On March 19, 2,000 people boarded the SuperStar Virgo at the Port of Manila South Harbor for the maiden voyage of the Star Cruises ship’s Manila-Laoag-Kaohsiung-Hong Kong route.
SuperStar Virgo, the first international cruise line to call the Philippines home, is making Manila its homeport until May 23. “This is a great testament of the economic success of the Philippines and will provide Filipinos with yet another alternative to enjoy the holidays,” said Hui Lim, executive director of the Genting Group, the company that owns Star Cruises.
It was a star cruise in more ways than one. Among the first cruisers was the Always Famous group organized by Keren Pascual, a fun mix of celebrities, models, designers, artists, journalists and entrepreneurs.
“It’s putting everybody together to de-stress and enjoy, and the cruise is the perfect venue for that,” Keren said. “You’re away, you forget everything… it has to be the right group. There’s a certain formula. You follow your instinct, your intuition. It’s like a movie. You’re doing the casting.”
And the set was a 13-story ship with over 900 cabins, a theater, a library and writing room, salon, spa, shops, gym, pools, restaurants, a video game room and more.
Model LA Aguinaldo, one of Star Cruises Philippines’ brand ambassadors, enjoyed the freedom of being on the ship. “You can do whatever you want—play basketball, do Zumba, do karaoke or eat. At the end of the day, it makes us more human. We get to connect; having no schedule, we’re really in a relaxed mood.”
Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, also a Star Cruises Philippines brand ambassador, loved the shore excursions to Laoag, Kaohsiung and Hong Kong. “I love that I got to go around Laoag and other countries with great company.”
Singer and theater actor Markki Stroem turned 30 while aboard the SuperStar Virgo. He counted down to midnight with a party at Celebrity, one of the ship’s clubs, dancing and handing out shots. The birthday celebration continued the next day in his show at The Lido, the ship’s theater, where he entertained audience members with classic Sinatra hits and jazzified versions of pop songs.
Sea Princess Tessa Prieto-Valdes began each day by joining the early Zumba classes in her colorful tutus.
Lots of pictures
For model-actor Miko Raval, the highlight was the last day of the cruise, one that he got to spend entirely on the ship. “It was a fun day. I really got to enjoy every single thing about the boat—the restaurants, the spots. I got to take lots of pictures.”
Engaged couple Maxene Magalona and Robby Mananquil enjoyed the bright orange empanadas in Ilocos Norte during the Laoag stop of the cruise.
Designers Rajo Laurel, Rhett Eala, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, fashion show director Robby Carmona, Liza Ilarde and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez visited the Art Basel in Hong Kong and had dinner with friends at Mott 32 before returning to the SuperStar Virgo for the journey back to Manila.
For Rhett, the cruise was not just a way to relax—it was a chance to showcase his work. “It’s a different setting. I’ve shown in many places, but not on a boat,” he said.
The fashion show, held at the ship’s Grand Piazza, featured his Queen collection, which was inspired by Miss Philippines Universe 2016 Maxine Medina.
“She called me up and said, ‘You know, you’ve always been my favorite designer,’” Rhett said. “‘Can you do my competition gowns?’”
His favorites from the collection include the vinta-inspired national costume that Maxine won in the preliminary competition of the 65th Miss Universe pageant (“I’ve never done anything like that—fully beaded. I couldn’t believe how long it took”) and the show-stopping emerald green fringe gown which is also Maxine’s favorite. “Kahit nung Miss U, backstage, lahat ng candidates, they were looking at my dress. Ako lang ang naiiba,” Maxine said.
Models Ana Sideco, Franchesca Lagua, Alaiza Malinao, Nikita McElroy, Jodilly Pendre, Nicole Cordoves, Lou Muñoz, Justine Gabionza, Jo Ann Bitagcol and Michelle Panemanglor wore the other gowns.
The La La Land-inspired pool party was another highlight. “The happiest part was when we were all dancing, everyone was comfortable na with each other. I enjoyed everybody’s company, it was so much fun,” Rhett said.
Model Raphael Robes agreed, “What really stood out was the company we were in. It was very diverse. You get people from different walks of life, and that’s very interesting and inspiring.”
Visit www.starcruises.com.
