People

Why Manny Osmeña is One of the Most Inspiring People in Cebu

With all his successful business ventures, Manny Osmeña is set on leaving a legacy that might change the world.

Manny Osmeña is the only person at Skillet when we walk in, sitting at a table by the kitchen despite the fact that the sign on the door already announced that the restaurant was closed. He’d asked to meet for the late night interview at the newly opened bistro—where, in his own words, they “serve western food cooked in a Japanese way”—because he had missed dinner for another appointment.

As we discuss his businesses, advocacies and life philosophy, he digs into the different dishes, occasionally pausing his narrations to tell us why each dish went with the others. He talks in between hearty bites, and something almost passionate is seen in the way he ate each dish, as if he genuinely enjoyed each spoonful. Certainly, Manny O ate with gusto.

Food isn’t the only thing Osmeña regards with such zest. It’s clear that his, and the rest of the Manny O Group’s endeavors, whether in business or philanthropy, are done with a lot of heart. “I’m very meticulous. I’m very obsessive,”Osmeña admits.

It must be said, though, that his love for amazing gastronomic experiences was what spurred him to create the Ibiza Beach Club brand. “I’ve been on a quest for the longest time to take dining to the next level,” he shares, continuing to describe the times he’d visited and dined in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Despite the exciting dishes that were often served, Osmeña always found that there was something missing. “That’s when I started Ibiza Beach Club. I said dining has to be a full experience. It has to be all the senses, without the pretense.”

“We’re selling a philosophy,” he adds. “It’s about experiencing impeccable quality in all factors, from the food, environment, ambiance, service—but still very easygoing. It’s not stiff. That’s why we call it lifestyle dining.”

Ibiza had brought a new, upbeat spirit to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, and will be expanding beyond its shores. The flagship outlet will soon open above the streets of Bonifacio Global City, promising to bring the laid-back but world-class experience to the capital city. There are also talks of the possibility of opening other franchises around the world, which would eventually put in the spotlight Ibiza’s most exciting offering—the unrivaled entertainment.

Featuring an in-house cast of singers and dancers who perform themed shows every night, entertainment is very much part of Ibiza’s DNA. The upcoming outlet in BGC also brings with it the opportunity to create a much larger Ibiza Performing Arts Academy, which has partnered with people from Repertory Philippines. “In the future, if someone wants to open an Ibiza Beach Club anywhere in the world, they have to hire the performers from our Academy,” he says.

Bringing Cebuano workmanship abroad isn’t something new to Osmeña. The businessman had been running SkyLogistics for the past 20 years, handling on-ground operations at the airport and being the only airline-catering provider in Cebu. The business had expanded to Manila seven years ago, with his company, SkyKitchen providing in-air meals for Philippine Airlines. “In Cebu, we cater to literally every airline because we’re the only one,” he shares. “Between Cebu and Manila, we make over 20,000 meals a day.”

It’s certainly impressive, by any standards, but Osmeña isn’t one to rest on his laurels. Wine is a passion that he had developed during his travels, finding it so different from other spirits that seem to be drunk for the pure purpose of inebriation. “I was never the person who would go out with friends and get wasted, and so I never really drank alcohol,” he narrates. “But when I was traveling around Europe, I would be served wine, even for lunch. Wine for them is not to intoxicate them—it’s a flavor agent. I became emotionally attached to it, both good and bad, so I fell in love with it.”

Since then, Osmeña started a small collection of wine, furthering his appreciation by educating himself on what was good wine. His friends had eventually asked him to teach them about wine, when one broached the idea of producing his own. Although the idea had seemed appealing, Osmeña originally thought he had to set up his own vineyard and winery, something that sounded unfeasible—until he later realized that he could just commission a vineyard to make wine for him.

The venture has definitely paid off—despite admitting to a few years of less than stellar creations, his 2007 Bibulus has earned considerable international recognition. The re-created red Bordeaux has 21 accolades in ten countries, including being the trophy winner at the Vinalies Internationales 2013 in Paris, where it won against 1,736 other dry red wines.

It’s clear that no matter what Osmeña sets his mind on doing, he does it with pure passion and drive. His latest venture, though, is something more humanitarian and very close to his heart.

“In the past, the Manny O Group would always give to charity after a disaster, one million here, five million there,” he recalls. “But there was no sustainability. We just gave and moved on. It was Yolanda that woke me up.”

The typhoon birthed what Osmeña calls a burden in his heart, prompting him to create Hope Now Philippines. The Manny O Group partnered with Gawad Kalinga to rebuild communities that were affected by Yolanda, beginning with Bantayan Island, north of Cebu.

