Where you find corporate glass tower that reflects the sky as clearly as the nearby sea. Streets snaking through the busy cosmopolis and turning its rugged trail that leads to sprawling flower fields. And people forever seeking new excitement under the heartening sun – The Queen City of the South recently welcomed the Magic 89.9 DJs to Cebu for a weekend affair where we wined and dined to our hearts utter content!

On the heels of the hustle and bustle of Cebu’s world-famous Sinulog festival, the Magic family had the pleasure to relax and unwind at the Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa. Set in tropical gardens overlooking Mactan Island, the Hilton’s three pink towers reach into the sky and boast a picturesque ambiance that evokes the feel of the French Mediterranean. This was the beautiful backdrop as we caught up with singer/actress Karylle who was busy getting her groove on in Cebu for a series of concerts and appearances.

Karylle’s Love Streak

After taking some novelty photos in front of the Cebu Hilton’s flamingo pink Jeepneys and sipping down a fruity cocktail at the resort’s breezy solarium lobby, Karylle revealed that it was down to business for the next few weeks as she geared up for a busy Valentine’s season.

Currently, she’s abroad for her “Love at Last” concert with Christian Bautista at San Francisco’s Cache Creek Casino, but Karylle will soon be back in the country for a streak of shows that are sure to inspire romance and love.

On Feb. 12, she will be singing once again with Christian Bautista, this time at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete for their “Hearts in Harmony” concert. Then on Valentine’s Eve, Karylle will be performing with balladeer extraordinaire Jose Mari Chan for their “Love Forever Young” concert at the Grand Ballroom of the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang.

Manny O’s affair with Wine

The Magic DJ’s were treated an evening of delicious extravagance at the wine haven of Manny Osmeña located at the beachfront of the Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa – eponymously named “Manny O’s!” Ever the jovial sommelier, Manny was at hand to give us a personal tour of his wine collection and sample some of his choice nectars, which are now available all over the Philippines.

“Wine is aromatherapy to the mouth… sophistication not intoxication,” says Manny O, who describes himself as a wine lover that loves the color pink.

“I love pink. The hotel, condominium and resort club is coral pink. The beach towels are pink and all my hotel cars will be in flamingo pink,” Manny explains, referring to the Cebu Hilton.

Manny Osmeña’s love of wine is often spoken about, either from him or from people who have been in his company. What drives it though is yet to be fully explained. While young, he never really liked alcohol until, as he explains it, “Discover the beauty and mystery of how the flavors of wine can have a dramatic effect on our emotions. I am magnetized by its sophistication, and not by its ability to intoxicate.”

We learned that Manny O’s passion is not driven by the science of winemaking either. The guiding belief he personally stands by is that “there is no right and wrong in pairing food and wine. As we are all culturally bound beings, common sense and taste are then guided by one’s background and culture. More so, there is no escaping the fact that one man’s food is truly another man’s poison. Trial and error whilst eating or drinking consciously edifies the dining experience – there is much more to it than filling one’s stomach. It has to register and in response, conclusions are made.”

Conciliation between culture and taste, adaptability and impression drives the discovery of varietals, and in Manny O’s case, generates the formulas to live, eat and drink by.

Cebu Hilton’s Valentine’s Getaway

Other than boasting an idyllic location to spend any sabbatical, the Cebu Hilton Resort & Spa is the perfect place to literally wine and dine your special someone this Valentine’s Day at their several restaurants! According to the Cebu Hilton’s beautiful Mia Sy, they will be celebrating a special Chinese Valentine Affair for Feb. 14.

Couples can have Romantic Dinner at Sea’s Restaurant which boasts a five-course dinner with violinist to set the mood for love. The dinner comes with a bottle of wine (your choice of red, white or rose) at P4,500 net per couple.

Then the season’s most indulging treat awaits with a Strawberry, Chocolate & Bubbly Buffet at Manny O’s at only P2,500 net per couple! The world is truly a global village with flying and travelling becoming a way of life. The marriage of food from different cultures has given birth to a New World Cuisine – food that runs a gamut of flavors, like most Asian dishes – this is the inspiration behind Manny O’s.

Couples can also indulge with an International Chinese Buffet at the Cebu Hilton’s Beach Garden. At P1,350+ per person, the dinner comes with a much anticipated Chinese Production Show. And after all these, a grand Fireworks Display will kick off at 8 p.m. for all guests to enjoy.

To book your special Chinese Valentines getaway experience, e-mail Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa at reservations.cebu@hilton.com.