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Find The Perfect Event Package at Quest Hotel & Conference Center’s Sashay and Soiree

Guests sashay in style as they plan their next soiree with Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu. On June 30 and July 1, the hotel will unveil packages for wedding, debut, birthday and kiddie party at Sashay & Soiree, an open house of function spaces beautifully styled according to the social celebrations, plus a lifestyle fair featuring Cebu’s trusted event suppliers and brands.

Sashay & Soiree is a one-stop fair for guests to experience the hotel’s contemporary function rooms and facilities, meet event suppliers and take part in fun activities. As a treat, guests booking and confirming their event during the fair are entitled to exclusive add-ons and freebies on top of the standard package.

Budding debutantes deserve an exquisite celebration as they reach a milestone. Quest Hotel’s Debut Package includes choice of international or Filipino buffet; provisions for 18 roses and candles, invitation and thank you cards; an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two; and more. Complimentary add-ons include a free two-hour use of photo booth, plus goodies from MAC Cosmetics and Storyteller Photography & Videography. Celebrants booking the standard Birthday Package receive exciting presents as well.

Little ones are in for a big celebration at their next party with Quest Hotel’s Kiddie Party Package. It includes a specialized children’s menu and one-layer birthday cake plus provisions for name tags, party hats, balloons and more. The first 15 kids booking the package at the fair also receive a free Jumping Clay DIY Play kit to bring home.

Couples are in for an ethereal experience with Quest Hotel’s Dream Wedding Package. It includes choice of international or Filipino buffet with two-layer wedding cake; overnight stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for two; use of photo booth, bridal car and more. Couples booking onsite enjoy a complimentary room upgrade, a dress-up room, a dinner buffet for two, plus service vouchers from Guani Rent-A-Car, Optima Skin & Slimming Solutions, and Just Snaps Photobooth. The first three couples to book the Dream Wedding Package receive amazing surprises from NST Pictures and Diagold.

Guests will thoroughly enjoy the activities and exhibits throughout the weekend. The Fashion Institute of Design & Arts will showcase couture collections for wedding, prom, debut and children’s wear. Chedz Cakes of Cebu will have a lovely exhibit of their sweet masterpieces. MAC Cosmetics will hold a free make-up tutorial while Optima Skin & Slimming Solutions will share about their expertise on skincare. Viva Records will bring in musicians Raphiel Shannon and Jude Pastor for enthralling performances. Then lastly, for the little ones, Jumping Clay will hold free Clay-Crafting Workshops and Little Barangay will set its signature play area.

Sashay & Soiree is on June 30 and July 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be at the 6th floor events area of Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu. Registration is free. For inquiries, interested registrants may call (63 32) 402 5999 or visit facebook.com/cebuquesthotel and follow @questhotelcebu on Instagram

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.

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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.

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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

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