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Zee Lifestyle inspires wanderlust with the March 2016 Travel issue

As part of the celebrations for the 20th year of being Cebu’s premier lifestyle bible, Zee Lifestyle presents its March 2016 Travel issue.

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)

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’.

Lifestyle

Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.

Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.

Tiki Bar at Buko Bar

Epicurean Delights by the Pool

Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.

Mediterranean Selections at Acqua

A Whimsical Touch

Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.

Pleasant Sundowner Tunes

Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar

Champagne Bar at Acqua

A Toast to an Endless Summer!

Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.

Family Outdoor Movie Night

Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.

Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa

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inside

LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show

Dame Judy Dench (center in white) with gallery owner, Jerry Sibal, Edwin Josue, writer Eva Gullas and artist James Doran-Webb.

The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.

Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.

One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.

The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.

One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.

Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.

What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.

The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb

***

The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!

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Leisure

Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca

photography by GPA Art and Photography

A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.

Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.

Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal. 

Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.

The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.

For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.

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