New destinations and happening establishments that have opened in time for 2023
More or less, the world has reopened. It’s time to get up and about. No better time to go out, run, jump, love, and live than now. As we usher in 2023, here are new places of interest to visit where you can have fun.
When in Cebu, stay at Mactan Newtown
Belmont Hotel Mactan, a premier hospitality establishment, has opened within the heart of a lifestyle and business hub, The Mactan Newtown Township.
Its general manager Johnson del Valle, with two decades of local and international hospitality experience under his belt, leads the 550-room hotel.
“Choosing Belmont Hotel Mactan means enjoying a seamless business travel experience in a location that allows you convenient lifestyle options with quick and easy access to and from the city,” he says. “The aim is for guests to experience an engaging, efficient, and enriching stay while our soon-to-be patrons accomplish their goals.”
From the Cebu International Airport, it only takes 15 minutes to reach the new hotel in The Mactan Newtown Township, Megaworld’s Cebu property that’s almost like a small city, replete with various dining establishments, coffee shops, convenience stores alongside mixed-used condominium towers and office spaces, and its own a beachfront, not to mention its strategic location near tourist sites such as the Mactan Shrine Park, home to the 20-meter statue of Lapu-Lapu.
At a grand perspective into the near future, Belmont Hotel Mactan standing right beside Savoy Hotel Mactan, both under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts management, are poised to cater more to MICE events and attendees with a convention center that’s soon to rise right across the two hotels.
The architectural design of Belmont Hotel Mactan follows a block modern contemporary layout with elegant wide glass windows that constitute the most of its exterior layout. The building stands 20 stories high, approximately 65 meters tall, with a total area of 26,540 square meters from ground to top.
Inside, the hotel is a tribute to Cebu’s festive culture, landmarks, and marine life as showcased through numerous art installations in its public areas.
Modern-industrial style with warm-toned marble stones, wood veneers, and gold metal finish, complemented by distinctive free-form chandeliers, gives off elegance and a sense of sophistication. Local crafts and materials such as solihiya (rattan strands handwoven in sunburst patterns) are prevalent in the main lobby lounge, Zabana Bar Lounge, and Belmont Café through artwork, furniture, and wall features.
There are three room categories, in particular, the Junior Suite room at 50 square meters, the Deluxe Premier room at 36 square meters —seven of which are dedicated to guests with special needs—and lastly the Superior Deluxe Queen or Twin at 26 square meters. Material finishes are black metal and wood for wardrobe and furniture, ceramic wood planks as flooring, concrete décor paint finishes for the TV accent, and drapery with sheers.
Loyal to its theme, all colors and design elements are applied and curated meticulously in the soft furnishings, from pillows and beddings to area rugs, furniture upholstery, and even wall art. Each suite is treated differently for an “extra experience,” exuding a fresh, young vibe. Vibrant and modern minimalist printed artworks on headboards feature Cebu’s weaving industry, delicacies, tourist spots, and the famous Sinulog Festival.
Lodging rooms have hotel-quality orthopedic beds with three-zone pocketed spring mattresses, and high-density foam for padding and quilts for comfort and support under layers of 400 thread count beddings paired with bed pillows made of Korean fiber.
An activity area is located on the third floor where guests can do short laps or take a refreshing dip in the pool. The adult pool is five feet deep with a panoramic view of the Hilutungan Channel. There is also a dedicated kiddie pool, three feet deep, for toddlers. On the same floor, guests will also find the fitness center with modern touchscreen treadmills, free weights, and other cardio and muscle-strengthening machines. Separate male and female locker rooms with individual wet and dry saunas are also provided.
Four function rooms are located on the second floor. This facility comes with a connecting pre-function or foyer area to add to an event arrival experience. The meeting room can host 10 people, equipped with a 52-inch screen television and surround sound system. Two separate function rooms are good for up to 50 people. State-of-the-art audio-visual facilities like projectors and screens are ready for use. Function rooms have large floor-to-ceiling glass windows to usher in natural light. Guests may also book a ballroom fit for at least 100 guests. All function spaces showcase four-meter-high ceilings and stylish interiors with elegant lighting fixtures that help set the mood for any occasion or gathering.
The Zabana Bar and Lounge, adjacent to the check-in counter on the ground floor, is a good spot for cocktails, wines, and beers along with short orders and quick bites. The entire facility caters to 16 to 20 guests with couch seating areas and a wall of locally made guitars.
Belmont Café, meanwhile, is for breakfast, thematic dinner buffets, and all-day dining options. It has a 155 maximum seating capacity with a private dining room for 10 people perfect for corporate meetings, and with a couch seating for families and other get-togethers. Ergonomic bar countertops with charging ports are also ready for diners looking for a quick bite while working on their laptops. Generally, the Belmont Café offers Filipino and continental cuisines provided in their breakfast and all-day menu options.
The Float Bar next to the pool is the spot for cocktails and nightcaps.
www.belmontmactan.com.ph | 520-4100 | info@belmontmactan.com.ph.
*
Every man’s dream: be in a sports bar with/by Maria Ozawa
Perhaps you’ve heard the name, Maria Ozawa. The celebrity-turned-entrepreneur unveils the Mansion Sports and Entertainment Group (MSEG) Asia’s latest sports and entertainment hub, the Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge, in the country.
The soft opening of the high-end sports bar and restaurant was led by Maria Ozawa with Chef Sean showcasing the place’s continental cuisine offering through a food tasting.
Located at C. Palanca Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, this high-end bar and lounge venue highlights sports and bar entertainment accompanied by good food, drinks, and music. It promises to be the next big hangout space, where people from all walks of life can gather and indulge in a wide variety of premium beers and spirits, a hearty selection of both classic and modern European dishes helmed by Chef Sean.
For sporting events and viewings, there’s an enormous TV wall at the Tequila Bar, sponsored by Patron. For exclusive and private functions, VIP room 1, named after Maria Ozawa and sponsored by Martell, and VIP room 2, presented by Royal Salute, are available. There are also karaoke and other entertainment facilities that a sports bar usually has.
Another noteworthy area is a billiards bar constructed in coordination with Filipino world champion and legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, Jr. Popular DJs would also be invited regularly to liven up the atmosphere. The sports bar opened its doors to the public on Jan. 1.
*
Sneaker wonderland
Sneakerheads rejoice! The popular kicks store Foot Locker is now in the Philippines. And, it’s the biggest Southeast Asian outpost, with 1,435 square meters of retail area at Glorietta 3 in Makati.
The space, huge and pretty simple, has shelf after shelf of sneakers on display from New Balance to Converse and Nike.
Indonesia’s leading lifestyle retailer PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAPI) has partnered with Foot Locker to bring it to the country.
Foot Locker is a leading lifestyle multi-brand retailer that carries such trademarks as Palladium, Salomon, Jordan, Asics, and K-Swiss. So, yes, this is pretty much kicks heaven.