Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan: A New Shade of Crimson

When the sunny skies over the Cebu metropolis melts into the purple haze of night, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan awakens from its quiet slumber and paints the town a different shade of fun with its newest beach club, Azure.

 The Queen City of the South is deemed royalty for no reason. Steeped in rich history and culture, the booming mega city, considered one of the creative capitals of the country, has inspired some of the most talented and most famous designers like renowned furniture designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Vito Selma, couturiers Monique Lhuillier, Mia Arcenas and Cary Santaigo. It is also a home where one will find prized cultural and architectural gems like Magellan’s Cross, the Cebu Taoist Temple and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, which protects the country’s oldest relic, the Santo Nino de Cebu. And how can one forget the highly-anticipatedcelebration of color and dance, a major local and international tourist draw- the Sinulog Festival, which is hosted yearly by the city.

Cebu burns with vibrance and a palpable energy, one that easily transfers into all those who come within reach. To many, with its exciting mix of scents and sights, Cebu is a home and a haven. And joining that list is Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan.

Here comes the sun

The heat of the noon day sun is no match forthe bright future of the metrocity. Sky reaching silver buildings crawl like vines across the horizon, and the familiar afternoon traffic, a practical gauge of the modernity and economic boom of the city, meets us on a busy afternoon. But once you cross the Marcelo Fernan Bridge to Mactanisland, past the bustling ports laden with container vans and heavy cranes, the true island vibe – soft, slow and inviting – creeps into the bones of every forlorn traveler.

And after a short turn at the bend, paradise awaits.

Crimson Tide

FromMactan-Cebu international airport, the 10 to 15 minute drive to Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan is not too long a drive, even for those itching to shed the “Manila madness” from their clothes.

Breathed into life with Balinese influences – at least aesthetically, Crimson welcomes you.Built in 2009, Crimson was thoughtfully designed by the talented team from Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG), a world-renowned interior and architectural firm based in California. While the responsibility of creating the form was left to WATG, the soft touches that would truly embody the Crimson brand as a five-star, world class resort were brought to life through the landscape architecture and interior designs of Belt Collins from Hong Kong and Manila-based Free & Associates.

One will immediately recognize the thoughtfulness and love poured into the resort.

Your first step into the open-air lobby, decorated in dark wood and complementing native accents, leads one to a romantic view of silver crested waves, the crisp, cold cobalt sea and fine white beach, framed on top by a clearer, blue sky and a fringe of tropical trees and blooms that embrace the lush property. One would think that the scene doesn’t get any better than this. But it does.

Well-tended gardens, tropical trees and quaint private cottages, with thatched roofs, reflecting the Balinese inspired tropical architecture, blend into the natural surroundings spread out on six hectares of sprawling green.  It’s a calming sight and even with an almost 100 percent occupancy, one doesn’t feel it as the generous grounds allow you the space and quiet to roam at will.

More magnificent than the first peek into the Crimson experience is the luxurious beach front villa (one of the 40 on the resort property and our abode for the next few nights) which comes with your own private plunge pool.

Bright and airy, the 115-sqm villa is fitted with a fully furnished living and entertainment area; a bedroom with afour poster canopy bed, romantically draped in white; a veranda andcharming garden and all elegantly interior designed with textured Filipino accents like a native woven carpet, capizlamps and other artfully done pieces from Filipino-based designers like Kenneth Coponbue. The bathroom is also a thing of beauty: a spacious spa-inspired layout, patterned after their award winning Aum Spa, comes with a full rain shower and sink in tub, all polished off with a granite finishing. But none could elicit more glee than the private plunge pool just outside your bedroom. Soak in the sun or a take quick dip into still waters,you can do both in the convenience of your backyard. A definite vacation plus for honeymooners.

To the hilt, Crimson has designed the perfect space, one aimed at pleasing all your desires and more. And it has not gone unnoticed. Last year, besting hundreds of other world-class resorts and hotels, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan was recognized as the Continent Winner Luxury Beach Resort for the year, a title that affirms Crimson’s rightful place as one of the best, not only in the country but the entire globe.

