Paradise found

There are lands far away made of legends, ancient civilizations teeming with treasures beyond the reach of the imagination. The ancient city of Atlantis is said to have riches infinitely greater than any modern metropolis, the olden Mayan temples had statues of gold and precious gems, and the archaic Egyptian empire has marvelous structures made with flawless precision that continue to baffle us to this day.

In these modern times, folklores and legends, as well as structures of grandeur and grace, are dying slow and natural deaths. Still, a few places have an innate beauty that they seem to thrive by word-of-mouth. Such a place is called Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Mactan, and as much as its guests want it to be a secret place for them to enjoy, the popularity of this modern-day Eden is continuously on the rise, to the delight of Plantation Bay president and CEO Manny Gonzalez.

Many argue that the reason for this growing popularity is the unique ambiance akin to a Caribbean plantation village spanning seven hectares. The 188 elegant rooms and 38 luxurious suites mix with the modern amenities of a 5-star hotel with the feel of the Old World – an intricately-carved TV armoire of dark wood with mother-of-pearl and buffalo-bone inlays, beds of old timber, hand-embroidered bed duvets and a luxurious marble bathroom serve as accents.

Epicures say that the main attraction is the food, with four signature restaurants (Kilimanjaro Kafe, Palermo, Fiji and Savannah Grill) serving specialties that range from juicy cheeseburgers, the celebrated Cebu lechon and a symphony of seafood surprises. Sun worshippers, water babies and spa habitués, however, love Plantation Bay because it is the ideal place to keep fit and pamper themselves. The world-class Mogambo Springs Spa is an enchanting place evocative of mountain canyons complete with fog, therapeutic pools and lavish face and body treatments.

Whatever reasons people may give behind the story of this Paradise called Plantation Bay, one thing is certain. The magic is real and the place is, simply put, legendary.

Visit the hidden treasure in Cebu, Mactan and be awed!

(Contact Plantation Bay Resort and Spa by calling Cebu direct at (032) 340-5900, Manila at 844-5024 to 25 or via domestic toll free 1-800-1-888-7788.)

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Simply Magical

Magical is definitely the word to describe Eigram Marie "Magic" Lazo’s 18th birthday at the Makati Shangri-La recently. Shining in a majestic royal blue gown with sparkling crystals and a glittering tiara, Magic transformed into a beautiful princess before her dear family and close friends. Proud parents Margie and Chiqui Lazo went all-out in preparing for this very special day, as well as grandmother Andrea Gimenez of Chi Asia. The colorful evening was nothing short of a dream for the debutante who was overflowing with joy.

May your wishes come true, Magic!