add_action('wp_footer', function () { echo ''; }, 99); Mactan Island – Zee Lifestyle https://zee.ph Cebu's Premier Lifestyle Bible Mon, 04 Dec 2017 04:19:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.7 https://zee.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Z-icon-80x80.png Mactan Island – Zee Lifestyle https://zee.ph 32 32 Long Weekend List: Things to Do on Mactan Island https://zee.ph/long-weekend-list-things-to-do-on-mactan-island/ https://zee.ph/long-weekend-list-things-to-do-on-mactan-island/#comments Wed, 16 Aug 2017 04:00:03 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=18318 Ah, long weekends. The perfect opportunity for some rest and relaxation. Who doesn’t love them? We sure do! And with two long weekends this month, we’re more than excited to take advantage of them.

But first, where to go? North, South — whatever direction you choose, Cebu surely has something perfect for you. For those who don’t want to travel too far, then Mactan Island is just the right place!

Mactan Island is a popular leisure destination for locals and tourists alike. The island boasts a myriad of offerings, the most popular one being their different beach resorts that cater to different crowds. Mactan also serves as the jump-off point to the surrounding islands, perfect for island hopping.

On top of these, Mactan has a rich historical background. It is widely-known to have been the place where the historical 16th-century Battle of Mactan occurred. This was where the Spanish expedition, led by Ferdinand Magellan, were defeated by the valiant chieftain Lapu-Lapu and his men. Until today, this victory is celebrated by the locals of Mactan as the “Kadaugan sa Mactan” (“Victory in Mactan” in English) every 27th of April.

DAY ONE – SATURDAY

In the morning, head on over to the Mactan Shrine in Punta Engaño where you can see for yourself the monuments erected to commemorate the Battle of Mactan. There you can find the Magellan Shrine, a large memorial tower built by the Spaniards in honour of Ferdinand Magellan. The spot is believed to be where the Portuguese explorer was killed.

Adjoining Magellan’s Shrine is the Statue of Lapu-Lapu, also built to honour him. The native chieftain is hailed to be the first Filipino hero who defied foreign rule.

By the time you’ve taken your fill of history, you must be hungry. Perfect, just in time for lunch! Close to the Mactan Shrine are restaurants that offer Sutukil-style food. Sutukil is a combination of the words sugba, tuwa and kilaw which mean to grill, to stew and to eat seafood raw, respectively. Ingredients are laid out on tables for the customers to choose from. You may just tell the personnel how you want your food to be cooked.

Mactan is also popular for its guitars. The island is home to the Alegre Guitar Factory, one of the biggest guitar-making businesses in Cebu. You can check out the guitar-making process right after lunch, and even get yourself a sleek guitar while you’re in the area.

After walking out of Alegre Guitar Factory (and with a brand-new guitar in hand), make your way to Cordova, where you can visit the trendy 10,000 Roses Cafe. Take your fill of selfies and #instagrammable photos of the roses to your heart’s content. You can even have an afternoon coffee at their cafe, where its interiors are just as aesthetically pleasing as its exterior. The cafe is an ideal location to watch the afternoon sun sink down the horizon.

Before you know it, night has already fallen and you’re eager to have dinner. The iconic Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant is quite literally a stone’s throw away from the 10,000 Roses Cafe. Enjoy their scrumptious native Filipino cuisine as you stare across the dark waters and appreciate the view of mainland Cebu. We recommend their: Crispy Pata, Bibingka with Ice Cream.

 

DAY TWO – SUNDAY

Spend your second day in Mactan at the JPark Island Resort and Waterpark. Formerly known as the Imperial Palace Resort, this place is popular among Cebuanos and foreign tourists.

Fun meets luxury when you take a dip in their many pools or take a ride down their exciting waterslides. The resort also has a beach if you’re up for some saltwater activities. They offer diving, snorkelling and kayaking. What’s even more exciting is that they can take you parasailing over the blue waters. Just take your pick among the many activities available for you to choose from — you have a whole day, after all.

When it’s dinnertime, head over to Scape Skydeck located at the rooftop of the Azon Residences Condominium in Pusok. This restaurant boasts delicious meals paired with a breathtaking view of the islands of Mactan and Cebu. We recommend their: Scape Skydeck Hamburger, Beef Salpicado and Truffle Pasta. Cap off your night with one of their many drinks, perfect for finishing a sumptuous meal.

