Arts & Culture

Experience Your Sushi Like None Other with SUSHISAKE

What I’d gathered from years of eating in sushi restaurants whenever the craving struck (which happens once a week, honestly), is that making sushi is truly an art form. The meticulous knife techniques, the understanding of what flavors work together, and the careful assembly all come together to create one of the most recognizable dishes in the world—a true testament to the skill of the chef who prepares it.

It’s no surprise, then, that when Radisson Blu Cebu decided to open a Japanese restaurant in one corner of the lobby, finding a chef was the most important item on the agenda. “We had ‘auditions’ for the chef,” marketing communications manager Lara Agua tells me as we settled into our seats at the restaurant’s only long table. “Chef Jeff,” she continues, referring to Chef Jeff Yalung, who ended up at the helm of SUSHISAKE, “flew in from the Middle East and cooked for the management. When they tried his sushi, they knew that he was it.”

Hailing from Nueva Vizcaya, the chef is soft-spoken, but his passion and mastery of the craft is evident as I ask him about his creations. “It’s the sauces and the marinade,” Chef Jeff answers when I ask him about what sets his sushi apart from the many other variations in the city. “They’re all my own recipe. I really think about what goes well with the fish, so that all the flavors come out.”

With ten years of experience in international hotel brands in Ras al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, he had started out as a sous chef who had worked closely with the sushi chef in the kitchen. When the itamae left, Chef Jeff asked to take over the position. Since then, he continues to take inspiration from the cities he’s lived in and the dishes he’s tried, bringing them together to create his own unique take on the Japanese favorite.

The glowing introduction had gotten me especially curious about the sushi. Chef Jeff brings out a selection of makimono rolls to the table, some of which had become fast crowd favorites and the others off-menu specials. “The menu is actually very limited, so when you’re here, ask me for the specials,” Chef Jeff reveals.

“Depending on what we have, we can create something different for you.”

A specialty that’s on the menu, though, is the Dynamite Roll—the roll features tuna, salmon, and white fish fried with tempura batter, all topped with creamy crab and finished off with a flame torch, which presents an interesting combination of flavors and textures that make every bite seem better than the last. Other specialties include the Surf & Turf, an ebi tempura roll wrapped in beef tenderloin and topped with a savory sauce and tempura flakes, and the Special California Roll, what seems like an overflowing version of the staple maki.

The sushi and sashimi presentation of the Chef’s Special can only be described as a work of art—served in a bowl, the sashimi slices are tucked into a circular ice sculpture, each hand-shaped and kept in the freezer overnight, while the sushi sits on a bamboo mat over the crushed ice.

Of course, the other half of the name is Sake, and the restaurants serves up a selection of sakes that are meant to be enjoyed with your food. A waitress came with two varieties for us to try out, but it was the Gekkeikan Sparkling Sake that stood out for its fizzy, slightly sweet taste that complemented the stronger flavors of the fish.

As soon as we finished off the last roll, a trio of desserts arrived—the Sesame Seed Panna Cotta and Coconut Ice Cream, the Mochi Ice Cream, and the Yuzu Tart with Sake Meringue and Green Tea Ice Cream. The combination of tart, sweet and tropical flavors made the selection as much of a palate cleanser as it was to wrap up the meal. “The desserts are prepared at Feria, but only served here,” Lara explains.

With sophisticated modern interiors, the 21-seater SUSHISAKE is the latest addition to Radisson Blu’s dining selection. “We had to think about the cuisine that we wanted to serve, something that would appeal to locals and the tourists coming in,” Lara continues. In the end, the influx of Japanese visitors spurred them to create a dedicated Japanese restaurant. “There was always the Japanese section of Feria, but this gives us the chance to offer a more authentic, more premium selection. Plus, Cebuanos really love sushi,” she adds.

There’s certainly more to love about sushi here. Chef Jeff was right—his sauces and marinades really do make all the difference at SUSHISAKE. By adding different degrees of flavor to the fish and other ingredients, he ensures that everything coming from the restaurant’s open kitchen is a celebration on the palate and, if I may, a work of art.

Radisson Blu Cebu,

Serging Osmeña Blvd. corner Juan Luna Ave., Cebu City

(032) 402 9900

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Arts & Culture

Art Beat: Scenes From the Manila Art Fair 2026

photography by Doro Barandino

“Art is unpredictable and goes in different directions. I have no idea. I would rather live the present moment.” —Bencab, National artist of the Philippines.

Vinta by Protegeri, collaboration art piece by Leeroy New, Solenn Heuseff and Vito Selma

Q&A with interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino

Which of the participating art galleries had the most unified and exciting theme?
Leon Gallery had the most amazingly put-together collection. Though the gallery engaged various artists, the overall visual effect felt like one unified theme. Leon Gallery used a sack-like cloth (most likely raw linen) as the background for the booth, and it brought the collection together. It had an old-world feel in a chaotic setting.

Who were the artists that were the most visually engaging?
The works of Carlo Tanseco were definitely my favorite. The artist used an eye chart (Snellen chart) as the background for the image of Dr. Jose Rizal giving us the middle finger—such an “in your face” message. The concept of our national hero as a modern-day provocateur was a wake-up call to everyone. Very subversive and underground material. I was also attracted to the works of Japanese artist Tadashi Kogure; they’re very architectural.

