Lifestyle

The Suites at Gorordo: Setting our Sights on Singapore-Inspired Living

by Ryan Daniel R. Dablo

“Singapore-inspired living is all about living the good life,” says Ann Leslie Ngo, CEO for World Central Properties Inc. (WCPI), in a roundtable talk last June 16, 2022 at City Sports Club Cebu to welcome the rise of The Suites at Gorordo, a majestic 29-story crystalline high-rise tower at the corner of two major thoroughfares, Gorordo Avenue and Archbishop Reyes Avenue in uptown Cebu.

The Suites at Gorordo is developed by World Central Properties Inc., and is set to epitomize upscaled modern-day living at its finest. Reminiscent of New York’s Flatiron building, The Suites at Gorordo boasts of an iconic sculpted design that will dominate the Queen City’s skyline. It will feature both residential units and serviced suites, and with the service managed by The Ascott Limited, a leading hospitality brand in business circles, living at The Suites at Gorordo will be a luxury . The seeks to be an idyllic city home that emphasizes family-centric ideals, with services that provide modern essentials: the innovative list includes babysitting, housekeeping, laundry and dry-cleaning services, business center use, and conference room rental. This is on top of the amenities that patrons can also enjoy such as the residential lobby and lounge, fitness center, swimming pool, and a sky garden with a gazebo and grilling station. Minutes away from Cebu Business Park and replete with panoramic views of Cebu, The Suites at Gorordo caters to the good life whether it be on the fast lane or on an easy, laidback pace.

No wonder then, that the development has already caught the discerning eye of the Philippine Property Awards, bagging four awards in 2021 including Best High Rise Condominium Development and Best Mixed Use Architectural Design in the Philippines. With many developments in Metro Manila offering stiff competition, The Suites at Gorordo won the judges over with its management, sustainability initiatives, dedication to the service industry, and bevy of features. “Don’t take our word for it,” intones Cyndy Tan Jarabata, President of Tajara Hospitality Group and head judge during the 2021 Philippine Property Awards, “go see it for yourself, and see.” A WCPI representative further enthused that the company wanted to make high end living accessible to as many people as possible. This is why The Suites at Gorordo is cheaper by 20-30% compared to other high end condos in Cebu.”

Speaking before an audience of developers, brokers, realtors, and the press, Cyndy Tan Jarabata is optimistic about Cebu’s real estate, and The Suites at Gorordo is primed to be its crowning achievement. With the rest of the panel – Ann Leslie Ngo, WCPI CEO, Sharon G. Ong, WCPI COO, Philip Barnes, Country Manager for Ascott Philippines and Orathai Chirapornchai, Regional Solutions Manager of Property Guru Philippines – voicing out their agreement, little was left to the imagination as to how truly pioneering this project is. With this pre-eminent Cebuano icon and landmark looking forward to its opening in the early third quarter of 2023, a new age of Singapore-inspired living may yet dawn on the Queen City.

Related Topics:The Suites at Gorordo WCPI World Central Properties Inc

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Lifestyle

Stephen Aznar’s Mactan Getaway–Modern Tropical Living with a Cool Moroccan Vibe

By Jing Ramos | Photography by Doro Barandino

When Stephen Aznar finally decided to build a house in Mactan he quipped “I craved for a living space that was not just expansive but also a luxurious one.” Stephen chose Mactan because it was the closest escapade away from the bustling urban life of Cebu City. It also offered the peace and tranquility he was searching for.He pursued this dream of moving to the island and build a house that would have the atmosphere of a riad in a medina in Marrakech, a de-luxe one with a lap pool and a jacuzzi bordered by pocket gardens.

Dramatic details as key points were purposely in place in designing this room to exude elements of luxury and sophistication.

Grande abat-jour and a bouquet of heliconias and lillies greet guests for a luncheon party

Jardin Majorelle was a huge inspiration for Stephen being a fan of Yves St Laurent and partner Pierre Berge’ who saved and restored the gardens in the middle of Marrakech that was originally created by Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle. Stephen admits that “At one point, I was seriously thinking of painting the house in a vivid Majorelle blue, alas my location wasn’t ideal being in a tropical zone with harsh sunlight, the blue would have been too garish in the Mactan light.”

Though embracing subdued palettes, this living room evokes a well-curated maximalist style that’s not only personal, but are both bold and beautiful.

The structure of the building became the biggest challenge because of the contractors Stephen hired and it took over 2 years to complete the building project.The main house sits on a 664 square meter lot and has a floor area of about 200 square meters.

Moroccan lamps and a dining set in teak wood comes in hand in setting the mood of this room, but it’s really the view that defines this dining sanctuary.

This master’s bedroom was intentionally framed with a high ceiling for added room space that allows sufficient airflow and adequate natural light to come play.

Once the construction plan was completed, the owner sighed with relief and felt a deep satisfaction in having countered the obstacles of a real estate development. More importantly Stephen was candid enough to admit that the quality of his life has vastly improved since because once that dream was realised he felt happier.He adds “I slept with a smile each night knowing that my dreams had come true.”

Design

Bulgari’s Serpenti Collection: A Timeless Homage to the Year of the Snake

By Emmanuel Hamoy

Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti Collection is a testament to the maison’s ability to weave cultural symbolism and fine craftsmanship into jewelry and timepieces. Since its debut in the 1940s, the collection has embodied the elegance, mystique, and power of the serpent—a motif deeply rooted in mythology, art, and culture. In 2025, Bulgari’s Serpenti designs found renewed significance as the Chinese zodiac ushered in the Year of the Snake.

In Chinese astrology, the snake is revered as a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Those born under the Year of the Snake are believed to possess a refined, enigmatic aura and an innate ability to adapt to life’s challenges. Bulgari’s Serpenti collection perfectly mirrors these qualities, blending the serpent’s sensual curves with bold design elements. Each piece—from coiling bracelets to striking necklaces and watches—captures the serpent’s duality as a figure of grace and strength.

The synergy between Bulgari’s craftsmanship and the symbolism of the snake was celebrated in 2013 with special edition Serpenti pieces. The designs showcased the maison’s expertise in combining colorful gemstones, intricate scales, and coiling shapes, echoing the serpent’s fluid movement and timeless allure. These creations paid tribute not only to the Chinese zodiac but also to Bulgari’s Italian heritage, renowned for its bold use of color and innovative designs.

Today, the Serpenti Collection remains an enduring icon of luxury and transformation. Its connection to the Year of the Snake enhances its allure for those who resonate with the snake’s symbolism, making it a coveted collection for connoisseurs and collectors alike. Through the Serpenti, Bulgari continues to celebrate the universal power of the serpent—a creature that transcends time, culture, and borders.

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.