Dusit & Grand Land Unveil ASAI Cebu Oslob – A New Beachfront Escape

Dusit & Grand Land Unveil ASAI Cebu Oslob – A New Beachfront Escape

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 14, 2025

Dusit International, a leading Thai hotel and property development company, and Grand Land Inc., a subsidiary of the Gaisano Grand Group, have officially broken ground on ASAI Cebu Oslob, introducing the ASAI Hotels brand to the Philippines. Expected to open in late 2026, this marks ASAI’s first beach resort, bringing its signature experience-driven hospitality to Oslob, a scenic coastal destination known for its pristine beaches and whale shark encounters.

Located in Barangay Lagunde, Oslob, ASAI Cebu Oslob will offer 98 compact yet functional rooms, most with private balconies overlooking the ocean or pool. Designed with modern travelers in mind, the resort will feature a communal Eat/Work/Play space, a beach bar serving craft cocktails and local beers, an inviting pool, and a dining experience celebrating Cebuano cuisine.

Beyond luxurious stays, ASAI Cebu Oslob will connect guests with immersive local experiences, from island-hopping to exploring Oslob’s rich biodiversity. The resort’s "Live Local" philosophy will be brought to life through community ambassadors, who will curate personalized itineraries to hidden snorkeling spots, cultural heritage sites, and natural wonders like Sumilon Island and Tumalog Falls.

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Speaking about the project, Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development Global and Head of Culture at ASAI Hotels, said, "Building on the success of our city-based ASAI Hotels in Thailand and Japan, ASAI Cebu Oslob will create an immersive, social, and seamless resort experience in one of the Philippines' most beautiful coastal destinations."

The groundbreaking ceremony on February 3, 2025, saw key executives from Dusit International and Grand Land Inc. in attendance, along with local government officials. Highlighting the project’s impact, Ryan Bernard Go, President of Grand Land Inc., stated, "Our collaboration with Dusit International reflects our vision to create world-class hospitality experiences. ASAI Cebu Oslob will elevate Oslob’s appeal while supporting sustainable growth through meaningful local connections."

This development strengthens Dusit’s footprint in the Philippines, where the group already operates five properties, including Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, Dusit Thani Residence Davao, dusitD2 Davao, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort. Grand Land Inc. is also developing a Dusit Princess property in Cebu’s North Reclamation Area.

ASAI Hotels currently operates ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. The brand is set to expand further with ASAI Gamuda Cove in Malaysia (2026) and ASAI Hat Yai in Thailand (2028).

With sustainability and local immersion at its core, ASAI Cebu Oslob is poised to become a vibrant beachfront retreat, redefining resort hospitality in the Philippines.


Tokyo Skytree Town Brings Iconic Summer Fun for All Ages

Tokyo Skytree Town Brings Iconic Summer Fun for All Ages

By Manu vardhan Kannan

Published on July 25, 2025

As the Indian monsoon sets in, it’s the perfect season to explore Japan’s summer charms—clear skies, buzzing streets, and cultural delights. For Indian travellers seeking an unforgettable holiday, Tokyo Skytree Town offers the ultimate indoor and outdoor experiences in the heart of Tokyo.

Crowned the World’s Tallest Freestanding Tower (634 meters) by Guinness World Records, Tokyo Skytree is more than just a landmark. It’s the centerpiece of Tokyo Skytree Town, which houses Tokyo Solamachi, a vast shopping complex with 300+ stores, alongside an aquarium and planetarium.

Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or as a family, here’s what’s heating up this summer:

 Toy Story Sky at Tokyo Skytree

Celebrating 30 years of Toy Story magic, this themed event features photo spots, video screenings at the Skytree Round Theater, exclusive merchandise, and special lighting inspired by the beloved franchise, turning Tokyo’s skyline into a Pixar dream.

Pokémon Center Skytree Town: Big Adventure 2025

Running from July 19 to August 31, this bingo-style rally invites Pokémon fans to solve fun challenges throughout Tokyo Solamachi, collecting rewards while exploring the vibrant entertainment complex.

Tokyo Solamachi Summer Festival

Timed with the Sumida Citizens’ Bon Odori Dance Festival, this event blends the nostalgia of traditional Japanese markets with modern mall convenience. Expect festive food stalls, seasonal goodies, and lively vibes across Solamachi Plaza.

Tokyo Skytree Town Beer Festa 2025

Back with a bang, the open-air beer garden transforms the Sky Arena into a Lawn BBQ Park, complete with global brews, street food, BBQ feasts, and misty lawns for children to play and cool off.

So, whether you're after anime magic, gourmet experiences, or cultural charm, Tokyo Skytree Town promises a summer filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable moments, rain or shine!


