Why now is a good time to plan your next trip in the Philippines

Itching to travel again? We agree, the excitement and pleasure from dreaming of travels and adventures delivers a different level of happiness. Planning your dream getaway is a great opportunity to clear your head, especially after months of lockdown.

With the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions in the Philippines, many are eager to pull out their suitcases and travel again, although more cautiously this time.

Here comes the good news—the September Online Sale, or S.O.S.—giving you a good reason (or excuse) to book your future travel right now.

Organized by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines, with the support of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the September Online Sale is a two-week online sale of 89 hotel accommodations and other offerings across the country, to be held on September 15 to 30, 2020.

September Online Sale helps you plan your next dream getaway with astounding offers

Enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 70 percent off on regular rates of hotels in each of the destinations featured at HSMA’s website.

“Some promos are valid for up to a year while the others have no expiration on their validity,” says Pearl Maclang, spokesperson for HSMA. “For travelers, the S.O.S. is both a limited-time offer that can help them save on their next trip, and a chance to help the Philippines’ tourism industry bounce back from COVID-19.”

HSMA Chair Margarita Munsayac assures the September Online Sale e-voucher buyers that all properties featured in the event have passed stringent health and hygiene safety protocols, all of which are also being communicated through their respective social media and digital platforms.

“Most hotels and resorts are ready with all health, safety, sanitation protocols, and are well-prepared to welcome guests again,” Munsayac says. “Months of quarantine have enabled these properties to plan carefully and in detail all these protocols, as prescribed by the government, to ensure the safety of guests as well as employees.”

Why now is the best time to buy

HSMA President Christine Ibarreta stressed that this initiative offers hope for about 5.7 million hospitality employees and workers. “We have no illusions that life will be the same—if and when restrictions are lifted. But the public’s patronage and advanced bookings from the sale gives us hope that things will get better. It will also enable us to plan ahead in terms of manpower and other operational requirements so that we will be able to hit the ground running when the pandemic scare is over,” shares Ibarreta.

“We hope S.O.S. will encourage people to buy vouchers in advance, whether they will use it for themselves or give it as a gift to their clients or families. This is the best time to buy. And as we say, your dreams will come true even when you do decide to wake up somewhere in the Philippines,” says Munsayac.

Key destinations and participating hotels & resorts

September Online Sale offers options from 89 hotels and resorts across the country. The list includes these key destinations: Manila, Pasay, Makati/Bonifacio Global City, the Ortigas Business Center, Quezon City, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Boracay, Visayas, and Palawan/Mindanao.

Here are the featured destinations and hotels during the two-week sale.

Boracay

Boracay in the Visayas region is a picture-perfect tropical paradise, with its its white, powdery sand and stunning sunset. It’s no wonder Boracay always makes it to the world’s best beaches list.

• Huge discounts on Deluxe Rooms (with breakfast or spa deals) at the Belmont Hotel
• Buy One, Take One massage offers at The Crimson Resort and Spa
• Buy Now, Travel Later with P6,000 resort credit promo at Discovery Shores
• Three Days, Two Nights packages at the Paradise Garden Resort and Convention Center, and at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
• A free night at The Lind, for a minimum paid two-night stay

Visayas

More tropical islands and charming destinations await in the picturesque Visayas. Cebu, with its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts; Bohol, home to world-famous Chocolate Hills and tarsier, scenic rolling hills, crystal springs, beautiful beaches, ancestral homes and centuries-old churches; and Iloilo, a province rich with both heritage and natural sites.

Enjoy the discounted rates and promotions at the following hotels and resorts.

• For families, Bluewater Resorts in Maribago, Panglao, and Sumilon offer up to 60 percent off on their Deluxe Room rates (with breakfast) for a three-day, two-night stay
• The Bellevue Resort Bohol has promos for an overnight, two-night, or three-night stay, which include a 10 percent discount on boat rentals.
• Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan has extended its Forever Summer room rates at includes a 40% spa services discount at its AUM SPA
• In Cebu City, locals can avail of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Staycation Spree deal for two or three nights.
• Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa will also offer their own two-night staycation package, while
• Savoy Hotel Mactan has a Welcome Back promo for an overnight stay.
• Radisson Blu Cebu offers an Intimate Garden Wedding package for 20 persons, which includes an overnight stay for the couple.
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is welcoming back its guests with both dining and overnight stay discounts.

Palawan

“Imagine waking up in the island that has been voted as the best island in the world for 2020,” says Maclang. This statement says a lot about what you can expect when you visit Palawan.

