The Thanksgiving Dinner of the Gokongwei Travel Group has led the invited Pampanga Media and Bloggers team to experience the offerings of the travel brand. We flew from the one of most beautiful airports in the world by Prix Versailles, Terminal 2 of Clark International Airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport via Cebu Pacific Air. While waiting for our boarding, the team enjoyed refreshments at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch right inside the airport and marveled at the great airport runway view. Also, we visited the newly opened Susies Cuisine, a Kapampangan delicacy store, where passengers can conveniently bring home take-home treats and delicacies to their loved ones and friends, and the Citrus Zone, where you can enjoy the tangy goodness of lemonade drinks.
Soon, we found ourselves boarding, and minutes later, we took off. Arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport after dusk, we were greeted and welcomed by the SELRAHCO PR team, with Sir Gabe and Sir Franz. We sped through the labyrinths of Metro Cebu passing by the iconic Marcelo Fernan Bridge via Mandaue and ultimately arrived at the sprawling Nustar Resort Complex. Making a half roundabout we arrived at the stunning Fili Hotel Lobby.
We were instructed to leave our luggage at the Hotel Concierge and escorted to the Fili Cafe, the hotel’s large all-day dining restaurant. We have a hearty and scrumptious international buffet dinner offering Asian and Western cuisines under one roof. Leaving the Fili Cafe halls with a protruding tummy signifies our satisfaction. Hotel keycards were provided and we went straight to our rooms.
We are assigned to Room 821, a Premier Deluxe Twin Bedroom category enjoying the city view. A two-night stay in this splendid room is truly mindblowing. I enjoyed the biggest hotel window in my life. Also, the Toilet and Bathroom are indeed upscale and extravagant. Our room itself is already spacious as well. We have that much space to truly enjoy around.
Before capping the night, my close friend Dave from Cebu visited me here at Fili Lobby Lounge. We chose to explore the beverages and desserts made from Mango Goodness. The Shakes are stellar and the slices of Mango cakes and desserts are luscious and heavenly. The Mango flavors are indeed refreshingly tangy and zesty.
After our first night of restful sleep, we enjoyed the massive breakfast buffet at Fili Cafe. I enjoyed the Filipino choices which are truly nostalgic. I mixed my choices with the western staples and capped with refreshing juices and my first dose of caffeine kick.
About midday, We have a generous Chinese cuisine lunch at the Xin Tian Di Restaurant. Sharing the table with us are the Fili Hotel Marketing Team, Ms. Steffi Nolido, and Sir Manu. They have us tried their dim sum, laksa, stir-fried vegetables, and the tasty Yang Chow. We capped our dinner with rich and generous desserts. Xin Tian Di is open daily 24 hours. Here is the online menu.
After which, we had quick refreshing hours then proceeded to the Nustar Resort tour where we got to see the numerous outlets around the 5-star complex.
The main event which is the Thanksgiving Dinner is done at AXIS ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS BAR. Upon arriving, we got seated at the far right of the dining hall facing the stage, and we were right beside the beverage bar. The program began with messages from the executives of the Gokongwei Travel Group. Ms. Candice Iyog, Chief Marketing, and Customer Experience Officer shared what transpired with Cebu Pacific Air this year. She highlighted the challenges of the Pratt and Whitney engine issues yet thanked the media team for helping spread the message and solutions. Ms. Iyog also highlighted the growth of the Clark Hub which now has 15 direct routes both domestic and international. The arrival of the new airplanes is included in her summary report which is a testament to the continued growth of Cebu Pacific Air.
We altogether raised a toast for a fruitful 2023 and a more bountiful 2024 ahead! Of course, the event would not end without a raffle draw and surprise, as each and every media present will have a free roundtrip from Cebu Pacific! The night is capped with great food, fun music, and candid dancing.
The morning after, another round of hearty buffet breakfast, and soon, we checked out from Fili Hotel. Personally, this is the best hotel experience to date, in Cebu.
After checking out, we head to another premier property from the Robinsons Hotels and Resort Group. We arrived at the downtown area of Cebu proper and alighted at the grand lobby of the Summit Galleria Hotel. We were welcomed by Sir Charles Lim of SELRAHCO PR who led us to Summit Cafe where we had another lunch buffet. Still, with a full stomach, I tried their fresh butter shrimp, pizza, and salad. Also, another round of brewed coffee and their delectable finger desserts that I devoured while we exchanged stories.
We are given a moment to roam around the Robinsons Galleria Cebu. We visited the Christmas Village Diorama which is on display until the end of January 2024. Detailed execution of the houses and different scenarios are curated to every region they depict – from western, Winter wonderland up to the traditional Filipino Christmas scenes.
The remaining afternoon is set for the Summit Galleria Hotel tour where we get to see the Premium Mango Room and the Deluxe King Rooms. Also, we get to access their indoor swimming pool and their fitness gym.
For inquiries and reservations,
Email: reservations@summithotels.ph
Mobile Numbers: +63 998 888 7788 | +63 917 888 7788
Website: https://www.summithotels.ph/hotels/summit-galleria-cebu
At about past 4:00PM, we traveled to Mactan Island to visit Dusit Thani Cebu. At the exact blue hour, we arrived at the open-air lobby of the hotel. After a few photo opportunities, we began our hotel tour. We started at The View Lobby Bar which offers its iconic open-air views of the Mactan Channel. We moved to the Deli outlet where freshly baked goods, divine gelato, and desserts are served. The next stop is the Sunset Bar. It is an open-air sports bar with views of the sea and the infinity pool.
Moving on to the next level is the Benjarong Mactan, an exquisite Thai restaurant brand only in Cebu that operates during dinner hours. We had a quick tour at the Namm Spa where the therapists shared their services. At the same deck is their Executive Dusit Club Lounge where guests checked in at the Dusit Club Room and higher can access. They also have a meeting room that can comfortably fit up to 10 pax. Facing this deck is their spacious veranda where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mactan Channel.
Our tour ended at the Tradewinds Cafe where we savored the Seafood Dinner. We are greeted by their jolly team and momentarily, we are scooping fresh seafood prepared and cooked from each individual preferences. I got mine grilled instead of the garlic butter since I like to taste the sweet-charring flavors. The Tradewinds buffet offers European, Asian, American, and Filipino cuisine all in one outlet. We are truly bombarded with the amazing goodness of different dishes and our seafood choices. They have deep sea fish meats, different crabs and shrimps, and of course, my favorite – tuna and salmon sashimi. Tradewinds Cafe also offers delectable cheese platters, fresh fruits, vegetable salads, soups, classic Asian rice rolls, iconic desserts, and homemade gelato. Also, they have American sliders like burgers and Italian pizzas. They also serve noodle soup dishes with ingredients you can customize with.
At past 8pm, we needed to bid goodbye to the Dusit Thani Cebu team to catch our flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport back to Clark. It was a bit bittersweet – because we only have a stint to truly digest the grandiosity of Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu. Our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Clang for bringing us around.
The total experience is truly noteworthy. Every destination is well-planned and truly did a good job of curating our Cebu experience. Thank you so much to the SELRAHCO PR Team through Sir Charles Lim, and the Robinsons Hotels and Resort Team through Sir Nitz Cuizon.
More stories and travel guides upcoming for each properties…