Abaca Resort

Dafal loungers line the poolside

There are certain reasons why Cebu is a favorite for many, locals and foreigners alike. One of the fancier reasons would be to stay in any of its luxury resorts like Abaca Resort where one finds a restaurant, a spa, a pool, and access to the sea. Abaca is ultra-exclusive, uber private and prides itself for being a sanctuary.

What is amusing, though, is that right next to Abaca is the Microtel Inns and Suites which has whiter, and finer sand. While the brand is Microtel, this particular hotel followed the boutique route and is actually a full service hotel. We were just wondering why not have this hotel in a different brand name since previous Microtel Inns and Suites already have established a different position? We were just wondering. But this Microtel is really, for the lack of words, nice.

Cebu, B?

 

The time has come for Cebu to shine.

We always believed that Cebuanos naturally own bragging rights as the most creative people. Oh, and the British Council thought so also.

Cebu, home of world-renowned Kenneth Cobonpue and Monique Lhuillier, was dubbed the creative hub of the Philippines by the UK council as part of its support advocacy to East Asian cities. As one of the chosen cities, a Creative Cebu program facilitated by a core group consisted by Young Creative Entrepreneur awardee Jay P. Aldeguer, CSB-DLSU dean Gerard Torres, Trade and Industry Cebu provincial director Nelia Navarro and tv personality and jewelry designer Daphne Osena-Paez, will be implemented. Through the core group, the council aims to develop Cebu’s creative industries—from furniture, fashion and web design.

Creative Cebu will kick off with a week-long design festival in March. The design festival, showcasing Cebu’s creative works, is projected to attract business opportunities from around the world.

Kick ass, Cebu!

Designs Like Honey

Kenneth Cobonpue without question has gotten designing down pat. So much so, that he has achieved a celebrity status in the world of design. His furniture pieces are found in the homes of the rich and the famous and have received wide critical acclaim.
And with the measure of success he has achieved, he’s well doing it again through the Hive—a collective of designers and artists that he established in 2001, right in the shores of Cebu. Their designs of home accessories are not only meant to complement Kenneth’s furniture lines but are also hoped to launch the careers of its designers, some of whom have been flying below the radar prior to joining the Hive.
And just like Kenneth, their works are an impressive lot, considering that some of the designers are novices themselves. Now, being marketed under the brand, Hive, their works have already found their way into the international market through select stores worldwide, showcasing the wealth of talent we have in the Philippines. Kudos to Kenneth and his team for showing the creative strength of our designers that the world is soon to reckon with.

Artist Andreas Loschner-Gornau’s Bandoo Bar Cabinet made of bandages and bamboo

Dragon’s Tail Floor Lamp

Cucme Box Scree

(Our special thanks to Kenneth Cobonpue and Christy Manguerra for the photos posted here.)