Into the Blue

As mentioned, Crimson is no ordinary resort, one that is happy at just providing the posh accommodations for travelers. It wants to share the whole experience of Cebu and brings the island to your front door. And thus the Azure Beach Club was born. Just a few steps out to the beach, past the sleek public pools and bars, the party awaits.

Originally, a pool bar was already set in place when Crimson was first built. However, wanting to create an exceptional brand, one that would fittingly define the Crimson signature, a renovation of the beachfront and its amenities was needed. In six months’ time, an upgrade of P90 milion pesos installed the new beach concept- Azure.

The Azure Beach club was developed to embrace the beautiful, natural charm of the Cebu beachfront with its open concept design. By day, it’s a full-functioning lifestyle club that features a restaurant that serves an exceptionally delicious Asian- Mediterranean menu. And by night, it transforms into a magnetic beachlounge area, lit with strobe lights, that will become the rockstar of your evening. A rock bar on the cliff, a unique venue for the party goers, provides a fantastic view of the entire cove.

“The rock bar is an experience on its own. Imagine standing on a bar just off the cliff with nothing but the sky above, the sea below and a good selection of booze to keep you company,” shares resident manager KristoferQuadros excitedly.

Here, cocktails, of course, when on the beach, are available any time of the day. To add some playfulness and interactivity into your drinking, the spirits menu allows you to make some of your own poison.

 “(Azure Beach Club) is a timely development that will provide us yet another advantage to be able to compete with other destinations which we are tightly vying with. It is our way of providing a new and exciting destination to continue to please both international and local markets,” adds Quadros about the new beach concept.

Working in tandem with Quadros is the talentedFrench F&B director FlorentHumeau,whose impeccable palate ensures the consistent quality of all the cuisines and dishes that emanate from his busy kitchens.

“Food and beverage is one of the main highlights of Azure,that’s why we made sure to invest in the finest cookery to provide a variety of flavors for diners. Grilled and roasted specialties are among the menu highlights and for these we have invested in tandoors, open flame grill and brick oven,” Humeau says. At the launch of the beach club, we were able to sample the sumptuous offerings, and they were simply divine... especially with a cold brew at hand.

Fulfilling the standards of a world-class beach club, the Azure restaurant will offer modern Asian cuisine with a rainbow of flavors and influences from Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines. “Food will be light, fresh and flavorful, with sandwiches, pasta and pizza as the main thing for lunch, while during dinner,patrons can indulge in hearty roasts and grills from seafood to premium cuts,” promises Crimson.

Giving equal opportunity to all to experience the Azure Beach Club, Crimson is now offering their HedKandi Blue and White room package, which will bring the world-renowned Hed Kandi brand for a one-night-only event on December 19. Thundering music, the wild allure of the sea, and the heat of young hearts-this isquitean experience to remember. The room package would be inclusive of accommodations, a buffet breakfast for two, entrance to the Hed Kandi party on the 19^th for two, two hours open bar, a four course dinner at Azure with free flowing wine and convenient airport transfers.

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan brings the party experience of the year - the pulse of the island in one supreme location; the taste of the Cebu lifestyle in one unique address.

 First published in PeopleAsia Magazine

Photos taken from the official website of Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan - http://www.crimsonhotel.com/mactan

Club Punta Fuego: Join the Club

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches or resorts in a country made up of 7,107 islands, which makes it even more impressive when a premier membership resort club such as Club Punta Fuego, developed by Roxaco Land Corp. And Landco Pacific Corp., makes its mark, finding its place as one of the most popular and longstanding luxury seaside communities in Batangas.

After pushing through the busy roads of  tagaytay ( or Cavite, which ever route you prefer), the short 2..5 hour drive brings you to a provincial beach gem – Club Punta Fuego, located on the shoulder of Peninsula de Punta Fuego, on the beaches of Nasugbu, Batangas.

