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Staying Connected With Former High School Classmates

Encountering our former classmates and reminiscing about old memories can enhance our understanding, strengthen our connections, and foster mutual respect.

 

In a time when face-to-face interaction is limited, there’s an incredible chance to cultivate and strengthen our connections in new and creative ways. There’s no better opportunity than now to stay connected, even when we can’t be together in person.

From the top, left: Maricar Schlossberger, Janeth Arce-de Guia, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, Michelle Lopez, and Cathy Robles-Buyayo.

On April 30, 2020, we were supposed to celebrate the 30th, or Pearl Anniversary, of our high school batch in Manila. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties of the situation, we decided to use this time to reconnect with our high school classmates, especially those from our section (MMMHS Batch 1990, IV-1), whom we hadn’t seen or communicated with in years.

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have our former classmates reside in one area. With distance from each other, responsibilities at home and work, and other factors separating us, it’s often difficult to gather together as a group.

So what should one do?

Firstly, a Facebook group was created by one of our classmates. It is where we can come to talk about our experiences (be it family matter, work, health, parenting, and high school memories) for other members to read, and comment on. By connecting virtually, members can still interact with one another and share stories from the convenience of their home or office.

Everyone is happy to know that the most active members in our FB group are doing well in their respective careers and family life. We have dedicated and hardworking front liners, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, a nurse in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland; Janeth Arce-de Guia, California-based nurse; and Maricar  Schlossberger, Indiana-based nurse;

Meanwhile, Michelle Lopez works in a finance company in Hong Kong;  Rowena Acohon-Elias, works as an engineer in Colorado; Cathy Robles-Buyayo, works in Marriott Hotel in Vancouver Canada;  husband and wife, Glenn and Shirley Viduya and family are based in Kansas; Cris Celis-Dargani and family are based in California;  Mari-Karr Cruto-Policar and family are based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Julian Cabrera and family are based in Maryland;

Former classmates who are based in Manila have been lucky also with their chosen fields of expertise: Joy Sigua is connected in a pharmaceutical company; Mariebelle Palma works as an audit specialist in a government firm; Ronald “Tenten” Rodriguez engages in talent management and salon business; Jeffrey Badion works in a retail company; Edwin Escanillas is a licensed financial advisor; John Enconado is now a successful ophthalmologist; Aldwin Bonavente specializes in electrical and auxiliary works, and Regina Hernandez works for a BPO industry.

There are some full-fledged educators in our batch, like Dr. Eriberto Astorga; as well as Rodolfo Bombon, who is into teaching; Josie Carangan Martinez works in the government under education sector, and Ferdinand Ocampo is a public school teacher in Manila. They are just some of the former classmates this writer has able to touch-based on FB. I hope to hear from others next time.

Virtual reunions can be eye-opening, because, generally, we develop wisdom and maturity as we age. “Encountering our former classmates and recalling old memories, good and bad may help us gain better insight into who we are now and how we got here,” according to Psychology Today. It may not only reveal information about us and how we have changed, but also similar information about our friends. Discussing and knowing this can lead to greater intimacy and respect for one another.

Indeed, this virtual reunion has lessened the burden of being in a trying situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. As a motivational speaker and author Rober Glazer said, “Many of us are coping with this crisis by looking for silver linings that can help us endure this challenge and improve our lives when it has passed. Everyone we know is suddenly available, often for the first and perhaps the only time in our lives. This has led to an extraordinary amount of online reunions where groups of people haven’t connected in years can catch-up without a specific agenda.”

Revisiting old memories and reconnecting with classmates and friends can be a wonderful experience, a chance to reflect on shared moments together. Renewing these friendships and reliving the fun and emotions we experienced in high school are two of the most common reasons people choose to participate in a virtual reunion, especially in today’s digital age dominated by social media.

By: Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

 

#virtualreunion #highschool #classmates #friends #socialdistancing #covid19pandemic #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Giselle Sanchez: A well-endowed versatile artist

Her confidence and intelligence made her an achiever in her studies, and in her chosen career.

Actress-comedienne, singer, and columnist Giselle Sanchez is a well-endowed artist. She’s a pitbull of fun and talent. She’s a bundle of joy with an over-supply of good sense of humor. But she could be deadly serious, too, as far as work is concerned. When she gets into something, she sinks her teeth into it.

