People

The most romantic Valentine’s Day ideas, according to 14 of Cebu’s #powercouples

Be #relationshipgoals! Zee Lifestyle asks the city’s most loved-up couples about their plans for Valentine’s Day, to provide you with inspiration for your own special celebration.

It’s the month of love, and already hotels and restaurants in Cebu are rapidly getting filled with reservations for Valentine’s Day. Zee Lifestyle asks couples in Cebu about their plans, in the hopes of spurring you and your sweetheart to make your own.

Carlo Borromeo & Sheryl Osmeña-Borromeo

Borromeo “Last year we watched Deadpool and ate at Chicken Deli in Robinsons Galleria. We’ll probably do the same this year: Movie and cheap dinner. Will check what’s showing this week.”

Jesse Jake Daan & Sophia Sanchez

Virgin Island, Bantayan

Daan x Sanchez-01 “We would probably go to Bantayan. It’s close to the city but far enough from the hustle and bustle. We just love to bike around the island, chill by the beach, and simply enjoy each other’s company. We guess that’s what Valentine’s is all about.”

Mark Deutsch & Johanna Velasco-Deutsch

Deutsch-01 “For Valentine’s we like going on road trips to the beach with our daughter or staying home, cooking lots and lots of bacon and watching old movies (like The Princess Bride)”

Jeremy Huang & Dianne Gandionco-Huang

Huang-01 “In the nine years we have known each other, I’d say we’ve sort of graduated from the passé Valentine’s date night outs. This year may be different as we are planning to spend that weekend by going out of town at our family’s beach house with our pet Finn, away from the hustle bustles of the city. And since my husband has started to love cooking steaks off the grill, he wants to venture into experimenting with another cooking feat for that weekend. Here’s looking forward to that celebration!”

Carlow Montecillo & Veronica Chiongbian

Montecillo x Chiongbian-01 “We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we always make sure to take spontaneous trips throughout the year. Preferably in the waters since we’re quite fond of freediving. However, for this year’s Valentine’s Day we might spend it at a nearby island.”

Michael Karlo Lim & Vanessa East

The Henry Hotel

Lim x East-01 “We’d usually staycation and head out only to try Valentine set menus at different restaurants throughout the weekend. Plantation Bay‘s Romantic Rendezvous proved interesting. The Henry is our perennial favorite and offers a honeymoon/romantic weekend package. Anzani Mediterranean Restaurant is a good bet for a full-course dinner any given day. The Pig & Palm would be, too. We enjoyed their recent tasting dinners tremendously. I’d also suggest the upcoming pop-up Blind Date: Dinner in the Dark at District On 53rd. You don’t have to limit yourself to one. Trying a variety of places makes Valentine’s even more fun and meaningful.”

Insoy Niñal & Rei Sarmiento-Niñal

Ninal-01 “We’re going to Argao Wharf on a pilgrimage of sort. There’s a spot there where we sealed our relationship. We realized we had already done all the crazy things imaginable together, and there was only one crazy thing left to do: get married.”

Edu Rama & Jaja Chiongbian-Rama

Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa

Rama-01 “Our love for Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa goes back to the time we first got together as a couple in high school over 20 years ago and so it has always held a special place in our hearts. From having the best beachfront in Mactan, its amenities and facilities, selection of delectable eats and excellent service that ensures we always feel at home, Shangri-La continues to be our happy place in Cebu. If we had the time, we would love to take a quick break there with our kids. Valentine’s has evolved for us through the years from romantic dates to group dates. We are celebrating Valentine’s at Café Sarree with colleagues and their other halves with a special menu created by Chef Sarree.”

Jan & Karen Rodriguez

Rodriguez-01 “We used to eat out in the previous years, but the last 3 years, I cook for her at home. And the last three years, we would be working on the day itself. She would be at Ilaputi, and I would be at Irie—except for 2016 where we both just stayed home.”

Ichael Serneo & Hanz Coquilla

Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton of The Pig & Palm

Coquilla x Serneo-01

“We’d love to spend Valentine’s in the beach down south. A quick getaway would be awesome, but Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year and we have work and appointments. A fancy dinner at The Pig & Palm would be lovely!”

Michael Sharpe & Kym Maitland-Smith

Sharpe x Smith-01 “Last year, we spent Valentine’s Day in Siargao and it was wonderful! This year, we’re planning to have a quiet and romantic dinner in the mountains, where we can look down at the city lights and see the stars. Mike loves to sing, so I hope to be serenaded!”

Lor Torres & April Rama

Rama x Torres-01 “We don’t over-plan for Valentine’s Day. We just make it a point to do something or go somewhere for the first time together as couple. This year, we’re planning to go to Vine Molave, a beautiful bed and breakfast at Pagadian, Zamboanga Del Sur. Other than being attracted to sleep and food (get it? Bed and breakfast?), we’re planning to go to Puting Balas sand bar and the Dao-Dao Islets there.”

Slater Young & Kryz Uy

Abaca Boutique Resort

Young x Uy-01 “We both lead very busy lives so when we do get to spend QT together, we prefer more relaxed environments. This Valentine’s Day, we might head to a more private beach like Abaca. But honestly, it doesn’t really matter where we go as long as we’re together.”

Kirby Yu & Jennifer Sarmiento

Yu x Sarmiento-01 “Since Jen loves peace and quet places, I’ll probably take her to Maru Restaurant inside J Park since they serve the best Korean food and sulbing. At the same time, only few people go there.”

What do you have planned? Share your ideas on Facebook and Instagram and tag us!

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People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

People

The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos

With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.

According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.

In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.

Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas

Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu

Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.

Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.