On this particular day, the cloudy skies from Manila followed us to our destination. Instead of being sun-soaked, we were typhoon-ridden.But it was a short lived inconenience as Club Punta Fuego sees more days of perfect sunshine than any place else. But even with the rain, Club Punta Fuego has its charm.

Initially, the property was developed as a membership only resort club, but wanting to share the unique offerings of “first class recreation facility (with) services and amenities comparable only to the best resorts and hotels in the world”, Club Punta Fuego has opened its doors and now accepts passing travellers who want to get a taste, feel and peek into the exclusive Punta Fuego club lifestyle.

Though highly exclusive and well-known to be the summer spots of the rich and famous, the quiet welcome upon arrival, passing through a posh residential community, communicates a different feel. Warm and casual, Club Punta Fuego removes the intimidating aura of other resorts. Perhaps, standing strong even after 20 years, has allowed it to confidently and comfortably embrace its stature. It is no longer here to compete, but to continue to serve the welcoming members and guests.

Comfortable lounge chairs, a well-tended but free garden where crawling flowering vines curve and weave their way around the trellis at the entrance of the Members Lounge, and walls in soft, worn-out yellow and wooden accents helps to put one at ease. Here,  you are free to do whatever you want, whenever you feel like it. Your time, your rules. Their only mission is that you enjoy yourself every minute of the day and they are there, standing quietly on the sidelines, to serve your every whim.

“We want Punta Fuego to be our members’ and their guests’ home away from home, shares Mikel Arrieta, the general manager. “ And we make sure that our facilities are at par with their needs.”

Despite its homey, casual atmosphere and approach to vacation- living, this doesn’t mean that Club Punta Fuego scrimps on its hospitality and service.  No, it in fact it’s world-class all the way- that’s the only way Mikel would have it.

Mikel Arrieta previously served as the Club Punta Fuego’s chef and after more than a decade of service, he has reached top, assuming the role a general manager. With his background in the kitchen, hospitality and service, Mikel assures that from your  meals to amenities and accommodation, no detail is overlooked and is executed with perfection. Like his leadership, the touch of generosity and thoughtfulness in every detail is inherent.

At the heart of Club Punta Fuego, the cozy beach, the double infinity pool, the restaurants  and bar (San Diego, Il Jardinete and Members Lounge) are within a short walk of each other. After a hearty breakfast buffet or set lunch menu ( they also serve dishes ala carte ), a step outside San Diego reveals a magnetic view of both the infinity pool overlooking the peninsula cove. With the sun shining at your back and the cool breeze whipping up from the waves, and the picturesque view to be enjoyed at every angle,  its a tantalizing scene and sensation that that leaves an imprint on one’s memory.

Our companion, a 16 year old moel from Russian, shrieked with glee when she first set eyes on the crisp blue waters of Nasugbu. Immediately, she removed her shoes and ran to the picturesque beach down below. The other members of the party, who were alighting the van, thought: “What’s the big deal? It’s just another beach.” You wouldn’t be a Filipino if you hadn’t seen a beach in your life. But seeing the sight through the eyes of a girl who hails from a land of snow and ice, setting eyes on the view that inspired her reaction, no explanation was needed, we understood.

In fact, as we made our adventure around the property we would to discover that there are more scenic sports on the peninsula. The peninsula boasts 12 coves, one of which, measuring a 800 meter stretch can be enjoyed at the Terrazas Beach Blue.

Club Punta fuego is, indeed, a prime destination. Developed in 1995, by Roxaco Land Corp. and Landco Pacific Corp.,  as an operational private enclave under Fuego Hotels and Properties, the club was initially inspired by Fisher Island in Miami, Florida, “a Spanish-Mediterranean style residential resort that masterfully combined natural beauty and modern luxury. “ Here, the country’s most illustrious business men and political families find a respite during the weekends and summer breaks. (We would name them but that would be in breach of privacy. But we assure you, the list is impressive. ) Thirty three well-adorned casitas with private verandas to ensure privacy  and picturesque views of the double infinity pool, and 16 luxurious suites are your choice of posh accommodation.

