Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Palawan: A paradise within a paradise

Of all the dozen destinations that offer an experience of paradise, Palawan truly stands out. That Palawan is paradisiacal is an understatement. Having seen and divulged what I’ve seen in this part of the Philippines is already enjoying a little piece of heaven on earth. For many a tourist who had marveled at the country’s last frontier, a lot of firsts had been experienced in this nirvana of an island.

Welcome to Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

If you are someone who takes delight in the splendor of the sea and the outdoors, you are in for an amazing treat when you find yourself at the Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa in Sabang, Puerto Princesa City. (Situated a good two hours drive from the Puerto Princesa airport, Sabang is the place to be when one wants to experience nature in all its magnificence. It is the entry point to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a finalist for the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.”) From Sheridan, it takes only a 20-minute boat ride to the reputed longest navigational underground river in the world.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is two hours away from the Puerto Princesa Airport. It is 5 minutes away from the jump off point to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.

Sheridan's signature 340-ft.-long swimming pool.

The view from the balcony of our room.

Nestled in between the lush mountain ranges of Palawan and the sparkling West Philippine Sea, Sheridan boasts of 94 elegant rooms and suites that feature Asian-inspired contemporary interiors with a touch of local culture. The resort’s first-class accommodations spell unparalleled comfort and luxury. Triple-A room amenities include LCD cable TV with built-in DVD player, mini bar, WiFi access, individually-controlled air-conditioning and full bath amenities. The rooms offer a veranda, the views varying from a view of the sea, the surrounding mountains or the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Pathway to the rooms.

Room with a balcony.
Photo courtesy of the resort

Room by the poolside.
Photo courtesy of the resort

The balcony.
Photo courtesy of the resort

Our room during our stay. 

Clean and clear T&B area.

Sheridan also offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience through its several F&B outlets. The stunning view of the inviting waters and sunset over the same horizon complement the gourmet cuisine at the South Sea Restaurant. It serves delicious grills, seafood and other healthy options. Located within the South Sea is the Blue Bar that serves cocktails prepared by the hotel’s dedicated bartenders. When doing some laps or just lounging by the pool area, the sunken bar Sip n’ Dip Poolbar is your perfect option. You can relax by the picturesque Sheridan’s signature 340-ft.-long swimming pool while you enjoy your personalized concoctions.

Blue Bar.

Here's to good times!

Your view while you sip cocktails. 

'Action Station' at the South Sea Restaurant. 

...And the action begins!

Hearty meals at the South Sea Restaurant. 

Sip n' Dip Poolbar, the resort's sunken bar.

Since it is away from the pressures of work and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, weary travelers should find their way to the Sheridan Nature Spa. The caring hands and intuitive touch of the spa therapists could perform delicate pampering guaranteed to soothe your senses and do wonders for your entire being. Sheridan is also proud of its business and events facilities that are perfect for your banquet needs. Its convention center can seat up to 500 persons and offers state-of-the-art equipment.

The resort offers a view of the mountain...

...and the sea!

Serenity.

Sheridan is undoubtedly a paradise within a paradise that is Palawan. Aside from the Subterranean River, guests at this world-class resort can also enjoy a myriad of activities. One can take on a hiking adventure through the Monkey Trail or hop on a paddleboat to tour the Mangrove Forest (you may opt for an exhilarating ATV ride on the way there). Guests can also visit the tiny virgin islands nearby to snorkel and dive. But you don’t have to go too far as you can bask in the long stretch of fine cream sand and pristine waters at the Sheridan beach while listening to the sound of eternal tranquility.

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa inspires life filled with comfort and convenience as our facilities and services are expressed through a fine balance between simplicity and luxury,” proudly claims corporate GM Edgardo Tongco.

The lobby.

Gym time. 

Interesting design at the resort's welcome area.

Here at Sheridan, excitement becomes the ultimate experience.

Managing director Jacqueline Tan reveals some future plans for the resort. An organic farm is in the works, as they would like to market Sheridan as a “green” hotel, what with all its conservation and preservation efforts.

Offering so much to do and see, Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa invites everyone to indulge endlessly where nature is at its best and where excitement becomes the ultimate experience.

(For more information, call 376-6968 or 0917-6318937.)

