Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts
Settling in on her new leadership role at the start of the new year, Albiso looks back even way before joining the organization during the last quarter of 2019 as its Group General Manager. It comes as a surprise when she shares that her years takes her back from being a pre-school teacher in Cebu using her degree in Bachelor of Science in Education major in mathematics finishing Magna Cum Laude. After a while, and with doors opening for her to join the corporate world, she finds herself earning her years in sales and marketing where she has gathered decades worth of exemplary experience being part of the country’s biggest telecommunications group and international hospitality brands.
With the highs and blows of life and as well as business, she shares that “An empowered woman needs to have grit”. The will to persevere and continue with passion has become her brand of leadership in serving not just clients and guests, but as well as taking care of the people she works with. Through her dedication, Albiso has since continued to climb the corporate ladder and was also recognized as the first Filipino General Manager of a Marriott International branded property in the country, the Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo that is also one of Megaworld Corporation’s many other operated international hotels in the Philippines.
Fast forward to today, she looks at the future with gratefulness as she embraces the opportunity to empower the lives of 2,000 employees present across 11 hotels and not to mention 3 more properties opening this year as well as in 2023. She shares that “My responsibility can only be best tackled by filling my heart with gratitude and keeping my purpose in close check when times get challenging.”
More than ever, she has come to understand that “Resilience is her way of life.” She explains that challenges come and go along with every solution that solves each one of them. Safe to say, what she considers as the biggest one yet would have to be this pandemic. Albiso hopes that after a two year pause and struggle of the industry “My constant prayer is for our fellow Filipinos to help us recover by patronizing homegrown brands for them to explore the Philippines and travel again.” She said that in doing so “this will mean more jobs for the hospitality and tourism practitioners and boost confidence in the total industry to go back on full swing once again.”
Admittedly, despite being one of the industries at the frontline of the pandemic, she can still say that “The culture of appreciation in our very own organization has been better strengthened during these times”. The company lives by the Circle of Happiness. She explains that “Our organization operates with a culture that reminds us to love ourselves, our families, our work, our community with the love of God at the center of everything we do.” This pandemic has better reminded them to strive to take care of the wholistic well-being of each employee from physical to emotional and even mental health.
On top of that, Albiso gathers that what allows them to thrive is their team’s collective ability to take care of their key stakeholders, execute efforts geared towards sustaining the business, and making people stay and work passionately. She further adds “We are a work in progress and there are many more business and service facets that we are focusing on improving” and humbly claims that “The best years for Megaworld Hotels and Resorts are yet to come.”
When asked about what her best advice to fellow women would be as they reach for their dreams, she said “I only found genuine fulfillment when I started having a relationship with God. It is only by accepting that we cannot do things by ourselves that we become dependent on our creator.” According to her it is important “That we do not give credit to our talent, creativity and hard work (alone) but give glory to the one above us who have blessed us with all that.”
At present, their properties are continuously looking to hire qualified applicants for vacant positions in front office, security, information technology, food and beverage, sales & marketing, human resources and engineering for Belmont Hotel Manila and Savoy Hotel Manila within Newport City in Pasay across NAIA terminal 3, Kingsford Hotel Manila located in the Entertainment City of Paranaque, Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Twin Lakes Hotel near Tagaytay, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo in Iloilo Business Park of Iloilo City, Belmont Hotel Boracay or Savoy Hotel Boracay located at the Newcoast Boracay and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown in Cebu.
For more information about how you can be part of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, kindly email careers@megaworldhotels.com. You may also inquire about your future stays through salesinquiry@megaworldhotels.com or connect with them through any of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ and its properties’ social media pages.
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Named as one of the best islands in Asia—as part of Cebu—just recently, Mactan Island is a getaway paradise in and out itself. With people flocking from all over the world to get a glimpse of the island’s pristine white sand beaches and glimmering blue seas, it’s no wonder that it’s become not just a premier tourist destination in the Philippines, but a prime residential area as well. As one of the major tourist islands of Cebu, Mactan boasts of some of the best diving, island hopping, sailing and cultural activities in the country.
It’s for these reasons that real estate giant, Megaworld Corporation, decided to set foot on the shores of the historic resort city. For the last 30 years, Megaworld Corporation has built communities across major cities in the Philippines—and the 30-hectare property in Mactan, called The Mactan Newtown, is the first major township development outside Metro Manila.
