Every year on June 5th, people find different ways to celebrate World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Programme’s platform for positive environmental action. This year in Cebu, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa chose to celebrate the day by expanding its commitment to biodiversity conservation through its launching of the Eco-Trail.

A botanical sanctuary more than just a local attraction, the Eco-Trail features over 65 plants that form a route of lush greenery around the resort. Included in this collection is the recently discovered Cynometra Cebuensis, a flowering plant classified as critically endangered due to the rapid deterioration of its natural habitat. The plant’s adoption in the Shangri-La Mactan Eco-Trail is a move to save it from extinction, a move for earth.

A ranger begins the trail at the Ranger Base.

The trail begins at the Ranger Base and takes approximately an hour. Foreign guests need not worry about language barriers as each plant overview comes in multiple languages. Specialized resort rangers conduct the tours. These rangers are local experts who all share one thing: a passion for Cebu’s flora and fauna, and a desire to share it with resort guests. Rangers received training from the University of San Carlos – Biology Department and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Orchids are flora part of the resort’s trail.

To make the most of the experience, guests have the option to partake in a chocolate journey with the resort’s chocolate sommelier at La Tierra del Chocolate After all, there is something so soothing about drinking a mug of hot (or cold) sikwate, a Cebuano chocolate drink, while basking in nature’s glorious creations. (Some of Cebu’s most stylish personalities enjoyed the Cacao Garden here!)

The Eco-Trail is initiated by General Manager René D. Egle and serves as the resort’s testament to making taking care of Cebu’s natural heritage an everyday advocacy.  

For more details, get in touch with the resort rangers at (63 32) 231 0288 or send an email to mac@shangri-la.com.

22 Tango Records celebrates its 9th year of producing and releasing quality local
music by hosting an anniversary event on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Draft Punk, Mango Square. “Roll-Out” will feature live acts from a carefully curated list of artists signed under the label.

Performing on stage will be Wonggoys, Bethany, Vincent Eco, Lourdes Maglinte, The Labrats, and Mother Folker (aka Cattski).

Along with this grand celebration will be the unveiling of 22 Tango Records’ new website, with updated features, music articles, events calendar, lots of music and valuable content not just about the label but also about the local music scene.

“As much as I feel like there’s reasons to celebrate, I feel like there’s still so much work to do.” Cattski expressed, when asked about their anniversary celebration. “We still have a long way to go. But, looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve done. We’ve explored the different aspects in the music business – from music creation, promotion, education, distribution, publishing and production – all in the hopes that we’ll ultimately co-create a sustainable local music industry.”

22 Tango Records has given opportunities for artistic growth and development for all their artists in the span of 9 years, training and guiding them to become better at their craft. The label plans to keep giving its support by continuously creating events designed to cater to different genres and music listeners, giving each a unique brand and working hard to keep it consistent.

“I believe in our potential.” Cattski says, “I think to have our own hyper local music industry is something that we strive for. We want the future to have thriving musicians capable and empowered to work for their music using the latest technology, communication means and with a supportive community”.

Chief Finance Officer and Co-founder Anne Muntuerto also shares her thoughts about 22 Tango Records advancing into bigger, more eventful years.

“I’m so proud of how 22 Tango Records has made a mark in the Cebu music scene no matter how small it may seem in the last 9 years,” she says. “We have been extremely lucky to be supported and surrounded by people who believe in our advocacy— our dedicated street team members, artists, brands and companies who have supported us, and 22T’s loyal listeners and followers. It takes a village. And it’s this tribe that inspires us to keep going.”

Catch Roll-Out on March 30th, Saturday, in Draft Punk, Mango Square. Music starts at 8PM with a door fee of P150, inclusive of one free drink.

For more updates and information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@22tangorecords).

For its final performances, the M. BUTTERFLY National Tour 2019 will spread its wings at SM SEASIDE CEBU from March 14 – 17. Presented by Tony and Grammy award winning producer Jhett Tolentino and FRONTROW Entertainment (producer of highly-acclaimed independent films Bhoy Intsik and Bwaya), this world-class masterpiece is brought closer to those who did not have the opportunity to catch its 2018 Manila run. After all, location should not limit one’s exposure to the arts and culture.

Due to many challenges and technical details that come with productions, most theatre companies in the Philippines are often hindered from bringing their projects to other key cities. Because of this, Jhett Tolentino and FRONTROW Entertainment are taking this bolder step to carry on their mission and advocacy in the performing arts and to further enhance audience development throughout the Philippine archipelago.

A revival production of David Henry Hwang’s M. BUTTERFLY, this is the winner of the 2018 ALIW AWARDS for Best Play, Best Actor and Best Director and nominations for The Best Featured Actress in a Play.

Targeting audiences between ages 18 and beyond, the producers are
hoping that this classic drama, inspired by Giaccomo Puccini’s opera ‘Madame Butterfly’, will likewise resonate to theater audiences from Luzon, Vizayas and
Mindanao that “ love, power and deception holds no boundaries – whether this be
in a rural or urban setting.”

The M. BUTTERFLY NATIONAL TOUR 2019 will benefit the following charitable institutions namely: Iloilo Prima Galaw, Philippine National Red Cross Iloilo Chapter, The Children of Cebu Foundation, Silliman University Culture and Arts Council and the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation.

The schedule of performances of M. BUTTERFLY in Cebu are as follows:

Mar. 14 – Thursday – Opening Night – 7pm
Mar. 15 – Friday – 7pm
Mar. 16 – Saturday – 2pm / 7pm
Mar. 17 – Sunday – 2pm / 7pm
VENUE : SM Seaside City Centerstage

For tickets, you can get them at SM Tickets through any SM Mall or SMTickets.com.