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The ultimate dream date at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa

Couples seeking the quintessential celebration will revel in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu’s Ultimate Dream Date, a thrilling, one-of-a-kind offer with a one-of-a-kind million-peso price tag–to be launched on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2016 and available year-round.

Shangri-La's Mactan's ultimate Valentines date

Putting together the finest in dining, accommodation, shopping and jewelry, the Ultimate Dream Date takes romance a notch higher, as it promises a lavishly unforgettable experience.

The Ultimate Dream Date begins with a limousine ride going to the resort, where the couple enjoys an overnight stay in the resort’s Presidential Suite, a luxurious two- bedroom suite with a dining area and balcony offering panoramic views of the ocean. The couple also enjoys a harmonizing signature treatment at CHI, The Spa and access to its rejuvenating water pavilion.

As a prelude to a blissful evening, the couple gets to hop on a helicopter ride over the scenic Mactan Channel, ending in a pre-dinner cocktail of Dom Pérignon Champagne upon arrival. An exquisite five-course dinner then follows at the resort’s Paradise Island, a scenic hideaway at the heart of the beachfront. The dinner is complemented by free-flowing beverages, dreamy tunes by a private musician, plus a spectacular piece of diamond jewelry for the lady.

The Ultimate Dream Date at Shangri-La's Mactan includes a stay at the resort's Presidential Suite

The Ultimate Dream Date at Shangri-La’s Mactan includes a stay at the resort’s Presidential Suite

The celebration does not end there, as on top of the romantic dinner date, the lady will be given a shopping spree at a luxury retail chain with private butler assistance, which may be availed on the couple’s preferred date.

A selection of romantic dining offers is also available at the resort’s scenic spots including Paradise Island and the iconic Observatory and Gazebo for Valentine’s Day.

A six-course set menu served at Paradise Island starts at P20,000++ per couple, and includes a bottle of champagne, free-flowing non-alcoholic beverages, a bouquet of flowers and a private musician. Meanwhile, a five-course set menu at the beachfront, along with the aforementioned inclusions, starts at P15,000++ per couple.

Imagine spending Valentine's Day at Shangri-La's Mactan's Paradise Island

Imagine spending Valentine’s Day at Shangri-La’s Mactan’s Paradise Island

Couples who wish to toast to their love stories at either the Observatory, Gazebo, or Acqua Veranda may enjoy a five-course set menu with a bottle of champagne, bouquet of flowers and CHI, The spa discount voucher. This package is priced at P15,000++ per couple.

At the resort’s outlets, couples may also celebrate with an indulgent gastronomic experience. At Acqua, a Valentine’s Day five-course set menu served with a glass of sparkling wine is at P4,000++ per person, while Cowrie Cove’s five-course set menu with a glass of sparkling wine is at P5,000++ per person. Tides will also offer a Valentine’s Day special with a lunch buffet priced at P2,250++ per person.

The day of romance indeed casts a festive spell all around this seaside paradise.

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City
6332. 231 8224 | fbreservations.mac@shangri-la.com

Events

Some Enchanted Evening–Marguerite Lhuillier hosts a Despidida Dinner for Eva Gullas in her Fabulous Post-Modernist Maria Luisa Mansion

by Oj Hofer

The doyenne of everything bright and beautiful, Marguerite Lhuillier, hosted a dinner party in honor of her dear friend Eva Gullas at her effortlessly elegant home. She invited an intimate circle of guests for an evening of photo ops, fashion talk, positive vibes, and absolutely no politics—not even a whisper on the subject.

A 38-year-old Sapodilla tree with branches adorned with bird’s nest ferns and bromeliads that deepen its quiet, enduring beauty.

Upon entering the hostess’s expansive residence, guests were greeted by an open and welcoming space. A tall vase of fiery heliconias offered an instant boost of visual pleasure. Flanking this vibrant floral arrangement were two sacred sentinels: a Tibetan thangka of Compassion and Wisdom on the right console, and to the left, a serene image of Guanshiyin Pusa glowing with the aura of a Uruguayan amethyst geode. Completing this spiritual trio was a towering clear quartz cathedral geode. It felt as if each guest underwent a quiet cleansing and energizing upon stepping into a lush sanctuary framed by bougainvillea blossoms.

Marguerite Lhuillier, Mariquita Yeung, Frances Siao, and Christine Pelaez.

