People

Meet the four Cebuanas you definitely want to be friends with

It Girls. The In Crowd. Whatever you call them, Krishtal Freeland, Stephanie Sharpe, Yasmin Sarlak and Alyssa Sacal are charming, smart, young and beautiful. We loved hanging out with them, and we’re pretty sure you would too.

Every city has their own set: It Girls. The In Crowd. Whatever it is you call them, there’s something undeniably charming about them. It’s not just the good looks–it’s the charm, the individual passion and the overall aura of fun. This year’s set is fun and interesting, passionate about their own individual efforts and about a shared love for Cebu.

One thing’s for sure, we certainly didn’t mind spending an afternoon with this batch of young women, and we’re sure the rest of Cebu would agree.

Krishtal Catherine Freeland, 26

Entrepreneur of Krish’s Kitchen | @krishtalcatherine

Krishtal Freeland wears her own cropped, ribbed sweater, and a brocade skirt.

What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? Within an hour’s drive, you could be high up in the mountains enjoying the cool air or chilling by the beach.

Where do you usually hang out in the city? I usually just stay home and bake.

Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? Veal pappardelle in Abaca, egg noodle homemade basil tagliolini in Anzani, and the churrasco dinner at Mövenpick.

Favorite local escape? Bantayan Island would be one of my favorite quick escapes in Cebu.

Where would you go for a night out? You’ll most likely see me in Craft Cafebar.

Something you wish were in Cebu? A wider variety of international cuisine

Favorite local brands and designers? Local Crag and SOLTI Activewear

Favorite travel destinations? I’ve recently fallen in love with Siargao and El Nido. And for the international destinations, Anguilla in the Caribbean (British Overseas Territory) is still on the top of my list.

Book that’s currently on your bedside table? My MacBook

Something about Cebu you wish would improve? I know it’s not easy to solve, but I hope we’ll be able to fix the traffic situation because it’s getting worse.

The best part about living in Cebu? One of the best parts of Cebu would be that it’s so centrally located. You could enjoy being in a variety of beautiful places without too much effort, like driving to the beaches up north, the waterfalls and whale sharks down south, or just renting a boat to go island hopping.

Stephanie Sharpe, 25

Director of Marketing & Product Development at CATCMI Trading | @stephaniesharpe

Stephanie wears her own white button-down and shorts

What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? There’s beauty everywhere in the world, depending on what you are looking for, and it’s not difficult to find. But what differentiates Cebu for me are the people and the relationships I have with them, and that’s why this is home.

Where do you usually hang out in the city? At friends’ houses, Zink Studio or YogaNow Center, especially if you catch one of their classes at the Yacht Club as the sun is setting.

Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? There’s a Korean restaurant next to the Marcelo Fernan bridge on the Mactan side. I’m not too sure of the name because it’s Korean, but it has a big sign that says “Kimchi” next to it. They have the best Bibim Naengmyeon. I crave it every once in a while. Also, you can find me in Luncheonette every other Sunday brunch for their consistently delicious Reuben.

Favorite local escape? Either one of the many sand bars around Cebu, or somewhere in the bukid. It doesn’t actually take too long to get as far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can be alone with the sounds of nature.

Where would you go for a night out? The Pig & Palm is definitely our go-to for Girls’ Night Out, but most of the time if I want to see friends for something more casual, it will almost always be Craft in BTC. Everyone goes there, and no matter how busy it is, it still has fast service.

Something you wish were in Cebu? Parks in the city. With Cebu’s rapid growth, it would be nice to have a park in the middle of all the buildings for people to have the option to just be outside.

Favorite local brands and designers? Hands down, SOLTI Activewear. Designed and made by Kym Maitland-Smith and her amazing team. It’s perfect for me because I work out as often as I can, and I love spending time outdoors, whether at the beach or on a hike. Everything is handmade by Cebuanos from 100% recycled material, so it’s as local as you can get. Everything is also reversible, so you have more options–perfect for someone like me who is trying to cut down on owning things. I’m completely obsessed with her line, and so proud to have a fellow Cebuana reaching for a more sustainable future.

Favorite travel destinations? Siargao is my little slice of paradise. I go there as much as I possibly can. It’s the most beautiful place in the world to me and no other place comes close. For something completely opposite, Whistler in BC is just as beautiful in the winter as it is in summer. You have to check it out if you like the outdoors.

Book that’s currently on your bedside table? A friend so graciously lent me her HBR’s 10 Must-Reads on Strategic Marketing, which is a nice change from the fiction novels I usually like to read.

Something about Cebu you wish would improve? I feel like a broken record when I say the road system. Not just for the cars, but the sidewalks as well. It would be nice to have the option to be able to walk from A to B safely. It would promote people to be more active and use cars less, which means less air pollution for us when we start walking everywhere.

The best part about living in Cebu? The fact that you are perpetually tanned here. I find dark skin one of the most beautiful features on anybody. I wear my tan with pride.