 

DAY THREE – MONDAY

On your third and final day vacationing in Mactan, go island hopping! The Philippines is an archipelagic country with 7,641 islands and Mactan Island is one of the perfect places to begin your island hopping adventure. You can easily rent a boat to go island hopping.

From Mactan Island, you can reach the neighbouring islands of Pandanon, Nalusuan, Hilutungan, Caohagan and the Olango Island Group.

Mactan sure has a lot of places to visit, don’t you think? Enjoy your long weekend in Mactan!

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The four reasons you’ll be dining at Mövenpick next week https://zee.ph/the-four-reasons-youll-be-dining-at-movenpick-next-week/ https://zee.ph/the-four-reasons-youll-be-dining-at-movenpick-next-week/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2016 08:04:44 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=12895 treats you to another gastronomic adventure as it presents “Thai Fun Food Festival” at The Sails restaurant.]]> Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu treats you to another gastronomic adventure as it presents “Thai Fun Food Festival” at The Sails restaurant.

To add zest to its nightly culinary showcase, the hotel invited three chefs from its sister hotel in Phuket, Thailand, to take the lead in their kitchen. From September 10-18, 2016, the guest chefs will be seen in action around The Sails, cooking and serving authentic yet diverse specialities that reflect the Thai culture, ingenuity and tradition.

If those details are not enough to convince you to make the drive all the way to Mactan, here are our further arguments.

The Sails is known for great international fare

The Mediterranean buffet at The Sails

The Mediterranean buffet at The Sails

Best identified for its varied dinner buffet themes, The Sails caters to discerning palates with its wide range of dinner buffet serving delicious dishes from different origins, available on weekdays and weekends. There’s East Meets West, Mediterranean, Filipino and Asian, among others. Zee Lifestyle personally loves the seafood tabouleh that comes with the Mediterranean buffet on Tuesdays.

Read more:

Who doesn’t love Thai food?

A teaser of the many flavorful dishes that will be served during the Thai

A teaser of the many flavorful dishes that will be served during the Thai Fun Food Festival

“Thai cuisine captures the interest of many, not only for its enigmatic and exotic cultural influences, but also for the interplay and harmony of flavours present in each dish,” explains Christian Bouby, executive chef. “The playful and creative nature of the Thai people is visible on every plate they serve. They are very adventurous when it comes to texture and essence.”

“We live by our service philosophy of bringing something fun and fresh, to be a trailblazer of genres and flavours,” says Mr. Harold Rainfroy, general manager. “We always aim to bring in new excitement in various seasons to delight our guests of different nationalities.”

Authentic dishes by guest chefs from Phuket, Thailand

Satay done the authentic way

Satay done the authentic way

Chef Bouby is proud to put the spotlight on the three guest chefs from Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, Thailand, namely Wiwat Yong-en, Sutee Yamkratho and Teenasit Nakrua. For the entire duration of the food festival, t

“Our team is excited to work with these three kitchen superstars,” adds Mr. Jeryl Tio, food and beverage manager. “They are bringing with them years of experience and innovation in Thai culinary traditions, with age-old recipes tweaked with modern sensibilities. The menu selections they’re preparing for this food festival will use special ingredients they’ve sourced from Thailand. That’s as far as we go when it comes to bringing authentic flavours to the table, and it’s definitely something we all look forward to.”

Get the chance to win a trip to Thailand!

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

Finally, not only can guests taste the flavours of Thailand, but also find their way to the beautiful country of Thailand. All guests who dine during the Thai Fun Food Festival get a chance to win a round-trip Cebu-Manila-Phuket ticket courtesy of Cebu Pacific, and a gift certificate for a two-night stay in Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL MACTAN ISLAND CEBU

  • Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City
  • Telephone: 6332. 492 7777
  • e-mail
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The six places to hang out in Mactan while you avoid the traffic https://zee.ph/the-six-places-to-hang-out-in-mactan-while-you-avoid-the-traffic/ https://zee.ph/the-six-places-to-hang-out-in-mactan-while-you-avoid-the-traffic/#respond Wed, 18 May 2016 07:01:25 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=11978 With the traffic situation getting in and out of the island being the way it is, maybe it’s best you stay in Mactan. If you’re not up for spending the entire day at the beach (although, admittedly, that’s probably a great idea), check out the dining destinations that Mactan’s world-class resorts have to offer.

