People
Have you met Louie?

The new Mactan-Cebu International Airport takes off to new heights with Louie Ferrer as the pilot.

Louie Ferrer, the president of the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
“I like dreaming big,” pronounces Louie Ferrer. “I always start with the bigger picture, and then creating the strategy to reach that dream.”
It’s the attitude one would expect from the president of the GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC). In fact, besides becoming the number one airport in the world, Louie envisions to have the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) hailed as the world’s warmest, friendliest, first resort-airport where guests are welcomed by signature Filipino hospitality
Of course, getting there is quite the challenge, especially when just a few years ago, the country was recognized for having the worst airport in the world. The MCIA, under Louie’s strong leadership, has slowly changed this perception. In late 2015, readers of The Guide to Sleeping in Airports voted MCIA as the 18th best airport in Asia—quite the feat for GMCAC, which was barely 12 months into its operations at that time. “It shows that anything is possible if you put effort and care into what you’re doing,” Louie says.

A rendering of the upcoming Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
In 2014, the consortium of Megawide Construction Corporation and GMR Infrastructure was awarded operations and maintenance of the airport. Despite initial mixed reactions, since their takeover in October that year, there have been massive improvements in the airport, with an immediate focus on reducing congestion in passenger processing areas, enhancing the ambiance in the terminals, and improving the customer service. A new terminal building is also set to open by 2018.
So far, Louie finds that working to improve the MCIA is challenging yet fulfilling. GMCAC has set the bar high, working with international airport quality standards to bring a world-class airport experience to Cebu. At the same time, such an undertaking is fulfilling, as the project is long overdue for Filipinos. “Imagine: MCIA was originally built for 4.5 million passengers. Last year, we had more than 7 million!” he exclaims.

The enhanced ambiance of the domestic departures area is one of the many improvements at the airport

Self-service check-in counters makes flying more convenient (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
Cebu is well known for its white sand beaches and beautiful resorts, something that the airport chose to pick up on. “Being a resort-airport is something we can claim. It’s distinctive to our island heritage, and it’s sustainable too,” Louie says.
At the same time, the improvement of transport infrastructure is strategic to the government’s vision for economic growth. As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and with a location central to the rest of the country, Louie believes that Cebu is the ideal center for trade an industry. “So this airport we are transforming, it’s part of an even greater vision to aid the country’s growth, particularly in tourism and other key sectors that create employment opportunities,” he explains. “We need good infrastructure to support and sustain the movements of people and trade in our growing economy.”
Louie concludes that with proper infrastructure and sustainability planning, Cebu can surpass Manila or even other better-known Asian locations as a destination. While it’s a big dream, his strategy to get there is to work with his team in continuously improving the airport. “They say it takes a village to raise a child,” he says. “But for a province like Cebu, it takes a dedicated community to transform it into one of the world’s best destinations.”

The security at the international departures area has also undergone drastic improvements (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016)
Q&A
What are five things you can’t live without? Laptop, mobile phone, internet, nice shoes and cash
What’s your favorite thing about Cebu? It has everything you could want in an island destination, and so many of the things I personally enjoy. It has beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain scenery, and the modern conveniences of the city all in one place.
What’s your least favorite thing about Cebu? Worsening traffic
What’s your favorite dish? Vongole. It’s also something I that I cook very well.
The best advice you’ve received about living in Cebu? Go to Cebu, it has the best airport in the Philippines!
The advice you give tourists who are here for the first time? Try to learn some Visayan words. Cebuanos will love you if you make some effort to speak and understand the language. You can start by saying, “Ka gwapa/gwapo lagi nimo day/dong!”
The movie that depicts your dream vacation? The Hangover. Just go with the flow and let the adventure take control.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would you have been? I may actually still be doing the same thing or something similar! I am a visionary, in the sense that I have already planned out my goals for the next few years and I know how I want to achieve them. It’s always a matter of passion, planning and hard work.
by Patty Taboada
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, March 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
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

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.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado
It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.
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