs at the back and the front give directions where it is going. If people want to be really economic they can take a “bajaj” which is similar to a tricycle, although it has one wheel in front and two in back.

Some people are “gempor” or dead tired because of heavy traffic so they take a “becak” or three- wheeled pedaled bicycle. “Becak” is only for short distances; it is very pleasant to foreigners because it is unique. It is also banned in some big cities because the government and some people think it is degrading to use manpower instead of motor power. In this case people are banning “becak” and now more of “Kancil” which is a rabbit in Indonesian but it is a term for latest “bajaj” and it has three wheels in total; one is at the front and two at the back. “Bajaj” is very noisy transportation and it makes the passengers vibrate when they are riding it since it has that motion that sometimes it makes them want to throw up afterwards. There is no aircon in “bajaj” it is natural air that is already contaminated with different types of air pollutions and gas. There are many “becak” in the provinces, like in Manila there are many tricycles and Kalesa but they are also banned in the road and big cities.
In this case, people have to commute to their work by variety of transportation such as buses, LRT and jeepney in Manila.

There is no such thing as an LRT in Jakarta, although they have trains which are very unpleasant, dirty and old with no air conditioner. So in some ways, Manila is more developed in eliminating heavy traffic in rush hour. LRT is very efficient; reasonable price, it has air conditioner and is not dirty at all. They maintain it and even have ladies section where they have their own space. Jakarta has nothing close to that although they have a busway which is very efficient because it has its own road just for that kind of bus. For cheaper transportation they can take the older bus. People do travel long distances in Jakarta since the city is a bit larger and more spread out than Manila. They have many ways to commute from their homes, which can take 2 hours everyday, it really depends upon traffic. Also, people are encouraged to carpool because there is a three in one from law in time 6 am -9am and 4 pm – 7 pm. Three-in-one means every vehicle entering designated areas must have a minimum of three passengers. However in Manila they have the number code plates, where for example red number in the plates of the car can not go out on every Tuesday and as a result reducing vehicle in some areas. There are many ways that we can avoid the traffic jams but the more interesting question is what both countries can come up with to avoid traffic jams every decade. What will it be like in the future?

My Own Private Space

The wooden door with round old door knobs lets you enter the grand girly room that has many things that can tell you about my personality, because there are unique things and so many of them.

Once you enter the room you can tell that the one living in the room loves to travel. In the right side when you enter, you can find postcards from different places in the world glued on the board. These postcards are still unused because I was the one who bought them every time I go to places such as Bali and others so that I have memories about them.

Then on the left side against the wall as you go into the room there is a dark varnished wooden shelf that organizes my DVDs and books. From this people can tell that I am a fond of watching movies and reading books when I am too lazy to do anything else.

On the other side of the DVD shelf there are stacks of transparent white drawers that are like bulky box. I use it to keep my photo albums, pictures, cards, cards and other small bits and pieces of paper like birthday card sand other kinds of greeting cards. These four stacks of drawers are only for storage, they are not very attractive. Although, beside them is an attractive plain white shelf because it has many decorations at the top such as picture frames, miniature drawers that are made of wood and they are very colorful. The square clock that has a teddy bear feature is on top of the shelf too. Also, all my small collection anime such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, dogs and cats are exhibited in this shelf. Under the cute collectable are books on beauty, make-up and other personal self help book. Under these books are the magazines which are neatly stocked by latest on the top. In between the white shelf and chest of drawers there is a reminder white board; to remind me such as homework or any kind of events that I tend to forget. The board is facing every corner of my room and it is the focal point because when you enter my room that is the first thing you see.

The chest that has six drawers made of varnished dark wood, very elegant looking is for storage too such as cute notebooks or pads that are not used. On top of that are my medium size stuffed animals. I have many stuffed animals and on the side of the big chest of drawers is a chair that my huge teddy bear sits on. Next to Mr. Teddy bear is a chest that has two handle on each side, it is made out of wood and on top of it is my masculine boom box that has a very loud speaker. Around that are CDs which are scattered all over the chest and on each side of it there are CD stacks that hold them vertically and they keep the CDs look neat and organize. Then there is the air-conditioner right beside that, on the left is a table that has a couple of book organizer, picture frames and another miniature drawer that I keep small things in. Also, the globe is placed here; it is more of like presentation table. Next to it, there is another bear sitting on the chair.