8:00 AM – Breakfast buffet at Tides

Tides Restaurant

Tides Restaurant

Whether you’re checked in at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort or you’re just in the mood for a hearty breakfast, the extensive selection at Tides is a stellar way to start off the day. From local favorites like danggit (dried rabbit fish) and suman (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), intercontinental staples like waffles and bacon, or even a refreshing bowl of cold soba—you’re bound to find something here that’ll get your energy up for the rest of the day.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu
www.shangri-la.com/Cebu

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10:00 AM – Stroll at the Mactan Shrine

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine

Stand ground at the (supposed) sight where the country’s first hero battled and killed Ferdinand Magellan, if only for the photo op.

Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu

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12:00 NN – Lunch at Azure Beach Club

Azure Lounge Area

Azure Beach Club

Enjoy the sea breeze and have your midday right on the shore at Crimson Resort and Spa. The selection of modern Asian cuisine explores various flavors and influences—like the rich Tandooris, the spiced textures of the Angus Beef Asian Burrito or (this particular writer’s favorite) the strong Garlic Noodles with Rock Scallops. And because you’re on vacation, why not wash it down with a cocktail? We won’t tell.

Crimson Resort and Spa
Seascapes Resort Town, Lapu-Lapu
www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan

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3:00 PM – Souvenir shopping at Islands Pasalubong Center

Islands Pasalubong

Islands Pasalubong

Make sure to bring home a little bit of Cebu by visiting the island’s most extensive offering of souvenirs. From colorful shirts to the packed delicacies of otap and rosquillos, you’ll find something here everyone back home can appreciate.

Mactan Marina Mall

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6:00 PM – Dinner at Palermo

Palermo Restaurant

Palermo Restaurant

The newly renovated Italian restaurant at the Plantation Bay Mactan is a charming space to dine, its stained glass windows, dark wood furniture and quirky lamps create a charming ambiance. Start the meal off with some tapas—like the roasted bell peppers, calamari and Jamon Iberico—then pick a pasta or a steak for the main course. Being a carnivore myself, it’s US Rib Eye all the way, served with some of the most flavorful garlic potato wedges I’ve ever had.

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu
www.plantationbay.com

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8:30 PM – Drinks and a show at Ibiza Beach Club

Ibiza Beach Club

Ibiza Beach Club

With their own in-house dancers, Mövenpick Resort Cebu’s seaside outlet features a different theme every night for its shows—retro pop, Latin American dances, and movie favorites are just some on the list. Their list of cocktails are equally as appealing, as does the selection of Manny O wines. Of course, if you’re more of a sweet tooth, there’s always the selection of Mövenpick ice cream to properly cap off the night.

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu
www.movenpick.com/cebu

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by Shari Quimbo

Featured image from FoundersGuide.com

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The Suite Life: Ibiza Loft at the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan https://zee.ph/the-suite-life/ https://zee.ph/the-suite-life/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2016 09:37:32 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=11287 Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu takes luxurious getaways to new heights with the Ibiza Loft

 

Ibiza Loft (8)

When we say the Ibiza Loft is akin to being on Cloud Nine, we don’t mean that just figuratively. The 224-square meter suite is located on the 21st and 22nd floor of Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island and looks out over the inviting sea and the rest of Punta Engaño.

The view inside, of course, is just as stunning. With Mediterranean-inspired decor and high ceilings, the space is airy with plush seating throughout the living areas—oversized sofas, a large square dining table and three bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. What truly sets it apart is the in-room whirlpool—situated in its own glass-enclosed nook, guests can settle in for a relaxing soak while enjoying the vistas below.

Ibiza Loft (1)

Checking in to the Ibiza Loft offers another treat: several bottles of Manny O. red and white wines, including Celebrus, and standard house spirits; you can have your own private VIP party! There’s also a butler on call to assist guests’ every need and airport transfers via Porsche Cayenne for an experience that makes sure you arrive in style.

 

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engano, Mactan Island, Cebu
6332. 799 1111
| website

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TripAdvisor names Ibiza Beach Club as one of Cebu’s best https://zee.ph/tripadvisor-names-ibiza-beach-club-as-one-of-cebus-best/ https://zee.ph/tripadvisor-names-ibiza-beach-club-as-one-of-cebus-best/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2015 00:58:53 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=10896 TripAdvisor, the world’s most influential travel site, recently named Ibiza Beach Club in Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu as one of the top restaurants and bars in its locale, and awarded it with a Certificate of Excellence.

The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor®. To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five.

MovenPick_Cebu

The Ibiza Beach Club

Featured alongside the high ratings given by customers to Ibiza Beach Club were commendations on the superb quality of food, friendly and dependable service, relaxing ambiance and exceptional nightly entertainment.

