Now more than ever, environmental concerns have been one of the main focuses of the media. It is no secret that we are quickly losing the beauty nature has to offer as we accelerate towards the path of overconsumption. For that, doing something about the various environmental issues is no longer a choice, but a responsibility. That is why more and more businesses lean towards working on green initiatives. In the metropolis of Cebu, one business establishment stands out for its broad vision with care for a more sustainable tomorrow.

    Cebu Parklane International Hotel launched #ParklaneCares and #ParklaneEcoWatch campaigns last, March 29, 2019, on its March Media Soiree. Both aims to turning Parklane into a distinctly local hotel with a heart as well as to lead activities inclined to help both the environment and the society in general through the hotel's corporate social responsibility campaigns. 

    #PARKLANECARES is CPIH’s banner campaign which encompasses the implementation of both corporate social responsibility projects and environmental initiatives. Under the wing of CSR projects are social responsibility and community programs such as Parklane’s Partnerships with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc., Medical Missions etc. Environmental initiatives such as Clean-Up Drives and River Clean-Ups are headed by a project campaign entitled #ParklaneEcoWatch.

#ParklaneEcoWatch is the campaign title of CPIH’s environmental sustainability projects. The campaign aims to emulate the hotel’s vision to be distinctly local with a heart for the environment. Parklane has already begun executing several of their activities under this campaign:

• Monthly Clean Up Drive – Last Feb 23, 2019, and March 9, 2019, the CPIH Kasaligan Team has accomplished its monthly clean-up drive along the street of Kamagong, Lahug to adhere to the global campaign of having a livable, healthy and trash-free community.

• Luyang River Clean Up - Last March 22, 2019, the CPIH Kasaligan Team initiated a river clean-up at Luyang River in Carmen, gathering a total accumulated river garbage weight of 168 kgs.

• Parklane Eco-Friendly Merchandise – Soon to be sold at Maning’s Convenience Store and other outlets

ceramic Mugs, one of the merchandise items sold at Parklane's convenience store

Cebu Parklane International Hotel with performers, Ms. Lourdes Maglinte and Ms. Jerika Teodorico

      The event was formed into completion with performances by two Cebuano Artists who have greatly influenced the current Cebuano music scene, Ms. Lourdes Maglinte, and Ms. Jerika Teodorico. As their music has resonated the hearts of the listeners, Parklane aspires to resonate their actions to the hearts of Cebu. Cebu Parklane International Hotel extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported their endeavors to becoming a distinctly local hotel that cares. 

Ms. Cenelyn Manguilimotan, General Manager of Cebu Parklane
Parklane's campaign logo is inspired by the Eye of an Eagle or that of a Hawk. It seeks to inspire anyone to have the Eagle's eye - to be more vigilant and aware of what is happening in the environment. The colors used in the logo represent the color of the earth.

        Now is indeed the best time for us to ponder upon the future of our civilization and prevent the looming consequences of climate change. Companies with great environmental initiatives such as Parklane serves as an inspiration for us to be more conscious of what we can do for our planet.

       Cebu Parklane International Hotel is located at the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Street, an area renowned for its vibrancy and cosmopolitan charm. Just a few miles away from Mactan International Airport this luxurious property is ideal for business travelers, who need a hotel with easy access to the business and financial center of Cebu City and main tourist attractions. A Hotel in Cebu that stands for Cebu: Parklane.

      I have always been hesitant to subjecting my hair into any process that involves any chemical treatment, because of that, I have never dyed my hair. I also haven’t tried the process of hair re-bonding and hair relaxing. I only go to a salon twice a year to have my hair cut. Nothing else. The foremost reason why is because I do not want to damage my hair. I know some people whose hair have been so damaged or if not, their hair has been so dry and brittle. I never want to have a dry and brittle hair so I try to be adamant with not doing something extra with my hair. Another reason I may add is that I have read and heard from other people who had a terrible experience with a salon particularly during the process or getting their hair done.

         A week ago, I visited Top Beauty Salon which one of the most-coveted beauty salons in Cebu. The generous owners of the salon allowed me and a few of my Cebuano blogger friends to try their some of their services and that’s basically how my hair makeover started.

          Knowing that Top Beauty sourced all of their hair products from South Korea and that they do have well-trained staff, I decided to go for their hair color service. It’s one of their most-availed services that gathered good feedbacks from their customers. Most of their guests are Koreans, and we all know how they are when it comes to pampering and beautifying themselves – they go only for the best. While we’ve seen some of their Korean guests getting pampered, we got to meet one of their most loyal customers Ms. Steffi Enriquez who’s known for her work as a photographer. She shared that what really made her a patron of Top Beauty are the satisfying results of their services.  

Ms. Steffi Enriquez – Cebuano photographer, Ms. Q & A candidate, having her hair care with Top Beauty Salon staff and owner Ms.Jenny Sison-Kim

Me donning my jet black crowning glory

As you can see, my hair is really black. Some of the salon staff called it “virgin hair” because I haven't been treated chemically. They even asked me for than once if I dyed my hair black, but I didn’t. I love how they call it virgin hair. Lol Kidding aside, the color that I would like to achieve is a faded hue from a combination of blue and black dye. The result would be much similar to ash gray after several days. 

A day after the color treatment, my hair was visibly in a blue shade when the light hits it. Otherwise, it looks darker and no could actually tell I had my hair dyed. 

       From my experience with Top Beauty, I never felt any burning sensation and my scalp was all fine. However, it did feel a bit itchy, but it was tolerable and I didn’t find it bothersome. I actually find the whole process relaxing. 