Was the choice of venue and its layout helpful in engaging the whole art vibe?
What I noticed was that the masters like Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zóbel still attracted the most viewers at the art fair. People are naturally drawn to their masterful strokes and historical significance, or perhaps these artworks are not readily accessible for public viewing. Or maybe those booths that carried the masters’ works were strategically positioned right after the registrar.

The choice of venue at Center One was a good move—it created a total art vibe. Manila Art Fair remains the premier art fair in the country today, showcasing the finest modern and contemporary art while offering curated projects and immersive installations.

The Standard by Thai artist Pitchapa at the Triangular durational, performance art.

Bato Bato sa Langit by Filipino artist Carlo Tanseco

Stocking Proportions Menumpuk Proporsi by Indonesian artist Labadiou Piko

Untitled by Indonesian artist Yunizar

Filipiny, wool tapestry by national artist of the Philippines,Federico Aguilar Alcuaz.

Untitled by German artist Valentin Elias Renner

Interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino is also a regular contributor for zee.ph

Arts & Culture

Visayas Art Fair Year 5: Infinite Perspectives, Unbound Creativity

by Jing Ramos

This year’s Visayas Art Fair marks its 5th anniversary, celebrating the theme “Infinite Perspectives: Unbound Creativity.” The fair continues its mission of bridging creativity, culture, and community in the country. This milestone edition strengthens its partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and expands collaborations with regional art organizations and collectives—reinforcing its role as a unifying platform for Philippine art.

VAF5 features the works of Gil Francis Maningo, honoring the mastery of his gold leaf technique on opulent portraits of the Visayan muse Carmela, reflecting spiritual awareness.

Gil Francis Maningo is celebrated for his gold leaf technique.

Gil Francis Maningo’s recurring theme of his Visayan muse “Carmela”.

Another featured artist is Danny Rayos del Sol, whose religious iconography of Marian-inspired portraits offers a profound meditation on the sacred and the sublime. This collaboration between two visual artists sparks a dialogue on the Visayan spirit of creativity and resilience. Titled “Pasinaya,” this dual showcase explores gold leaf as a medium of light and transcendence.

Artist Danny Reyes del Sol

Danny Reyes del Sol’s religious iconography.

Now in its fifth year, the Visayas Art Fair has influenced a community of artists, gallerists, brokers, collectors, museum curators, and art critics—constructing a narrative that shapes how we approach and understand the artist and his work. This combination of factors, destined for popular consumption, illustrates the ways in which art and current culture have found common ground in a milieu enriched by the promise of increased revenue and the growing value of artworks.

Laurie Boquiren, Chairman of the Visayas Art Fair, elaborates on the theme, expressing a vision that celebrates the boundless imagination of unique artistic voices:

“Infinite Perspectives speaks of the countless ways artists see, interpret, and transform the world around them—reminding us that creativity knows no single point of view. Unbound Creativity embodies freedom from convention and controlled expression, allowing every artist to explore and experiment without borders.”

Laurie Boquiren, Chairman of the Visayas Art Fair has tirelessly championed the creative arts for the past five years.

Arts & Culture

Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan: Art that Speaks of Today

by Jose Carlos G. Campos, Board of Trustees National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently teamed up to prove that money isn’t just for counting—it’s also for curating! Their latest joint exhibition, Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan: Contemporary Art from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection, is now open, and it’s a real treat for art lovers and culture buffs alike.

On display are gems from the BSP’s contemporary art collection, including masterpieces by National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab), along with works by Onib Olmedo, Brenda Fajardo, Antipas Delotavo, Edgar Talusan Fernandez, and many more. Some of the artists even showed up in person—Charlie Co, Junyee, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Demi Padua, Joey Cobcobo, Leonard Aguinaldo, Gerardo Tan, Melvin Culaba—while others sent their family representatives, like Mayumi Habulan and Jeudi Garibay. Talk about art running in the family!

Deputy Governor General of the BSP, Berna Romulo Puyat

Chairman of NMP, Andoni Aboitiz

The BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. and members of the Monetary Board joined the event, alongside former BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Ms. Tess Espenilla (wife of the late Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr.), and the ever-graceful former Central Bank Governor Jaime C. Laya, who gave a short but enlightening talk about the BSP art collection.

From the NMP, Chairman Andoni Aboitiz, Director-General Jeremy Barns, and fellow trustees NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, Carlo Ebeo, and Jose Carlos Garcia-Campos also graced the occasion. Chairman Aboitiz expressed gratitude to the BSP for renewing its partnership, calling the exhibition a shining example of how financial institutions can also enrich our cultural wealth.

Former Governor of BSP Jaime Laya

Governor of BSP Eli M. Remona and Chairman of NMP Board Andoni Aboitiz

Artist Charlie Co

Before the official launch, a special media preview was held on 5 August, hosted by BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and DG Jeremy Barns. It gave lucky guests a sneak peek at the collection—because sometimes, even art likes to play “hard to get.”

The exhibition Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan will run until November 2027 at Galleries XVIII and XIX, 3/F, National Museum of Fine Arts. Doors are open daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. So if you’re looking for something enriching that won’t hurt your wallet (admission is free!), this is your sign to visit. After all, the best kind of interest is cultural interest.