Kevin Lapena

“O” for Opulence (and hospitality)

It’s not too often you find reality exceeding expectation, especially in this age of social media, and for a place as heavily documented as Mykonos. Such was not the case, however, for our stay at the O by Myconian Collection.

Not only was this one of the best looking beach hotels I’ve ever been to, but the overall experience they provided was what really made our stay that much more memorable. From the attention to detail in the hotel’s design, to the luxury of their facilities, and their unparalleled hospitality and service.

If you want to truly experience the opulence of Mykonos, the Myconian O is the place to stay in. 🇬🇷👌🏻

Thank you to the wonderful people of Heavens Portfolio and Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts for having us!

📷 Ashley Gosiengfiao

Finally made it to one of the world’s ancient architectural marvels, and an awe-inspiring monument that stands as a reminder of the gods that once (𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦) lived among men.

The Acropolis Hill in Athens, which the whole city is built around, is home to several notable structures, such as the Propylaea, the Herodeion, and the Erechtheion, with the most popular being the iconic Parthenon - a temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who won the city’s patronage in a legendary duel with Poseidon, the god of the sea.

While Poseidon offered a saltwater spring to the people, Athena gifted an olive tree, which was found to be more useful, as it provided food, medicine, oil, and other uses for building and textile. Thus, Athens got its name.

Couldn’t have thought of a better way to start our trip around Greece. 🇬🇷

Ashley Gosiengfiao

Grateful for the opportunity to travel to another new bucket list destination, and on a carrier that I’ve been meaning to fly with, in Gulf Air.

MNL 🛫 BAH 🛫 ATH

Service was on point, and their Falcon Gold class pods were pleasantly comfortable (I easily slept through pretty much the whole flight!). Plus, their lounge in Bahrain is 💯. One of the best I’ve gotten to stay in during a layover.

Ashley Gosiengfiao

All soon-to-weds and celebrants! Inviting you to the Inspired Beginnings Bridal Fair at the Conrad Manila Get to meet the best weddings and events suppliers in the country, and enjoy special performances and live entertainment at the same time!

I’ll be there the whole day tomorrow (Saturday, June 24). Special discounts apply to all couples who book on the spot. You can find my booth inside the Taft Ballroom. 😊

Admission is free! Just pre register through the link below. Hope to see you there! 👋🏻

https://tinyurl.com/bdz9wu7b

Hey, everyone! We’re going live now to talk about our recent trip to Türkiye with Travel Warehouse Inc. Hope to catch you guys!

“Not everyone has the opportunity to pull amazing things off alongside immensely talented people, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to do so.”

Thank you Lifestyle Asia, Marbee Go, and Pilar Gonzalez for the feature! Beyond blessed to have been allowed this opportunity. 🙏🏻

Hope you could all get a copy of the June 2023 issue of Lifestyle Asia and support all the talented people featured inside, which include Maestro Jason Magbanua, and the Coronel-Go wedding (which I hosted), put together by GETTING MARRIED PHILIPPINES, Badang Rueda, and Forscink Inc. Professional Lights and Sounds

📷 Hairul Nordin Photography & erronocampo (4th photo)

📍The Ancient City of Ephesus

A visit to the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus can be considered as a journey through time, and an opportunity to connect with a bygone era. Ephesus was once a thriving Greek and Roman city, which served as a major commercial hub and a center of culture, religion, and learning from the 9th century BC until the 15th century AD.

Aside from the remnants of the city’s intricate structures (toilets included 😂), the ruins of Ephesus is most popular for its grand theater, and the iconic Library of Celsus.

Travel Warehouse Inc.
Oman Air

📷 Kris Gids Film & Ashley Gosiengfiao

📍Meryem Ana Evi (House of the Virgin Mary)

The House of the Virgin Mary or Meryem Ana Evi in Turkish, is a significant religious and historical site located near the ancient city of Ephesus in Türkiye. It is believed that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the apostle John took Mary to Ephesus for protection, and this house is said to be the place where she lived until her assumption into heaven.

Travel Warehouse Inc.
Oman Air

📍Bursa, Türkiye

Just a two-hour drive from Istanbul, is one of Türkiye’s largest cities, and a place known for its vibrant blend of heritage and commerce. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa’s rich history showcases its past through its intricate architecture found in the Yeşil Cami (Green Mosque), and the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque), to name a few. The Silk Market, once a hub along the ancient Silk Road, continues its colorful commercial history as a popular shopping center for tourists.

Travel Warehouse Inc.
Oman Air

Excited to be on another adventure with Travel Warehouse Inc., made even better by the excellent service of Oman Air. ✈️

It’s my first time on this carrier, and it’s already been one of the most comfortable long haul flights I’ve been on.

Spacious leg-room, comfortable flatbed converting seats that come with soft comforters, an extensive food and beverage à la carte menu, and my personal favorite - their lemon mint welcome drink. Definitely a must try!

I’ll be hosting too! Hope to see you here 👌🏻

Sophisticated bespoke suits for women, from the minds behind Tiño are now available in the PH. Congratulations Olpiana Andres on the successful launch! 👏🏻

Cheers! 🍻

Thankful to be in an industry where colleagues become friends, and work becomes play (as seen in fourth photo 😂). BTS from a new program I am fortunate to be a part of, that highlights the different talents and personalities behind the weddings and events industry in the Philippines.

Congratulations, Teddy Manuel & Ms. Marbee Go! Can’t wait for this! 👏🏻

In photos: the artistahins Al Avellana and Marc Santos of ProudRad, and the best stylist-turned-host Teddy Manuel

Some stills from the launch of the 29th at The Grid Food Market at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. 2 more weeks left to try out incredible Singaporean food, so feel free to drop in at The Grid any time until the end of the month. 👌🏻

Thanks again to VisitSingapore and to FleishmanHillard Manila for having me.

In photos: Marvin Agustin, Paul Liew of KEK Seafood Alexandra, and Yugnes Susela of The Elephant Room Singapore

With the much awaited premiere of House of the Dragon now showing on HBO GO today, thought I’d share bits of the incredible Game of Thrones exhibit I had the chance of visiting in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Got to see the actual props and wardrobe used in the show, met some extras (who played white walkers ❄️), and just missed George R.R. Martin by a few days 😩

Absolutely great experience. Got me all the more excited to geek out on House of the Dragon for the next couple months! 🐉🔥

HBO Asia

Behind the scenes during a quick shoot with La Belle Fête and Nice Print Photography & Exige Weddings for “The Beautiful Feast”, a 3-day immersive festival celebrating the country’s most impactful tastemakers in the wedding and events industries. 🥂 Everyone’s free to come by! It’s this September 9-11 at Greenbelt 3 & 5 in Makati. See you there! 🙏🏻

Thank you HBO Asia for having us at the premiere of Game of Thrones’ House of the Dragon. Can’t say much about it other than, what a first episode! 😳 Can’t wait for you guys to watch it too so we can all start talking about it already! 😂 It starts streaming this August 22 on HBO GO. 👌🏻

House of the Dragon takes place