People

Dream Lover

What’s your ideal type? For this year’s Most Wanted Bachelors List, Zee Lifestyle finds five men who are the stuff dreams are made of. Hailing from all over the world, they now call Cebu home. It’s a showcase of smoldering gazes, half smiles and captivating accents—and who’s complaining? Certainly not us.

My dream girls is CRAZYADRIEN GUERREY, 26

In the two years that he’s lived in Cebu, this shy Brittany native takes a big bite out of life travelling around the country, learning new languages, making music and performing with his punk bands Rouge Tampax and The Penalties at the Peace Bar on weekend nights, and,of course, looking for that someone special. Adrien had decided to move to Cebu after visiting a friend who worked for Alliance Francaise, and worked at Macaron Tango Café before his current job as the head chef for La Maison Rose. On the dating front, however, he admits he’s yet to go on a crazy date, good or bad, that would be one for the books, but that might also be because he already knows what he wants—someone with a strong character, a radiant smile with a nice set of teeth and, something he admits with no hesitation, “a
nice butt!”.

Romantic or pragmatic? The French have romance in their blood. Joking aside though, I am both romantic and practical. It depends on the girl.

Habits you have that might take getting used to: I have the tendency to get too engrossed in my work that it takes me to long to reply to messages or pick up phone calls. Some girls don’t like that.

Pet peeves: I can’t stand anyone who has a bad attitude towards other people, as well as know-it-alls and pretentious girls.

Can most likely be seen at: Cooking at La Maison Rose, playing music at Peace Bar, and hanging out at Outpost, Tree Lounge, or even Mango sometimes for clubbing.

My dream girl is INTELLIGENTJOEL CLOTAS, 29

Just when you think he’s heavily flirting with you, or with everyone, think again: he’s Spanish—he’s just very naturally affectionate. Born and raised in Barcelona, Joel’s accent is thick and sexy, something he’s working hard to improve on as the next IELTS exams draw closer and he’s trying to secure a “skills visa.” An architect by profession, he drums up the next hot resort in Bohol, Boracay or Palawan at Gallego Architects; but by night, he’s Scrapyard Lounge’s resident DJ. “Cebu has a similar atmosphere with Barcelona,” he says, justifying why he feels so at home here. “It is a beach city and people enjoy the laidback life.”

Romantic or pragmatic: I’m romantic in most intimate moments, but I am not as sweet as a teddy bear every second.

Craziest date you’ve ever been on: It was more awkward. I dated a girl in Barcelona a while back, and over dinner she didn’t talk much at all, just answering me with a “yes” or “no.” It was very uncomfortable. When I arrived home, she sent me a really long message about her feelings, her dreams, our dinner—an amazing essay. She could be a great writer, but the date was over.

How important is “physical beauty” to you? I admit it is important to a certain point, but of course, looks are all but temporary. What eventually matters are your experiences together. Someone being uninteresting is far worse than not having the perfect body.

What a woman might want: I enjoy cooking, especially for a woman I’m into. It’s not just men whose hearts are won through their stomachs. I know women really love a man who can be their own personal chef.

My dream girl is SPONTANEOUS JESSE ELLIS, 29

“I’ve spent the last ten years travelling and would like to settle down,” said this cheerful Canadian, but he can’t help that his positive disposition and ambition has brought him places, including Cebu, where he came to expand his online business MyCheapWeek.com. He admits, though, that it’s high time to pour more resources into finding the one. His attention to detail and desire to always keep a girl happy is constantly put to the test, being an uncle to six nieces, and he is confident he won’t fail in this regard. As for his business, MyCheapWeek. com specializes in selling vacation rental weeks at discounts up to 75% less than Expedia or Orbitz, and Jesse has an entrepreneurial drive and desire to get ahead that keeps him on his toes. All that’s left now is finding someone to share the adventure with.

Romantic or pragmatic? I guess I would say I am romantic, but in a spontaneous and perhaps even goofy way.

Best dating lesson you’ve learned: Don’t get drunk before your date or make sure they are first because that way you can keep your charm.

Habits you have that might need adjusting to: Being self-employed, I need to go to bed and wake up earlier, and spread myself a bit thin most times. I am also a bit of a scatterbrain.

