I didn’t really have to go all the way to Cebu to check out the bags of Joanna M. Lhuillier because she has a boutique in Shangrila Makati Hotel as well. But today, I was in Cebu with Claudette to finally meet my long-time bag- phone “pal” Karen Y. We all found ourselves in Mactan Shangrila Hotel, which is beautiful.
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| Super hot day, perfect for the beach!!! |
And in that hotel, is a Joanna M. Lhuillier boutique.
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| beaded bags are JM Lhuillier’s specialty |
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| The brand also has beaded necklaces, beaded camera/ phone cases |
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| Materials are sourced from the world over |
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| Ribbon bag (I think she calls this the Flamenco bag?) |
While the materials are sourced all over the world, workmanship and labor are proudly by Filipinos. Very impressive workmanship and attention to detail.
I didn’t buy any of the bags (although I had been tempted in the past to get one from one of my favorite Greenbelt stores, Firma), but I did end up adopting a beaded sea creature 🙂
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| Oedipus the Octopus! |
I baptized him “Oedipus” and he is actually a paperweight 🙂 I couldn’t resist getting him because of his long, squiggly arms 😀 And there I was, just telling the girls that I am trying so hard to curb my spending because frequent travels can become seriously financially draining (hello, hoarder here!).
And then I ended up with Oedi. I just hope Oedi is made in Cebu, so that makes him my souvenir from this otherwise brief Cebu visit!
P.S. Thank you so much, KarenY, for hosting our lovely Lechon lunch from Rico’s
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| The BEST lechon (suckling pig) I’ve ever had!!!! |
and for taking us around! I especially loved Abaca Resort– it was so serene!!
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| Lush greenery |
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| Love the coffee shop/ dining area of Abaca, it overlooks the waters |
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| The iced cafe latte was wonderful too! |
Now I understand why Daphne loves Cebu. Cebu is not only a beautiful city to visit, it is also home to so much talent (fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and bag designer Joanna Lhuillier among others). Cebu has so much to offer tourists– from fantastic food (Cebu lechon, ripe mangoes, fresh seafood), to guitars, world- class furniture, world- class resorts and yes, beautifully beaded bags!
I love Cebu too and wouldn’t mind spending more weekends there with family. And haha, an additional incentive– Joanna Lhuillier bags do go on sale there on rare occasions. *Another thing to look forward to in Cebu- aside from Cebu’s famous lechons!* Oh and did I mention that Cebuanos are very hospitable and friendly? 🙂
x
Mrs. T
