photography NATH YBANEZ
hair and makeup CHADY PANTALEON
locale CRIMSON MACTAN RESORT AND SPA
This story is taken from our archives. Originally published in Zee Digital Vol. 1
It was a sunny afternoon when we had our photoshoot with the first Binibining Cebu Apriel Smith. we were setting up for the first layout at Enye, where the staff were busy preparing for that night’s dinner service. All
commotion stopped, though, once Apriel walked into the room.
With her statuesque figure and skin a delicious shade of mocha, it was clear that Apriel could command attention—even if she wasn’t in full hair and makeup, or wearing the coordinated Josie Natori set we had set out for her. She moved elegantly and gracefully, as if she was always wearing a crown and sash. A childlike candor breaks free every once in a while though—in between takes, she makes funny faces and poses, a refreshing break from her calculated poise.
It’s probably a combination of the two characteristics that won her the prestigious honor of being crowned the first Binibining Cebu. “I am so happy. Winning the crown was sentimental to me because I was crowned on the day of my birthday,” she shares. If any proof was needed for how emotional she was on that stage, there are a number of photos on social media that chronicled her reaction.
Despite her extensive modeling and pageant experience, the 22-year-old Miss Badian confessed that she wasn’t prepared for the roller coaster ride that led to the crown. “It was fun, challenging and surprising, all in one,” she laughs.
For now, she is juggling her duties with her modeling gigs and being a tourism student at the University of San Carlos. “Being the Binibining Cebu crown-bearer comes with a lot of responsibilities and obligations,” Apriel shares. her
advocacy is sports—she is working on establishing a sports clinic in Badian, gathering partners and sponsors herself. “Since I play volleyball too, it felt like the natural thing to do as part of my reign.”
She also believes that the pageant helps to empower women, and inspires them to embrace their natural Cebuana beauty. In fact, she admits to having to face bullies, and that beauty pageants have shown her she is beautiful as she is. “When Leila Lopes from Angola won Miss Universe in 2011, I was inspired that black beauty can conquer the stage,” she says.
From there, she had gone on to add several titles to her belt—Miss Milo Little Olympics in 2010, Miss Dumajug in 2011, Miss Cebu City Olympics 2012, Sinulog Queen 2012. She has also been in the courts of Miss Mandaue, Miss Badian and Reyna ng Aliwan. “Beauty pageants are enlightening, and it changes how a woman sees the world,”
Apriel shares. “The different pageants I have been part of taught me how to be mature and selfless, and to always rise to the challenge.”
Truly, she’s come a long way from when Danny Booc of Ozar Models discovered her. “It all started when I
bought barbecue near our house, and they saw me! I never expected it would be the start of my career,” she laughs.
As preparations are underway for the next iteration of the pageant, Apriel hopes her journey to the crown is one that will inspire many other young women. To them, she says, “Never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true.”
“Pageants help to empower women, and to embrace their natural Cebuana beauty.”
]]>My sentiments, of course, don’t diminish the quality of the celebrations, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels the same way. Luckily, the Queen City offers a lot of things to do besides partying it up on the streets. Here are some suggestions for when you don’t want to Sinulog this year, whether you just want to avoid the crowds or want a change in scenery.
ISLAND HOPPING
Sumilon Island
Cebu is home to a number of beautiful islands, and while on a normal day you’d be competing against eager tourists, Sinulog would be the perfect time to have them all to yourselves (or, okay, at least less people). We highly recommend Nalusuan, Pandanon and Olango Island for their turquoise waters. If you’d like to go a little farther, Sumilon Island in Oslob is worth the two hour trip.
Islands Banca Cruises | Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
CANYONEERING
Canyoneering in Badian (Photo by freedomwallnet)
A relatively new attraction, canyoneering in Badian has drawn quite the crowds during peak season. While there’s an influx of tourists in town for Sinulog, you might want to take advantage of everyone hitting the streets instead on Sunday to have your own canyoneering adventure. Drive two hours south to the town of Barili and find your way to Barangay Matutinao.
GOING TO THE BEACH
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Cebu takes pride in having beaches 30 minutes away from the city, and while realistically it’s at least an hour because of the traffic, the fact remains you don’t actually have to go far to find yourself at sea. Real estate developer recently opened the Mactan Newtown Beach (née Portofino) to the public, while those more inclined to resorts would love Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa and Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.
Shangri-La is offering a special rate of Php 2,080 nett for lunch buffet for two at Tides on January 14-15, while Movenpick has their Sinulog Festive buffets on Sinulog Friday (dinner) and Sinulog Sunday (brunch) for Php 1,900 nett per person. There will also be cultural shows throughout the hotel that weekend, while Ibiza Beach Club’s cocktail of the month, Fizz Senor, is a tribute to the festivities.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa | Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
WATERFALL CHASING
Kawasan Falls (Photography by Mayan Benedicto)
Besides beaches, did you know Cebu has a lot of gorgeous waterfalls also? They may not be as majestic as the more famous ones throughout the country, but they’re breathtaking nonetheless. Head down to the town of Alegria in Cebu for Cambais Falls and Cancalanog Falls, both of which are sure to thrill adventure-seekers, or to the more popular Kawasan Falls in Badian.
Read more:
- Chasing waterfalls in Cebu (via zeelifestylecebu.com)
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Osmena Peak (Photography by Ma. May Saludsod)
When you’re not really inclined to bodies of water, Cebu also has a variety of mountains worth climbing. The most famous one is Dalaguete’s Osmena Peak, which resembles the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol and gives enviable views of Badian, Pescador and Negros. Other worthwhile peaks include Mount Manunggal in Balamban and Kabankaya in Catmon.