She’s a jack of all trades excelling in acting, hosting, singing, writing, and stand-up comedy. “I cannot be typecasted in just one field because women these days should be multi-talented. To be able to survive in this era you have to be versatile,” related Giselle from a previous exclusive interview.

Break

Giselle said she was lucky because when the opportunity came in, she was in the right place at the right time. In fact, what people didn’t know was that she was prepared to be there.

“My career started because I was in a group called SAMASKOM at UP (Samahan ng Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon). And we wanted to come up with a comedy show,” she recalled.

“Since we didn’t have money we joined (then) Ready Get Set Go. E, ako gusto ko talagang magpapansin para ma-discover. I put makeup,” she laughed. “My first manager, Del Pascual saw me there and asked me if I wanted to join the movies. I said ‘yes.’ Actually, I was just waiting for his offer.

Then Tessie Tomas saw her at UP when they staged the said play. “At that time, I didn’t have a phone because we live in Rosario, Pasig. Basically, Del was the middle man. Then Johnny Manahan saw me and offered me a couple of guesting in all the sitcoms on Channel 2. After that they made me a regular cast in Ang TV, I was a teacher there. From Ang TV, I was guested for Mongolian Barbecue. Then, Wilma Galvante saw me and put me in SST as a regular host. After that Lorraine Schuck got me for It’s A Date. After so many years, ABS-CBN got me back. And the rest is history.”

Childhood

Maria Giselle Sanchez in real life was born under the sign of Taurus. She describes herself as “makulit, matigas ang ulo, matapang, loyal, loving, sensuous, and when I go to sleep ang daming tumatakbo sa isip ko.”

How she got her name was a funny anecdote. “No, it wasn’t taken from the ballet. No, my mom was not into the impressionism era. She was a fan of Lorna Tolentino and her name was Giselle. Then ginawa niyang Lorna because magbo-bold na siya,” she recalled.

She said her childhood was a happy one. “When I was three years old, I would lock myself inside the room and start acting and my mom would freak out feeling niya nasisiraan nang ulo ang anak niya,” she adds. “When I was 14, there was one director who dropped by our video shop then I approached him, ‘direk puwede ba akong mag-artista. Oo, ikaw ang ipapakain sa buwaya.’ Kaya ngayon gusto kong makita ang director na ‘yon. I’m sure laos na siya,” she laughed.

In person, Giselle has a whistle bait figure and flawless complexion that can match any beauty queens around. That ugly duckling girl grew up to be a jolly kid. Although she was not that pretty she had so much confidence to feel that she is beautiful. And this confidence made her an achiever in her studies, and in her chosen career.

“Without this confidence, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And my mom Gilda and dad Ike gave me that confidence,” she said, the pride in her voice unmistakable. “And you should give value to your family. I wouldn’t probably be here if I didn’t value my family.”

Giselle with her loving family. Courtesy: Giselle Sanchez FB page

Giselle’s versatility coupled with her intelligence has earned her a mark both in the entertainment and media industry. She graduated magna cum laude major in Mass Communications at the University of the Philippines. She is a mother of two, a happy wife, and a successful businesswoman.

She said the advantage of comedians is they stay long in the business. “As for stand-up comedy, your key is your mind,” she concluded.

Photos courtesy @gisellesanchez FB page

#throwbackseries #entertainmentdays #gisellesanchez #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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Jun and Abbygale De Leon’s Love Story

Jun and Abbygale have found each other and both feel right for each other. They have proven time and again that love knows no age. When you find true love, you will not care about the age difference anymore, all you will care about is spending life longer with each other. Nothing matters. It’s love.

Says he:  “It never occurred to me that I would offer marriage to anybody, after 20 years of working with beautiful women . . . Then I met Abby.”

Says she:  “Our love grows every day.”

Celebrity photographer Jun De Leon and former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe-turned-entrepreneur Abbygale Arenas have their own unique love story to tell.

Abby and Jun returned to the place where they fell in love two years before – Dubai. They sealed their relationship with marriage vows on August 29, 1998. It was a very quiet and intimate ceremony in an old church. They took off again for a grand honeymoon tour of U.S. cities — New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. It wasn’t really a “secret” wedding. The sweethearts had told their families of their plan. Still, Abbygale described it as the happiest day of her life. She choked on her lines. “Tears kept flowing from my eyes and it was only Jun whom I could see,” she recalled. Jun was equally emotional. It was a second try at marriage for Jun. This time, he explained, he wanted to keep the ceremonies simple then give his new wife a really grand honeymoon.

