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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.
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
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.
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
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:
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:
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HONG KONG. We love the idea of seeing New Year fireworks from Victoria Peak! When in Hong Kong, we highly recommend a stay at the Marco Polo Hong Kong and Gateway Hotels.
JANUARY 2017
Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day (regular)
Saturday, January 28 – Chinese New Year (special)
FEBRUARY 2017
Saturday, February 25 – EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary (special)
APRIL 2017
Sunday, April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (regular)
Thursday, April 13 – Maundy Thursday (regular)
Friday, April 14 – Good Friday (regular)
Saturday, April 15 – Black Saturday (special)

LOS ANGELES. With Philippine Airlines flying direct to the City of Angels from Cebu, there’s no excuse not to go to the United States next summer.
MAY 2017
Monday, May 1 – Labor Day (regular)
JUNE 2017
Monday, June 12 – Independence Day (regular)
AUGUST 2017
Monday, August 28 – National Heroes Day (regular)

SOUTH KOREA. Make summer last a little longer, as the season lasts until September in South Korea. Philippines AirAsia flies direct from Cebu to Incheon, making Seoul-searching easier no matter what time of the year.
OCTOBER 2017
Tuesday, October 31 – Additional Special Holiday
NOVEMBER 2017
Wednesday, November 1 – All Saints Day (special)
Thursday, November 30 – Bonifacio Day (regular)
DECEMBER 2017
Monday, December 25 – Christmas Day (regular)
Saturday, December 30 – Rizal Day (regular)
Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve (special)

NEW ZEALAND. Experience Middle Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Cathay Pacific has excellent connections from Cebu to Auckland.
The Philippines itself is not short on must-visit destinations. Here are some of our local recommendations:

DAANBANTAYAN, CEBU. It’s a three-hour drive from Cebu City, sometimes more, which to spoiled locals is two hours longer than what they are used to. However, the whole idea of going there means readily agreeing to the long trek, as discerning travelers know. You’ll have to plan at least a two-night stay to appreciate Kandaya Resort at its best. Otherwise, don’t bother.

PANGLAO, BOHOL. Thanks to easy travel between Cebu and Bohol – a 90-minute ride by fast craft – and connectivity from the revitalized Mactan Airport, it seems like Bohol has become the “it” destination, not only for Cebu locals but to many international travelers.

SUMILON ISLAND, CEBU. Explore the island on foot by following the trails that lead to Sumilon’s landmarks, including the shifting sandbar, natural lagoon, the lighthouse, the historic watchtower or baluarte, and the Yamashita caves. The path also showcases some spectacular views of the sea, especially from the highest points of the island.

BUSUANGA, PALAWAN. You know you’re on to a good thing when you step out of the private fast craft in hundred-degree heat to the ladies room, and it’s stylishly air-conditioned. Then you walk out, and realize that the sea is on both sides. Oh yes, this is an island.

SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO. If Samal Island is an oyster, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the unique and beautiful gem within. This native getaway in the midst of the Davao Gulf showcases the best of Mindanaoan culture and hospitality, proving that something authentically Filipino can be raised to world-class standards.

SIARGAO ISLAND. The relatively untouched beaches on the island and the others dotting the waters around it, the choice waves that are friendly to both beginners and advanced surfers, the rustic charm of the small island community… Siargao is captivating, and you’ll be hard-pressed to keep from falling in love with the place.
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Punta Engaño Road, Mactan Island
Cebu, Philippines | website
Fine white sand and clear waters leading to a thriving marine sanctuary. Delectable culinary experiences that will make you come back for more. World-class luxury hospitality with that distinct Cebuano quality. This is Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa in the historic resort city of Lapu-Lapu, Mactan Island.
WHAT WE LIKE: Access to the club room with breakfast and cocktails. Still Cebu’s best luxury resort as voted by numerous travel websites and publications.
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay at an Ocean Wing Club Room (regular rate: Php 15,725 per night, plus taxes). Avail now!
Sumilon Island, Oslob
Cebu, Philippines | website

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort (Photography by Mike Jo: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, February 2014)
An ever-shifting sandbar that will always make each visit different. A picturesque view of Cebu from the cool waters of the infinity pool. Your most glamorous camping trip just yet. This is Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, the only property in the beautiful island of Sumilon, Oslob.
WHAT WE LIKE: Glamping in style! The resort is the only structure in this small island, with easy access to the whale sharks site in Oslob
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay in a premiere deluxe room with breakfast and one dinner (regular rate: Php 13,115 per night). Avail now!
Panglao Island
Bohol, Philippines | website

