CEBU’S A-LISTERS Margie Lhuillier, renowned designers Philip Rodriguez, Jun Escario, and OJ Hofer, and Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry-Ammann gathered for “Summer Soul,” an evening of food, cocktails, and music marking Metro’s launch as the country’s first multi-platform lifestyle superbrand — now in print, online, and on television.

Under the theme #KeepCLAMandSavetheSeas, the night was led by Metro Channel hosts Joey Mead King of “Women of Style” and Tim Yap of “Tim’s Table,” as guests arrived in all-white outfits at Crimson Resort, Mactan. The benefit party opened with a sunset cruise overlooking the Cebu skyline.

Also in attendance: ABS-CBN Lifestyle Ecosystem head Paolo Pineda, Metro Channel head Lala Lazaro, and Metro Channel hosts Raul Manzano of “EIC on the Move,” Anton Barretto of “Metro Home,” Tricia Centenera of “Driven,” and Maggie Wilson and Marc Nelson of “Beached.”

Beyond launching Metro Channel’s local programming, the event doubled as a benefit: guests adopted a total of 50 clams, raising hundreds of thousands of pesos to help keep local seas alive for future generations.

In December 2016, 100 tridacna, or giant clam, juveniles were brought to Crimson’s marine reserve to grow in a safe, protected environment. The resort’s marine biologist monitors the clams monthly to ensure optimal conditions for growth and eventual reproduction — the project the Summer Soul party’s adoptions helped sustain.