All aboard the Boracay SunCruiser

Aside from its powdery white-sand beaches and majestic sunset, Boracay is also known for its nightlife and colorful parties. Sending massive ripples across the party island’s shores is the 65-ft. fiberglass outrigger boat Boracay SunCruiser, a new addition to Boracay’s water wonderland of attractions. The boat is fully equipped with world-class facilities and amenities and helmed by a skilled crew.

A grand launch and maiden voyage event called “Rock the Boat” was held recently, which gathered over 60 of Boracay’s top movers and shakers and island residents for a Great Gatsby-themed get-together.

It was a perfectly relaxing afternoon aboard the Boracay SunCruiser. Guests enjoyed soaking up the sun with free-flowing wine and cocktails with a sumptuous spread of hors d’oeuvres. 

The Boracay SunCruiser, which can accommodate up to 60 passengers comfortably, navigated across the eastern side of Boracay island at a leisurely speed, offering panoramic views of nearby islands and coves, with music, dancing and moments of meditative silence.

Event hosts, longtime Boracay residents and events, marketing and PR couple Mark Santiago and Freida Dario-Santiago, along with their Boracay SunCruiser partners Richie Ley, Angel See-Ley, Nathaniel Imson and Kit Laureta, proposed a toast, thanking guests for totally rocking the Boracay SunCruiser.

The “Rock the Boat” experience can be yours for an introductory price, inclusive of one round-trip speedboat shuttle service, the Boracay SunCruiser’s signature “Deep Blue Sea” cocktail, plus two cocktail drinks, onboard snacks, full bar service, deck steward and lifeguard service, unlimited use of the Boracay SunCruiser Super Slide — the first and only one in Boracay and the two-story high Boracay SunCruiser Jump-Off Pad.

The weekly Floating Bar & Cruise Party happens every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (schedule is subject to weather and tide conditions). Chartered private cruises and exclusive events are available and private parties can be arranged. 

(For inquiries and reservations, call 0917-5558282 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, visit www.boracaysuncruiser.com or www.facebook.com/boracaysuncruiser.)

Two masters at The Tasting Room

The Tasting Room of Crown Towers at the City of Dreams Manila has to be one of my top three restaurants in Manila.

When I got an early invitation to taste the food of chef William Mahi paired with concoctions by award-winning mixologist and my friend Sam Jeveons, it was something I looked forward to the whole week! 

The dishes that William presented at The Tasting Room were all exceptional. He veered away from his usual menu to create new dishes for this two-night-only event. His four-course dinner was superb, as usual, which included John Dory ceviche, blue fin tuna and glazed pork breast. 

Sam has been creating several drink concoctions for City of Dreams Manila since the hotel’s opening. His wonderful creations that night included Bamboo, a light and aromatic cocktail with Tanqueray gin and dry vermouth infused with nori (Japanese seaweed) using the sous vide method, sherry, aromatic bitter and an oyster leaf.

Sam also created a wonderful Hot uttered Rum with Ron Zacapa, Grand Marnier, Chardonnay, almond butter, honey, chamomile, Angostura bitters garnished with cinnamon. It tasted as heavenly as it sounded...Sam warned me that it did have a lot of butter in it. 

I certainly can’t wait till Sam gets back to try more of his cocktails and William’s new dishes! 

(For more information and upcoming events, visit www.cityofdreams.com.ph/content/tasting-room.)

Healthy mind & body

The best two gifts you can give a child are a healthy mind and a healthy body.

The Department of Education (DepEd), New Birch Tree Fortified and Marylindbert International partnered in an advocacy called “Me and My Milk” to encourage children to drink milk at home and in school.

With this in mind, DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro and Undersecretary Dina Ocampo formally launched the partnership recently at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, Department of Education Complex in Pasig City. The brilliant Chris Po, president and CEO of Century Pacific Food Inc., and his wife Nanette Medved-Po, with Linda Legaspi of Marylindbert International, were on hand to witness the launch.

Popular actor Richard Yap, Ser Chief to most of his fans, was also at the event as the brand ambassador.

“Milk is one of nature’s most nutritious food. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and protein, all essential in the proper growth and development of bones and teeth. The milk brand has FibroBoost, a unique combination of essential nutrients fortified with zinc, Vitamin C and iron. This combo is further enhanced by inulin fiber, which is proven to help the body absorb up to 18 percent more calcium,” said Birch Tree Fortified’s Leah Macalincag.

“A child who has developed a milk-drinking habit will reap a lifetime of health benefits,” said Edwin Africa, Century Pacific Food Inc. VP-GM. “This partnership hopes to form a milk-drinking habit among children for a healthier and stronger future for them.”

Legaspi noted, “Schools are venues where knowledge and values are taught and behavior formed. The partnership, which will benefit 600,000 school children, will educate kids on the different benefits of milk.” (Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)