UP Women's Volleyball team gains new sponsor in Eurotel and Hotel Sogo

The UP Women's Volleyball team (UPWVT) and Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC) held a joint press conference to announce their partnership at the Eurotel Vivaldi. From left to right: Coach Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Representative; Mr. Dean Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UP CHK Foundation Inc.; Ms. Mozzy Ravena, UPWVT Team Consultant; Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Global Comfort Group; Ms. Mariel Quinto, Advertising & Promotions Manager of Eurotel; Mr. Francis Bernardio, Advertising & Promotions Manager of Hotel Sogo. During the event, the UPWVT and GCGC expressed their excitement over the new partnership and their joint commitment to support the development of women's volleyball.

The UP Women's Volleyball team (UPWVT) and Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC) held a joint press conference to announce their partnership at the Eurotel Vivaldi. 

Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC), the management company behind Eurotel and Hotel Sogo, have pledged their unwavering support to the University of the Philippines Women's Volleyball Team (UPWVT) in a press conference held at Eurotel Vivaldi last March 28, 2023, the partnership between the two renowned hotels and the UP Women's Volleyball team was commemorated.

The press conference was attended by media representatives from various outlets, as well as UP representative Prof. Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UP CHK Foundation, Inc. Also in attendance were Ms. Mozzy Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the (UPWVT), Mr. Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Coach and the GCGC team, including Ms. Sue Geminiano, Corporate Marketing Manager, Ms. Mariel Quinto, Eurotel Ads and Promo Manager, and Mr. Francis Bernardino, Hotel Sogo Ads, and Promo Manager.

During the press conference, GCGC expressed its commitment to support the UP Women's Volleyball team in their upcoming games and tournaments. The two popular hotel chains have pledged to provide a substantial donation to the team, demonstrating their commitment to supporting sports development and gender equality in athletics.

The UP Women's Volleyball team is widely regarded as one of the country's most exceptional college volleyball programs, producing highly skilled players over the years. The team's advocacy for gender equality in sports has also made it a respected institution among many.

This recent commitment from Eurotel and Hotel Sogo will aid the team in their travel expenses, training facilities, and equipment needs, allowing them to continue competing at the highest levels of college volleyball.

The UP community expressed their gratitude for the collective effort of their coaches, the perseverance of all their athletes, and the support of Eurotel and Hotel Sogo.

According to Ms. Geminiano, GCGC is committed to providing the team with the necessary resources to help them achieve their goals.

"We consider ourselves as the first brand who sponsored such team considering na UP ito. Unibersidad ng Pilipinas so sobrang proud kami na nagsponsor kami sa inyo. I understand everybody knows about our standing, pero wag niyo isipin iyon dahil ang mas mahalaga samin yung perserverance ninyo, and yung willingness niyong manalo. Nakita ko kasi ang UP players, they are so daring, their drive to give the best. Hindi kayo yung tipong pag nalalamangan na eh parang nawawalan na ng gana. That is really something to be admired. I really find you guys still humahabol, and that’s the spirit of it." ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Global Comfort Group

Dean Diaz expressed his gratitude to Hotel Sogo & Eurotel for their support, saying that it will go a long way in helping the UP Women's Volleyball team achieve its goals.

“Kami sa UP ay sobrang natutuwa dahil tayo ay narito ngayong hapon upang ilungsad formally ang commitment to support ng Global Comfort Group Hotels or GCGC sa ating UP Women’s Volleyball Team. The finer points of the sponsorship would come in eventually but it is really what we’re celebrating this afternoon for the context is the strengthened and formal show of support for the Women’s Volleyball Team of the Eurotel and Sogo Hotel with the collective effort of our coaches, the perseverance of all our athletes, and the support now of these 2 brand hotels, we think that this is the missing link para magpatuloy doon sa isang successful program, ang ating UP Women’s Volleyball Team. There are always challenges, hurdles, and humps, but the team that cares together gives so much respect to one another and perseveres and tries to do everything they can to help the team, in the end, would be given a successful outcome. So that is always in our prayers, and that is always in our commitment to support and help all of our players here today. So with that, thank you again for allowing us to be with you this afternoon, and lagi nating sinasabi sa UP, UP Fight girls. Thank you!” ~Mr. Dean Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UP CHK Foundation Inc.

