Events
SCHARON MANI: A New Bisaya Musical Coming Your Way This December

This coming Christmas holiday, 2TinCans Philippines presents ‘Scharon Mani’, a Bisaya musical inspired by the stories in and around the vibrant seaside town of Dumaguete City. Written by Junsly Kitay with music from the Belltower Project, the play revolves around Charlene, the daughter of Neneh, a labandera and Nelo, a street vendor. A singing contest is coming to town and Charlene’s dream of becoming a star seems to be within reach until a series of unfortunate events compels the young dreamer to sell chicharon and mani. Her life as a vendor intersects with other children and characters who are struggling to define their life purpose. Young singing sensation, Yessha de la Calzada, plays the role of Charlene, alongside Princess Tessa Bacalla as alternate. Completing the lead cast are Joer Gallur and Dion Cecilio, who alternately play the hopeless romantic call center agent Alnel; Zyradee Ramos and Emelyn Corpus, who alternately play the rakista Hannah, and; Jazztin Craig Claracay and Kevin Roises Tecson, who play alternates for the role of the hardworking student, Renz. Completing the cast are Davelyn Cuenco, Dave Feril, Ralph Mallapre, CJ Seville, Jan Echevarria, Dan Clever Giganton, Rennel Shane Ayong, Vince Lopez Ybanez, Liana San Diego, Mary Joy Irish Ostria, Elizabeth Caculba, Louise Leigh Valle, Chalee Sumalinog, Sayoka Takemura, Cath Vilano, and Coco Cuenco. Scharon Mani director and 2TinCans Producing Artistic Director, Sarah Mae EnclonaHenderson, expresses how delightful it is to be working with a talented group of young individuals, who are passionate about their craft. “I love how our actors, more than their roles in the musical, take on the responsibility of using theatre, music, and the arts as a way of promoting culture, diversity, and acceptance,” Henderson says. “In 2TinCans, we believe that as artists, we are called to entertain, educate, and empower.” Scharon Mani promises to be a grand and spectacular production with choreography by Disney alumnus Steve Banua Sanchez and musical direction by award-winning conductor Dennis Gregory Sugarol. Performances are on Dec. 7 (7:30PM), Dec. 8 and 9 (2PM and 7:30PM) at the Centerstage of SM Seaside City Cebu. Tickets are available online via 2tincans.yapsody.com and www.ticket2me.net. For more information, call 0917- 8962181 or (032) 401-0536.
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
-
QuickFx3 months ago
Animula: Emma Gomez’s New Destination Restaurant Opens in Tagbilaran, Bohol
-
People1 month ago
The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas
-
Fashion3 months ago
Ravens, Runways, and Revelations: A Glimpse of Amato
-
QuickFx3 months ago
Walking on Eggshells: Danny Rayos del Sol, the Philippines’ Lone Ostrich Eggshell Artist
-
Prime Target2 months ago
Carlo Gabiana—The Illustrated Man Makes a Mark on Cebu’s Tattoo Scene
-
Arts & Culture2 months ago
Chaos and Clarity: Zen Aesthetic in Oj Hofer’s Art
-
Prime Target2 months ago
Jamie Gellor–A Multihyphenate at the Intersection of Business, Beauty, and Wellness
-
Beauty & Wellness2 months ago
The Lowdown on IV Drips–Dr. Victoria Jordan Sarmiento Opens Krowne Premiere Medical Aesthetics to Promote Overall Well-being
You must be logged in to post a comment Login