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Larger Than Life

When a high-profile couple needed their new home reimagined, interior designer-tandem, Almario sisters Ivy and Cynthia, provided the vision.

When a high-profile couple needed their new home reimagined, interior designer-tandem, Almario sisters Ivy and Cynthia, provided the vision.

by Ian E. Baol photography Genesis Rana

After some months of construction on their new home which they thought first to be just a small project, the homeowners were in limbo, not knowing how to push further and achieve their dream home that fit their lifestyle. Fashion designer Kate Torralba—the homeowners’ niece—then intervened and sought professional help in the couple’s stead and turned to her good friends the Almario sisters Ivy and Cynthia; a powerhouse design tandem whose roster of clients include designer Philipp Rodriguez, many of the Aboitizes, the Ayala Group, restaurants like Café 1771 in Ortigas, high-end residential areas North and South Forbes Parks in Makati and Tierra Pura in Quezon City, to name very few, not to mention other top hotels and resorts here and abroad.

But the couple had to be patient, as Ivy and Cynthia were jetting around the world on commissioned projects. Eight weeks later, leaving Cebu after seeing the house, Ivy Almario found herself immediately sketching her ideas, old school, drawing—in scale—the house’s proposed new interiors, and all from sheer memory (that’s right, without the help of any camera, computer, whatsoever).

Within a year the house still humbly sits on a quarried adobe hillside, but now God is in the details, and they are grand.

“The challenge was to visually expand the space,” said Ivy, “and I believe we succeeded.” I couldn’t find the words to express how much I agreed. “When I came to visit on my day-trip there were walls covering too many parts of the house. You couldn’t see this rock,” said Ivy talking about the solid adobe wall resulting from the quarried hillside where the house was built. “We thought, oh my, in Australia for example, they look for this, they buy this, but here you’re sitting on a gold mine. We have to make this the artwork,” as she pointed out, the point being unobstructed living spaces brought about the absence of walls to hang art.

But Ivy and Cynthia say the couple is already “modern” at heart. “The floating stairs, for example, was already there, so we helped them in the most exciting execution and accessorizing,” said Ivy, assured that she knew what the homeowners already knew wanted and that they just helped the couple get there.

Before Atelier Almario in the Philippines came to be, the sisters lived and worked in the US. Cynthia worked for a design firm in California that did the interiors of the Shangri-La resorts all over Asia (including Shangri-La Cebu) and several other hotels in the US. Ivy worked for four different firms in three years, as a rendering artist, then for over ten years she was on her own, earning a living as an independent rendering artist and eventually a junior designer, putting her clients’ concepts onto paper for their presentations. “It was then that I became a really good designer,” Ivy said, “by working for these companies, I was able to internalize how they solved design problems.” Eventually the sisters moved back to Manila, and the interiors of many high-end residential and commercial projects were never the same again.

Ivy’s Feng Shui is also considered by Manila experts to be perfect for projects. Her approach to space planning, and understanding and maximizing light sources, impactful door opening, and the general flow of energy is always strategic.

For this home, Cynthia and Ivy and said it could have been easy to take the surroundings’ natural beauty for granted, but as the design concept was to bring the outdoors in and maximize the existing spaces, they took down walls, used a lot of glass, and strategically set big mirrors.

Cynthia said the couple wanted their home to have a “resort feel” as they travelled a lot and enjoyed five-star treatment. The woman of the house wondered why they couldn’t just have it at home, “so as the designers, we made sure it would be very restful.” The master’s bedroom is elevated so all you see when you wake up are the tops of trees and the sky. For the headboard wall, a copyrighted design from Bonace, in Cebu, a mother of pearl wall. “Sometimes when I wake up, I forget I’m just at home,” laughed the woman of the house. Beat that, five-star hotels. The pyramid canopy above the bed expanded the sleeping area and the use of continuous glass panel windows provides an unobstructed view of the fire-trees of the fronting hill. Without having to bring in a landscape artist, they were able to bring the outdoors in and the homeowners agree that this part of the house has really changed their lives. For privacy they installed remote-controlled venetian blinds from __. Stepping outside the bedroom leads you into the outdoors; a balcony cum breakfast nook for six with a beautiful Dedon dining set.

