La dolce vita at Shangri-La Mactan’s Acqua

The Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, the premier destination in Central Philippines for the holiday traveler, has recently completed the final phase of its major renovation with the opening of its signature Italian restaurant, Acqua.

Hosted by its general manager, the very driven Timothy Wright, guests savored the never-before-seen delectable dishes that were masterfully planned and prepared by Italian chef Marco Anzani.

Among the many delights were tortelli di pesce (pasta pockets filled with fish served on Soave white wine sauce); aragosta e zafferano (saffron rice with lobster and cherry tomato); branzino al forno (herb-crusted fillet of Chilean sea bass on mashed potato with shrimp, green beans and cherry tomato); and scaloppini al funghetto (braised veal escalope on asparagus with parsley, mushroom sauce).

Admiring Acqua’s stylish modern interiors, designed by the dynamic talented sister team of Ivy and Cynthia Almario, were Spanish Honorary Consul Jaime Picornell with his wife Cecilia, party couples, the likeable Michael and trendy Joanna Lhuillier, art patrons Kelly and Elvira Luym accompanied by their daughter Kaye, Alegre Resorts’ amiable general manager Fritz Kahler and his charming wife Cynthia, and antique collectors Joel and Carla del Prado.

Sterling event organizer and party planner par excellence Teresin Mendezona shared a table with Cebu’s top florist Pinky Chang, who was accompanied by her husband, innovative restaurateur Winglip Chang.

Invitees who opted to go solo were top travel specialists Eddie Kong of Cathay Pacific, Kum Hoong Kong of Silkair, and Zenaida Chua of Worldwide Travel and Tours. Lifestyle writers Nelia Neri, Flor Ynclino, and Joe Recio joined them.

Entertainment during the fabulous mid-morning affair was provided by Australian divas Tania Jong and Dominique Oyston with Jonathan Morton, who sang a string of opera classics, such as the Brindisi from Verdi’s La Traviata, while the synchro Swans, the Philippine national swimming team, danced along to the ethereal music.

A silent auction with premium items from prestigious brand names, such as JH Lhuillier, Treat and Treasures, Cebu Intertrade, Bacchus, and Rustan’s, shortly followed.

Proceeds have been tapped for Dare to Care, a joint project of the hotel and the Beijing-based organization Care for Children, which utilizes strategic initiatives to give relief to hardship, distress, and displacements of orphans and other needy children.

One memorable party celebrating the birth of Acqua restaurant highlighted with the launch of Dare to Care, a truly worthy charity program.