Dubbed as the most hip and happening destination in the area, Ibiza is the go-to party and entertainment venue that’s frequented by locals, tourists, celebrities and socialites. Combining the elements of ambience, music, entertainment and dining, this beachside social establishment is set to impress and delight, with an unforgettable experience that’s uniquely its own.

MovenPick_Cebu

The Ibiza Beach Club

Aside from its spectacular ocean views and architectural design of today’s urban luxe, the night scene at Ibiza Beach Club takes its charm and sophistication from a combination of visual and musical elements. Here, guests are not only attuned to the latest and most danceable beats, but also treated to a wide variety of cocktails and a Mediterranean feast of tapas and Balearic-style churrasco, plus a showcase of world-class talents.

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Balearic-style Churrasco

It all starts with sunset sessions from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm, the golden hours when guests can still get a good tan as they sip some cocktails, relax to cool beats and chill out along the net pods.

Come dinner time, everyone is welcomed to dine in their chic resort outfit or swimsuit, socialise between sips and nibbles, and take a cool dip in the outdoor pool. The indoor space, called the Conservatory, offers a more exclusive feel for any dinner date, complemented with spectacular ocean views. Guests sit and “meat” through dinner, either with tapas served à la carte or the 13-course Balearic-style churrasco, which is best paired with a variety of award-winning Manny O. wines.

MovenPick_Cebu

The indoor area of Ibiza Beach Club

The highlight of the evening is the nightly performances by the Ibiza show team, featuring an hour of visual treat with live singing and dancing to retro pop, disco and Latin music, as well as movie musical sequences alongside daring fire exhibitions.

MovenPick_Cebu

Nightly entertainment at Ibiza Beach Club

IBIZA BEACH CLUB
Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Punta Engano Road, Lapu Lapu City

6332. 492 7777 | website

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Jamie Herrell: Seas the Day https://zee.ph/jamie-herrell-seas-the-day/ https://zee.ph/jamie-herrell-seas-the-day/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2015 08:57:41 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=10712 Jamie Herrell talks about the responsibilities of being Miss Earth 2014 and how The Mactan Newtown’s township lifestyle by the beach promotes the preservation of Cebu’s thriving marine life and other environmental initiatives.

It’s one of those picturesque days at the height of a Cebuano summer—the kind with cloudless sky and a bright sun that casts the sea in glistening light. The Zee Lifestyle team is on a boat, trying to dress up cover girl Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell specifically for the underwater photoshoot. While being gently but routinely rocked by the waves, someone shrugs and laughs, “This is just another day at the office.”

The office, for that day at least, being the waters off the shores of Megaworld’s The Mactan Newtown – the country’s first cyberpark and township with its own beachfront in Mactan Island.

"I would really love to promote Lapu-Lapu City’s ecotourism spots because we have a lot to offer–the beaches, food, culture and most especially our hospitality. As the city’s slogan says, 'Come to Lapu-Lapu and free yourself.'" - Jamie Herrell, Zee Lifestyle May 2015  (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Dress by Bernardo Flores/Makeup by Jonas Borces)

“I would really love to promote Lapu-Lapu City’s ecotourism spots because we have a lot to offer–the beaches, food, culture and most especially our hospitality. As the city’s slogan says, ‘Come to Lapu-Lapu and free yourself.'” – Jamie Herrell, Zee Lifestyle May 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Dress by Bernardo Flores/Makeup by Jonas Borces)

The Mactan Newtown has become a unique township lifestyle with a beach when Megaworld, the country’s leader and pioneer in developing integrated urban townships, has acquired a prime property fronting the famous Mactan Shrine and its partnership with Landmark, Inc. to develop the 11-hectare Portofino Beach.

“This is the most exciting time for The Mactan Newtown. With the new beach area and around Mactan Shrine up for development, we are spicing up our pioneering ‘Live-Work-Play-Learn’ lifestyle concept in Central Visayas,” says Noli D. Hernandez, President, Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc.

For 26 years, Megaworld has established its track record of pioneering the development of integrated urban townships across the country. With The Mactan Newtown’s unique resort lifestyle community, it is now envisioned to boost Cebu’s tourism industry by having an integrated lifestyle with its own natural beach as a primary amenity to the future residents, workers, and visitors of the township. This concept effectively minimizes the carbon foot print and maximizing and improving the use of land.

“Last year, Megaworld partnered with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature–Philippines (WWF-Philippines) to plant 5,000 mangrove seedlings in Mactan. Jamie was among those who took part in the effort to save Mactan’s Mangrove forests,” says Hernandez.