Since opening in 2016, The Mactan Newtown has brought in a lot of opportunities that encompass its “live-work-play-learn” concept; the township is steadily growing, and its residential buildings, office spaces, 24-hour grocery, food spots, beach, and even school, are evidence of the company’s efforts to create a thriving, holistic community.
The idea of coming home—whether for a short visit or as permanent residence—to a place where everything you need is within reach is an appealing one. Here’s why each day is a tasteful living experience at The Mactan Newtown:
It’s a foodie’s paradise
There’s no denying that Cebu is a culinary melting pot—aside from years of trading relations and colonial influence, there’s also the island’s magnetic pull of tourists (whether local or foreign) that drives demand, especially for delicious, authentic fare. To ensure a complete gastronomic experience, The Mactan Alfresco houses a variety of food spots that are worth trying.
Patterned after Singapore’s famed hawker centers, The Mactan Alfresco is a covered dining strip that is designed to showcase the best authentic Cebuano cooking and cuisine—it isn’t hard to embark on a food trail here, as the space has everything from snacks, main courses, desserts, and drinks.
Whet your appetite with short orders, sink your teeth into the day’s freshest catch, breathe in the signature smokiness of charcoal-grilled meat, and cap off your meal with sips of refreshing, fruity drinks.
Of course, no trip to Cebu will be complete without sinking teeth to its culinary pride: lechon. At Mactan Alfresco, diners can enjoy ‘the world’s best pig’ (as the late Anthony Bourdain puts it) in the most delectable and crispest of ways with its ‘Lechon Pit’. And, here’s a pro-tip: if you’re looking to enjoy Cebu lechon, make sure to drop by The Mactan Alfresco during August, as they hold the annual Lechon Festival that showcases the island’s most mouthwatering roasted pig!
The beach is (quite literally) just a stone’s throw away
Mactan Island’s charm lies in its clear blue waters and sandy white shores, so of course, it is only natural that The Mactan Newtown has its own beach. Aptly called The Mactan Newtown Beach, it’s a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to leave the island.
Accessibility aside, the beachfront is dotted with colourful cottages and lounge chairs perfect for relaxation, or a quick snap for a social media post.
You get to come home to paradise
No township project by Megaworld Corporation is complete without a residential aspect. Currently, at The Mactan Newtown stands 8 Newtown Boulevard, One Manchester Place and One Pacific Residence.
There’s also the soon-to-rise La Victoria Global Residences, which is heavily inspired by Spanish architecture. More important than its overall aesthetic, though, is how La Victoria Global Residences highlights the historical significance of Ferdinand Magellan’s ‘Galleon Victoria’, the first ship to have circumnavigated the globe back in 1521.
Each residence offers a wide variety of amenities and facilities, from spacious receiving areas or lobbies to wide hallways, to manicured lawns and refreshing pools, well-equipped gyms and leisure centers, down to the thoughtfully-planned livability in each unit.
Whichever residential development one chooses to have as their domicile, it’s guaranteed to be a space meant for one to enjoy coming home to at the end of the day.
For travellers who’d like a taste of what it’s like living in Mactan, the up-and-coming Savoy Hotel Mactan—one of Megaworld Corporation’s homegrown hotel brands—is set to open this November, with 547 guestrooms and suites, so stay tuned for that.
The hustle isn’t a hassle
Now that we’ve touched upon the “play” and “live” aspects of the township, let’s move on the the “work” and “learn” parts—The Mactan Newtown further cements these concepts with the establishment of its high-end office towers and school.
The township is home to a couple of office buildings which house international business process outsourcing (BPO) companies, which comes as no surprise, seeing as the Philippines is one of the best and biggest BPO service providers worldwide—in fact, in Cebu alone, the BPO industry registered a 19% hiring growth in the first half of 2019.
For parents who seek to provide quality education for their children, the township has The Newtown School of Excellence, supervised by the Lasallian Schools Supervision Services Association Inc. (LASSSAI).
There’s no need to go far to grab your essentials
With such a large market to cater to, it’s a given that the township has an array of shops and services to provide for their needs. There’s a convenience store, a grocery, and a pharmacy, which are readily accessible throughout the day and up until late at night.
Soon, the township will get to enjoy the P1.5B Mactan Newtown Beach Walk. Set to be built on a shoreline cliff, the mall will be highlighted by a man-made lagoon, boutique hotel, garden chapel, beach walk, and rows of retail shops & restaurants including four cinemas.
True to its commitment to sustainability, this project will use solar roof panels, and will utilize an open layout scheme for passive cooling and natural lighting in most of the development’s common areas.