With this partnership, the UP Women's Volleyball Team will have the necessary resources to continue its success and compete at the highest level of college volleyball. The UP community is confident that this collaboration with Eurotel and Hotel Sogo is the missing link that will help propel the team to even greater heights.

Ms. Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the UP Women's Volleyball team, also expressed her appreciation for GCGC's commitment to the team, saying that it will positively impact the players' morale and motivation.

"On behalf of our coaches and players, we thank you for supporting the team. You know, sometimes, it helps when someone believes in you. Lalo na pag player ka, pag may naniniwala sa kakayahan mo, tsaka ability mo, potential mo, tingin ko doon nagsisimula lahat eh. Hardwork na lang ang susunod. So sana masuklian namin ang kabaitan na pinakita niyo samin at support. And also, is this just the beginning diba? Of a long term relationship. So thank you everyone." ~Ms. Mozzy Ravena, UPWVT Team Consultant

Coach Shaq Delos Santos also expressed his appreciation for the partnership.

"This partnership will provide a great opportunity for the team to improve and develop as athletes, kailangan makilala rin muna namin sila isa-isa, and then yung kaya nilang gawin, though right now sa UAAP, ano lang kami, fight lang nang fight. Kase yun lang ang kailangan namin. Di kami magstop especially meron na kaming sponsor na 100% susupport sa amin so maraming maraming salamat po, and we look forward to working with GCGC towards our shared goals." ~Coach Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Representative

The partnership between GCGC, Eurotel, and Hotel Sogo and the UP Women's Volleyball Team is a testament to the importance of community support in achieving success. With this commitment, the team is set to achieve great things in the upcoming season. 

The UP Women's Volleyball Team will now be able to focus on honing their skills and perfecting their strategy, knowing that they have the support of their community behind them.

Hotel Sogo lands two accolades at 10th Netizens Best Choice Awards

Hotel Sogo, the country’s largest Filipino-owned hotel chain company with over 45 branches nationwide, has been crowned as the “Best Choice Philippines Leading Hotel Chain” and won the “Philippines Guest Choice Awards” by the acclaimed Netizens Best Choice Awards 2022.

“This award is for the management, (as well as) the operations people [who are also considered as frontliners]. They worked so hard for this in a good and very respectful way. If not for them, Hotel Sogo will not be this big, well known, and will have many branches nationwide.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Director of Hotel Sogo

The Netizens Best Choice Awards for Business Excellence play a vital role in promoting responsible use of the internet since it conducts online research and surveys for promoting the best brands, products and services that distinguished itself among its competitors by earning the Netizen’s Trust Seal.

Awardees are chosen through an online nomination and multi-criteria evaluation in a variety of category such as Product/Brand/Service Quality & Innovativeness, Image/Value Proposition & Pricing, Strong Brand Online Market Influence, and Proper & Responsible means of using the internet. 

As of writing, Hotel Sogo has 46 branches nationwide located in key cities in the metro and provinces. Further plans for expansion in other areas are still expected and the hotel looks forward to many more wins in the future. 

For more details, visit www.hotelsogo.com or like and follow Hotel Sogo on Facebook (facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter, and Instagram.

Hotel Sogo shines at Asian Business Excellence Awards

Congratulations, Hotel Sogo!

The Asian Business Excellence Awards (ABEA) is a prestigious International Citation in recognizing Asian excellence in corporate, products, services features and trademarks and/or brands founded by Young Asian Consumers Welfare Advocate.

The country’s largest Filipino-owned hotel chain company has been awarded as Asia’s Most Outstanding Hotel Chain of the Year and Philippines Most Leading Hotel Chain of the Year. Meanwhile, Hotel Sogo’s CEO, Mr. Reynaldo M. Malaca was recognized as the Philippines Most Outstanding CEO of The Year at the recent Asian Business Excellence Awards 2022 held in Quezon City.

