When one speaks of Cable television (and Glossy magazines), the game is all about affinity. Unlike free-TV that speaks in terms of “tarps” and millions of viewers, cable still exists as a niche medium, and the pull of cable stations has more to do with establishing a foothold within a particular demographic, and proving that it has a grip on its intended viewership. Among other things, affinity is created via effective programming, and by creating a “community” — something that can be addressed by on-ground events, and going to where your audience can be found. It’s summer, and so, as they’ve done for years now, the ABS Cable platforms hie to Boracay, to “take over” the weekends of April and May. One such weekend had the Lifestyle Network, and the Music station MYX, making Boracay home-base for their signature summer events.
In the case of MYX, the message is Music and celebration, and a line-up of 6Cyclemind, Sandwich, Pedicab, Julianne, Imago, Chicosci and Rico Blanco solidly proclaimed that MYX was taking care of business, and making the Bora crowd know an all-out party was “on the cards.” MYX stalwarts Luis Manzano, Iya Villania and Nikki Gil were there to host the event, and even, in the case of Iya and Nikki, sing a few songs — and thankfully, not in the case of Luis. The new VJ’s — Bianca, Monica, Robbie and Chino — were also on hand to handle the segues and games that punctuated the musical acts. MYX program host (and ex E-Head) Raimund Marasigan was in multi-tasking mode, thanks to Sandwich, Pedicab and Imago all being on the line-up; and along with the other acts, he enjoyed how high energy music and the laid-back Bora vibe actually worked hand-in-hand to create “magic” that balmy night. Kicking off with 6Cycle around 7 p.m., the event lasted till well after midnight, and it was great how the crowd would ebb and flow, just like the ocean that lapped by the stage set-up. Low tables and throw pillows dotted the front section of the venue, and it all added to the “beachcomber” atmosphere, and how MYX was ruling on this tuneful Saturday night!
Summer Soul (brought to us this year by the Lifestyle Network and Metro Society) is on its third year; and for the 2009 edition, taking a cue from how these two media platforms had partnered with the I Can Serve Foundation’s Pink Kitchen event last year, Summer Soul became something of a sunny “Thank You” to I Can Serve (a breast cancer awareness and support group), and the chefs who had made Pink Kitchen such an unqualified success. Through the years, Summer Soul has capitalized on Health and Wellness as its over-riding theme. Mandala Spa at Discovery Shores pitches in as part of the welcome activities, and a truly grand Discovery Shores dinner on Friday night — this time prepared by resident chef Sau del Rosario and with Bianca Valerio as emcee — caps the first day. An after dinner party at the Sangria Bar revealed just how much partying was in store for our intrepid group. Early Saturday morning saw us trekking along the shoreline in a clean-up activity that was Summer Soul’s version of giving back to Bora. Kudos to such individuals like Roger Santander and PHD’s Hermie de Leon who made it all the way to the Station 3 stop. The Bamboo Lounge was the venue for that night’s cocktail party and dinner, with Bianca again doing a wonderful job of hosting and keeping us in stitches with her impromptu remarks and quips.
The aforementioned Friday night dinner has to be one of the culinary highlights of the event. Sau likened it to an Asian journey, with specialties from Thailand, Singapore, Korea and the Philippines scattered over the buffet arrangement. I loved how we were all lining up for dessert, and chef Mara de la Rama-Poblete ended up with liempo on her plate — she just couldn’t give that a miss. And if we’re talking liempo and garlic fried rice, my hat has to be tipped in the direction of chef Madj Lazatin who convinced me to share with her a midnight snack of those precise food items — and this, after she had already taken her fill of isaw and cartwheels on the beach! A Greek-inspired lunch buffet on Saturday had a special summer soup that had me searching for superlatives. Couscous on the bottom, and mixed with vegetables, fruits and spices, this is one light, refreshing soup that Sau should really trademark!
Metro Society’s EIC Raul Manzano and I both share the fact that our respective mothers succumbed to cancer some 13 years ago. I have a sister who’s a survivor, and Raul’s Dad is presently having to face his own battle — so the continuing partnership between the ABS platforms and I Can Serve will always have a special place in our hearts. That their efforts (I Can Serve’s) are indefatigable, and continue to be of help to so many suffering individuals is cause enough for us to always be ready to support them. That in some small measure, this event gave the people and staff behind the Foundation a bit of a respite or well-deserved break from their tireless work, is for me, what gave a very unique, special meaning to the Soul in Summer Soul.