lyf Cebu City: Paving the Way for Co-Living in the Visayas Mindanao Region

Philippines, 21 December 2023 – Following the launch of the first lyf property in Malate, Manila, The Ascott Limited is thrilled to announce its expansion into the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) region with the opening of lyf Cebu City, the first international co-living serviced residence in the city. The latest property sets the tone for lyf’s continued growth and commitment to providing the new generation of travelers with a unique and vibrant co-living experience.

lyf Cebu City aims to bring its unique and distinct brand of co-living spaces and community-centric service to the Queen City of the South. Last December 16, 2023, lyf Cebu City extended an invitation to local media and influencers from Visayas, treating them to an unforgettable experience at "lyf of the City." The event offered an exclusive sneak peek into the property through fun activities, live entertainment, an interactive tour, and a delicious spread of food and drinks. 

Among the key personalities present were Rey Vergel Mulat, lyf Cebu City’s POP Champion, and Eunice Lodripas, the Director of Communications at The Ascott Limited, who shared insights into the brand's vision.

Mathias Bergundthal, the Cebu Landmasters Director of Hotels and Assets, was also in attendance along with Denise Olegario, the Director of Sales and Distribution at The Ascott Limited. Their presence highlighted lyf’s commitment to delivering an exceptional co-living experience in Cebu City.

Strategically located in the heart of Cebu, lyf Cebu City adds to the spirited atmosphere that the city made its name out of. The property will be located at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu and is only a car drive away from Cebu CBD. It’s well-connected in terms of transport infrastructure and roads, making it a prime spot for both residents and businesses.

Moreover, being at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu means guests are likely surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. This area offers a mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, creating a dynamic environment, which can be attractive for individuals seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. Such strategic locations also often witness ongoing urban development, adding to the value of the property over time. It's not just about the present amenities but also the potential for future growth and expansion.

A glimpse of lyf Cebu amenities

Stepping inside the interior of the property, lyf Cebu City presents a wide range of amenities designed to foster a sense of community and offer an incomparable level of living experience. Guests can choose from a selection of One of a Kind (Studio), Side by Side (Twin), and All Together (Two-bedroom and Four-bedroom) apartment units to suit their preferences. The Connect (Coworking Space and Communal Lounge) provides an inspiring environment for collaboration, networking, and a sense of community, while Nook (Private Working Spaces) offers a peaceful and quiet sanctuary ideal for focused work.

In addition, lyf Cebu City’s Bond (Social Kitchen) is an amazing area where guests can unleash and let out their culinary creativity and build connections with fellow professionals that extend beyond work. The Wash and Hang (Social Launderette) ensures convenience and cleanliness, while the property’s pool offers a space to relax and share stories while taking in breathtaking views of the city. Health enthusiasts can also stay on track with their fitness goals without leaving the premises of the lyf with the Burn (Social Gym), a 24-hour fully equipped fitness center.

Complementing the vibrant environment of lyf Cebu City, the lyf Crew is the missing piece to complete every guest’s experience. Comprising of the lyf Champion (Residence Manager), lyf Guards (Multitaskers), and Ambassadors of Buzz (Community Manager), the lyf Crew are all dedicated to providing every guest with an exceptional experience throughout their stay. The crew is readily available to give local insider information, assist with inquiries, facilitate community-building activities, and foster a sense of belongingness and camaraderie among the guests.

“The expansion of our lyf property into Cebu marks an exciting milestone not only for lyf but also for The Ascott Limited as a whole. lyf Cebu City is only the beginning as we are determined to bring our innovative and community-focused properties to new locations,” said lyf Champion (Residence Manager) Rey Vergel Mulat.

lyf Cebu City is set to open its doors soon, and the opening will be the beginning of The Ascott Limited’s expansion plans into the VisMin region. 

Explore the advantages of becoming a member of the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) program, where guests can unlock a world of exclusive benefits, rewards, and the most competitive rates. To learn more about the Ascott Star Rewards program, please visit this link.

For more information and updates about lyf Cebu, follow the official social media pages ( Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

Magellan Voyage Quincentennial Kick-Off, SEA Games Ceremonies Dazzle through Immersive Technology

The opening and closing ceremonies of the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Philippine Arena and Clark City still makes jaws drop whenever the sounds and sights of it come to mind.

The brave and colorful Filipino spirit came to life on stage, providing glimpses of our art and culture, our tribal roots, old society elegance, and modern soul. The impressive, mind-blowing visual images that constantly changed, evolved and defied the imagination, added a new dimension to entertainment. They enhanced the storytelling and delivered the message with both sensitivity and punch.

Last December, another dazzling production kicked off the 500-day countdown to the 500 years of the Victory of Mactan in Cebu. The one-hour cultural show entitled “Mangayaw; The World of Our Ancestors” showcased graceful choreography, original music, and a captivating production of dazzling visuals. The Quincentennial Celebration aimed to highlight the heroism and importance of Lapu Lapu in Philippine history.

What audiences probably do not know is that the unsung hero of both the SEA Games and the Quincentennial kick-off is immersive technology. It can make everything magical and bigger than life. Captivating visual images that were constantly changing, evolving and defying the imagination added a new dimension to the viewing experience. They enhanced the storytelling and delivered the message with both sensitivity and punch.

