People

Talk of the Town: Anna Igpit and Glenn Soco

Megaworld changes the city’s skyline with The Mactan Newtown, a township development that brings the company’s Live-Work-Play concept to Cebu, appealing to it-couple Anna Igpit and Glenn Soco, who talk about dealing with the demands of their lifestyle and how an easygoing outlook works for their five-year relationship.

It had been a cloudy afternoon in Mactan, with a few clumps of dark clouds still looming after the heavy downpour earlier in the day. Thankfully, the sun made its appearance just as Anna Igpit and Glenn Soco emerged to pose for this issue’s cover photo. The two converse as the team gets ready, jokingly picking at each others outfits—Glenn’s a sharp suit and Anna in an intricate Cary Santiago creation. As the dress’ train flutters in the ocean breeze, the couple poses against the dramatic backdrop of the now streaming sunlight bouncing off the façade of One World Center, the first building in Megaworld’s The Mactan Newtown. As the company’s first large- scale project in Cebu, The Mactan Newtown is the chance for locals to enjoy the Live-Work-Play concept that Megaworld pioneered in the country. “We have always recognized the growth potential of Cebu and felt that now is the best time to do something here of this scale,” says Megaworld Cebu Properties Inc. president Noli Hernandez. It’s an instinct that proved true, with BPO companies opening in One World Center by the first quarter of the year and the first residential clusters of One Pacific Residences and 8 Newtown Boulevard almost sold out less than a year after they were launched. “The market reception to the project is, to say the least, overwhelming.”

Perhaps Megaworld’s track record worked in their favor, having created a string of successful township communities in Metro Manila that began with Eastwood City in Libis. “As the country’s first Cyberpark, Eastwood City brought together the first BPO companies in one location and in the process gave birth to the BPO industry in the country,” Noli shares. To make it a truly dynamic destination, though, condominium towers were constructed around the property with lifestyle amenities of retail stores, restaurants, a park and cinemas interspersed among the buildings.

From there, the company continued on to create other world- class communities. They are in fact the largest developer in the Fort Bonifacio area, with an aggregate property of 106 hectares from the Forbestown Center, Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley Hill and McKinley West. “In McKinley Hill, we tweaked the formula of Live-Work-Play and added the Learn component with the integration of learning institutions such as the Chinese International School, the Korean International School, as well as the Enderun College,” Noli explains, showing the projects’ adaptability. In Newport City, the Play component is upped through Resorts World Manila, which includes the Marriott Hotel, the Maxims Hotel and the acclaimed Newport Performing Arts Center.

In the case of The Mactan Newtown, the components are in full swing. The success of 8 Newtown Boulevard and One Pacific Residences has paved the way for other residential projects, all of which will host a variety of wellness-oriented amenities, such as One Pacific Residences’ wall-climbing facility and aqua gym, although other retail and dining amenities will soon be opening on the site. Breaking ground for Two World Center is in the works, while the first week of the year saw the grand opening of McDonald’s in One World Center—a modern outlet of the fastfood favorite that boasts the largest seating capacity in Cebu and colorful graphic art on the walls.

“We have been very fortunate to have been given full support by the Lapu-lapu city government, as well as the warm and enthusiastic reception by the people of Mactan,” says Noli, though he admits that, like all other projects, the actual development of the property posed its own development and construction challenges. Its promising start has given way to possible expansion. “As it is, The Mactan Newtown is already poised to offer a complete community experience. But having a beachfront property will be a great addition to the development, and we are currently pursuing that tack.”

It’s the kind of lifestyle that would appeal to today’s career-driven and on-the-go personalities. “Most of our residents and buyers come from a fairly young demographic,” says Noli. “It’s business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and upward mobile individuals who are looking to be at the center of a cosmopolitan lifestyle.”

The concept certainly appealed to Anna and Glenn, who made their own inquiries on the property in between takes. “I love the setting because it’s near the beach, and I love the beach,” Glenn admits. “Convenience is very important, and Newtown has all the amenities and features in one place.”

Anna agrees, “It’s very appealing, especially if you’re career- oriented and you want to be in a place where you get both worlds. You’re near the beach but at the same time, when you step out of your unit, you get to eat out at restaurants or shop at good stores.”

