Dubbed the “Oscars of the Aviation Industry”, the Skytrax Awards are the global benchmark of airline excellence with over 20.36 million customers surveyed worldwide by more than 105 nationalities, measuring standards across 49 key performance indicators of an airline’s frontline products and services.
When AirAsia won the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline award last year (2017) in Paris, France, I was fortunate to have been invited to join the AirAsia Philippines entourage to cover the awarding in the city of lights and love.
There are now more reasons (and more places) to paint the skies RED!
AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, has announced its latest route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with four times weekly direct flights from Davao commencing on December 21, 2017.
That’s right, folks!
Operated exclusively by AirAsia Berhad (flight code AK), this newest route is the fourth direct route from the Philippines to Malaysia after Manila, Cebu and Kalibo.
The well-received launch event was attended by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, Ambassador Alfredo Yao, one of the Filipino investors of AirAsia Philippines and AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador.
(5th from left) AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador, Ambassador Alfredo Yao, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes
During the event, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio shared that they see Davao City as a major point of growth in the international market, especially with agriculture being the city’s largest industry. Their aim for the city is also to grow it to become a hub for financial, tourism, service and education in Mindanao. She adds that the introduction of the direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Davao could not be more timely and is a key step in this direction to empower local players across various economic activities.
The past 3 days, which I spent in Malaysia, allowed me to cover (and witness) just how involved AirAsia is in supporting new innovations and great ideas through their inaugural regional hackathon called, AIRVOLUTION 2017.
Inside AirAsia’s incredible headquarters in Malaysia – RedQ!
During my visit to AirAsia’s breathtaking headquarters named, RedQ, which also happens to be one of the coolest office spaces in Malaysia (and the world, in my opinion) and the venue for this most anticipated event, I was blown away by how well attended AIRVOLUTION 2017 was.
I’ve long been a fan of Julie’s Biscuits products. From biscuits, cookies, crackers to even their delectable wafer rolls. My wife and I usually buy them in the grocery for our kids and stock a couple more for ourselves.
Here’s the catch, though… for the longest time, I thought that the Julie’s Biscuits brand which makes these delicious treats and our local Julie’s bakeshop were one and the same.
I even remember visiting a grocery in Penang, Malaysia just a couple of months ago and found myself surprised to see Julie’s Biscuits being sold there. I even thought to myself, “Oh, look! Julie’s is now being sold abroad?”
Ready to go on an incredible adventure? Well, gather your travel buddies because this might just be the thing for you!
AirAsia is now accepting entries for the MOUNT KINABALU CHALLENGE! That’s right! Win free trips and conquer one of the highest peaks in South East Asia with your friends.
The diversity in ethnicity, religion and culture in Penang — particularly in George Town — is what makes this place a huge draw to tourists and travelers seeking great tasting offerings. This popular place is undoubtedly every foodie’s wonderland. It’s an incredible place where contasting flavors collide, matched with the amazing ambiance of Chinatown.
Here, you will find a variety of flavorful offerings that aren’t just delicious but incredibly affordable, too!
Ready to check out these amazing places to eat in Penang? Let’s go!
I had an absolutely great time during my visit to beautiful Penang, Malaysia just a couple of weeks ago. One of the many reasons why my trip was such a delight is because of the wonderful service and comfort I experienced at Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang.
You’ve probably already heard of AirAsia. It’s quite impossible not to know this airline especially if you’re like me who’s always on the lookout for the best airfare deals out there.
AirAsia, regarded as “The World’s Best Low Cost Airline”, has always been one of the most trusted names in the business especially when affordability without compromising quality comes to mind.
AirAsia Zest
My question now is this… is it possible for the “world’s best low cost airline” to get any better than they already are? Apparently, YES! Because something that has been a long time coming has finally happened… and I was invited to Murray’s New Orleans Bourbon Street Steaks and Oysters to hear the wonderful news firsthand!
Guess what? ZestAir is now flying with AirAsia! The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved “AirAsia Zest” as the new brand name of Zest Airways, Inc. CAB also approved the new logo of Zest Airways, Inc., wherein the Zest name has been incorporated into the iconic red hot circle, which is the signature logo of AirAsia.
Following this approval, the airline is currently updating its records with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to include the new business name “AirAsia Zest” in its permits with CAAP.
Our next destination… the busy, crowded, festive and restaurant-riddled street of Jalan Alor.
This is one long strip of road that seems to never sleep at night. The entire stretch of Jalan Alor is lined with all sorts of food stalls, with tables and chairs that overflow from their respective restos and stretch out to the sidewalk and practically takes up almost a third of the street itself. If you’re into ihaw-ihaw and al fresco dining, this is the spot to hit.
If you’re familiar with banchetto, imagine that but a couple of times bigger. Best to dress down and dig in when you’re here! Just be sure to keep your wallet and valuables close to you. I enjoyed this place a whole lot! Good food, awesome crowd, party atmosphere… it’s just very Pinoy, me thinks!
Our first stop along the way was the new National Palace of Malaysia called, Istana Negara.
To say that Istana Negara is BIG is an understatement. Huge does not even come close to describing the place. Istana Negara is absofrickinlutely massive! You’ve got to be there to actually realize how vast and overwhelming the National Palace is.
After a good number of “Look! I’ve been here!” photos all over the outer grounds of the palace including some fun pics with the palace guards, we left Istana Negara to have late lunch. Yipee!
Though lunch was a tad late, it was very filling as much as it was fulfilling! Truly, much of a people’s culture and heritage can be learned through their food. And if eating is learning, then this particular lunch can be likened to a whole day lecture! I believe I ate more than my usual. Thank, God, I brought my stash of Carbtrim to even out the carbs I took in. *burp!*
After what seemed to be a foodfest over lunch, we went straight to our hotel – The Berjaya Times Square.
Apart from our hotel rooms lookin’ really swell, I found it equally awesome that Berjaya is located right smack in the heart of the city. It makes exploring the metropolis that much easier.
We, checked into our respective rooms and were given about an hour to freshen up, unpack and relax a bit before meeting up at the hotel lobby again to make the most of our first day.
An hour passed and sure enough, we were all gathered at the lobby ready to head out and see more of Kuala Lumpur. Let’s go!
AirAsia, award, Malaysia, pia wurtzbach, skytrax, tony fernandes 0 Comments 
