Ms. Cebu beauties on tour

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Wine Merchants, headed by its chairman Honorary Consul of Latvia Robert Joseph, was one of the major sponsors during the Ms. Cebu Beauty Pageant held early this year at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

As such, Ms Cebu 2009 Kris Tiffany Janson, together with other finalists, was treated to a week-end familiarization tour to Manila and its surroundings.

The lovely ladies, chaperoned by Cinbeth Orellano, secretary of the Cebu City Tourism Commission, were billeted at the Wine Museum Boutique Hotel owned by the Joseph Brothers.

On hand to warmly welcome the statuesque beauties were Robert, (Bobby, as he is fondly called) and his brother, Ralph. Thirst quenching refreshments were served as the talented and articulate Cebuanas introduced themselves to their gracious hosts. They were Ana Desamparado, Phoebe Kaye Fernandez, Tara Oliver, Shedda Dusaban and Ethel Bitoon.

A quick orientation of the property revealed a spacious conference room on the second floor where wine tasting and seminars on the appreciation of wines are conducted regularly. Well illustrated photos hang on the walls that outline the history of wines, their grape varieties and methods of fermentation. Also adding to the ambience are antique wine presses and different activities is the lobby lounge where guests can just kick back in comfortable armchairs for a toothsome appetizer or post-dinner drinks at the end of a busy day. Interestingly, wine tasting is made more convenient with the use of slot machines, each filled with a different wine vintage to choose from. And just like in the casinos, chips are inserted for the desired amount of wine. The meals are distinctly home made, simple but sumptuously delicious. The recently refurbished rooms are well-appointed and spacious and are equipped with cable TV and hot and cold shower.

The first day itinerary included a city tour with the famed walled city of Intramuros as first stop. This historic, close to 60 hectares property, contains many examples of late 16th & 17th century Spanish architecture. At the mouth of the Pasig River is Fort Santiago that houses a shrine to the 19th century Filipino patriot, our national hero Jose Rizal. It also serves as a museum which contains well-preserved legacies of the Spanish government. The site features Rizal’s final footsteps embedded into the ground in bronze, representing the walk from his cell to the location of the actual execution.

One of Intramuros’ oldest buildings is the San Agustin Church built between 1599 and 160l while the Manila Cathedral, begun in 1571 has been rebuilt several times as a result of earthquakes and the World War II. Today the gates, walls and small plazas that characterize the area have since been restored.

Up next on the list was the Manila Ocean Park. The marine park’s oceanarium features thousands of exotic and colorful fishes, most of which are endemic to the Philippines. The main attraction is a 25 meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls where guests can view the country’s different marine species. A variety of sting rays glide overhead while one is under this unique overhang tank.

The following day, after a hearty authentic Filipino breakfast at the hotel, the group was off to Subic which is located in Zambales. It was the largest US. Navy installation in the Pacific and was the largest overseas defense facility of the United States Armed Forces after Clark Air Base in Angeles City was closed in 1991.

Subic Bay was converted into a commercial zone after the departure of the Americans, largely through the efforts of some 8,000 residents of nearby Olongapo City, who volunteered to protect and preserve the facilities and property.

In addition to commercial use, Subic Bay is also a popular destination for weekend visitors .Attractions include several beaches, an underwater aquarium, jungle survival tours, racing and duty-free shopping centers. And speaking of shopping, each finalist went home with a complete Adidas sport outfits courtesy of gracious host Bobby Joseph.

Much too soon it was time to say goodbye but not before taking a beautiful sunset cruise around the tranquil bay.