Over the past few years, The Mactan Newtown has changed the landscape of Mactan Island. With so much more developments in store, one can only wonder how it will be like. Glimpses of the Mactan Newtown lifestyle should be enough…for now.
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The 20-storey La Victoria Global Residences will offer 181 spacious units ranging from studio of up to 40 square meters; one-bedroom units of up to 53 square meters; two-bedroom units of up to 80 square meters; and three-bedroom units of up to 118 square meters. All units will have their own balconies, overlooking the sea and the mountains.
Featuring an architecture inspired by Spanish edifices, the tower will reflect the historical significance of Galleon Victoria, the ship that brought Ferdinand Magellan to Cebu Island in 1521, who eventually faced a fatal defeat from the forces of Filipino warriors led by Lapu-Lapu.
“Galleon Victoria arrived in the Philippines in 1521, and completed its circumnavigation of the globe in 1522. This piece of history that eventually showcased the victory of native Filipinos will be commemorated by this new residential tower inside The Mactan Newtown,” explains Noli D. Hernandez, president, Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc.
On the tower’s central façade, just below the tower’s name, will be an inscription of the inclusive years that Galleon Victoria spent to complete its circumnavigation of the world. “We launch this tower 500 years after Magellan was appointed captain of Galleon Victoria’s expedition and we hope to complete this in 2022 when we commemorate the ship’s 500th year of circumnavigation,” adds Hernandez.
La Victoria Global Residences’ main lobby will be designed with elements and installations that are significant to the Spanish expedition. The amenity deck at the third level will be highlighted by an infinity pool and kiddie pool with covered pool lounge and wooden sunbathing deck, relaxation and reading lounge, children’s play area, function room, fitness center, fitness trail and jogging path, and day care center. Total sales for this fourth residential project in the township are expected to reach P1.5-billion.
In late 2011, the company launched its first residential development, 8 Newtown Boulevard, which eventually won as Best Luxury Condo Development in Cebu in the 2016 Philippines Property Awards and the Outstanding Residential High-Rise Development in the 2016 Real Estate and Property Awards by FIABCI-Philippines.
The following year, the company also launched One Pacific Residence, which also won the Best Residential Architectural Design in the 2017 Philippines Property Awards, and in 2016, it launched One Manchester Place, the third residential development in the township.
The Mactan Newtown is Megaworld’s first and only township that has its own beachfront. It is currently home to almost 10,000 BPO and office workers. It is also home to the company’s first school in Visayas and Mindanao, the Lasallian-supervised Newtown School of Excellence.
It’s in Mactan
The construction of The Mactan Newtown back in 2015
“Mactan, really?” Well, with the worsening traffic to and from the island, this mentality can’t be helped. Citizens of Cebu and Mandaue might have several options on what to do or where to hang out, the same can’t be said for the people on the other side… yet. The Mactan Newtown promises to change the landscape of Mactan Island with this township community that promotes a live-work-play-learn concept. In the next few years, The Mactan Newtown will see the rise of a shopping mall and a school, in addition to its existing dining establishments and call centers.
Why Mactan is the perfect choice for property investment (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
It showcases the best of Cebu
The Mactan Newtown Alfresco
The Mactan Alfresco is a hawker-style food place that promotes some of Cebu’s well-loved culinary journeys. Craving for lechon? The township gives people a whole new way of experiencing Cebu’s famous delicacy with its very own Lechon Pit, in which lechon is prepared and roasted right in front of diners. From seasoning to roasting and being chopped and served, it’s a completely immersive experience that’s sure to get people talking. Besides lechon, The Mactan Alfresco is also home to MexiMama, Choobi Choobi, Orange Karenderia and more.
Eats in Cebu: Mactan Alfresco (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
It’s right by the beach
Miss Earth 2014 and Zee Lifestyle cover girl Jamie Herrell strikes a pose at The Mactan Newtown beach (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015/photography by Jan Gonzales/dress by Oj Hofer/hair and makeup by Jonas Borces
Let’s face it: Mactan Island is really best known for its beaches, and Megaworld Corporation’s burgeoning township happens to be right next to it. The beach is currently open to the public with a minimal fee, but residents of the various residential developments in The Mactan Newtown will be able to enjoy exclusive access to the fine sand and clear blue waters later on. As a bonus, the House of Anzani is gearing up to open an establishment right on the beach, with construction set for early next year.