Aside from the Kenneth Cobonpue Bloom chairs down in the living room, the Almario sisters tapped into the unique Cebuano talent getting items from designers and manufacturers professing a love for Cebuano products. Coast Pacific, Dedon, and Kenneth Cobonpue make up most of the outdoor furniture. Other items and décor the couple brought in from the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the UK—of course with Ivy and Cynthia’s approval. “Take it easy, be patient, and wait for us,” the woman of the house recalls the sisters telling her before she went on her furniture shopping spree, admitting to over-excitement and being too eager to start buying already after seeing the sisters’ design prospect.

The man of the house, who documented the process very carefully, affirms that the sisters’ work is truly inspired, and inspiring, showing pictures from Ivy’s initial sketches to the construction phases. The exterior was envisioned by Architect Ed Gallego, and the interiors by Atelier Almarior’s junior architect Jay Rivero who has been in praxis since 2004 and been working with the Almario sisters since 2006.

The daughter’s room reads like a Marie Antoinette fantasy. She worked with the interior designers giving them pegs of her ideas, which fit like a glove with the sisters’ general chic aesthetic idea for the home. The ornate night tables and plush bed and seating were all fabricated in Manila and finished in Cebu and the mother made the lampshades herself. “It was a labor of love,” she called it.

In another interview, the sisters, who are known to be extremely close, so much to even finish each other’s sentences, refer to their general design mantra as being chameleon-like, “We design using a whole gamut of genres and periods, from traditional, transitional, contemporary, Asian fusion, modern, you name it, we do it.” They prioritize “great work ethic and passion for work,” with strong relationships “with God, family, loved ones, friends, clients and peers, staff and suppliers,” and even people they encounter every day.

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Eatz Cebu Issue 4

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EATZ Cebu Magazine

EATZ Cebu Quarterly Magazine is available as a room amenity in most major hotels, resorts and restaurants in Cebu. With a food-centric editorial voice, EATZ Cebu is the first publication to introduce readers to the current dining scene in the island of Cebu. Advertisers will appreciate its wide audience reach of printed copies, a digital edition as well as social media posts. Click or tap the cover below to view the copy:

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Eats

All the Best Romantic Deals and Offers in Town this Hearts Season

We compiled the best romantic deals and promos for those who want to make this year’s Valentine’s Day extra special.

1. Make it a Valentines to stir your heart and soul at Club Serena Resort. This Valentines, paint a beautiful love story in Club Serena Resort in Moalboal, Cebu. Delight in discounted room rates when you pair your stay with a five course romantic dinner by the splendid Tañon Strait. Your stay includes turndown service with a romantic set-up, while dinner includes Angus steak, a glass of wine, and a long stemmed rose for the lady.

ROOM SALE. Book 2 room nights for the price of 1, or 3 room nights for just a little over. This offer, and more, are available today until Sunday at the Cebu Travel Catalogue International 2023.

Get luxurious savings on your bespoke resort getaway!

See Club Serena Resort at booth 48 of the Cebu Travel Catalogue International 2023 in the Activity Area of Ayala Center Cebu on February 10-12.

To find out more, send a private message on their Facebook page or call 0917-872-6367.

2. Hearts Season at bai Hotel Cebu
Celebrate Love in style with our Valentine’s Day feasts and staycation promos at bai Hotel Cebu. Indulge in a romantic evening with your loved one with our delicious and carefully curated romantic-themed set menus, available exclusively on 14 th of February. Our chefs have crafted a selection of the finest dishes to make your intimate moments unforgettable. Get ready to fall in love all over again this Valentine’s Day with our romantic room special. Treat your significant other to a night of luxury and relaxation in one of our spacious and well-appointed rooms. Happy Valentine’s Day from bai Hotel Cebu!

Room-antic Special Home is wherever I’m with you. Express this season of love the definition of home with your favorite person. Create staycation memories of romance and lush in our well-appointed rooms this 01 to 28 February 2023. Promo period starts 25 January 2023 to 28 February 2023.

The Deluxe Room is priced at Php 4,888 nett per night, Premier Room is priced at Php 5,888 nett per night, and the One-Bedroom Suite is priced at Php 6,888 nett with the following inclusions: breakfast for two (2), Php 500 worth of F & B credit – can be used in any outlet(stay-in), unlimited WiFi access, complimentary use of the outdoor infinity lap pool and free use of the fitness gym. Terms and conditions apply.

