Life the dynamic, experience-led co-living space of The Ascott Limited, reaches a pivotal milestone in the Philippines with two thriving residences in 2024. lyf Cebu and lyf Malate are celebrating back-to-back events to cap off the month of August with a brand launch that looks to bring both its local properties to new heights. The properties will be attempting to set not one but two unique world records, bringing home highly coveted accolades from the world-renowned Guinness World Records. The two-day festivities bring communities together and aim to raise active awareness for the endemic ocean life of Cebu while paying homage to Filipinos and their rich history and influence across the globe.
Swimming with Thresher Sharks at lyf Cebu City
This August 29th, lyf Cebu takes a new form and showcases an artistic display like no other in the Queen City of the South. With the property itself as the canvas, the residence rallies its community to create a collaborative collection of origami Thresher Sharks. This gathering of paper crafts made from old newspapers, magazines, and used paper is installed alongside inflatable pools around the property, encouraging guests to “swim with the sharks” while appreciating the beautiful, folded paper collage.
The Pelagic Thresher Shark (Alopias Pelagiucs) is the smallest of its kind and lives around Cebu, particularly Malapascua Island. Despite its impressive appearance, it is not aggressive toward humans. However, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these treasures of the local oceanic ecology are at risk of extinction due to overfishing and the degradation of their habitat.
lyf Cebu has partnered with Save the Philippine Seas, an expert in marine life and shark conservation, for this event. The property’s display of origami sharks made purely from sustainable materials shows its support for the Sustainable Businesses for Marine Conservation (SuBMarine) program. The efforts will go a long way toward sharing pertinent information and raising active awareness about the plight of the Thresher Sharks and what they bring to the biodiversity of our local waters.
Sailing Under the Stars at lyf Malate Manila
Across the country, back in Malate, Manila, lyf Malate also gears itself for festivities that are sure to turn heads and delight its regular visitors. In commemoration of Filipinos all over the world while paying homage to our forefathers, guests are invited to “light up” lyf Malate with a plethora of origami stars to be featured all throughout the property on August 30th.
The paper stars, similarly made from sustainable materials, will be installed together with a traditional Balangay wooden boat, evoking, completing, and celebrating the image of the Philippine galleon trade from 1565 to 1815. It celebrates the Philippines as the vital link connecting Europe through Spain, Asia through the Philippines, and the Americas through Mexico. lyf Malate looks back to the time as one of the first instances in which the world opened itself fully, as unique communities were given the opportunity to enrich each other’s cultures and widen their worldviews through barter.
Guests are encouraged to “sail under the stars.” And enjoy the festivities as lyf celebrates an amazing milestone given its time in the Philippines thus far. “We’re thrilled to be celebrating such a momentous occasion with the brilliant and diverse community of both lyf properties,” said Rey Vergel Mulat, the Residence Manager of lyf Cebu City. “It’s an amazing privilege to pioneer the concept of co-living spaces in the Philippines, and we only have more in store for everyone in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out for what’s to come.”
Breaking Records and Reaching New Heights with Guinness World Records
This year, both lyf Cebu and lyf Malate have reached out to the esteemed Guinness World Records, the world’s leading authority in chronicling and witnessing the world’s greatest superlatives, in an ambitious commitment to breaking ceilings, to set and claim new world records titles in a series of events for the ages. Those who would be a part of the momentous occasion on August 29, 2024, will witness the ephemeral exhibit of origami Thresher Sharks in lyf Cebu City; the papercraft art piece aims to display an impressive 20,000 origami sharks to net them the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “Largest Display of Origami Sharks,” while the festivities will continue back in lyf Malate on August 30, 2024, as they attempt to surpass the record of Nova Mall Macau’s GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for having the “Largest Display of Origami Stars,” by looking to amass a total of 100,000 origami stars. The highly anticipated event is sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions as the lyf brand is eager to bring home not one but two coveted world record titles.
As exciting as the accolades are, it would not be a complete lyf story without highlighting the thriving communities behind the two properties. “This amazing feat will by no means be some overnight miracle.” Said Joyce Agsaway, the lyf Champion for The Ascott Limited, “In fact, this award won’t solely belong to the properties. This herculean effort would only be possible with the amazing community fostered not only within the company but also by the amazing guests that we are delighted to have found a home with us in lyf.”
The festivities are just around the corner, and both lyf properties invite you to join us as we countdown the days till the anticipated attempt at the coveted GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles. Everyone is invited to participate in the origami folding activities of the respective lyf property. We’ll cap off this historic moment with the celebrations on August 29 at lyf Cebu City and August 30 at lyf Malate Manila.
