Travel
Oj Jottings: Urban Resort Living at EDSA Shangri-la, Manila
Edsa Shangri-La, Manila continuous to be the city’s premiere city resort destination with its revamped key guest areas to new levels of luxury. Being physically linked to the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, where the posh East Wing now boasts iconic brands such as Herve Leger, Jimmy Choo and Givenchy, reinforces the hotel’s strength as the preferred leisure, shopping and dining destination.
Tower Wing Deluxe Suite Foyer
Renovations of the Tower Wing began in the 2nd quarter of 2012. Leese Robertson Freeman (LRF) Designers Limited, Hong Kong, the same firm responsible for the interior design of other Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts properties all around the world, infused contemporary Filipino touches in the hotel’s overall design.
For the Tower Wing guest rooms and suites, a mixture of distinct local textures such as woven fibers and smooth wooden panels are evident in its furnishings and fixtures. This includes the anahaw leaf pattern by the flat screen television panels and mother of pearl appliqué on desks, cabinets and hardware. Lighter, yet vivid hues were used to achieve a soothing and elegant Oriental ambience.
Tower Wing Premier Room
Edsa Shangri-La, Manila’s Lobby Lounge design, as with the hotel’s guest rooms and suites, was inspired by nature. The color scheme of the grand hall includes golden yellows, reds and blues, complimenting the lush greenery of the garden area, visible through the lounge’s massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A major design highlight of the Lobby Lounge is the stunning trio of opulent Sampaguita crystal chandeliers. The Sampaguita is known as the Philippines’ national flower and is a symbol for purity, devotion and strength. Each chandelier is composed of 400 strands that hold 3,600 Sampaguita crystals. The custom-made carpeting reflects the Sampaguita pattern, as well as other Filipino design elements.
EDSA Shangri-la Manila’s Lobby Lounge
Ricky Isidro, a famous Filipino painter, was commissioned to create a special artwork that hangs above the Lobby Lounge’s bar area. Entitled “Malakas at Maganda,” the painting is inspired by the famous local folklore that narrates the origin of the Filipino race.
The hotel’s pool and surrounding areas were also refreshed to achieve a stronger tropical feel. An aqua play facility, complete with rubberized flooring, water cannons, fountains and slides, was also constructed specially for children of all ages to enjoy.
Swimming Pool and Aqua Play Garden Area Top View
According to the hotel’s general Manager, Patrick Schaub,“We at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila are strongly committed to providing our guests with not only the brand of genuine and heartfelt hospitality that we’ve successfully been known for the last 20 years, but also to provide the best in guest rooms, amenities and facilities.”Thus, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila continues in its commitment to upgrade and revitalize its services, with renovations and innovations for the new Health Club and Bakeshop now ongoing.
For bookings and inquiries, please call (632) 633 8888 or email at reservations.esl@shangri-la.
Lifestyle
Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.
Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.
Tiki Bar at Buko Bar
Epicurean Delights by the Pool
Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.
Mediterranean Selections at Acqua
A Whimsical Touch
Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.
Pleasant Sundowner Tunes
Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.
Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar
Champagne Bar at Acqua
A Toast to an Endless Summer!
Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.
Family Outdoor Movie Night
Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.
Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa
inside
LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.
Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.
One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.
The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.
One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.
Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.
What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.
The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb
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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!
Leisure
Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca
photography by GPA Art and Photography
A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.
Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.
Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal.
Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.
The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.
For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.
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