(Published Nov. 1, 2011, The Philippine Star)

Google: Empowering communities, helping people

If there’s anything impressive about Aileen Apolo-de Jesus, it’s the fact that she is the head of Google’s Outreach for Southeast Asia — and yes, she’s a Filipina.

Aileen Apolo-de Jesus, Google's Head of Outreach for Southeast Asia.

Because of her role, Aileen shuttles between nine countries — Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam — to manage and train Google communities and ensure that programs are useful to these communities. “What we do in Outreach in Google is we take care of the communities, incubate and train them, and see what things we could do so that the constituents or users joining this community could benefit from them,” she says.

Needless to say, the Philippines is closest to her heart. “Because I’m Filipino, it’s easier for me to relate to the communities here and find out their needs. Also, this is where our communities are most vibrant,” explains Aileen, who has been with Google for the past seven years.

According to her, the Outreach team of Google spends a lot of time with these communities. “When I started things back in 2007, we really listened to what they needed and then we crafted the programs. Every quarter, we try to assess how we can do better to help and support these communities. We assess the program several times a year to make sure we’re actually giving them what they need to support them.”

Aileen and her team takes care of four communities: The Google Business Group (GBG), Google Student Ambassadors (GSA), Google Educators Group (GEG), and Google Map Maker Team.

Google holds regular meetups for its communities.

GBG is a community of business professionals sharing knowledge about Google web technologies for business success. The group holds regular meetups and organizes the annual GDayX where speakers teach entrepreneurs how to use different online tools to improve their business. Topics vary from AdWords to Google Apps. GBG also organizes events specifically for women, the Women on the Web (WOW) program. “We coach them on how to organize these events and help them find speakers,” says Aileen.

Meanwhile, GSAs act as a liaison between their university and Google and teach their fellow students how to use different Google tools that could be useful in their studies. Students who want to become part of the GSA need to apply and go through a stringent process of selection, which Aileen oversees. This year, more than a hundred students across Southeast Asia were welcomed into the community.

“We are piloting the GEG in the Philippines, which is meant for K to 12 educators. We’re hosting teacher workshops in Baguio, Manila, and Cebu. From these workshops, we hope to get leaders for the GEG so they can start their own community in their own cities,” explains Aileen.

Aileen’s team is helping the Google Map Maker Team conduct MapUps where communities come together to map. “One of the most useful things and a lot of people really benefit from is the mapping program. It’s the communities now taking the lead with mapping because they saw how important it is.” Aileen says  the mapping project has actually helped in other activities. “It’s not just about helping other people find where they’re going but also having good and accurate maps help in crisis response, elections, and many other things depending on what the community sees as useful for them.”

Google's Person Finder was a great help in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda.

Aileen recalls that when they launched Google Map Maker in 2008, the Philippine map was almost blank. So she and her team enabled local users to contribute and pin important landmarks, businesses, buildings, schools, among others, in the Philippine map as “we’ve always believed that it’s the local users who know their neighborhood best.”

Google Maps have also become a useful tool in calamities. Before Yolanda’s wrath, the communities, led by the group in Cebu, took the initiative to map the evacuation centers people can go to for shelter. On the day Yolanda made landfall, the community in Cebu turned over the mapping to other communities because they also anticipated losing their electricity and Internet connection. So Aileen got in touch with the other communities to make sure the base map is always updated.

For Aileen, it’s important to thank the communities who continue to build the base map because it has helped many a rescue and relief operation in the areas hardly hit by Typhoon Yolanda. She shares that when rescuers go to an affected area, they turn to Google Maps because they don’t know the area or the location is extremely flooded so it’s difficult for them to find people who have asked to be rescued.

Another Google initiative in the aftermath of the typhoon is the Person Finder, a web-based application that allows individuals to check and post the status of relatives or friends affected by Yolanda. “What we did in Google because we saw that a lot of people are missing, we put up the Person Finder. We know there are a lot of Filipinos who live abroad and who are worried. What the Person Finder can do is to connect people to know the status of their family back home,” she explains.

Google products.

Google, a power brand in itself, empowers the community by training them to be able to help themselves and the people in their communities. “As we always tell the communities, it’s about them. The best that Google can do for them is to provide the platform. It’s really about them learning how to use all these tools for their benefit,” concludes Aileen. 

