However, a few relate it to migraine, pimples and insomnia. For whatever reasons, the invitation of Marco Protacio, the amiable General Manager of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel to an intimate chocolate inspired dinner at Miso was simply not to be missed.
The twelve invitees were a merry bunch composed of diverse personalities and professions: a lawyer, fashion designers, landscaper, event planner, florist, art enthusiast, dermatologist, business executive, a writer and would you believe a priest?
We were impressed with the table setting that had blocks of white and dark chocolate as its centerpiece. We were doubly impressed with what awaited us next.
For starters we had whole chocolate-infused saffron seafood soup with a hint of garlic and fennel, served with warm chocolate brioche. This was followed by chocolate and amaretto sorbet. Interestingly the white chocolate goblet was edible, too.
The main course consisted of New Zealand Loin of lamb served on cinnamon and vanilla seasoned risotto, dark chocolate sauce and honey glazed mushrooms. And for dessert, we had delicious chocolate fantasy in three ways, served with coffee or tea.
After dinner, conversation naturally gravitated to the property's completed room renovations that were done for the ASEAN Summit in December. Marco kindly obliged to our request and personally showed us the exquisite rooms.
Manila-based Anton Mendoza was responsible for the interior design of the Executive, Bridal, and Family Suites. His style is embodied in his flair for elegant, clean lines and his ability to marry contemporary elements with traditional detail, giving the rooms a delightful mix of modern and eclectic look, accented by Filipino arts and antiques from all over the islands.
The suites are done in a timeless color scheme of neutral earth such as taupe, mocha espresso and brown in fabric of linen and suede. A number of significant furniture pieces were designed by the Philippines' internationally acclaimed furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. We were told fabrics were especially flown in from Spain, and bathroom fixtures were bought all the way from Italy.
Another new guest room centerpiece that is now available in all suite rooms is the new Waterfront signature bed, the "Slumber Splendor Bed" with fluffy duvet covers of 100 percent Egyptian cotton and feathery soft goose down pillows.
Now that the hotel has successfully completed its renovation program, it formally launches its Biggest, Best and Newest Rooms campaign with a lot of pride
With all that luxury and pampering, wouldn't you want to stay at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel next time you're in town?