The Homes of Zee

MDF Productions Opens A Haven For Passion

MDF Productions brings us a place where everyone can freely express themselves through their passion as they open The Core last March 31, 2019 at FLC Center, Cebu, which the very first community space for arts that is built in Cebu.

The Core is a community space that is created to cater to everyone who is looking for an avenue to release their passion. They aim to encourage people to release their energy into doing what they love in a place where they can feel comfortable. “If they were to come in for dancing because it’s what they love to do, please come in and let yourself go, relax and express yourself here,” says Margo Frasco, the founder of MDF Productions and The Core.

The space is not only limited for dancing but it is for anything that anyone’s heart may desire. It can be for physical activities such as martial arts or it can be a space where people can exhibit their passion, may it be through holding seminars or an exhibition of artistic creations such as paintings and more. “It’s literally open to anyone who’d love to use the space,” Margo proudly says. “You can definitely come here to express a topic or a subject that you know you can teach to other people like painting or a gallery. It is basically about how you can express yourself towards a certain passion or idea,” she adds.

The Core also offers classes such as zumba, yoga, meditation and pop jazz that you can attend in very affordable rates. “There are ways where you stretch your body in the right way and there are also ways where you can hurt your body not even thinking that you are doing it the wrong way,” Margo explains. “Just to keep it safe for everyone, we wanted to get certified teachers that can teach on our space,” she adds.

That being said, The Core’s main feature is their sprung floor that made with rebonded foam and basket weave that is designed for the safety of those who wishes to utilize the space for physical activities. “The reason we have that is because when you dance or any kind of movement or activity, it always goes to your feet,” Margo explains. Other than the safety, the space is designed with mirrors for rehearsals. They also have black painted walls and curtain to cover the mirrors to transform the place into an intimate area for conferences and workshops or even poetry nights.

“When I moved in here in 2010. They asked me to direct a theatre production and it was difficult to find a place to rehearse that actors can be comfortable. Back then, I thought it would be nice to have your own place that could cater to anyone. So when the idea came to me, we pushed through,” says Margo when asked about how she came up with the idea of creating a community space for talents.

The founder wanted to create a space where everyone is free to express themselves and sure enough, she was able to provide us that. “Even in dancing and karate, you have to strengthen your core which is your stomach. Any kind of movement, anything that we do in life, it all starts in our hearts, which is our core,” says Margo. “The reason that we call it Core is because for me you really need to strengthen the inside first before you can express yourself,” she adds.

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.