It’s going to be a premiere residential address
One Manchester Place
Megaworld Corporation is currently developing three residential clusters, all of which put together would offer a variety of options for every Cebuano, whether they want the relaxed feel of 8 Newtown Boulevard, the sophisticated vibe of One Manchester Place, or a more lavish lifestyle experience at the One Pacific Residence. With Cebu City currently saturated of real estate developments, The Mactan Newtown is a refreshing alternative for those who want to be away from it all without being too far.
One Pacific Residence: Standing out from the rest (via ZeeLifestyleCebu.com)
You can live there right now
8 Newtown Boulevard
Megaworld Prime RFO recently rolled out ready-for-occupancy units at 8 Newtown Boulevard. ‘Ready’ units of 8 Newtown Boulevard that come with personalized after-sales services are now being offered to condo buyers who are looking for properties where they can immediately move in. Aside from being pre-furnished with furniture and appliances such as living room sofa, dining table and chairs, bed and even washing machine and microwave ovens among others, RFO condo buyers will be able to avail of Megaworld’s complimentary interior design services as well as leasing and resale assistance.
- THE MACTAN NEWTOWN
- Mactan Circumferential Road, Lapu-Lapu City
- visit the website
The Belmont Hotel in Resorts World Manila
When you have a business trip yet you want to take an extra few days for leisure, Belmont Hotel Manila is the ultimate ‘bleisure’ hotel in the country. Belmont Hotel Manila is Megaworld Corporation’s newest hotel brand located inside the Resorts World Manila, the country’s first integrated entertainment and tourism complex in Newport City.
Located just across Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Belmont Hotel Manila caters to business travelers. It offers sophisticated and space-efficient interiors, friendly services and striking facilities such as an outdoor rooftop swimming pool with a bar overlooking the city skyline and the airport runway. Other facilities include a fully-equipped fitness center, a spa, and an all-day dining restaurant.
The roof deck outdoor pool
Belmont Hotel Manila is offering a special ‘bleisure’ package starting this month until December 31. With this package, pay for only two (2) nights if you book three (3) nights of stay in the hotel. The package includes 20% discount on current shows at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre; 25% on items at Cafe Belmont, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant and the Pool Bar; two free tickets at Newport Cinema; complimentary use of WI-FI and parking; and scheduled airport transfers.
Bleisure days ahead at the Belmont Hotel Manila
BELMONT HOTEL MANILA
Newport Boulevard, Newport City
Pasay, Metro Manila
632. 318 8888 | e-mail | website
Zee Lifestyle’s February 2016 Real Estate Issue: Michelle Mulet Yu (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Sittings Editor: Shari Quimbo/Stylists: BLAQ Mafia/Makeup: Emi Ayag)
On the cover is Michelle Mulet Yu. As the driving force behind homegrown real estate company Landtraders World Properties Corp., Michelle proves that while the industry is mainly a man’s world, femininity can be an asset in finding a place in Cebu’s growing skyline.
In this issue’s Conversations, key players in the hospitality and real estate industries are paired up for an interesting exchange of ideas. Hoteliers Manna Alcaraz of Marco Polo Plaza and Cassandra Cuevas of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, real estate brokers Renee Noval-Guillen and Xacah Kiener-Chang, real estate executives Davy Tan of Rockwell Land and Noli Hernandez of Megaworld, and sales executives Nova Noval of Vista Residences and Rouen Abel Raz of Taft Properties, all divulge their thoughts on Cebu’s evolving vista.
Zee Lifestyle introduces the next generation of Cebu’s Young Professionals. Tri-J Marketing’s John Rey Guadalquiver, Sprockets’ Rachel Arandilla, Atelier de Aurora and BLIND Clothing’s Kathrynn Dawn Sy, real estate broker Morgan Tornilla, The Cebruery’s Toni Marie Despojo, SALT’s John Mark Cañete, The Fat Pig’s Alfred Sayson, and The Chocolate Chamber’s Anthony, Jonathan and Hanna Choa, all prove that there’s no age limit when it comes to minding your own business.
BUSINESS CLASS. Cebu’s Young Professionals of 2016 (Photography: Joseph Ong/Sittings Editor: Patty Taboada/Creative Director: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Romero Vergara and Jam Diez/Hair: Gino Fonghe/Locale: BIG Hotel)
This edition also explores some of the most enviable spaces in the city. James and Tasha Dixon’s modern yet minimalist abode retains touches of Filipino architecture, interior designer Anton Mendoza creates a cosmopolitan residence in 1016 Residences, and Slater Young, Victor Consuji and Stephen Ku defy all odds with the stunning Sky House, a modern structure that floats over one of the cliffs in the highlands of Cebu.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Real Estate issue, out on stands next 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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Action-packed days are ahead with an outdoor rock-climbing wall.