Read more:
- Top five mountains in Cebu that are worth the climb (via zeelifestylecebu.com)
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Thresher Shark Diving
The waters of Malapascua are home to numerous thresher sharks. Good news is, it’s the only place in the world where you can dive with thresher sharks every day. At the heart of the Coral Triangle in Malapascua, you can dive with sharks and mantas and even get a close-up view of wrecks and reefs. Expert and professional trainers will facilitate throughout the whole activity and makes sure of a safe and fun diving experience.
HOW TO GET THERE: From the North Bus Terminal, take a Ceres bus bound for Maya Port in Daanbantayan, then take a bangka to the island. Travel time is around four hours.
Canyoneering in Badian
The newest attraction for every adventurist is the canyoneering in Badian. The action-packed water sport has drawn hundreds not only for its fun activity but also its scenic views of nature as you head on the trail. Travel down creeks and streams of crystal blue fresh water and walk, jump, climb and swim in a canyon. What could be more exciting than that?
HOW TO GET THERE: From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Bato via Barili, and then get off at Barangay Matutinao. Travel time is around two to three hours.
Waterfall Hopping in Samboan
Tourists and locals drive south to discover Cebu’s Waterfall Capital, Samboan. The town boasts of eight beautiful waterfalls. Among its most famous and easiest to get to is Aguinid Falls. Adventurists brave 4 challenging levels of rock formations where one can swim in its fresh waters and even have a picnic on the sides. The falls cater to different person with heights up to 30 meters vertical drop of water.
HOW TO GET THERE: From the South Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Bato via Barili. Alight at the Samboan town proper.
]]>We ask these head turners for their favorite places in Cebu, and what makes them beautiful. Check out what they have to say, and who knows? You might just end up bumping into them one of these days.
Cebu IT Park
Cebu IT Park’s ambience has been consistent for me, from when I was still a student to now, when I am already working. It still has something for me—good food, place to chill and sip coffee. Plus, IT is Cebu’s future too!
– Diane Muego, Miss Cebu 2014
Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino (Photography by Snapoholic)
The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño is a place that defines Cebu as strong and faithful. No one can miss this wonderful church because it is one of the city’s tourist spots.
– Neesha Murjani, Miss Cebu 2013
Kawasan Falls
Badian is beautiful! Loved the thrills and adrenaline rush canyoneering downstream from Alegria to Kawasan Falls. The lush greens, crystal waters and gorgeous rock formations make me want to do it again.
– Anther Infante, Miss Cebu 2012
Mountain View Nature Park
Mountain View is a quiet place to enjoy within the city. This place compensates the lack of parks in Cebu and since it’s in the mountain, you get all the fresh air and serenity you need.
– Mia Ali, Miss Cebu 2011
Virgin Island, Bantayan
Virgin Island in Bantayan. Peaceful, pristine, and clear blue waters are just what us Cebuanos need when we want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
– Steph Señires-Villarica, Miss Cebu 2006
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, June 2015. Like Zee Lifestyle Directory on Facebook, and grab your free copies here.
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John Rey Guadalquiver (executive strategic manager of Tri-J Marketing, owner of John’s Detox Bar, founder of Healthy Shots/photography by Joseph Ong)
BEST PLACE TO DINE: Abaseria Café and Deli
Authenticity is becoming harder to come by in our city, but this quaint restaurant will indubitably give you soul-satisfying Filipino dishes, accompanied with an unpretentious ambiance. It’s such a delight to feast on traditionalist native specialities, such as their Adobong Bangus Belly and Mongo Soup.
- Gen. Lim Street, Mabolo (6332. 233 8339)
BEST PLACE TO HAVE DRINKS: Bellini Champagne Bar
Bellini Champagne Bar has an extensive menu of decent wines, apt for yuppies, who wants to unwind with a charming view of the city and a casual European ambiance.
- Panorama Heights, Nivel Hills, Lahug (6332. 232 7375)
- Visit the website
Bellini Champagne Bar (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015)
FAVORITE HOTEL: The Henry
This fresh and funky boutique hotel sets apart from all the orthodox hotels in Cebu. Each room and floor of this postmodern hotel is never the same, it’s like you’ve been transported to an art gallery.
- 1 Paseo Saturnino, Banilad (6332. 520 8877)
- Visit the website
The Henry Hotel (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015)
BEST OUT OF THE CITY DESTINATION: Danasan Eco Adventure Park
For thrill seekers such as myself, this is a perfect weekend go-to for exhilirating water sports adventures. Try their rip-roaring wakeboarding, or if you are feeling a little daring, rapel down a 60-feet waterfall. I recommend camping here overnight to truly experience an action-packed get-away.
- Danao City (6332. 234 0773)
- Visit the website
Danasan Eco-Adventure Park (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015)
BEST NATURAL ATTRACTION: Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour
Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour in the town of Aloguinsan promotes the natural heritage of the river and their unspoiled mangroves. The hospitable women, who welcomes you with a lei, and knowledgeable boatmen, are all locals empowered to protect their natural environment and culture.
- Brgy. Bojo, Aloguinsan (6332. 469 9042)
Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015)
MUST-VISIT TOURIST ATTRACTION: Canyoning in Badian
What better way to start a riveting canyoning than to jump off a 20-feet waterfall! If you’re nonchalant, get ready for an ultimate life-changing adventure that challenges your mental and physical potential. You will be making your way down the lush Matutinao valley, gazing on mesmerizing stalactites, and leaping countless waterfalls.
- Badian, Cebu
Canyoneering in Badian (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015)
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015. Like Zee Lifestyle Directory on Facebook.
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