The best in the south

MANILA, Philippines - When we think of the south of Manila, our thoughts turn to Vivere Hotel in Alabang. Vivere probably best represents what’s great about the south: the irresistible charm, the undeniable elegance, and the laidback lifestyle.

Since it opened in 2001, Vivere Hotel has become a landmark in the Alabang area. Its presence, all 31 floors complete with the curiosity-piqueing art installation, practically completes everything that is familiar within the area. That sense of completeness is inescapable to those who have visited Vivere; in fact it is something that keeps them coming back for more.

Originally a business hotel, Vivere became the best-kept (open) secret of executives who hold office in the Calabarzon area. The hotel’s competence in all aspects of its operations even caught the attention of the leisure travelers and family-type guests.

Vivere general manager Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon says, “Our clientele is actually 95 to 98 percent businessmen. On weekends, we get the Filipinos who fancy family activities. For these people, Vivere is an alternative from going out of town.”

Living room of the Vivere Grand Penthouse Suite

Truth is, Vivere gives guests reasons why it is deserving of repeated stays. For starters, Sanchez-Quiazon points out the hotel’s unique ambience: “Ours is a tropical setting that translates to a homey feeling. Guests hear running water, see trees, and other nature-inspired décor the moment they step into the hotel.”

Then there is the matter of treating guests like royalty. The expected smiles and warmth that are Filipino hospitality staples are just the beginnings. Guests who show up are treated like kings, complete with welcome treats, never mind that they are only there to pick up or drop an item for a guest. It is these details that make for an endearing exposure to the hotel.

As the first accredited first-star deluxe hotel in Alabang, Vivere boasts of the biggest business center, meeting rooms, and cubicles, and complete facilities such as computers, scanners, printers, Internet facilities, and secretarial services. The Executive Lounge is open 24 hours and is where CEOs, COOs, and other top-level managers enjoy the amenities and the butler service.

Its function rooms are perfect for the requisite team-building exercises, as well as seminars and conventions.

The rooms are stories in themselves: the hotel has 16 room categories, further broken down into seven types at least for each category. The general manager says, “No two rooms are alike in Vivere.”

She directs out attention to the room décor, which uses local eco-friendly nature-inspired materials to create a unique look. Trees felled by the notorious typhoon “Milenyo” were recycled, as do ornaments from, say, a burned house in Vigan.

“It is our way of supporting Mother Earth,” she declares. “We make sure that we practice cost-efficient use of electricity and water.”

Vivere’s Executive Lounge

Guests who go all the way up to the 31st-floor rooftop are treated to the Skylounge, a restaurant with an al fresco setting and a jaw-dropping sunrise/sunset view of Manila and Laguna de Bay. Sanchez-Quiazon tells us of many successful proposals happening at the Skylounge. The menu is a knockout selection of Asian, American, Mediterranean, European, and local regional fare. Highly recommended are the crispy pata, crispy tadyang, pasta, pizza, and desserts. Should guests require specific health foods, the chef will gladly take in special requests.

Vivere likewise lays claim to the first and only infinity pool in Metro Manila, and it is, yes, at the rooftop. We can imagine unforgettable views while taking a few laps.

The sports bar called V! is scheduled to open this coming November, and is bound to please palates with lunch, gourmet sandwiches, and quick snacks.

“There is never a dull moment for our guests. Aside from these features, we have our own Holy Family Chapel where Masses are held on Saturdays,” she says.

The homerun, it may be said, lies in the customer-focused approach of Vivere, valuing relationships with guests, and just being there for their needs every step of the way every day.

Sanchez-Quiazon says it is all about the human element that wins over guests. After all, what are inanimate objects for if they are not used efficiently and competently for the benefit of their clientele? Add that truly Filipino hospitality and we have a hotel that makes guests feel that they are in fact at home. That is undoubtedly why going south is the way to go.

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Vivere Hotel is located at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For more information, call 771-7777, e-mail at info@viveresuites.com or visit www.viverehotel.com.ph.