On the bear’s left side, you find my long study table. It has lots of space to put my books on. On my study table there are cute mugs where I keep all my pencils, pens, pencil colors, markers, stapler, ruler and other stuff. There are couples of photo frames and book organizers where I stacked my school books and important papers in.

Across my study table there is my queen size bed where you can find my stuffed animals and cute pillows spilling out. At the foot of my bed there is a chest, where most of my stuffed animals are displayed. My colorful bedcover matches my stuffed animals and pillows.

On each side of the bed there are two beside tables which have picture frames on top of it. I even have an oval mirror standing with a supporter at the bottom, with furry feathers hanging on the side of the mirror. My huge bathroom and closet is across my bed in between the DVD shelves and the bulky drawers. There is a huge closet where I put my accessories, clothes and shoes; the paintings are white. As you enter the right is the bathroom with a big mirror and my own amenities such as hairspray, hair dryer etc. On the bottom sink is where you can find stock of beautifying things such as body lotion, extra soap, and toothpaste. I stock up under the sink. My room is very girly and spacious although seems dark because of the dark wooden floor and brown shades.

However, every time I go home from school I feel more relax and welcome because of my stuffed animals just being there. Moreover, I love being in my bed because I am surrounded by colorful stuffed animals that makes me feel like I am in a toy store not in a room.

Interview with Ms.Christina "Beng" Nicolas

I met Ms. Ma Christina “Beng” Nicolas in Astoria Plaza hotel. I have stayed in that hotel briefly when I returned in Manila. I had the chance to get to know her because of my mom who introduced her to me. From then on, we became friends because we have the same interest which is hospitality industry.
She is the sales manager of Astoria Plaza hotel whom I admire very much because of her hard work and passion in the industry. As a result she is now working in Sofitel hotel as the banquet manager. She started working in Astoria after she graduated from University of Santa Thomas. Moreover, that was her first job directly became a sales manager and she was still at a young age.

Nabila: What was your dream when you were little girl?
Beng: Before when I was a little girl my dream is to own a small café because I am into baking and cooking and selling cupcakes.
N: What makes you decide in the hospitality industry?
B: I then decided when I was in 3rd year high school, I wanted to work in a hotel.
N: What schools did you start in?
B: I started in Merriam grade school, she skipped grade 7 and went to school of Holy Spirit (for girls only). Then my College was in University of Santo Thomas (UST) in HA degree.
N: What is the best part of being what you do now?
B: Relating to staff and clients because I am extrovert.
N: How do you see yourself 20 years from now?
B: I want to be a Professor teaching in UST or UP for 1st and 2nd year college. And I want to teach introduction to HRM or psychology. As of now, I am still considering myself too young to be a teacher.
N: Who are the most interesting guests that you have run across in the industry?
B: The most interesting for me was run across Vice president of the Philippines, Mr.Guingona- 6 years ago when I was in third year college when I did OJT at Mario’s restaurant in Timog, it is a fine dining restaurant.
N: Who are the most outraging guests that you have run across with?
B: The most outrageous guest was a former president of Association of Philippine orthodontist. In Asian institute of Management where she got mad at me in the lobby where everybody was there. I was then listening to her, ease her anger and give complementary cake and accommodation. A year after she came back.
N: How do you handle complaints? What advices would you give employees on how to carry themselves?
B: First I have to be cool, listen to your guests, try to act on what they are complaining about quickly.
For the employees be professional, discipline, charming to guests, service oriented, relate well with co-employees and guests.
N: What do you think is happening/ trend of the hotel industry now?
B: This is my own opinion, there are so many Korean guests because of low rates, health and wellness (tie up with the hospitals) and sports tourism (leagues badminton)
N: Do you see any development in particular section of the hotel industry? What are the qualities that a staff personnel should have to qualify in the hotel industry?
B: Multi-tasking- doing several jobs to cost cutting.
The staffs have to qualify professional, several contacts in the travel and in corporate industries, service oriented and have to speak English well. There are seminars about the public speaking and it would be a big plus if the staff can speak Mandarin, French and Nihongo (Japanese).
N: Do you think that by balancing escalating expenses with more of rates, would this be a fallen to increase hotel profits?
B: Yes, increase 20% of room rates to cope with the expenses to earn more profit.
N: What can you say about Astoria that tells people that it is better than other hotel?
B: More on the personal sides such as personalized service. The extra mile is by having shuttle service for free and complimentary parking.
N: If you are setting a café of your own what would it be the most unique ideas of perks and amenities to attract people?
B: Reading materials such as magazine type of cafe and it would be full meals.
N: What are the issues of environmentally friendly in a hotel?
B: Enough tissues for the guest to use so that they would not waste. Turn off the electricity when the guests have not arrived. Only open the refrigerator once to put the bulk of food so that conserve energy.
N: Having pets in the room are the trend now, do they allow pets here in Astoria?
B: Pets are allowed only to some people such as ADB staff. Only case to case.
Although now in the United States grooming for the dogs are becoming popular.

