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Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is Overall Champion for Cebu Goes Culinary 2018

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu reigned supreme in the recently concluded Cebu Goes Culinary 2018 held at SM Seaside Cebu.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu reigned supreme in the recently concluded Cebu Goes Culinary 2018 held at SM Seaside Cebu.

Cebu Goes Culinary happens every two years and the participants are different hotels, schools and establishments that are members of HRRAC – Hotel Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu.

Bagging the Overall Champion award in the professional category, the hotel garnered medals and diplomas in 18 out of the 20 categories that they participated in.

The highest award of Gold with Distinction was given to the hotel’s team who participated in the category Table Setting. Restaurant Supervisor Loren Paul Escalante said that his work was inspired by how his grandparents would do traditional dinner dates. They are the only team in the entire competition (including all the other categories) to have received the award Gold with Distinction which means all judges awarded them 100 points. “It feels amazing since it is so difficult to achieve a perfect score in Table Setting. The judges are very technical and traditional in terms of table appointments,” said Loren Escalante.

Other categories that Marco Polo Plaza received awards are the following – For gold: Entremetier, Happy Hour, Cocktail Mixing, Pralines and Baby Chocolate Cake. For silver: Modern Chef, Soup Bowl, Coffee Concoction, Plated Desserts, Food Styling & Photography, Creative Cake Deco, Flairtending, and Klasika Kulenarya. For Bronze: Pantry Chef, and finally for Diploma: Napkin Folding, Wedding Cake and Chef Wars.

Marco Polo Plaza General Manager Brian Connelly shared a heart-warming message to the participants immediately after the awarding. Here’s an excerpt: “Team, as you know I am not one for a loss of words. However, tonight I am struggling to find superlatives to describe my intense pride, sincere appreciation and professional respect for all of our associates who worked so hard to make this happen. A team is made of selfless individuals and leaders who together create a sum that is greater than the parts. Please allow me to extend my genuine heartfelt congratulations to all of those individuals who made today a hotel memory that will never be forgotten. After almost 30 years of being a General Manager, you have all made me the proudest I have ever been to be in a hotel team. Salamat.”

Stay tuned as Marco Polo Plaza features some of the award winning drinks and dishes at the hotel soon.

For inquiries and reservations, call (032) 253-1111 or email mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com. Stay tuned for more updates through our social media accounts. Like facebook.com/marcopolocebu and follow instagram.com/marcopolocebu to stay updated on all hotel activities and promotions. You may also call (63 32) 253 1111 or email mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com.

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.

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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.

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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

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