Oakwood Drives Service Innovation with Launch of CABB Taxi Service for Guests in Bangkok

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The first hospitality brand to offer premium CABB services at properties in Thailand


Oakwood has introduced a new service concept to deliver optimum guest comfort and convenience while commuting in Bangkok, Thailand. Through a creative partnership with Asia Cab Co. Ltd, Oakwood Suites Bangkok pioneers the premium “CABB” taxi service that allows guests to travel in luxury and style. Renowned for its distinctive approach to residential lifestyle, Oakwood’s latest service innovation follows the launch of Asia’s first mobile club lounge at Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore, which redefined the evening cocktail concept at executive lounges in traditional hotels.

Inspired by the quintessential London taxis, CABB’s fleet of elegant blue wagons and liveried chauffeurs make a prestigious statement amidst Bangkok’s bustling traffic. Each CABB chauffeur is well-trained according to stringent driving standards as well as Oakwood Clean360, a robust global programme to ensure the health and safety of all guests. A partition screen, separate air-conditioning and cashless system safeguard passengers from physical contact. Equipped with an intercom, USB charger and complimentary Wi-Fi, guests are assured of seamless communication while on the roads. The wagon sits up to five passengers including wheelchair access.

“Service innovation is a pillar of Oakwood’s hospitality excellence. As our industry is on the cusp of change, there is an urgency to evolve our services according to guests’ expectations in order to retain our leadership position. Oakwood’s mobile club lounge concept brought evening cocktails directly into guests’ personal sanctuary whilst CABB is the creative solution for guests to travel around Bangkok in luxurious comfort and absolute peace of mind. We strive to reimagine the Oakwood experience so that our discerning guests will continue to enjoy the highly differentiated residential lifestyle that is unique to us,” said Paul Stocker, vice president, operations of Oakwood.

Newly opened in January 2020, Oakwood Suites Bangkok offers contemporary luxury to seasoned travellers who demand the best. With a total of 228 well-appointed studio, premier, one-and two-bedroom apartments that cater to the diverse needs of travellers on business or leisure, the property is designed for guests who expect unobtrusive service tailored to individual needs.

“Being the first hospitality partner to offer CABB services in Thailand is a mark of distinction for Oakwood Suites Bangkok. Apart from the novelty of daily commute in CABB’s elegant vintage-style wagons, our guests can enjoy total convenience and relax in comfort while on the road. This is a priceless privilege for busy travellers in Bangkok and we hope to be able to extend this across more of our properties soon,” said Lina Abdullah, regional general manager, Oakwood, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar.



Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit Soi 24 will be the 2nd property under Oakwood in Thailand, to offer CABB services after the successful partnership launch with Oakwood Suites Bangkok.



For more information, please visit Oakwood Suites Bangkok.

Preserving the Cuyonon culture

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Despite modernization, hopes are high in preserving the Cuyonon culture for a 16-year old child from Brgy. Tanglaw, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

 

Arjen Abubakar, whose family belongs to the Cuyonon Tribe, is sharing their culture through his artworks. The Cuyonon Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are known for their great preservation of their cultural heritage for years. Up to now, the Cuyonons still perform different customary activities such as comedia, performing native songs while dressed in colorful costumes and inocentes, dancing with masks made of fibers with leaves of grass strewn all over their costumes.

 

At the age of 13, Arjen already started creating paintings that feature his tribe’s culture, tradition, and arts. His tribe was his inspiration when he made his first artwork. “Doon [his paintings] pinakita ko ang mga kultura, tradisyon, at sining ng ibat ibang tribo sa Palawan. Inspirasyon [ko] ang iba’t ibang [mga] tribo dahil malaki ang ambag nila sa [aming] sining at kultura”, said Argel when asked about his artworks.

 

Showcasing the Cuyonon Culture

 

In 2015, Arjen’s family became a member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program for IPs. Through his attendance at the different Youth Development Sessions (YDS), he was able to share his talent and learn more about his tribe. Arjen was also able to go to a school where he developed his gift in expressing art through painting.

 

Being the second child in the family, Arjen knows how hard their life is. His father, Adan, a fisherman, takes home roughly Php 5,000.00 in a month that can only suffice the basic needs of his five children. He can clearly recall the days when his parents had to borrow from a nearby grocery store just to have something to eat.

 

Arjen recognizes his parents’ hard work just to send him and his other 4 siblings to school. Realizing their situation, the aspirant Cuyonon architect is eager to reach his dream by finishing his studies. “Ipinapangako namin sa kanila [his parents] na [kapag] umasenso na kami ay magkakasama pa rin kami”.

