The Homes of Zee

This Could Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Made your New Year’s resolutions, but don’t know where to start? Here’s a little guide to help push you in the right direction.

New year, new me. The concept is probably as old as the one of New Year’s itself–we make resolutions, stick to it for a week, and somehow fall back into the bad habits we’d promised to leave behind in the last year.

Apparently it actually takes two months to build a habit (and not 21 days, which is a popular misconception). This means you need to power through until at least February before your resolutions start to feel like second nature.

It seems daunting to think about those two months, half of which is probably going to be spent forcing yourself to head to the gym in the morning. A lot of willpower will probably be involved in saying no to another slice of lechon. But really, the hardest part is to just start. Once you know where you’re heading, it’s easier to stay the course.

So, here’s a little nudge to help you get started. We’ve thought up some common resolutions, and given some ideas and contacts on how to kickstart your change. We get it–it’s hard to make resolutions last beyond New Year’s, but the idea is really to take it one day at a time.

Start Exercising.

As probably the most common resolution out there, getting into a real fitness habit is actually a real challenge. There are so many options in the city now that you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy enough to do on a regular basis.

If you’re looking to find some peace amidst a frenzied routine, try yoga. YogaHub is a favorite spot for their wide range of class offerings, and the helpful teachers they have onboard. Love Yoga World helmed by the bubbly Mary Deen is also a great option.

Those who want great legs and a stunning derriere can try out spinning. Zink is a great spot to try out the sport, with their state-of-the-art bikes, almost psychedelic lighting system, and the exuberant Zalde Berdon. Even if you don’t feel like getting on the bike, there’s HIIT and dance classes to keep you on the move.

Back when I was working out practically everyday, I found myself drawn to the more intense, always changing cycles of Crossfit. At Crossfit Pintados (now Southside Fitness), I reveled in the high intensity workouts, even the movements could only be described as painful. And being a little short on the attention span, I liked that the workouts were different every day. Other options to really give yourself a hard push are FITCAMP, StayFit and EPIC.

Go On A Diet.

We’re all guilty of this–vowing to go on a diet, and then buckling as soon as a slice of cake is put in front of us. Healthy eating is just one those resolutions that are so hard to keep–especially when you have all these delicious, indulgent dishes in front of you.

Thankfully, a lot of people in Cebu have spearheaded a movement–healthy food can taste just as good, and at times even better, than the junk we so guiltily indulge in.

Photo from the Diet in a Box Facebook page

Meal delivery services take the hassle out of having to prepare meals for yourself (we list down some of our favorites in this post). Even the of-the-moment Keto Diet can be delivered straight to your doorstep through Diet in a Box‘s Keto Go option.

For it to be truly sustainable though, you need to learn how to make these dishes yourself. The Lazy Chef’s Chip Lopez offers cooking classes for plant-based eating through the Kairos Loft. Trust us, if anyone knows how to make vegetables taste amazing, it’d be Chip.

Be More Creative.

The New Year often brings with it the sudden desire to make a change in your life, or at least start on something you’re more passionate about. If you’re looking to break into the creative field, or even to just get a flash of inspiration, Create Cebu’s Criss-Crossings is the right place to start.

Scheduled on January 12-14 at Crossroads, Criss-Crossings is all about creative convergence, with programs and talks on everything ranging from animation and photography, to music and crafts. The event is all about building on Cebu’s creative talent–young businesses are given a chance to learn from more seasoned personalities, and to share their ideas.

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The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.