ACQUA flows

The country's luminaries trooped once again to Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort and Spa, particularly to the garden level of the Ocean Wing, as a new Italian Restaurant, Acqua, rises overlooking the infinity pool and the clear blue ocean. True to the time - honored Italian tradition of holding feasts during day time, Acqua was formally launched at lunch to everyone's delight, as guests were treated to a culinary feast of fresh and authentic Italian cuisine, straight from the wood-fired oven of Executive Italian Chef Marco Anzani.

Australian divas Tania Jong, Dominique Oyston and divo Jonathan Morton sang a string of opera classics like Nella Fantasia and Brindisi to a splendid synchronized swimming performance by Synchro Swans who danced to the music - all in line with the water theme. Top runway mannequins from M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu paraded in chic aqua and white spandex swimwear by Rustan's as they modeled the exquisite items to be auctioned. These "must-haves" are the Jean tote with wallet, the Marigold handbag, the Cosmos clutch, the Flamenco Petite wrist bag and the jasmine emerald beaded clutch - all from JM Lhuillier; a silver key ring from Tiffany & Co., and others, like a wrought iron fruit bowl by Treats and Treasures, Bacchus and Cebu Intertrade. Other luxury items silently auctioned were a Chi Spa Treatment and a Two-Night stay for two in a panorama suite at Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort and Spa.

In a show of compassion, proceeds of the auction were generously donated to Batang Opon, Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort and Spa's local community partner providing assistance to disadvantaged children in Lapu-lapu City and Care for Children, a Beijing-based charity group for child welfare. Kudos to Communications Director Ms. Sharon Samarista and her all-girl posse of Jessamine Briones, Lesley Tan and Sam Lazarte. Bravissimo!