People

Here’s Why Designer Elaine Cooper’s Latest Showroom is Heaven

With a newly opened showroom and an impressive history under her belt, Elaine Cooper is one personality in design that’s determined to rise with the industry and leave a personal mark.

Elaine Cooper takes us through her newly launched showroom just before she sits down to pose for the photo. Housed in a raw-finished room in one of the newer buildings in IT Park, the collection of furniture and décor ranges from fun and colorful, to sleek and sophisticated.

“I have a particular look in my mind when I go around looking for pieces,” Elaine explains, sharing that the pieces were sourced from various showrooms around the country, mostly from Manila. “Sometimes I get inspired with a certain concept, and I go hunting for the pieces to compose a setting.”

The showroom is Elaine’s answer to the growing real estate and construction industries in Cebu. With so many developments and buildings popping up in the city, there was an inevitable rise in the demand for bespoke lifestyle furnishings. “Also, there was the awareness that there is not one place like this yet in Cebu,” she adds.

Although she is someone who thrives on her sensibilities for design, Elaine is foremost a businesswoman. Since she started Elaine Cooper Design around 20 years ago, she has moved through various aspects of the design industry—the result is a well-rounded offering of services, amassed from years of continuously adapting to meet clients’ needs.

“I started from visual merchandising for a department store, to arranging furniture pieces for a local furniture chain. They had clients who didn’t know how to arrange the furniture after their purchase, and they would ask for help,” recalls Elaine, who had actually graduated with a degree in fashion design from Slim’s School of Fashion in Manila. “My training in fashion design came very handy in doing interior work. They have similar disciplines. Both require a play of colors and textures. In fashion, you study your client’s physique and character when designing an outfit. In interiors, you need to understand the space and the over-all concept to effectively deliver the design.”

From then on, she worked with clients to develop her skill, and addressed her lack of technical training with research and advice from friends in the industry. “I was learning as I went along,” she continues. “I took note of past mistakes, learning from them.”

Now, Elaine has a network of suppliers that allow her to work with clients more efficiently—she provides curtains for large-scale projects such as Radissson Blu and Marriott in Cebu, and also makes uniforms for hotel staff. “We did Shangri-la’s pioneering batch for their back-of-the-house staff, as well as Marriott and Waterfront,” she adds.

As for her interior work, Elaine describes her aesthetic as one that is constantly evolving. “I still have yet to find a word to describe it. It depends on the mood I’m in for the moment,” she admits. “One moment I’m so taken by Juan Luna’s The Parisian Life, and the next I’m staring with excitement at a piece of corroded metal I picked up from a project site.”

Contributing to this constant change is the fact that Elaine believes the design process begins with the client. “First I interview the client, then do an ocular and research,” she says, emphasizing that personality and preference play a big role in her designs. As a result, she has begun to develop lasting relationships with the people she’s worked with. “It makes it easier, too, because I already know their taste and they already know how I work,” she laughs.

These personal connections, she believes, is how she remains competitive in the industry, and what really brings her fulfillment. “At the end of the day, projects will come to an end but friendships are there for a lifetime,” Elaine declares. “I think it’s more valuable to be appreciated as a person, rather than just being their designer.”

For now, Elaine Cooper is happy where she is, and as she poses for the camera, we give her some pointers on how to avoid a nervous-looking smile in the photo. “Just pretend that you’re admiring all the work you’ve done here,” I tell her, gesturing at the beautiful pieces she put together in the space. She laughs—considering the story of how she got where she is, I don’t think any pretending was necessary to show admiration.

Photography by Nath Ybanez

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.