BGN Inaugurates Abuja Council, Ushering in New Era of Bartending Excellence

BGN Inaugurates Abuja Council, Ushering in New Era of Bartending Excellence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 25, 2025

In a historic and vibrant ceremony held on Monday, July 21, 2025, the Abuja Council of the Bartenders Guild of Nigeria (BGN) was officially inaugurated at The Republic@Camden, Gwarimpa, Abuja. This momentous event marks a new chapter in the professional evolution of bartending within the Federal Capital Territory.

The inauguration brought together hospitality professionals, industry stakeholders, and bartenders from Abuja and beyond, as the newly appointed Executive Council of the Abuja branch took their official oath and assumed leadership under the national Guild.

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Anchored by BGN Vice President Abubakar Abdullahi, the event featured opening remarks, formal oath-taking, certificate presentations, and a lively networking session. BGN National President Mr. Emmanuel Oyira delivered an inspiring keynote, stating, “Today marks more than just the swearing-in of a new executive team — it marks a new dawn for Abuja and a defining chapter in the story of bartending in Nigeria. Let this Council not just be a geographic structure, but a model for innovation, a hub for capacity-building, and a platform for raising the bar — in training, in standards, and in representation.” 

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Also gracing the occasion was HRH Emeka Mbonu, a respected hotelier and the visionary behind The Camden Group, including The Republic@Camden, The Camden Hotels, The ChefH@Camden, and Samantha@Camden. In his address, HRH encouraged the new leaders to serve with dedication and creativity, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of hospitality in the capital.

Representing the new council, Ugbobo Vincent, Secretary (Finance), extended gratitude on behalf of the team and assured guests of their commitment to serving the bartending community with integrity and passion.

Executive Council – Abuja State Council:

  1. State Chairman – Joshua Alabi

  2. Deputy State Chairman – Seth Amarh

  3. Secretary (Administration) – Gabriel Onuche

  4. Secretary (Finance) – Ugbobo Vincent

  5. Secretary (Communications) – Wisdom Agbecha Anuoluwapo

The ceremony concluded with the iconic BGN Cocktail Hour — a signature tradition of the Guild where bartenders display their flair and creativity. Guests were treated to a free cocktail tasting experience in a spirited atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.

With this inauguration, the BGN Abuja Council is set to drive mentorship, innovation, and visibility for bartenders across the region, aligning with the Guild’s broader national vision of raising industry standards and empowering professionals.


Pratt & Whitney Celebrates 100 Years of Aviation Innovation

Pratt & Whitney Celebrates 100 Years of Aviation Innovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 24, 2025

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, proudly marks a century of excellence in aviation, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The milestone celebrates the company’s enduring legacy of innovation, beginning with the revolutionary R-1340 Wasp radial engine that transformed both military and commercial aviation.

The company’s journey took flight under the vision of Frederick B. Rentschler, who introduced a lightweight, air-cooled radial engine that gained early acclaim with the U.S. Navy. By 1926, the Navy ordered 200 engines, laying the groundwork for Pratt & Whitney’s rapid rise. Its Wasp engines powered hundreds of aircraft through the 20th century, playing a key role in Allied success during World War II, where over 363,000 engines were produced during the war effort.

Adapting with the times, Pratt & Whitney pioneered jet propulsion with the J57 engine, used in iconic aircraft like the Boeing B-52 and commercial jets such as the Boeing 707 and DC-8, ushering in a new era of flight and innovation.

Today, Pratt & Whitney powers over 90,000 engines in service globally. Its GTFTM engine is renowned for its fuel efficiency, used by more than 85 airlines operating the Airbus A220, A320neo, and Embraer E2 jets. The F135 engine powers the advanced Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet, while its Canadian arm leads the development of engines for business and general aviation, including the PT6 and PW127XT.

Pratt & Whitney’s legacy continues with forward-looking investments in next-generation technologies including hybrid-electric, hydrogen-based, rotating detonation, and adaptive propulsion systems.

“Since our founding, we’ve upheld the mission of building the most dependable engines in aerospace,” said Shane Eddy, President of Pratt & Whitney. “Our 45,000-strong global team lives by our commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence.”

In India, Pratt & Whitney has played a pivotal role for over seven decades, contributing to commercial and defense aviation. Engines like the JT3D and JT9D ushered in India's jet age, while today, the IAE V2500, GTF, and PW127 power numerous aircraft flying across the country. The Indian Air Force relies on Pratt & Whitney propulsion systems for platforms like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-295.

“Our India story is an integral part of our 100-year journey,” said Ashish Saraf, Vice President & Country Head, Pratt & Whitney India. “India continues to play a strategic role in our engineering, digital, and supply chain growth.”

To mark the centennial, Pratt & Whitney is engaging employees through a travelling exhibit that will visit 11 locations globally, including its India Customer Training Center in Hyderabad. The celebration also includes a digital version of the exhibit and a historical marker at the original headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut.

As Pratt & Whitney celebrates a century in flight, its commitment to powering progress and innovation across the skies remains stronger than ever.

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