Chicken Fan

What if you are a foreigner and you want to try a simple fulfilling Filipino dish? There are plenty of reasonably priced Filipino restaurant but if you are a fan of chicken then you should go to Inasal Chicken Bacolod. It is a chain and you can find it almost everywhere such as Mega Mall and Robinson Mall. I found out about this restaurant from my friend. She was interviewing the waiter in this restaurant for her HRM class while I had to do the food review for English class so as a result we decided to go together. My friend knew the place and it was convenient because it is only in Robinson Galleria (second floor near the main entrance). So we walked to Robinson and at that moment I was thinking of what to eat. In this case people don’t have to go to a food court to find it and it tends to be noisy and crowded.

The firs impression when we went to Inasal Chicken Bacolod in Robinson, I was like “Wow so crowded” and “hmm this must be good” while I was looking at the pictures of the different types of food displayed on the wall. I thought to my self this must be a satisfying restaurant because the tables and chairs were spilling out of the restaurant until the outside part. In addition, I wanted to sit in the booth but it was reserved already so it made an impression on me. Instead, I sat on the regular table; the waiter came right away to present the menu and waited for us to order. I had a hard time deciding what to choose because first of all I can’t eat pork and I don’t know what the other types of food are such as “Sinigang”. I had to ask my friend which food dish has no pork in it. Then she said “Pecho it’s the best”. So now I know that people usually eat there for the chicken breast on a barbecue stick beats it all. I was impressed the way they served it only in about 15 minutes, not more than that. On the presentation side, it was pleasant looking because the chicken with the garlic rice was impressive with the banana leaf on the bottom. On top of the cup of rice there are even bits of garlic. There are different choices of rice such as Javanese rice, regular rice and Spanish rice and even more Filipino dish that I don’t even understand. Thank God I went to this restaurant because then I had the chance to learn different types of ethnic Filipino cuisine. Now I know that if ever my friends from Indonesia ever visit then I can take them to this simple yet ethnic Filipino cuisine.

However, the furnishing of the tables and chairs are ordinary and even the booth. The shape of the restaurant it self is square with rectangular and round tables. This adds no creativity at all on the appearance of the restaurant but their focal point is the huge display pictures of their food on the wall. At least they have a focal point. The smell was basically barbecue chicken and also the smell of soy sauce and chilly mixed together. I love that sauce, my friend thought me how to eat the chicken with the soy sauce.

The place is pleasant because convenient, quick and good price for its value. I would recommend all of you foreigners to go to Inasal Chicken Bacolod, if you want simple and filling dish. I am a foreigner and I don’t go into complicated ethnic Filipino dish yet, at least not at this moment.

