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Sugilanon sa Pasko Celebrates Christmas in a Uniquely Cebuano Way

Editorial consultant Allain Fonte shares his first Christmas experience at Cebu Parklane International Hotel.

by Allain Fonte

For the past years, I had been spending my Christmases overseas away from family and friends; and worst, away from my mom’s delicious cooking for the Noche Buena. In those three years, I spent my Christmases in the refugee camps in Egypt and in Java, assisting lawyers process the relocation of refugees to Canada, Australia, Germany and France. Although it is delightful to be the bearer of good news on Christmas day, informing them that their relocation has already been processed, it is also heart breaking to tell the other refugees that their applications have been denied and that they must wait for another year in the camps. What a whirlwind experience to celebrate three Christmases!

This year, I am very excited because I shall be celebrating Christmas in my most loved city, Cebu. As early as September, you can see Christmas lights blinking, even from a distance. And, there is something comforting about the rain; most especially when you hear Jose Mari Chan singing in the background. Alas, November came and the spirit of Christmas is much stronger, as you hear Christmas carols almost everywhere, Christmas decorations brighten houses and buildings, Christmas lights lit every corner of the streets, and most of all, you will hear lots of merry-making in pre-Christmas dinners and parties.

On the 12th of November, Christmas has officially started at Cebu’s premier business hotel, Cebu Parklane International Hotel. It was one of the grandest pre-Christmas parties in the city; with the guest of honour, no less than the governor of the province of Cebu, the Hon. Gwendolyn Garcia. What made this event extra special is the theme of the party, which was uniquely Cebuano. The marketing and events offices of the hotel prepared a very entertaining program that showcased Cebuano culture, and presented by Cebu’s most talented artists from the MDF productions. The hotel’s general manager, Madame Cenelyn Manguilimotan, explains that the program is meant to welcome home the balikbayans and remind them, including the locals, on how beautiful the Christmas celebrations are in Cebu. It is also to let the foreign guests experience the best of the cultures of Cebu and what it is like to be celebrating Christmas in the Queen City of the South. For someone who celebrated three Christmases away from home, the pre-Christmas program got me teary-eyed; especially, the re-enactment of the nativity and the heart-touching Christmas carols of the MDF Chorale. Every guest was smiling with the nostalgic presentations and dance performances from the MDF cultural dance company. Even the kind governor stayed throughout the event, amidst her tight schedule. Hence, I had to compliment the Marketing and Communications manager of Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Miss Jaybee Aquino, for hosting one of the best pre-Christmas celebrations ever staged, and she gracefully shared that in Cebu Parklane International Hotel the practice of excellence is a culture; so, the Marketing and Communications office was pressured to put up only the best for their guests and partners.

The pre-Christmas program was highlighted by the lighting of the Christmas tree. Following the hotel’s mission to the environment, their 25-foot Christmas tree was made from old newspapers. The newspapers were dyed in the colours of autumn, and were cut into 15,000 pieces of maple-leaf-shaped ornaments decorated all over the tree. Under the tree are life-sized figures of the nativity made from papier-mâché. The whole lobby of the hotel glimmer in Christmas decorations.

The program concluded with a sumptuous Noche Buena prepared by their Food and Beverage team at the Victoria ballroom. To my surprise, the hotel’s Corporate Executive Chef, June Rhoses Fernandez, partnered with the local municipalities in Cebu, and served all of Cebu’s most exquisite delicacies. It was an adventure for the palate. The buffet table took us all around Cebu; from Carcar’s lechon and chicharon, Asturias’ budbud moron, Argao’s torta, Lilo-an’s rosquillos, to Boljoon’s hamonada. Although I am on a strict diet plan and would only have Sundays as my cheat days, I totally lost myself with what Chef June served. Every food on the table was a must-try, and nothing on the table disappointed me. Every food served was competing to be the best. However, my personal favourite was the chef’s specialty, Ube champorado and Dilis. The champorado is literally translated as ‘chocolate rice’; yet, this champorado was not made with cacao but with purple yam and coconut milk. When I took the first bite of the Ube champorado and Dilis, it took me to a whole new world; and, I almost forgot my name because it was just amazing. This is something only The Parklane can offer, truly an experience not to miss. The Parklane’s heritage and cultural ambassador, Associate Professor Gavin Sanson Bagares, construes that The Parklane does not only provide international standards of excellent hospitality service to its guests, but is also committed to promote Cebuano heritage and culture to the world, making the Filipino products world-class; thus, the authentic Cebuano cuisine can only be experienced at The Parklane.

