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.


Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss Following 777X Aircraft Delays

Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss Following 777X Aircraft Delays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Boeing has reported a USD 5.4 billion loss for the third quarter, primarily due to a USD 4.9 billion charge tied to the delayed certification of its 777X aircraft, which has now pushed deliveries to 2027. Despite a 30% revenue increase to USD 23.3 billion, driven by higher commercial aircraft deliveries, the company continues to face mounting challenges, marking its 17th consecutive quarterly loss.

The delay in the 777X program has significantly impacted Boeing’s financials. The company had expected to advance the next phase of certification flights this year but has deferred them to 2027 to complete additional preparatory analyses required by US regulators.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the setback but expressed optimism about the company’s progress.

“While we are disappointed in the 777X schedule delay, the airplane continues to perform well in flight testing, and we remain focused on the work ahead,” Ortberg said.

Ortberg also pointed to the recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to increase monthly production of the 737 MAX as a sign of recovery and confirmed that Boeing achieved positive free cash flow during the quarter, a metric closely followed by investors.

However, the aviation giant continues to face operational and reputational hurdles stemming from past safety incidents, including the two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which prompted tighter FAA scrutiny over all new certifications.

According to Briefing.com, Boeing’s latest results show “a mix of clear progress and lingering challenges,” emphasizing the company must still prove that its turnaround efforts can lead to consistent profitability.

In contrast, European rival Airbus reported a 14% rise in profits to USD 1.1 billion, highlighting the gap in financial performance between the two aerospace leaders. However, Boeing has regained a lead in aircraft orders for 2025, recording 774 net orders by the end of September, compared to Airbus’s 514.

Under the revised timeline, Boeing expects commercial deliveries of the 777X to begin in 2027, delayed from the earlier 2026 estimate. The program is expected to remain a cash drain for the initial years after launch but could turn cash flow positive by 2029, according to Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave.

Meanwhile, Boeing is also dealing with a labor strike at its St. Louis defense operations, where over 3,000 workers recently rejected the company’s latest contract proposal. Ortberg stated that the facility continues to operate under contingency plans, with production running at roughly the same rate.

Union leaders, however, criticized Boeing’s decision to recruit replacement workers, citing the complexity of precision manufacturing and the value of experienced labor.

“These are complex, precision-built products and they cannot replace the skilled, experienced IAM members who have dedicated their careers to this work,” the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 said in a statement.

Shares of Boeing closed down 4.4%, as investors weighed the company’s progress against ongoing financial and operational setbacks.


The Hari Hong Kong Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Guest Chef Marco Quarta from The Hari London

The Hari Hong Kong Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Guest Chef Marco Quarta from The Hari London

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2025

The Hari Hong Kong is marking its fifth anniversary with a culinary celebration featuring Chef Marco Quarta, Executive Chef of il Pampero at The Hari London. The acclaimed Italian chef will be taking over the kitchen at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar this November, bringing his authentic flavours and artistry from London to Hong Kong.

From November 11th to 14th, guests can indulge in a limited-time lunch set menu showcasing Chef Marco’s signature creations. The highlight of the celebration will be a four-course dinner on November 14th, where Chef Marco will personally curate and present an exclusive menu blending his Puglian roots with modern Italian finesse.

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Born and raised in Puglia, Italy, Chef Marco’s culinary journey has spanned decades and continents. After training in Brindisi, he refined his craft in several of London’s leading restaurants, holding positions such as Sous Chef at The Savoy, Head Chef at Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, and The Punchbowl in Mayfair. Before joining The Hari London as Executive Chef in April, he led the culinary team at The Dixon Hotel and even served as a private chef for Arab royalty.

At Lucciola, Chef Marco will present two of his popular creations as part of the lunch menu, Cappesante Arrostite, Mele & Cavolfiore, Prosciutto di Parma (roasted scallops with golden apple, cauliflower purée, and crispy Parma ham) and Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa e Tarallo Pugliese (orecchiette pasta with rapini and Apulian tarallo crumb). 

