What makes Cocoon Boutique Hotel a truly 'green' hotel?

What better way to find out what it’s like to live as a caterpillar than actually to live like one? Cocoons are sheaths for caterpillars. They are the silky coverings with which caterpillars enclose themselves during their metamorphoses.

Imagine yourself snuggling between fresh cotton linens and goose down duvets in a very soft mattress inside a clean luxury chamber with soundproof walls, isn’t it adorable? It would, indeed, make you feel like a baby butterfly.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel tries to live up to its name of cocooning. At Cocoon Boutique Hotel, you can actually sleep all day and all night, cocooned in a pile of hygienic bedclothes with 400- to 600-thread count made of 10 percent Egyptian cotton linen and 90 percent goose down duvets. The beds are all top-of-the-line pocketed spring mattresses that follow the contour of your body for a more comfortable sleep.

Furthermore, the hotel resembles a cocoon in the way that it provides a sense of security and privacy to its occupants. Cocoon Boutique Hotel is following the LEED green guidelines to conserve energy and eschew harsh chemicals.

All rooms and suites are neat and tidy. The hotel’s antibacterial memory pillow and bed foam wards off dust mites that breed allergies. The canopied, double-glazed glass windows give protection against rain and the heat of the sun.

The elegant lobby is adorned with ornamental woodwork with geometrical patterns, beautiful contemporary paintings, a LED light-filled chandelier, and a genuine 1800 Steinway grand piano. It has a double-volume ceiling to provide better air circulation.

But not unlike a real cocoon which is made purely of silk, Cocoon Boutique Hotel, however, is built mostly with recycled materials that include architectural salvaged hardwoods, warm cast concrete, and woodstone accents.
 

Bravo Media International Corporation

As the current publisher of Archikonst—the country's longest-running architecture and construction magazine—Bravo Media International Corporation (BMIC) is fast gaining ground as a force to reckon with as far as trade publications are concerned.

Barely new in the industry, the company started publishing in 2011 after it acquired Archikonst. Yet in spite of its maverick status, BMIC has able to create a niche in the build-and-design profession in a very short period of time. 

Poise to take the southeast Asian markets by a storm, BMIC is actively making its presence felt by partnering with reputable international and local industry organizations and joining prestigious exhibits and events here and abroad.

BMIC aims to relentlessly pursue innovations in publishing to feature more stimulating contents for the readers, and provide more viable advertising platforms to industry practitioners and corporate advertisers.

The Apo View Hotel: Where home-grown hospitality meets first-class luxury

Discover the fascinating city of Davao while residing in the spacious comforts of elegant rooms. Be charmed by the signature touches that will surely make guests feel right at home the moment they step in through the door.

A familiar fixture in the downtown Davao skyline, The Apo View Hotel offers guests modern accommodations, superb dining experience, and cutting-edge amenities while basking in the rich history and old world charm of the Philippines’ second oldest hotel.

A veritable home away from home, The Apo View Hotel features living spaces that are conducive to both working and relaxation. Vibrant locales and excellent hospitality ensure that warmth and comfort are always at close quarters.

The Apo View Hotel is a comfortable walking distance from Gaisano South Citimall and the People’s Park. It is well connected to the city’s main thoroughfares and central business districts where many commercial establishments, restaurants, and entertainment centers are located. Moreover, the first class hotel is approximately 20 minutes away from Davao International Airport.

Rooms & Suites

All suites and rooms come with a welcome drink for two people at the Blue Room, complimentary buffet breakfast for two people at the Entrée Restaurant, free use of swimming pool, and unlimited internet access in the guest rooms and public areas.

Deluxe Room – available in single/double bed.

Executive Deluxe – newly renovated room located in the 4th and 6th floors; available in single/double bed.

Executive Suite – newly renovated room located in the 8th floor; features king-sized bed

Junior Suite – has a living room, bedroom, and bathroom with shower and bath tub.

Studio Room – fully renovated room located in the 3rd floor.

Bridal Suite – fully renovated room located in the 8th floor; it has a living room, dining area, separate bedroom, bathroom with separate shower, and bath tub.

