Metro Hotels: October 2013

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Metro Hotels Provides Spiritual Book to Guests as a Source of Inspiration

In a world-first, Australian-owned hotel chain Metro Hotels will place a book called Jing Si Aphorisms in all rooms in its NSW and Queensland properties, to enable guests to learn more about the Buddhist compassionate relief organisation, Tzu Chi Foundation.

The Foundation first came to the attention of the hotel chain when it went unasked to the aid of Ipswich residents, giving out care packages following the devastating 2011 floods.

The hotel chain’s Ipswich property, Metro Hotel Ipswich International, built a relationship with the Foundation and offered to put books in its rooms so that its guests would learn more about the work and philosophy of the organisation.

Metro Hotels decided to extend this offer to other properties, with Metro Hotel Sydney Central General Manager Earl Muir yesterday accepting a special presentation of the books from Julia Wu, principal of Tzu Chi Foundation, Gold Coast, and Stephen Kan, CEO of Tzu-Chi Sydney.

The book, Jing Si Aphorisms, translates the essence of the Buddha’s teachings to exemplify life lessons. ‘Aphorism’ means original thought, or definition, and rather than being a religious text the book is meant to be an explanation of the Buddhist faith.

Mr Muir said the Tzu Chi Foundation, which lives by the creed that it is more of a blessing to serve others than be served, believes in service to the community and has demonstrated its commitment to this belief through its actions in Ipswich.

“This organisation has shown tremendous compassion and service to Australian communities when they are in need and Metro Hotel believes it is an organisation which Australians may want to know more about,” he said.

“Placing Jing Si Aphorisms in our hotel rooms gives guests another reading option to the Holy Bible. The book is being supplied as a source of inspiration to our guests. This is not about converting people from one religion to another but rather promoting harmony and diversity.”

See this press release and more at Metro Hotels News

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Princess Mary and Prince Frederik wow Sydney & expresses heartbreak for NSW bushfire victims

AUSTRALIAN-born Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark will be staying in Sydney until October 28 and attending an array of events and ceremonies while they’re here.

The pair kicked off their visit with a stop off at the Sydney Opera House yesterday waving to crowds gathered at the iconic building's forecourt.

The couple have spoken of their grief for those caught up in the devastating NSW bushfires. "It's heartbreaking," Princess Mary told reporters in the crowd.

As they greeted schoolchildren on the steps of the Sydney Opera House this morning the pair expressed their concern for all those involved.

"We've been monitoring the situation for the past eight days from Denmark," she told reporters at the Opera House on its 40th anniversary.

"Our deepest sympathies go to those who have been affected ... Our utmost respect goes to those who are working to control these fires that are really scary."

She said that while bushfires were a part of Australian life, "it's always heartbreaking to see people who are losing possessions and homes".

Jorn Utzon's son, Jan, told reporters the links between Denmark and Australia were "wonderful" and that his father would be proud.

"I feel his spirit is here with us in the Opera House, the most important achievement for him in his life."
He said he would "happily" be back in 10 years' time for the House's 50th anniversary.

Alongside celebrations at Bennelong Point, the Danish Royals will also visit Government House, attend the opening of the Ole Lynggaard store, attend the Premier's Reading Challenge at Five Dock Primary School, open the Danish Design at the House exhibition and visit the Australian Twin Registry at the Sydney Children's Hospital.