People

Fiona King: BLOQ Buster

Real estate developer Fiona King gives the young, ambitious and independent Cebuano a home he didn’t know he could own. Through BLOQ Residences, she fulfills her advocacy to encourage the young professionals of Cebu to invest in real estate.

FIONA KING. This  urban  space  developer  dares  to  challenge  the  norm  of  independent  living  with  BLOQ  Residences. (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle February 2015: Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Maxi dress from Zara)

“Real estate is a creative outlet,” says Fiona King, the founder of RFK Holdings Inc. “I started in the field of building and selling houses. It later grew to developing pocket-sized communities. The development process was always something I enjoyed—collaborating and sharing ideas with architects, doing site visits and seeing the final state of the house being lived in.”

After several years and a portfolio of select projects, Fiona recently embarked on a dream project that is causing a significant stir in the market—the BLOQ Residences. Fiona narrates that the concept of BLOQ Residences started when she asked her office staff where they lived. “I found out that most of them were renting,” she recalls. “This was when I decided to challenge myself to come up with a product that can fill the need for living space, which you can own paying with your rent money.” This philosophy led to BLOQ Residences’ too simple and powerful catchphrase, ‘Why rent when you can own?’

“We saw a need for young professionals to find an urban home that is safe, accessible, and something they can proudly call their own,” explains Fiona. BLOQ is an aspiration of the first-time property buyer who wants a home that feels just right for his lifestyle—nothing stiff, grand, or pretentious; but is not too small, too far, or just largely compromised. “It’s important because real estate ownership, in my opinion, is one of the best forms of investments. It appreciates through time and it is tangible. Through BLOQ Residences, we hope that we can give Cebu’s working population the opportunity to invest in real estate. With BLOQ’s price points and payment schemes, we’ve proven to the market that with creative thinking, real estate investment need not be capital-intensive.”

“We hope to raise the bar for real estate communities that are highly livable, personality-focused, and conversation-worthy.” – Fiona King, Zee Lifestyle February 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Pantsuit by Oj Hofer/’Constellation’ watch by Omega)

BLOQ Residences honors the new market’s inclination towards DIY home decorating projects, in the spirit of social media sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr. Future residents can customize their units from the moment you enter the front door—literally. “We start with letting our buyers choose the color of the doors. We strongly felt that giving this option inspires them to make their space uniquely their own,” states Fiona, who is a huge fan of tasteful design, especially in the fields of architecture and furniture.

Beyond the front door, BLOQ bypasses the standard practice of defining all the spaces in the unit, opting instead for an open layout design to maximize usage. “Our central concept of universal space also embraces the market’s want to personalize their units. Your own BLOQ is meant to be your personal space. This is then up to you on how you would like to accessorize it, as you would with jewelry or clothes,” says Fiona.

BLOQ Residences keeps things simple for their buyers by offering just two types of units. The studio units are designed to be comfortable on its own, while giving people who seek more space the option to combine units. On the other hand, the loft units have high floor-to-ceiling heights, with the main level designed to be the living area while reserving the loft level as a more private space. “I’m pleasantly surprised by the market’s enthusiasm for our loft units. I guess the layout just brings out the kid in us wanting to climb up our bunk beds.”

“We saw a need for young professionals to find an urban home that is safe, accessible, and something they can proudly call their own.” – Fiona King, Zee Lifestyle February 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Matching set by Harlan+Holden)

What makes BLOQ Residences unique is, considering its target market, it’s a balance of space and cost. Fiona believes that BLOQ Residences is able to deliver on its price points because of the size it offers. Amenities are stripped down to the basic necessities to minimize monthly dues. “We hope to raise the bar for real estate communities that are highly livable, personality-focused, and conversation-worthy,” she says.

Fiona, a Mass Communications graduate and currently taking up her Masters degree in Real Estate Management, is married to Richard Ray King, a Civil Engineer and the Managing Director of King Properties and RDAK Land. At first, Fiona was raising their three children and doing build-and-sell on the side, which is something she’s very passionate about.

“I believe there is something magical about developing homes,” she shares. “What started out as an idea that gets drawn on paper, eventually gets built and then finally becomes a home. What starts out as an idea becomes tangible through the collaborative efforts of our architects, engineers and contractors.”

Considering that, real estate was a natural direction. “Our dad Ric is a very active real estate investor. Dad is really a forward thinker with his choices of projects in real estate: residential subdivisions, condominiums, a memorial park and industrial parks. We are very fortunate to be guided by his business sense and experience. Our family has been very patient and supportive of our endeavors,” says Fiona, who serves as the first vice-president of the Philippine Association of Real Estate Board-Cebu Real Estate Board (PAREB-CEREB).