Since that first community, the foundation has built communities in Leyte, Bohol and Samar. Osmeña is, in fact, heading to Manila the day after the shoot for a ceremonial turning over of checks pledged for another community in Sulu. “Last year, after President Duterte won, a movement was created with Joey Concepcion and Ramon Lopez. The movement was called Kapatid Angat Lahat, for inclusive growth,” he explains, showing a photo of the group during a Christmas party in Malacañang—the lineup featured some of the country’s top business leaders such as Teresita Sy-Coson, Manny Pangilinan and Robina Gokongwei-Pe. “I’m part of that movement. One of the things we believe is that the problem in Mindanao has to be solved, otherwise it’ll only get bigger. We decided that we needed to open our arms to our brothers and sisters in Sulu.”

The endeavor started the Save Sulu project, and Osmeña pledged to build a community there, and still there’s more work to be done. Yolanda had also brought to awareness the issues that medical volunteers experience after a disaster. Featuring refurbished Mercedes Benz trucks, the Hospital on Wheels or Gulong ng Buhay (Wheels of Life) will be a mobile medical center that volunteer doctors can use to attend to patients.

“It took us a very long time to put together a model that is sustainable,” Osmeña admits, sharing that the unprecedented project had caused some issues and delays with the Department of Health. “Hopefully, by God’s grace, the delivery of the first will be before the end of the year.”

The Hope Now presentation says on its very first slide: It’s not all about us. This is a philosophy Osmeña has now embraced, and he believes it’s about time that other people who have been just as blessed as he is do the same. “There are people now who compete against each other—who has the better-looking car? Who is growing his business faster?” he shrugs. “It feels different, it feels good when what you talk about is how much money you give. People can feel it. They can see it.”

The change has created a more positive environment in his family, and has completely transformed the way he does business. “The Manny O philosophy is that we’re all working for a higher purpose. Many divisions of the Manny O Group now dedicate a certain percentage of the profit to give to charity. Manny O Wines, Ibiza Beach Club—25 percent is owned by the poor,” he explains. “We count ourselves very blessed. We already have what we need.”

After all, he continues, he believes that the success he has experienced throughout the years can only be credited to a divine power. “It’s no accident,” he says of the businesses he runs now, and how he had managed to pull through despite a financial crisis some years back. “The Lord could have left me, but he picked me up from my fall. He not only gave me back what I had in the beginning—he gave me a lot more.”

“Everything I have from then to now is a gift. If you ask me how I did all of this, I wouldn’t know. Often I just happened to be the right person at the right time. And what does that mean? It must be divine,” he declares. That mindset has put things in a clear perspective. “God made us all a blank canvas, and it’s up to us if we make a mess or a masterpiece.” In case you’re wondering, this is also the reason Osmeña wears all white.

He pauses in the midst of dessert. “I didn’t give you a chance to ask more questions, I just kept talking.” I agree with a laugh, but as an audience, we certainly didn’t mind. There was something genuinely touching and absolutely inspiring about his outlook on life. “Tony Meloto always said that God’s calling for me was to be the conscience of the rich,” he shares, referring to the founder of Gawad Kalinga. “The mark I want to leave is not as much of being a philanthropist, but being an instrument of philanthropy. I want them to read my words and feel guilty and be convicted, and then be enveloped by compassion.”

These days, he reiterates, this is what he wants to do. When I ask him about what’s next for the Manny O Group, his answer is refreshing and completely unique. “I’ve decided that I want to stop starting anything new,” he confides, sharing that he’s already turned down a few opportunities. “As I said, God has blessed us so much—let’s take good care of what he has given us. And I would like to devote a lot of time in helping in whatever little way I can to help in reducing the trouble in the world. That’s all.”

A businessman who had no plans of building other businesses—it’s something that’s almost unheard of, but it’s clear that Manny Osmeña is set on carving a different path. Whatever path it is, though, we know he will do it the way he eats—with genuine gusto.

Photography by Nath Ybañez

Related Topics:Manny Osmena Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

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Design

Filipino graphic designer makes history, joins Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde among genre’s greats

PJ Ong of Inodoro, an internationally renowned graphic designer, is the first Filipino whose work will be part of the permanent collection of Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde

CEBU CITY — In a groundbreaking achievement, Cebu-based graphic designer and art director PJ Ong of Inodoro Design Studio, is set to become the first Filipino artist permanently exhibited at Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g) in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Cebu-based graphic designer and art director of Inodoro Design Studio, PJ Ong

Ong’s recognition at MA-g places him among over 250 avant-garde artists, including iconic figures like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, signifying a profound milestone in museum history.