Seasons of Love: Valentine’s Day Set Menu and Feast offers on 14 February 2023
Get struck by Cupid’s Concoction. Elevate your romantic gestures with five course set menu of fine dining, stylish, and upscale steakhouse that serves the finest custom-aged USDA prime beef and other meats alongside an exquisite selection of wine. Marble + Grain will be serving its Valentines set menu on 14 February 2023 at Php 2,500 nett per person. This will include one (1) glass of house red wine or white wine.

Lounge in Romance and Zest this Season of Love at our Lobby Lounge where perfectly curated five-course set menu brings you gastronomic wonders from elegant meat arrangements to zesty seafood classic. Paired with two (2) glasses of red or white wine at Php 4,200 nett sharing for two(2). The Lobby Lounge will be serving the set menu on 14 February 2023.

Finally, you put my Love on Top! Take the fleeting moments 23-storeys high with our Valentine’s Day Set menu at Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar. A four-course set menu and Alfresco lounge and bar for your dreamy skyline date with a 360-view of the city, all retailing for Php 2,100 nett per person. Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar will be serving the set menu on 14 February 2023.

LOVE FEASTS. Make your Valentine’s Day feast a memorable one with our signature gourmet dishes from Marble + Grain Steakhouse in bento-style closer and more accessible to you. Share precious memories with loved ones and friends with these hot meals that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere! A 24-hour prior reservation is required.

Fall in love with flavors from around the world at Café bai this Valentine’s Day. Indulge to our heart’s day themed buffet of gastronomic wonders whether for lunch or for dinner. Lunch hours is 12 NN to 2:30 PM at Php 1,288 nett per person and Dinner is on 6 PM to 10 PM at Php 1,499 nett per person.

DRINK OF THE MONTH: SEASALT CREAM LATTE/BERRY COOKIES MILK TEA
This season of love, experience coffee mixed with decadent cream cheese and sea salt. Intrigue your palette with sweet specialty of berry and cookies blended to satisfy every Milk Tea lover. Taste the complex flavor of sweet with a hint to salt of Seasalt Cream Latte at Php 250 nett, and berry sweet delight of Berry Cookies Milk Tea at Php 200 nett. This Drink of the Month is available from 6 AM to 10 PM daily at Wallstreet Café + Bar.

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: GARDEN OF LOVE
Experience a walk in the Garden of Love with every sip of this perfectly curated cocktail with your lover. Perfect notes of agave bouquet, essence of rose, delicate aroma soft elderflower, citrus notes from Hibiscus tea, a hint of bitterness and fragrance from our homemade lavender bitters. You’ll be wanting for more of this drink at Php 320 nett available at Marble + Grain Steakhouse, Ume Japanese Cuisine, Lobby Lounge, Twilight Roofdeck, and Pool Bar this 14 February 2023.

CAKE OF THE MONTH: RED VELVET CHEESECAKE BROWNIE
You can never go wrong with Red Velvets on Valentines Season. The queen cake of velvety texture, sweet vanilla, and tanginess from buttermilk now in chewy brownie and cream cheese layers to keep it simply sweet this Valentines Day. Have your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie this Season of Love whether for sharing or for one at Php 600 nett for 6-inch-wide cake and Php 250 nett for small cake. This Cake of the Month is available from 6 AM to 10 PM daily at Wallstreet Café + Bar.

For table reservations, orders, and further information, you can call bai Hotel Cebu at (032) 342 8888 or (032) 355 8888 or (032) 888 2500 or message them on Facebook at bai Hotel Cebu.

3. There’s a Lot to Love at Radisson Blu Cebu.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu embraces the month of love with a full program of indulgent and themed offers from the Lobby Bar and Feria restaurant all the way to room service.

Spill the tea over Dilmah Arana teas and refreshingly-filling bites with Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Bar. Served from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM this month for only PHP 999 net for 2 persons, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy your favorite person’s company to highlight your day.

For daytime drinking, and well into the night, a series of limited-edition beverages are ready to pique your interest: a coconut-rum-based cocktail, to a strawberry puree mocktail, and a dark chocolate frappe, available all month in the Lobby Bar and the Pool Bar, sweeten any toast to more beautiful memories.

