Events
Photo Gallery: The Zee Lifestyle Emerald Ball
Zee Lifestyle celebrates 20 years of Cebu lifestyle with the Emerald Ball, the glitziest event this side of the country.

Zee Lifestyle celebrates 20 years of Cebu lifestyle with the Emerald Ball, the glitziest event this side of the country.
Guests were pampered with beauty treatments from La Mer and MAC throughout the afternoon, until they had to dress up for cocktail hour. A five-course degustation by Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa executive chef Frank Bohdan and a raffle of exciting prizes including round trip tickets to the Maldives with a stay at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa preceded the main event of the evening—an exclusive fashion show featuring the A/W 2018 collection of Miranda Konstantinidou. Free flowing champagne, caviar and cheese kept the party going until the early hours of the morning.
The Zee Lifestyle Emerald Ball is presented by Arthaland, in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Cebu, Rustan’s and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu. Special thanks go out to Dedon Island, La Mer, MAC, and Jo Malone London.
- Frederic Joye and Christine Taylor Pelaez
- Butch Carungay and Kaira Golez
- Marguerite Lhuillier, June Alegrado, Glenna Guidicelli, Mia Arcenas, Nelly Egle, and Iris Arcenas
- Amparito Lhuillier, Teresin Mendezona, Pinky Chang, and Irma Atillo
- Mayenne Carmona, Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, Hera Geriene, Carla del Prado, and Belinda Wong
- Ana Climaco, Hopee Solano, Hazel Ypil, Jackee Gullas-Weckman, Jaja Chiongbian-Rama, and Tricia Ivy Gullas
- Marco and Kate Anzani
- Mitzi Lim, Jennifer Viloria, Tess Lampert, and Belinda Wong
- Eva Gullas (center) with Nelly and Rene Egle
- Philip Rodriguez and Jun Escario
- The Arthaland Sales & Marketing team
- Raine Baljak and Merce Abellana
- Frederic Joye, Kate Dychangco-Anzani, Rose Hennessy, Kumiko and Shigejiro Onda, and Marco Anzani
- Eva Gullas, Amparito Lhuillier, and Teresin Mendezona
- Mia Arcenas and Melo Esguerra
- Mia Arcenas
- Katrina Labra, Pie Calayan, and Mia Arcenas
- Francis Dravigny
- Rene Egle, Hazel Ypil, and Tricia Ivy Gullas
- Maris Holopainen
- Stephen Aznar, Marguerite Lhuillier, and OJ Hofer
- Steffen Billhardt and D’oro Barandino
- Matteo Guidicelli
- Katsy Borromeo-Chiongbian and Candice Hintz
- OJ Hofer
- Robin Bradshaw, Rene Egle, Jay Chiongbian, Lani Pasquet, Melo Esguerra, and Mia Arcenas
- Lani Taylor Pasquet
- Melo Esguerra, Katrina Labra, and Mia Arcenas
- Rene and Nelly Egle
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018 curtain call
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018 curtain call
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018 curtain call
- Miranda Konstantinidou A/W 2017-2018 standing ovation
- The Powerhouse band
- Miranda Konstantinidou, Arcy Gayatin, and Eva Gullas
- Gladys Young, Miranda Konstantinidou, and Manny and Pie Calayan
- Jackie Deen Lotzof, Christine Taylor Pelaez, and Lana Osmena
- Patty Taboada, Shaira Berame, Christina Santos, and Charlene Virlouvet
- Butch Carungay and Tess Lampert
- Christine Taylor Pelaez, Jackie Deen Lotzof, Eva Gullas, Iris Arcenas, Bernie Aboitiz, and Melo Esguerra
- Kirby Yu, Keevin Cepe, Jofredzen du Bermoy, Rozel Cuestas, Jennifer Sarmiento, and Neil Felipp
- Shari Quimbo, Nath Ybanez, and Cassandra Cuevas
- Antonio Java, Patty Taboada, and Cybill Gayatin-Guynn
- Stephanie and Michael Sharpe, Kym Maitland-Smith, Karam Sondhi, and Ashley Brook
photography Oliver Echevarria and Ezekiel Sullano
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
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