Jun and Abbygale as newlyweds. Image: personal file

First meeting

Abbygale first met Jun when she was only 18. Then, a young model that just got back from New York. She reported for a pictorial at then Jun’s studio at Traders Hotel (now Hotel Jen). Their second meeting was in Dubai in 1996 for the Mayflower Boutique pictorial project. Abbygale was the model and Jun was the photographer. “After we returned from Dubai, almost every night he would always visit my place in Mandaluyong,” said Abbygale.

Courtship

The courting stage was short revealed, Abbygale. “Dubai pa lang magka-holding hands na kami,” she giggled. When they returned to Manila, they were in a dating stage already. After two months, Jun told her that he wanted to go to Pampanga to meet her family.  “When he went there, he was with his children. Sabin ng mama ko, ‘sino kaya sa mga ito ang boyfriend ng anak ko.’”

On her relationship with Jun, Abbygale said that her mom was more open-minded than her dad, who was apprehensive at first of the situation. “But he changed when he saw that we were heading for marriage,” said Abbygale.

Abbygale has learned a mouthful of wisdom from Jun, “perhaps because of his experiences. He is my best supporter.” Image: google.com

The right time

Jun said, Abbygale, came at the right time in his life. “For me, marriage is not needing, but two people wanting to share. I used to live alone. Then suddenly, I felt I have something to share. That’s when I met Abby.”

The age gap was not at all a problem for them. “With us, it was never a problem,” said Jun. “Marriage should give you wings, not a chain. One nice thing about us, we both want to be together after a day’s work. Knowing where I am at this point in my life, I will not waste my time. I’ll give as much as I can.”

Thinking of the age gap, Abbygale said that “it adds ups to the good relationship we have at the moment. I treasure every moment we’re together.”

What Jun has learned from Abbygale is that “I could love again.” “That I can have a family of my own, that I can share my life with somebody else, that I can occupy my space with somebody, which before I couldn’t because I considered my room as my private domain – only my children could get inside. She opened the door. You know it’s difficult to recover again after a failed marriage.”

Abbygale, on her part, learned a mouthful of wisdom from Jun, “perhaps because of his experiences. He is my best supporter. What’s important in a relationship is to have love, trust, and respect. Show your partner that you love him. Don’t be influenced by others when it comes to your decision.”

Married bliss

Abbygale said she’s grateful to be part of Jun’s home. “This is not a regular marriage. Like, I don’t have to cook for two. He already has a home, isinali nya ako.” She had no problems with Jun’s children as well. “We get along well. I’m a friend to them. They call me Abby and I never consider myself their stepmom.” (Jun has seven children, namely: Christine, Timmy, Oliver, Patricia, Katrina, Nico, and Isabela).

Picture perfect: Jun and Abbygale with their children Irijah and Eli. Courtesy of Jun De Leon.

Jun returned the appreciation: “I thought I had everything until I met her. I had a family, a stable career, the professional respect I worked for. It never occurred to me that I would offer marriage to anybody, after 20 years of working with beautiful women.”

He added, “I see her inner beauty in so many ways – a good daughter, a sister, and a good friend. She has accepted me for what I am. It was like a big reward, a big bonus for me.”

Jun and Abbygale both feel that they deserve each other. Their union has been blessed with two beautiful children – Irijah, 18, who is taking up Filmmaking in Columbia Chicago; and Eli, 4. They are keeping the love alive after 23 years of married bliss.

#abbygalearenas #jundeleon #coupleinlove #lovemonth #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

(Based on the article published by the same author at the now-defunct Mirror Weekly magazine)

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Kobe Bryant: Death of an Icon

“Don’t look at what I did, but how I did it. That’s ‘mamba mentality,’” said Kobe from his past interview. He added: “When you find that thing you love, then life makes sense. For me, it’s basketball.”

The sports world mourns the untimely death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California. He was 41. What’s more heartbreaking is the fact that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died in the accident and other seven passengers. No one survived the crash. The news came as a shock to everyone.

