Return to Shangri-la

 Makati Shangri-La rises again

BY POCH EULALIA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘Makati Shangri-La, Manila is an iconic landmark that has long been woven into the rich history of Makati City. For the past three decades, the hotel has provided a tranquil sanctuary within the city’s bustling business district.’

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WELCOME BACK! Makati Shangri-La has reopened its iconic halls to the public

It was at the height of the pandemic when the news of Makati Shangri-la ceasing its operations broke out. What a mighty blow it was, to see such a prestigious facility that had been providing top-notch service since 1993 close its doors. Imagine then, the warmth it brings within, to hear the words “welcome back” from hotel staff upon arriving at a pre-opening lunch just days before it formally opened its doors to the public on August 8.

As soon as you stepped into the lobby, you would feel like revisiting an old friend, feeling an immediate warmth rush over you. Without the expected hustle and bustle that comes with a five-star hotel, walking along its then-empty halls felt peaceful. One can only imagine how lively it will be once people start walking through its doors once more.

TASTE OF THE SEAS Tuna tartare consisting of tuna, romesco sauce,
burnt eggplant, and pickled cauliflower

RAISING THE STEAKS Westholme Wagyu Ribeye served with creamy
mashed potatoes, onion jam, and a watercress salad

FAR OUT, RAGOUT Pappardelle pasta dish with ragout Angus beef,
beef tongue, and pecorino cheese

For lunch, a special treat was prepared at Shangri-la’s signature Sage Grill. What started it off was a delight of tuna tartare, soft and delicate and buttery, followed by a generous serving of pappardelle pasta tossed with a ragout Angus beef sauce and topped with pecorino cheese. The main course was a juicy Westholme Wagyu ribeye steak paired with creamy mashed potatoes, a sweet onion jam, and a watercress salad. Finishing it all off, a plate of mint pannacotta plus raspberry sauce and various berries. It was a tremendous lunch that provided a brilliant taste of what was to come as Makati Shangri-la prepared for the relaunch of its dining establishments as well. 

Mouthwatering thoughts enter the mind when thinking about Shang Palace and its revamped menu. It will consist of eight new signature dishes designed to showcase the very best of Cantonese cuisine. Other dining establishments such as Circles Event Café and Sage Bar are also expected to return, offering guests a wide array of options that will cater to their cravings.

DINE WITH ELEGANCE Shang Palace specializes in Cantonese delights that will surely bring a gastronomic high

Present at the lunch were Makati Shangri-la hotel manager Udo Wittich and vice president of operations in the Philippines and general manager John Rice.
Both were lively fellows who spoke highly of the new services and features Makati Shangri-la had been working on during its hiatus. One example is the first-of-its-kind Horizon Club Business Room. It’s designed to provide business travelers with an enhanced in-room workshop that provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and functionality. Standout features include the Omnidesk, an adjustable standing table paired with an ergonomic chair, and fuss-free modern electronics featuring dual-screen 4K monitors, speakerphones, mobile stands, and fast- charging cable adaptors. It’s enough to make remote work feel like a breeze.

John Rice, vice president of operations (Philippines) and general manager, and Udo Wittich, Makati Shangri-la hotel manager

Another thing Makati Shangri-la has been working on is its recharged commitment to sustainability and community impact. Included in its plans for sustainability is a shift to using wooden key cards, reducing the use of single-use plastics, forgoing single-use toiletries, and starting a garden-to-table approach with produce. Plans of a garden at Makati Shangri-la’s patio aim to cultivate herbs and vegetables for use in certain food and beverage offerings. A partnership has also been penned with the University of Makati to provide internships and potential full-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in the university’s Hospitality Management program.

LUXURIOUS COMFORT A relaxing stay at the Horizon Club Deluxe Room is perfect for the traveler who
demands added personalized attention and services

“Makati Shangri-La, Manila is an iconic landmark that has long been woven into the rich history of Makati City. For the past three decades, the hotel has provided a tranquil sanctuary within the city’s bustling business district,” said Udo. “The reopening symbolizes a fresh beginning for Makati Shangri-La, Manila. It presents us a unique opportunity to provide guests with refreshed experiences and colorful joys of life that span our accommodations, dining destinations, and even in the ways we work with our community.” 

Luxury is only one reservation away! Call (+632) 8813 8888 or email reservations.makati@shangri-la.com. Email dining.makati@shangri-la.com for dining reservations.

 

On setting boundaries

Why it’s important to know one’s limits when interacting with others

BY POCH EULALIA

Jul 20, 2023 10:58 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘Once you see the boundaries of your environment, they are no longer the boundaries of your environment.’ — Marshall McLuhan

**Illustration by OTEPH ANTIPOLO**

While it can come across as harsh for others, denying them of what might sometimes seem like such a simple request, there are times a simple no becomes crucial for your well-being.

Setting boundaries has become a hot topic as of late after a viral video of singer Lea Salonga asking fans to leave after they attempted to take pictures with her in her dressing room backstage drew mixed reactions online. Some felt she owed the fans an apology and that she should’ve entertained them since without them, she would be a nobody. Others stood by the theater star, saying the fans were disrespectful of her privacy and that she was simply following safety protocols. Salonga later made her thoughts clear through a tweet, “I have boundaries. Do not cross them.”
But what exactly does having boundaries mean? 

Setting boundaries entails defining and establishing limits for yourself in various aspects of life. These often encompass relationships, personal space, time, emotions, and values. For instance, in a relationship, there are some traits that most of us might find to be crucial traits to have that others could be indifferent about. Think of things such as not wanting to date smokers because you dislike smoking. Here are a few things to take note of when it comes to setting boundaries.