In the Quincentennial kick-off, Video Mapping Technology by IMMRSV ASIA INC. helped transformed the show from just great to stupendous. Immersive technology was the creative tool that amplified the action to retell and relive early scenes of Philippine history.

Lutgardo Labad, noted composer and multi-awarded director of music and theater who led the presentation, said he was “completely swept away by the innovative technology of projection mapping”. “Before, props were firm and set with some finality in their tones and colors. But in my first-time experience of witnessing video or projection mapping, the texture of the physical backdrop: floors, walls and ceilings, became a new breed of characters themselves. They accentuate the emotions and provide a dynamic engagement with the human characters.”

“Immersive technology is a new tool that can turn any size wall, building façade, blank space or object into a screen that tells stories, teaches lessons, conveys information or evokes all sorts of emotion. It makes audiences act and respond to the events in a positive way because the audience becomes part of the message. That’s why brands, sports and government use immersive technology these days to kick off events, launch products, inaugurate places and promote tourism or mark special occasions. It’s the best storytelling tool,” said Tony Gloria, chairman and co-founder of IMMRSV Asia who also founded and chairs Optima Digital and UxS (Unitel/Straight Shooter).

“Using creative imagination with the help of 360-degree video, virtual reality and the unique application of sound, light and projection creates eye-popping, mesmerizing experiences. This innovative creative execution never fails to wow and send the message across. How can you forget something that you have been part of, or that became a part of you?” he added.

Immrsv Asia worked on the notable 30th SEA Games closing ceremonies -- resulting in tech-driven productions that were perfect in execution, with mind-boggling visual displays and dramatic overhead shots that provided world-class entertainment for all.

Mart Miranda, CEO of Video Sonic and co-founder / president of IMMRSV Asia says immersive technology creates modern day magic. And it has a lot of applications. Museum exhibits, for example, can bring historical figures to life through augmented reality. Julius Caesar can speak and tell his version of the Ides of March to students. Prehistoric animals can roam the premises so guests can measure their height against them. Theme parks can amp up the excitement and overall experience with headsets and touchscreen magic. “In fact, any one and anything can use immersive technology to achieve any desired effect,” said Miranda, whose IMMRSV firm recreated Hogwarts using immersive technology for a Harry Potter-themed party.

Sporting events have been ahead of the curve in embracing immersive technology, Miranda shared. “That’s because sports fans demand high-impact effects so they can better listen, watch and experience the action. New immersive technologies and apps have changed the ways that fans interact with teams, players and brand sponsors. Opening ceremonies of sports events have all benefited from immersive technology.”

“We have the creative vision, the talent, technology and equipment to achieve something local audiences have never seen. We can fuse existing technologies and creative approaches to create amazing, magical effects. Trust the innate art and capability of the Filipino. And trust the forward vision of our creative and production talents,” added Tony Gloria.

Now is the time to embrace these new mediums and let the world know that immersive domes, projection mapping, virtual augmented reality, air scan technology, 3D animation graphics, LED Baton, digital graffiti, holograms, interactive videos, interactive touch walls, dynamic thoughts and laser mapping are all here to help deliver the perfect message, Miranda concluded.

Cebu City is Among 66 Worldwide Designated by UNESCO as New Creative Cities

On October 30, Cebu City joined 66 cities designated as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay.

Cebu City is now officially part of the UNESCO Creative Cities International Network under the design category.

As explained in the UNESCO website (https://en.unesco.org), the UNESCO Creative Cities are laboratories of ideas and innovative practices that bring a tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative thinking and action.

Through their commitment, creative cities from all continents and regions with different income levels and populations are championing sustainable development actions that directly benefit communities at urban level.

“All over the world, these cities, each in its way, make culture the pillar, not an accessory, of their strategy,” says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. “This favours political and social innovation and is particularly important for the young generations.”

With 66 new creative cities this year, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now counts to a total of 246 cities all over the world.

As stated in the website, UNESCO Creative Cities Network members work together towards a common mission: placing creativity and the creative economy at the core of their urban development plans to make cities safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Loisa and Ronnie bring Kilig-All-Over-Again to Cebu!

Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, brings young actress Loisa Andalio and charismatic dancer Ronnie Alonte to Cebu this October 7, 1pm at Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan. The love team is set to stage Kilig-All-Over-Again performances for Cebuano fans for their first-ever LoiNie Mall Tour.

The 19-year-old Loisa and 21-year-old Ronnie, known as LoiNie to their fans, were chosen to be the ambassadors for Ever Bilena and Blackwater, respectively, because of their charm, talent, and personalities that complement the brands they are representing.

To get a ticket to see one of the Philippines’ hottest love teams, buy Ever Bilena products with any Blackwater fragrance worth at least P299 until October 7 at any Gaisano Grand Mall Store in Cebu.

Present your ticket at the Gaisano Grand Mactan activity area on October 7 (gate opens at 9 a.m.) and enjoy a day filled with games, makeovers, beauty talks and exciting activities, plus a chance to win a pass to the meet-and-greet with Loisa and Ronnie themselves! Fifty lucky winners will be able to get up close and personal with LoiNie for an exclusive photo session! Share your experience online with the hashtag #EBxBWxLoinie for a chance to win five exciting gift packs.

Visit any Gaisano Grand Mall Store in Cebu now and buy Ever Bilena or Blackwater products for a Kilig-All-Over-Again experience with LoiNie! For more information, go to www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics/.