The 18-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star had five championships during his illustrious 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He enjoyed one of the greatest careers in NBA history and became the face of the Lakers. He was the league MVP in 2008 and a two-time NBA scoring champion and earned 15 All-NBA selections.

According to reports, the helicopter, owned by Kobe, took off at 9:06 a.m. local time from Santa Ana/John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. It crashed at 9:47 a.m. in Calabasas. Foggy weather conditions in the area at the time are believed to have caused the crash.

Father and daughter were on their way to his Mamba Sports Academy for a basketball game when their helicopter crashed. Gianna was supposed to participate in the game, with her father serving as her coach.

Upon learning of the tragic accident, fans of Kobe rushed to the site of the crash to give tribute to the well-loved NBA legend.

The outpouring of sympathy was also felt during the 62nd Annual Grammy Award held at the Staples Center on the same day of the accident. A special tribute was held at the arena in memory of Kobe.

The Grammys opening was dedicated to Kobe, with American singer-songwriter Lizzo remarking “Tonight is for you, Kobe” as she sang the ballad “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts.” Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men also dedicated their a capella performance of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”

Indeed, it’s so hard to say goodbye to a man who became a role model and inspiration to a lot of youngsters and basketball players around the world.

#kobebryant #NBA #icon #legend #sports #death #planecrash #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Image: businessinsider.com
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Legoland Malaysia Resort Theme Park

Every day is a family fun day at LEGOLAND Theme Park, designed to create an environment for families and children of all ages to enjoy and enhance their creativity.

It has plenty of awesome adventures, starting from The Beginning, LEGO City 4D Movie-Officer in Pursuit, LEGO Kingdoms, Imagination, LEGO Technic, Land of Adventure, LEGO City, The Great LEGO Race, LEGO Ninjago The Ride & Live Show, and the miniature world of MINILAND, the largest that has been built for a park. Asia’s most famous countries, cities, and landmarks have created a scale of 1:20, using more than 30 million LEGO bricks. Isn’t it amazing?

Plan your dream holidays to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort with your family soon!

Like and follow its FB Page Legoland Malaysia @ LEGOLAND.my. Check its website – http://www.LEGOLAND.my.

Video by Beatrice Lebajo and Precious Ruby using MAC mini iPad

#legolandmalaysiaresort #legolandthemepark #malaysia #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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The Cleopatra Aromatherapy Experience: Feel beautiful in your natural skin

Put 4 drops of Youth Serum on your face every night for 5 minutes. Ultimately, your inner beauty is your best makeup. You won’t depend on makeup to feel beautiful.

“Cleopatra’s Youth Serum with Argan Oil has given a fresh look to my skin and improved the texture,” shared Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe Joy-Generosity 2018, a philanthropist, artist, entrepreneur, style icon, and event consultant. “A youthful skin compliments a youthful spirit, hence, supports me in all my endeavors in society. So, if you want to stay naturally beautiful, use Cleopatra oils! Stay fresh, stay young!”

(From right): Judith Barran, the owner and founder of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy; Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe Joy-Generosity 2018, a philanthropist, artist, entrepreneur, style icon, and event consultant

Hundreds of happy moms, working women, stay-home-moms, women entrepreneurs, and daughters are satisfied users of this “miraculous serum” called Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy Youth Serum with Argan Oil.

Judith Barran, the owner, and founder of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy considered her essential oils as her “fountain of youth.” She’s grateful to share these amazing product lines created and formulated by her husband, Lloyd Barran, a pharmacist, chemist, and aromatherapist with over 20 years of experience.

Ms. Judith Barran with Tia Belle’s owner, Ms. Evelyn Dayao Wise, the newest distributor of Cleopatra Aromatherapy in Sta.Rosa area.

Put 4 drops of Youth Serum on your face every night for 5 minutes. Ultimately, your inner beauty is your best makeup. You won’t depend on makeup to feel beautiful.

For inquiries check the following social media pages:
Website: www.CleopatraAromatherapy.ph
IG account: @cleopatraaromatherapy1999
FB page: www.facebook.com/Cleopatra Aromatherapy/
Shopee: http://bit.ly//CleopatraAromatherapy

#pureessentialoils #organic #natural #pure #fountainofyouth #youthserum #essentialoils #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Karen Davila’s Mission

“I want to influence people in a positive way,” said the multi-awarded broadcast journalist. “Be ready to work hard. If you invest in hard work, people will respect you.”

