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Nami Island’s Beauty Will Take Your Breath Away

This tiny crescent island in South Korea holds an otherworldly splendour.

It was Chuseok when I stepped foot on Korean soil again. A major harvest festival and a three-day holiday, it’s a celebration that begins on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar on the full moon. Chuseok, like many other harvest festivals around the world, is held around the autumn equinox. This time of thanksgiving for good harvest is observed through Koreans visiting their ancestral hometowns, paying their respect to their parents and eating traditional Korean feasts. 

Once I arrived, the first destination straight from Incheon airport was Namiseom Island (popularly known as Nami Island), a tiny half-moon shaped island located in Chuncheon, a place that I couldn’t go to on my last visit because it was far from Seoul.

The nearly-five-hour trip from dawn in Cebu to mid-morning in Incheon clearly wore out most of my companions since they fell asleep as soon as we got on the bus. Not one for falling asleep even during long trips, I watched as the scene outside my window changed from the tall urban skyline to the laidback rural residential areas and stretches of plantations.

Two and a half hours later—the traffic jams we encountered along the way added to our estimated travel time (however, I was unfazed, being a resident of Cebu)—we had arrived, but not quite yet. We were in Chuncheon, the city where the island was located, but we had to take a five-minute ferry ride to cross the river between the port and Nami Island.

Upon embarking the ferry, I was already admiring the trees that stretched as far as my eyes could see. The sunlight that streamed past the canopy of leaves overhead as I walked was a muted gold, almost silver in colour as it illuminated the path. The breeze was slightly chilly, even more so because of the many trees that lined up the path and were scattered around the island.

Nami Island is beautiful when visited in autumn (early autumn, in my case), so the volume of visitors arriving and admiring the surroundings was not a surprise. Though tiny, it was filled with sights and sounds. Couples took photos every chance they got, with their clothes color-coordinated and their smiles nearly identical in happiness. Kids ran around with their parents chasing after them to make sure they didn’t fall. Tourists huddled together as their tour guide explained the place’s history.

Those familiar with Nami Island will associate it with the K-drama titled “Winter Sonata”. A statue of the main characters had been erected in the middle of the island, named the “First Kiss Statue” in which the two lovers are locked in an embrace and staring into each other’s eyes.

On Nami Island, the animals are able to roam freely. Squirrels, rabbits, deer, peacocks, ostriches, geese, and many other critters greet you as you go around.

The trees of Metasequoia Road, Gingko Tree Lane and Central Korean Pine Tree Lane are the most popular photo spots, where their heights make it seem like they’re holding up the heavens. In early autumn, the foliage is still verdant and deep while it turns into a mixture of reds, oranges and yellow later in the season. It’s possible to just stand in between the rows of trees and simply lose yourself in the scenery.

Of course, you can’t forget to get a taste of the food. Try the Hotteok at one of the many food stalls available on the island. Best described as pancake with a crisp outer layer and a gooey red bean filling, it’s a popular Korean street food that goes for just KRW1,000. It’s delicious when you take a stroll on the wooden walks around the lake’s edge as you take in the stunning view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Though the island is small, it does take some time to get around between places. It’s possible to rent a bike or take an electronic car if walking isn’t something you’d like to do, or if you would just like to enjoy the scenery while on a bike.

It’s a wonder how a tiny crescent island could hold so much beauty. The moment I walked off the island and onto the ferry to the city, I knew I would come back for more.

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Bringing businesses together: Lalamove paves way for SMEs across the globe to “Make a Winning Move”

The local episode #LalamoveItToWinIt to support MSMEs across PH

To inspire businesses around Asia and Latin America, Lalamove has launched a regional branding campaign “Make a Winning Move” to showcase its various B2B services, strong driver-partner network, and wide-ranging fleet for fast and reliable delivery solutions. Locally, the on-demand delivery platform has kicked off the campaign by inviting its patrons, old and new, to #LalamoveItToWinIt.

Now more than ever, businesses are focusing their efforts on an experience-led customer journey. With deliveries as undeniably crucial for businesses to fulfill their services and win over customers, the central creative idea behind the regional campaign revolves around such scenarios where Lalamove’s services and B2B features help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the intense competition.

Lalamove, as the trusted delivery partner, has been servicing businesses of all sizes in the Philippines. Lalamove’s corporate clients can enjoy the on-demand delivery platform’s variety of business solutions, such as multi-stop delivery, API integration, real-time GPS tracking, a wide variety of fleet for on-demand, same-day, long distance, and last-mile delivery, and a dedicated account manager.

“The Philippines has more than 900,000 businesses, over 99% of which are MSMEs. What Lalamove offers businesses of all sizes is faster, easier, and a more seamless delivery experience to help them save time and costs. Our dedicated partner drivers, the economic frontliners of today, are here to deliver to an even wider reach across Luzon and in Cebu. This campaign is the visualization of what we can do to help businesses jump over hurdles – simply put, just ‘Lalamove It to Win It!’” remarked Dannah Majarocon, Lalamove Philippines Managing Director.

First-time users of the Lalamove mobile delivery app can get up to Php 150 off when they sign up and use the code LALAWINIT. New corporate clients, on the other hand, can also receive a welcome bonus of up to Php 1,200 when they sign up and top-up their Lalamove corporate wallet. Moreover, with Lalamove Rewards recently launched, each delivery for every user is now made even more rewarding.

