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Hablon de Cebu in Full Bloom

With the advocacy to revive the weaving industry in Cebu known as Hablon de Cebu, Dexter Alazas of Alazas Atelier, made a marriage out of his work and art. In collaboration with Junior Chamber of Industry’s (JCI) Zugbuana, the Fete de la Fleur fashion show brought not only elegance but also the pride of culture to the catwalk.

With the advocacy to revive the weaving industry in Cebu known as Hablon de Cebu, Dexter Alazas of Alazas Atelier, made a marriage out of his work and art. In collaboration with Junior Chamber of Industry’s (JCI) Zugbuana, the Fete de la Fleur fashion show brought not only elegance but also the pride of culture to the catwalk.

“The collection is called Hablonuevo, ‘cause it’s a new weave now. We’ve ventured on new colors and textures, as well as a whole new fabric and fiber blend,” Dexter muses.

JCI Zugbuana, an all-female leadership training organization dedicated to the development of business and civic leaders, take pride in their 2018 socio-civic development projects such as back to school outreach activities, health care, and this time, forwarding awareness for local fashion.

Gracing Ayala Center Cebu last May 19, 2018, the JCI “Zugs” as they would likely call themselves, showed the audience quite a great show with their own designs produced by Alazas and the “weaving warriors” of Argao, Cebu. The event was not all sashays and glamour, as it took part in raising awareness to revive the hablon de Cebu weaving industry and the essence of social entrepreneurship.

To bring back the livelihood of dozens of women weavers, the fashion show paves way for the reinvestment of profits to the hablon industry, which benefits not only the weavers, but also society and the rich Cebuano culture.

With some of them with their mini-me’s in tow, the JCI Zugbuanas strutted the runway with Alazas’ products complemented by also fellow Zugbuana, Jarra Angbetic’s jewelry collection. A melange of silk and satins suited the hablon collection which mirrored each of the Zugbuana’s character and style.

Inspired by views of feminism and women empowerment, the florals and pastel hues paved way for the contemporary image of the hablon weave. “The idea is to make the Hablon de Cebu a fabric of choice for gala nights”, adds Dexter. The runway bloomed like the garden was placed indoors with over a hundred flower displays by no less than Jaime Chua.

The fashion show was also a prelude to the ongoing campaign of promoting the local silk to be launched in Cebu in the coming years, shares the fashion designer. He adds that it is his 2020 mission-vision to cultivate this local material into a force to be reckoned with.

Dexter also expresses the need to get into fashion’s sustainable side, strutting the developments of slow and sustainable fashion using renewable and eco-friendly raw materials found in nature in his fashion lines.

Available for design stints, Alazas shares that the hablon design industry offers designing services if one wishes to take home a hablon piece themselves. Hoping that the event be developed annually, still showcasing Cebu’s local resources, weavers and design, Dexter shares the vision to take the hablon fashion to full bloom.

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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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