Be Grand Resort Bohol (Photography by Marguerite Lhuillier/Nellie Egle: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
A stunning blend of a garden oasis and an impeccable beachfront. Beautiful panoramic views of Panglao Island at sunset. Exclusivity, with luxury villas having their own access to a private lagoon-type swimming pool. This is the new Be Grand Resort Bohol in Central Visayas’ most promising tropical destination, Panglao Island.
WHAT WE LIKE: The small details: Shanghai Tang toiletries, coffee maker with coffee pods, boxed chocolates as part of the turn-down service
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay for two at the Oceana Suite with breakfast (regular rate: Php 14,000 per night plus taxes). Avail now!
Station 1, Boracay Island
Aklan, Philippines | website
Frozen treats served straight to you while you bask in the summer sun. Decadent accommodations that compete with the delightful stretch of sand. The Boracay experience, made much more luxurious. This is Discovery Shores Boracay in the island’s best spot, Station 1.
WHAT WE LIKE: Located right where the action is in Boracay’s Station 1. The resort pampers its lucky guests with frozen treats throughout the day.
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: Two nights stay for two at a Junior Suite with breakfast for two (regular rate: Php 13,500 per night plus taxes). Avail now!
Busuanga Island
Palawan, Philippines | website

Huma Island Resort & Spa
Indulgent villas rising over royal blue sparkling waters on stilts, delightfully reminiscent of a Maldivian getaway. Inspired culinary selections that are the best on this side of the country. Well-appointed bedrooms that would make it hard for anyone to leave. This is Huma Island Resort & Spa in the unspoiled tropical paradise of Busuanga Island, Palawan.
WHAT WE LIKE: Utter privacy! If your idea of bliss is a Maldivian resort, look no further. For extra perk, take the seaplane that glides right at the doorstep!
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DEAL: One night stay at a Water Villa (regular rate: US $930 per night). Avail now!
The Ultimate Travel Deals are exclusive to Zee Lifestyle subscribers, and are available from April 1 to November 30, 2016 only, except on Holy Week and special holidays. Limited rooms are available, so subscribe now and book your next escapade by calling us at 6332. 234 2636 or e-mailing info@res210.servconfig.com.
]]>With The Ultimate Travel Deals, have a two-night stay in a premiere deluxe room with breakfast and one dinner for only Php 20,000.00 nett.
The Ultimate Travel Deals are exclusive to Zee Lifestyle subscribers, and are available from April 1 to November 30, 2016 only, except on Holy Week and special holidays. Limited rooms are available, so subscribe now and book your next escapade by calling Rhoan at 6332. 234 2636 or e-mailing info@res210.servconfig.com.
Regular Rate: Php 13,115.00 per night
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
Sumilon Island, Oslob
Cebu, Philippines
From our humble beginnings as a quarterly magazine in 1996, Zee Lifestyle has evolved into being the city’s authority on lifestyle, with a wide array of features ranging from dining, fashion, personalities, arts and culture, travel, and more.
As a thank you to the readers who have helped us reach this milestone, Zee Lifestyle presents The Ultimate Travel Deals, a special promotion offered exclusive to our subscribers. We have negotiated unbelievable deals from six ultra-luxurious properties all over the country.

For Php 20,000.00 nett per resort, indulge in a quick weekend getaway with a two-night stay in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa’s sought-after Ocean Wing Club Room. (Regular rate: Php 15,725.00 per night, plus taxes)

Or why not go the extra miles by heading all the way south and having a two-night vacation in a premiere deluxe room at the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort? (Regular rate: Php 13,115.00 per night)
Read more on ZeeLifestyleCebu.com:

While we’re at it, the recently-opened Be Grand Resort in Bohol is getting a lot of attention, and you can have an intimate two-night stay for two at the stunning Oceana Suite. (Regular rate: Php 14,000.00 per night, plus taxes)
Read more on ZeeLifestyleCebu.com:

With summer around the corner, everyone’s heading all the way to Boracay Island, so might as well get the royal treatment with a two-night stay in the luxurious Junior Suite at the Discovery Shores. (Regular rate: Php 13,500.00 per night, plus taxes)

For the ultimate getaway, look no further than Huma Island Resort & Spa in Palawan. The Maldivian-inspired resort offers utter privacy, and with The Ultimate Travel Deals, you can have a one-night stay in a Water Villa to experience paradise. (Regular rate: US$ 930 per night)
Read more on ZeeLifestyleCebu.com:
The Ultimate Travel Deals are available from April 1 to November 30, 2016, except Holy Week and special holidays. Limited rooms are available, so subscribe now and book your next escapade by calling Rhoan at 6332. 234 2636 or e-mailing info@res210.servconfig.com.
]]>On the cover is the model-of-the-moment and it-girl Kelsey Merritt, whose career in modeling takes her around the world. Kelsey talks about her photoshoots and go-sees and breaking into New York’s modeling scene.