(Published Dec. 2, 2013, The Philippine Star)

Bb. Pilipinas candidate Ladylyn Riva: Beauty with a cause

“Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.”

―Kate Angell, Squeeze Play

In a nation that’s crazy about beauty pageants, a lot of young girls aspire to become beauty queens. This comes as no surprise as Filipinas are naturally endowed with good looks, arresting features and winning personality that could win them a crown. Filipina beauty queens’ winning streak in international pageants in the last four years could very well attest to this.

This year, Binibining Pilipinas is once again in search of Filipina beauties who will represent the Philippines in international tilts and continue bringing pride to the country.

Bb. Pilipinas #39: Ladylyn Riva.
Photo courtesy of www.bbpilipinas.com

Registered nurse Ladylyn Riva was one of those who heed the call. But the 26-year-old beauty, who is also a model and a makeup artist, is more than your average Bb. Pilipinas candidate. Aside from her striking features and disarming charm, Ladylyn is a beauty with a cause. She knows that women who possess the rare combination of physical and inner beauty are women that people look up to. And she continues to strive to be one.

For starters, Ladylyn is an advocate of protecting the environment, especially in tourist destinations in the Philippines. A native of Nabas in Aklan, she grew up near Boracay―one of the world’s most beautiful beaches―which pretty much explains why she feels strongly about the issue of environmental protection. To Ladylyn, sustainability of the beauty of these locations is an important factor in promoting the country’s tourism.

'Preserving natural beauty is all in our interest,' says Riva, who advocates environmental protection in tourist destinations such as Boracay (above).  

With beauty and brain in one package, Ladylyn stands out from among the equally beautiful candidates because of her social awareness. “I’ve seen how much the island of Boracay has changed because of the speed of development,” she says. Ladylyn is aware that these developments are key to boosting tourism, jobs and revenue in the area but feels that the island has begun to lose its natural beauty because of them. “There has to be a balance. And people have to start acting now.”

Ladylyn furthers that aside from Boracay, other tourist spots in the country need the same kind of attention since most of the country’s attractions boast of natural beauty and eco-tourism. According to her, preservation of the environment is critical in sustaining the viability of these destinations and that locals, tourists, and the government can start small and do their share in keeping the area clean and beautiful.

Ladylyn suggests that simple things―such as ceasing the use of plastic bags, stiffer penalties for littering, and proper segregation of garbage―can all be done with a minimum of legislation. “These small things will add up to a lot,” she quips. “Coral formations, for example, provide food and shelter for fish, leading to increased yield for fishermen.”

Mangrove forests, she says, are often sacrificed to construct beach resorts. “But what many do not know is that mangroves act as a shock absorber to approaching typhoons.”

A beauty to watch out for: Ladylyn Riva.

Ladylyn said that environmental preservation brings more benefit than just beautification. “Preserving natural beauty is all in our interest. Not only will succeeding generations benefit from it, but it will help sustain countless livelihoods in rural areas.”

Her stance on social and environmental issues is truly admirable. No wonder that she has rushed to the forefront of the standings as one of the early favorites in the Bb. Pilipinas 2014 pageant. Ladylyn Riva, who is candidate no. 39 in the country’s foremost beauty contest, is definitely a beauty to watch out for. Know her fate on the coronation night on March 30, 2014.

Sarah Lahbati

This feature was written in 2010. Needless to say, there had been a lot of changes in Sarah’s life—both in her personal and professional life. This photo shoot and interview took place when she was just fresh out of the reality show where she emerged the winner. During the shoot, the whole glam team was in awe of the young star’s no-makeup beauty—not to mention that she was statuesque (5’8”) at 16 years old. A prized talent of her network, Sarah then starred in a number of TV shows and movies.

However, at the start of 2013, news broke about the teen actress’ rift with a TV executive. Sarah then chose to stay out of the klieg lights of show business. She stayed abroad for quite a while and remained out of the spotlight.

Just recently, Sarah reconciled with the TV executive and has been working on her comeback. Anyway, it’s always good to look back at how she was almost four years ago—before all the brouhaha that derailed her journey to stardom. I just hope that she gets back on track sooner as she has definitely missed a lot in her career.

