Raquel Choa’s favorite childhood tales of Maria Cacao shape not only the artisan chocolates that she creates but the spaces where one gets to appreciate them.
At a gathering to launch the second phase of the partnership between Choa’s The Chocolate Chamber and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, she explained that she imagines Maria Cacao with dainty ceramic pieces for her banquets while the chandelier represents the fireflies that provide the dazzling glow to her palace.
Chocolate-infused treats like these raspberry tarts are available in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in partnership with The Chocolate Chamber.
Through the collaboration with the resort, Choa gets to show guests the local way of tablea production as a precursor to TCC’s artisan cocoa drinks (locally known as sikwate) and chocolate products.
Talks on cacao and its history and experiential activities will be regular features at The Chocolate Chamber.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa General Manager Rene Egle said he was looking for a local product that can be brought from farm to table in 2015.
FESTIVE SEASON. The seaside resort brightens up for the festive season with adornments of blue and gold, seen nowhere more clearly than in the cluster of magical Christmas trees and hot air balloon decor in the lobby area.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu transforms into a whimsical oasis as it celebrates the Christmas holidays with a generous bundle of five-star dining experiences and exhilarating recreational fun in “Yuletide Bliss.”
The seaside resort brightens up for the festive season with adornments of blue and gold, seen nowhere more clearly than in the cluster of magical Christmas trees and hot air balloon decor in the lobby area.
Memorable moments await all guests, who are encouraged to share their holiday stories with the #AlwaysMerryHere tag.
Christmas is also the season of giving and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa pays it forward with a generous donation to the completion of the Sustainable Garden of Children’s Haven Orphanage.
The resort also contributed to the orphanage in behalf of media guests who attended the tree-lighting ceremony held last November 24, 2017.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa General Manager Rene Egle listen to Christmas carols during a performance held to mark the lighting of the resort’s Christmas Tree.
Christmas dinners
No celebration is ever complete without a feast, and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa has lined up a variety of options for guests at its world class restaurants.
Tides will serve a world of flavors in a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at P2,650++ per person and a Christmas Day Dinner Buffet at P2,450++ per person. It includes free-flowing red, white, and sparkling wine, plus a meaningful serenade by a Christmas choir.
Italian restaurant Acqua and seafood al fresco Cowrie Cove will both have Christmas Eve set dinners available at P2,250++per person and P2,650++ per person, respectively. Both are four-course set menus inclusive of a celebratory glass of Prosecco.
#AlwaysMerryHere. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu general manager Rene Egle welcomes guests to the resort’s tree lighting. The resort encouraged guests to share their holiday stories with the #AlwaysMerryHere tag.
Wine Bar offers a breezy seaside nightcap with Flair Tending Shows by its very own bar talents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Christmas Day in a tropical wonderland is all about fun and even Santa gets in on the action. Instead of a sleigh, Santa Claus will come at 11 a.m. on Christmas Day in a thrilling parasail ride to the beachfront. He will visit the Adventure Zone gardens and Tides to greet guests.
CELEBRATION. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa General Manager Rene Egle and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.
New Year feasts
The coming of the New Year brings with it its own tantalizing celebrations. Shangri-La’s Mactan welcomes 2018 with a combination of scrumptious food, free-flowing wine, and marvelous entertainment.
At Tides, there will be a New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at P2,650++ per person and New Year’s Day Sparkling Dinner Buffet at P2,250++ per person. Both come with free-flowing wine and marvelous performances by a Flash Mob and Strolling Band.
As midnight draws near, guests may enjoy the night away in glamor and wonder at the Under the Stars Countdown Party. The event starts at 11 p.m. at The Marquee with door charge of P2,500 net per person. A spectacular fireworks follows at the beachfront.
Festive activities
Early on January 1, the resort arranges a refreshing start for 2018 with the New Year’s Day Yoga from 7 a.m. at the beachfront. A fit and fabulous day continues in the afternoon through the New Year’s Day Aqua Aerobics at 4:30 p.m. at the Main Pool.
Other activities lined up for the festive season: holiday wellness package at CHI, The Spa; arts and crafts at Adventure Zone; Movie Under the Stars on Christmas Day; and 12 Days of Christmas Instagram contest for resort guests.
