In just the span of one month, the island of Cebu has faced two of its most difficult moments—a 6.9-magnitude earthquake and, more recently, a typhoon that claimed hundreds of lives and left communities grieving and rebuilding. Yet amid the quiet strength of recovery, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown chose to celebrate its sixth anniversary in a way that honored faith, compassion, and community. What was originally planned as a festive milestone transformed into a heartfelt gathering centered on gratitude and bayanihan.
Twenty boxes of bottled water delivered to Cebu Provincial Capitol by Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown for Typhoon Tino victims.
The week began with a simple but sincere gesture. Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown delivered bottled water to the Cebu Provincial Capitol to support families affected by Typhoon Tino, a reflection of the hotel’s commitment to caring for the community around it. This set the tone for the days that followed, culminating in a thoughtful 6 Hands Media Lunch and thanksgiving mass on November 12.
Chefs Coke Semblante, Vincent Cabahug, and Christian ‘Kit’ Carpio in action as they prepare a celebratory feast.
The 6 Hands concept brought together the culinary talents of three of the Savoy properties’ executive chefs: Chef Coke Semblante of Savoy Mactan, Chef Vincent Cabahug of Savoy Boracay, and Chef Christian Carpio of Savoy Manila. The name represented the three chefs working side by side in one kitchen, but it also carried a deeper symbolism. It honored the many hands that have supported Cebu during recent challenges, including volunteers, partners, and the hotel’s own associates who showed unwavering dedication.
The chefs crafted a special menu that celebrated both regional flavors and the richness of Filipino ingredients. Guests began with appetizers such as the BBQ Chicken Croquette, Bantayan Scallop Rockefeller, and Crab Meat Dumpling. Fresh and vibrant salads followed, including the Alugbati Salad with Crispy Danggit and the Cucumber and Seaweed Salad. A comforting soup course featured the Emperador Brandy-Infused Cebu Skipper Lobster Bisque with Grilled Pan Bisaya.
For the main course, the spotlight was on the Sugba Trio, which featured Pulpo Parilla, Sizzling Pan-Roasted Stuffed Squid, and Sugba, Grilled Tuna Belly with Spicy Papaya Salad. The Chef’s Special dishes added even more richness to the experience, including the Fisherman’s Pie, the bold and spicy Mactan Chili Crab, and the delicately prepared Steamed Pompano with Chawanmushi XO. To end the meal on a sweet note, the chefs prepared a Dessert Trio featuring Queso Bibingka Cheesecake, Thai Tea Crème Brûlée, and Budbud Tiramisu.
From L-R: Group General Manager Art Boncato, Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, Savoy Hotel Manila Executive Chef Christian ‘Kit’ Carpio and General Manager Den Navarro, Savoy Hotel Boracay Executive Chef Vincent Cabahug and Area General Manager Maia Israel, and Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown Executive Chef Joan Coke Semblante and General Manager Josef Victor Chiongbian.
The gathering was joined by key leaders of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, including Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, who expressed deep appreciation for media partners and honored the associates of Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown for their dedication. She also introduced Mindful Stays campaign, a movement centered on sustainability, compassion, and meaningful guest experiences.
Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown General Manager Josef Victor Chiongbian
Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso
Celebrations continued later in the day with a special program for employees and partners. General Manager Josef Victor Chiongbian shared his personal mantra, “Work hard, play hard, no drama,” which mirrored the team’s positive, grounded approach. MD Albiso also addressed the associates, highlighting unity, gratitude, and purposeful service as the pillars of Savoy’s growth.
Savoy Hotel Manila General Manager Den Navarro with Savoy Hotel Boracay Area General Manager Maia Israel
(L-R) Dr. Nestor Alonso of The Freeman, Aissa Dela Cruz of Kitchen Stories, Honey Loop of Daily Tribune, Nelia Neri and Chinggay Utzurrum of Sunstar Cebu and Robby Alugar of RMA News
Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown’s sixth anniversary became more than a celebration. It became a reminder of why hospitality matters, especially in times of uncertainty. With the support of many hands and the heart of its community, the hotel moves forward with renewed purpose, offering comfort, connection, and stories worth sharing.
