Guests were pampered with beauty treatments from La Mer and MAC throughout the afternoon, until they had to dress up for cocktail hour. A five-course degustation by Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa executive chef Frank Bohdan and a raffle of exciting prizes including round trip tickets to the Maldives with a stay at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa preceded the main event of the evening—an exclusive fashion show featuring the A/W 2018 collection of Miranda Konstantinidou. Free flowing champagne, caviar and cheese kept the party going until the early hours of the morning.
The Zee Lifestyle Emerald Ball is presented by Arthaland, in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Cebu, Rustan’s and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu. Special thanks go out to Dedon Island, La Mer, MAC, and Jo Malone London.
photography Oliver Echevarria and Ezekiel Sullano
]]>The affair also served as the introduction of Chef Daniel Quintero, the resort’s new executive sous chef. The Spanish chef, who has traveled across renowned kitchens around the world, brings his passion and the luster of his incredible Michelin-starred experience to the Philippines.
The subtle sophistication of his creations made the perfect pairings to the wine, all of which were enjoyed by Cebu’s most recognizable personalities.
SHANGRI-LA’S MACTAN RESORT & SPA
Punta Engano Road, Lapu Lapu City
6332. 231 0288 | email
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Maco’s Hub at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa
Maco stands for marine conservation and “kaakohan” is a Cebuano word meaning ownership. Having a strong sense of ownership towards the marine environment is what the hub aims promote to guests. It is adorned with a gallery where guests familiarize themselves with the marine species found at the resort’s sanctuary, and moving forward it will be the venue where guests participate in corporate social responsibility activities under the resort’s Care for Nature program.
Maco’s Hub inspires to create a healthy environment for over a hundred species of fish that call the Shangri-La Marine Sanctuary home, and ultimately to raise awareness on the importance of protecting underwater life throughout the world.
General Manager René Egle cuts the ribbon at the newly-opened Maco’s Hub
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts remains committed to operating in an economically, socially and environmentally responsible manner whilst balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders. In striving to be a leader in corporate citizenship and sustainable development, a corporate-level CSR Committee drives the company’s initiatives in the strategic areas of stakeholder relations, environment, health and safety, supply chain and employees. These focus areas are unified under the umbrella brand of “Sustainability”, together with Shangri-La’s core CSR projects “Embrace” and “Sanctuary”.
Stay the weekend at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa with Zee Lifestyle‘s Ultimate Travel Deals! For as low as Php 20,000, get a two-night stay with Horizon Club access. Get details here.
]]>Having lived in London, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and, most recently, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in the Maldives and Shangri-La’s Touessrok Resort & Spa in Mauritius, Rene Eglé is no stranger to new locales. His current post as the general manager of Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa could have been just another check off the list, but Rene’s found himself taken in with the city and it’s people.
Rene Eglé (Photography by Steffen Billhardt: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016)
“Cebu has been nothing but full of pleasant surprises,” Rene observes, referring to the local cacao production, the yellow South Sea pearls, and the artistic diversity that ranges across tribal traditions and Spanish-influenced cultural touchstones as primary examples. “More than the lovely beaches and rich culinary destinations, I’ve been astounded to discover the hidden treasures that the outside world does not automatically associate with the Philippines.”
With him on board at Shangri-La, Rene aims to have a renewed focus on the team’s training and development in order to deliver the top-notch quality of service that people have come to expect from Shangri-La properties. “The Cebuanos are an amazingly cheerful and happy people—traits which, combined with the renowned Shangri-La brand of service, provide me with a team that has a strong hospitality focus,” he shares.
Cebu’s hospitality industry is evolving, with new airlines now offering direct flights to Cebu from international locations, and a growing number of small boutique hotels and large hotel chains opening up. “The task of keeping a resort relevant in a competitive environment is not so much a challenge as it is an opportunity, as new competitors bring new ideas that keep the rest of us on our toes,” Rene says. “Of course every new property provides another attraction for Cebu, and we welcome this as it makes our destination a much stronger competitor in the international tourism arena.”
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa
To do this, Rene encourages his team to express their creative spirit and put forward fresh ideas, however crazy they may sound. “If an idea works, then great, we keep it and continue; if not, we skit it and move on to the next one,” he says, emphasizing that his team is the strongest weapon. “The overriding plan for us is to continue being the leading resort in Cebu by providing a high level of consistency in quality and service, while at the same time providing novel experiences that inspire and delight our guests.”
