Doing my civic duty on election day
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” —Milton Berle
Great leadership is vital to the progress and development of any nation. Each vote is a voice of freedom and justice, so I cast mine last Monday and did my share as a responsible citizen of the Philippines.
Being in a family with a political background and media business, I have been asked if I was ever interested in politics. Although I would surely be an effective leader, I believe I could be more valuable in my own personal capacity to build a better country through my Red Charity Gala and other projects with our Assumption HS 81 Foundation.
If the opportunity arises, I would like to help create a better system to promote tourism. I will start with highlighting my second home, Cebu. I was currently there to celebrate the third anniversary of NUSTAR Resort Cebu. The grand gala night with their members and special guests was a musical tribute to three exceptional years of unparalleled hospitality, luxury, and entertainment.
“As we mark NUSTAR Resort Cebu’s third anniversary, we proudly uphold our status as the first and only premier integrated resort in the Visayas and Mindanao, setting the gold standard for luxury and innovation,” said Sean Knights, the visionary new COO leading NUSTAR into its ‘NU’ era of excellence. “The unveiling of the NUSTAR Hotel promises to be the pinnacle of hospitality, offering supreme ambience, service excellence, and guest experience. Guests can also look forward to the opening of our Skydeck and Leisure Park within the year, exciting new attractions that will further elevate the NUSTAR experience.”
After all the incredible raffle prizes were given, a musical treat by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and legendary OPM singer Basil Valdez delighted everyone. The event was also the launch of the much awaited NUSTAR Hotel, the first ultra-luxury hotel in Cebu where I was among a selected few to be its first guests.
Butler service
Staying at NUSTAR includes the services of dedicated butlers specially trained by Heilbron Hospitality, one of the world’s most respected training institutions for hospitality service. My butler even assisted us with midnight snacks and drinks after the party.
Guests will truly appreciate the intuitive service and seamless arrangements from dining reservations and valet and transport services to tailored itineraries. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged, allowing guests more time to play, dine, relax, and revitalize.
A few days after the third anniversary celebration, NUSTAR Hotel officially opened to usher a new era of luxury hospitality in Cebu. The highly anticipated debut of the 223-room property marks an important milestone for NUSTAR and embodies the hotel’s brand ethos, a characteristic blend of refined luxury, world-class accommodations, and authentic heartfelt service.
The ultra-luxury hotel is the second of three hotels to open at the NUSTAR Resort & Casino complex. Since the launch of the integrated resort in May 2022, it has become an icon and among the most recognizable structures in Cebu’s skyline.
On May 23, another NUSTAR signature will be unveiled to the public. “A Prelude to Beloved Celebrations” is the prequel of Fili Hotel’s wedding fair, which showcases an elevated level of standard for Ting Hun celebrations, a traditional Chinese engagement ceremony.
Owned and operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. (UHRI), the resort features the largest gaming floor outside of Manila, the region’s first and only luxury mall—The Mall, the proudly homegrown Fili Hotel, and the ultra-luxury NUSTAR Hotel. Explore the finest at www.nustar.ph.
Sustainable luxury
Still on the topic of ultra luxury living, Mercedes-Benz Philippines proudly debuted two pioneering models in its clean and green lineup: the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Plug-in Hybrid and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Plug-in Hybrid.
The exclusive cocktail launch and grand reveal, held at the Mercedes-Benz Greenhills showroom, promised an evening of innovation and elegance, where sophisticated car aficionados and eco-minded individuals could discover the future of driving.
The official introduction of two such iconic models in the country marked a significant milestone in the brand’s commitment to delivering sustainable luxury, which the venerated German carmaker is well known for. Esteemed members of the media and Mercedes-Benz VIPs gathered to experience firsthand a bold new era of sophistication and performance, with sustainable mobility and luxury quite literally reimagined.
Host extraordinaire Stephanie Zubiri commanded the room and amped up the energy for the much-awaited unveiling of the Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). The program commenced with welcome remarks from Maricar Parco, general manager of Mercedes-Benz Philippines, followed by engaging and informative video presentations.
A special photo opportunity was carved out with executives and honored guests such as the newly-announced Mercedes-Benz Philippines ambassador, Iza Calzado, who drove the GLC 350e, one of the stars of the night, into the showroom, as well as a special toast led by German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pffafernoschke.
Dedicated to providing solar-powered lighting to communities with limited or no access to electricity, A Liter of Light partnered with Mercedes-Benz to launch “From Roads to Communities, Mercedes-Benz Lights Up.” Through this precious and sustainably-focused campaign, Mercedes-Benz pledged to make a lasting impact via every Mercedes-Benz EQ vehicle sold, which entails a donation of solar-powered lights on behalf of their customers and dealer partners to over 300 households in Barangay Daraitan, Rizal.
This weekend, I am enjoying another favorite place, Iloilo City. I hope to promote this historical and gastronomical region that has kept heritage and food as its top priority. Congratulations to all the newly elected officials of Iloilo and the rest of the country. Let’s all work on building a better Philippines!