Face of Allure: Sarah Lahbati

Sarah Lahbati.
Photos courtesy of www.philstar.com

If humility has a face, then it will have the beautiful features of half-Moroccan, half-Filipino Sarah Alzol Lahbati. “It is important for me to be humble. In everything I do, I always remember that I may not be perfect but I will always be me,” says the 16-year-old. Humility, Sarah reminds herself, is essential especially now that she’s on her first few steps in the entertainment industry. After bagging the title as “Ultimate Female Survivor” in Starstruck, GMA 7’s reality search for new talents, Sarah is now realizing her dream to act and perform on national TV.

“I barely sleep now,” shares Sarah, statuesque at 5-ft.-8.-in. “But I enjoy what I’m doing because I get to meet a lot of people. And they are famous stars for that matter!” Sarah, a mainstay of the Sunday variety show Party Pilipinas, also loves the job because she gets to portray a lot of roles. Being a TV personality was something far from her mind because she originally wanted to be a flight attendant. “But after I saw what happened on Sept. 11 at the World Trade Center, I got scared,” explains Sarah, who also considered being a policewoman when she was a child.

Because Sarah is young and already in the controversy-laden world of show business, she is properly guided by her parents — dad Abdel Lahbati, personnel officer at the Kuwait Mission of Geneva, Switzerland, and Esther Lahbati. Her mom, who goes with her to her commitments including this photo shoot, reminds Sarah that as a budding actress, she has to always look her best “because you’ll never know who you’re going to meet.” Her dad, on the other hand, taught her not to compete with others but with herself. This is exactly why Sarah keeps polishing her acting and singing skills by attending trainings and workshops.   

Armed with striking features, a charming personality and talent, Sarah is being groomed to be one of her mother station’s premier leading ladies. Although she currently finds herself busy with projects left and right, the young girl in her wishes for more summer memories, like her Egypt escapade a few years back. “I went to Egypt to spend summer with my parents. We stayed there for two weeks and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to be back there soon.”

(Published April 18, 2010, The Philippine Star)

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa: Fit for royalty

I had been to Cebu quite a number of times before this particular trip yet I still looked forward to this one. The child (and water baby) in me was excited and ecstatic about the idea that our media group would be staying in a relatively new resort that features a... waterpark, teehee! Not to mention that I would be traveling again with “THE” Tita Rita Neri and Tita Nerissa Neri as well as Teddy Manuel, the same amazing people I was with during our fantastic Kota Kinabalu trip.

I “took my chances” on the two slides (Open Body Slide and Tube Slide) but had to beg off from the Space Bowl. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough courage to be swirled there lest my two-piece bikini go “berserk.” But don’t get me wrong: the waterpark is absolutely safe as it is designed by Dream Park International USA, which is the expert in building theme parks and water parks in the US.

Since it’s a “vacation,” I decided to spend a lot of chill time at the Amazon River Pool, where you just float and literally go with the flow. There are a dozen more things to do here.

Find out how else you can have a great time in Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City from my article in 2010. Of course, there have already been a lot of developments but basically, it’s still the same resort I loved more than three years ago.

Welcome to Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa.

Fit for royalty

For more than a year now, tourists have been getting the “royal” treatment in this part of Cebu.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport and 30 minutes away from cosmopolitan Cebu, Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa promises its every guest that he or she will be treated like a king or queen for the duration of his or her stay in this eight-hectare property.

Waterworld in Mactan, Cebu. See that girl at the Space Bowl? Uh-oh.
Photos courtesy of Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa

The resort is managed by international hotel management group Imperial Palace Hotel Group, which has two other hotels in Seoul, South Korea and in Fukuoka, Japan. The former was recently rated by Time Magazine as the best hotel in Asia, a testimony to the group’s high standard of management style and industry expertise.

Beach time.

The beach area of the resort. 

Beach Pool.

The resort holds activities for guests.

..And so we joined the aerobics class in the morning.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City opened its regal doors in September 2009 and offered something that has never been seen or heard in the Queen City of the South. The resort features Cebu’s first and only Waterpark that both the young ones and the young once can truly enjoy. Designed by Dream Park International USA, this one-of-a-kind Waterpark lets you choose from five different pools (Wave Pool, Amazon River Pool, Captain’s Hook Pool, Toddler’s Pool and beach pool) and three exciting water slides (notable is the thrilling Space Bowl).