Jamie Herrell was actively involved in Megaworld Corporation's mangrove planting in Mactan Island last year (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Jamie Herrell was actively involved in Megaworld Corporation’s mangrove planting in Mactan Island last year (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Hailing from Mactan herself, Jamie shares the same sentiment. “I think it’s a really good deed that The Mactan Newtown is doing. For a company as big and busy as Megaworld, to still be putting in effort to do environmental activities is very impressive.”

The environment is something Jamie is very passionate about, and the opportunity to be Miss Earth and work with various organizations to address these issues is what drew her to the pageant in the first place. “When I saw how the organization of Miss Earth really pushed their advocacy, I told myself that if I would ever join a pageant, it would be Miss Earth,” she admits.

Jamie Herrell (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Hair and Makeup by Jonas Borces/Styled by BLAQ Mafia/Locale: The Mactan Newtown's beach)

“I don’t think that marine life in Mactan is in immediate danger, but I can see that if nothing changes, our waters could be threatened in the future. That is why we should act now by preserving our seas, not just to keep tourism alive, but also to sustain a healthy community on the island.” – Jamie Herrell, Zee Lifestyle May 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Dress by Oj Hofer/Hair and Makeup by Jonas Borces/Shot on location at The Mactan Newtown beach)

It must have been a calling—the 21-year-old was crowned Miss Earth 2014, adding the prestigious title to her already impressive resume of Reyna ng Aliwan 2014, Sinulog Festival Queen 2013, Miss MegaCebu 2013 and Miss Philippines Earth 2014. Through it all, though, Jamie never felt that she was winning the title for herself. “I wasn’t the only one that worked hard for the crown,” she explains. “My advisers and my family pushed me to a certain level and made this dream come true. So when I won, I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

It isn’t hard to imagine why the people around Jamie are often compelled to work with her. She is sweet and cheerful, cracking jokes even as she floats around on the water with her elbows propped on a lifesaver. In between takes, she talks about her life in Manila, and keeps grinning while makeup artist Jonas Borces and Cebu manager Sven Chua playfully tease her about her posing. The easygoing attitude is remarkable, considering she had just flown in from Manila on an early flight, after a late night coming from an event. “Environmental activities, coastal cleanups, tree plantings, school tours, environmental seminars, promoting ecotourism in the Philippines, and even some hosting and modeling gigs,” she enumerates as what’s been keeping her busy.

Her passion for the title and the responsibilities that come with it is evident in how she describes her duties. “They expect you to always be on top of everything, because being a beauty queen is not just about looking pretty. It’s a job where you can’t slack off, and you have to be consistent in all the activities,” she shares. “Right now, my reigning queens and I are working on an advocacy that we hope will spread around the world. It’s not just to make people aware of the environmental issues, but also to inspire them to act and get involved.”

Being Miss Earth, Jamie has her hands in various environmental projects, but there are a few that she considers her priorities. “Climate change is the biggest issue, not just in the Philippines but also around the world,” she shares, pointing out how hot it’s been in the last few weeks. She’s also been known to speaking about educating children, considering they have the future in their hands, as well as being anti-animal cruelty.

Of course, Cebu and Mactan are still considered home, and they hold a special place in her heart. A few days after the shoot, she participated in the island’s Kadaugan Festival by playing Reyna Bulakna in the reenactment of Lapu-Lapu and Magellan’s legendary battle.

Jamie Herrell as Reyna Bulakna with Vin Abrenica as Lapu-Lapu during the Kadaugan Festival (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Jamie Herrell as Reyna Bulakna with Vin Abrenica as Lapu-Lapu during the Kadaugan Festival (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

“I think Mactan is improving, and it’s really good to see how Lapu-Lapu is becoming one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Philippines,” she says. “This is why I would really love to promote Lapu-Lapu City’s ecotourism spots because we have a lot to offer—the beaches, food, culture, and most especially our hospitality. As the city’s slogan says, ‘Come to Lapu-Lapu and free yourself.’”

It’s an idea she shares with Megaworld, as The Mactan Newtown gears toward taking their Live-Work-Play-Learn by the Beach concept to fruition. With a land area of 28.8 hectares, the township will offer a complete resort lifestyle for its residents and guests at the 8 Newtown Boulevard, One Pacific Residences and One Manchester Place; workers at various BPO offices in One World Center and Two World Center; and students at the La Salle-supervised The Newtown School of Excellence.