 

Sometime in 2018, Arjen was invited to join an art contest and exhibit that allowed him to share the Cuyonon customs. The event opened more doors for him to share his tribe’s culture through his paintings. “Pagtapos ng exhibit, sinabi sa akin ng teacher ko na may gusto bumili ng artwork ko at dahil nga kailangan namin ng pera pumayag ako binili nya ito ng halagang Php 1,500.00. Malaki tulong ‘yun sa amin. Doon ko naiisip na gumawa pa ng marami at magbenta”. This opportunity gave Arjen the idea to use his talent to help his parents while sharing their culture and tradition through his artworks.

 

Arjen’s favorite painting that he fondly calls Kultura mo, Bayan ko that symbolizes his tribe became a head turner and gained attention. According to Arjen, all of his paintings aim to call for the support from non-IPs and appreciate their customs as it bears a big share in the society’s heritage.

Keeping up with his dream

 

“Huwag [nating] susukuan ang anumang pagsubok. Tuparin natin ang ating mga pangarap para hindi masayang ang pinaghirapan ng ating mga magulang. Lalo na ang tulong ng 4Ps”, Arjen’s message to other beneficiaries of the program.

 

Arjen currently takes Arts and Design Strand (Grade 11) at Palawan National High School. As of this moment, he was able to make 35 paintings and sold 13 pieces that range from Php 500.00 to Php 1,000.00. His painting Kultura mo, Bayan ko can now be viewed at the Palawan Heritage Center in Puerto Princesa Palawan.

 

“Nais naming mga katutubo na mas makilala pa ang aming kultura at tradisyon sa pamamagitan ng media. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas marami ang makakaunawa ,tatangkilik at rerespeto. Kailangang respetuhin ang aming relihiyon at pananampalataya lalo na ang aming kulay at tradisyunal na kasuotan. Kailangan ng respeto, pag-unawa at paggalang para makamit ang kapayapaang aming ninanais”.

 

The Cuyonon child’s quest in preserving his tribe’s cultural heritage does not end in selling his artworks. Through his artworks, Arjen is able to share his talent and present a promising future for the Cuyonon Tribe – culture embraced by young Cuyonons and appreciated by many.

"eSave Natin ang Pasko" fundraising campaign to support children’s learning needs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Christmas is the most awaited season for most Filipinos, especially children, but the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way the upcoming holidays will be celebrated—it’s going digital!

Save the Children Philippines is launching e-Save Natin ang Pasko, an online fundraising campaign that encourages everyone to unite in saving the Christmas spirit through a series of joyous and meaningful activities to provide joy and hope to children. These include 22 million learners, who have been experiencing major challenges such as the lack of access to learning materials and internet connection, as they struggle to learn from home.

The proceeds of the Christmas fundraising campaign will support the learning needs of children in poor households in Metro Manila, typhoon-stricken places in Eastern Visayas, and the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. It will also support children with disabilities, those from indigenous communities and from hard to reach areas.

“Even if classes are conducted through distance learning or will resume via face-to-face, millions of children will still need our support as they continue to be deprived of their right to education since their families do not have the means to support their learning needs,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

e-Save Natin ang Pasko also promotes the importance of a nurturing home through the “Mapagkalingang Tahanan” advocacy – where every member of the family, especially children, receives the support they need so they learn, survive, and are protected.

“Mapagkalingang Tahanan” emphasizes the critical role of parents, guardians, and caregivers in the continued learning of children and aims to provide them the knowledge and skills to facilitate their children’s learning.

Also, in keeping with the tradition of Christmas caroling, e-Save Natin ang Pasko features “Namamasko po!” – a fun group activity by schools, families, and companies showcasing their musical talent and creativity.

eSave Natin ang Pasko will be highlighted by a digital concert “Awit para sa mga Bata” in December where famous singers will serenade the audience in the Philippines and those living abroad with Christmas songs. The digital concert will be produced by prominent theater artists Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Michael Williams, together with Save the Children Philippines’ Bianca Elizalde.
Donors and participants who will pledge their support to eSave Natin ang Pasko will receive tokens of appreciation and a chance to be featured on the social media pages of Save the Children and its Ambassadors Katarina Rodriguez, Xia Vigor, and Ria Atayde.

“Education empowers children especially those in dire situations, and supporting their learning needs will save their lives and their future,” said Muyot.