Still alive post-Tube Slide.
Photo by PJ Enriquez

The gang taking it slow at the Amazon River.
Photo by PJ Enriquez

...and by the beach.
Photo by PJ Enriquez

Imperial Palace allows you to have everything on your travel wish list peppered with the Cebuano’s own brand of hospitality. The resort boasts of elegantly furnished rooms including 128 Deluxe Rooms, 372 Suites, nine Spa Suite rooms and 48 Villas with private pool or Jacuzzi. Your well-appointed guest room is an interesting discovery in itself. Each room offers luxurious amenities designed to give you the utmost in luxury and comfort. It is in your plush room that you find out that Imperial Palace leaves no stone unturned to provide you with first-class rest and relaxation package — large sculptured granite bathrooms with separate shower and bath, 37-inch LCD television and DVD player, Internet connection, fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, radio clock with iPod dock and 24-hour room service.

Welcome to our suite! The living room awaits you by the entrance of the room.

Bedroom at the one-bedroom suite. 

My bedroom at our two-bedroom suite.

There's a kitchen in our suite!

...and a balcony so you can better appreciate the view!

Those with discerning palate will have gastronomic excursion at the resort’s eight F&B outlets, which offer sumptuous cuisines from around the world. The search for Asian flavors will take you to the Maru Korean Restaurant and Cheonsan Chinese Restaurant. The Coral Seaside Restaurant, which is perched on the seaside overlooking the picturesque panorama of the Hilutungan channel, guarantees to be a feast to your palate, as well as to your eyes. There are five other outlets to satisfy your gastronomic cravings. Also, let your musical instinct guide you to Bel Ami Karaoke, where snacks and a variety of liquors and beverages are served.

We had our welcome lunch at Cheon San, the Chinese restaurant.

Then dinner at Maru Korean Restaurant.

Maru Korean Restaurant.

Dinner, Korean style.

Farewell dinner at Coral Seaside Restaraunt.

Dinner by the sea.

From sun up to sun down, the tourist menu is filled to the brim at the Imperial Palace. The resort also features a 180-meter-wide beachfront and a marine center that offers an array of water sports for those who yearn for some adrenaline-pumping activities. The 570-sq.-m. Caracalla Spa has 11 well-designed treatment rooms as well as a separate sauna for men and women, steam room and plunge pool. There is also a fully equipped Fitness Centre and Beauty Salon (one of Korea’s most popular) to complete guests’ total fitness and wellness experience.

The Presidential Suite: Where an uber popular Korean star stayed a week before we arrived in the resort.

Imperial Palace also takes business seriously. Its Grand Ballroom (which can seat up to 600 persons) and four collapsible meeting rooms cater to business meetings, conventions and exhibitions. (In fact, at the time director of sales and marketing Jun Cordova hosted our stay at the resort, functions were happening simultaneously — yet all were orderly and organized. In one meeting he attended, hotel manager Edgardo Tongco was commended by fellow hotel executives for the close to a hundred percent occupancy rate of the Imperial Palace.)

Pool Villa.

Lounging with Rina at the Pool Villa.
Photo by PJ Enriquez

Special events like weddings are most welcome at the resort. If you wish for a destination wedding, you do not have to worry as you can expect the Events team of the Imperial Palace to keep you organized and to be on top of every important detail of your wedding. The resort’s “Weddings at the Palace” Indoor and Outdoor packages include lunch or dinner menu for a minimum of 50 persons and an overnight stay at the Pool Villa and Mactan Suite with honeymooner’s set-up and breakfast buffet. If the couple wants an outdoor ceremony, the Poolside and Beach Front area are the perfect spots. Here, the bride and groom exchange “I do’s” as they are presented with a magnificent blue vista of the sea while they watch the sun sink into the horizon.

Sunken bar in the pool area.

The resort has its own shuttle to provide guests with comfort and convenience.

Going around the resort is easy with golf carts.

***

You work hard all week and then leave the rat race far behind to get a breather from the hustle and bustle of life. Trust the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa to give you that “majestic” escape. After all, its first-class facilities and friendly services are indeed fit for royalty.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa will surely give you a different kind of Cebu experience.

(To experience the royal treatment, call Imperial Palace at +6332 494-5000 or visit www.imperialpalace-cebu.com)

(Published November 11, 2010, The Philippine Star)