 Twenty years after its inception, the club has since grown to include the Balinese-inspired property Terrazas de Punta Fuego and Punta Fuego Yacht Club, a convenient dock for the wealthy Manilenos and foreign guests who sail from Manila Bay, Singapore, Hong Kong and neighboring countries. At The Terrazas Beach club, you not only have access to a beautiful 800-meter private stretch of fine beach but can avail of the water sports and facilities, hobie cats, jetskis, and many more. The not so-adventurous have cabanas, partially shaded by high-rising tropical trees, which over look the entire cove.  

For families, another recreational feature to be enjoyed is the Turtle Pool, a free-form cascading pool that welcomes guests as they walk in the premises of Terrazas. Daddies, who yearn for a game of golf, have their playground too with an accessible nine hole executive golf course field at the Punta Fuego Golf Club.

Even if you’re not a member of Punta Fuego, you can enjoy all of these exclusive perks:  natural beauties and modern luxuries at an accessible location.

When it comes to vacations and well deserved breaks, time is truly a luxury. Located a mere 2 hours from Metro Manila, and with pools and beaches, docks and gold courses, all within an accessible short walk or golf cart ride away from the main club, Club Punta Fuego recognizes your needs and thus promises an experience that honors your time and the value of your well-deserved holiday escape. 

First published in PeopleAsia Magazine
Photos from official website of Club Punta Fuego

Heart Evangelista: Ready for her Closeup

A mere two weeks away from her wedding day, it's not hard to imagine that there are a million and one things that are going on in Heart Evangelista's mind. Wedding preparations. Honeymoon planning. Family reunions. (Eep! She admits that she hopes to see her mother and father (reportedly still a bit disappointed with the engagement) at the church and reception.) But during the Closeup Diamond Attraction launch at the art-deco inspired Blackbird restaurant, she looked nothing less but calm, cool and confident.

With a dazzling smile that can easily launch a thousand ships, Heart proudly shares her newest role in the Closeup family as its ambassador for Closeup Diamond Attraction, one of the 2015 best beauty picks that promises brilliant pearly whites in an instant. (She first joined the Closeup family 11 years ago when she teamed up with TV heartthrob John Prats.)

"I'm so glad to have Closeup Diamond Attraction in my beauty arsenal, because it highlights my smile. Nothing compliments your overall look better than a dazzling white smile, because it gives you that boost of confidence and it completes your total look," she shares with host Teresa Herrera. "A smile is your best accessory!" she exclaims as she turns to her groom Sen. Chiz Escudero, who nods in agreement.

Closeup Diamond Attraction is available in all leading supermarkets

Inspired by the latest technologies in cosmetic dentistry, the toothpaste formula works by utilizing Blue Light Technology, which is activated through a blue covarine foam, that neutralizes the yellow tones on teeth, instantly making teeth look whiter and brighter," shares renowned cosmetic dentist Dr. Cecile Infantado.

She adds:" And unlike other whitening treatments available in the market (a trip to the dentist for this particular treatment can cost anywhere from P15,000 to P25,0000), Closeup's Diamond Attraction is easy on the pocket and is safe for everyday use. And added benefit, there's no annoying teeth sensitivity (pangingilo) that usually comes with the typical whitening treatments."

Tips for a fresh, radiant look
By celebrity makeup artist Xeng Xulueta

1. To instantly transform accentuate your eyes, create the perfect brow with K-Palette's Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner. Strong brows add structure and easily removes years from your face.
2. Brighten your pearly whites with a quick brush using Closeup's Diamond attraction.
3. To make your smile even brighter, add a dash of ruby on your pout. Darker shades like pantone's color of the year, Marsala, or NARS 'velvet matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl will instantly make your smile pop out.