The recently opened Mactan Alfresco, located near the township’s main entrance, is a charming gazebo to enjoy the famous local and international dishes from some of Cebu’s up-and-coming restaurants.

“We offer Mactan Alfresco to showcase some of Cebu’s best culinary kitchens, restaurants in a hawker-style food place. It is an exciting new dining concept at The Mactan Newtown that could boost the food tourism in Cebu,” shares Hernandez. (READ MORE: Eats in Cebu: Mactan Alfresco)

The Mactan Newtown's Mactan Alfresco brings the joy of eating to the outdoors (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

The Mactan Newtown’s Mactan Alfresco brings the joy of eating to the outdoors (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Much like Jamie, Megaworld also intends to promote tourism in the area by rehabilitating the historic Mactan and Lapu-Lapu shrines.

The shoreline, of course, is another major aspect. Although Megaworld already has a number of township projects around the country, The Mactan Newtown is the first to boast of a beachfront, and Megaworld is working hard to ensure it remains pristine and protected.

“As a fully-integrated urban township, the township is spicing up the beachfront area, which will have first-class hotels overlooking the Hilutungan Channel, an exclusive world-class beach club, and sports facilities that will also promote active lifestyle by the beach. Aside of improving the area as a tourism hub, we will also have a long-term marine preservation and conservation through our various environmental initiatives in The Mactan Newtown,” says Hernandez.

“I don’t think that marine life in Mactan is in immediate danger, but I can see that if nothing changes, our waters could be threatened in the future,” Jamie adds. “That is why we should act now by preserving our seas, not just to keep tourism alive, but also to sustain a healthy community on the island.”

In the end, it only takes a few hours out at sea to remember why preserving the environment is such an important cause. As the salty breeze rushes past you and the ocean’s gleaming waves crash against the boat, the experience, you realize, is too good to rob the next generations of. Jamie shares a tactic that anyone can do to contribute to the effort of keeping such an experience a reality. “Think twice,” she says simply. “Think twice about what you do in your everyday life, and find alternatives that will help the environment. Even the littlest things that we do for Mother Earth count.”

Zee Lifestyle May 2015by Shari Quimbo photography Jan Gonzales production manager Patty Taboada
stylists Blaq Mafia hair and makeup Jonas Borces
special thanks to Islands Banca Cruises, Kawayan Marine Resort and Feel Deep Scuba Diving
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle May 2015

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Why Mactan is the perfect choice for property investment https://zee.ph/why-mactan-is-the-perfect-choice-for-property-investment/ https://zee.ph/why-mactan-is-the-perfect-choice-for-property-investment/#comments Wed, 13 May 2015 08:07:53 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=10349 Mactan Island has been endowed with a unique island lifestyle that serves as a driving force to be one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country today.

Its rich history, picturesque landmarks, beautiful beaches, as well as the warm friendly-smiles of the people are buoyed by continuous world-class developments that made the island a booming place to live, work, play, and learn in Central Visayas.

Construction at the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown is in full-swing. Expect the pulsating vibe of Live-Work-Play-Learn by the beach township lifestyle in Mactan.

Construction at the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown is in full-swing. Expect the pulsating vibe of Live-Work-Play-Learn by the beach township lifestyle in Mactan.

Moreover, here are the following reasons why people choose Mactan Island as the perfect choice to settle or even invest in Cebu.

  1. Mactan Island is Cebu’s resort island with close proximity to the Mactan Cebu International Airport. As home of several first-class resorts and hotels, Mactan Island is a tourist-friendly destination that offers easy access to various historical spots in Cebu such as the famous Mactan Shrine and Lapu-Lapu Shrine. It is also surrounded by fine sand beaches and fresh mangroves, producing a rustic and sunny island ambiance.
  2. Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island is the country’s fastest growing, highly urbanized city today. Lapu-Lapu City is a very strategic location that boasts with different world-class developments. The city also offers picturesque beaches that surround the island. The Marcelo Fernan Bridge, a known landmark in Mactan, is also within reach providing ready access to top commercial hubs on the main island of Cebu. It is also for this reason that the fastest growing highly-urbanized city is where Megaworld, the country’s leading real estate developer, brings its pioneering LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN lifestyle township formula to develop The Mactan Newtown, which is a 28.8-hectare township with a beach.
  3. Prices for residential condominiums are expected to jump due to massive development projects in the island. Now is the time to invest in Mactan. Urban development has led the growth of tourism, export-oriented manufacturing companies, and BPO offices in Cebu. This fueled the expected rise in the value of residential condominiums in the next three to five years by 15 to 20 percent. This growth reflects the fast-paced economic development that is happening in Lapu-Lapu City.
  4. No congestion; population density is way lower than Cebu and Mandaue cities. According to 2010 census of the National Statistic Office, Cebu has the highest population in Central Visayas region with 2,377,588. But among the three highly-urbanized cities, Lapu-Lapu City has less density compared to Cebu and Mandaue cities. Thus, Lapu-Lapu City is still the most admirable location to live in the province.
  5. Major developers like Megaworld are already poised to transform Mactan Island into Cebu’s next lifestyle and business hubs. Megaworld boosts the island’s transformation by introducing The Mactan Newtown as the country’s first township development by the beach. This 28.8-hectare township combines top-grade office sites, first-class commercial strips, upscale hotels and a reputable academic institution in one premier beach setting. The township also features a cyberpark, which is home to several office and business process and outsourcing (BPO) buildings. Soon to rise in the township are five hotels and an exclusive beach club, as well as sports and leisure facilities.