It’s understandable that accessibility and convenience are factors both Anna and Glenn appreciate, considering their own lives are mostly spent juggling various work commitments and time for each other. “He has his own thing and I do too. We never reached a point where we told each other what to do,” Anna says. Glenn adds, “There may be issues that we have to deal with from time to time, but we move on in any situation. We make our respective careers a priority, and we work it out so both our worlds compliment each other.”

It’s an arrangement they manage to work out, as both their worlds are flourishing on their own. Born in Bohol, Anna Igpit was part of various pageants before she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-World in 2006. She went on to represent the country in that year’s Miss World pageant in Warsaw, Poland, being the first Boholana to compete in an international beauty competition. Currently, her charm for public speaking is put to good use as a host, whether its for various social events or her GMA 7 Cebu show Istayl Nato. She is also one-third of the Wicked Sisters, an events planning company that produces occasions with, in their own words, “a wickedly inventive slant.”

On his end, Glenn Soco is the man behind many successful businesses, first of which is the janitorial services company that he took over from his parents in 1995 and expanded to provide a full range of manpower services, and the Global Power Skills Development Center, a TESDA-accredited training facility for marketable skills. He also started Coffee Dream in 1996 to give the coffee-drinking lifestyle a local twist—the chain uses 100% local beans and products, and promotes small businesses by selling items like cassava cookies, ginamos paste and local tablea. His business endeavors are partnered with a strong sense of corporate social responsibility, supporting causes such as providing day care centers to barangays, helping cancer-stricken children and promoting sports development. “I like effecting positive change in the lives of people, whether it’s in business, social work or sports. I think I’ve always had the heart for public service,” he says, alluding to his plans of running for public office. “Even in our business, providing employment gives a different fulfillment. Those are simple joys that are hard to quantify, and I hope it reverberates in my organization and outside it.”

Individually formidable in their own right, together they are one of Cebu’s power couples, the kind of people whose very presence earn excited greetings, second glances and the occasional hushed comments from observers—even when dressed down for the more casual interview over coffee on a sunny morning. “People can get really interested in us,” Anna admits. “They see the little things we do and interpret it in their own way. I can get very affected by it, but he’s very practical and doesn’t get into it, so that rubs off on me.”

Without the camera and the black tie attire, the two have the easy cadence that shows off their five or so years together. They exchange looks and teasing comments as they talk about their early days. “I wasn’t attracted to him at first,” Anna laughs, though she remembers a few romantic gestures that eventually won her over. “One thing I won’t forget is when I was based in Manila. I was at Starbucks in a mall, and someone from Coffee Dream was suddenly there carrying a huge box of flowers for me.” Glenn’s take is shorter, and elicits a laugh from his girlfriend: “She just charmed me to death. That’s it.” The couple was introduced by a mutual friend, though they didn’t exchange numbers until two years after. “There wasn’t any formal courtship. We don’t even have an anniversary,” Anna shares. “There’s really no pressure. Our relationship’s not normal.”

The rapport is candid, with a common sense of humor that epitomizes how comfortable they are with each other. “No comment. You have the floor please,” Glenn jokes when asked about their plans for the future. “Well, definitely stay together. Like any relationship, you want it to end well,” Anna answers, to which he interrupts laughing, “What do you mean end?”

Taking on a more serious tone, Glenn explains, “In relationships, you don’t have to think too far ahead because it applies a lot of pressure on the both of you. Not everything can be made out objectively, or that it has to be this or that. Relationships can be very simple and very easy, that’s where maturity sets in. I think there’s something that works with us for us to make it to five years. It’s common that you have problems every now and then, and it’s about what works for you. Sometimes you don’t even need to talk about it, and everything will just be resolved in its own time.”

Next to him, Anna laughs, “It’s relationship advice from Glenn Soco.” Considering how well it’s worked out for them, it’s probably sound advice to take.

by Shari Quimbo
photography Jan Gonzales
sittings editor Katsy Borromeo
production manager David Jones Cua
fashion stylist and art director Michael Sanchez
hair and makeup Romero Vergara and Ramil Solis
assistant Jessie Egos
shot on location at The Mactan Newtown

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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.