It was a night that I shall never forget. Cebu Parklane International Hotel did not only remind me on how beautiful it is to celebrate Christmas in Cebu; but it also rekindled my spirit of nationalism, making me proud to be a Filipino, and even prouder to be Cebuano. Maayong Pasko Cebu Parklane International Hotel! Maayong Pasko Cebu!!!

Related Topics:Cebu Parklane International Hotel

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Featured

Bringing businesses together: Lalamove paves way for SMEs across the globe to “Make a Winning Move”

The local episode #LalamoveItToWinIt to support MSMEs across PH

To inspire businesses around Asia and Latin America, Lalamove has launched a regional branding campaign “Make a Winning Move” to showcase its various B2B services, strong driver-partner network, and wide-ranging fleet for fast and reliable delivery solutions. Locally, the on-demand delivery platform has kicked off the campaign by inviting its patrons, old and new, to #LalamoveItToWinIt.

Now more than ever, businesses are focusing their efforts on an experience-led customer journey. With deliveries as undeniably crucial for businesses to fulfill their services and win over customers, the central creative idea behind the regional campaign revolves around such scenarios where Lalamove’s services and B2B features help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the intense competition.

Lalamove, as the trusted delivery partner, has been servicing businesses of all sizes in the Philippines. Lalamove’s corporate clients can enjoy the on-demand delivery platform’s variety of business solutions, such as multi-stop delivery, API integration, real-time GPS tracking, a wide variety of fleet for on-demand, same-day, long distance, and last-mile delivery, and a dedicated account manager.

“The Philippines has more than 900,000 businesses, over 99% of which are MSMEs. What Lalamove offers businesses of all sizes is faster, easier, and a more seamless delivery experience to help them save time and costs. Our dedicated partner drivers, the economic frontliners of today, are here to deliver to an even wider reach across Luzon and in Cebu. This campaign is the visualization of what we can do to help businesses jump over hurdles – simply put, just ‘Lalamove It to Win It!’” remarked Dannah Majarocon, Lalamove Philippines Managing Director.

First-time users of the Lalamove mobile delivery app can get up to Php 150 off when they sign up and use the code LALAWINIT. New corporate clients, on the other hand, can also receive a welcome bonus of up to Php 1,200 when they sign up and top-up their Lalamove corporate wallet. Moreover, with Lalamove Rewards recently launched, each delivery for every user is now made even more rewarding.

Find out more about what Lalamove offers by visiting www.lalamove.com/lalamoveittowinit, or follow the official Lalamove Facebook page, Instagram account, and TikTok account for more information.

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ABOUT LALAMOVE

Launched in the Philippines in late 2016, Lalamove is an on-demand logistics company that matches drivers with customers and SME businesses to fulfill same-day deliveries. Lalamove’s mission of making local deliveries faster and simpler across North, Central, and South Luzon, and in Cebu is achieved through innovations such as instant order matching, real-time GPS vehicle tracking, 24/7 services, and a driver rating system. Lalamove also allows businesses to scale their deliveries and operations at an accelerated rate. Lalamove now operates in over 30 markets across Asia and Latin America. Visit Lalamove’s website: http://lalamove.com

Featured

King-size Treats Await Dad this Father’s Day at Seda Central Bloc

Misto Restaurant at Seda Central Bloc

King-size Treats for the King!

by Ryan Daniel R. Dablo

Seda Central Bloc celebrates the hardworking hero and steadfast lynchpin of the home with its offerings for Father’s Day weekend.