My friend Nashy of nhagzventures.com

      My hair’s color did change. It’s neither blue/black nor ash gray. I would say that it’s light brown although some people would still tell me that it’s black. Note that I only washed my hair five days after the treatment that was on Saturday and I used a color-protectant shampoo and hair conditioner. It doesn't look like ash gray yet which is why I’m guessing it would take a few more days for me to achieve the color. I'll update this blog post with more photos once my hair's color changes.

     It wasn't only my hair that went to a first-time experience at Top Beauty. I also got to try their infamous gel manicure which is a real work of art considering how much time was spent in order to achieve it. 

       I must say that gel manicure is really pretty and worth trying for. It's a bit difficult working on some household chores when you have the nails of royalty, but I just can't let it pass to try it. The women who did my nails are very friendly and accommodating. There are various designs available to choose from them, but you can also go over the net and search for your desired design and they'll do it for you. I chose the design with light shades of pink together with marble art and gems and it was so worth it. I can't stress enough how much I am loving my nail art.

So many beautiful stones to choose from!

     Just like their hair products, their nail products also came from South Korea. If you love having your nails beautified like a royalty, head over to Top Beauty Salon. They do have a promo for their gel manicure right now where you can save a lot. Normally, it costs 2,000php (38.11US), but for their promo, you can have the nails of a princess for only 1,400php (26.67USD).

    While waiting for your hair to get washed or your SO to have her appointment done at Top Beauty,  you may chill at the spacious Comma Bakery Café which is in the same complex as the salon.

       What other perks do they have? Aside from their hair and nail services, Top Beauty Salon also offers foot and facial care services. For those who love that Korean Superstar glow, they also have whitening products straight from Seoul. Another stellar service that they are offering is eyebrow microblading. It could be daunting to have your brows microbladed, but it's really safe at Top Beauty since they do have a licensed technician who studied from South Korea. By the way, if you're considering to have your brows microbladed, always ask if the technician is licensed. Otherwise, don't do it. You wouldn't want to say goodbye to your gorgeous brows.

     Sweet and comfy, Candiez Café will blend happiness in your tummy and in your heart. Their wide array of foods and beverages mostly familiar to the Cebuano tongue will make you think of your sweetest memories.
     Named after its passionate owner Candy whose love for cooking inspired her to embark on opening her own restaurant, Candiez Café exists to share a warm comfort brought about by homemade meals. Its vibrant and cheerful interiors, substantial amount of inspiring decors, and Christian songs that waft through the air inside the cafe will uplift anyone's spirit as soon as one enters Candiez. 

Ms. Candy Dacanay welcoming Candiez customers

    Their staff welcomes and treats their customers, and if you're extra lucky, Ms. Candy, hands-on as she is, would take your orders and make you feel at ease. The cafe is open for collaborations and exclusive events, so feel free to bring over your family and friends and they are always ready to take your requests and answer your questions. 

Candiez' Home Made Beef Tapa (170php) is a great choice for breakfast. It is paired with their signature vinegar-based sauce with pickles which is a bomb!

      Their menu which includes a variety of all-day breakfast choices practically covers what one's appetite might need. From savory homemade tapa to yummy waffle delights, there will always be something to satisfy everyone palate. That's just one of the café’s strengths. Though located in the bustling city of Mandaue, its location is accessible and spacious. Think about group studies or a regular brunch date with your besties. Whether you’re with your SO, family, or going solo as a tita/tito of Cebu, Candiez will always be a sweet haven for you.  As a good bonus, their all-day breakfast menu has a free house blend coffee. 

Candiez prides itself in crafting the best foods made to comfort their customers. One of their tastiest dishes is the Alexei's Pesto Pork Chop (150php) which has the right meaty and pesto flavor. Anything with pesto tastes great for me which makes their pork chop my favorite meal from them.

     Their pasta items are some of the tastiest dishes I've ever tried. Candiez's best-selling Salted Egg Pasta (on the left: 179php)puts a different spin on the typical salted egg we usually have. Its perfect blend of saltiness and creaminess makes it a one-of-a-kind food item on their menu.

     Another hot ticket on their sleeve is the Spicy Spanish Sardines Pasta (on the right:169php) which has the amazing kick of spice and hearty aroma. It goes perfectly with pasta, another must-try dish from them. 

    Homemade baked goods from cakes to bread are also up for grabs at Candiez. All of which are great ingredients for a chill afternoon with a cup of joe. 

White Chocolate Mocha (155,170php)

Dragon Fruit Smoothie(170php)

Sweet Mango Smoothie  (140php) 

  When eating at Candiez's Café, it’s imperative to leave room for their thirst-quenching drinks. The White Chocolate Mocha is a dense chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. They do have the all-time Pinoy favorite Mango Smoothie made only by the sweetest mangoes of Cebu and the most-prized and a personal favourite, Dragon Fruit Smoothie. 

    Prior to visiting the place, I have never tasted a dragon fruit nor have I tried a dragon fruit smoothie. It was my first time tasting the fruit at Candiez and it didn't disappoint my taste buds. Knowing its health benefits also made me feel more than comfortable in enjoying my drink. Curious how it tastes like? You got to visit the place! 

If you're still racking your brains for the perfect place to get that sweet treat, consider Candiez Café among your top choices.

          People don't thank God for Fridays for nothing. It's the official start of any weekend which is why we all repine for Fridays to come even before Monday hasn't started yet. Every weekend is a wonderful chance to explore new landscapes, try new experiences, and to simply relax and unwind. Whether we admit it or not, savoring our weekends are necessary. As we say hello to another week, here's a gratitude blog post for the wonderful weekends that came.

🍵👫🎤AMatcha-mazing Day with Friends🎤👫🍵