“Avant-garde,” is a term that refers to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“I am extremely honored and humbled. It is a remarkable milestone in my creative journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prominent platform. The acknowledgment, especially considering Switzerland’s exacting standards in art and design, is truly fulfilling,” said Ong.

Part of a stellar contemporary collection

Under the museum’s Contemporary Collection, Ong will join global contemporary agencies such as M/M Paris (collaborator of Icelandic singer-songwriter and composer, Björk), WORK Pte Ltd (brainchild of the “Godfather of Singapore Graphic Design,” Theseus Chan), Bedow (Stockholm), BVD Stockholm AB (Stockholm), Socio Design (London) and Milkxhake (Hong Kong), among others.

Ong’s music packaging design for the Filipino harsh noise duo, White Widow, will be featured in the museum. The band’s album “The God Uterus Dissolves” — released under Melt Records — features an unconventional cassette tape packaging incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, elevating it into a unique and bespoke collector’s item.

The museum’s selection process for its Contemporary Collection involved three categories: Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. Swiss-Canadian Fritz Gottschalk, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design, led the Graphic Design category.

“This is profoundly validating for me as a graphic designer. Being part of a museum’s permanent contemporary collection is a lasting testament to my capabilities as an artist,” said Ong.

‘Poetry you can touch’

The graphic designer from Cebu City further defined the album as a “deliberate departure from the ordinary,” stating that it was a testament to the artist’s and band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and offering the audience a unique and immersive experience.

“Careful consideration was given to every detail, including choosing a premium supplier for the cassette tape. Opting for a screen-printed cassette, where design elements were applied directly to the surface, gave it a contemporary and visually striking result, helping us reinforce the design narrative,” said Ong.

“From the cohesive placement of elements to using symbols instead of track titles on the spine and customizing fonts, every aspect was carefully thought out. Rather than opting for the conventional wire mesh treatment on print, I took a bold step by incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, adding a unique and sensory dimension to the album — almost like poetry you can touch.”

Profound honor

Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio under Ong’s leadership has garnered global acclaim for its bold design philosophy, spanning music, fashion, architecture, culture and technology. In becoming the first Filipino whose work will be on display at the MA-g, Ong stated that it is “particularly humbling.”

“Traditionally, these privileges are given to individuals who have amassed decades of experience, attained mastery in their craft, or even as a posthumous acknowledgment. To be among those selected is a profound and unexpected honor,” he said.

“Museums typically focus on visual artists, and for a graphic designer, especially within the realm of commercial work, recognition can be more elusive. I appreciate the challenges of this less conventional route and I am committed to proving the significance of graphic design in the broader artistic landscape.”

Art enthusiasts can anticipate viewing Ong’s work with “The God Uterus Dissolves” at MA-g, scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.

***

About The Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g)

The Museum of Avant-garde compiles an original body of work from private collections, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of avant-garde movements. These movements, synonymous with transformative ideologies and daring experimentations, played a pivotal role in challenging political and societal conventions. For more information, visit www.ma-g.org.

About Inodoro

Inodoro is the creative moniker of graphic designer and art director PJ Ong, a prominent figure in the Philippine design scene. Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio, based in Cebu, Philippines, has garnered international recognition for its bold and distinctive design, with a focus on thought-driven imagery and iconic visual language. The studio specializes in identities, custom typography, graphic design and art direction. For more information, visit www.inodoro-design.com.

People

Ladies Who Support Ladies

Women’s Circle is an organization composed of Cebuano ladies who are successful entrepreneurs and top executives. They recently held a fellowship event at the Sheraton Mactan Resort, with special guests from the Women’s Business Council Philippines. Chairperson, Rosemarie Rafael and Council Secretary Cynthia Mamon both flew in from Manila to discuss alliances between the Cebu and Manila groups.

Loot bag from Jo Malone, Sheraton, R&M Chocomanga, gift card from Maayo Clinic, sarong from Ferimar.

The half day event was organized by Perl Jacalan, Gina Atienza and Eva Gullas. Sheraton Resort through its GM Dottie Wugler Cronin supported the event as it is aligned with the hotel’s women initiatives. The successful event was made more fun with generous give-aways, notably Jo Malone perfumes, Sheraton bags, R&M Chocomanga and sarongs from Ferimar.