Hotel Sogo Marketing Director, Ms. Sue Geminiano shares her gratitude to the award-winning organization for recognizing the hotel’s goal in providing a clean, safe, and top-notch service to its patrons and guests.

“On behalf of Hotel Sogo, thank you Asian Business Excellence Awards 2022 for giving us these recognitions. These awards are nothing if not because of the management and the hardworking staff of our operations. We will continue to give our all in providing our guests a safe and clean stay. Hotel Sogo will not be here without your love and support.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Marketing Director

Currently, Hotel Sogo has 46 branches nationwide located in key areas around the metro and provinces. The hotel anticipates expanding in more areas of the country and looks forward to many more recognition in the future. 

For more details, visit www.hotelsogo.com or like and follow Hotel Sogo on Facebook (facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter, and Instagram.

Hotel Sogo embracing the new normal: Innovation that lasts

Covid Sniffer Dogs for Screening of Employees

The impact of Covid-19 has slammed businesses and different industries instantly in just a short period of time, despite the efforts made in making the economy move forward, there are still businesses and establishments that feel its continuous effects just like in the hospitality industry. 

These affected businesses has doubled its efforts to develop and adapt to the new normal by following heightened safety measures and investing on technological advancement for the protection of all guests and employees, just like the largest and fastest-growing Filipino-owned hotel chain in the country did across all of its branches.

“Here at Hotel Sogo, we are trying on things to help improve the situation in our hotels as early as March 2020 last year. From that point on, we continued to research, invest further and develop innovative ways to upgrade our safety protocols especially in cleanliness and sanitation.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Manager 

Aside from the enhanced new normal protocols such as no contact fixtures and thermal scans, some remarkable changes and innovations that the Hotel Sogo management applied across its branches such as, UVC disinfection in rooms, lobbies, and air-conditioning units, increased ventilation, microbial testing (method to indicate the presence and amount of microorganisms), Covid sniffer dogs, reduced touch points, and application of anti-microbial coatings in frequently touched surfaces. 

Through Hotel Sogo’s 11 So Safe Innovations, the safety and wellness of guests as well as its employees are set first.

“This on-going pandemic has helped us to take further steps in giving importance to safety. The innovation that I speak of are the development and improvement of amenities that revolves around the 4 major ways to prevent the spread of the virus and protect our guests like reduction of touch points, improve air quality, disinfection and testing. It is important to test all these protocols to make sure that all these innovation are really effective to keep our guests safe; we want our guests to feel safe and secured whenever they stay at Hotel Sogo. We will continue to protect our guests and develop more upgraded protocols even after the pandemic.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Manager 

• More than just a hotel

Aside from the hotel innovations that has implemented, Hotel Sogo is also ramping up its effort in helping fellow countrymen through its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Sogo Cares. Hotel Sogo is helping indigent communities who are in need of basic necessities, such as food, medicines and water. 

“Recently, we donated food packs with linens and towels to the fire victims at Manila. We also donated essential needs such as bottled waters, linens, pillows, surgical masks, pillow cases, and mattresses to the Philippine General Hospital with the help of AFP and we also gave assistance in different community pantries in Bulacan and Quezon City. Our team will definitely help those who are in need in these trying times. Even this time of GCQ, Hotel Sogo is still accepting frontliners, essential, repatriated OFW, seafarers and economic workers across all Hotel Sogo branches. We are also accommodating those who prefer long-term stay for their work purposes.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Manager 

Over the course of six (6) years, starting from 2015, Hotel Sogo through its Corporate Social Responsibility program Sogo Cares has conducted over 400 medical missions with 100,000 plus beneficiaries, led over 600 donations with more than 170,000 beneficiaries.

For more details, visit http://www.hotelsogo.com/ or like and follow Hotel Sogo on Facebook (facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter (https://twitter.com/hotelsogo), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hotelsogo/). 