Even with Shangri-La Mactan being quite popular among tourists, the property is also well loved by the locals. With that in mind, Rene also has plans to engage more with the local community by offering interesting and unique activities tailored to Cebu residents. He also has a few tricks up his sleeve, currently in the early stages of planning a project that would involve neighboring stakeholders to change the landscape of Mactan Island.
Rene’s love for Cebu is clear. His enthusiasm, coupled with his plans for Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa and Mactan Island itself, is enough to incite anticipation about his legacy in the Queen City. Indeed, the Eglé has landed.
]]>So has the Sarimanok continued its journey to Cebu in Jewelmer Joaillerie’s “A Journey to the Extraordinary” which was held Thursday, March 31 at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa.
For the past 35 years, French-Filipino luxury brand Jewelmer Joaillerie has been producing the rarest of all South Sea pearl varieties, the golden South Sea pearl. Sustainably grown in their farms in Palawan, their pearls have won the hearts of pearl aficionados from all over the world. Their fine jewelry, which is a harmonious blend of French design and Asian sensibilities, have been worn by royalty, celebrities, and personalities both in the Philippines and abroad.
Thus, the gala was the first of its kind in Cebu, an intimate thanksgiving celebration with the Cebuanos, dedicated to the men and women who have helped make Jewelmer Joaillerie the internationally renowned brand it is today. It was a return to their roots, so to speak – bringing together the best of French and Filipino cultures that are at the heart of Jewelmer.
Guests were treated to a meal specially prepared by Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa at the Mactan Ballroom Foyer, which was transformed to an evening in Paris as homage to the brand’s French identity.
The program, which was hosted by Issa Litton, featured Jewelmer’s new corporate video that shared the story of the brand’s journey since its inception in 1979. This was followed by the launch of Jewelmer Joaillerie’s 2016 Spring Summer collection in a French-inspired presentation featuring top Filipina models garbed in a special collection inspired by the Parisian aesthetic created especially for the event by fashion designers Rhett Eala and Mia Arcenas. Jazz music was provided by the Amp Band.
A thanksgiving for the past and an homage to a continuing tradition of excellence and beauty, this year’s gala promised to be another milestone in Jewelmer’s journey to the extraordinary.
Jewelmer is an international luxury brand that was born out of a commitment to the world’s most lustrous South Sea pearls and exquisite fine jewelry that showcases the creative harmony of French design and Asian sensibilities. Established in 1979 by a French pearl farmer and a Filipino entrepreneur, Jewelmer has grown globally to represent a world of rarity and enduring elegance.
JEWELMER JOAILLERIE
Ayala Center Cebu
www.jewelmer.com
Mugnâ, a Cebuano word that means “to create”, is a fitting term for the extravaganza of flourishing local talent. The event featured signature pieces by designers from the Fashion Council of Cebu and the introduction of Lobby Lounge’s Chocolate High Tea, a treasure box of goodies made in partnership with homegrown chocolatier, The Chocolate Chamber.
Guests had a fabulous afternoon as they witnessed piece after piece of chic Cebuano couture made by renowned names in the industry: OJ Hofer, Yvonne Quisumbing, Albert Arriba, Mia Arcenas, Edwin Ao, Jun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, Philipp Tampus and Philip Rodriguez.
The afternoon flair was complemented with bites of the Chocolate High Tea selection that consists of White Chocolate Crème, Chicken Inasal, Spiced Chocolate, Tablea Crème Brûlée, Beef Tablea and Flourless Tablea Cake, which was served with a pot of premium tea.
The more adventurous chocolate aficionados meanwhile had the option of indulging in signature cacao-infused martinis, made in partnership with Grey Goose Vodka. The line-up includes the Classic Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Orange Chocolate, Chili Choco, Mint Choco, Choco Bomb Shot and Warm Orange Cognac Sikwate.

Mugnâ was a celebration of firsts, as it was the launch of Lobby Lounge’s Chocolate High Tea and signature martinis which are now available daily. Moreover it was the premiere of the monthly fashion shows in which two of the participating designers will present collections exclusively made for the resort. The couture pieces will be on display at the resort’s Events Center and the entire season will culminate with a grand finale on Aug. 31, 2016.
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’.
]]>