In the sunny island of Mactan Island, leisure is not just an option-it is a lifestyle. With so many activities to do both on land and in the sea, every single day feels like a summer vacation.
Property giant Megaworld brings this unique kind of lifestyle with One Pacific Residence.
Located in the confines of the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown, the 18-storey One Pacific Residence lets you enjoy the satisfying life of tropical bliss and contemporary convenience. It will also feature some unique amenities never before offered in the whole province of Cebu.
As a model of holistic living, One Pacific Residence will have the first-of-its-kind aqua gym pool, where in future residents will enjoy various types of water exercises such as aqua Zumba, water yoga and aqua aerobics. It also features a 20-meter lap pool and a children’s pool.
Staying fit becomes even more fun with the first-of-a-kind aqua gym pool
Train like a pro and compete in real matches at the property’s own tennis court
The three-tower enclave also has its own rock-climbing wall for extreme sports enthusiasts and for the health buffs, the residential project offers state-of-the-art indoor gym, a jogging path, Yoga area, a jacuzzi and Tennis court. One can also find a solace at the sunken lounge and other open green spaces in the area or find their passion in cooking at the culinary station.
Residents can enjoy various dishes at the culinary station
Aside from the world-class amenities, One Pacific Residence will have rows of commercial establishments at the ground level for more shopping and dining options as well as office building beside the residential complex.
One Pacific Residence offers pre-furnished executive studio and one-bedroom units ranging from 56.7 to 56.6 square meters. By request, units may be combined to make two-bedroom units ranging between 89.2 and 98 square meters. Depending on which unit, residents can look out on stunning views of Hilutungan Channel, Magellan Bay or the Mactan Shrine from the privacy of their balcony.
ONE PACIFIC RESIDENCES
The Mactan Newtown
ML Quezon National Highway
Lapu-Lapu City 6015
Inquire | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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)
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)
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.
“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)
“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)
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.”
by 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
Megaworld, the country’s leader and pioneer in developing integrated urban townships, is set to bring new life to the Mactan food scene as it opens the Mactan Alfresco, an exciting new dining concept, at The Mactan Newtown.
Inspired by the popular Singaporean hawker center, Mactan Alfresco is a covered food strip designed to showcase authentic Cebuano cooking and cuisine.
The Mactan Newtown Alfresco
“Mactan Alfresco is envisioned to help boost the local food tourism of Cebu by showcasing the region’s most exciting food, delicacies and dishes in an “al fresco” setting inspired by Singapore’s famous hawker-type food halls. With the growing BPO population, and soon residential population as well as the influx of tourists because of its close access to hotels and resorts, The Mactan Newtown is expected to experience growing commercial and retail demand. Thus, we are continously expanding our food and retail offerings to respond to the anticipated market demand,” explains Noli D. Hernandez, president, Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc.
With a 350-person seating capacity, crowds can enjoy delicious grilled items from stalls which will offer Filipino favorites like skewered chicken, fish, shrimp, Cebu’s famous chorizo and the freshest seafood.
Among the features of Mactan Alfresco is the large communal outdoor grill or ihawan, which is the perfect way to cook Cebu’s bounty of land and sea. Guests can choose from an array of freshly cooked food choices “turo-turo” style or choose fresh meat and seafood and have have it cooked or “paluto” according to their preference. Each viand is partnered with “puso” or rice wrapped in triangular buri and banana leaves which one eats with their bare hands.
Among the dining establishments already open are Choobi Choobi, whose specialty is its Shrimp in a Bag, one pound of fresh shrimp which comes with corn on the cob and sauce options like Butter Garlic, Cajun, Sauteed in Garlic and Spicy Gata. Guests can also order Chilean Mussels in a Bag, Singaporen Style Salted Egg Shrimp, seafood delicacies like Scampi Baby Lobster, Giant Bamboo Clams and Lobsterfish and other favorites from the ocean like Stuffed Grilled Squid and Big Eye Tuna Belly.
Choobi Choobi’s Shrimp in a Bag (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
Other house specialties include Choobi Pata, Lola Pepang’s Fried Manok and even a Fried Herbed Spring Duck, a free range duck fried with secret herbs and spices.
