Summer season ended with a blast on the mesmerizing Panglao Island as topnotch five-star hotel The Bellevue Resort, owned and managed by The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts (BH&R), hosted the second Defy 123 Triathlon in Bohol.
My running group called “Girls Run for Breakfast” decided to participate in the individual and team competitions along with 200 local and foreign triathletes.
The challenging race was composed of a 1-kilometer swim at the stunning beach front of the resort; a 110-km bike around the towns of Panglao, Baclayon, Dauis and Tagbilaran; and a 12-km run around the picturesque Dolio Point.
My teammate Leana Carmona did the grueling bike ride between the swim and the run leg that I both completed. Since drafting was allowed, many of the racers performed very well.
The Bellevue Resort was delighted to be part of Defy 123 Tri. It metamorphosed not only the aim of athletes to win but also the vision of the organizers to come up with something that would definitely help the locality.
BH&R marketing and communications corporate director Ryan Chan made sure our stay was pleasant and enjoyable. He talked about his excitement of guests returning to Bohol after last year’s major earthquake, which destroyed centuries-old churches.
Overseeing the smooth flow of this exciting sport event was the hardworking race director and coach Guy Concepcion along with organization committee members Jerry Santos, Teddy Tong and Anthony Kierulf.
The provincial government of Bohol, represented by provincial executive assistant Dr. Glenn Doloritos and Maribojoc, Bohol, Vice Mayor Fructuoso Redulla Jr., affirmed its support as it provided a network of marshals, medical teams and local police during the day-long race, ensuring the utmost safety of the participants as well as the event organizers.
Emerging as winners for this year’s race were Australian professional triathlete Michael James Murphy (overall champion-male division), undefeated Filipino elite champion Monica Torres (overall champion-female division) and Fitness First (team competition).
Bikes for the Philippines, an organization that aims to provide deserving individuals with bicycles in order to improve their economic status, was selected as the sole beneficiary of the 2014 edition of Defy 123 Triathlon.
The entire Bellevue team, led by chairperson Johnny Chan, managing director Patrick Chan, marketing and communications corporate director Ryan Chan and managing director Dustin Chan, was thrilled to host the awards night as well.
After the race, Leana and I enjoyed a relaxing massage at the resort’s spa. It was a much-needed treatment; we got complimentary refreshing fruit shakes.
The rest of our running group opted to lounge in the sprawling infinite pool while sipping piña coladas.
Unforgettable
The next weekend, Bellevue Resort hosted an unforgettable night full of fun, laughter and good company among noted A-listers from the diplomatic, banking, business and social circles.
One of the best and leading five-star hotels in the country, BH&R organizes this powerhouse gathering to showcase the outstanding facilities and amenities of the resort.
Together with society columnist and event organizer Johnny Litton, the Chan family extended the resort’s well-known brand of warm hospitality to its esteemed guests.
The hardworking BH&R director Ryan Chan along with his wife Tamila and Alejandro graciously welcomed the guests that included Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno and his elegant Filipino wife Agnes; former Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga and wife Paulina; consul Tony Rufino; and Metrobank Foundation president Chito Sobrepeña and his wife, Lifestyle Asia editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña.
Everyone was treated to a delectable, mouthwatering spread of signature dishes made famous by Cena, one of the resort’s premier restaurants specializing in Western-inspired and Filipino fusion cuisine, and perfectly complemented by overflowing premium champagnes and vintage wines.
Adding more delight to the wonderful evening was the internationally acclaimed Loboc Children’s Choir, under the baton of choir director Alma Fernando-Taldo. The choir gave a spectacular performance that captivated the hearts of everyone.
The Bellevue Resort management and Jayelles team led by president Roselle Rebano made a special arrangement for the talented kids to perform that night.
The fun part of the evening started when the otherwise conservative guests let their hair down by singing along with the Infinity Band.
Not to be left behind, the jolly Ambassador Mayorga serenaded everyone with his beautiful renditions of Spanish songs.
It truly was a splendid night of music, dance and laughter. The Bellevue continues to deliver nights like these to make their guests have a very memorable stay.