Cocktails were served at dusk. The usual spirits made their rounds—champagne, red and white wine—but this writer opted for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler, which provided just the right kick. The extravagant tablescape featured a familiar array of cheeses and charcuterie, with my personal favorite, tortilla de patatas, delightfully arranged against the sparkling backdrop of Cebu City.

Standing Left to Right: Jun Pelaez, Dindo Arcenas , Lilet Heredia, Oj Hofer, Marguerite Lhuillier, Maris Holopeinen, Frances Siao, Christine Pelaez, Manolet Heredia, Erwin Siao Seated: Angelique Gradne Salve,Iris Fernan, Eva Gullas, Mariquita Yeung, and Jiji Gullas.

Dinner followed in a buffet-style spread catered by Café Laguna. There were no place cards on the table, allowing guests the freedom to choose their seats. Naturally, the dinner crowd gravitated between the gracious hostess, Marguerite, and the guest of honor, Eva. I was particularly fortunate to be seated beside Jun Pelaez, art connoisseur and collector. Our conversation flowed effortlessly into the realm of the arts, creativity, and life’s finer pursuits—pausing only with the arrival of desserts (my absolute weakness).

Jiji Gullas, Christopher Darza, Manolet Heredia, Dindo Fernan, and Erwin Siao

The final course of the evening featured the hostess’s famous leche flan and Christine Pelaez’s signature bibingka—sweet reminders that, like dessert, life is fleeting, but friendships, shared stories, and enchanting evenings like this one linger long after the last bite.

Eva Gullas, soon departing on a well-deserved hiatus, left us wrapped in laughter, elegance, and warmth. It’s a gift to have friends whose presence makes coming home to worth it.

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Events

Can Art Spark Awakening? Inside Oj Hofer’s Tribute to His Zen Master

by Emmanuel Hamoy

On April 4, 2025, the much-anticipated exhibit One Flower, One World: Brushstrokes of Compassion and Wisdom opened at SM JMall, blending contemporary Buddhist art with interactive experiences. The event brought together art students, enthusiasts, collectors, social luminaries, community leaders, international Buddhist practitioners, and Dharma masters to celebrate Oj Hofer’s tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun through calligraphy, Zen ink painting, and Ikebana.

Erwin Choa (Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Philippines), Marisa Fernan (Vice President of SM Prime Holdings Inc), Venerable Yung Guang (Head Abess of Fó Guāng Shān, Philippines), Marguerite Lhuillier (Social Luminary and Animal Rights Advocate), Sheila Go ( Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Cebu)

Margie Lhuillier, artist Oj Hofer and Mariquita Yeung

Oj’s live calligraphy demonstrations captivated guests, offering them a unique chance to witness his creative process and receive personalised calligraphy pieces. The afternoon culminated in an exclusive cocktail reception featuring delicious vegetarian delicacies prepared by Nonki Japanese Restaurant.

Joy Uy, Francis Dravigny, Venerable Yung Guang, Marissa Fernan, Margette Sarmiento

Among the distinguished guests were Oj’s muse, society maven Marguerite Lhuillier, SM Holdings’ Marissa Fernan, Buddhist advisers Sheila Go and Erwin Choa, and, most importantly, Fo Guang Shan Philippines’ Head Abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who shared reflections on Master Hsing Yun’s teachings and the role of art in spiritual practice.

Artist Oj Hofer and Paeng Batuigas (Senior Assistant Vice President, Visayas Marketing, SM Supermalls)

The exhibit was a resounding success, showcasing how art can foster reflection, connection, and understanding in a diverse, multicultural society. The event was made possible with the support of SM JMall, Buddha’s Light International Association, and Fo Guang Shan Philippines.

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Events

Villa Mariquita: An Evening of Elegance, Laughter, and Fine Champagne

by Emmanuel Hamoy

Villa Mariquita opened its doors to a very select few. On cue, a server hands you a glass of Pol Roger as Mrs. Yeung warmly greets you, effortlessly chic in a perfect pair of Chanel jeans and a pullover. Conversations over food, between sips of wine and champagne, range from the mundane to the profound—each exchange punctuated with laughter, and then even more laughter.

Margie Lhuillier, Frances Siao, this writer and Mariquita Yeung

Mariquita Yeung sharing experiences with guests on art collection

Oj Hofer, Freemont Base, Eva Gullas, Frances Siao, Jun Escario, Margie Lhuillier, Cary Santiago, the host Mariquita Yeung, Phillip Rodriguez, this writer, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth and Pearl Atienza

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