Actually, before I went to this restaurant, I had eaten roast chicken at Tender Roast. But it was brunch, I was already full but still could stuffed “Pecho” and I felt content. I would go there again for a quick lunch with my Filipino friends to explain the dishes furthermore.

The Famous Frap Drink

Every Sunday my family, the two of my dogs and I always go to Starbucks for breakfast. It always got me thinking, what should I get for a drink? That question always occurred to me even though I always go there a lot of times. But one fine hot summer enticed me to get this wonderful drink, that I could have not wanted more than what I had. This frappucino drink was introduced few months ago, when it was summer time.

Are you feeling the heat this summer? Dying to take a cold drink that has the flavor and texture of ice cream? Then Azuki Frappucino should be one of your options to choose from. I had chosen this because of the advertisement on the window of Starbucks, which made me hungry for ice cream but wanted something liquid instead. So, I had the urge to try this new frappucino. This drink from Starbucks is one of their latest drinks that are on the advertisement everywhere. I did not know about it until I saw the advertisement on it in Starbucks, the name “Azuki” is very enticing for me to buy. From now on every time I go to Starbucks I always ordered Azuki frappucino, it always sastify me. Although, there are many other different types of frappucino I still prefer Azuki because the name is interesting too. I knew that Azuki means red bean in Japan.

In my case, I love red bean and the frappucino it self. I usually get chocolate frappucino but now when I discovered it, I always ordered that. The cream base Azuki frappucino just melts in my mouth and I love that soft feeling. Moreover, there is the rough texture where you don’t usually get from drinking frappucino. The rough texture is from the small sweet tasting red bean. When you first start drinking it you taste the sweet soft white cream then when you drink further down you can feel the texture of the bean and the cold melted ice mixed with the frappucino melting in your tongue. I think that it is the best feeling and perfect for summer time especially when can’t decide whether to get an ice cream or a cold drinks. I would recommend Azuki frappucino because you get the feeling of eating ice cream too but Japanese ice cream. When I drink this favorite drink, it really reminds me of eating “Igaro” ice cream which is red bean ice cream in Japanese and drinking mixed blends of ice and a lot of milk. You could rarely taste the milk and the whip cream on top. Red bean ice cream cleans your taste palate perfect for after meal. However, Azuki frappucino does have that aftertaste feeling which is creamy but light. Sipping on this while thinking of what kind of pastries that goes with it is challenging. I grabbed the Azuki right away and felt the ice running down my throat. The next thing you know, I bought that again and again for about 4 weeks in a row.

The presentation is not much because it is in a plastic cup which is ordinary. But the different thing about Azuki frappucino is that you can see the tiny red bean mixed up in the white frappucino which is attractive. Although, it is not as colorful as the others such as mango passion frappucino or the chocolate frappucino. For its price, it is not bad about P 145 for tall size Azuki frappucino.

Whenever, I can’t decide what kind of drink to choose in this hot summer, I always crave an Azuki frappucino. In my opinion it goes perfectly with the summer heat, while seating out on the veranda of Starbucks Podium having family discussion and sharing our thoughts about everything and anything.

How to Make Eggless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

1 ½ cups cake flour
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoon butter

Here is a recipe that is suitable for people who don’t eat eggs (vegetarian). Before you do anything else, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Then get 8 x 8 inch square pan where you grease and sprinkle flour in the pan that is greased. Next, prepare the materials such as the measuring cups, tablespoon and teaspoons. Two large sizes of glass bowls where the batters are going to be mixed; one is for dry ingredients and the other is for liquid. The sifter, big spoons to get the dough, mixers machine, spatula and the ingredients.

