This year has been all about the celebration of life. My fitness lifestyle has taken a back seat to travel, vacations and parties. My feng shui alignment has affected my health energy, so I have decided to just exercise moderately.

For the first time since the start of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines, I was not part of the challenging triathlon. But I did manage to still be part of the excitement and pre-race activities at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.

At the Ironman Expo, my fellow ambassadors of Rudy Project had a fun pictorial at the booth where show biz kings Piolo Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli created the most commotion. Rudy Project royal couple Gabriele and Julie Boschi enjoyed all the excitement as the top triathletes joined our family photo.

Piolo and I are Ironman BFFs since we both are the ambassadors of Timex and Sunlife as well. Our annual “affair” happens at the races while waiting for our relay teammates to finish their legs.

Unfortunately this year, Piolo and I couldn’t hang out since I flew to Cebu for another affair. My hubby Dennis and I were attending the 50th wedding anniversary of Cebu’s royal couple, Michel and Amparito Lhuillier.

Their daughter, Monique Lhuillier, the world-renowned Filipino designer, flew in with her beautiful family to dress her mother in a gold-beaded and lace gown taken from the original wedding gown.

Monique told us she began designing her mother’s gown in earnest around a year ago. She took elements of the original lace gown that had a flattering and timeless shape. The designer worked carefully, adding beaded antique gold overlay to the fabric that had been in a box for 48 years.

Elegant, golden bride Amparito still fit her original wedding gown. The classic piece featured a Watteau train that started from the shoulders and cascaded to the floor. Monique took that lace and designed a new gown with a slim silhouette and long sleeves.

The original lace was transformed into a detachable train that started from her mom’s still slender waist. The beaded antique gold overlay covered the entire outfit to incorporate gold into the dress. Monique dusted beads on the shoulders, sleeves and down the waist and sides of the skirt. In the back, the entire train was drizzled with gold. After all, it was a golden wedding anniversary. Lovely Amparito looked like a queen as she entered the breathtaking garden setup at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC).

Cebu’s finest wedding planner and event stylist Teresin Mendezona worked with florist Pink Flora to transform the ballroom with floor-to-ceiling walls of foliage and cascading orchid plants on tree branches.

My gown that evening was a stunning gown with delicate lace on nude, sheer fabric by Cebu designer Philipp Tampus. I had actually planned to wear it for my 20th anniversary two months ago but didn’t have time to wear all the outfits that evening. So I ended up wearing it at the Lhuillier golden anniversary celebration.

While I was busy chatting with our Cebu friends like Joel and Carla del Prado who took care of our transport around the city, Dennis was enjoying the full-spread buffet in the adjacent ballroom. He was so impressed with the extensive menu of the freshest seafood, the juiciest steaks and the yummy desserts that he complimented Marco Polo Cebu GM Hans Hauri at the party.

The gastronomic feast was just one of many affairs the hotel hosts. Two months ago, MPPC’s team of expert chefs under the guidance of culinary guru Jessica Avila prepared mouthwatering Filipino dishes served at Café Marco.

The Lhuillier reception party was an evening of wonderful family memories and stories of all the charitable works of the couple. The friendly and beautiful Cebuanos will surely remember this golden wedding anniversary as one of the most magnificent celebrations ever.

New hotel

Marco Polo is now everywhere! Marco Polo inaugurated its new hotel in Manila in grand style last month. As the first Marco Polo Hotel to open in the capital, it signaled a whole new dimension for the renowned Asian hospitality brand. The event was landmark, from every angle imaginable, starting from the invitation itself, which promised a “Voyage: The Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Grand Launch Affair.” Every bit of the event symbolized how Marco Polo transcended the ordinary. Guests were treated to a wonderful journey of sensory indulgences.

President Aquino gave the keynote speech of the launch, flanked by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Pasig Mayor Maribel Eusebio. Among the attendees were business tycoons, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, society figures and others, all transported into the world of Marco Polo, all celebrating the romance and adventure of travel.

Each level from the cruise itinerary was ingeniously executed. The hotel offered various themes and inspiring entertainment such as jazz ensemble performances, an aerial ballet, a grand fireworks display that lit up the Ortigas cityscape, and a fashion show showing the world-class designs and artistry of accessories designer Ann Ong and fashion designer Rhett Eala.

The event was also a delicious gastronomic journey. A smorgasbord of international cuisine and flowing drinks kept the party going at every point of the journey.

Guests traveled from the ground floor to the Grand Ballroom on the seventh floor, all the way up to the 24th floor Sky Lobby, and all-day dining restaurant, Cucina. Lung Hin, the newly opened authentic Cantonese restaurant, was a favorite stop and the Marco Polo signature Continental Club Lounge that were both on the 44th floor.

The VU’s Sky Lounge and Tapas Bar have a spectacular view from the topmost floor. Many of their guests enjoyed the night away at the lounge.

The grand opening was simply magical and truly an affair to remember. Many meaningful journeys will surely begin at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.