11 Anti-Covid Innovations by Hotel Sogo

Are you already so bored for more than a year now not being able to travel and have stay action the same way you used to do with the whole family before the pandemic hits the whole world? I miss how we used to just simply have a weekend aeay at home and have a simple statcation, but since the virus is making us feel unsafe nowadays it is hard to find hotels that will and can secure safety staycation. But thank God hotel sogo is here with different Anti-Covid Innovations.

UVC Disinfection of Rooms, Utensils, Key Cards & Cash

1. UVC Disinfection of Rooms, Utensils, Key Cards & Cash

-Sogo was the first hotel, as early as March 2020, to use UVC (254nm) to fight Covid-19. Taking the cue from hospitals abroad, remote-controlled carts have been deployed for room disinfection. Compartments for utensils, key cards and cash were also fitted with UVC LEDs but kept away from personnel since 254 nm UVCs, while great for killing viruses may harm the skin and eyes.

FAR UVC Disinfection at Elevator Lobbies

2. FAR UVC Disinfection at Elevator Lobbies

-After extensive research, Sogo has acquired and tested the FAR UVC 222 nm lamps that effectively kill viruses while being harmless to humans. Just recently (2020 Q4) produced commercially, it is quite expensive and is sold by only a few manufacturers abroad. Sogo is the first hotel to install these revolutionary excimer lamps in all its elevator lobbies.

UVC Disinfection for Room Aircons

3. UVC Disinfection for Room Aircons

-All room aircons are to be fitted with specially manufactured UVC LEDs. Through germicidal irradiation, the UVC light attacks the DNA/DNR of micro-organisms, killing bacteria and viruses, and preventing their spread. As it is turned on with the aircon, room air is always sterilized each time it passes through the unit, ensuring the best possible room air quality for our guests.

Ventilation ACR is Doubled in Lobbies & Hallways

4. Ventilation ACR is Doubled in Lobbies & Hallways

-The ACR (Air Change Rate) or the number of times the air is replaced for all general spaces is set at ≥ 4 per hour by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers). Sogo is doubling its current ACRs for intensified inflow of covid-free fresh air to accelerate indoor air replacement.

Covid Sniffer Dogs for Screening of Employees

5. Covid Sniffer Dogs for Screening of Employees

-Dubai and Helsinki Airports have deployed Covid sniffer dogs to screen passengers and report a > 94% accuracy rate with dogs detecting the virus days before symptoms even start. Sogo has tied up with a leading K9 company, to have specially-trained Belgian Malinois dogs regularly screen its personnel for Covid.

6. Thermal Scan Controlled Doors

-For most branches, guests on their own, can get scanned before entry and if within the safe temperature limit, main doors will open automatically without need of any contact.

Microbial ATP Fluorescence Testing of Surfaces

7. Microbial ATP Fluorescence Testing of Surfaces

-ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate) Testing measures ATP content to indicate the presence and amount of microorganisms. Each branch has an Anti-Covid Team that regularly swabs high touch point surfaces that pass through ATP Fluorescence Detectors to verify microbial presence and effectivity of the new protocols.

Anti-Microbial Coatings on Furnishings, Fixtures & Touch Points

8. Anti-Microbial Coatings on Furnishings, Fixtures & Touch Points

-Widely used in hospitals and mass transports in China, Hong Kong and Japan, these Polymer coatings are formed after spraying millions of nano-capsules with contact killing and anti-adhesion features that lasts for weeks. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and Covid. Sogo applies this over all furnishings and touch points.

Reduced Touch Points with No-Contact Fixtures (with photos of no-contact fixtures)

9. Reduced Touch Points with No-Contact Fixtures (with photos of no-contact fixtures)

-A Sogo study shows that pre-pandemic, guests had a minimum of 59 Touch Points (TPs) during a typical hotel stay. Due to new protocols that include contact-less fixtures, TPs have been reduced by 40.7% with the goal to achieve a reduction of 66.1% with more advanced technology centered on cellphone use.

