14 Hectares of Paradise ~ Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

I had an opportunity to go to Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu for 2 nights and 3 days. I don't think I can afford the luxury of Shangri-La Mactan if not for the Company where I work. Hee, really thanks! Though it was an official trip [which others will not like], I still had a great time because I was in the company of good people. Likewise, we were able to enjoy some of the resorts facilities.

The Infinity Pool

Shangri-La Mactan as many would know is just one the many chain of Shangri-La Resorts and Spa. It is one of Philippine's premier five-star resort. Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa is a lush garden retreat ideal for vacationers and families, with kid's play areas, a wide range of restaurants, and CHI, one of the largest and most luxurious spas in the region. [and expensive ^^]

Situated on tropical Mactan Island in the Philippines, the resort is a short distance from the airport and ideally located for both leisure and business travelers.

The 14 hectares of lush tropical greenery resort is equipped with private beach cove, 2 swimming pools one of which is called Infinity Pool and the other one is a multi-level pool, health clubs, gyms, sauna, steam bath and massage room.

Photo courtesy of www.shangri-la.com

Recreational activities include para sailing, sailboats, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, speedboat fun rides, water and jet skiing, golf, tennis and many more.
There are facilities for toddlers, kids, teens and adults too.

There are many restaurants and Lounges to choose from. There's Tides a buffet of international dishes. Tea of Spring which offer Chinese cuisine. Cowrie Cove where one can experience a different level of wining and dining by the sea. Acqua [yes, that's the spelling] that offers Italian cuisine in the plush modern interiors that also offers a panoramic view of the Ocean Wing pool and the clear blue ocean. There is also the Buko Bar and Grill where one can quench that thirst with fresh coconut juice served straight from its shell, sip exotic cocktails and watch cultural shows at night. And there is also the Lobby Lounge which is overlooking the lush tropical garden, the resort's multi-level pool and the horizon beyond. It also offers live entertainment nightly. There are so many things that can be done while staying in Shangri-la Mactan. You can also go to the major shopping areas and shop for souvenirs by taking the free shuttle bus. During our stay, I had the comfort of staying in Superior Bay View with my lady boss who also happens to be my photographer on the last day of our trip. The room overlooks lush gardens with a view of Mactan Bay. The décor comprises an inviting blend of traditional and contemporary Philippine styles. The room offers a private balcony with a coffee table and seating for two.

View from room 8092

On the last day of our stay, I went to Chi Spa just to look and take photos. Honestly even if I can afford the rates which is 3 to 4 times more compared to 1^st class spas in Manila, I don't think I can have a massage in Chi Spa ^^ I think it really caters to foreign guests. Btw, out of curiosity I asked if all the treatment rooms are occupied, and to my surprised all were occupied. I was told that reservations must be made in advance for them to accommodate me. ^^ Anyway, you may check here to know the rate at Chi Spa.

The resort was fully booked last week and I think about 80% of the guests were foreigners [there were Caucasians which I don't know the nationality, lots of Koreans, many Japanese [on vacation because of Ubon], Chinese and Singaporeans as well].

Shangri-La Mactan is paradise. I love the serene world that it offered me. I love the prevalent mood in which feelings were sheathed in thoughts.

What makes also the stay worthwhile is the service quality of the staff of Shangri-La Mactan. It is one of the best. They have superior service and the staff show genuine warm hospitality. For the short time that we stayed in the resort, with all the demands and changes from our group the staff were all very accommodating. I received many positive feedbacks about the overall experience our group had during our 3-day stay in Mactan. It's really amazing how they've managed to create a culture of service across the organization. It is highly commendable.

During our stay we were able to squeeze in a half day tour but unfortunately we weren't able to see all that was included in our itinerary.

First stop is Liberty Shrine which is located in Punta Engano, Mactan Island, a good walking distance from the Resort, this monument stands to honour the spot where on April 27, 1519 the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, and his warriors killed Magellan in battle and drove his troops back to the sea.



Then to LapuLapu Monument where the battle between Mactan Island Chieftain Lapulapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occured in April 27, 1521 . It depicts the hero holding a bolo (large sword) in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

We then proceeded to Alegre Guitars factory. Mactan, Cebu is known for making the finest guitars in the Philippines. Cebu has a guitar-making industry. Most (if not all) guitars are hand-crafted and sell well below the price of more well known guitars. This is taken at the Alegre Guitar factory in Abuno on Mactan Island.

We were told that the more complicated the brace
of the guitar is the better sounding it is

From Mactan we went to the Cebu City which is about 45 minutes to an hour trip and went straight to Majestic Restaurant to have our lunch. The restaurant offers Chinese buffet with over 50 viands for a price of P350net!

After our sumptuous lunch we went to the higher part of the city where the astonishing architecture of the Taoist Temple can be found.