Presidential Suite – comes with its own dining area, living area, pantry, study, master’s bedroom, and bathroom with Jacuzzi.

Banquets & Functions

The Apo View Hotel offers packages that can make a special day an event worth remembering. Its fully managed function rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, are perfect settings for all kinds of occasions.

Grand Ballroom – is offering absolute flexibility in convention and banquet arrangements; the perfect venue for conventions, weddings, dinner-dance receptions, and other large-function occasions.

Top of the Apo – newly renovated function room that can accommodate up to 200 persons; a perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, debuts, and other medium-scale occasions.

Garden Pavilion – fully managed function room, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which provides a perfect setting for all kinds of occasions.

Other Banquets & Functions – include the Orchid, Catleya, Vanda, and Silver rooms, and the Boardroom.

 

Dining & Leisure

The Apo View Hotel offers popular culinary favorites and refreshing beverages through its in-house restaurants and bar, while its casinos feature table games and slot machines which the guests will surely enjoy.

• Entrée
• Café Josefina
• The Blue Room
• Pacific Palm and PAGCOR Casinos
• Pool Deck and Garden

Amenities & Services

• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour business center
• Swimming pool
• Massage service
• Safety deposit box at the front desk
• Car rental
• Travel agency
• Gift shop
• Dress shop
• Airport transfers

Contact Details

150 J. Camus Street, Davao City, Philippines 8000.

Tel: +63 (82) 221-6430 to 40

Fax: +63 (82) 221-0748

Email: info@apoview.com

**Unpublished write-up of Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal for Archikonst.

United Laminates Industrial Corporation

United Laminates Industrial Corporation is a leading manufacturer of synthetic board products in the Philippines, specializing in melamine and particle boards. Guided by the principle of “quality first”, it aspires to become the premier manufacturer of melamine boards and synthetic tile products in the Philippines that offers the widest array of extremely fashionable eco-friendly design merchandises at very competitive prices. Adopting "zero defect, zero complaint" as its philosophy for quality assurance, it uses only state-of-the-art manufacturing tools and equipment in its design and production.

Visit the company's website at http://www.unitedlaminates.net. Website contents (Introduction and Mission-Vision Statements) are copywritten by Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal through amCreative House Concepts Design.

The Metamorphosis of V.V. Soliven

V.V. Soliven Group of Companies metamorphosed over the years to become one of the country’s premier real estate conglomerates.

Founded by the husband and wife tandem of Purita Soliven and her late husband, Victorio Soliven, in 1965 as V.V. Soliven Realty & Associates (VVSRA), the firm initially ventured into selling subdivision lots owned by reputable developers and landowners. Then, it branched out into the more lucrative residential construction and subdivision development.

The business partners incorporated VVSRA as V.V. Soliven Realty Corporation (VVSRC) in 1968 to take care of their realty marketing business. Meanwhile, they formed Solid Builders Inc. (SBI) in 1973 to focus on vertical constructions like houses, buildings and shopping centers. They also established Speed Construction & Development Corporation to do horizontal constructions.

More and more sister companies were organized. In 1975, Solid Rock Aggregates was formed to undertake the large volume requirements of the mother company for construction materials. The other one is Agricultural Development Corporation, which is engaged in converting idle raw land into productive agricultural ventures. Two more subsidiaries were formed, El Reyno Homes and First Apollo Homes, and put them under one umbrella. With the concerted efforts of the subsidiary companies, the V.V. Soliven Shopping Complex was commenced in 1976.

In its several years of glorious existence, V.V. Soliven Group of Companies has earned the distinction of building quality homes. In cognizance of its outstanding industry performance, V.V. Soliven Group of Companies was voted in the 1978 edition of Top Corporations in the Philippines as 2nd place in the Real Estate Industry category.

Adapting the corporate values of total commitment, innovations and customer satisfaction, V.V. Soliven Group of Companies has remained steadfast in its pledge to the national effort of providing people with decent and affordable housing. Moreover, the firm aims to expand its operations by penetrating the global property scene – marketing resort subdivisions and retirement villages.