Be self-aware.

Understand what makes you uncomfortable and try to figure out behaviors, traits, and situations that you would find acceptable or unacceptable. As you lay these out, list them all down and think about why exactly you feel a certain way about these things. This should help in determining what your limits are and might even help you learn more about yourself along the way.

LIST IT DOWN To understand one's boundaries entails having to reflect on why certain things make you uncomfortable

Communication is vital!

To set boundaries means making such personal limits known to others and asserting them at all times. After all, how else would others know about your limitations if you haven’t disclosed such to them? With partners, be open about whatever issues you might have about your relationship moving forward and work toward a compromise. In a workplace scenario, learn to say no. Be clear to your employer about your limits to avoid being overworked.

Consistency is key.

Remember that boundaries are something you must stand by once you’ve established them. Don’t allow peer pressure or intimidation tactics to let you cave in. You’ve set these limitations for your well-being, ignoring them to give way to other’s requests will be detrimental in the long run. Being consistent also reinforces the importance of your boundaries. Others will see that these are non-negotiables and learn to respect them.

Respect goes both ways.

While you have your own personal limits, so will others. It’s important to always respect the boundaries set by others. It creates a mutual understanding and fosters healthier and more respectful

If Magellan only knew what was in store for Mactan

 How Cebu went from historic battleground to booming tropical paradise

BY POCH EULALIA

Jul 10, 2023 04:33 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front. —Antonio Pigafetta

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FROM THE BLOOD OF OUR ENEMIES The Battle of Mactan led to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s defeat after being severely outnumbered by Datu Lapu-Lapu’s forces

Laced with enthusiasm, a young dance troupe tries to perfect their moves on the land that once hosted an epic battle against overconfident colonizers.

Just a short distance from the shore, a tall bronze statue commemorates the country’s earliest recognized hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu. Behind it lies a marker of defeat dedicated to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his fallen comrades. Both are found at the Mactan Shrine, a national shrine dedicated to the historic Battle of Mactan, which is widely known as the first resistance against Spanish colonization in the country.

THE FIRST HERO A bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu enshrined in Mactan

“When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front,” wrote Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled most of the Magellan-led expedition. Each year, on April 27, the Kadaugan sa Mactan (Victory in Mactan) Festival is celebrated to honor Lapu-Lapu’s victory. Its main highlight is a reenactment of the battle where the battle is said to have taken place.

While Cebu is home to this historic battle, it is also a solemn place for Catholic devotees.

A HOLY PLACE The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country

A short drive away from Mactan in Cebu City lies Magellan’s Cross just beside the Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Magellan’s Cross stands as a marker of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines after Magellan arrived and converted Raja Humabon and his wife Reyna Juana. An image of the Sto. Niño was then presented as a gift, over which Reyna Juana was said to have felt such immense joy that she danced around it, leading other natives to follow suit. Many pinpoint this as the act that would lead to the celebration of the Sinulog Festival, a large feast celebrated on the third Sunday of January, the feast of Santo Niño de Cebú.

THE BIRTH OF PHILIPPINE CATHOLICISM Magellan’s Cross was erected following Magellan's arrival in Cebu on April 21, 1521

Finally, for music lovers, Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan is often referred to as the guitar capital of the Philippines.

Alegre Guitar Factory has made a name for itself not only in the Philippines but internationally. Its guitars are sold as far as Canada, Australia, and the US. Entering the factory, guests are given a brief look into how each guitar is made and the different types of wood that can be used for crafting the instrument. It’s inspiring to see just how much meticulous work goes into creating a single guitar. The salesmen are also proficient players, easily able to demonstrate and explain each instrument on display.

HANDCRAFTED TO PERFECTION A worker from the Alegre Guitar Factory adds finishing touches to a guitar he made

If you’re considering a place to stay during your visit, consider booking a stay at the Belmont Hotel Mactan.

With over 550 guestrooms and suites, the Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect place for business or leisure purposes. Each suite comes in three categories, Superior Deluxe (up to 26 square meters), Deluxe Premier (up to 36 square meters), and Junior Suites (up to 50 square meters). All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and a wireless Internet connection. Other amenities include four function halls perfect for business meetings or celebrating events, a fitness center with top-notch gym equipment, and a swimming pool area replete with a poolside bar.

BLEISURE PERFECTION The Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect hotel for business and leisure, with over 550 guestrooms and suites, and four function halls for meetings or celebrations

The Belmont Hotel Mactan is also located within a 30-hectare township development, The Mactan Newtown, Megaworld’s first-ever township outside of Metro Manila and within a beach. It is also home to two of the largest annual celebrations in Cebu, the Cebu Lechon Festival celebrated in August and the Cebu Mangoes Festival in May. It also hosted the Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Philippines last year, bringing in over 2,000 triathletes from all over.

For those considering a more permanent stay, Mactan Newtown is also home to residential condominiums, over 1,655 units and counting. It is a booming business district with about 81,000 square meters of leasable office spaces in eight office towers hosting top BPO companies and multinational firms. Education is a priority, so there’s the Newtown School of Excellence, an academic institution supervised by the La Sallian Schools of Supervision Office (LASSO), offering academic programs from pre-school up to Grade 7. The Mactan Alfresco offers a wide selection of restaurants offering local delicacies and specialty cuisines. It even hosts a live lechon roasting, where visitors can see how the iconic dish is made.