For the Guest Shift Dinner on November 14th, guests will experience an immersive Italian feast featuring dishes like Arancino Tartufato (black truffle Sicilian rice balls), Ippoglosso al Vapore con Fregola, Crema di Topinambur e Funghi Gallinacci (poached halibut with Jerusalem artichoke purée and chanterelle mushrooms), and Costolette di Agnello in Crosta d’Erbe (herb-crusted lamb rack with rosemary jus). Each course will be paired with handpicked Italian wines such as Prosecco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The dinner concludes with a Baba’ al Limone con Crema Chantilly, a Neapolitan lemon baba served with chantilly cream and mixed berries. 

Following this special collaboration, from November 15th to 30th, a curated selection of Chef Marco’s signature dishes will continue to be available as part of Lucciola’s Cena Conviviale set dinner menu, allowing guests to savour his culinary brilliance even beyond the main event.

With this celebration, The Hari Hong Kong not only marks a milestone anniversary but also reinforces its commitment to curating exceptional global dining experiences for its guests.


Kibbutz Neot Semadar Named Among the World’s Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism

Kibbutz Neot Semadar Named Among the World’s Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 29, 2025

Kibbutz Neot Semadar, located in Israel’s Southern Arava, has achieved global recognition after being selected for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 list by UN Tourism. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held in China, where the kibbutz joined a select group of 250 villages worldwide recognised for excellence in sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation in tourism.

This milestone marks another proud moment for Israel’s tourism industry, as the country continues to gain international recognition for its commitment to responsible and community-led tourism development.

Congratulating the community, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, said,

“Congratulations to Kibbutz Neot Semadar, which represents the best of the Israeli spirit, combining innovation, sustainability, and community. We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy and its achievement of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title. This recognition is another step in the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts within the framework of UN Tourism. It reflects the international acknowledgment of Israel’s uniqueness and its high-quality sustainable tourism.”

Founded in 1989, Kibbutz Neot Semadar is home to around 250 residents, including families, children, and volunteers from Israel and abroad. The community follows a unique cooperative and ecological lifestyle that integrates art, agriculture, and environmental awareness into daily living.

Visitors to Neot Semadar experience an inspiring model of desert tourism. The highlights include the Art Center, an architectural masterpiece built by the community over 15 years, an organic boutique winery, a local restaurant-café, an eco-lodge, art workshops, and stargazing opportunities next to the Weizmann Institute’s telescope. Each of these experiences reflects the kibbutz’s harmony with nature and its commitment to sustainable practices.

The Ministry of Tourism played a key role in supporting and guiding the kibbutz’s nomination, collaborating with the Eilot Regional Council to prepare materials and coordinate with the international jury. The effort aims to promote unique local communities on the global stage, reinforcing Israel’s image as a nation dedicated to innovation, culture, and sustainability.

This recognition also marks Israel’s second inclusion in UN Tourism’s Best Villages network, following the selection of Kfar Kama, a Circassian village in the Lower Galilee, in 2022.

Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Eilot Regional Council Southern Arava, expressed pride in the recognition, saying,

“Neot Semadar’s inclusion in the UN Tourism Best Villages network is an emotional and proud moment for the entire Southern Arava region. It represents international recognition of the community’s vision and dedication, reflecting the values we promote every day,  sustainability, innovation, and cooperation.”

The Kibbutz Neot Semadar Secretariat also shared,

“Over the past decade, Neot Semadar has undergone a true transformation in the field of tourism. Today we share our unique culture, cuisine, and architecture with visitors from Israel and around the world. This international recognition will serve as a springboard for further tourism development in the Arava and across Israel.”

This achievement not only celebrates Neot Semadar’s success but also places the Southern Arava and Israel on the global tourism map. Even amid global challenges, the UN’s recognition shines a spotlight on Israel’s commitment to sustainability, proving how a small desert community can inspire the world with its creativity, resilience, and respect for nature.

For more information, visit www.neot-semadar.com.

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