• Club Paradise Palawan: Break Free vouchers for three-day, two-night stays, inclusive of P6,000 resort credits for use in the restaurants, spa, gift shop, and select island tours
• Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido Resorts): Deals on four-day, three-night stays, with daily full-board meals
• Seda Lio: Overnight stay for two, with P4,000 worth of food and beverage credits
• Best Western The Ivywall: Overnight and three-day, two-night stay deals with discounts on local cocktails
• Overnight stay with half-board meals at Aziza Paradise Hotel

Davao

Davao, the largest city in Mindanao, is home to the Philippine eagle, one of the rarest eagles in the world, and Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. See and experience the city’s rich history and colorful festivities. Feast on a wide variety of fruits such as durian, pomelo, mangosteen and lanzones.

• Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort offers discounted room rates for its Day Experience package inclusive of set lunch; and wedding packages for 25, 50, or 100 persons with P30,000-50,000 discount
• Dusit Thani D2 Davao will offer meeting room packages on a per-person rate, inclusive of special discount promos for room, food & beverage and wedding banquets 

North of Metro Manila

If you are planning a trip to Baguio and enjoy its cool weather and refreshing environment, or to Baler, Aurora to chill and surf, or to Bataan to discover historical and natural attractions, or to Pampanga for a food trip, these hotels are excited to welcome you.

• In Baguio City, there are huge discounts on accommodations and degustation menu for two persons at Grand Sierra Pines Hotel;
• Costa Pacifica in Baler, Aurora offers special discounts on wedding package for 30 persons, as well as Buy Now, Stay Later vouchers;
• Discounted weekend packages on rooms at Aureo La Union and jacuzzi villas at Vitalis Villas;
• 55% off on room rates at Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan inclusive of a heritage walking tour. 
• Discounted room prices at Quest Plus Conference Center Clark in Pampanga

South of Metro Manila

If you’re looking for great destinations south of Metro Manila, head to Alabang (a lively business and shopping district), Tagaytay (a favorite relaxing escape with its cool, breezy weather and magnificent views) or Cavite (another popular destination with dozens of leisure and heritage spots).

• Acacia Hotel Manila offers special rates for banquet and meeting functions for a minimum of 30 persons.
• Extended Forever Summer hotel room rates and special banquet packages at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City
• Assorted room vouchers at The Bellevue Manila
• The Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay City offers room discounts for two
• Quest Hotel has its own version of a Forever Summer package
• Seda Nuvali has an overnight accommodation promo for two
• Overnight Deluxe Room vouchers at The Bayleaf Cavite

Metro Manila

“Metro Manila is a favorite staycation for families who would like to get out of their houses for a change. It is where the most prestigious business addresses and trendiest leisure establishments are located,” says Ma. Celeste M. Romualdo, HSMA’s Director of Membership.

Grab the September Online Sale and enjoy heavily discounted overnight and staycation packages at the following properties in Metro Manila.

Manila, Pasay

Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Manila, Conrad Manila, Diamond Hotel Manila, Golden Phoenix Manila, Hilton Manila, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Hotel 101 – Manila, Jen Manila by Shangri-La, Kabayan Hotel, Midas Hotel and Casino, Savoy Hotel Manila, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, The Bayleaf Intramuros, The Heritage Hotel Manila, and Winford Manila Resorts and Casino

Makati, Bonifacio Global City

Discovery Primea, Dusit Thani Manila, Grand Hyatt Manila, Holiday Inn and Suites Makati, Hotel Celeste, Makati Shangri-La Manila, New World Makati Hotel, Oxford Suites Makati, Seda BGC, Seda Residences Makati, Shangri-La at The Fort, and Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel

Ortigas and Quezon City

Ace Hotel and Suites, Astoria Plaza, BSA Twin Towers Hotel, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Discovery Suites, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, Luxent Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Microtel by Wyndham – UP Technohub, Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites

“This is the highest savings or values that the member hotels are giving, ever. And this is in due consideration that most of our domestic travelers are looking into value and budget. So this is really the best opportunity to dream of vacations and take advantage of the amazing offers that all our member hotels are offering,” says Maclang.  

“Imagine where you want to wake up in the Philippines—whether in Luzon doing a staycation, or in Visayas for some fresh air and sunshine, or Mindanao for food trips and cultural trips. This is exactly what S.O.S. is all about,” she adds.

For a full list of participating hotels and resorts and their offers, visit www.hsma.org.ph. HSMA’s September Online Sale will run from September 15 to 30, 2020. The vouchers are valid from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

HSMA’s SOS is presented in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Atlantis, and iSentia.

Looking for travel ideas and inspiration? Click here.

For some neighborhood/destination guides in the Philippines, click here.