The annual Giro d’Luca in Bohol got bigger and better this year as 180 cyclists turned out to participate in the 530-kilometer-long, three-day riding event. This was a great leap from what had started as a mere celebration of Gianluca Guidicelli’s birthday with a group of pals who shared the same passion for the sport.
The event had Sunrise Events Inc. as organizer, Bellevue Resort Hotel in Bohol as ride-central host and Ford Philippines as main sponsor. A good number of cyclists came not only from Bohol but from other parts of the Philippines, palangga.
Ancillary activities included a raffle, a nutrition talk and a postevent celebration dinner. Leading the participants were Gianluca’s son, Matteo Guidicelli.
Riders had the option to join the three-day ride or do it for just two days.
Bohol was chosen as the official venue due to its awesome terrain that lends itself well to cycling. It is also a favorite training site for triathletes.
“It was the perfect three-day ride for those who wanted to test their physical and mental endurance in the sport of cycling and feel like a professional cyclist in a three-day endurance event,” said Guidicelli.
“In behalf of Giro d’Luca,” he told the participants, “I personally thank everyone who joined and supported this fantastic event. It has been an awesome weekend full of fun, surprises and, of course, a lot of bike-riding in beautiful Bohol where ‘Ride, Live and Celebrate’ combined to make this event memorable.”
Guidicelli likewise thanked Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto, provincial administrator Ae Damalerio, Rowena Montecillo of the Department of Tourism and Dennis Agustin of the Philippine National Police.
“We will be back,” said Guidicelli, “and like what we usually say in Italian when we like to say it is just the beginning, ‘Alla prossima.’”
Island Shangri-La chefs
Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong got a double-plus. It welcomed Italian chef Alessio Mecozzi to its Lobster Bar and Grill and French chef Alain Solivérès to its Restaurant Petrus.
Mecozzi, currently the executive chef de cuisine of the Hotel Casta Diva Resort & Spa at the Lago di Como, will employ his culinary wisdom at Shangri-La Hong Kong’s Italian resto.
We were told that the highlights of his creations include Home-Made Fresh Pasta with Lemon; Livorno-Style Codfish; Tomato Pappa Ravioli with Eggplant Cream and Parmigiano Fondue; and Veal Tenderloin, Carrots and Dried Tomatoes.
“This is my first visit to Hong Kong,” said Mecozzi, “and I am more than excited to be inspired by this multifaceted city and to share with local diners my country’s food heritage.”
The specially crafted Italian fare consists of a four-course menu featuring Mecozzi’s signature dishes, priced at HK$688 per person with a 10-percent service charge.
Now, dahlings, that’s practically a giveaway price for what one is getting from this whiz of a chef.
Call (852)28208560 or e-mail lbandgrill.isl@shangri-la.com.
Zumba gig
The Globe Circuit Events Ground in Makati was filled with contagious energy, palangga, as Zumba enthusiasts from all over the country gathered to dance alongside the genius creator of Zumba himself, Alberto “Beto” Perez.
Organized by “Live Love Party” and sponsored by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the Zumba Fitness-Concert was Perez’s first in Asia and featured his team of incredible Zumba instructors, musicians and DJs.
“Having the creator of Zumba, Beto Perez, is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Zumba and fitness enthusiasts,” said TPB executive Domingo Ramon Enerio III. “Being the first in Asia, it is also a historic event in line with the Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign, making the Philippines a destination not just for its natural attractions, cuisine or entertainment, but also for fitness and health.”
Zumba, dahlings, has become a popular fitness trend in the world, with over 15 million enthusiasts in 186 countries.
“It incorporates aerobic elements into the basic dance moves of samba, salsa, mambo and hip-hop to create a lively but less demanding workout routine,” explained Enerio.
In the Philippines, Zumba is widely popular, with an increasing number of licensed instructors. The fitness craze has both women and men, young and old, hooked on the sexy dance moves, all for the sake of health and wellbeing.
For a complete list of exciting events happening in the Philippines this year, visit www.visitph2015.com.