Few encouraging words from a teacher went a long way for Karen. As a young student at the University of the Philippines, she contemplated a career in fashion design. Then one of her teachers noticed her good enunciation and said she had potential as a newscaster.

“I believe that a Tagalog show can reach more people. I have this thing about change-your-life-TV. It’s like viewers have to get something from you. They shouldn’t be just entertained by your presence. Time has to come that you have to give them something,” shared Karen. Image: politics.com.ph

“That was the first time anybody ever said that I was good at that,” she said, looking back. That’s when she decided to seriously pursue broadcast journalism. She graduated in 1993 from UP’s College of Mass Communications, and after a series of auditions, got her first job on the Business Today, a former morning show on GMA-7 with then Mon Isberto and Rico Hizon as anchorpersons. Before she knew it she was also doing the hourly news breaks.

In 1994, she joined Brigada Siete with the late broadcast journalist Louie Beltran, where she honed up on investigative reporting. A bigger break came in October 1995 when she was tapped as the news anchor for Saksi, GMA’s primetime Tagalog newscast. At this time, too, Karen became a contributing reporter of GMA News to CNN World Report. In 1996, she was given the opportunity to train for a month-and-a-half at CNN headquarters in Atlanta where she met CNN founder Ted Turner. In 1997, Karen was a finalist for the Best Environmental Report for CNN World Report.

After more than 24 years of television and radio experience, Karen is not one to rest on her laurels. She won the much-coveted TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) Awards for Broadcasting in 2008 and TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) Award for Broadcasting in 2013. In 2010, Karen was chosen as a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, an honor given to young exceptional professionals below 40 years of age. This has allowed Karen to take exclusive leadership courses at the Harvard Kennedy School, Yale, and Lee Kwan Yew School of Government. She has moderated televised sessions for the World Economic Forum East Asia Summits in Manila and Jakarta.

Moreover, she has won numerous local awards including Rotary Club’s Journalist of the Year in 2004 and several accolades from UST, UP, and De La Salle Award giving bodies. She is a Hall of Fame Awardee with the Anak TV Awards, consistently considered as a top role model for the youth.

Fulfilling work

“The real point in life is to truly find who you are in God’s eyes, everything else is secondary,” related Karen. Image: @iamkarendavila

Karen said her work is physically exhausting and fulfilling. “There’s a big difference if you just read the news or you’re just a TV personality. But I also go out in the field, come back to make my reports then host the show. It’s really a lot of work,” she quipped. At present, she can be seen in three live daily TV and radio programs—interviewing newsmakers on Headstart, a news talk show that airs 8-9 am on the ABS-CBN News Channel or ANC; anchors TV Patrol and The World Tonight, the late-night newscast on ABS-CBN.  As a volunteer, she has involved herself with Habitat for Humanity and World Vision in the last 10 years as an advocate for women and children.

But Karen is not really complaining. “I want to influence people in a positive way,” she related. “I think television plays a major role in its viewers. That’s partly why many love Oprah because she’s so positive. The TV can be that way; you can empower the viewers. I’d want the people to be encouraged just by, let’s say, my life or just watching the shows that I’ve done. I want to give them something.”

What’s the meaning of life?

“If you’ve read the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon asks, ‘What’s the meaning of life?’ I ask that, too. I say, ‘this is it.’ Fine, you’re on TV and people know you. The real point in life is to truly find who you are in God’s eyes, everything else is secondary,” shared Karen, who is a Born Again Christian.

Throwback pictures of Karen / personal file

More than anything else, she wants to do good stories. “I want to be able to do a program that rates and is less sensational. I believe that a Tagalog show can reach more people. I have this thing about change-your-life-TV. It’s like viewers have to get something from you. They shouldn’t be just entertained by your presence. Time has to come that you have to give them something,” rationalized Karen, who also hosts and writes for a weekly news magazine TV show, called My Puhunan, an inspiring business program that features rags to riches stories on ordinary Filipinos hitting it big thru entrepreneurship.  “But the most important is to have a personal relationship with God. Why? Because you don’t know what God has in store for you.”