WHERE TO LIVE IN MACTAN

The Mactan Newtown is a 28.8-hectare mixed-use township development that has its own beach; The Mactan Newtown is the biggest central business district and tourism hub in Central Visayas.

The Mactan Newtown is a 28.8-hectare mixed-use township development that has its own beach; The Mactan Newtown is the biggest central business district and tourism hub in Central Visayas.

Megaworld, the country’s leading real estate developer, brings a redefined living experience in Mactan Island through its latest residential condominium cluster that will soon rise inside the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu Lapu City.

One Manchester Place has a sophisticated vibe that characterizes the famous Megaworld stamp of modern living within an urban township masterpiece. It exudes living innovations modeled after the ‘LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN’ lifestyle township concept pioneered by the company in the Philippines.

One Manchester Place is a three-tower condominium cluster which will have a direct access to a Plaza Magellan mall that will soon rise inside the township.

The Mactan Newtown's One Manchester Place is a three-tower condominium cluster that has a direct access to a soon-to-rise Plaza Magellan mall

The Mactan Newtown’s One Manchester Place is a three-tower condominium cluster that has a direct access to a soon-to-rise Plaza Magellan mall

Within the newly acquired half-hectare area in Punta Engano road, Megaworld will be constructing a three-level lifestyle mall, which is poised to become a major landmark of The Mactan Newtown. The mall will have an iconic entrance plaza facing the famous Lapu-Lapu Shrine, the site where the historic Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan happened on April 27, 1521.

Available units are executive studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom. Every unit will have a spectacular view of the historic Mactan Shrine, Magellan Bay, or the Hilutungan Channel.

Future residents will also have exclusive access to the second-level amenities floor which will have a 25-meter lap pool with sunbathing deck, in-water pool lounge and pool spa, children’s pool, pavilion, reflexology path, indoor spa, fitness and taichi area, state-of-the-art fitness gym, jogging path, dry zen garden, flower garden, children’s playground, reading nook, daycare center, business center, a function room, and ultra-modern game room.

The township will soon be home to the Newtown School of Excellence, a new school supervised by Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO).

The company is also building the Hawkers’ Gazebo, which will open this year. It is a covered food strip similar to the famous hawkers of Singapore. This will be strategically located near the main entrance of the township.

The Mactan Newtown is Megaworld’s first master planned mixed-use development in Central Visayas inspired by the company’s pioneering ‘LIVE-WORK-PLAY-LEARN’ concept. The company has been known for its successful township developments in Metro Manila such as Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, Forbes Town Center and Newport City. In the Visayas, the real estate giant is also building Region 6’s biggest business district, the P35-billion Iloilo Business Park located at the site of the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Megaworld Corporation's Sales Office also houses The Mactan Newtown showroom, where you can get more information about Megaworld's exciting new development in Mactan.

Megaworld Corporation’s sales office in Cebu also houses The Mactan Newtown showroom, where you can get more information about Megaworld’s exciting new development in Mactan.

THE MACTAN NEWTOWN

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The best of both worlds converge at Serulyan Seascapes Mactan https://zee.ph/serulyan-seascapes-mactan/ https://zee.ph/serulyan-seascapes-mactan/#comments Wed, 13 May 2015 02:58:40 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=10337 The Cebuano lifestyle is the perfect mix of city and island life. Embodying this unique quality that Cebu is known for is Serulyan Seascapes Mactan, a 2-hectare expanse of chic living spaces and lavish greenery by the sea.

