The Homes of Zee

The Cabin in Busay You Wish You Owned

A weekend getaway in Busay marries country charm with sophisticated modern living.

The hills of Busay are truly a different world. Just a short drive away from the city, its winding roads lead up to tranquil corners that feel miles away from the muted frenzy that Cebu has started to exude. It’s a real indulgence, then, when you can have a quiet hillside retreat—especially if it’s anything like this private log cabin with one of the most sweeping views of the city you’ve ever seen.
“The cabin had been here for a few years; it was supposed to be model home for a small village,” explains Kathrynn Dawn Sy, the house’s architect for the interiors. “Just recently, they decided to refurbish the interiors and turn it into a sort of weekend retreat.”

Its façade—with its rows of logs, stone walls and shingled roof—is complemented by the rows of full-grown trees on one side and the 180-degree vista of the city and Mactan beyond on the other. To counter its rustic exteriors, the inner rooms were furnished with modern pieces and a collection of textures, allowing a more sophisticated but still decidedly cozy vibe.

“The house itself was already predominantly wood, so we didn’t want to go for that typical log cabin look with dark wooden furniture and things like that,” Dawn explains, pointing out that the pieces are a mix of some of Cebu’s premier furniture manufacturers—Kenneth Cobonpue and Detalia Aurora, among others—and furniture stores. “It was a little bit of a challenge. The clients had a strict timeline they wanted to follow because they’d arranged to have guests stay over in a few weeks’ time, and we had to look for pieces that the stores and the designers already had available. In the end, though, everything came together really well.”

The ground level opens up into an open living space, with the same log walls as its exterior. Glass sliding doors open up into a deck, while a contemporary living space makes up most of the room. It’s a play on materials and textures—a shag rug, multi-level coffee tables, a sleek floor lamp shaped like a satellite.

Punctuating this room, and all the others in the house, though is the collection of artwork from artists around the Philippines. “The owner is actually a big art collector,” Dawn explains. Muted landscapes by Aguilar Alcuaz greet guests in the foyer, while in the den, a visually stunning painting by Fidel Sarmiento depicts a vast and barren landscape with what looked like a snapshot of farmers is taped on one corner. Of course, it isn’t a snapshot; it’s actually painted on—the detailed shadows and even the crease of the “tape” are incredibly realistic.

Downstairs, the view is completely optimized, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows covering the far end of the room. As opposed to the upstairs rich wooden accents, natural light and white walls contrast with the darker wooden wall panels, and make this space more contemporary. The feeling of a wide, airy space is further reinforced by the open floor plan, with a low counter separating the formal dining area from the modern kitchen. The rustic elements continue here though—Kenneth Cobonpue’s Noodle chairs and Parchment table sit below industrial-style light bulbs, while clear vases are filled with dried branches.

A good mix of modern and quaint, this particular log cabin encapsulates the city it’s a sanctuary from—a good mix of sophisticated and contemporary tastes with all the natural charm that keeps it down to earth. One thing’s for sure, this little getaway is a luxury destination all its own.

Photography by John Ong
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, Aug-Sept 2015

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.