Her advice to aspiring broadcasters: “First, you should do your homework in all honesty,” said Karen. “You have to prepare well before the show. It’s important that you know the issues for the day; a newsperson should be ready to adlib whenever hassles occur during the live telecast.” She added: “The glamour part is the fact that you come out on TV and people recognize you. But be ready to work hard. If you invest in hard work, people will respect you.”

(Based on the article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#throwbackseries  #exclusiveinterview #karendavila #broadcastjournalist #newsanchor #TVpersonality #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo: @iamkarendavila

 

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Distinctively bai

bai Hotel Cebu is the biggest hotel in Visayas and Mindanao to date and also a culinary destination. The hotel changed the business landscape of both the city and the province when it opened.

Cafe bai carving station

As a first-time guest in bai hotel Cebu, one can easily feel the ambiance of “modern luxury and spaciousness.” Indeed, the biggest hotel in Visayas and Mindanao to date but also a culinary destination having 8 dining options including a fine-dining restaurant. Some of these are Café bai, Marble + Grain Steakhouse, and Ume Japanese Cuisine which are all part of the top 10 restaurants in Mandaue City. The Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar on the 23rd floor gives you a 360-degree view of the cities of Mandaue, Cebu, and Lapu-Lapu.

Alfred M. Reyes, General Manager and Vice President of Operations at bai Hotel Cebu.

“We are also proud to say that we have an advanced security system to ensure the safety of our guests and associates,” shared Alfred M. Reyes, General Manager and Vice President of Operations at bai Hotel Cebu.  Upon entering the hotel, guests walk through metal detectors while their baggage goes through the X-ray inspection machine. “Our glass windows are also coated with anti-blast films for additional protection. We also have a seismic accelerograph that detects early signs of an earthquake and a fire detection alarm system that is very sensitive and accurate.”

The hotel is mostly composed of glass walls to showcase the city and the harbor. It is the first property in Cebu that is environmentally sustainable by using low-emission glass windows that shield the interiors from about 30 percent of UV heat, thus saving electricity by lessening the use of automatic air conditioning units. With this concept, the hotel supports sustainable nature-based tourism.

bai Hotel Cebu is meant for business travelers who look forward to doing business in Cebu and leisure travelers who intend to visit Cebu and its neighboring islands. It is near the Mactan Cebu International Airport which is 25 minutes away, and the Domestic Port of Cebu which is 10 minutes away.

The hotel also has plenty of recreational facilities: a fitness center with a sauna, an infinity outdoor lap pool, and kiddie pool, and an in-house spa – The Spa at Cebu by RSpa. Serviced offices are also located on the 5th floor of the hotel catering to businesses that are looking to lease office space in a prominent location in Cebu.

More choices for travelers

Executive one bedroom

Reyes said that bai Hotel Cebu changed the business landscape of both the city and the province when it opened. “Our 668 rooms, 12 event venues, and 8 dining outlets added more choices to travelers who come either for business, leisure, or both. Because of this additional inventory, Cebu is now able to accept larger demands of tourists—Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and others—as well as large-scale meetings, conferences, and events.

Being a culinary destination, it offers guests delectable choices. At Ume Japanese Cuisine, ala carte meals are specially prepared by its Japanese Chef. The Marble + Grain Steakhouse is its very own fine-dining restaurant, where they serve prime USDA steak. For those who would love to talk, meet with friends and pick up where they left off, they have a self-serving coffee outlet—Wallstreet Coffee + Bar. The all-day dining restaurant, Café bai serves eastern to western specialties and is the #1 restaurant in Mandaue today.

Infinity lap pool (night)

Aside from sponsorships, collaborations, social media, and tri-media advertising, they have a membership program, the bai Platinum Membership. Members get exclusive perks and privileges such as huge discounts on their food and beverage outlets as well as two (2) complimentary overnight stays at bai Hotel Cebu and a cash voucher on selected outlets. Members are also entitled to exclusive promos at bai Hotel Cebu and discounts on their partner establishments they could avail of year-round.

Customer First

 Reyes’ work motto is “customer first – I always remind my associates about that,” he related. “I am very hands-on. I walk around the hotel regularly, do ocular inspections. I dine in our outlets to check the quality of our food. I talk directly to guests to ask about their stay. I do not usually stay inside my office. I just go there when I need to sign documents.”