At the Misto, Seda’s restaurant, Dad gets to sample the delicious international cuisine for free when dining with five full-paying adults. If an evening dine-out is more the family’s speed, the Straight Up bar offers a dinner buffet with a continental menu and mocktails, all enjoyed amid a backdrop of excellent cityscape views from the rooftop. Staycation at the hotel comes packed with perks for the weekend as well, such as complimentary lunch at the Misto, drinks at the Straight Up bar, and breakfast for two.

Honor your number one hero and highlight the love you have for him this Father’s Day weekend. Celebrate at Seda Central Bloc!

For more information, please call (032) 411 5800. Follow their Facebook page or visit their website at www.sedahotels.com.

Fashion

37 Years of High Fashion; Arcy Gayatin leaves a Legacy of Edginess and Elegance

Arcy Gayatin: A Legacy of Luxury in Fabrication

By: Allain Dumon Fonte

The brand Arcy Gayatin gave the Queen City of the South a distinct reputation in the fashion industry. The fashion line of Arcy Gayatin sets the bar higher each year for clothing luxury and fabrication techniques.

April Duenas, Nikki Gayatin and Arielle Gayatin for Arcy Gayatin—Photos by John Paul Autor from Lifestyle Inquirer.net

Araceli “Arcy” Ancajas Gayatin is the daughter Galileo Ancajas and Remedios Zanoria Ancajas who founded Cebu’s home brand, Gal’s Bakery. Arcy went to the University of San Carlos and studied Political Science. And just like Dr. Muccia Prada, who completed her Ph.D. in Political Science and established the luxury line of Prada, Arcy also got in touch with her artistic side and started her own fashion line. However, it was not Prada that influenced Arcy. Arcy was introduced to fashion and tailoring at a very young age by her mother, Madame Remedios Anacajas whom they dearly call Mama Eme. Mama Eme was running a tailoring business back then. It was called Arabel; named after Arcy and her sister Belma. Ara from Araceli and Bel from Belma. In those years, Arcy was fascinated by fabrics and was intrigued by how to manipulate the fabrics to come up with fashion-forward designs without compromising comfort and taste.

Arcy Gayatin (photo grabbed from Space Philippines Blog Spot)

After 37 years of creating haute couture pieces for the most fashionable personalities in the Philippines, Arcy Gayatin is now laying down her sketchpads and pens to rest. As she enjoys her retirement, may be on a cruise to the Bahamas or a holiday to the Swiss Alps, Arcy Gayatin has left the fashion industry a legacy of elegant and edgy clothing ensembles that understand and define the shape of women; without compromising comfort and good taste.

Arcy Gayatin’s Pink Flamingo collection Arcy Gayatin’s Sketch on a Terno

To salute the lady who brought Cebu fashion to the world, a retrospective exhibition of Arcy’s incomparable masterpieces can be seen today at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Gallery; curated by fashion editor and writer, Clint Holton Potestas, and interior and fashion designer, Jul Oliva.

BALANCE. Arcy Gayatin is known for her perfect symmetrical lines when fabricating. She knows how to balance edginess and class; understanding well the strength and the finesse of a woman.

RHYTHM. Arcy’s expertise in draping and fabric manipulation can be seen in how she achieves rhythm between architectural lines and soft fabrics like silk and cashmere.

TEXTURE. With her thorough knowledge on fabrics, Arcy Gayatin has achieved the perfection of fabrication by working on different types of fabrics and creating a single piece of art out of them.

HARMONY. The simplicity of the silhouette plus the intricacy of the details create a wonderful harmony, making Arcy Gayatin’s design a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

The photos below show an up-close look at the intricacy and the exquisite craftsmanship of Arcy Gayatin’s fabrication techniques:

THE SPIDER WEB: one of Arcy’s genius fabrication techniques.

MATCH and PATCH: Arcy’s unique fabrication craft by patching layers of different types of lace and lace patterns

PLEATS: The perfection of symmetry in pleats on silk.

LA ROSE BLEUE: U.P. student, Danielle Alessandra Deutsch, inspired by the artistry of Arcy Gayatin, designed this midnight blue dress. The cabbage rose made from layers of silk organdy gave this evening ensemble a romantic appeal.