Top 10 luxe destinations Pinoys can enjoy

I was recently invited to the Silver Anniversary Gala of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) held at the Shangri-La Makati. Gathered together were Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, (who delivered the keynote address) former Tourism Secretaries, Jose Antonio Gonzalez and Mina Gabor, tourism people and stakeholders. Indefatigable PHILTOA president Cesar Cruz gave a short speech.

I attended the event with my good friend Boy So of La Carmela de Boracay and Joy Gutierrez of Sea Air.

The occasion was to launch PHILTOA’s 22nd Philippine Travel Market on Sept. 2 to 4 at the SMX Convention Center. The Travel Market brings together the different provinces and regions of the Philippines and the various tourism sectors in one grand event. On exhibit during the Travel Mart will be over 200 travel booths and hundreds of travel and tour agencies offering the best travel deals. Last year it generated over P30M in gross sales.

I was tasked to host the unveiling of the Top 10 Luxe destinations in the country. They were presented through a fashion show featuring some of the countries top fashion designers — Rem Divino, Shanon Pamaong, Johnny Abad, Jojie Lloren, Fanny Serrano, Edgar Madamba, Gerry Katigbak, Renee Salud, Randy Ortiz and Dita Sandico-Ong. PHILTOA chose the luxe destinations based on what they can offer tourists and what travelers can enjoy during the stay. Here is the list.

1. Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay is a recipient of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award, and is part of the Kiwi Collection, the most comprehensive listing of luxury lodges, inns, and resorts in the world. Guests can visit the many quaint shops of this lakeside community or they can visit nearby attractions and go on nature trails. The resort was represented by Marie Claire Magsino, reservations associate who wore a stunning ensemble designed by Randy Ortiz.

2. El Nido Resorts in Palawan was represented by events coordinator Rachel Panopio who wore a breathtaking dress designed by Gerry Katigbak. El Nido Resorts has scenic landscape, crystal clear waters, and offers tranquility for those who need a laid-back vacation and recreation.

3. Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa Cebu is the only waterpark in Cebu with five different themed pools — Amazon River Pool, the Wave Rider, Beach Pool, the Captain Hook’s Pool, and the Toddler Pool, where families can have fun and a memorable stay. Kema Rabina from their Guest Relations Office who wore a fabulous ensemble designed by Dita Sandico-Ong represented the resort.

4. Misibis Bay Resort is Bicol’s most prestigious location where guests can go on an adventure ride using an all terrain vehicle (ATV) around Cagraray Island or enjoy a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing. Misibis Bay Resort — Asia’s Luxury Island Playground was represented by Apple Lina, associate director for communications who wore a fantastic gown designed by Renee.

5. The Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in Bohol is a serene beach hideaway where guests are pampered in the most luxurious way. Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa was represented by Pat Alberto, president of Art Travel who donned an exquisite ensemble designed by Fanny Serrano. Eskaya sits on 16 hectares of lush tropical gardens in Panglao Island.

6. Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque is Santorini-(that famous resort along the coast of Greece) inspired resort. Representing the resort was sales manager Venus Yanos who wore an outfit created by Rem Divino.

7. The Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan in Cebu was master-planned by world-renowned resort architectural and interior design firm of Wimberly Allison Tsong and Goo (WATG) from California and the Landscape Architecture of Belt Collins from Hong Kong. Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan was represented by Pearl Maclang, director of sales and marketing who wore a gorgeous gown designed by Edgar Madamba.

8. Shangri-La Boracay, the first international deluxe resort on Boracay Island is included in the Conde Nast Hot List 2010 and the Travel + Leisure IT List of 2010. Shangri-La Boracay was represented by sales manager Cristina Montinola who wore a gown designed by Johnny Abad.

9. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu is the quintessential modern-day paradise. It is an exciting refuge for nature lovers and a favorite among holidaymakers since it combines rustic surroundings, modern conveniences and genuine Asian hospitality that are distinctly Shangri-La. Shangri-La Mactan Cebu was represented by sales manager Tammy Ruiz who wore an ensemble designed by Shanon Pamaong.

10. Discovery Shores Boracay can be described in three words — privilege, luxury and indulgence. Nika Indunan, the sales manager of the property wore an awe-inspiring dress designed by Jojie Lloren.

The audience was also treated to an entertainment number from a group who call themselves COO (fondly and loosely interpreted as Children of the Owners). It is composed of Sheena Shroff, Kristine Shroff, Felise Cruz, Chairmaine Dee and RJ Indino who all belong to the next generation of shakers and influencers in the tourism industry.

Bravo PHILTOA!