After you get all the materials and ingredients then you can start pouring flour, sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, together into the large bowl. As we all know that the dry ingredients should always be together with other dry ingredients. Then after all the dry ingredients are put in the same bowl sift them into the other empty bowl. Although you have to sift it carefully so that it doesn’t spill to the table or to the floor. After you are done with the sifting then make a well in the center and add the water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Once you put all the wet ingredients, mix it thoroughly until there is no lumps effect. You have to mix well with the spatula to decrease sticky batter on the side of the bowl then mix it vigorously with a whisk or electric mixer for faster mixing. The result should be not to dry or too liquid it should be in the middle for its texture. After the batter is smooth enough get a 8” x 8” inch pan, wipe the inside with Crisco (shortening) this is to avoid the cake to stick after its baked. In addition, sprinkle flour on it for better result. Pour the batter into the pan carefully and level it out so that the result after it is baked would not be slanted. It should be perfect square and even out. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. The best is to insert the toothpick in the middle of the cake and slowly take it out.

When it is done then let it cool at a room temperature then after its cooled remove it slowly from the pan. The best thing is to put in a flat plate. This cake is good with frosting too for a better flavor and texture although just plain is good too because the cake is dense. This is the result of not putting eggs on it that is the reason it did not puff and rise as much.

I had tried to make it for a birthday cake; I added frosting and perfect for a simple special birthday cake for my best friend.

Busy People Getaway

Indonesia has many tourist spots, although a lot of people think that Bali is the main one. Actually, that is the place that foreigners know about because of advertisements, promotion and the fact that Bali it self is the hub where many foreign airplanes transit. This made foreigners discover how wonderful Bali is, in fact there is another popular “Bali”. We call it “small Bali” near Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.

Are you a busy person who lives in Jakarta and badly need to go to someplace near but relaxing? Need some place not too remote to release your stress from work? Just come to Carita Anyer which is near the city but still has a natural view. This beach is a getaway for the family who needs bonding time and for those who are beach bums. Carita is only three hours drive from Jakarta, so it is perfect for those people who are too busy to take very many day-off. People can go there for a daytrip, bring their own food, fishing pole to go fishing in some area, volleyball, freeze bee and snorkeling equipment. You can rent a hut, so that you can enjoy the food that you brought while viewing the beach. There are however many restaurants that sell fresh seafood along the way to Carita and nearby the hotels/resorts. Not only can you eat but you can also jetski, the waves are not too high, very smooth and easy going especially in the mid-afternoon. Many people go to Carita to go jetskiing or boat riding (1 hour) for only about P 150 for this you can enjoy the breeze and the warm water. Usually, people take a boat into the middle of the ocean and go snorkeling. There are plenty of activities that you can do in Carita Anyer.

I have been to Anyer many times when I was in Jakarta, this is the best place if I have two days off from school. I love to go to Anyer with my family, cousins and friends. A great place for me to relax and avoid Jakarta weekend/holiday traffic that drives me nuts. I am a beach bum, I feel that the sand and the water soothe me and give tingling feeling of relaxation. I often go to this particular resort in Anyer, it is called “Mambruk resorts”. It is near the convenient stores and the bank (ATM machine). The resort is a bit run down and needs a little renovation. I recommend it to people who don’t have much money in their pocket and for those who are economical. It is near, convenient and well-known. So what else are you worried about? There is a swimming pool that has the view of the beach, few steps from the swimming pool; you are already in the beach. While they swim they can enjoy the breeze and sunset. In addition, there is a bar in the swimming pool but used only for special occasions.

This place is perfect for functions and parties because it is far from the neighbor resorts. There is even a soccer field, billiard and karaoke bar. You and your friends can have your quality time doing these activities. In some occasions, when it is not peak season Mambruk is very quiet and has an ambience of tranquility which stressed busy people and some foreigners seek in a resort. The best part is that Mambruk allows pets such as dogs and cats. Every time I go there I brought my two dogs and spent a couple of days. I love sitting down and enjoying the breeze. My other favorite activity is jetskiing which I could always get discount because I am a loyal customer. The people who work in the resort are very friendly which adds extra points to the resort. So who would not want tranquility, lots of activities, relaxation and extra friendly staff?