ELEVATE at LEVEL EI8HT: The Soft Launch Party

Over the course of the weekend, while our American friends toasted and barbequed away in traditional 4th of July funfare (how spaztastic of me--yes, belated Happy Independence Day to you loves!), I had my senses heightened, literally, by a refreshingly novel party experience. It was definitely an honour to have been invited to the private sneak peek of Level Ei8ht, Cebu's newest addition to its already bustling nightlife scene.

Being the solo business endeavor of my high school friend Beatriz Amanda Borja, and with the PR efforts led by fashion maven Dino Lloren, I KNOW that I wouldn't waste a second thinking twice about it. Decked out in black as per the dress code, I trooped over with friends Kristine and Yves, excited to be taken away to new heights.



The place was visually arresting and the ambiance superb- it easily surpassed all expectations. Boasting a spacious and well-lit 8th-floor roofdeck overlooking the city, huge canopy lounges and luxe furnishings, larger-than-life sound systems and major light installations, Level Ei8ht is truly perfect for partyphiles who prefer a more cosmopolitan and upscale flair in their weekend haunts.
Yves taking a fill of a huge expanse of the Cebu skyline, clearly visible from Level Ei8ht's rooftop deck


Me and Yves with dibs on the canopy lounge chair-as Dino proudly stated, "only about 3 other establishments in the country has this". yep, me loves this!




And being an exclusive event, the place was certainly awash with smartly dressed men and women that putting them all here would practically take forever-here are some shots, though:

Cebuana fashion designer Mary Ty in a chic black sheath, layered baroque-inspired necklaces from Dianne Espera, and Aldo shoes

me and Kristine with one of the region's exclusive Havaianas distributor, the lovely Leanne Florendo in a geometric-patterned maxi. Incidentally Tine and I both brought our vintage quilted Chanel purses at the same time. (jinx!)


The evening's hostess with the most-est, gorgeous Level Ei8ht proprietress Beatriz Borja (in a bespoke Dino Lloren), flanked by Yves and Tine

Dino Lloren also organized a sartorial feast featuring two of the city's bright young designers, JP Cabigon and Mary Ty. I appreciated Mary's sensual and interesting take on the bodycon, while JP knew how to manipulate current trends very well (power shoulders, cut-outs) and seamlessly incorporated them in his creations. I wasn't able to take too many shots (yeah I know, it's time to invest in a DSLR), but hope these ones give you a good view of the creations:

AD Model's Aiko in a pleather JP Cabigon number, while AD Model Sharon dons a Mary Ty black bodycon mini with circle interest


Designer Mary Ty flanking the lovely AD Models all decked out in her figure-flaunting creations


AD Models Olga, Chai and Gwen en vogue in JP Cabigon's structural pieces

Level Ei8ht has all the elements for unbridled success, and is quite obviously poised to become one of the city's hottest establishments. So go ahead and mark the 18th of July on your planners and PDAs, and prepare to elevate yourself to a new level with the Grand Launching of Level Ei8ht, one event which just isn't worth missing. See you there!