Summer has come early in the Queen City. Cebu is sizzling hot and has the warmest people to boot.

I must have been a Cebuana in a former life as Cebu has become so close to my heart, thanks to my growing friendships and many projects in the city.

Our design company, Trezza Group, recently completed the Hotel Elizabeth Cebu (www.hotelelizabethcebu.com). It is now my favorite boutique hotel, with its excellent facilities. The mid-range, luxury hotel is only a three-minute walk from Ayala Center Cebu, with access to Gaisano Metro and other business establishments in Cebu Business Park.

Cebu has no lack of new hotels. A leader of the new crop is the year-old Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu), right beside SM Cebu.

Late last year, I stayed in this grand hotel to celebrate an evening of music, fashion, awards, designer gowns, tuxedos, and best of all, charity.

In crystal craze fashion, I was a guest of publisher Eva Gullas at a glittery fundraising dinner to celebrate Zee Lifestyle Magazine’s 15 years of publication. Major sponsors Samsung, SM Development Corp. and SM Accessories made the celebration possible.

Zee Lifestyle Magazine is the leading lifestyle bible for Cebu and Davao, so there was much to celebrate. With the Fashion Council of Cebu, the Crystal Ball helped raise awareness and funding for the FCC’s advocacy: educating and training indigent women in the traditional art of dressmaking, and to help save the future of fashion by supporting upcoming couturiers in Cebu.

After getting all dolled up in the salon of Jessie Glova, I rushed to my hotel room to slip into my beautifully embellished, crystal gown, made by fab designer Ronald Enrico. The Radisson Blu’s elegant Santa Maria Ballroom was filled with music of Cebuana lounge singer Tria Bascon.

Over dinner, awesome host Jude Bacalso handled the auction with aplomb. Big-ticket items included the latest Samsung Galaxy tablets, Breitling and Omega watches, Hermes scarves, a Bergamo made-to-order suit, Metro Ayala diamond jewelry gift certificates, and a Cathay Pacific business-class ticket to the US.

Fashion show

The best part of the Crystal Ball was the fashion show, highlighted by Zee’s Style Icon Award to Loalde’s Lou Aldeguer for her unyielding dedication to the Cebuano RTW industry. The show featured the collections of Philip Rodriguez, Cary Santiago, Arcy Gayatin, Jojo Romoff, Oj Hofer, Philipp Tampus, Jun Escario and Yvonne Quisumbing.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Mayor Mike Rama headed the Zee guest list. I have become quite close to the political duo, having known both since my hubby Dennis’ days running the Cebu Daily News.

We were all together again in the charity fundraiser for the Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation. This nonprofit organization undertakes the comprehensive and sustainable beautification, rehabilitation and revitalization of the streets of the city of Cebu, with the Cebu City government.

Masquerade ball

A Venetian Masquerade Ball at the Waterfront Hotel Ballroom was celebrated in the grandest fashion to raise funds to enhance and revitalize Osmeña Boulevard, starting from Sanciangko Street in Downtown Cebu, to Jones Avenue, leading up to the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Co-chairs Mariquita Yeung and Margie Lhuillier and their team impressed all the generous guests, including philanthropists Ambassador Philip and Edna Lhuillier, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier and the cream of the Cebu social crop. Balladeer Martin Nievera top-billed the night’s entertainment.

Beautiful Cebu Movement is a coming together of Cebuanos with great love for their city. Aside from pledges and a silent auction, additional funds were raised with an amusing live auction—the chance to have dinner with Mayor Mike and Governor Gwen. Donations are still being accepted through China Bank.

Oslob whale sharks

While in Cebu, one should take time to check out the latest amazing ocean phenomenon in the country—the handfed whale sharks of Oslob. The once-sleepy town is found on the island’s southmost tip, a three-hour drive from the city.

Less than a year ago, Oslob fishermen found that whale sharks were attracted to the krill they used as bait. Now they regularly feed a small pod of the gentle giant fish in a feeding area just a few meters offshore. Feeding only runs until noon, so come early.

The practice is somewhat controversial, sparking debate between pro-tourism groups and hardcore environmentalists. It’s hard to find fault with the mini-economic boom that has come to Oslob though, as so many jobs have been created around the fledging industry in just a few months. Over time, the challenge will be for the locals to keep tourists at sustainable levels.

After Oslob, I stayed at the Ravanela Resort in Moalboal (www.ravenala-resort-moalboal.com), upon the invite of owner Babie Schaap. Ravenala is a quaint bed-and-breakfast right on White Beach and a short ride away from Pescador Island. Moalboal features a number of excellent dive spots and is an excellent weekend getaway from the pressures of city life.

Cereals and dance

It is summer after all, the best time in our country. Get in shape for summer by introducing Nestlé Fitnesse cereal into your daily menu. This low-cal, high-fiber meal is also fortified with calcium, iron and folic acid, making it an ideal breakfast.

My favorite is the Honey & Almond flavor, although it also comes in Whole Wheat and Fitnesse & Fruit variants. I’m pretty sure my Fitnesse diet will make me look skinnier in just a couple of weeks, especially as I am combining the snack with the latest exercise craze, Zumba Fitness.

Inspired by Latin dance, Zumba Fitness lets participants sweat it out without getting bored thanks to the fusion of exercise and music. Take a chance to try Zumba Fitness on March 31, as Nestlé sponsors the Fitnesse Shape Up Night. The party starts at 6 p.m. at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City. This will be the biggest Zumba Fitness event in the country, so expect to strut, spin, shimmy and shake with the help of Manila’s top Zumba Fitness instructors.

Follow @Tessa on Twitter or e-mail her at [email protected].