Can most often be seen at: During the work week, I am in IT Park, and during the weekend, I’m usually at Tree Lounge or Distillery—and if it’s a really late night, at Mango. When I get friends organized, I enjoy going to the beach or going boating.

My dream girl is WILDFIRAAS BAASSIRI, 32

“I can’t pick just one; I love everything about women,” says Firas when asked about the part of a woman’s body that entices him the most. The Istanbul native, like his country of origin, exudes a beguiling aura that keeps people on their toes—with brooding eyes and a secretive smile that suggests surprises await when in his company. With a strong appetite for life, Firas loves to cook, engages in various fitness activities like extreme sports and martial arts, and encourages people to develop a healthier eating lifestyle. He does so as the chef and proprietor of Vegan’s Guild, a food kiosk set up every Saturday at the Banilad Town Center. Find out more about his passion for health and longevity on www.facebook.com/vegansguild.

A habit of yours that might need adjusting to: I’m quite frank. I feel the need to always say what’s on my mind regardless of who I’m talking to. Some people with that, but some people, especially here, might find it a little rude.

Best dating advice you’ve heard: Pay attention to details and small things that might seem trivial or insignificant, because the little things can matter the world to women.

Best dating lesson you’ve learned: It’s important not to rush into things because what’s meant to happen will happen.

How important is “physical beauty” to you? I’d say it is important but at the end of the day, it’s the chemistry that you have with your partner that matters most—and chemistry goes far beyond how attracted you are to one another personally.

My dream girl is SURPRISINGDAVID ORTEGA, 25

The French-Spanish David has been in Cebu for barely a year, but he’s gone on more bad, awkward and fake coffee and movie dates than he can care to count. But he keeps on, wanting to find that one special girl while keeping a positive outlook—“If they didn’t happen, I might just be a boring person with a dull life.” He’s adventurous, enjoys travel, learning new cultures and languages, and does a lot of sports while he’s not working as the marketing manager for Arcanys, a software development outsourcing company. “After all I have been through, I believe I am still a romantic—I left my country, my comfort zone, to be with someone here.” It didn’t work out, but he’s here and determined to make the most of it.

What a woman might want: I’m very caring and I cook. And I’m independent—I can take care of myself and my girl. If a woman wanted to have to take care of someone, she’d have a baby, but I am here to be her man. I am also confident, so I’m not the jealous type who tries to sneak into her phone or Facebook.

Craziest dating experience: It’s really disappointing to meet someone who is a total poser, but as far as posers go, I met someone online and agreed to meet. Not only did she turn out to be a he, but he was also unruly, despicable, extremely picky and so full of himself.

Best relationship advice you’ve heard: Don’t plan things too much. There is no real science to relationships. And do not impose. People want a relationship, not a dictatorship.

Best dating advice to give: Just go for it. You never know what will come out of a simple date. Also, being rejected is not the end of the world. Life goes on and so does love.

by Ian Baol
sittings editor Shari Quimbo
creative director David Jones Cua
photography Dan Douglas Ong
fashion stylist RENova Image and Style
assistant Lor Yutico
hair and make up Jessie Glova
assistants Ann Ramos, John Dare Bejelia and Rey Reyes
model Victoria Aviso (Wafer Models)
locale Radisson Blu Cebu Executive Suite

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.

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.

Design

Filipino graphic designer makes history, joins Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde among genre’s greats

PJ Ong of Inodoro, an internationally renowned graphic designer, is the first Filipino whose work will be part of the permanent collection of Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde

CEBU CITY — In a groundbreaking achievement, Cebu-based graphic designer and art director PJ Ong of Inodoro Design Studio, is set to become the first Filipino artist permanently exhibited at Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g) in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Cebu-based graphic designer and art director of Inodoro Design Studio, PJ Ong

Ong’s recognition at MA-g places him among over 250 avant-garde artists, including iconic figures like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, signifying a profound milestone in museum history.

“Avant-garde,” is a term that refers to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

“I am extremely honored and humbled. It is a remarkable milestone in my creative journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prominent platform. The acknowledgment, especially considering Switzerland’s exacting standards in art and design, is truly fulfilling,” said Ong.

