Where fashion meets escape

Sun-drenched escapes may be on pause for some, but Avel Bacudio makes a compelling case for packing your bags anyway. At Discovery Resorts’ Top Producers Night, the Filipino designer unveiled Amihan—named after the cool northeast monsoon that ushers in clear skies and gentler days—a resortwear collection of breezy silhouettes, fluid coverups, silk scarves, and elegant men’s shirts crafted from piñAVEL, a breathable textile woven from pineapple, banana, bamboo, and abaca fibers.

For Avel, amihan also signifies the start of summer, thus creating a collection that is still cool and comfortable to wear on hot summer days.

Bacudio shapes the material into voluminous forms that suggest movement and ease. Neutral-toned wide-leg trousers and tailored shorts grounded the looks, while heritage weaves such as binakol, inabel, and trambia added depth and texture.

For women, vibrant swimwear peeked through sheer layers and airy coverups, moving easily from poolside to elevated resort dressing with the addition of white ankle-strap heels. Menswear, meanwhile, balanced relaxed and refined, styled with classic brown loafers and Bacudio’s signature polish.

Accessories expanded the styling: Mindanao silk scarves and twillies were worn as headpieces, neck accents, or wrapped around basket bags. Each carried exclusive Avel prints inspired by beloved Filipino icons—the jeepney, sampaguita, and carabao.

At a moment when many are hesitating to book their next getaway, Amihan offered a timely reminder: Sometimes, inspiration is the only itinerary you need.

With DJ Ron Poe setting an easy rhythm and Discovery Primea GM David Pardo Ayala treating guests to a spread of refined afternoon bites, the gathering dubbed “Afternoon Beats and More” unfolded like a long-awaited holiday in itself. But beneath the relaxed glamour and social ease lay the occasion’s real purpose: Discovery Resorts’ Top Producers Night, a gathering dedicated to the partners whose work continues to keep travel aspirations in motion.

This year’s honorees were drawn from key properties across the portfolio—Discovery Boracay, Discovery Samal, and Discovery Coron—each recognizing standout contributors from their respective destinations.

A shared direction

Discovery Hospitality Corp. chief operating officer Jose “Jun” C. Parreño Jr. opened with a note of perspective, acknowledging the uncertainties shaping global travel and the quiet resilience required to navigate them.

He spoke of tourism not only as an economic driver, but as a shared effort sustained by belief in the future of Philippine travel. The afternoon, he said, was a reminder of the continuity between partners, properties, and purpose.

“Your attendance this afternoon is a commitment and a statement that we’re all in this together—working towards the goal of enriching the Philippine tourism industry,” he said.

The afternoon’s top producers were then recognized, each receiving a specially crafted trophy by visual artist Camille “Kalem” Tolentino. Inspired by the vibrant corals of Philippine waters, the pieces symbolized resilience, beauty, and connection.

A tale of three islands

Discovery Samal general manager Jonathan Bartlett framed the gathering as a pause to recognize relationships built beyond transactions and sustained through everyday collaboration.

“This is a time for us to gather—not just in celebration, but with friends and partners we work with every day in a different way,” he said, adding that trust continues to shape the brand’s guest experience. “In a world where there are many choices, you’ve chosen us—and because of that, we are constantly inspired to raise our standards. You are not just clients, you are part of our story.”

Discovery Coron general manager Joegil Magtanggol Escobar turned the focus to place—and the journey it takes to reach it. Known for its remote beauty, Coron makes every arrival feel earned.

“Among all our destinations, Coron is perhaps the most challenging to get to. But the fact that we have this number of awardees today makes it very special—you made it all happen,” he said.

From Discovery Boracay, the message turned to longevity and sustained relationships.

“This is not just a celebration of figures or numbers, but of the strong relationships we’ve built, the trust earned, and the meaningful connections we continue to nurture,” said general manager Erwin Lopez.

Together, the voices from Samal, Coron, and Boracay painted a portrait not of individual properties, but of a shared rhythm built on movement, memory, and mutual direction.

Have bag, will travel

Guests were also offered a glimpse of what lies ahead: two upcoming Discovery Group properties in Siargao and El Nido under its newest brand, Kip & Kin, set to open in the coming years. A fresh direction for the group, Kip & Kin pairs the social energy of hostel culture with the ease of hotel living. Designed for millennial and Gen Z travelers, the brand promises vibrant spaces where solo adventures, spontaneous encounters, and a deeper sense of place can naturally unfold.

The afternoon likewise introduced Elize Point, a forthcoming luxury residential estate in Davao and the group’s first venture of its kind.

More than an afternoon of appreciation, the gathering served as a reminder that travel thrives through shared effort—from hoteliers and partners to the communities that welcome every arrival. In uncertain times, the message was clear: When the industry moves together, every destination moves with it.

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For information about Discovery Boracay, visit www.discoveryboracay.com; for Discovery Samal, visit. www.discoverysamal.com; and for Discovery Coron, visit www.discoverycoron.com. You may also visit their socials @discoveryboracay, @discoverysamal, and @discoverycoron.