This work of art is located in the wealthy residential community of Beverly Hills about 6 km north of downtown Cebu. This temple is said to be preserving the teachings of Lao-Tse, the 600 B.C. Chinese philosopher. A soaring, multi-tiered, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes. Attractions here consist of a huge colorful dragon, a replica of the Great Wall of China, spacious balconies offering scenic views, souvenir shops, mini library with instructional materials, and dozens of escalating steps.

Our last stop before heading back is Magellan's Cross. Planted in April 21, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan; spot where the first Christian Filipinos, Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana and about 400 followers, were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderema. In 1525 to 1740, the Agustinian priests built an open shrine for the cross but the natives began to take chips from the cross believing it had miraculous power so a kiosk-like structure was built to protect the cross from total destruction. To protect it further, a hallow cross of tinadalo wood was made to encase the original cross which still stands today.

Devotees line up to light a candle and make a petition outside
of the Basilica de Sto Nino in Cebu City.

After Basilica de Sto Nino, we then went back to Shangri-La. The tour was too short, there could have been more places to go to but we really do not have much time. When we got back, i immediately changed into my swimwear and headed to the beach and pool ^^

Ahhhh, life is so good!

Destination...Laoag

Finally my first real vacation in 2007!

What made this vacation more exciting is that I was with Liit, Amba, Jen and Tita Yhetta and 14 more members of their family. It’s quite a long story how I met them but Liit is our common denominator. I met Liit’s almost entire family when I helped her planned the wedding of Tita Yhetta and Tito Apollo via net and as they say everything is history.

How me and Liit known each other? Well, that’s another story. But knowing her and her family is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. I feel so welcome whenever I’m with them which I didn’t feel much when I’m around my relatives. They embraced me with warmth and love. They’re superb!

It was my the first time I’m traveling with them and hopefully not the last. Our destination…Laoag City.

May 24, 2007, at five o’clock in the morning, I woke up still undecided whether I would have someone drive me to the airport or not. I’m supposed to be at the Centennial Airport by 9am our flight is at 10am.. Because my car is coding as well at my bro’s, I decided to take the cab. And it was a wrong idea to take EDSA during that time. Anyway, I arrived at the airport a little past 9 with Amba, Alfred and their kids about to enter.

Laoag City, is 257 miles away from Metro Manila, 12 hrs on land trip and about 50 minutes by air. We were on flight PR 226 arriving Laoag International Airport at 10:50am.

It’s not my first time going to Laoag. I’ve already been there for about 2 or 3 times with family and always take the land trip. It was my first time to go there taking the plane. Actually to save time and for the trip to be more convenient to my friends since they came from San Francisco we took the plane.

Laoag is located at the northern tip of the Philippine. It is the capital city of Ilocos Norte. It is known for its bagnet [a tasty deep friend pork], sukang iloco [balsamic vinegar], tiny native garlic whose flavor is more intense than that of the Taiwanese garlic, red onions and cilantro.

Laoag is a very ideal place to take a vacation if you’re looking for a serene side and you’re ready to shift gears and slow down to almost to a full stop.

We arrived at Laoag International Airport on time. Our plane touched down very smoothly. We were greeted by a very hot weather. After getting our stuff at the baggage claim, we immediately got on the bus that will take us to where we will be staying for 4-days and 3-nights, Fort Ilocandia, the only 5-star hotel in the northern Philippines with casino. Fort Ilocandia is a Spanish Moroccon inspired villa, the resort is complete with facilites and luxuries designed to provide absolute satisfaction for the tourists.

Fort Ilocandia is equipped with 280 deluxe rooms that offers panoramic view of the resort. It has an exclusive 18-hole golf course, olympic size swimming pook, video arcade, tennis court, gym and sauna. At the beach you can enjoy water activities such as, jetski, banana boat, surfing, sailing, and volleyball. You can also do recreational activities such as horseback riding, all terrain vehicles, shooting range, archery and many more.

From the airport, it’s about 15 to 20 minutes ride to the resort. When we arrived we were greeted by local singing group singing Ilocano songs.

The trip to was full of fun. We ate, went to the beach and had fun seeing all the beautiful historical places of Ilocos Norte and Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

At Vigan, Ilocos Sur we saw the residence of famous Filipino painter in Badoc, Juan Luna. The ancestral house of the Crisologos, the town’s museum, the famous heritage where in you can see old old old Spanish-era buildings and houses.

In Ilocos Norte, aside from Laoag, we went to Paoay where the famous Paoay Church is, we also visited the Malacanang of the North. It is the house of the former President Marcos. We went to see Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos . It is the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines. We also traveled to Bangui where giant windmills are located. Those windmills are the first in southeast asia and have been attracting tourists. Then we went to Pagudpud beach, the Boracay of the North. It is famous for its white fine sand.

I would have wanted to write more but I’m kinda lazy today. Anyway, here are hotos which I took. Enjoy!

Btw, thanks to Liit and Amba for making this trip possible. I owe you guys!