Find out more about what Lalamove offers by visiting www.lalamove.com/lalamoveittowinit, or follow the official Lalamove Facebook page, Instagram account, and TikTok account for more information.

***

ABOUT LALAMOVE

Launched in the Philippines in late 2016, Lalamove is an on-demand logistics company that matches drivers with customers and SME businesses to fulfill same-day deliveries. Lalamove’s mission of making local deliveries faster and simpler across North, Central, and South Luzon, and in Cebu is achieved through innovations such as instant order matching, real-time GPS vehicle tracking, 24/7 services, and a driver rating system. Lalamove also allows businesses to scale their deliveries and operations at an accelerated rate. Lalamove now operates in over 30 markets across Asia and Latin America. Visit Lalamove’s website: http://lalamove.com

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King-size Treats Await Dad this Father’s Day at Seda Central Bloc

Misto Restaurant at Seda Central Bloc

King-size Treats for the King!

by Ryan Daniel R. Dablo

Seda Central Bloc celebrates the hardworking hero and steadfast lynchpin of the home with its offerings for Father’s Day weekend. 

 

At the Misto, Seda’s restaurant, Dad gets to sample the delicious international cuisine for free when dining with five full-paying adults. If an evening dine-out is more the family’s speed, the Straight Up bar offers a dinner buffet with a continental menu and mocktails, all enjoyed amid a backdrop of excellent cityscape views from the rooftop. Staycation at the hotel comes packed with perks for the weekend as well, such as complimentary lunch at the Misto, drinks at the Straight Up bar, and breakfast for two.

Honor your number one hero and highlight the love you have for him this Father’s Day weekend. Celebrate at Seda Central Bloc!

For more information, please call  (032) 411 5800. Follow their Facebook page or visit their website at www.sedahotels.com.

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Fashion

37 Years of High Fashion; Arcy Gayatin leaves a Legacy of Edginess and Elegance

Arcy Gayatin: A Legacy of Luxury in Fabrication

 

By:  Allain Dumon Fonte 

 

The brand Arcy Gayatin gave the Queen City of the South a distinct reputation in the fashion industry.  The fashion line of Arcy Gayatin sets the bar higher each year for clothing luxury and fabrication techniques.

 

April Duenas, Nikki Gayatin and Arielle Gayatin for Arcy Gayatin—Photos by John Paul Autor from Lifestyle Inquirer.net

 

Araceli “Arcy” Ancajas Gayatin is the daughter Galileo Ancajas and Remedios Zanoria Ancajas who founded Cebu’s home brand, Gal’s Bakery.  Arcy went to the University of San Carlos and studied Political Science.  And just like Dr. Muccia Prada, who completed her Ph.D. in Political Science and established the luxury line of Prada, Arcy also got in touch with her artistic side and started her own fashion line.  However, it was not Prada that influenced Arcy.  Arcy was introduced to fashion and tailoring at a very young age by her mother, Madame Remedios Anacajas whom they dearly call Mama Eme.  Mama Eme was running a tailoring business back then.  It was called Arabel; named after Arcy and her sister Belma.  Ara from Araceli and Bel from Belma.  In those years, Arcy was fascinated by fabrics and was intrigued by how to manipulate the fabrics to come up with fashion-forward designs without compromising comfort and taste.

 

Arcy Gayatin (photo grabbed from Space Philippines Blog Spot)

 

After 37 years of creating haute couture pieces for the most fashionable personalities in the Philippines, Arcy Gayatin is now laying down her sketchpads and pens to rest.  As she enjoys her retirement, may be on a cruise to the Bahamas or a holiday to the Swiss Alps, Arcy Gayatin has left the fashion industry a legacy of elegant and edgy clothing ensembles that understand and define the shape of women; without compromising comfort and good taste.

 

Arcy Gayatin’s Pink Flamingo collection                                               Arcy Gayatin’s Sketch on a Terno

 

To salute the lady who brought Cebu fashion to the world, a retrospective exhibition of Arcy’s incomparable masterpieces can be seen today at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Gallery; curated by fashion editor and writer, Clint Holton Potestas, and interior and fashion designer, Jul Oliva.

 

BALANCE.  Arcy Gayatin is known for her perfect symmetrical lines when fabricating.  She knows how to balance edginess and class; understanding well the strength and the finesse of a woman.

 

RHYTHM.  Arcy’s expertise in draping and fabric manipulation can be seen in how she achieves rhythm between architectural lines and soft fabrics like silk and cashmere.

 

TEXTURE.  With her thorough knowledge on fabrics, Arcy Gayatin has achieved the perfection of fabrication by working on different types of fabrics and creating a single piece of art out of them. 

 

HARMONY.  The simplicity of the silhouette plus the intricacy of the details create a wonderful harmony, making Arcy Gayatin’s design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

           

The photos below show an up-close look at the intricacy and the exquisite craftsmanship of Arcy Gayatin’s fabrication techniques:

 

THE SPIDER WEB:  one of Arcy’s genius fabrication techniques.

 

MATCH and PATCH:  Arcy’s unique fabrication craft by patching layers of different types of lace and lace patterns

 

PLEATS: The perfection of symmetry in pleats on silk.

 

LA ROSE BLEUE:  U.P. student, Danielle Alessandra Deutsch, inspired by the artistry of Arcy Gayatin, designed this midnight blue dress.   The cabbage rose made from layers of silk organdy gave this evening ensemble a romantic appeal.

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