EVEN with Iloilo’s tourism industry essentially reduced to a screeching halt by the shadow of novel coronavirus, homegrown hotel brand Hotel Del Rio has stood steadfast and resilient – as it innovates and leads in carving out a “new normal” in the local hospitality industry, and reinvents the meaning of outstanding Ilonggo service.
Adaptive to these challenging times, the iconic Ilonggo hotel has blazed a trail in how hospitality providers in Iloilo City will offer their services and operate in a world after COVID-19 – pushing innovative initiatives while still adopting necessary precautions to remain at the service of the Ilonggos.
A few weeks into the extended quarantine and it’s become increasingly difficult for local farmers to transport their produce from the province to the city, and in turn for Ilonggos in the metro to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from public markets and grocery stores closest to their homes.
Amid concerns on social distancing and fair trade, Hotel Del Rio has found an innovative way to connect Ilonggo buyers to local producers in both upland and lowland Iloilo province, with the innovative “Merkado Del Rio, Your Lifestyle Market” online marketplace. With the initiative, the iconic Ilonggo hotel makes it easier for potential customers to connect to marginalized farmers from Guimaras, Leon, and Alimodian – “Merkado Del Rio” helping local growers sustain their livelihood and ensuring that the Ilonggos still have access to quality home-grown produce.
Hotel Del Rio launched “Merkado Del Rio” early last month as it sought to connect underprivileged farmers from Iloilo’s provinces to buyers here in the city. Through the initiative, Hotel Del Rio helps sell fresh local produce at competitive prices, by making them available for pre-order and pickup.
With the available fruits and vegetables ranging from Alimodian-farmed watermelons to crisp broccoli and cauliflower heads from upland Leon to sweet Guimaras mangoes – a first batch of “Merkado Del Rio” in late March quickly sold out due to the demand of the Ilonggos.
“At the end of the day it’s not really about how much you earn, but it’s making a difference and keeping that positivity alive in you even during this difficult time,” said Hotel Del Rio Chief Operating Officer Allan Tan. “In helping our local farmers sustain their livelihood, and giving them a venue to deliver their fresh produce, at the same time giving people here in the city a convenient and safer option to buy their essential fruits and vegetables. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative of ours.”
Hotel Del Rio regularly posts the fresh produce they have available on their official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hoteldelrioiloilo). Simply browse and pre-order your basket for pickup by messaging their page and selecting your orders and their respective quantities.
“Merkado at Del Rio” has also unwittingly inspired the chefs of the hotel to conceive of Café Del Prado’s newest specialty offering: the must-try Cheesy Squash Pandesal, the classic Pinoy bread roll given a novel delectable twist. The product of Ilonggo resourcefulness, Hotel Del Rio’s reinvented fluffy pandesal boasts a generous filling of sweetened squash purée and yummy cheese – made from the fresh kalabasa harvests of local farmers from the town of Alimodian.
Faced with a scarcity in ube to produce its now famous Ilonggo favorite – their much sought-after Ube Cheese Pandesal – the hotel’s chefs considered other practical options and serendipitously found an ideal candidate in the humble homegrown kalabasa, the shift made even more sustainable since local growers during this season have a large surplus of squash in danger of going to waste. The delectable pastry is now also available for pick-up or delivery thru Del Rio Delivers.
‘Gourmet On the Go’
While you’re here, Hotel Del Rio also continues to operate “Del Rio Delivers” – serving its selection of gourmet favorites to loyal Ilonggo patrons – now made conveniently available right at your doorstep, a single call away.
As Iloilo’s hoteliers and hospitality industry takes a massive hit during this challenging time, Hotel Del Rio continues to believe that we are “Stronger Together” as it reassigned workers to the “Del Rio Delivers” hotline as customer service representatives and riders, in lieu of employee layoffs and belt-tightening measures that may hinder our worker’s capacity to provide for their respective families.
“We truly believe that we are stronger together! Despite the odds and uncertainties, we continue to be of service to Ilonggo,” said Hotel Del Rio Director of Sales and Marketing.
“Del Rio Delivers” began operations in late March, accepting orders Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. – within the city limits of Iloilo City. Hotel Del Rio and Café Del Prado are now also live on Grab Food, check out the app for convenient and seamless orders.
Hotel Del Rio is located along M.H. del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines. For orders, inquiries, and reservations, you may call (033) 335-1171 to 74, or 09989568500 and 0917654881, or email sales.hoteldelrio@gmail.com./PN
