When I met a French artist in Camargue, France, some years ago, he was intrigued by our tropical islands in the Philippines where he had never been. When he expressed his desire to come to the country, I gave him five island destinations to choose from—Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin and Cebu. He chose Cebu.
“I’d like to spend time in a tropical island, being one with nature, the beaches and mountains, and at the same time, has a vibrant city life.” he said. He was right—Cebu has all that and more, and that’s what sets it apart from other island destinations in the country.
Cebu was my other home when I was an editor of Zee Lifestyle magazine some years back, though now I seldom spend time in the Queen City of the South. But every now and then I find myself in the island for special projects or to celebrate milestones with friends. When I’m in the city, I usually stay at Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Hotel.
This sustainable and mostly wooden structure designed by Carlo Cordaro is shortlisted at the Philippine Design Center’s Philippines Best Building Design Awards this year. I’m in Cebu right now to look at some art pieces of private art collectors, who are unloading some from their collection, and for the opening of the Fotomoto “Subtle Alchemy” exhibition at Qube Gallery. This is my second trip to Cebu this year, and I have to say there are a number of inspiring surprises that I’ve discovered and rediscovered about the island that I would defin.