The hardworking GM has been in the industry for more than 30 years. He graduated from the University of San Jose – Recoletos and had two certificates for finishing General Management Programs from Cornell University. He worked in various properties locally and abroad. His most remarkable achievement so far in his career is being the first Filipino to open a 668-room hotel in the Philippines.

“We strive to improve every day by monitoring all online reviews published on the internet and taking necessary actions for those that need our attention,” explained Reyes on how they stay current in terms of hotel reputation management. “We keep good comments and reviews as compliments. We practice transparency within the team by having our general assembly every month. In these events, we update our associates about the hotel’s current standing and discuss different situations as well as strategies. We are very thankful that we are gaining popularity and getting positive reviews and recommendations even though we are just in the first year of our operations.”

View from Twilight Roofdeck Lounge and Bar
Twilight (interior)

Managing a huge property while understanding the millennial workforce plus the evolution of digital platforms and the rising demand of travelers make his day exciting and challenging. Cebu is becoming the next M.I.C.E. destination in Southeast Asia. Hotels and properties are taking advantage of this. “This is an opportunity and I am very excited and positive about it. This positioning of Cebu challenges me to be more creative in finding ways to entice clients and continuously learn and improve in my job. Working in the hospitality industry with passion gives you the drive to manage a property like bai Hotel Cebu,” Reyes quipped.

bai Hotel Cebu envisions itself to be the most preferred world-class Filipino hotel. To achieve this, Reyes and his associates continuously work together on making bai Hotel Cebu the number 1 hotel in Mandaue City. In the long run, it aims to expand within Visayas and Mindanao with even bigger properties in terms of space and rooms, and more amenities and facilities than the present.

bai Hotel Cebu is distinctively one which stands by its own magnificence.

#baiexperience #baihotelcebu #cebu #hospitality #philippines #worldhotels

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Raul Lebajo’s ‘Enter His World’ Book Launch

In his book, the artist invites the viewer and art lover to enter his fantastic world and pursue the surrealist vision in his paintings and drawings.

It was a proud moment for our family when my father-in-law, master surrealist painter Raul Lebajo launched his first coffee table book entitled, “Enter His World,” at the Ayala Museum recently. Finally, it has been out after 20 years in the making. It was authored by noted art critic and historian, Alice Guillermo, and published by LC: Questor Worldwide Corporation.

In his book, the artist invites the viewer and art lover to enter his fantastic world and pursue the surrealist vision in these paintings and drawings.  “Special to Lebajo’s art is the experience of universal energy that courses throughout the whole nature,” describes the author. ”

Lebajo’s masterpieces crafted over the years are divided into several topics which composed the book’s entirety.  Of course, there are landscapes of cosmic energy, the secret life of plants, offerings of fruit, an uncommon aviary, reinventing nature, varieties of organic life, a marine universe, humans in nature, forces as archetypes, cosmic furniture, the vases series, sculptures, and other works.

“Raul Lebajo is a true artist of nature, but this does not mean that he does traditional landscapes and still life paintings of flowers. He does not paint valleys of earth, trees, and sky as though they stretched out before him, or does he paint flowers bunched together in a vase for his personal delectation. Not for him is a linear perspective, for, in fact, he plays with perspective, and his views are often warped, telescoped, spiraling, and spinning into multiple worlds,” – Alice Guillermo. She received her graduate degrees in France and at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

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Martin Gerard Villamor: Cool Mayor of Cebu’s Nature Haven

With its vast freshwater supply, lush vegetation, and soon-to-open theme park, Carmen is set to be the top weekend getaway in Cebu.

Mayor Martin Gerard Villamor has fulfilled his vision for the town of Carmen, Cebu. Composed of 21 barangays the town’s assets lie on its forests teeming with springs that support the endangered bareback fruit bats, nocturnal cats, and other flora and fauna.

Now on his last term and eight years in office, Villamor realized that he can’t do everything. “I still have a lot of unfinished business,” he shared during an exclusive interview with Experience Travel and Living magazine at the Carmen municipal office. His top most agenda is to make Carmen a top tourist destination in the province of Cebu by focusing on eco-tourism.

“We are halfway there with the opening of Cebu Safari, the establishment of several monasteries for faith tourism, and the development of a road network leading to these destinations.” He will also set up the Carmen Marina that will cater to yachts and small boats, hopefully, all these will turn the town into a first-class municipality.

