People
These two kids just opened a store where you can shop to look like a fashion blogger
Abegail Sanchez and Darren Moradante bring the best local online fashion to Cebu.

Abegail Sanchez and Darren Moradante are on a mission: to gather the best online Cebu and Manila fashion brands in one physical space, the Emporium concept store.
The first of its kind in Cebu City, Emporium is a two-storey one-stop shop for around 80 local web-based men and women’s fashion brands. The store sells a variety of products, including clothes, shoes, bags, eyewear, makeup, personal care items, fashion accessories, and more.
Since the store had its soft opening on March 11 last year, and a grand opening on May 7, it has been getting plenty of love from customers and fashion bloggers. “It’s been months since we opened our business. So far, it’s been doing very well,” Abegail shares. “Our foot traffic, even from walk-in customers, has been increasing.”
Abegail and Darren were classmates since their second year at the University of San Carlos, where they were both taking up Architecture. Also co-owners of ADM Architecture and Construction Services, their architecture background played a significant role in how well they designed their physical store space.
“We wanted a simple well-spaced layout where customers can easily locate items without clutter and obstacles in the way,” Abegail says.
One can’t help but be amazed at how they were able to display such a variety of products from nearly a hundred different clothing brands, while keeping the store neat and spacious at the same time. Instead of rushing out of the store, customers savor the experience when they shop at the Emporium.
“Shopping can be exhausting. We wanted to design interiors that inspire and connect with our customers by giving them the most enjoyable shopping experience,”Abegail shares. “That’s also why we let the Sweet Misfits café set up shop on our second floor.”
Sweet Misfits gives customers a space to rest and perhaps contemplate their next purchase, while enjoying a light meal or a cup of coffee. Abegail recommends their brownies and lemonade combo, before sharing with a laugh that most of the tables are occupied by guys waiting for their girlfriends to finish shopping.
Architecture aside, online fashion brands are the beating heart of the Emporium concept store. Having had previous experience selling products online, Abegail understands the desire online sellers have to open their own physical store.
At first, she and Darren considered joining bazaars to sell products from online fashion brands. However, they decided instead to open a brick and mortar store with regular operating hours.
“By partnering with online sellers, we help them sell their products in a physical location,” Abegail explains. “Our partners gain the benefit of having a physical store without having to open their own outlets. At the same time, all the brands we carry help market the Emporium.”
When Abegail and Darren were about to open their store, they were doing the legwork and inviting sellers to be their brand partners. Things changed after their soft opening in March—online sellers began reaching out to them, asking if they still had space at the Emporium.
This led to them adding a second floor to the store.
Customers also benefit from this traditional shopping experience—buyers can see and fit the items they are interested in before making the purchase. In these ways and more, concept stores like Emporium cultivate an experience that cannot be recreated online.
“Many customers enjoy shopping online because of lower price points and the unavailability of products in physical stores where they live,” Abegail says, sharing that she and Darren hope to expand their business model by establishing the Emporium, or similar concept stores, in every area of Cebu. “The Emporium makes these products available to Cebuanos at affordable prices, lower than what physical stores traditionally offer. Customers get the best of both worlds from us.”
EMPORIUM
V. Rama Avenue, Guadalupe, Cebu City
Facebook | Instagram
photography Adrian Yu hair and makeup Tatiana Agustin
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

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.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado
It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.
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