Multi-Stage Air Purifying Equipment in Lobbies

10. Multi-Stage Air Purifying Equipment in Lobbies

-To further sanitize indoor air, Sogo installed air-purifying equipment having several levels of filters: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, HEPA (H11), with built-in Cold Catalysts, Ion Generators and UVC lights that eliminate allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, odor, bacteria, viruses, and even reduces carbon dioxide levels. 

No-Contact Key

11. No-Contact Key

-Specially designed key (keychain) to avoid touching. This is one of our giveaways included in some of our promos.

Hotel Sogo’s Innovation in Post-Covid-19

As we all know the hotel industry is designed to operate and accept guests 24/7. But because of this pandemic, travel restrictions were put in place to control the further spread of the virus. Truly, this CoVid-19 pandemic shook the hotel industry really hard, and turned many hotel businesses upside down, especially here in the Philippines.

The world is facing an economic, health, and social crisis due to Coronavirus (CoVid-19), which is identified as an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. 

In line with that, Hotel Sogo, the largest hotel chain in the Philippines, utilized this pandemic as an opportunity for innovation.  Hotel Sogo unveiled new measures to re-establish confidence in the hotel industry as they adapt to the “new normal” state. 

Anti-Microbial Copper Films

To increase everyone’s safety, Hotel Sogo installed Microbial Copper infrequently touched surfaces of the hotel.

Innovation as its finest.

As part of their “So Clean, So Good, So Safe” campaign under its Sogo So Safe Program, concrete ways were made to increase its cleanliness standards to meet the new health and safety challenges brought on by this pandemic.

Take a look at their innovation during this post CoVid-19 giving their patrons a So Clean, So Good, So Safe stay.

3M Filtrete™ Electrostatic Air Filters in All Rooms

Sogo started installing 3M Filtrete™ 3-in-1 Technology Aircon Filters in all rooms to augment its regular aircon filters. These are made with permanently-charged electrostatic fibers that remove Microparticle pollutants that include fine dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, and viruses, resulting in cleaner air. 

UVC Disinfection

Hotel Sogo is also implementing ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing cash registers, keycard cases, elevator buttons, and its ceiling, room door handles, as well as in food preparation for enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes.

With the use of UVC-light for disinfection, you are safe to stay at any Hotel Sogo branches as UVC cleans 99.99% of harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses in seconds.

No-Contact Hotel Features

As we develop more changes this new normal, Hotel Sogo has innovated all its branches in having no-contact facilities like a contactless thermal detector,  automatic doors, and developed the use of SaniKey for door handles, elevators buttons, and ATMs to lessen contact points and reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Microbial testing

Hotel Sogo makes sure that cleaning is accurate and effectively sanitized which gives proven results in just minutes.

So Clean…So Good…So Safe!

Hotel Sogo continuously vows to protect and provide excellent accommodation despite the CoVid-19 danger. 

“We promise to protect our staff and our guests who will visit our hotels, we are ready for new normal and this is a long-term commitment. This virus won’t stop each of us to create wonderful memories with our loved ones. Together, let us enjoy our stay in Hotel Sogo.” ~Mr. Reynaldo Malaca, Hotel Sogo CEO 

To find out more about Hotel Sogo, visit its website at www.hotelsogo.com or like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and Youtube.

Dahil Mahal ka ni Hotel Sogo Gusto Nila Safe ka!

Even though a lot of businesses have closed down, Hotel Sogo continued its support to the frontliners and LGUs who risk fighting against COVID-19. Hotel Sogo, the leading hotel chain in the Philippines is now ready to leap into the new normal as part of its So Clean, So Good, So Safe campaign under the Sogo Safe Program that aims to secure the safety of its employees and guests.

