Patty

Dining

Quest Hotel Cebu: A Conquest of the Now Normal

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Before anything else, I’d like to say my New Year’s Resolution for 2021 is to stop titling my posts with ‘New/Now Normal’. Until then, it’s fair game.

Given how this year has turned out, I didn’t have my hopes up for my annual Christmas Tree Lighting pilgrimage. I didn’t also realize how much I’ve taken these events for granted—sure, they’re really fun and a great excuse to drink champagne every night without being judged, but they can take up so much energy that my introvert tendencies demand I retreat to breathe and recharge for a while. Last year was particularly insane.

It was a bit saddening to see so many of the places I frequent forego tree lighting ceremonies completely, but that also makes the ones that did have events even more special—if a bit more mindful because of so many protocols we now have to observe.

Last month, I was fortunate to be invited by Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu for their annual Bell-Ringing. I didn’t really know what I was expecting—perhaps the significantly-reduced guest list would make it a somber affair? But to my delight, the festivities stirred the beginnings of some much-needed holiday cheer.

Collaborations

Next on Your Binge-Watch List: Digital Marketing Webinars by DTI-7

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Last Friday, I caught up with some friends I haven’t seen as a group since… last Christmas (which feels both like yesterday and decades ago all at once—2020 is a time warp).

Among many things we talked about over dinner, a couple of my friends expressed frustrations that they were doing tasks beyond their current job description. Naturally, as a consequence to stay-at-home measures, a lot of employees are now expected to know digital marketing, even those who are not necessarily trained for it.

I’m in digital marketing, and even I have trouble keeping up with the industry because there’s always something new every day—I can’t imagine having to start from the very beginning.

It’s these friends I have in mind when I got the news that the Department of Trade and Industry Central Visayas (DTI-7) is now making available a series of webinars they conducted on digital marketing strategies for MSMEs.

People

Alem Garcia is All In

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It was almost like a movie moment, the first time I met Alem Garcia.

Manila, November 2017: She had just come from doing Gugmang Giatay the Musical at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater and was surrounded by guests offering their congratulations.

Through her crowd of admirers, we caught each other’s eye. I remember congratulating her as well, and she responded with a very soft-spoken and polite thank you—a stark contrast to her loud and energetic performance not even an hour ago.

Culture

Il Corso: Weekends in the Now Normal

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These days, crowds are so faux pas.

I know, I know—most establishments would really appreciate the foot traffic to kickstart business after the pandemic severely affected the economy. But while the number of cases in Cebu continues on a downward trend, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus is still around.

Journal

Turning Thirty

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Being a milestone age and all, I’ve always thought I would have a grand celebration on my 30th birthday. I even had party ideas in my mind, but as the pandemic went on with no end in sight, Miss ‘Rona would have just derailed my plans before I could fully flesh them out.

The birthday blues hit, and they hit hard. I had wanted a big birthday bash with as many people as I know and love all in one room, then the Philippine National Police Chief made gatherings a total faux pas, so that idea had to be thrown out of the window. I held on to hope the pandemic would be over by the time November rolled around, but while Cebu City’s active cases lessened significantly, it still wasn’t a good enough reason to be complacent.

Besides that, it really is just a tough time to celebrate. People have lost so much in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak—income, opportunities, loved ones—not to mention #RollyPH and #UlyssesPH had recently caused major devastation in various parts of the country.

(Side note: I was born in the aftermath of Typhoon Ruping. Yolanda also happened close to my birthday in 2013. Everyone should be terrified of what’s going to happen to this world when I turn 40 or something *knocks on wood*)

So, yeah, it’s kind of hard to be in a celebratory mood given everything, and I was just set on letting the day pass like any other ordinary day… except, some people won’t let me. And I love them all for it.

Beauty

Nailandia: The Promised Land for Beauty (+ Promo Code!)

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One of the self-care indulgences I had completely thrown out the window over the pandemic was getting my nails done.

It used to be routine, one that I started when I was a teenager and would tag along with my Mom during her weekly visits to the salon. I love the look and feel of clean and polished nails, so I carried the habit all the way into adulthood.

Dining

Sugbo Mercado: The Definitive Guide to the New Normal

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“Where to, next?”

I looked to my new acquaintance Emerson for actual literal guidance after placing my order for a Tom Yum (“As spicy as you can make it!”) at Dee Soi 40, which had opened recently.

It was a dreary October day and Emerson was my dream guy for that afternoon because of his ability to make decisions regarding something that has always rendered many a girl (and yes, guys too) indecisive when dining out: “What do I want to eat?” This is especially happenstance in Sugbo Mercado where there are currently 42 tenants—not only are there too many choices, but there are too many good choices.

Collaborations

Turning Over a New Leaf Because Sun is now Smart!

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For the past two years, I’ve been so fortunate to become part of the Sun Prepaid family. It opened so many doors to opportunities, while also allowing me to pursue my own passions. Most meaningfully, The Fair Advantage wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

Sun Prepaid is a proud supporter of The Fair Advantage and our events in Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu, Saint Theresa’s College, and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Fashion, People

Susanne Verallo: State of the Artesana

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Susanne Verallo

Susanne Verallo made the first move.

The first time we met each other, just a little over two years to this day, was at the opening of Go Lokal in Ayala Center Cebu, a concept store for up-and-coming Filipino entrepreneurs to showcase their products. I was looking at a display of minaudières and was fascinated with their iridescent detail under the harsh shop lights when someone approached me.

“Hello,” her voice was soft-spoken and polite. “I’m Susanne Verallo.”

The name immediately rang a bell—after all, it was proudly displayed next to the statement bags that had so caught my attention.

We shook hands and made small talk about her products, particularly about how the minaudières on display were among her last. She explained that they take too much effort and generate a lot of waste to make, and will be shifting her focus to jewelry instead.