The town will also be the home of the biggest Aqua Intergalactic theme park owned by Bantigui Leisure Resort. Located in Barangay Luyang, Carmen, the 5-hectare development project will boast inflatable facilities for swimming and other sports activities. The park is expected to be completed in two years’ time.

Despite being an agricultural town, Villamor said a good food security plan has yet to be implemented. “We try to maintain our town to be green, with lots of agricultural lands to plant crops such as corn for food security.”

Aside from fishing and agriculture livelihood, employment opportunities are now available for the people of Carmen with the growing number of businesses in the area.

A peaceful town

There are no drug-related problems in Carmen. Minor incidents and petty crimes are immediately addressed by the law enforcers.

In terms of infrastructure, the Mayor is concerned about the narrow roads that are contributing to Carmen’s traffic woes. He advocated for wider roads 20 years ago but unfortunately, land prices have gone up. However, he proudly claimed their barangay roads are better than most towns in Cebu.

Education is also a focal point. He stressed that the lack of education can hamper the town’s growth. Classroom shortage has been addressed already in most barangays. “To date, we only lack 10 or 20 classrooms, thanks to our partner, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation.”

Last year, the town placed second among communities with a high incidence of malnutrition. This year Carmen went down to 22 or 23. Villamor is happy with this development and has since then assigned a dedicated health unit to monitor the issue.

Another concern to be resolved is water availability. “Many wanted to have water but don’t pay their bills so I decided to look for a private supplier to supply water to everyone,” he said. Right now, they have a grandstand near the plaza, partly funded by the water company. They built a sports facility so people will not be involved in bad activities.

Trust and Confidence

As he sets the vision and pace for the development of Carmen, Villamor has learned to trust the people around him. “They know how to do their job. Because of the trust, I seldom call for a meeting. I only call them when they have problems to report to me,” he quipped.

The down-to-earth mayor is adamant in pursuing a “zero-corruption” policy in his office. The “Transparency Seal” has been posted on the municipality’s website indicating its compliance. “When state auditors come here, I always tell them that they should dig deeper.”

His management style is unconventional. His simple manner of dressing reflects his laid-back approach to life.

He is known to be very approachable. He’s at work almost every day, answering questions and addressing barangay problems from the town plaza and not from his office at the municipal building. He signs papers in the morning and attends several meetings. He usually keeps his afternoons free.

His management style is unconventional. His simple manner of dressing reflects his laid-back approach to life. “My routine is almost the same every day with my glass of beer that helps me unwind,” he laughed. “What people love about me is that ‘this is who I am, they know that I’m gay, that I drink beer.’”

Definitely, the people will credit him for the town’s development, but the biggest challenge is his ability to relate to people of all types. “As mayor, you have to say yes. I seldom say no, I want to please everybody as much as I can. To be frank about it, I want to be as real and truthful as possible with as many people as possible.”

Heeding the call of politics

Villamor took up architecture at the University of San Carlos and became a successful businessman. He had a gasoline station and was also involved in construction and distributorship. But he gave them all up to be the campaign manager of his dad, Virginio, when he ran for mayor in Carmen. His dad was the municipal mayor for nine years, vice-mayor for three years, and the mayor again for five years.

Villamor had no plans of being in politics because of his temperament. He is very strict, a trait that is not exactly acceptable in public service. But as the years pass he learned to adjust. He is the 12th mayor of Carmen, “hopefully not the 13th,” he quipped, saying he now wants to give other people a chance to serve the town. He is looking to run for a councilor to help protect his legacy and other projects.

He is the eldest of seven siblings, with two adopted kids. “They (siblings) look older than me. My secret there is that when I get mad, I throw everything. All out ‘yan. After that, I will be fine. I don’t sleep on it. My staff would check on me if ‘may sapot pa ba si mayor’ (is mayor still mad)?’”

But unlike most of his other siblings and friends, he does not travel much. He wants to experience traveling from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok in Russia by train. But for now, his heart remains in Carmen, Cebu. “I don’t want to make Carmen a city because the land taxes will get higher. I want it to remain a small, but a first-class municipality no less,” he concluded.

(Re-posted from ExperienceTravelPH)