Events
Here’s your fortune for the Year of the Fire Rooster
Admit it: You want to know how 2017 will be for you. See your forecasts on career, health, finances and romance in this comprehensive list.

It’s only been a few days after Sinulog, yet the festive season in Cebu shows no signs of slowing down, as the city gears up for yet another one of its major celebrations of the year—Chinese New Year 2017.
Besides all the traditions we know and love (Fireworks! Prosperity toss!), one thing we always tend to do around this time is to check on your forecasts for the year ahead. Find your animal sign in the list below, and see how 2017 will be for you in terms of career, health, finances, and romance.
RAT
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Carpe diem! Resourcefulness will give way to opportunities such as a promotion, although take caution: A hectic schedule will burn Rats out. Rats are also discouraged from taking out loans or gambling, but having a 2017 wedding will be good for them.
OX
1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
2017 would be a good time to pursue a relationship or even get married, but be wary about dwelling on emotional weaknesses. Starting a business would also be good this year, as it’s the year you’ll bounce back to good finances.
TIGER
1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
There’ll be hardships this year, but overall 2017 seems promising. Chances in romance are strong, but now is not the time to take financial risks and buy things impulsively to avoid serious financial losses.
RABBIT
1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
All the single rabbits, 2017 is your year to find the right one. When it comes to people though, not everything is smooth sailing. Exercise caution when dealing with people about finances, as relatives or friends borrowing money this year will not repay the debt.
DRAGON
1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Career will soar for Dragons this year. Your superiors will take notice of your abilities which will pay off, but it’s starting your own business that will bring the most luck to your wealth. Watch out, though: Health could pose a problem.
MARCO POLO HOTELS
With properties in the cities of Cebu, Davao, Manila, Beijing, Changzhou, Chengdu, Foshan, Jinjiang, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Wuhan and Hong Kong, it’s only fitting for Niccolo and Marco Polo Hotels to have unbelievable offers in time for Chinese New Year.
From now until February 12, guests will enjoy extra benefits including breakfast for two and guaranteed early check-in and late check-out, as well as a 50% discount on a second room booking during the same booking period. Those staying more than three consecutive nights will also be automatically upgraded to the next room category. Click this link to avail of this promo.
MARCO POLO PLAZA CEBU
Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills
6332. 253 1111 | Facebook
SNAKE
1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snakes will be extremely lucky in the romance department, however they are encouraged to take things slow. Conversely, it’s an unlucky year for Snakes wealth-wise, especially if you tend to spend beyond your means.
HORSE
1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
2017 will be quite challenging for Horses. Conflicts are on the horizon when it comes to romance, finances will suffer and health issues will arise, while bad luck with career can be avoided by staying in the same job.
SHEEP
1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
There will be an abundance of opportunities in careers and relationships. There’s a possible financial crisis on the rise, but keeping a tight budget will allow Sheeps to survive. Take it easy, though: Being stressed at work will affect your health.
MONKEY
1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Starting a family would be a great move for Monkeys in 2017, as personal relationships will have harmony, and income and work will be stable. This will be quite the busy year, so expect some minor health issues, but nothing that relaxing won’t help.
RADISSON BLU CEBU
Just in time for Chinese New Year, Radisson Blu Cebu recently introduced its new Chinese chef Steve Ang who will be preparing his signature dishes for Feria’s lunch and dinner buffets on January 28.
Indulge in the extensive Chinese station featuring the traditional prosperity salmon salad Yee Sang, as well as specialties like the beef cube tenderloin in pepper sauce with garlic flakes and braised mushroom in crispy pork knuckle. These will be served alongside regular favorites such as dim sum and assorted seafood.
Feria’s buffet on January 28 will be at PHP 980 net per person.
RADISSON BLU CEBU
S. Osmena Blvd. cor. Juan Luna Ave, North Reclamation
6332. 402 9900 | Facebook
ROOSTER
1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Roosters are going to be extremely moody this year, with an emotional crisis looming. It’s best to put off weddings until the next year. Also, plan out expenses carefully to avoid bad luck, and be careful to avoid accidents from motor vehicles and extreme sports.
DOG
1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Dogs are in for a great financial breakthrough in 2017. They’ll also be lucky in relationships, but anxiety and depression might affect this significantly. Career-oriented dogs will see an increase in work responsibilities, but will also have significant work developments.
BOAR
1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Romance is set to be challenging for boars, as is career – growth opportunities in the work place will be hard to come by. Boars will also be prone to physical weakness, and are advised to be extra-careful in making major financial decisions.
illustrations Jean Lim
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
Events
A Feast for the Senses

By Joanna Cuenco
June 8 – Mactan, Cebu | For one of its biggest dining events of the year as part of the highly anticipated Cebu Food and Wine Festival, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan curated an epicurean journey that brought guests on gastronomic flights of fancy, fine cuisine. A Feast for the Senses showcased the creativity and excellence of the resort’s culinary team through a dine-around event at its four dining destinations that invited guests to sample the best that each restaurant had to offer: international cuisine at Saffron, Spanish at Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Japanese at Aka by Naoki Eguchi, and desserts and more drinks at Azure Beach Club.

Maria Paz Perdices, Ambra Anzani, Ema Onda,Kate Anzani, Kumiko Onda, Daisy Barns

Tamsin Booth, Didier Belmonte, Frances Siao, Celeste Miranda, Bert Miranda, Bob Booth
Spirits were high and beverages flowed freely the whole evening, thanks to Philippine Wine Merchant, A Wine Company, The Wine Club, Don Revy, Sommelier Selection, Engkanto Brewery, M. Lhuillier Food Product Inc., Future Trade International, Happy Living Philippines, Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, and Bauhinia Brewery.

Allan Barios at Saffron dessert station

Ulysse Jouanneaud

Margarette Lhuiller and Perl Jacalan
For the after-party and entertainment at Azure Beach Club, renowned mixologist Ulysse Jouanneaud took over the bar, crafting cocktails with Bacardi, Don Papa, Cointreau, and Sula Brands. Chef Allan Barrios presented a dessert spread that included key lime pralines, vanilla bourbon truffles, honey coconut cryos, and tiny flower-potted bamboo shoots that turned out to be made of pistachio. These little works of art were planted alongside vibrant green foliage, smooth stones, and a faux fog effect that created a tropical rainforest diorama out of the dessert table.

Lechon belly station at Saffron

Dessert display at Azure Beach Club

Yellowfin tuna tataki

Grilled mackerel with laksa boullabaise
The night sky and the distant lights of neighboring islands were the perfect backdrop for a high-energy LED dance performance and fantastic fireworks display that left guests in awe and applause.

Rose Hudson

Chele Gonzalez

Brava potato with chorizo at Enye

LED and Tron Dance

Aka Private Room
The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is supported by the Department of Tourism – Philippines, Visit Central Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Business Month, and Cebu Pacific Air.
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