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Locales: Leslie Ann Reyes

We ask lawyer and businesswoman Leslie Ann Reyes about her favorite spots in Cebu, and why she thinks they’re the best on the island. Whether they’re obvious choices or obscure destinations you’ve never heard of before, they’ll be a refreshing step off the beaten path.

Lawyer and businesswoman Leslie Ann Reyes

EAT YOUR HEART OUT Maya Mexican Restaurant. I absolutely love their Queso Fundido! It’s my all-time favorite comfort food. Their fish tacos and quesadillas are great as well. I love the interiors and ambience of this place, too!

Maya Mexican Restaurant

Crossroads, Banilad
6332. 238 9552, 238 9618
www.theabacagroup.com

CHEERS TO THAT Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s BLU Bar & Grill has impressive food and extensive cocktails, and the breathtaking view of the city from a thousand feet; and The Ibiza Beach Club at the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, with its chic and upbeat Mediterranean atmosphere, is perfect for when you’re up for some lively music, tapas, and drinks right by the beach.

Blu Bar at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills
6332. 253 1111
www.marcopolohotels.com

HAPPY PLACE Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa. It has everything: the best fine dining restaurants, the cleanest white sand beach, sprawling grounds and beautifully manicured lawns and landscapes, excellent rooms, and world-class service.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa

Punta Engaño Road, Mactan
6332. 231 0288
www.shangri-la.com

Edited from ‘Locales’, originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, March 2015. Like Zee Lifestyle Directory on Facebook.

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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

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!