Zee Lifestyle’s March 2016 Travel Issue: Kelsey Merritt (Photography: Steffen Billhardt | Post-Production: Carlo Sardes of Moodigital | Videography: Nath Ybañez | Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo | Stylists: The BLAQ MAFIA | Makeup: Chaddy Pantaleon of MAC Cosmetics | Hair: Erwin Monteza | Production Assistant: Carlo Rivera | Locale: Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa)
Along with Kelsey’s jet-setting ways are visual diaries from people who have traveled to exotic destinations, both locale and foreign. Journey with Margie Lhuillier as she talks abut the un-ventures in Bhutan, its rich history and sweeping natural views and genuinely happy people. Philip Lapinid does a quick temple run through the great wonders at Cambodia. Space designer Kate Ngo explores the natural and man-made beauty of South Africa. Photographer Dan Douglas Ong travels to Japan to observe the snow monkeys in their smoky hot spring baths. Lawyer Bernandine Nacua hikes up the highest peak in Luzon, the Mt. Apo. Adventurer Mayan Benedicto heads south for an underwater excursion in Dumaguete’s thriving waters.
We also introduce Cebu’s travel influencers. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa’s general manager Rene Egle, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation president Louie Ferrer, and Cebu City Tourism Commission chairperson Tetta Baad take steps to improve local tourism and help Cebu make a bigger mark on the map.
To complete the Travel issue, Zee Lifestyle offers The Ultimate Travel List. Live out your wanderlust in six ultra-luxurious properties all over the country: Be Grand Resort Bohol, Discovery Shores Boracay, Huma Island, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, and Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. As part of our 20th anniversary, we’ve negotiated special deals with these resorts for only Php 20,000 nett, the offer being exclusive to our subscribers. Watch out for further details soon, or subscribe now to find out more!
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Travel issue, out on stands now. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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BEST PLACE TO DINE I would say I’m addicted to grilled Angus beef paired with sweet sauces, so I always go to Sumibi Yakiniku Tajimaya to get my fix. The place is clean, the servers are accommodating, and they have the best Yakiniku sauce I have ever tasted. The best thing about this Japanese grill is that it that you can opt to have unlimited servings of beef, pork, chicken, sausages, squid balls and prawns, all for under PhP 600 – which is great deal considering I can finish around eight platters by myself!
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY The Distillery is hands down one of the best places to be in the Queen City of the South. With its adequately priced liquor, upbeat music, great crowds, and a fun-filled atmosphere, you don’t have to make plans for an awesome weekend – just show up, and you don’t even have to try, it’s always a good time.

BEST OUT-OF-THE-CITY DESTINATION Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is the best place to get away from all of the city’s hustle, bustle and drama. Surrounded by scenic crystal clear waters and given its top-notch facilities, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and unwind, without feeling like you’ve let a whole day go to waste. They also have a wide array of water-relatedactivities to satisfy their more active and adventure-seeking guests.

BEST NATURAL ATTRACTION Although it is not as imposing as the waterfalls of the Americas, Tumalog Falls is still undoubtedly surreal in its tranquility. Looking up the falls from the bottom could give anyone a sense of peaceful bliss and clarity due to the falls’ serene beauty.
Originally published inZee Lifestyle Directory, November 2015
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Zee Lifestyle’s October 2015 Luxury Issue: Dina Arroyo-Tantoco and Catherine Tantoco Huang (Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Photography by Filbert Kung/Production Assistant: Patty Taboada/Styled by Sheryl Songsong/Makeup by Byron Velasquez of MAC/Hair by Eddiemar Cabiltes/Clothes available at Rustan’s Department Store)
With the launch of a bigger and better Rustan’s Department Store dedicated to bring to Cebu the world’s most luxurious lifestyle brands, cover girls Dina Arroyo-Tantoco and Catherine Tantoco Huang show the family dynamics behind the premium brand.
To give the lowdown on luxury, Leslie Ann Reyes, Patrice Huang, Chin Onglatco, SJ Quitevis, John Franco and Preston Nicholas share experiences and purchases they consider their ultimate indulgences.
Similarly, this month’s Conversations feature pits together Maris Aznar Holopainen and Annie Chen, Denise Fajatin-Pegarido and Allen Zaldarriaga, John Rey Guadalquiver and Tasha Dixon, Kyle Uy and Michael Goho, Allen Tan and Lor Torres, Michelle Yu and Dr. Cecilia Ramos-Bernad, and Drs. Fremont Base and Peter Mancao to find out their individual luxury preferences.
Zee Lifestyle also sits down with Alexandra Seno, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, Leigh Carcel, Mia Borromeo, Yiouri Augousti, Gerry and Pamela Montanus, Derek and Mary Ann Arculli, and Butch Carungay for The Call of Luxe, a dinner discussion focused on defining luxury and figuring out its various aspects.
This issue also features a rundown on the latest indulgent trends in the world as well as the best luxury that Cebu can offer, including Amparito Lhuillier’s home, designs by Debbie Palao, and the most premium accommodations in town.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Luxury Issue, out on stands this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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