Cebu Pacific’s discriminating passengers can now go Cebu Class

I have happy memories of Malate back when I spent my high school days at the Assumption Convent on Herran St. Having temporarily resided in Madrid for seven wonderful years and eventually blissfully resettling back in Cebu, with subsequent trips to the capital city only finding me at the other side of town, where my son Eduard is pursuing his studies, I have not returned to the place of my youth since graduation, which was a long time ago.

So when Singapore-born and Cebuano-by-choice and affiliation, Charles Lim, president of Selrahco group of companies, invited a select few of Cebu’s lifestyle editors and writers for a weekend break in Manila with Malate as a base, I readily accepted without any hesitation. I was simply more than curious to have a quick look and see, or even, perhaps, to relive the memories.

We flew via Cebu Pacific, the airline known for pioneering the pre-purchased low fares with great added value. Cebu Pacific has indeed come a long way from its maiden domestic flight in 1996. After successfully venturing into international air routes via the launch of its daily Manila-Hong Kong route last November 2001, Seoul became its second international destination with four weekly flights since early this year in March. Recently, the airline further expanded its regional operations with daily flights to Singapore. More exciting plans are on the drawing board.

Upon our arrival in Manila, we were graciously welcomed by Alan Dimayuga, the former general manager of a leading resort in the island of Mactan and currently the corporate general manager of the Palm Hotel properties, which include the Palm Plaza, Las Palmas and the Executive Plaza where we were billeted.

The hotel’s unpretentious lobby exuded a genuine and refreshingly warm ambience. My room was well-appointed with classic furniture and fixture and tastefully decorated with carefully selected objects, all chosen with an eye for the minimalist touch and utter comfort.

During the entire weekend, we walked the streets of Malate. If there was anything that caught our attention, we paused and made inquiries. We inspected, examined and investigated. We explored what we fancied in every nook and cranny we could get ourselves into and scrutinized everything on sight. We were simply unstoppable.

When evening fell, we witnessed the local nightlife unfold before our very eyes, catching our breath in restaurants and bistros, taverns and cafes where we occasionally and sparingly savored the specialty of the house. We chanced upon dozens and dozens of bars and more bars. The entire area was like one big outdoor party, a celebration and a carnival, an absolutely unique place with a captivating appeal for those who live life to the fullest.

But thank heavens, for the next morning we shared a hearty breakfast with Viveca Singson, Cebu Pacific’s corporate communications manager, who had more interesting airline updates and developments.

"New Boeing planes, which are used for regional services, as well as daily flights to Cebu and Davao, now feature the Cebu Class," she starts. "It offers discriminating passengers a price that is much lower than the traditional business class fare. Its affordable value provides extra comfort with wider seats and more legroom. Other perks include priority check-in and for shoppers, additional luggage allowance," she continues.

And what about my memories of Malate?

More than ever before, they have been rekindled. And such memories truly purely mine will remain in my heart of hearts forever.