Events

How Light Gives a Brighter Future for the Philippines

With some places denied access to light, Light Up Philippines are lighting up the country one household at a time.

Taking inspiration from a photo, that went viral on social media, of a 9-year-old boy studying by the light outside a fast food chain, JCI Cebu Inc. starts a campaign addressing this problem from far-flung household communities.

That photo has caught public’s attention, and thus making the rest of the country saw that there are still families living not guaranteed with an access to energy.

Started off the campaign with Light Up Cebu, a number of families from distant communities benefit from this initiative, relying mainly on the power of renewable source of energy.

FROM LEFT JCI Sen. Kenneth Kabingue, JCI Philippines National President Hegem Furigay, CTU Director for Climate Change Communications and Solution Prof. Mai Kabingue, JCI Cebu President Ian Anthony, Osmeña, Engr. Jimmy Lasaca of Sunmagnet Philippines Corporation, JCI Philippines NEVP Ken Ngo, Light Up Philippines National Chairman Joeven Lee and Climate Reality Project Philippines Manager Rodne Galicha. (Photo from JCI Cebu)

In a study conducted by Philippine Institute for Development Studies last 2013, about 16 million Filipinos, still have no access to electricity. These places are predominantly located in the island and mountain barangays which most power providers hardly can reach.

With JCI Cebu at the helm since 2015, they have been distributing solar kits to families of young indigent students who lack any light in their homes with a primary aim of providing these students with light through solar power without any cost on their part.

Two years later, the campaign widens its horizons to the whole country with the launch of Light Up Philippines in Cebu on Friday, June 16.

Launching Light Up Philippines. From LEFT Engr. Jimmy Lasaca of Sunmagnet Philippines Corporation, Light Up Philippines National Chairman Joeven Lee, Climate Reality Project Philippines Manager Rodne Galicha, CTU Director for Climate Change Communications and Solution Prof. Mai Kabingue and Brgy. Toong Councilor Melvin Bacalso. (Photo from JCI Cebu)

With the goal in providing students from far-flung communities to have light when they study over the night, JCI Cebu, with its partners, distributed 100 solar kits to these families, benefited at least 500 students to further excel in their studies.

Mountain barangays in Cebu City like Toong, Buhisan and Labangon, island barangays in Mactan and Sta. Fe town in Bantayan are among the places they have been handing over light onto.

Gearing it up through Light Up Philippines, the goal is to light up 20,000 household and benefit 25,000 families and 100,000 children, leading up that access to energy is an important factor in fighting against poverty.

The said commitment is in line with Light Up Philippines advocating United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals in transforming the world by 2030 by doing sustainable projects that will help empower communities like “Lighting Up the Philippines one household at a time.” Underlining their five advocacies in this drive to fight against poverty by giving energy, the group pushes for quality education for all, an affordable and clean energy ensuring access to these, taking urgent action to combat the severely change of climate, promoting just and peace societies and revitalizing global partnership for sustainable development.

The JCI-Cebu’s brainchild initiative is recognized as the recipient of the “Luntiang Kausaban Award” held at the Senate of the Philippines recently through the 2017 Climate Reality Leadership Awards.

With JCI believing that service to humanity is best work of life, Light Up Philippines opened itself for possible collaborations and partnerships with other institution that also topflight the same cause and advocacy.

For inquires, one may contact JCI Member Joven Lee, National Chairman, Light Up Philippines at joevenlee@yahoo.com or at 63922-820-9430.

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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.

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.

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