People

Meet the Cebuana behind your favorite comic books

Kathryn Layno makes a colorful splash into the world’s art scene by breathing life into comic books, including titles for DC Entertainment.

Kathryn Layno makes a colorful splash into the world’s art scene by breathing life into comic books, including titles for DC Entertainment

Kathryn Layno (Photography by Mark Philip Dales, makeup by Arnauld, assisted by Gino Fonghe: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)

“They say if you’re working in a creative industry, your workspace is usually a mess,” Kathryn Layno warns as she ushers us into her office. Indeed, the little nook is complete artistic chaos—a bookshelf was bulging with novels and comic books, various knick-knacks were strewn all over the floor and the tables, and the walls were filled with artwork and katana swords. Kathryn’s station, which dominated the room, was a heavy drafting table that held her laptop, her Wacom Cintiq tablet, and a small HD TV screen for when she wants to take gaming breaks on a console. “My husband and I are glad we’re having a shoot here,” she confesses with a chuckle. “Now the place is slightly cleaner.”

The clutter is quite justifiable, given Kathryn’s achievements. Since kicking off her freelance career doing private commissions in 2007, the young artist steadily gained momentum and started receiving work for independent publishing. In 2012, she was one of two Cebuano artists who made it to a shortlist for a Marvel talent search. Later on, she landed coloring work for DC Entertainment, the first one being a collaboration with artist Drew Johnson for a He-Man comic book that focused on the retelling of She-Ra. “I grew up watching that show, and having Aurora’s tale spun the way they did in this new comic was really interesting to see,” Kathryn recalls. Of the experience, she says that working for DC Comics was amazing. “I got to collaborate with artists whose work I have admired, and I was part of stories I grew up with.”

The gig catapulted Kathryn’s career, leading to more collaborations with DC Comics, including interior coloring for He Man and the Masters of the Universe #1, and cover colors for The Adventures of Superman #12 and Batman Legends of the Dark Knight Vol. 4. She has also done comic art for David Lloyd’s Aces Weekly Vol. 2, Boom’s Irredeemable #24, Mike Garley’s Dead Roots, and Dragonsteel Entertainment’s Shadow’s Beneath; and took part in independent projects such as the all-female comic anthology Womanthology and Draw ‘Em with the Pointy End, a Game of Thrones non-profit art book. Her design aesthetic gravitates towards sunrise and sunset color schemes, as well as intricate layouts that involve a lot of elements blending into each other. “My work can range from ethereal glowing pieces to more black ink-heavy looks,” Kathryn explains. “It depends a lot on my mood, or what the project calls for.”

It’s definitely a long way for someone who left school (“I never finished [Fine Arts-Advertising] because I didn’t feel like I wanted to be in that field,”) and mostly taught herself through research and practice. Drawing with other artists online, Kathryn says, also helped her a lot, although she’s quick to admit that she didn’t quite know where to begin at first. “I used to believe that you had to be in the U.S. to be able to work in this field,” she remembers. As a teenager, the option for working online wasn’t there, so she was not able to consider it until much later. “Learning how to network online and find work was definitely challenging to start.”

Kathryn names Jo Chen, Rebecca Guay, Joe Madureira, Alfons Mucha, James Jean and Daisuke Ishiwatari as her inspirations, and cites her mother as her heaviest influence. “She also wanted to be an artist when she was younger, and always took me to exhibits and showed me articles about animation,” she says, adding that if she could collaborate with anyone, it would be her friends. “I am fortunate enough to be in the company of so many talented people, and I just want us to be able to do so many things together with art, music, gaming and animation if time would only allow.” Kathryn also aims to use her talents to create awareness in Cebu for LGBT and non-conventional relationship structures. “Growing up, I always felt like something was wrong with me, and it really was a struggle to accept who I was,” she shares. “I really want to shed light on those issues for people here to know they aren’t alone, and there is nothing wrong with the way they love.”

Despite the constant stream of commissions and her growing fanbase online attributed to Legend of Korra fanart she posts on Tumblr, Kathryn is not quick to rest on her laurels. She expresses that doing what she does is a constant challenge because she’s never content with where she is, artistically speaking. “It is always a matter of pushing myself to do things better, and explore areas outside my comfort zone,” Kathryn explains. “I don’t have a need to have a specific style and it’s always been about versatility over distinction to me. In times of emotional duress, that can be difficult but pushing outside your boundaries to explore what you thought you couldn’t do is the only way to find out if you actually can.”

For now, Kathryn is happy for the opportunity to portray things that are close to her. “Getting messages about how something I did for fun was able to reach people half a world away and make them love themselves more is a very humbling experience,” she concludes.

by Patty Taboada photography Mark Philip Dales makeup Arnauld assistant Gino Fonghe
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.

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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.