For buffet lovers, Feria restaurant embraces Parisian highlights for Valentine’s day, in an ode to the city of love. Beef bourguignonne, duck confit, and ratatouille in the European station join the Japanese, Filipino, Indian, Mediterranean, and Chinese stations featuring Feria’s beloved international fare, together with signature paella, whole lechon, and roast US beef. Finish off with crepes as we bring back the crepe station for one night only. Valentine’s day dinner buffet on February 14 includes 1 glass of red or white wine and free flowing beer, for just PHP 2,500 net per person.

For a more private experience, the garden welcomes couples to dine under the stars from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Carefully prepared by the hotel’s award-winning kitchen team, a 4-course dinner with wine-pairing is the true answer to romance. Asian tuna tartare with mango and miso tahini dressing paired with a chardonnay to start; porcini mushroom soup followed by US braised rib of beef with red wine, fondant potatoes and asparagus, is paired with a cabernet sauvignon; and white and milk chocolate entremets with fresh strawberries is complemented by a lambrusco dessert wine. Dinner under the stars is PHP 3,500 net per person, while live acoustic music serenades guests and ladies receive a special gift.

Romantic rooms service is brought to a whole new level, this month, with a plethora of breakfast favorites including freshly-baked pastries, sliced fruits, waffles or pancakes, fresh salmon, and eggs made how you like it can be arranged at PHP 1,999 net. Level up the romance with a bouquet of roses and a bottle of sparkling wine, sold separately.

Each day can be Valentine’s Day, all February, at Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.

For reservations and other inquiries, please call 032 402 9900 or e-mail rhi_rdce@radisson.com.

4. A Seaside Rendezvous in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

This Valentine’s, go on a sweet escape at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu with your loved ones and have your fill of delightful culinary creations and blissful experiences in any of the 5-star resort’s sought-after restaurant outlets.

A Private Seascape Romance

Take pleasure in a dreamy experience overlooking the cerulean blues at the Observatory. This February 14, dine with flair in a scenic and private space, while you feast on an exquisite 6-course menu for two complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine and romantic tunes.

A Coastal Seafood Date at Cowrie Cove

Enjoy the cool breeze, ambient lighting and piquant specialties by the sea with your beau, as you revel in Cowrie Cove’s Cupid Surf & Turf Platter from February 10 – 14. Delight in lobsters, prawns, groupers and more— for a truly filling date night!

A Romantic Sojourn in Acqua

This Season of Love, spoil your Mi Amore with blissful selections and taste your way through a romantic tropical evening in an indoor or Al Fresco setting. Revel in Acqua’s well-loved Tomahawk Platter, Smoked Salmon, and more with their set menus for two persons.

All for Love: A Valentine’s Day Buffet

The real way to someone’s heart is through their stomachs! This Valentine’ Day — love well, dine well and go on a gastronomic feast with Tides’ hearty dinner buffet selections, featuring the Canadian Lobster, Wagyu Rump and decadent, themed desserts priced at Php3,500++ per person.

A Starlit Date by the Beach

See love in the stars and feel it through the coastal breeze, as you dine with your significant other under Mactan’s tropical starlit skies. Delight in Breeze Bar’s grilled local BBQ specials, perfect for casual conversations by the beach. The grilled set is priced at Php5,000++ for 2 persons.

Sweet Treats for Two

Who doesn’t love calm afternoons, with a dash of romance?

This February 10 – 14, spoil your loved ones with exquisite afternoon delights, while whispering sweet nothings amid the golden hour. An intimate setting perfectly paired with delightful treats like French Macaroons and Cherry Scones. The Afternoon Set is priced at Php 1,488++ inclusive of sweets, savories and a pot of coffee or tea.

For table reservations, contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/en/landing/mactan-seasonal/

5. Romantic Offerings at Seda Ayala Center Cebu

For those planning to celebrate ahead of the crowd, Seda Ayala Center Cebu’s Stay Two-Gether promotion is the best deal—leave the romantic Valentine’s room setup to them. They’re also throwing in a complimentary bottle of wine, chocolates, and a red rose for the lady. Rates begin at Php6,000 net for a Deluxe Room.

On Valentine’s Day, indulge in Love Bites, a gastronomic four-course dinner that is sure to delight your tastebuds. For Php4,000 net for two (2) persons, the dinner includes an appetizer, soup, main course, and dessert trio. Welcome drinks and glasses of wine await!

