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Three cheers for The Cebruery at the Asian Beer Medal Competition 2016

The Cebruery (Cebruery, Artisanal Ales and Lagers) was awarded three medals at the Asian Beer Medal competition in Singapore last March 03, 2016.

The Cebruery's Chocolate Hills Porter (Photo courtesy of The Cebruery)

The Cebruery’s Chocolate Hills Porter (Photo courtesy of The Cebruery)

The Cebruery’s Chocolate Hills Porter won best Porter in Asia as it was awarded the Gold medal in the Porter category, Guimaras Gose claimed Silver in the Flavored category, and Fat Bottomed Girls Wee Heavy Scotch Ale won Bronze for the Strong Ale category, beating out entries from Singapore, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Jordan, and from other breweries in the Philippines.

“We have just recently celebrated our brewery’s first anniversary in February of this year and winning three medals from a BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program)-sanctioned competition shortly after makes us undeniably proud,” shares Toni Marie Despojo, founder of The Cebruery. “There are so many great craft breweries that have started up here in Cebu and in The Philippines over the past several years, and it makes us really happy that Philippine craft beer is starting to get region-wide recognition. With so many amazing brewers producing so many high quality, flavorful beers here, we’re just excited to be a part of the movement.”

Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2015: Photography by Mark Philip Dales / Makeup and grooming by Paula Martin / Shot on location at Politics Café)

Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2015: Photography by Mark Philip Dales / Makeup and grooming by Paula Martin / Shot on location at Politics Café)

Toni started The Cebruery with husband Taylor in early 2014. Taylor’s background as a brewmaster in the United States, coupled with Toni’s penchant for supporting everything local, made a microbrewery the ideal business for the young and ambitious couple. The Cebruery is dedicated to bringing artisanal and innovative craft beer to the Philippines, with a strong set of four core beers to satisfy everyone’s varying preferences. The award-winning Chocolate Hills Porter uses “significant amounts of dark caramel, chocolate, and black patent malt for a rounded, full malt character, and is balanced with a pungent but restrained combination of Australian, American, and British hops,” according to their website.

The Cebruery's bestselling drinks (Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2015: Photography by Mark Philip Dales / Shot on location at Politics Café)

The Cebruery’s bestselling drinks (Taylor and Toni Marie Despojo (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2015: Photography by Mark Philip Dales / Shot on location at Politics Café)

 

Read more about The Cebruery on Zee Lifestyle‘s July 2015 issue. For back issues, download Magzster on your mobile device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.

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Events

Some Enchanted Evening–Marguerite Lhuillier hosts a Despidida Dinner for Eva Gullas in her Fabulous Post-Modernist Maria Luisa Mansion

by Oj Hofer

The doyenne of everything bright and beautiful, Marguerite Lhuillier, hosted a dinner party in honor of her dear friend Eva Gullas at her effortlessly elegant home. She invited an intimate circle of guests for an evening of photo ops, fashion talk, positive vibes, and absolutely no politics—not even a whisper on the subject.

A 38-year-old Sapodilla tree with branches adorned with bird’s nest ferns and bromeliads that deepen its quiet, enduring beauty.

Upon entering the hostess’s expansive residence, guests were greeted by an open and welcoming space. A tall vase of fiery heliconias offered an instant boost of visual pleasure. Flanking this vibrant floral arrangement were two sacred sentinels: a Tibetan thangka of Compassion and Wisdom on the right console, and to the left, a serene image of Guanshiyin Pusa glowing with the aura of a Uruguayan amethyst geode. Completing this spiritual trio was a towering clear quartz cathedral geode. It felt as if each guest underwent a quiet cleansing and energizing upon stepping into a lush sanctuary framed by bougainvillea blossoms.

Marguerite Lhuillier, Mariquita Yeung, Frances Siao, and Christine Pelaez.

Cocktails were served at dusk. The usual spirits made their rounds—champagne, red and white wine—but this writer opted for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler, which provided just the right kick. The extravagant tablescape featured a familiar array of cheeses and charcuterie, with my personal favorite, tortilla de patatas, delightfully arranged against the sparkling backdrop of Cebu City.