Yasmine Sarlak, 17

Student at Cebu International School | @homiesags

Yasmin wears a James Isara Diana top and Makiko Eve trousers from ASTO GROUP.

What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? There was always something about Cebu that had my heart, whether it may be the beaches, nightlife, adventure or the people. This place will always be my home.

Where do you usually hang out in the city? You can always find me in either Streetscape or BTC, probably eating. I used to hang around Kontiki in Mactan a lot earlier this year for my 6 AM dives!

Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? Antica is this small restaurant hidden between Canvas and the Lohas clinic in Paseo Saturnino, and they have hands down the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my entire life! I recommend the parma ham and arugula pizza.

Favorite local escape? North Sandbar is my favorite place not too far from the city. It’s only an hour or so by banca boat, and it’s a great place to escape from the city with a group of your good friends and barbecue!

Where would you go for a night out? My go to place is always Craft. My friends and I call it home because we’re always there. It’s sort of like our comfort zone, and they always play the best music. They have the friendliest staff too, by the way!

Something you wish were in Cebu? I honestly wish we had a really cool theme park already!

Favorite local brands and designers? My favorite local brand would have to be SOLTI Activewear that my good friend Kymberly Maitland-Smith launched not too long ago.

Favorite travel destinations? I haven’t traveled too much, but within the country I’d have to say Boracay is always my favorite. I’m stuck between LA, Zurich and Paris though, if we’re going international. They’re all so different, so I can’t come to a decision.

Book that’s currently on your bedside table? Honest, my Psychology textbook and my Arts guide.

Something about Cebu you wish would improve? The roads. Please!

The best part about living in Cebu? That the mountains are so close to the sea. You can literally go on a road trip to the mountains for a hike, get back into the car for an hour or two and jump right into the sea.

Alyssa Sacal, 18

Student at Cebu International School | @lyssssx

Alyssa wears a Viña Romero collared seamless top from ASTO GROUP, and her own jeans.

What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? What makes Cebu so different is definitely the amazing people here and the beauty within the island.

Where do you usually hang out in the city? It depends. On a daily basis, you would usually find me and my friends either at Streetscape, Crossroads or BTC grabbing something to eat. If not, we’re probably at the gym—in Zink or Fitness Nation, possibly exercising or making chika. On weekends, if I don’t have any school or sporting event, I’d be at the beach by day and in Morals and Malice by night.

Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? Favorite go-to restaurants are definitely Nonki and Kanyoen because my favorite cuisine is Japanese! For Nonki, I basically love everything on the menu, from the sashimi to the cha soba to the spicy tuna maki. While in Kanyoen, everything except the red meat, since I don’t eat it. Other restaurants I really enjoy are tapas places—The Pig & Pam for the sashimi, kinilaw, grilled squid, chicken, and the dessert with goat cheese ice cream; and Gorliz for the pulpo and paella negra.

Favorite local escape? Sometimes on Sundays, I go on long drives to either Mactan or the mountains to escape the city. Usually the plan would be a nice Sunday brunch by the beach, or a long drive to Balamban to get some corn or fresh air. And boating to nearby islands, because boating is always a good idea when the whether cooperates.

Where would you go for a night out? Of course Morals and Malice!

Something you wish were in Cebu? I really wish that Cebu would have cleaner streets, better public transportation, parks and places to just “sit around and hang out.” This is something that I am really fond of when I visit other countries—walking around and just basking in the beauty of the city as you can get a glimpse of the culture, the people and the lifestyle by just strolling around.

Favorite local brands and designers? Barbie Alvez and Arcy Gayatin

Favorite travel destinations? I love the beach, so domestic destination would be Siquijor, as it became a tradition for my family to spend a week or so at our beach house every year. Also, I really like the remote island destinations that we usually explore by boat, like Islas de Gigantes. Internationally, I would honestly say Australia because I fell in love with it when I went there this summer! Other favorite destinations would be Santorini, Mykonos and Paris, which are beautiful places as well.

Book that’s currently on your bedside table? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Something about Cebu you wish would improve? No doubt, the traffic and the roads! Oh, and the slow processing of everything, from license to travel documents, and event checks at restaurants!

The best part about living in Cebu? The fact that it is such a tight-knit community! Everyone knows each other. Whenever you go to a place, you seem to know at least one familiar face who greets you with a smile. It’s nice how that (when there is no traffic) everything is almost ten to 30 minutes away, from the beaches and mountains to the places that I usually hang out. As I have lived here all my life, my heart will always belong here, along with all the people I grew up with, and the memories we’ve made. Cebu will always be home.

photography Dan Douglas Ong | stylists Blaq Mafia | hair and makeup Arnauld and Eunice Enrera | locale Zink

Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, Dec-Jan 2017

Related Topics:Alyssa Sacal Cebu Cebu It Girls Krishtal Freeland Stephanie Sharpe Yasmin Sarlak Zink Studio

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People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

People

The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos

With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.

According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.

In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.

Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas

Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.