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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

QR code revives history of The Manila Hotel

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If The Manila Hotel could talk, it would probably share the stories of prominent personalities who visited and stayed in its rooms and the significant events that transpired in its ballrooms and halls. 

Since opening its doors on July 4, 1912, The Manila Hotel has been known as the “Address of Prestige” in the Far East to prominent people—presidents, royalties, public figures and rock stars—and other discriminating guests who loved and wanted to experience the grandeur of the Grand Dame.

Blast from the past. The Heritage Museum at Roma Salon showcases various memorabilia—from furniture and furnishings to books and photos—that are part of and tell the story of the rich history of The Manila Hotel

As a national landmark in the City of Manila, officials of the hotel thought it was only apt to share the rich history of the hotel in celebration of its 104th anniversary in a modern way via a QR (Quick Response) code tour and a pop-up heritage museum. 

“It is our obligation as management of The Manila Hotel to showcase and highlight the great events that transpired here and the grand aspirations that have been realized here through photos and videos,” shares The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina.

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To view the photos and watch the videos, one only needs to download the free Manila Hotel app and scan the 20 QR codes strategically scattered around the hotel—both in historic spots and new areas. Each QR code tells a story of a notable event that happened or a personality who visited the hotel through a multimedia presentation that will appear on the gadget after scanning the code.

The Heritage Museum, meanwhile, is an exhibit of memorabilia that are once stored in The Manila Hotel archive and are only made public for this occasion. 

The QR codes imprinted on brass plates are displayed alongside the memorabilia that were once part of the notable events that happened in the hotel

Photos of events that happened in the premises and within the vicinity of the hotel as well as the real furnishings, such as those once belonged in the MacArthur Suite, are on display and available for public viewing at the Roma Salon.

Corporate Communications Vice President Nian Rigor told The Standard Life that the memorabilia on exhibit have always been with the hotel but never put together nicely in one room—until now.

Manila's Grand Dame has been home to presidents and royalties, and witness to many important events in Philippine history

“The archives room is like a per request basis. If a guest knows that it exists, a guest can request a Manila Hotel staff for a tour,” explains Rigor.

The hotel management initially planned to mount the exhibit until end of July only, their anniversary month. However, because of the positive response of guests, they are extending the Heritage Museum until end of August. 

“When we were setting it up and people saw it over the weekend, they were requesting us to extend it because they really appreciated what they saw for the very first time,” relates Rigor. 

Some of the furniture and furnishings in The MacArthur Suite which once took up the entire West Wing of the fifth floor

And if after August there’s still public interest for the memorabilia display, Rigor says “We might keep them on display but maybe just move them in other area.”

The QR codes, on the other hand, will be permanently scattered in public areas of the hotel after the exhibit to allow guests to easily access them. 

To further make the QR code tour and Heritage Museum a rewarding experience, The Manila Hotel treats those who scan at least four QR codes to a special room rate of $104++ per room per night. The promotion includes an overnight stay in a Superior Deluxe room and complimentary buffet breakfast for two persons at Café Ilang-Ilang. Booking period is until July 31. 

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 527-0011 local 1175 to 1178.

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