The greatest of life’s earthly indulgences? Beauty and chocolate. And lately, Cebu has been blessed with events celebrating both.
Last month, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu marked World Chocolate Day by teaming up with Auro Chocolate to highlight its Rooted in Nature program — an initiative focused on cultivating and producing sustainable ingredients. During the event, Auro Chocolate’s co-founder and managing director, Mark Ocampo, shared the rich history of cacao in the Philippines and its deep ties to heritage and cultural exchange.
Ocampo also talked about how Auro’s efforts have uplifted the lives of many local farmers, who now produce world-class beans in partnership with the brand. With 85 international awards to date, Auro Chocolate has proudly put the Philippines on the global cacao map. Attendees got an inside look at the chocolate-making process, thanks to a live demo from Shangri-La Mactan’s chefs, and indulged in a wide array of chocolate creations made with Auro’s artisanal products.
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Meanwhile, on the beauty front, a much-anticipated luxury brand has arrived in Cebu: Clé de Peau Beauté. Despite its French-sounding name, the brand hails from Japan and is a premium line under the Shiseido company.
Its newest boutique, now open at The Mall at Nustar, recently hosted an exclusive Radiance Journey Discovery event. A select group of guests received personalized skin consultations and were introduced to the brand’s Key Radiance Care collection.
One of the most fascinating insights shared during the session was that skin has its own form of intelligence — a biological ability to respond and adapt to environmental changes. Clé de Peau’s researchers developed technology to help boost this self-regulating function. Who knew such a thing was possible?