If you think it’s impossible, think again! With master planning, precise logistics, and a whole lot of divine intervention for fair weather and calm seas, some of the most luxuriously powerful cars on the planet made their way to beautiful Balesin Island in Quezon.
The epic weekend started with the arrival of a silver Ferrari Portofino and a white Ferrari GTC4 Lusso aboard the Balesin barge from Real, Quezon. But it really began with Ferrari’s support of the Red Charity Gala last October 2018.
After the gala, we wanted to bring the cars to Balesin for a photo shoot to kick off the partnership, but due to crazy schedules, we got it done only this month, in time for my hubby Dennis and my silver wedding anniversary this June.
In God’s perfect time, and with the planning expertise of Mastermind’s Sunny Ku, everything fell into place, with the graciousness of Alphaland Corp. big boss Roberto V. Ongpin, AirTaxi.ph enterprising EVP Paj Rodriguez, and Ferrari’s Willie Soong and Marc Soong.
The Ferrari Portofino is the most powerful convertible that Italian luxury sports carmaker has ever produced. It converts from an authentic Berlinetta into an open-top Spider in just 14 seconds, even in low-speed driving. Dennis and I rode along, as professional driver and Ferrari service director Dennis Ayuyao took the handsome convertible for a spin, while MyMetro Photo documented it all.
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T is the car manufacturer’s first four-seater to be powered by a V8. Equipped with the latest evolution of the V8 turbo family, the 3.9-liter punches out a maximum of 610 cv at 7,500 rpm, delivering instant throttle response and smooth, progressive pick-up across the rev range.
Autostrada Motore really pushed the envelope getting its cars to the most amazing locales with this photo shoot. I hope my hubby gets the hint that the silver Ferrari is so fitting for our silver anniversary!
Private villas
We couldn’t have chosen a better weekend, since the new Regency Private Villas were on trial run before officially opening this Holy Week. Balesin has outdone itself again with its newest masterpiece—the first of the four Regency Private Villas, Villa A.
This jewel has 20 bedroom suites and a pan-Asian, architectural style similar to existing Balesin Private Villas. The new Regency Private Villa can host a maximum of 68 persons in its plush suite rooms, has its own private, white-sand beach and stunning view of Lamon Bay, and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. It is located near the soccer field and Bali Village, five minutes away from the Clubhouse.
On the main floor, there is a spacious salon with comfy couches, an internet room, a business center, and a fully equipped kitchen. The Fila Philippines family, led by Butch and Cris Albert, hosted a White Party to celebrate their silver anniversary, as well.
DJ and director Mike Lavarez got everyone dancing to ’80s tunes at the chic cabanas next to the infinity freshwater swimming pool with its integrated saltwater whirlpool.
On the lower ground floor, the kids enjoyed the enormous entertainment area with a bar, billiards and table tennis. Best friends Athena Valdes and Bela Albert sang at the karaoke room next to the massage room and gym.
For inquiries on the Balesin Private Villa, contact Evans Ramos, tel. 0917-1249459; e-mail meramos@alphaland.com.ph.
For VIPs
The busy but fun weekend also included photo sessions on board M/Y Obsessions, and a private dinner at Toscana to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of three couples—Dennis and me, Butch and Cris, and Freddie and Kaye Tiñga.
Freddie and his kids flew in by private jet courtesy of AirTaxi.ph, the leading private aircraft charter company in the Philippines. With a fleet of 27 jets and helicopters, AirTaxi.ph has private terminals nationwide, in Manila, Clark, Boracay, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Bohol and Davao. AirTaxi.ph flies VIPs, corporate honchos and private groups, and even works as an air ambulance.
AirTaxi.ph is the only air charter company in the country with a fleet of Gulfstream jets that can fly nonstop to any point in Asia or Australia. Its helicopters can go anywhere in the country. Frequent flyers have their own membership and loyalty program.
Call tel. 5555888; e-mail Fly@AirTaxi.ph.
Sports camp
Our photographer Marty Ilagan is anticipating an action-packed summer. This ace is also the camp director of the first annual Summer Sports Camp that Balesin Island Club is offering in partnership with San Miguel Corp.
The camp is offering a memorable summer vacation for kids and the whole family with various bespoke programs available until June 28. The San Miguel Balesin Summer Sports Camp is also sponsored by Under Armour Southeast Asia, Wilson, Tri-Factor and Blackbox Audio Systems.
Together with Marty as the international professional tennis registry coach, an all-star roster of expert coaches and instructors will teach basketball, tennis, baseball, and soccer to kids aged eight to 18. Other coaches include PBA legends Vince Hizon, Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, Willie Miller and Louie Gonzalez for basketball, and national team coaches PJ Tierro, Niño Alcantara, Roland Kraut, Karl Santamaria and Dennis Sta. Cruz for tennis.
The camp includes a parents’ package, a Day of Total Wellness at Aegle Wellness Center on Balesin. The program includes a medi-spa experience at the integrative health and wellness center, headed by medical director Dr. Benedict Valdecañas and associate medical director Dr. Ruby Magpantay.
www.balesinsportscamps.com; contact Luisa Banta at 0917-5979651 or Fritz Tangara at 0956-5045727; e-mail balesinsportscamp@alphaland.com.ph.
More pics on Instagram @seaprincess888