Standing Left to Right: Jun Pelaez, Dindo Arcenas , Lilet Heredia, Oj Hofer, Marguerite Lhuillier, Maris Holopeinen, Frances Siao, Christine Pelaez, Manolet Heredia, Erwin Siao Seated: Angelique Gradne Salve,Iris Fernan, Eva Gullas, Mariquita Yeung, and Jiji Gullas.

Dinner followed in a buffet-style spread catered by Café Laguna. There were no place cards on the table, allowing guests the freedom to choose their seats. Naturally, the dinner crowd gravitated between the gracious hostess, Marguerite, and the guest of honor, Eva. I was particularly fortunate to be seated beside Jun Pelaez, art connoisseur and collector. Our conversation flowed effortlessly into the realm of the arts, creativity, and life’s finer pursuits—pausing only with the arrival of desserts (my absolute weakness).

Jiji Gullas, Christopher Darza, Manolet Heredia, Dindo Fernan, and Erwin Siao

The final course of the evening featured the hostess’s famous leche flan and Christine Pelaez’s signature bibingka—sweet reminders that, like dessert, life is fleeting, but friendships, shared stories, and enchanting evenings like this one linger long after the last bite.

Eva Gullas, soon departing on a well-deserved hiatus, left us wrapped in laughter, elegance, and warmth. It’s a gift to have friends whose presence makes coming home to worth it.

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Events

Can Art Spark Awakening? Inside Oj Hofer’s Tribute to His Zen Master

by Emmanuel Hamoy

On April 4, 2025, the much-anticipated exhibit One Flower, One World: Brushstrokes of Compassion and Wisdom opened at SM JMall, blending contemporary Buddhist art with interactive experiences. The event brought together art students, enthusiasts, collectors, social luminaries, community leaders, international Buddhist practitioners, and Dharma masters to celebrate Oj Hofer’s tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun through calligraphy, Zen ink painting, and Ikebana.

Erwin Choa (Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Philippines), Marisa Fernan (Vice President of SM Prime Holdings Inc), Venerable Yung Guang (Head Abess of Fó Guāng Shān, Philippines), Marguerite Lhuillier (Social Luminary and Animal Rights Advocate), Sheila Go ( Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Cebu)

Margie Lhuillier, artist Oj Hofer and Mariquita Yeung

Oj’s live calligraphy demonstrations captivated guests, offering them a unique chance to witness his creative process and receive personalised calligraphy pieces. The afternoon culminated in an exclusive cocktail reception featuring delicious vegetarian delicacies prepared by Nonki Japanese Restaurant.

Joy Uy, Francis Dravigny, Venerable Yung Guang, Marissa Fernan, Margette Sarmiento

Among the distinguished guests were Oj’s muse, society maven Marguerite Lhuillier, SM Holdings’ Marissa Fernan, Buddhist advisers Sheila Go and Erwin Choa, and, most importantly, Fo Guang Shan Philippines’ Head Abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who shared reflections on Master Hsing Yun’s teachings and the role of art in spiritual practice.

Artist Oj Hofer and Paeng Batuigas (Senior Assistant Vice President, Visayas Marketing, SM Supermalls)

The exhibit was a resounding success, showcasing how art can foster reflection, connection, and understanding in a diverse, multicultural society. The event was made possible with the support of SM JMall, Buddha’s Light International Association, and Fo Guang Shan Philippines.

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Events

Villa Mariquita: An Evening of Elegance, Laughter, and Fine Champagne

by Emmanuel Hamoy

Villa Mariquita opened its doors to a very select few. On cue, a server hands you a glass of Pol Roger as Mrs. Yeung warmly greets you, effortlessly chic in a perfect pair of Chanel jeans and a pullover. Conversations over food, between sips of wine and champagne, range from the mundane to the profound—each exchange punctuated with laughter, and then even more laughter.

Margie Lhuillier, Frances Siao, this writer and Mariquita Yeung

Mariquita Yeung sharing experiences with guests on art collection

Oj Hofer, Freemont Base, Eva Gullas, Frances Siao, Jun Escario, Margie Lhuillier, Cary Santiago, the host Mariquita Yeung, Phillip Rodriguez, this writer, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth and Pearl Atienza

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