The Homes of Zee

An Insider Look at Carlos and Mariquita Yeung’s Villa, Designed by Architect Tessie Javier

Zee gives you an insider look at couple Carlos and Mariquita Yeung’s villa designed by Architect Tessie Javier.

On one of the most strategic hills around the city, an L-shaped villa rose from what was once a humble, two-bedroom structure. In its new state, designed by Architect Tessie Javier, it stands in the style of a grand house, furnished with European and Filipino antiques, and is now the main residence for Carlos and Mariquita Yeung and their three children.

At the time of construction, the Yeungs were dividing their time between their homes in Hong Kong and London. Now they have chosen to reside in Cebu. The couple maintains a busy lifestyle, dictated mostly by their numerous business concerns and Mariquita’s hands-on involvement with her foundation that supports Operation Smile’s activities in the country. The architect thus created areas that can expand to hold as many as 300 guests or close in for cozier affairs.

The double doors open to an expansive living room that spills out to a shaded patio overlooking the pool and generous gardens. To the right is the formal dining room with its large antique table seating twelve, and adjacent to it is the kitchen. Most of the private bedrooms are located on the upper level, including the master’s suite and study. Wood, in both the flooring and the furniture, is prominently featured throughout this area, where the palette is restricted to neutral tones for a unifying feeling of space.

The west wing of the building is the more public area, with rooms for visiting friends and family. In the lower level are a wine cellar and a billiard table. Farther along is the family chapel whose stained-glass windows above the altar pour brilliant sunlight onto the pews. The expansive lot presently accommodates a huge swimming pool and a tennis court, but it still has enough space for more structures.

DETAILS

One end of the dining room opens to the garden, to the side of which there are arches that lead to the patio, the informal dining area. Here the fresh and natural light stirs up an appetite for food and hearty conversation. Opposite the dining room is the formal salon with a grand piano, classical furniture, and walls adorned with original art.

Related Topics:Carlos Yeung Mariquita Yeung Tessie Javier

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The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12

Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’

Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!

Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.

Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.

Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.

Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.

The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11

Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez

Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.

As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.

However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.

The Homes of Zee

The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10

Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles

The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.

Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.

In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.

Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”

In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.

With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.