Their Romantic Rendezvous is the ultimate package beginning at Php9,000 net—aside from being able to lounge in the comfiest accommodation with a beautiful Valentine’s room setup, you also get to enjoy their four-course dinner, Love Bites.

Can you feel the love in the air already? We’re just as excited as you are.

For inquiries or reservations, please feel free to contact them through their trunkline at (032) 411 5800.

6. Love is in the air at Quest Hotel Cebu and Conference Center
Avail of the Power of Two romantic room promotion for some much-needed down time with the one you love. Make this Valentine’s Day doubly special with accommodation for two, a five-course dinner for two in the room, and two glasses of red wine. Choose to have a romantic dinner on the balcony when booking a Premiere Room, and have a romantic setup in the Executive Suite complete with a bath strewn with rose petals. Couples have the option to linger over their five-course dinner by the pool, serenaded by live music. Power of Two room packages begin at Php10,000 nett and include a beautiful rose for the lady, breakfast in the room, or buffet breakfast at Puso Bistro.

Celebrate all types of love, including self love. Pamper yourself with the Indulgent Comfort room package, inclusive of a two-hour in-room massage, movie library with popcorn, and Kir Royales at the Pool Bar for the ultimate solo staycation. Indulgent Comfort rates begin at Php4,900 nett inclusive of breakfast in the room or buffet breakfast at Puso Bistro. For a romantic evening, choose Made for Two, a romantic dinner by the poolside with 5-course dinner.

If celebrating with family, there’s no better way than spend it at Puso Bistro and Bar for a feast of all-time favorite Filipino and International specialties.

To reserve a table call Puso Bistro at 09989615734. Valentine room packages are valid for stays during the whole month of February on book and buy basis and subject to availability. Reserve through questhotelsandresorts.com/cebu or walk in at the hotel on Archbishop Reyes Avenue. Follow them on Facebook.com/CebuQuestHotel and on Instagram @questhotelcebu for the latest updates.

7. A Special Valentine’s at Benjarong in Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu

Relish a special authentic Thai seven-course set dinner for Php 5,000 net per couple with a glass of sparkling wine and a live music performance on Valentine’s Day.

For table reservations, please call them at (+63) 32 888 1388 or email at benjarong.dtmc@dusit.com

8. Stay & Dine with Love at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

Take your partner’s hand and stay in love with Waterfront’s stunning room rates inclusive of a honeymoon set up, buffet breakfast for 2 and assorted pralines. Get this charming deal starting at a rate of Php 4,000 valid from February 14 – March 15, 2023.

Fall in love all over again as you stroll along Waterfront’s gourmet walk for a variety of intimate dining offers.

And to make your Valentine’s more romantic, our wine offers are here to create the perfect pair with our lovely dining offers. You may choose between a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc or have a glass to yourself.

Bring home the sweetness of a creamy mousse cake with a vanilla pistachio sponge in between, covered in red glaze and topped with white chocolate for Php 1,200 nett. If you’re craving cheesecake, then we got you! You can avail the large Brownie Cheesecake for only Php 1,170 nett and small for Php 468 nett. It’s the perfect gift idea to complete your Valentine’s experience by treating the people you cherish most.

To know more details and to book our room and F&B promotions, click on the links below:
https://bit.ly/WCCH-RoomPromos
https://bit.ly/WCCH-Dining-Offers.

9. Love struck at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel

Cebu Parklane is all about love! And we’re not just talking about the romantic kind. We’re also big fans of the love you show for your family, friends, loved ones and even your coworkers—which is why we’re offering some great deals on Valentine’s Day.

We’re celebrating by offering these special promotions on February 13 and 14, 2023:

Manuel’s Restaurant Dinner Buffet – 𝐏𝟏,𝟐𝟎𝟎 w/ Choco Moist Cake for all couples

Kan-anan 4-course Meal – 𝐏𝟏,𝟐𝟎𝟎 w/ Choco Moist Cake for the first 50 ladies

For inquiries and table reservations, contact us thru these numbers: (032) 234-7000 local 7294 or 0908 810 2972 / 0908 810 3001

10. A Perfect Pair at Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino Mactan

Savor the warm feeling of love at Waterfront Mactan’s Perfect Pair Valentine’s Day Dinner! For only Php4,888 net per couple, enjoy a 5-course menu, glass of wine, live entertainment, a Valentine’s Special Gift and 20% off on selected Banyan Spa Massage services! What’s not to love?