#SwatchMeManila

As part of its 30th anniversary in the Philippines, Swiss watchmaker Swatch brought its “Swatch Cities” project to Manila. 

Launched in Madrid last year, Swatch Cities aims to support the city’s young and creative. Recently,   #SwatchMeManila kicked off with two simultaneous parties in Makati City.

First was a party at the Swatch building where brand ambassadors Anne Curtis, Matteo Guidicelli, Nico Bolzico and Luis Manzano unveiled the new colors (Candy, Navy, Neon and Cream) of the Big Bold collection. This collection, which was introduced this year, features 47mm-wide, lightweight plastic watch cases with silicon straps.

The other Swatch party was held at director Rowell Santiago’s  Boogie Manila bar in Poblacion, where guests enjoyed the performances of graffiti artists and street dancers.

Swatch Philippines brand manager Michelle Zenarosa said,  “The future of Swatch Me Manila is colorful. The ‘attack’ in Makati was just the first stop in this creative and inspiring journey.”

There are still a lot of surprises in store for #SwatchMeManila until next year.  Watch out for more parties and “attacks” as well as murals and art installations all over Manila.  Dance competitions, pop-up of all sorts, and a series of digital video displays are coming your way.

(For more information, visit Swatch Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.)

A Puzzle in Paradise

An island getaway was organized recently by Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan for their travel industry partners. The three-day, two-night Top Producers’ Getaway was filled with activities at Club Paradise Palawan in Coron, the sister property of Discovery Shores Boracay.

The fun began even before the attendees reached Palawan shores as upon arriving at NAIA Terminal 4 in Pasay City, they were presented with a piece of the puzzle game that they had to complete throughout the trip.

A scavenger hunt of sorts, the interactive puzzle game required the participants to do tasks and activities in the island for them to earn each puzzle piece. Guests became very competitive upon hearing of the prizes such as cash and complimentary stay vouchers in the different Discovery hotels for the first three to complete the puzzle. 

During the Filipino-themed thanksgiving dinner dubbed “Salamat” at the Firefish restaurant, each top producer was awarded with a masterpiece by renowned Filipino visual artist Ferdinand Cacnio titled Discovery Resorts, which was made of brass, resin and glass.

Majority of the island activities were reserved for the second day. Some of the  guests woke up very early to climb Eagle’s Point, the highest peak of Dimakya Island. Some accepted the Rope Relay challenge, followed by snapping selfies with the island’s resident monitor lizard (bayawak) and night heron. The group then sailed to Dimalanta Island to snorkel and went to Diatoy Island for more snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming.

The group also experienced relaxing massages from Glow Spa. The evening ended with a Thai-themed dinner by the beach prepared by executive chef Alex Atthasarn followed by the awarding of the game winners.

It was a quick but definitely a memorable getaway for everyone. *

(For more information, visit www.discoveryshoresboracay.com and www.clubparadisepalawan.com or call 772-08888 for Discovery Shores Boracay and 771-96971 for Club Paradise Palawan. Both are owned by The Discovery World Corp. and managed by the Discovery Hospitality Corp.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)