Purita R. Soliven
Chairperson & CEO

She became the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of V.V. Soliven Group of Companies when her husband, Victorio Soliven, died in November 2010. To her, it is a task she is only too happy to fulfill, as a way of honoring her late husband and her commitment to her partners, employees, and customers.

She wants to be a part of the so-called “Global Filipinos”, or Filipino workers who embraced other cultures while maintaining their own. To her, real estate and property developments are a huge factor in tourism.

She is also an active officer and member of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Association (CREBA). But despite of her hectic work schedule, she still has managed to provide ample time for rest and recreation, and family bonding.

A strong advocate in the power of women, she believes that women can take on any type of job and rise to the top.

**Unpublished advertorial write-up by Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal for V.V. Soliven Group of Companies.
 

Dagupan Electric Corporation

Lim & De Leon Company was founded in 1951 by Engr. Venancio Ferrer Lim to operate electric plants in Baliuag, Hagonoy and Calumpit. In 1953, the company strategically shifted its electricity business from Bulacan to higher growth business areas in Pangasinan. The company was incorporated on May 30, 1961 and renamed Dagupan Electric Corporation.

DECORP is now engaged in the distribution of electricity covering several franchise areas in the province of Pangasinan, which include Dagupan City and the neighboring towns of San Fabian, San Jacinto, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara and Manaoag. The company obtained legislative franchise to operate and service the aforementioned areas by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 3221 and 4013.

Synergized Business Group, Inc.

Synergized Business Group, Inc. (SBGI) was organized under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines to engage in the sales, marketing and business development of a wide array of viable business products, services and concepts. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved its registration on March 30, 2004.

SBGI is a dynamic enterprising company which will affiliate with and is supported by reputable companies here and abroad. It has established partnerships and tie-ups with the best principals as product/service provider to best serve the needs of its valued clienteles.

Vision 
 

SBGI is a dynamic private enterprising company which aspires to become the premiere "all-business" firm in the country that offers the widest array of quality and fully-integrated business products, services and concepts from companies here and abroad.
 

Mission
 

SBGI is motivated in the principle of business synergy to relentlessly pursue and introduce business opportunities and innovations in an effort to best serve the interests of its principals, virtually meet all the needs of its clients, and continuously provide for the welfare of its employees.
 

*Copy written by Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal for Synergized Business Group Inc.  
© 2005 by Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal

The Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market

 

The wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) in the Philippines was launched last June 23, 2006. Initially, it covers only the Luzon grid. Its commencement marks a crucial point in the transition from a monopolistic vertically integrated power sector to a competitive market-based industry.    

The system of trading electricity was first established in the United States of America in 1927. The Pennsylvania-Jersey-Maryland (PJM) Interconnection operates one of the largest competitive wholesale electricity markets in the world. 

This so-called “stock market for electricity” works basically like a stock exchange that allows sellers and buyers to trade electricity as a commodity. Trading is everyday in real-time, using equally real-time demand and supply information. The system pools all output from generators, price trends and projections that are expected to improve trading and investment decisions. Then, the market operator will schedule electricity generation and dispatch, balancing these with demand at all times. 

As a wholesale market, WESM is open to distributors, directly-connected customers, large users and eventually supply aggregators. For now, only bulk-users consuming at least one megawatt of electricity per month can participate in trading. Smaller users will have to wait for the start of open access and retail competition, hopefully, by July next year. 

The WESM aims to achieve four objectives of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or more popularly known as the EPIRA:

• Ensure better pricing for residential, commercial and industrial users of electricity by reflecting its “true cost” or the price the market is willing to pay;
• Enhance inflow of private capital into the electricity industry;
• Achieve economic efficiency in the power industry;
• Ensure the quality, reliability and security of electricity supply.

Meanwhile, the Visayas leg is now undergoing trial operations. It is expected to come on stream by January 2008. The EPIRA excluded Mindanao from the market-based thrust until 2010. 

The spot market role in overall power sector reform is to create a fair, transparent and reliable trading environment that will attract investments and encourage healthy competition. 

*DECORP Currents ("WESM Launched"), Jan-Jul 2006.
© 2006 by Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal