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OYO Hotels launches in Phl, to invest upwards of $50M

OYO’s presence in the country would also be an enabler of multiple employment opportunities in the field of housekeeping, front office, F&B, general management, civil engineering, data science, hospitality operations and technology.

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Technology and tourism, when converged effectively, open a myriad of opportunities. OYO, South Asia’s largest, and the world’s fastest-growing chain of hotels, homes and spaces, proves this as it lands in the Philippines.

After establishing its foothold in Southeast Asia with operations in Malaysia and Indonesia, OYO Hotels is set to further expand its presence in the region with commencement of its operations in Philippines. Starting with over 21 franchised and leased hotels, spread across Metro Manila, Tagaytay and Cebu, OYO Hotels plans to enter more than 10+ cities by 2020. The hospitality chain has also committed an investment of over $50 million over the next few years in the country with the mission of transforming its hospitality landscape in the country. As a part of its continued commitment to the country, OYO Hotels aims to further generate over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs that will help support the economic trajectory of Philippines.

Launched in India in 2013, the tech-driven, full-scale hospitality chain works with small and independent hotels, while transforming them into quality living spaces, inducing operation efficiency through staff training, technology solutions for housekeeping, F&B and seamless experience for both guests and asset owners.

OYO Hotels has always believed that neighborhood hotels possess the untapped potential of being at par with big chains in terms of both service and Revpar, and is uniquely placed to bring this advantage to the asset owners in Philippines. OYO’s presence in the country would also be an enabler of multiple employment opportunities in the field of housekeeping, front office, F&B, general management, civil engineering, data science, hospitality operations and technology.

Commenting on the development, Abhinav Sinha, Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) of OYO Hotels and Homes, said, ‘’OYO is committed to offering customers a superior yet affordable stay and travel experience while helping improve the yield for independent hoteliers in the country. With its abundant natural resources and many captivating tourist sights and destinations, the Philippines offers local and foreign tourists alike endless adventures. In 2018, the country welcomed a record-breaking number of tourists and we are positive that a great opportunity lies in front of us to build a strong and sustainable hospitality ecosystem in the country.  We believe that by setting foot in the Philippines, we are advancing our vision of strengthening our foothold in Southeast Asia,”

‘’We’ve been at the forefront of leased and franchised hotel revolution in India, China, Malaysia, Nepal, UK, UAE and more recently Indonesia and extremely excited to extend our quality-assured experience to travellers visiting Philippines. Our priority here is to ensure that we bring OYO Hotels’ top-notch service starting at 750 Pesos to the country, with the goal to become the most loved hotel chain. With the current 21 hotels, over 500 rooms we aim to grow to 10+ cities by 2020 while becoming a household name for both local and international travellers visiting the country. Our growth in the country will be fueled by a strong local leadership and a team of young hospitality enthusiasts. We look forward to a fruitful journey in the months to come.’’

With presence in more than 500 cities across India, China, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and now the Philippines, OYO remains on track in its mission to drive sustained yield and increased occupancy for small-scale hoteliers while providing comfortable, high-quality,  affordable hospitality experience to travelers, both domestic and international.

OYO kick-starts its Philippine operation with 21+ franchised and leased hotels across Metro Manila, Tagaytay and Cebu with more than 500 exclusive rooms. As part of its expansion plan in the country, OYO is looking to launch  20,000 more rooms in 10+ key cities all over the archipelago, including Palawan, Cebu, Boracay and Davao. This means that by 2020, OYO would have created 1,000 jobs, further strengthening the hospitality and real estate industries in the country.

Talking about the OYO’s impact on the hospitality sector so far, Abhinav added, “At OYO, our mission is to create a perfect space in every place by empowering hotel owners to become better hospitality players while ensuring an end-to-end controlled experience for our guests. With our technology and operational expertise, we are enabling hotel owners with technology and across South Asia demand reach, that will help them drastically improve the customer experience while maintaining efficiencies, high occupancy, and yields. We’ve been responsible for enabling over 100,000 job opportunities in South Asia, and look forward to creating 1000+ direct and indirect jobs in Philippines by 2020.”

A global-first, OYO Hotels brings a unique equilibrium between demand and supply gap of quality living spaces through proprietary technology, efficient operations, staff training, civil transformation, inventory management, revenue management and customer relationship manager. All these facets come together to improve a hotel’s performance by delivering a quality-assured experience. Subsequently, hoteliers can take advantage of the technology to boost occupancy and deliver enhanced customer experience.

Ankit Arya, Country Head for OYO Hotels in Philippines, said, ‘’OYO’s approach towards hospitality is as unique as it can get. Philippines offers an attractive market with sizeable internet and mobile presence, which complements our approach. We’ve received an overwhelming response to OYO’s offerings in the country since our soft launch and look forward to hosting more guests in the coming years.’’

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Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

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Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps. 

What will you see while there?

  • the former lighthouse engine room
  • the top of the lighthouse
  • South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route. 

Another FYI: It is  allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa

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Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

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When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

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Finding beauty, and not just of faith, at the Bangor Cathedral

Seeking #LGBT #faith or beauty in #Wales? Check out the #Bangor Cathedral in #Gwynedd.

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A common practice among many Pinoy travelers is to visit a church, preferably Roman Catholic, in new places visited. Here’s the thing when you’re in the United Kingdom: it’s harder than you think because, while Catholics do exist, many of the churches here are of the Church of England/Anglican.

On one hand, without intending to gaslight, I often joke that it’s not like you’re praying to different gods (LOL).

But on the other hand, actually dropping by these churches can be eye-opening. Not just to faith, but seeing beauty in their richness… in history, architecture, and so on…

At least this is what was gleaned in the Bangor Cathedral in Wales.

@outragemag Seeking #LGBT #faith or beauty in #Wales? Check out the #Bangor Cathedral in #Gwynedd ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, if you’re in Gwynedd, this is very accessible. It’s there, in the middle of the oldest city in Wales. But if you’re from elsewhere, you need to travel to the city that’s over three hours away from London.

Ikalawa, this is formally St. Deiniol’s Cathedral, which has been used since about the 6th century. 

As FYI: St. Deiniol, the 6th-century Welsh saint, wasn’t “made” a saint through the Roman Catholic canonization process. In the olden times, Welsh/Celtic Christian holy figures were usually recognized by local church tradition, reputation for holiness, and their role as founders/abbots/bishops, rather than by a formal Vatican procedure. In the case of Deiniol, he founded the monastery/church at Bangor around 525, so that over time, he was venerated as Saint Deiniol.  

Ikatlo, what to see there?

Architecturally, it’s a mix of Norman/Romanesque and Gothic. It does feel medieval… and grandly so.

Inside, you’d see a layered medieval–Victorian Gothic interior, apparent in the stone arches, choir stalls, stained glass, and so on.

Those stained glasses, let’s emphasize, are from the 19th- and early-20th-century, including works by Clayton & Bell, James Powell & Sons, Burlison & Grylls, and Mayer & Co.  

Should you seek this one out? Deserving ba na sadyain? Kung nasa area ka na, keri. Welcoming naman ang church.

Otherwise… rampa elsewhere na, as I do sa patuloy na LGBTQIA+ wandering…

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