The Homes of Zee

One-Stop Shop for Home Essentials Opens At One Paseo

The world’s leading distributor of architectural hardwares and lifestyle products opened a new showroom last February 21, 2019 at One Paseo, Cebu for a better one-stop shopping experience for home essentials.

Hafele is a company that distributes products that are catered to budget-driven requirements for condominium developers and middle class residential homes. Their products are displayed in their new and bigger showroom, which is a flagship store that carries a complete line of products and appliances from European brands and the world’s four largest selling brands of appliances such as Hafele, Bosch, Asko, and La Corneu.

“We are a company and we are also a brand. Hafele is known worldwide as the no.1 distributor of architectural hardware, but recently, it has evolved into other interesting lifestyle products,” says Efren Reyes, Hafele’s appliance division manager. Bosch, one of Hafele’s flagship brand remains unbeatable as the world’s no. 1 selling brand in the appliance industry for the last 3 years since 2016. They have earned 78.4 Billion Euros globally from last year alone. The brand was known as the pioneer to the home connect system. “Now, you can easily make coffee with your mobile phone or grill your steak at home from your office so when you get home, it is ready to eat,” he added.

Asko and La Corneu are other flagship brands for Hafele. Asko is famous for their heavy duty and quality kitchen appliances with timeless Scandinavian designs that would fit any modern kitchen. La Corneu, on the other hand, is “a product of culinary masterpieces from France,” as described by Efren. They are known for their luxurious cookers designed with the latest technology and classic craftsmanship that would definitely make a statement in your home.

When asked about his favorite product among the four brands in the showroom, Efren immediately answers that it was the Bosch Dishwasher.

“There was a study made that the dirtiest thing in the household turned out to be the dishwashing sponge,” he divulges. “They put a used dishwashing sponge into a microwave and found that the microwave did not kill the bacteria. In other words, without the use of a sponge, our dishwasher kills 99% of the bacteria.”

“The dishwashers consume only 6 litres of water compared to 30 litres of water used when you hand wash. And it can function as your storage cabinet. Other than that, the dishwashing solution that Bosch imports is the no. 1 dishwashing solution in the entire world,” he added.

Hafele has been in the Philippines for a very long time now and their operations first functioned here in Cebu. However, they were not known as Hafele Philippines back then as they were only a branch of a Hafele Singapore subsidiary. “We were astonished and overwhelmed with the acceptance, support, and patronage that we received from the Cebu market,” says Efren about their opening of their showroom at Paseo One. “We found the area very close to heart of the affluent Cebu market,” Efren explains.

Related Topics:Asko Bosch Hafele Hafele Philippines La Corneu

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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.