Events

Christmas in the Tropics at the Maayo Hotel

by Allain Dumon Fonte

When we think of Christmas, we always imagine of pine trees covered with snow, cold breeze, and a monotone of red, everywhere. But, as I walked into the lobby of Maayo Hotel, I was welcomed with the vibrant colours of summer and a display of fauna and flora. The upbeat sound of the drums set the mood and the smiles of everyone in the hallway brought back memories to one of my favourite destinations, Turks and Caicos. The tropical-themed Christmas is a breath of fresh air. Across the room, a familiar smile welcomed me, and it was the beautiful Pearlyn Hortelan0-Sanchez; a former super model and now Maayo Hotel’s marketing officer, who helped in planning and executing this uniquely themed Christmas party. Pearlyn brought me straight to the bar where I was treated with delightful sangria. The bartender definitely knows his cocktails, as the flavourful sangria is comparable to that of the world-renowned red sangria at Bar La Carbonera in Ibiza. So, I went for another drink, and this time I had the margarita. It just took one sip and I was taken back to Cabo San Lucas where the best margaritas are served. Maayo hotel has finally revealed its secret, and that is the really good cocktails. The gracious hostess called our attention for the official lighting of the Christmas tree.

At the foot of the 25-feet-high Christmas tree that was intricately adorned with the island’s indigenous ornaments, I saw the stunning Atty. Regal Oliva, city treasure of the City of Mandaue; and the vice mayor of the city of Mandaue, the Hon. Glenn Bercede, as guests of honour tasked to light the Christmas tree. They were joined by Maayo Hotel’s general manager, Miss Karen Mendoza, and Maayo Hotel’s board of directors, Mr. William Christopher Liu Jr., Wally Liu and Miss Paulette D. Liu. After the countdown, the Christmas tree glowed gloriously in front of the guests, and Christmas carols filled the room. It felt different from the other Christmas parties that I have attended because the island and tropical vibe made the event more festive.

It felt different from the other Christmas parties that I have attended because the island and tropical vibe made the event more festive.

In the ballroom, the guests were officially welcomed by Miss Mendoza, and the chain of Maayo Hotels was introduced in a short audio-video presentation. Maayo Resort San Remigio and Maayo Resort Argao look promising from the photo and video footages. Maayo Resort Argao seem to have the Moroccan ambiance, and the resort structures remind me of the La Mamounia resort in Marrakesh. So, if I want to recreate some scenes of “Sex and the City 2”, there is no need to fly to Marrakesh, it will just be a two-hour drive to the south at the Maayo Resort Argao. While the Maayo Resort San Remigio is designed with the Caribbean character. From the photos and videos, Maayo Resort San Remigio resembles of my favourite resort in Turks and Caicos, the Key West village. It may not be as grand as the Key West Village, but it surely looks built with the love of the sand and sea. The program continued as Maayo Hotel’s Mr. Wally Liu awarded the hotel’s top business partners and suppliers for putting Maayo Hotel on top with the other hotels and resorts in the Queen City in the span of two years.

Maayo Hotel is also very generous, as it awarded ten Christmas prizes to the lucky guests; of which I won none. It would have been nice to win a one-night stay at one of the Maayo Resorts to feel the beach again. However, the unfortunate me just indulged myself with the canapés and exquisite food served by Maayo Hotel’s executive chef, Luigi Mangubat. Chef Mangubat surely knows the way to our hearts, as he prepared a variety of Maayo Hotel’s specialties to fit to every one’s palette. Apart from the unforgettable concoctions of the cocktails, when it comes to food, Maayo Hotel stands true to its name, MAAYO, which in the local vernacular literally translates to very good. I had spent many thanksgiving dinners in the United States, and tried different recipes and various styles of cooking for the turkey; yet, Maayo Hotel’s roasted turkey is heaven. It literally melts in your mouth, and I have to commend Chef Mangubat for a job well done.

This may be my first time to visit Maayo Hotel, but it definitely will not be the last. I have found a jewel in the heart of Mandaue, and that is the Maayo hotel. Now, I am on to the next adventure, and we shall see what the Maayo resorts have to offer. Until then, MAAYOng Pasko!!!

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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