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!

I love Nami!

This is the day for most of us before our departure. Kinda sad thinking that this is our last day in Korea. If we could only extend our stay for a much longer period we would. But of course we could not, because we still have to earn in order to finance our next trip to Korea.

Since the day we arrived, this is the only day that we all woke up much early than usual. From the guesthouse where we were staying the bus station is about more than 10 stops. We even had to battle with the rush hour at the subway.

Btw,I had fun taking the public transportation during my whole stay in Korea. In my country, I only had the chance to take our MRT/LRT twice and I haven’t taken the bus for ages. So taking the public transport for 10 days was really adventure for me. ^^

It took us about an hour to arrive at the bus station. The bus ride was about 45 minutes. Then another 5-to 10 minutes taxi ride to the port.

When we arrived at the port, there were already lots of people and tourist buses. I’m amazed to see local and foreign tourists touring Nami Island. I thought all the while that mostly Japanese and foreign tourists visit the islet.

Since we left the guesthouse without taking any breakfast we decided to eat first buying food along the port. Then we realized that we should not have eaten the food we bought there. But instead we should have packed them and eat them at Nami, sort of a picnic. Anyway, probably next time we will do that. ^^

At the port

Our ferry arrived and we all got in. It was only a short ride, 5-10 minutes and we were already at Nami.

I instantly fell in love with Nami.

There is a kind of air that will make you fell so good about Nami. I’m not sure if it was only me who felt it, but I love the feeling and it’s different. Is because of Winter Love Song? Is it because I know that Yong Joon was here?

There were so many people around. Old, young, not so young nor old, lovers, family, schoolmates, Asians and Caucasians, everyone with a smile on their face.

Group of people having picnic were everywhere. School kids having fun with their teachers. High school in groups, studying, singing, playing, biking, taking photos or just walking.

What amazed me was when I saw a group of Japanese women (I’m assuming that they are married) riding a bike (in group). They were laughing so hard and really having so much fun. Their friends were pushing their bike up because they can’t bring their bike to go up the road.

Beautiful autumn color and it's just starting to change ^^

The best place for me at Nami is the tree line. Yes, that famous tree line from WLS. The place looks so festive with so many people coming and going and wanted to have their photos taken.

Second best place is the bench with the snowman. I love the ambiance. Just perfect for a date ^^
This kids were so funny. They were spanking Yu Jin all the time . They were probably jealous of here ^^. Anyway, one of them while i was riding the bike took a solo picture of me because according to her she likes my hair. [blushing]

Love this shot ^^

If you’re a nature lover, you will surely love Nami. For me, it’s a place to go if you want to feel young at heart again. It’s a very simple place with so many happy people.

I love Nami!

***

We left Nami at around 2pm and decided to do our last minute shopping. We went to Nandaemun and Insadong again. But Elle and Bambie instead of going with us they went to Youngstreet. The radio station where 2 members of SS501 was having their radio program. These 2 ladies are very lucky to have seen the 2 members of SS501 and the car the 2 were riding even stopped in front of them and rolled down their window.

We we got back at the guesthouse, we started to pack our things.

Amongst us, i'm the one to leave Korea earliest. My flight was at 10. Elle, Rica, Anne and Nimfa still have the whole morning to stay at the guesthouse.

***

I woke up at 6 and left the guesthouse around 7 to take the airport bus at Anguk. I'm was really feeling sad going back to my country. I've been telling myself and my friends that i will definitely be missing Korea and promise to come back again.

***

When i left, my friends decided to buy a cake to celebrate October birthday celebrants. We were planning this since the day came, but always forget to buy the cake on our way home. Since they still have plenty of the time before their departure they bought a cake and shared with the staff and other guests at SeBP.

***

Every vacation has to come to an end. This vacation was definitely one of the best I had.

Who says I didn't left my heart in Seoul? I did, I did left my heart in Seoul. It's been more than a month now since i visited Korea and there was not a single day that I didn't think of my stay there. I even have dreams and I'm not exaggerating. ^^

If only i can fly tomorrow to Seoul...sigh...

Anyway for now i say ~

Kamsahamnida, Dae Han Min Guk!

and pretty soon [crossing my fingers] when i set my feet again in Korea ~

Annyeonhaseyo, Dae Han Min Guk!