Part of a stellar contemporary collection

Under the museum’s Contemporary Collection, Ong will join global contemporary agencies such as M/M Paris (collaborator of Icelandic singer-songwriter and composer, Björk), WORK Pte Ltd (brainchild of the “Godfather of Singapore Graphic Design,” Theseus Chan), Bedow (Stockholm), BVD Stockholm AB (Stockholm), Socio Design (London) and Milkxhake (Hong Kong), among others.

Ong’s music packaging design for the Filipino harsh noise duo, White Widow, will be featured in the museum. The band’s album “The God Uterus Dissolves” — released under Melt Records — features an unconventional cassette tape packaging incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, elevating it into a unique and bespoke collector’s item.

The museum’s selection process for its Contemporary Collection involved three categories: Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. Swiss-Canadian Fritz Gottschalk, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design, led the Graphic Design category.

“This is profoundly validating for me as a graphic designer. Being part of a museum’s permanent contemporary collection is a lasting testament to my capabilities as an artist,” said Ong.

‘Poetry you can touch’

The graphic designer from Cebu City further defined the album as a “deliberate departure from the ordinary,” stating that it was a testament to the artist’s and band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and offering the audience a unique and immersive experience.

“Careful consideration was given to every detail, including choosing a premium supplier for the cassette tape. Opting for a screen-printed cassette, where design elements were applied directly to the surface, gave it a contemporary and visually striking result, helping us reinforce the design narrative,” said Ong.

“From the cohesive placement of elements to using symbols instead of track titles on the spine and customizing fonts, every aspect was carefully thought out. Rather than opting for the conventional wire mesh treatment on print, I took a bold step by incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, adding a unique and sensory dimension to the album — almost like poetry you can touch.”

Profound honor

Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio under Ong’s leadership has garnered global acclaim for its bold design philosophy, spanning music, fashion, architecture, culture and technology. In becoming the first Filipino whose work will be on display at the MA-g, Ong stated that it is “particularly humbling.”

“Traditionally, these privileges are given to individuals who have amassed decades of experience, attained mastery in their craft, or even as a posthumous acknowledgment. To be among those selected is a profound and unexpected honor,” he said.

“Museums typically focus on visual artists, and for a graphic designer, especially within the realm of commercial work, recognition can be more elusive. I appreciate the challenges of this less conventional route and I am committed to proving the significance of graphic design in the broader artistic landscape.”

Art enthusiasts can anticipate viewing Ong’s work with “The God Uterus Dissolves” at MA-g, scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.

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About The Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g)

The Museum of Avant-garde compiles an original body of work from private collections, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of avant-garde movements. These movements, synonymous with transformative ideologies and daring experimentations, played a pivotal role in challenging political and societal conventions. For more information, visit www.ma-g.org.

About Inodoro

Inodoro is the creative moniker of graphic designer and art director PJ Ong, a prominent figure in the Philippine design scene. Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio, based in Cebu, Philippines, has garnered international recognition for its bold and distinctive design, with a focus on thought-driven imagery and iconic visual language. The studio specializes in identities, custom typography, graphic design and art direction. For more information, visit www.inodoro-design.com.

People

Ladies Who Support Ladies

Women’s Circle is an organization composed of Cebuano ladies who are successful entrepreneurs and top executives. They recently held a fellowship event at the Sheraton Mactan Resort, with special guests from the Women’s Business Council Philippines. Chairperson, Rosemarie Rafael and Council Secretary Cynthia Mamon both flew in from Manila to discuss alliances between the Cebu and Manila groups.

Loot bag from Jo Malone, Sheraton, R&M Chocomanga, gift card from Maayo Clinic, sarong from Ferimar.

The half day event was organized by Perl Jacalan, Gina Atienza and Eva Gullas. Sheraton Resort through its GM Dottie Wugler Cronin supported the event as it is aligned with the hotel’s women initiatives. The successful event was made more fun with generous give-aways, notably Jo Malone perfumes, Sheraton bags, R&M Chocomanga and sarongs from Ferimar.