A decade later, a leisurely feast at Shangri-La Mactan

Where food, sea, and stillness meet in one unforgettable retreat

- FELICIANO RODRIGUEZ III

Ten years ago, this author had the fortune of being billeted for a week at Shangri-La Mactan, already then an icon of Cebu hospitality.

It was September 2015, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial and financial meetings, when more than 3,000 foreign delegates filled the island. The Marquee Ballroom became a tropical stage, dressed in Gino Gonzales' set design, with the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Ballet Philippines dazzling the audience.

We were young and intrepid lifestyle journalists then, sprinting from one assignment to another. There was no time to linger. One day meant Raquel Choa, Cebu's Chocolate Queen, entertaining the spouses of foreign dignitaries. Another day brought us to Kenneth Cobonpue's atelier or to Toym Imao, unveiling the APEC marker. A hurried ambush interview caught Budget Secretary Butch Abad at breakfast in Tides. The late President Benigno Aquino III was due to arrive. The days blurred into duty, and Shangri-La's famed offerings remained untouched.

A decade later, in the same month of September, Shangri-La Mactan opened its doors again, this time with time enough to savor. Even the journey there set the tone. Now we flew with Sunlight Air, a boutique airline whose personable service, quick and no-hassle check-ins, and thoughtful onboard snacks made the short hop to Cebu smooth and easy. Leisure began before arrival.

A food crawl through its seven dining rooms and leisurely days of sea and spa revealed the side of the resort we once missed.