“Through BLOQ Residences, we hope that we can give Cebu’s working population the opportunity to invest in real estate.” – Fiona King, Zee Lifestyle February 2015 (Photography by Jan Gonzales/Makeup by Wenwen Zaspa/Cape blouse by Patty Ang/Jeans from Levi’s/’Speedmaster Chronograph’ watch from Omega)

As BLOQ Residences gains momentum, Fiona admits that she no longer has the luxury of time. When asked how she separates her working relationship from her marriage, she answers that she makes it a point to meet her husband for lunch for some quality time; they talk about what they want to do and their plans together. Evenings and weekends are usually reserved for the children, although sometimes they also make work a family affair. “On weekends, we take the children with us to the site, to check on the construction.” Fiona shares that their eldest daughter Renoa is their litmus test. “When she says, ‘Mommy, it’s so beautiful!’ it gets sold. She appreciates.”

More than anything, what inspires Fiona is their children. “My children are my driving force. We work hard so that they can pursue whatever they want in life,” she shares. “We want to give them the best opportunities. Our condition for the kids is, if you want to be an artist, if you want to be a singer, you might as well be the best at what you want to do.”

“Same for RFK Holdings,” she concludes. “We might be a small developer, but in the aspect of the niche we are catering to, we want to be the best.”

BLOQ UNBLOCKED
What is BLOQ Residences?
BLOQ Residences are affordable modern residential developments meant to address the rising need for a place to live in the city. BLOQ provides residential spaces which are strategically priced to equal an average person’s rent money. More than anything, BLOQ is a lifestyle. It is an answer to the evolving needs of our modern lives. BLOQ is a solution for young professional to balance work and everything else in life.

WHO is BLOQ’s target market?
BLOQ is for the young, inspired, and hardworking Cebuanos who are finally coming into their own.

HOW big is a unit at BLOQ? And what does it come with?
There are two (2) types of units for BLOQ: STUDIO and LOFT. With much consideration for the needs of our modern lifestyle, STUDIO units are designed to be 18 sqm, while the LOFT units are to be 27 sqm. Maximizing on value and flexibility, BLOQ’s units are delivered with a fitted out bathroom, kitchen counter top, painted walls, and straight to finish concrete floors. Each unit owner is encouraged to personalize their space unique to their tastes and preferences, starting with a choice to pick the color of their door.

BLOQ Residences recently unveiled its news brand ambassador, Divine Maitland-Smith. Divine represents the uniqueness and individuality that BLOQ offers to the young and hardworking Cebuanos.

What amenities does BLOQ have?
BLOQ is unique. Because of the market it is for, it is a balance of space and cost. Decorative features are forgone in order to maximize on utility. In order to lessen the burden of monthly expenses to maintain the buildings, amenities are narrowed down to the essentials such as parking areas, laundry areas, janitorial services and security services.

WHERE are BLOQ’s projects located?
BLOQ developments are always conveniently placed in locations that are close to Cebu’s urban centers. Primary considerations are ease of public transport, safety, and overall livability.

BLOQ Talamban: 8-storey, 126 units, turnover on 2Q 2016
BLOQ Banawa: 16-storey, 148 units, turnover on 4Q 2017
BLOQ Sikatuna: 16-storey, 161 units, turnover on 4Q 2017
BLOQ Plaridel: 8-storey, 133 units, turnover on 2Q 2017

What makes BLOQ different from other residential developments?
VALUE. Most residential condominiums have been primed as an investment. The current market offerings are priced and packaged to be attractive for people looking for a property to earn a recurring income on or as a tool to hedge against inflation. BLOQ, however, is packaged and priced to be a development where the buyers themselves will live in their investment. BLOQ advocates for young professionals to invest in themselves. Instead of paying for rent, which is an expense, why not buy your own space using your rent money and having to enjoy all the benefits of real estate investment, in particular, value appreciation.

BLOQ RESIDENCES SHOWROOM
2F GND Complex, F. Cabahug St.
Panagdait, Mabolo, Cebu City
6332. 260-8099 | 63. 998 965 8115
website | Facebook | Instagram

by Patty Taboada sittings editor Shari Quimbo photography Jan Gonzales styling Blaq Mafia makeup Wenwen Zaspa production assistant Bea Prospero locale Bloq Residences Showroom

Originally published in Zee Lifestyle February 2015

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People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

People

The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos

With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.

According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.

In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.

Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas

Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.