I can't wait to take my family for a staycation at Hotel Sogo pero ang tanong gaano ba kasafe magstay after lockdown? Hotel Sogo had just recently the first to provide free room accommodations that served as a temporary shelter to healthcare workers and frontliners. A total of P80-million worth of donation or more than 800 room accommodations were given to healthcare workers, OFWs, and seafarers repatriates for free. This is in coordination with 10 city mayors and 31 hospitals in the country.

Worry not because Hotel Sogo just recently launches their "Hotel Sogo Stay Safe Campaign" watch the video of the playbook preview:

Here are some fo the New Normal Features:

• Hotel Sogo Mobile app is also up for contact tracing.

• Uniforms of the hotel staff are redesigned to incorporate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Temperature screening and disinfection mats upon entering the hotel

• Social distancing at the front desk. Installation of the protective acrylic glass panel in the front desk.

• Social distancing with markers and limit of persons in elevators

• Hand Sanitizers in common areas
• Contactless hotel features (doors and elevators)

• UVC light treatment is also modified in elevator consoles,  door handles,  keycard cases, cash register, and food preparation

• Use of UVC disinfection light array cart in cleaning and disinfection of rooms and bathrooms. Studies show that the use of UVC, with wavelengths between 200 and 270 nanometres (nm), can kill microbes, germs, bacteria, and viruses. This has been adopted since the use of UVC is done in recent years and is also used in disinfecting hospitals as UVC kills pathogens and microorganisms. 

• Constant disinfection in all amenities is also implemented

• No-contact facilities from lobby doors to toilet fixtures thru installing foot door opener and foot-controlled dispenser.

• Hotel Sogo has created newly designed giveaways for guests such as no contact keys and sanitizers. The no-contact key serves as a tool in touching common objects like door handles, elevator buttons, and ATMs.

• Social distancing in the workplace and in crowded areas like the canteen.

• Provision of multivitamins to employees.
• Hand sanitizers in common areas.

With Hotel Sogo change is good and with their new feature, I can trust them that my family will be safe once we had our staycation again.

To find out more about Hotel Sogo, visit its website:

http://www.hotelsogo.com/

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Hotel Sogo 41st Branch Grand Launched

Get charmed by Hotel Sogo's 41st branch in Mindanao Avenue’s sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. Located in one of the busiest roads of Quezon City and focus of booming industries, Hotel Sogo Mindanao Avenue branch officially opens its doors to the public highlighting its vibrant atmosphere and a more sophisticated place to stay in the metro.

“At Hotel Sogo, our task is to continuously provide our guests with the best first-class hotel experience they can get from a very affordable price. With pride in authentic Filipino hospitality and innovation in our services, we believe that we can keep up with what our guest wants – a home away from home. Our newest branch focuses on serving passion-oriented people within the economic hub of Quezon City.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Hotel Sogo

Check out the Rooms

Hotel Sogo's 41st branch filled with energetic and exciting vibes forefront by its modernized and new room designs. From deluxe to the regency, all rooms are perfectly designed for couples, families, or solo-stay who want the comfort of staying at home while having the leisure to easily access shopping malls, restaurants, and even fitness centers. 

“This won’t be like any other hotel, just from the look of our facade, lobby, modernized rooms, and with top-notch customer service, there’s more reason to enjoy staying with us here at Hotel Sogo Mindanao Ave. As cliché as it may be the ‘New year, new me’ also apply with us - New Year, opportunities and a bright future awaits the company. With Hotel Sogo Mindanao Ave. opening the year 2020, there will be more branches to open. In the pipe is the one in Davao.” ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Hotel Sogo

Hotel Sogo’s continuous innovation on its amenities and masterful craft on its clean and sanitized room summarizes its “so clean…so good” experience in all of its branches. Truly, Hotel Sogo’s strength lies in its services by creating first-rate quality and affordable stay fit for young professionals, digital natives, travelers, and families. 

For more details, visit www.hotelsogo.com or like and follow Hotel Sogo on Facebook (facebook.com/hotelsogo), Twitter (twitter.com/hotelsogo), and Instagram (instagram.com/hotelsogo).