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Have you met Rene?

Rene Eglé’s love for the Queen City of the South promises to change the landscape of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, as well as Mactan Island

Having lived in London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and, most recently, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in the Maldives and Shangri-La’s Touessrok Resort & Spa in Mauritius, Rene Eglé is no stranger to new locales. His current post as the general manager of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa could have been just another check off the list, but Rene’s found himself taken in with the city and it’s people.

Rene Eglé (Photography by Steffen Billhardt: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016)

Rene Eglé (Photography by Steffen Billhardt: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016)

“Cebu has been nothing but full of pleasant surprises,” Rene observes, referring to the local cacao production, the yellow South Sea pearls, and the artistic diversity that ranges across tribal traditions and Spanish-influenced cultural touchstones as primary examples. “More than the lovely beaches and rich culinary destinations, I’ve been astounded to discover the hidden treasures that the outside world does not automatically associate with the Philippines.”

With him on board at Shangri-La, Rene aims to have a renewed focus on the team’s training and development in order to deliver the top-notch quality of service that people have come to expect from Shangri-La properties. “The Cebuanos are an amazingly cheerful and happy people—traits which, combined with the renowned Shangri-La brand of service, provide me with a team that has a strong hospitality focus,” he shares.

Cebu’s hospitality industry is evolving, with new airlines now offering direct flights to Cebu from international locations, and a growing number of small boutique hotels and large hotel chains opening up. “The task of keeping a resort relevant in a competitive environment is not so much a challenge as it is an opportunity, as new competitors bring new ideas that keep the rest of us on our toes,” Rene says. “Of course every new property provides another attraction for Cebu, and we welcome this as it makes our destination a much stronger competitor in the international tourism arena.”

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa

To do this, Rene encourages his team to express their creative spirit and put forward fresh ideas, however crazy they may sound. “If an idea works, then great, we keep it and continue; if not, we skit it and move on to the next one,” he says, emphasizing that his team is the strongest weapon. “The overriding plan for us is to continue being the leading resort in Cebu by providing a high level of consistency in quality and service, while at the same time providing novel experiences that inspire and delight our guests.”

Even with Shangri-La Mactan being quite popular among tourists, the property is also well loved by the locals. With that in mind, Rene also has plans to engage more with the local community by offering interesting and unique activities tailored to Cebu residents. He also has a few tricks up his sleeve, currently in the early stages of planning a project that would involve neighboring stakeholders to change the landscape of Mactan Island.

Rene’s love for Cebu is clear. His enthusiasm, coupled with his plans for Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa and Mactan Island itself, is enough to incite anticipation about his legacy in the Queen City. Indeed, the Eglé has landed.

People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

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People

The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos

With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.

According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.

In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.

Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas

Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu

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Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado

It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.

 

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