Edd F. invited namedroppable personas including those from the media last week to grace the fabulous opening of the the eyecatching Sun Village Beachfront Resort, the newest gem in Boracay’s roster of world-class establishments. The Sun Village opened its doors with a spectacular sunset beach bash and the conclusion of the Boracay Bodies Model Search 2002. The contest was presented by mega global brands Omega and Philips, dahlings.
A colorful Hawaiian-style beach party heralded the resort’s formal opening. The Sun Village Beachfront Resort, palanggas, was packed with tons of beautiful faces having a great time while listening to the real cool All Jazzed Up Band as the fantastic Boracay sunset dazzled all in the background.
The party continued as the contestants were led by young babe, Martina Amodio (representing Boracay) on a wow (!) bar and resto tour of such must-go-to places like La Capaninna Ristorante Italiano; the Regency Hotel’s fully-packed Wave Disco; Summer Place; and the Jumping Bazurra.
Saturday night was the night Boracay’s Bodies Model Search got underway, palanggas, with 20 gorgeous dudes and babes vying for the coveted title.
The judges were led by that fighter for what she believes is right and what is the best for Aklan, Rep. Gabrielle Calizo; brilliant gentleman who has done wonders for his province, dedicated Aklan Gov. Florencio Miraflores; tall, tres charmant Swiss Consul Daniel Vogel; our very own Philippine STAR’s popular photographer Alex Van Hagen (who judged Mr. & Ms. Photogenic); and noted fashion designers Efren Ocampo and Mel Meer of Bergamo (who judged the Best in Casual, Night and Swimwear).
Other judges were hip columnist and fast on the draw Benetton gent, Tim Yap; one of moi fave TV channels, E! Philippines’ Operations Head, gentleman of the world Lito Cruz; F.E. Zuellig (M) Inc., General Manager, workasonic Louie Vargas; Omega Product Manager, Southern gent Martin Lacson; Philips Consumer Electronics PR and Communications Officer, super observant Elen Torres; SEAir Sales and Marketing Manager Glen Lamela; two hotshots who flew in especially for the affair, SEAir Aviation Consultants David Rechburger and Bob Jones; and moi, natch!
Seen cheering their fave candidates among the tons of invitees and observers who spilled out almost to the beach line were hard court heartthrob Jason Webb and stunning model/TV host Claudine Trillo; Louis Vuitton and Loewe Country Manager, vivacious and hard-working Gigi Mabanta.
Top bracket fashion director Robbie Carmona was the genius behind the dazzling production. The show opened with a wild Anti-Atihan number as E! Philippines camera men jumped all over the place to make sure they did not miss out on the goings-on.
Then the night’s gorgeous hosts made their entrance: TV and fashion persona, The Body Marc Nelson; fashion model and Benetton’s attractive babe Rissa Samson; and that gorgeous looker who can bring the sunshine out on any dreary day, vibrantly attractive, sky-blue-eyes beauty, E! Philippines’ It Girl Lana Asanin.
Nice Robin Robel and sultry beauty Clarissa Mae Mercado, lorded over the competition, winning the judges’ approval with their striking looks, bodies, amazing confidence, and winsome personalities. They got to own (as one of the prizes) that world-class watch of the rich and famous Omega, no less, dahlings.
Fun Randy Mendoza and six-footer Australian-Chinese-Filipino beauty Gail McMahon snagged the First Runner-up slots. Boyish good-looker Randolf Stamatelaky and the face that could launch a thousand ships, Jennifer Dittmeier, were the Second Runner-Ups. Naturellement, palanggas, special awards were also handed out by SEAir.
Tall hunk Ryan Lai was voted by his fellow candidates as the guy with "The Sunniest Personality" while Clarissa Mercado and Randy Mendoza were picked as "Mr & Ms. Photogenic."
The pageant showcased the sunny resort wear collection of three of Manille’s in-demand fashion designers: Mike de la Rosa (casual wear); Efren Ocampo (formal outfits); and Bergamo (stunning stylized barong for the formal wear competition). The eye-popping colorful swimwear collection was by Pride Exchange, shoes by Figla and Marie Nicole. Styling was done by Boracay’s popular B Salon, headed by creative Dante Yap.
Over P500,000 worth of prizes in cash and products were given out to the top winners. They included Omega and CK watches; Philips electronic products; Loewe eyewear and fragrances; all expense-paid trips to Boracay courtesy of (now one of moi fave spots in the island) The Sun Village Boracay Resorts, naturellement, and SEAir; plus trips to other Philippine tourist destinations courtesy of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
The candidates and invitees were mostly billeted at The Sun Village Hilltop and Beach Resorts, and other Boracay south resorts– Lorenzo Resorts (Main and South Villas), Alyssa Resort, Boracay Hills, Melinda’s Garden, Mountainview Resort, and Orchids Resort.
The memorable happening coincided with the grand opening of the Sun Village Beachfront Resort. It aimed to promote travel and fashion by choosing the young men and women who best embody Boracay’s spirit of fashion, travel and the good and sunny life.
The Sun Village Beachfront Resort, palanggas, is located in the southern part of Boracay’s main beach. It is fantastically private, so peaceful, with absolutely no niknik (sand fleas) at all! It is only less than a five-minute walk away from the Talipapa market and the island‘s jumping nightspots including Hey Jude, where anyone who is someone hangs out to see and be seen in.
The Sun Village Hilltop and Beachfront Resort, dahlings, has 24 air-conditioned rooms, each with a private toilet, bath with hot and cold shower, and TV.
A spacious restaurant here offers some of the most delicious dishes that Boracay visitors can feast on. A breezy veranda café-bar is laid out by the beach fronting the resort. Here, guests can relax under the sun while sipping their cool drinks.
Designed with a native tropical look by that gent of many talents, Edd F., the resort blends perfectly into the world-famous sun-kissed resort island. The resort has used local materials like bamboo and hard wood to create a cozy atmosphere. Asian and Philippine arts, crafts and furniture add exotic touches.
With the opening of The Sun Village Beachfront Resort, Boracay now has two great Sun Village Resorts. The Sun Village Hilltop Resort continues to welcome and pamper guests with its 12 air-conditioned rooms, lush greenery, cool hilltop breeze, and Asian decor far away from the maddening crowd.
"The two resorts offer visitors great enclaves and take-off points to enjoy the many pleasures that the island paradise has to offer," explained to moi by the resort’s super professional Managing Director, Emer Ibabao. "These are fun under the sun, cool pleasures in the clear blue waters, awesome sights, exciting other adventures, great food, amazing bargains and a pulsating nightlife."
With heavy hearts, we drove back to Aklan and boarded one of our fave airlines, Cebu Pacific. On board we enjoyed fun games led by the vivacious stewardesses and stewards. Before moi could bat an eyelash, we landed smoothly without a bump at the NAIA’s International airport, thanks to the skills of Capt. Nerio Ignacio and First Officer Sam Avila.
Naturellement, we can’t forget the power women who helped make Cebu Pacific the in-demand airline that it is today: Cyber-smart Viveca Singsong, Corporate Communications Manager, and Southern lady Ana Mendoza, Director of Promotions and Special Events Management.
Yes, palanggas, Sun Village resort is definitely a must to visit while in Boracay. For reservations and details about this resort, palanggas, call their Manille office at tel. no. 813-1338, 893-9355 and 816-3109 or the Boracay office at tel. no. 63-036-288-5484. You may also fax (632) 812-4797 or e-mail fpni@pacific.net.ph or fuentes@pacific.net.ph.
Now, that’s what I call a fabi weekend. Do drive safely. See you!