Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts

Monday, December 22, 2014

Lagen: One with Nature

Coming back to El Nido brings back a lot of good memories.  Postcard perfect settings welcomes you to the islands of your dreams. The different shades of aquamarine to blue waters touch the heavenly skies in the endless horizon.  Nothing can be breathtaking than the poetry of nature unfold in front of your eyes.  No this isn't a dream sequence but an amazing reality of wonders.

The allure team headed by Joanne Rae Ramirez was hosted by the El Nido Resorts group to one of their luxurious resorts- Lagen.  Accompanied by Associate editor Bum Tenorio and the author, the triumvirate was set to have a grand time in what was considered a much awaited vacay.  From El Nido town, we took a 40 minute boat ride going to the resort and was privileged to see the amazing view of the islands. Upon landing in the property, one is completely overwhelmed by the colossal limestone formations which are estimated to be more than 250,000 years old.  A witness to the passage of time, this grandeur display of nature is simply captivating and an embodiment of beauty. With a view of Bacuit Bay, this modern island resort has well-designed accommodations with tropical inspired interiors showcasing Philippine made products at is finest. Echoing the look of understated luxe, Lagen boasts 50 rooms and cottages and is at the heart of a four hectare forest where the sound of a diversity of birds create music to ones ears. One can never be bored with luxurious facilities and services in a captivating plush landscape essentially one with nature.

The essence of El Nido is realized through the countless visit to its stellar attractions and visit to the islands.  We were lucky enough to visit three out of the four El Nido Resorts in Palawan namely Miniloc, Lagen and Pangalusian. Each had its own distinct charm and one will be mesmerized by the variety of luxe settings. Cuisine is good as it offers fresh bounty from the sea, seasonal fruits, vegetables and meat which all comes from local farms.major sites to be visited are the big and small lagoon, Entalula island and Dubuluan beach which ha a clubhouse and spectacular sand bar. 

The El Nido resort group is hotel luxury with a purpose as it is an advocate of environmental conservation, ecosystem development, and strong supporter of in sustaining communities(note that they are very particular in with the non usage of plastic).  Working with nature, the property has maintained its astounding beauty. From seascape to forest to beachfront, the island's successful and continuous preservation efforts is a remarkable example others should follow. Service in the resort was impeccable with five star service.  Lagen has a menu of facilities and activities that will truly make ones stay worthwhile. Overall it was a memorable experience thanks to Brian Ong and Joey Bernardino. Great time, place and company, this trip is definitely for the books.  An amazing experience where you become one with everything.


The arrival.


Accommodations are definitely close to nature.
The guardian at the gates.


Natural dwellers welcome the guests.


Pool review. 


The rocks of Lagen are known to be more than 250,000 years old.
Before sunset at Lagen.


Silhouette of the big lagoon.


The author by (from left) Allure's Bum Tenorio, El Nidp Resorts head of sales and marketing Joey Bernardino , Allure EIC Joanne Rae Ramirez and Brian Ong of El Nido resorts.
When day becomes night and night becomes day in Lagen.



All smiles at the end of the trip.




The road home.


We will be back El Nido, promise!

For inquiries check out:
www.elnidoresorts.com 
Visit:  Facebook.com/elnidoresorts
Email: holiday@elnidoresorts.com







Friday, December 5, 2014

BTS Fashion 2015

Working for a fashion magazine means forecasting trends way before the market gets it.  Shooting a fashion editorial takes two months in advance before publishing.  With this comes sourcing of pieces such as clothes and accessories that fall under a specific look or theme.  Setting takes place too as these editorials depict things larger than life.  This author recently shot at Flower Island in Taytay, Palawan with two editorials and a jewelry feature at task.  Despite weather conditions, rain or shine the show must go on.  Early call times and countless layouts seem like a huge pile of work, but with great company and energy everything just falls into place.  The team breezed through it with all smiles and this is when everything makes it worthwhile.  Work is never a task as long as everyone is driven by pure passion an most importantly the good company that they keep. Here are some moments that captured the essence beyond fashion.

























Monday, August 18, 2014

Mövenpick Cebu

Traveling is a luxury.  If you're thinking of getting away from Manila and looking into 
the islands for your next vacay destination, why not check out a remote luxury culture located in Cebu - Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island.
A jet-set playground from the madness of the concrete jungle, this remote paradise offers a style-setting lifestyle with a unique luxurious experience.  A ten minute drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport, one is welcomed by the grandeur of the lobby's Mediterranean inspired attraction highlighted by unique local handmade furnishings developed by world-class Filipino designers Manny Samson, Cynthia and Ivy Almario and Fred and Butch Valdes of i5(design consultancy group).  Chic immaculate whites attractively complimented with cool hues create a relaxed mood channeling the beauty of hotel island living. 
Design and style work nature. Overlooking the breathtaking Hilutungan Channel, the hotel boasts of 245 luxury guestrooms and suites wherein each room has a variety of amenities which include  a flat screen television, minibar, hair dryer, safety deposit box, tea and coffee-making equipment, Chopard luxury bathroom amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and more. Luxe is at its finest with this must-go to getaway. Five star facilities unfold as guests enjoy the hotels irresistible trappings such as its own pristine stretch of private, white reef sand beach(comes with a marine sanctuary), state-of-the-art fitness center ( which offers endless lifestyle activities such as Yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, Zumba dance classes, mixology and culinary classes, among others), Spa( which offers premium treatments, massages, packages and other pampering services), The Monte Carlo Ballroom(356 square meters events and social gatherings space), Portofino and Cannes(109 square meters venue for smaller events),The Game Room and Kids Day Care center, where children can have fun and play with a variety of toys and games.
Dining at the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a gastronomic celebration as it offers indulgent out-of-the-box dining concepts and parties. With three major outlets.The Sails is the main all-day dining restaurant featuring intercontinental cuisine where one can savor the taste of both East and West. The Forum features both indoor and al fresco lounge areas where they offer a hard to find list of branded alcoholic drinks, mouth-watering concoctions and snacks.  The major attraction in this haven of luxury is the Ibiza Beach Club.  Inspired from one of the legendary party places in the world, ones stay in Mövenpick will never be complete without the ultimate beach experience.
A fusion of nature and lifestyle, this modern habitue brings world-class entertainment, eclectic DJs and unique dining treat that serves authentic Balearic-style Churrasco( Brazilian all-you-can-eat barbecue offering nine types of meat and four kinds of seafood). 

Mövenpick Mactan island Cebu is an extraordinary masterpiece where luxury is at its finest.  Outstanding service and hospitality reigns in this great escape where one eyes can feast on sparkling blues and amazing ocean views. One of  the best in Philippines, this perfect vacation destination is a threshold of postcard perfect memories to last a lifetime.


The view from Ibiza Beach Club.


The lobby.


Reception.


Lobby fixtures.


Point of view.


Afternoon delight at the lobby.


The Forum.


Lounge.


Take a dip.


Chic corners.


Day package pampering.



In the shade.


Beach lounge.


Sun kissed.


Relax.


Ibiza Beach Club's ocean view.


Dining in Ibiza Beach Club.


Take a break.


Sun-setting.


Fine dining at night in Ibiza.


Afternoon hue.


Luxe trappings.


Suite sensation.


It takes two.

For Inquiries:

Email: hotel.cebu@moevenpick.com

Telephone Number: 02799 1111, 032 492 7777

Website: http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/hotel-mactan-island-cebu/overview/

*Follow us on Twitter @MoevenpickCebu,  Instagram MovenpickCebu #MovenpickCebu, FBhttps://www.facebook.com/moevenpickhotelmactanislandcebu