The Homes of Zee

Inside Cebu: The Velavana

In the 22 years that Zee has been around, countless homes have made it to our glossy pages, and as we turned digital, on our screen—but there’s nothing quite like the Velavana, a whimsical bahay kubo crafted from bamboo.

Velvana Cebu Facade - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

The facade of the Velavana. Photo by Oliver Echevarria

Literally translating to “cube house”, the bahay kubo often serves as an icon of Philippine culture, and is mostly found in rural areas. It’s seen in many artworks that depict bayanihan, a Filipino value that refers to communal unity or a joint effort to achieve an objective, where a group of people are seen carrying the bahay kubo to transport it to a new location.

There aren’t many of these houses left standing in the urban sprawl of Cebu City; concrete is the preferred material for building properties, and contemporary architecture takes the lead. Although, that’s not to say that the bahay kubo is outdated in any way, as its architectural principles gave way to many houses and buildings that rose after the pre-colonial era, and even until now.

Velvana Cebu Interior - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

The open area and high-ceilinged foyer easily allows the breeze to pass through. Photo by Oliver Echevarria

The Velavana proves that the bahay kubo is a beautiful remnant of the past. Its location makes it doubly precious—built atop a hill in Cebu’s most exclusive gated community, the Velavana sprawls across a half hectare property surrounded by native foliage such as trees of banana, coconut, and bamboo—the last one doesn’t come as a surprise, seeing as Velavana is a combination of the Sanskrit words vela and vana, which mean “bamboo” and “house”, respectively.

Velvana Cebu Foyer Lamps - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

In the foyer, lamps made from rattan and bamboo hang overhead. Photo by Oliver Echevarria

Its owner, whose identity we shall keep under wraps for their requested privacy, built Velavana for them and their family to hang out. For them, it’s the best venue to relax and unwind.

“The design was visioned in my brain, executed by two carpenters,” they share. “[It] Did challenge my artistic skills to the test. The end result… [is] Pure joy in my unicorn—rare and highly-valued— hideaway.”

Velvana Cebu Stairs - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

Before entering the house, guests must take off their shoe use the handwoven slippers at the entrance. Photo by Oliver Echevarria

When you step inside, its chic and airy interiors might throw you in for a loop. Nearly everything is made from organic materials—the furniture, the tables, the hanging lamps, the decor. In the foyer, bamboo vases filled with large glossy leaves of the philodendron and bright white orchids sit atop a glass table with intricately-woven wooden legs.

Velvana Cebu Dining Area - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

Velvana’s open air dining area. Photo by Oliver Echevarria

To the right is the open-air dining area, with the table and chairs woven from rattan. The same material is used to weave the charger plates and napkin holders, adding a native touch to the table settings.

Velvana Cebu Sungka Flowers - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

Photo by Oliver Echevarria

Right in the center of the table lie a variety of Filipino elements. Green tundan (a variety of banana found all over the Philippines), along with white orchids, sungka boards and succulents are lined up to keep with the rustic theme. Hanging above the table are a swanky mishmash of white bougainvillea, ferns, leaves, more orchids, and succulents in terrariums.

Velvana Cebu Living Area - Zee Lifestyle Cebu

The living area makes for the ideal place for a nightcap. Photo by Oliver Echevarria

On the left of the foyer is a living area, filled with the similarly-themed furniture. Clean white linen furbishing are offset by the woven elements, and greenery liven up the space. Sitting on the couch here gives you an unobstructed view of the city skyline, up until the sea surrounding the island. Everything about the Velavana screams serenity and relaxation, as if you’re on a retreat in tropical paradise.

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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.