Feeling Like a Queen

Yeah, that's how i'm feeling since last Wednesday when i checked in at Sofitel for our event. Why? Because I'm in a suite...not just any other suite but a Presidential Suite! As an event organizer I already know that my room will be upgraded but I never thought that I'll be given such a grand room.
Here let me give you a quick tour

This is the receiving area...

The bedroom w/ plasma tv ...

The dining area...

The bathroom which has a rain shower ^^

The mini kitchen...

And here are few photos of with me in it ^^

What's great about the room too is that I can see the ocean. I would have been great if i can take a photo of the sunset in the bay but unfortunately during sunset for the next 2 days i'll be working.
Oh yeah another wonderful perk that I have as an event organizer is that I've a free internet access and a free unlimited outside call. Btw, I love love love the curtains...they're remote controlled.


All my colleagues envy me for having this room. They want to be part of my team next time to get these perks too. But believe me, being in the Banquet and Accommodation Committee is not an easy task. Sometimes, having this kind of room does not compensate the pain, the late nights, and b*thch*ness of the guests.
Oh well, anyway, for the meantime, I'm putting everything behind and will try to live like a queen for 3 nights and 3 days.

Food Attack

This is what I like about my job, Hotels, resorts and fine dining. My job requires me to plan events. Ok, before I go on, I�m not an event organizer per se. Planning events is just 30% of what I do in our company. But this is the most taxing. Planning an event for 500-1000 pax is not easy. The only thing that excites me in doing this is the elegance.

Yesterday, I had a chance to dine at Hyatt Hotel and Casino. I set I d ate from our account officer to finalize our requirement for the banquet and room accommodations of our guests.

I've already lost count as to how many times I've done events in this hotel. But every event that I do is different from the other.

The upcoming event on March 8 is full of elegance. Red carpets, string orchestra, delectable banquet that the French and Australian executive chefs concocted are the highlights. The ballroom will be decorated only by flowers.

Anyway, I'll blog about the ballroom set up next. For now, I want to blog about the treat which my taste buds had yesterday. I've to choose the best food from the choice that the French, Australian and Malaysian chef prepared for March 8.

Yesterday�s lunch literally gave my palate pleasure.

For appetizer I had to choose between, Marinated Salmon and Mango Salsa Composition of Norwegian Salmon or, Chicken Galantine with Cumberland Sauce and Salad Leaves.



Which choice I got? It�s the 2nd one. I love the Cumberland Sauce just perfect for my taste buds. I would have wanted the Marinated Salmon, but the others may not like the raw salmon. If it had been smoked then I guess I would have gotten it.

The soup is next (hee, I'm soup person). I was served with 2 kinds.

The Blue Swimmer Crab, Ginger Crab and Coconut Soup which is quite good but too salty for my taste. The crabs made it too salty. My guess is that one would have his blood shoot up if he takes too much of it.

This one is mouth-watering. Pumpkin Froth with Parmesan Brittle. Love it! I could get 2 servings of this.

Before going to the main course, I was served with �wash�. Wash normally is a serving of sherbet to wash away the taste of the appetizer and soup before going to the main dish. Wash is normally sour.


The Malaysia chef, who heads the dessert, prepared 2 homemade sherbet. The Raspbery and Mango Sherbet. The Raspberry is too sour, the Mango would not look nice in the table after serving a yellow soup. So I talked to the chef and told him if he can recommend another one. He said he will make Lemon Grass Sherbet for our occasion which is neither too sour nor sweet.

Now comes the most exciting part, the main course. Who would have thought that rich flavor of dark chocolate would blend well with beef?

When this dish was placed in front of me, it surely made my mouth water.

This is Pot Roasted US Prime Beef with Dark Chocolate Sweet Potato Puree and Annatto Seed Oil Roasted Onion. Btw, that onion is soooo sweet! I had a happy tummy after eating this palatable dish. Yummy�yummy�oh so yummy!

This one is Grain Fed Chicken Bread and Tiger Prawn Nantau Sauce. I didn�t choose this because it doesn�t have the appeal to me. Though I love tiger prawns. But one is not enough for me.

Ah, what a treat! *burp* [liezle : excuse me )

Much as I would want to stop eating and just leave the decision to the chef and account executive the dessert, I was told by them�No. Sigh�.

But you know what? When the dessert platters were placed in front of me [sorry i forgot to take picture of the desserts because i was so amazed with the presentation and probably i'm already too full to think] I can�t do anything but surrender to the temptation of the sweet delights. I got a bite from each of the devilish cakes which are sinfully delicious. [ argh, there goes my diet!]

Ah, what a meal! So much gusto for lunch!

Hee, for fear of indigestion, I finished the meal off with a cup of jasmine tea.

On Thursday, I�ll be again doing the same thing as the above. This time, I�ll be at Sofitel Philippine Plaza (formerly Westin Philippine Plaza) for our March 9 event.

Geez, after this, could I still fit in the gowns that I�ll be using ? Help!