Arts & Culture

4 Reasons Why Shangri-La Mactan’s Acqua is One of the Best in Cebu

From food to ambiance, this is why Shangri-La’s Acqua is a must-try in the city.

There’s a reason why the Italian cuisine is loved in every part of the world. Luckily, a trip to Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa is as close you can get to experience fine Italian food in the island. A restaurant such as Shangri-La’s Acqua, needs no introduction. Which is why we are telling you 5 more reasons why Acqua is one of the best restaurants in Cebu.

Fantastic dishes

Veal Cheek Agnolotti

Spaghetti Aragosta

There’s the classic pizzas and pastas. However, Acqua introduces its newest signature dishes in a true Shangri La fashion –with a bang. Highlighting lobster and veal, diners can enjoy a taste of Italy with every bite. And because Acqua always surprises us with unique dishes, we suggest the Spaghetti Aragosta, a palatable seafood pasta topped with a whole lobster. The Scaloppine al Marsala e Gnocchi allo Zaferano is a stir-fried veal and saffron gnocchi, also a must try for all the foodies out there.

Exciting promos

Risotto al limone Insalata di scoglio al Pesto

An exclusive 2 for 1 offer on selected a la carte dishes at Acqua are up for grabs to Golden Circle members. Choices includes some of our must-try’s namely, Risotto al limone Insalata di scoglio al Pesto (a creamy lemon Risotto with Seafood Salad and Basil Pesto), Scaloppine al marsala e gnocchi all zafferano (Veal marsala with handmade butter gnocchi) and Mango Semfreddo e Cioccolato (Mango and yoghurt iced cake, chocolate soil and topped with chocolate ice cream and ginger syrup). Hurry! Promo runs until June 30, 2017.

Premier Chefs

Last year, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa welcomes its newest Chef de Cuisine, Andrea Burzio. Having worked at Michellin-starred restaurants in Italy and with an extensive background in international flavours, Chef Andrea delivers pleasing dishes on the table. Not only that, he makes sure every bite is just as memorable as the moments shared between families and friends in Acqua.

Splendid Ambiance

Nothing beats an ambiance by the poolside. At Acqua, indulge in full Italian experience by the water in an elegant and alluring scenery. Open for lunch and dinner, choose between a private room for a guests of 10, the Acqua Veranda for outdoor setting and the Gazebo for an intimate meal with the Mactan Channel view.

Arts & Culture

Kimsoy’s Canvas of a Lifetime in Full Display

There is nothing more fascinating than seeing an artist’s lifetime of work in one room. Such is the experience in Jose “Kimsoy” Yap’s third solo exhibit entitled “Kimsoy: Episodes of Mastery,” at Galerie Raphael Cebu. This serves as the truest form of homage to his enduring journey, showcasing works that span over decades.

The exhibit speaks greatly of Kimsoy’s evolution as an artist, with his shifting mediums and remarkable variety of subjects. His creations range from heartfelt portraits of individuals he encountered along his journey to detailed landscapes inspired by the different walks of his life. The room’s layout carries the weight of his years of craft with one wall lined with pastels, another with watercolors, and another with oil painting.

The exhibit transcends beyond just the commemoration of Kimsoy’s masterful periods. It wanders more into a sense of intimacy reflecting Kimsoy’s life’s journey—from his roots as a young boy in Negros Oriental, through his pursuit of greater artistic mastery in New York, to his prominence in Cebu’s art scene. All his work freehanded, created both with his left and right hand, depicts the ways in which we all leave traces of ourselves in our work and in the world.

The opening ceremony featured Ambassador Jose Mari Cariño, alongside special guests Ivy Ang Gabas, Paolo Li, Angbetic Tan, Laurie Bouquiren of the Visayas Art Fair, and Valerie Go of Galerie Raphael Cebu. The exhibit is open until March 21, 2025.

Arts & Culture

Art Fair Philippines 2025: A Celebration of Creativity

by Emcee Go

Art Fair Philippines 2025 transformed the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City into a dynamic showcase of contemporary and modern art. From February 21 to 23, art enthusiasts and collectors were treated to an eclectic mix of visual masterpieces, interactive installations, and thought-provoking exhibits.

This year’s fair features an impressive lineup of local and international galleries, including renowned names like Leon Gallery, Metro Gallery, Orange Project, J Studio and from Cebu, Qube Gallery.

Francis Dravigny’s woven artworks was one of the two featured artists at Qube Gallery’s well curated exhibition.

Qube Gallery’s Mariz Holopainen in front of Sio Montera’s abstracts.

Arts & Culture

Cebuano Pride: The National Museum of Cebu

Pride of Cebu

By Eva Gullas

photos courtesy of DOT

“With the National Museum of Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the country, we open the doors to a temple in history and culture, inviting tourists and locals to witness our archaeological and natural treasures. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future,” declares Christina Frasco, our Secretary of Tourism, at the ceremonial opening last July 28.

Located at the heart of the city’s historic port area, the former colonial Customs House, built in 1910, was transformed into an elegant edifice worthy of the city’s place in history. It was in Cebu where the Spanish conquistadors first landed in 1521 and where Magellan met his end at the hands of the local chieftain Lapu-Lapu. Starting August 1, the National Museum of Cebu will open its doors daily from 9 am to 5 pm except Monday.

Cebu City Tourism’s Neil Odjigue, Cembeth Hortillano and CCTC Chairperson Joy Pesquera

Worth checking is the first floor, where a few art pieces from national artists like Cebu’s own Martino Abellana, Fernando Amorsolo, and Jose Joya take pride of place. On the right wing are finds from archeological digs found all over the islands. Called Ang Karaang Sugbo or Old Cebu, they include a gold death mask and ancient vases from China. There’s also Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders, which features an impressive wall containing the different layers underneath our soil. There is also a display case that interactively showcases the various elements around the area, like gold, copper, and gypsum. Another wing is Paglawig: Cultural Movember Across the Seas, showcasing the islands’ maritime history and sea bounty, including rare shells.

Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Maryanne Arculli, Andronik Aboitiz and wife Doreen, Amanda Luym

Some of the abstract art from the New York collection

It is on the second floor, though, where the museum shines. Up the grand staircase, guests are greeted by Elmer Borlongan’s massive Battle of Mactan, facing a facsimile of the Sta Maria galleon, Magellan’s flagship. Then on to a limited-time exhibit on loan from the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a treasure trove of almost 90 paintings collected by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, including Ang Kioks, Sanso, Manuel Rodrigues, and many more representing both avant-garde and classic Filipino masters. The New York collection is only available until March 2024 and is not to be missed.

Writer Eva Gullas beside Elmer Borlongan’s Battle of Mactan

The National Museum Cebu has been years in the making, and this cultural milestone has finally been made possible under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who famously said during the inauguration, “I am a museum fan, and I can stay in art museums for hours and hours.” He added, ” museums are considered valuable natural assets to a nation as they build a sense of community, document history, inspire creativity, promote tourism, and unite people through a shared heritage.” Kudos to the National Museum Board of Trustees, chaired by Andoni Aboitiz and Museum Director Jeremy Barnes, for this cultural gift to Cebu!