People

Eight Years of Redefining Hospitality Service

by Allain Dumon Fonte

The person behind the very successful chain of Bayfront Hotel Cebu is the youngest son of entrepreneur couple, Edgar and Gregoria Cokaliong. I first met Charlton as a young and dashing gentleman busily working in their textile business. I am impressed with how he excellently juggled taking care of orders, organizing shipments, arranging deliveries, accounting, and even managing the staff of their textile company. Charlton is an alumnus of Cebu Eastern College where he finished his primary and secondary education. He then went to the University of San Carlos and studied accountancy. He successfully passed the accounting licensure examinations, and worked as a certified public accountant while helping in the family’s textile business; who would have thought that he would venture into hospitality.

Charlton Cokaliong (Managing Director of Bayfron Hotel Cebu). Picture taken at the Bayfront Hotel Lobby.

In 2014, he first opened Bayfront Hotel Cebu at the North Reclamation Area. I even wondered why of all the places that he can start a hotel, he had to choose the North Reclamation Area. I find the location appalling for a hotel. What view will the guests see? I would not want to stay in a room where the views are cranes, machines, and container vans from the sea port. Yet, Charlton foresaw the future of hospitality service. He knew that with the recent developments of Cebu City, people will prefer to stay in hotels that are near to the city, and have access to almost everything they need. The hotel is right across SM City Cebu, 10 minutes from the sea ports, 30 minutes from the airport, and 15 minutes to almost all the tourist destinations in the city and in the hills of Cebu. Then, he made the hotel packages and event packages reasonably priced; yet, with a 5-star quality of service. I even questioned, are you not losing for the prices that you have set? However, since the hotel opened and up to the present, Bayfront Hotel Cebu has always been fully booked and is becoming the primary choice of venue for events and celebrations. Charlton explained that he foresaw that with the rising economy and the rising population of the metropolitan, people will always prefer to celebrate special occasions; yet, considering the inflation every year, people will also choose to become more practical by spending less without compromising quality. And this is what Bayfront Hotel Cebu delivers, an experience of excellent hospitality service at a price that no other can match.

Bayfront Hotel Cebu in Capitol Site.

Because of the continuous demand for their hotel rooms and venues, Charlton opened another Bayfront Hotel Cebu in September 2021. This time the location is at the heart of the uptown of Cebu in the Capitol Site. Again, Charlton banked on the great location of the second Bayfront hotel. I once again questioned him on this; considering the competition in the area because of the many up and coming business hotels that offer the same rates and packages. Charlton smiled and confidently said that apart from the great location, he also banks on the quality of service that his staff can deliver. “If you take care of your staff very well, your staff will take good care of your customers”. I have seen first hand how Charlton handles and manages his staff at their textile store, so I know how he also handles and takes good care of his staff in the hotel. And I realized that this is his biggest selling point, the hotel’s incomparable service and friendliness. Even though the hotel opened in the middle of pandemic restrictions, the new hotel is getting countless reservations; most especially that the Capitol Site Bayfront Hotel offers an amazing view of the city skyline at its roofdeck bar and pool area. The gym , pool , and bar amenities at the hotel’s roof deck with its view are a must to be experienced.

Standard De Luxe Room at the Bayfront Hotel Cebu.

Early of 2022, Charlton also opened the hotel’s in-house dining feature. For seven years, Bayfront Hotel Cebu was catered by a third party food concessionaire. But, again, Charlton foresees that the Filipino market will be more critical to food and taste. I asked, why is this? Charlton explained that with travel becoming more affordable and accessible, people will get to experience different kinds of food and dine in different restaurants. Hence, people will now learn to benchmark, not only from local restaurants, but also from their dining experiences around the Philippines and overseas. Therefore, Bayfront Hotel Cebu needs to step up its game in dining. With the opening of Caja Kitchen, Bayfront Hotel offers more selections of Asian and Filipino comfort food fusion with international cuisines. With Caja Kitchen, Charlton turned a Filipino menu into an international dining experience. I asked him how he came up with all these. Charlton explained that dedication to make his guests happy and satisfied is the key motivation why he does not stop thinking about innovating and reinventing everyone’s hospitality and dining experience.

Caja Restaurant: Bayfront Hotel Cebu’s in-house dining facility.

In September of this year, the Bayfront Hotel Cebu in North Reclamation Area is officially celebrating its 8th year of wonderful and excellent hospitality service; while the Bayfront Hotel Cebu in Capitol turns 1! Great and exciting anniversary promotions and packages await its patrons and guests! Please visit the social media pages of Bayfront Hotel Cebu to know the amazing anniversary deals!

With my last question, what does he have in mind now. Charlton just smiled and said, “Well, who knows? Another Bayfront Hotel Cebu shall rise soon!”. After this interesting conversation, I can say that Charlton is truly a man who can foresee the future; may it be in business, in the market, with the trends, and with new experiences.