Events

A Glistening Christmas at bai hotel Cebu!

by Allain Dumon Fonte

Christmas is unstoppable; and, as we draw closer to Christmas day, the scent of this joyous season fills the air, and the sounds of celebrations fill the homes and streets of Cebu. Invitations for pre-Christmas celebrations are overflowing; from intimate soirées to grand gatherings. Yet, one invitation came that I could not miss, and would not dare to miss. It was the bai Hotel Cebu’s Glistening Christmas.

The University of Cebu Chorale serenaded the guests with timeless Christmas carols.

bai Hotel Cebu is one of the Queen City’s newest hotels, with modern-designed interiors and world-class facilities; plus, the Instagram-worthy views of the deck pool and pool bar, it is truly the next destination for your ‘staycation’. The hotel’s most accommodating and friendliest staff are led by a hospitality and tourism veteran, Mr. Alfred Reyes, who is the hotel’s general manager and vice-president for operations. Hence, the hotel is branded as Cebu’s friendliest. And true to their standards of excellence, the hotel has yet surprised all of its guests and partners with a glistening Christmas celebration.

FROM LEFT Alfred Reyes, Angelie Lua-Domingo, Danilo Lua and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes

The Glistening Christmas welcomed about five hundred guests, and was attended by Cebu City’s elite personalities. The celebration started with the symbolic lighting of the Christmas tree in the lobby area. The Christmas tree was lit by bai Hotel Cebu’s general manager, Mr. Alfred Reyes; bai Hotel Cebu’s founder, Mr. Danilo Lua; and the mayor of the City of Mandaue, the Hon. Jonas Cortes. While everyone was enjoying the cocktails, canapés, and the Christmas carols by the University of Cebu chorale, our gracious hostess, the president of bai Hotel Cebu, Miss Angelie Lua-Domingo, invited everyone to the Lapu-Lapu Grand Ballroom for the celebration’s formal reception.

“In bai Hotel, we always innovate to create something special because the guests that we serve are special.” -Chef Mel Lopez

The ballroom was magical, as it was adorned with flamboyant centerpieces and an array of cheese selections. It felt like I died and went to cheese heaven. The guests were treated with selections from cheddar cheese, American cheese, provolone to gruyere, rogue river blue, caciovallo podolico, bitto, and white silton selections. And if there is cheese, wine flows. Although, I am not a big fan of wines, but how can I say no to a fine chardonnay when there is a gruyere; neither to a quality sauvignon when there is an aged gouda. The chef really knows how to please his guests. While I was looking for the talented chef to personally congratulate him; little did I know that the chef was busy preparing for a show. bai Hotel Cebu’s corporate executive chef, Mel Lopez, presented a one-of-a-kind gastro-orgasmic exhibition when he formally opened the cheese platter buffet by subliming the solid carbon dioxide. What happened next was magic; the cheese buffet station was covered with crawling mist, making the cheese platters appeal to be floating on the mist. I stood in ovation and congratulated Chef Lopez; he gratefully responded, “In bai Hotel, we always innovate to create something special because the guests that we serve are special.” I could not agree more, as I can feel the incomparable hospitality from the moment I walked in to the hotel.

The night continued with more canapés and non-stop service of beverages. However, I broke my strict diet routine with the egg and bacon canapés. I have to commend Chef Lopez again for the extraordinarily delicious egg and bacon canapé. It may be commonly served in most events that I have attended; but this one truly tastes different and has set the bar higher in the canapé category. While I was particularly noticing the details of the intricacy of the food preparations, the rest of the ballroom was entertained by the Broadway Youth Cebu. The performers took us from Broadway to West End with their renditions of songs from our favourite musicale theatre shows. I am impressed with the great pool of talents that Cebu has to offer. Perhaps, Mel Brooks, David Geffen, or Cameron Mackintosh should stage their next productions in Cebu with these amazing talents. It was just disappointing that they did not perform any song from the musicale, “the Christmas Schooner”; yet, their total performance was of class A standards.

The night concluded with the awarding of bai Cebu Hotel’s business partners. This is a very good gesture of acknowledging the people who made bai Hotel Cebu a-must-visit hotel in the span of two years. I, however, ended my night with a big smile on my face; perhaps it was the wine, or may be the cheese; but, there is one thing that I am sure of, I know it was the smiles of the staff of bai Hotel Cebu that also made me smile. Yes! It was indeed a Glistening Christmas.

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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.

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.

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