Meanwhile, Mama Linda Inato BBQ Haus menu is full of sizzling dishes including Sizzling Gambas, Beef, Pork, Squid, Seafood and even Chicken Feet. They also have Crab ala King in Chili Sauce, Garlic Shrimp and Garlic Crab, Sweet & Spicy Sugpo, Steamed Lapu-Lapu and Crispy Pata.
Also offering Filipino favorites is Manang Sayong, with Barbecued Chicken, Pork, Liver, Native Chorizo and Dried Pusit. Guests can also order grilled or ihaw-ihaw fish Anduhaw and Molmol, Lapu-Lapu and Squid.
Fans of Orange Karenderia can also enjoy their delicious dishes at Mactan Alfresco. Guests can enjoy the Betsy’s Garlic Chicken in Orange, Tuna Buntot or for the more adventurous diner, the Crispy Tuna Bihod or Tuna Roe.
For a taste of native Cebu chicken or “Manok Bisaya”, homegrown Cebuano brand Conching’s is also opening at Mactan Alfresco.
Mexican is also on the menu at Mactan Alfresco with Meximama, who combines a casual dining experience with authentic Mexican flavors. A group of friends can share their Nachos en Salsa Roja, then dive into other delectable offerings like the Chuletas, a Mexican marinated pork chop with mango jalapeno and pineapple salsa, or try their tacos, burritos, quesadillas and fresh flour tortillas.
Tacos from Meximama (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
For a sweet finish, guests can order the Meximama Tres Leche Flan or their Churros which come with both chocolate and dulce de leche sauces.
And what’s a trip to Cebu without lechon? Guests can order delectable lechon from Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, Ana’s Lechon and Ayer’s Lechon. Also on the horizon for Mactan Alfresco are the lechon pits where guests can soon experience lechon roasting on the premises.
“The Mactan Alfresco aims to bring the best of Cebuano cuisine to locals and tourists alike, helping to expand the food tourism industry in Mactan. With a mix of establishments that offers dishes that Cebu is famous for and the communal grill where you can see your food being cooked, Mactan Alfresco’s dining experience will be a feast for the senses,” said Kevin L. Tan, First Vice President and Head of Commercial Division, Megaworld.
At the opening of the Mactan Alfresco: Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc. President Noli D. Hernandez, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, Megaworld’s First Vice-President and Head of Commercial Division Kevin L. Tan, and Megaworld’s Vice-President for Visayas Operations Virgilio Carsido, Jr. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
The Mactan Alfresco is conveniently located near the main entrance of The Mactan Newtown, the country’s first “Live-Work-Play-Learn” lifestyle township with its own beachfront located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Megaworld has allocated P30-billion to develop the township within the next five years.
Among the exciting features of The Mactan Newtown is the development of its 11-hectare beachfront property which soon be home to a beach club as well as boutique and resort hotels in which residential condominiums residents and BPO companies will have access to.
There are 10 luxury residential towers on the pipeline, at least seven office towers, and five business and leisure hotels, including the 18-storey The Mactan Belmont Luxury Hotel and 18-storey Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown.
Bringing to life the “Play” aspect of Mactan Newtown is the Plaza Magellan, a Megaworld Lifestyle Mall that will soon rise in front of the historic Mactan Shrine. Aside from housing the finest shopping, dining and entertainment choices, the planned three level retail and commercial hub will feature a Spanish galleon flanked by Spanish steps and arches – reminiscent of the Spanish era in the Philippines.
MACTAN ALFRESCO
M.L. Quezon National Highway
Lapu-Lapu City, 6015
Open from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Zee Lifestyle’s May 2015 Home Design Issue: Jamie Herrell (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Hair and Makeup by Jonas Borces/Styled by BLAQ Mafia/Locale: The Mactan Newtown’s beach)
Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell graces the cover. The beauty queen talks about her environmental responsibilities and how she shares Megaworld Corporation’s vision of preserving Mactan’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
Jamie joins in a roster of women who are role models in society. Cebu’s pillars of education—the University of Cebu’s Candice Gotianuy, Southwestern University’s Maris Aznar Holopainen, and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Lourdes Jereza—share their dedication in raising industry standards and keeping up with technological advances in order to provide quality education to Cebuanos.
Meet Jamie Doran Webb, Yvonne Quisumbing and Happy Garaje’s Mark and Johanna Deutsch, who comprise the new wave of personalities in Cebu’s thriving design industry. Get inspired by the aesthetics of new restaurant Ampersand, the office of plastic surgeon Fremont Base, Rockwell Land’s Aruga Serviced Apartments in Manila, and more.
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