Serulyan is located in the island of Mactan, a top tourist destination that boasts of a diverse collection of tourist spots and attractions. Being a coral island, Mactan is well-known for having the best spots for diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jet ski, sailing, and cultural activities. Aside from being considered a paradise, the island is a major trade center in the south for both domestic and international traffic as the main entryway to Cebu and the rest of the Visayan region.

Serulyan Seascapes Mactan

Serulyan Seascapes Mactan: A six-tower premiere condominium project that’s nestled amidst lush greenery within the heart of Cebu’s paradise island, Mactan.

 

With its ideal location, Serulyan is a comfortable 15-minute drive to and from Mactan Doctor’s Hospital and Mactan Cebu International Airport. The Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal is about 25 minutes away, while Cebu City proper is approximately 30 minutes away. Serulyan is a community where business and pleasure coexist. Various export industries thrive in the progressive economy while being surrounded by historic landmarks such as the Lapu-Lapu Shrine, premium resorts, white sand beaches, and marine sanctuaries like Pandanon and Nalusuan. Moreover, with the imminent opening of a separate international airport, Mactan will no doubt continue to be a growing business landscape that will open all kinds of opportunities and possibilities for everyone.

Located in Seascapes Resort Town, home to Filinvest’s esteemed Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Serulyan is designed to be your very own retreat, dedicating almost half of the property to open spaces with lush greenery for meditation and that much needed break from the humdrum of daily routine back in the concrete jungle. With a complete array of features fulfilling its promise of garden resort-like living, amenities are categorized into three zones: a zone to celebrate, to recharge, and to play. The first phase will house Tower 1 and the zone to celebrate, which includes al fresco dining, infinity and kiddie pools, and function halls, to make life’s most important milestones even more unforgettable.

A sanctuary created for you and your loved ones, your garden home awaits at Serulyan Seascapes Mactan

A sanctuary created for you and your loved ones, your garden home awaits at Serulyan Seascapes Mactan

The serviced apartments at Tower 1 are the first to be offered at Serulyan and will be managed by Filarchipelago Hospitality, Inc., the same group behind the Crimson brand. Well-planned and fully furnished, Tower 1 accommodates life’s basic and other necessities with the added panache of stylish interiors. Each unit’s generous size, which starts at 68 sq. m., ensures guests the space and privacy they need.

Have your very own private sanctuary in the middle of a growing economy and relish in a lifestyle that you deserve. Far enough to escape the pressures of work and the fast-paced environment, but near enough to enjoy the convenience of the urban lifestyle, Serulyan Seascapes Mactan is your ideal vacation home.

Serulyan Seascapes Mactan offers you easy living with elegance

Serulyan Seascapes Mactan offers you easy living with elegance

 

SERULYAN SEASCAPES MACTAN
Seascapes Resort Town, Mactan Island
www.serulyan.com

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An extended summer at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan https://zee.ph/summore-crimson-resort/ https://zee.ph/summore-crimson-resort/#comments Wed, 06 May 2015 04:04:41 +0000 http://res210.servconfig.com/~zee/?p=10193 If you still haven’t been to the beach and still vying the time to be able to do so, then Crimson Resort might just have the perfect offer for you with its last days of summer offer, extending summer till the end of June.

An aerial shot of the sprawling Crimson Resort & Spa in Mactan Island, Cebu

An aerial shot of the sprawling Crimson Resort & Spa in Mactan Island, Cebu

What’s better is that room rates are also lower with room only offers starting at P5,000++ per night and P5,300++ per night for room with breakfast offers. All you have to do is book by May 17, 2015.

Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan is an multi-award winning resort located in Mactan Island, Cebu with a three-tiered swimming pool, beachfront and marine sanctuary, four dining outlets including the must-visit Azure Beach Club.

The Azure Beach Club, the latest addition to Crimson Resort & Spa

The Azure Beach Club, the latest addition to Crimson Resort & Spa

It is also home to Aum Spa, a 2,000 sq. m. relaxation haven, dubbed as one of the best hotel spas in the world by Agoda.com and also recently named Best Luxury Resort Spa (WLSA 2015 – Continent Winner).

Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan's Aum Spa (Photography by Adrian Yu/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, May 2012)

Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan’s Aum Spa (Photography by Adrian Yu/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, May 2012)


 

Other facilities include a fitness gym, a kid’s club, and sports bar.

 

CRIMSON RESORT & SPA MACTAN
Seascapes Resort Town, Lapu-Lapu City
6332. 401 9999
info.mactan@crimsonhotel.com

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