A Soulful Summer in the Metro

Sunsets and cocktails are what Cebu is all about. The white sand beaches all over the island and the deep blue waters are the perfect things to indulge in at the peak of the summer heat. The island in all its beauty is why Metro Society brought back Summer Soul to where it all started 12 years ago—Cebu.

On April 28, the 10th Metro Summer Soul was held in Azure Beach Club, Crimson Resort & Spa—a mix of beach, music and sunset cocktails with people wearing varying stylish white resort outfits. It was the party above all summer parties with all the fun, fervor and flair. The event featured an editorial photo shoot featuring furniture from Kenneth Cobonpue, a lavish benefit dinner and an all-white party hosted by Tim Yap and Joey Mead-King.

Dinner began with Metro announcing its newest segment, the Metro Channel. This means that all of the things Metro is known for can now be seen on Cable TV. Marc Nelson and Maggie Wilson will be hosting “Beached,” a show about all the beautiful islands and beaches in the Philippines which includes Cebu. “Beached” featured Boracay for its pilot episode.

“We had a great honor of shooting here in Cebu over a few weeks. We can’t wait to show how beautiful this island is. It’s not just about the beauty of the beach or the quality of the sand. It’s also about the people and how people are taking care of the environment to make sure that it stays that way for generations to come,” said Nelson.

Tricia Centenera will be hosting a show entitled “Driven” which features stories of inspiration from women.

“I get to interview these amazing women of substance and basically we just find what drives them. What drives other women might move you. We’re so sick and tired of women feeling like they’re alone. I get to interview women of substance who are successful and inspiring; who have a message to pass forward to any of you who are going through the same thing,” said Centenera.

Raul Manzano, editor-in-chief of Metro Society, will be hosting “EIC on The Move,” giving viewers an all-access look into luxurious living.

“The cameras follow me to all the luxury events I go to: the fashion shows in Milan, Hong Kong, Paris, and also follows me through the luxury hotels all around the world,” said Manzano. Raul also admitted that Metro Magazine is planning to start another Cebu issue once a year.

Joey Mead-King will be hosting “Women of Style,” a half-hour show which highlights various ladies who symbolize elegance in every aspect of their daily lives— be it at home, at work, or even at play. “The ladies I have on the show are eclectic and sophisticated. They’re all kinds of frequency of style and I really enjoy this show because I get to hang out with them in their homes. I get to drive them around in my car. I enjoy it and we have wonderful conversations,” said Mead-King.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach explores local and foreign destinations with a global Filipino as her guide in “Pia’s Postcards.” Chef JP Anglo and Joel “The Marketman” Binamira will be hosting their program “Show Me The Market.” Mouthwatering food programs by Chef Claude Tayag (“Chasing Flavors”) and Chef Sandy Daza (“Casa Daza” and “FoodPrints”) also continue on the new channel.

Tim Yap will be hosting “Tim’s Table” where Yap, together with his illustrious friends, are in an intimate dinner filled with delectable dishes and even more delicious discussions about what’s hot and what’s not on the current and social scene. “I gather an interesting group of people and talk about things uncensored. It’s just us having intimate conversation, talking about everything uncensored while having the best food. While we’re talking, we’ll see the chef preparing the food. It’s all about culinary and conversations. Best things come out of your mouth when good things come into your mouth too,” said Yap.

Summer Soul also highlighted Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan’s Adopt a Clam campaign where guests were given the opportunity to adopt a giant clam which they may name after them. The giant clams are within Crimson’s marine reserve and are closely evaluated each month by the resort’s resident marine biologist to make sure they are growing at an optimal rate for eventual reproduction. /