Arts & Culture

Shop Till You Drop at Urban Lifestyle

With its selection of curated products from local brands, Urban Lifestyle hopes to bring a new kind of shopping to the local retail industry.

Charmaine De Leon and Ruby Pansoy are no strangers to the world of business and retail. The duo, together with a few friends, decided to start up Pop District Bazaar, a venue that gave promising local businesses the opportunity to introduce their creations to a bigger market. The event saw much success—it’s held three times a year and now approaches its second anniversary—and both young women decided they were ready to take on another challenge.

The idea of an everyday trunk show of curated and local brands comes to fruition in Urban Lifestyle. The duo felt it was about time that Cebu started to experience an upscale and millenial shopping experience. They wanted to challenge the conventional theory of shops by bringing forward the new school idea of putting different brands together under one concept. Going local, of course, is another important aspect—Urban Lifestyle carries homegrown Cebuano brands that are just starting out, hoping to help launch them into the mainstream.

The duo approached their friend Gab Lasala to put together the project. As the principal architect of CuadArch Planning and Design, Gab is responsible for giving Urban Lifestyle the raw, modern industrial feel that it has—unfinished concrete walls, shelves made from wooden planks and metal piping, and vintage decor and succulent plants that reinforce the rustic look.

A long time friend of Charmaine, Gab had immediately said yes to the idea when it was brought up to him. “Seeing the success of Charm and Ruby’s other projects,” he shares, referring to Pop District Bazaar and Sugbo Mercado, of which the girls are part of the management team. “I knew that the idea of Urban Lifestyle would definitely click in the minds of the already developing fashion and lifestyle trends in Cebu.”

To manage the store, the duo again stretched their connections and asked Angela Rapes. “I said yes, of course,” recalls Angela, who has the experience of managing the Levi’s store in Ayala, Dockers, and the Magic Fit Alteration Shop. “I’ve always loved the idea of a concept store and a one-stop shop. I thought Urban Lifestyle could bring together local brands and make it more accessible to people all year round.”

Rounding up the group is Vanessa de Gracia, who handles marketing and social media. “I’m glad to be a part of Urban Lifestyle, as it is a great opportunity to experience being in business, even at a young age,” explains Vanessa, who is currently taking up Communications at the Cebu Normal University.

Together, the team was able to put together a steadily growing inventory—clothing brands like Felici, Solit Swimwear, Deseo, Miss Mannequin, Savannah’s Closet, as well as creations from designer Jojo Martinez; footwear from Sole Searching and Rolando; accessories from See Things Eyewear, Deseo Accessories, MS Accessories; and so many more.

Opening just this year, Urban Lifestyle has brought a fresh take of shopping to Cebu City, and has developed a following among the fashionable who are looking for more than the usual retail brands. Their vast offering of locally made products will surely be able to encourage people to advocate promising, developing businesses—and that’s certainly something to be happy about.

Related Topics:Angela Rapes Charmain de Leon Gab Lasala Ruby Pansoy Urban Lifestyle Cebu Vanessa de Gracia

Up Next

A Glimpse of an Art Exhibit in Montebello Villa Hotel

Don't Miss

This Chic Apartment Has the Best View of New York City

246 Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Arts & Culture

Art Fair Philippines 2025: A Celebration of Creativity

by Emcee Go

Art Fair Philippines 2025 transformed the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City into a dynamic showcase of contemporary and modern art. From February 21 to 23, art enthusiasts and collectors were treated to an eclectic mix of visual masterpieces, interactive installations, and thought-provoking exhibits.

This year’s fair features an impressive lineup of local and international galleries, including renowned names like Leon Gallery, Metro Gallery, Orange Project, J Studio and from Cebu, Qube Gallery.

Francis Dravigny’s woven artworks was one of the two featured artists at Qube Gallery’s well curated exhibition.

Qube Gallery’s Mariz Holopainen in front of Sio Montera’s abstracts.

Arts & Culture

Cebuano Pride: The National Museum of Cebu

Pride of Cebu

By Eva Gullas

photos courtesy of DOT

“With the National Museum of Cebu, the cradle of Christianity in the country, we open the doors to a temple in history and culture, inviting tourists and locals to witness our archaeological and natural treasures. The NMP-Cebu is not just a museum but a bridge to our past and a window into our future,” declares Christina Frasco, our Secretary of Tourism, at the ceremonial opening last July 28.

Located at the heart of the city’s historic port area, the former colonial Customs House, built in 1910, was transformed into an elegant edifice worthy of the city’s place in history. It was in Cebu where the Spanish conquistadors first landed in 1521 and where Magellan met his end at the hands of the local chieftain Lapu-Lapu. Starting August 1, the National Museum of Cebu will open its doors daily from 9 am to 5 pm except Monday.

Cebu City Tourism’s Neil Odjigue, Cembeth Hortillano and CCTC Chairperson Joy Pesquera

Worth checking is the first floor, where a few art pieces from national artists like Cebu’s own Martino Abellana, Fernando Amorsolo, and Jose Joya take pride of place. On the right wing are finds from archeological digs found all over the islands. Called Ang Karaang Sugbo or Old Cebu, they include a gold death mask and ancient vases from China. There’s also Kinaiyahan: Cebu’s Natural Wonders, which features an impressive wall containing the different layers underneath our soil. There is also a display case that interactively showcases the various elements around the area, like gold, copper, and gypsum. Another wing is Paglawig: Cultural Movember Across the Seas, showcasing the islands’ maritime history and sea bounty, including rare shells.

Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Maryanne Arculli, Andronik Aboitiz and wife Doreen, Amanda Luym

Some of the abstract art from the New York collection

It is on the second floor, though, where the museum shines. Up the grand staircase, guests are greeted by Elmer Borlongan’s massive Battle of Mactan, facing a facsimile of the Sta Maria galleon, Magellan’s flagship. Then on to a limited-time exhibit on loan from the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a treasure trove of almost 90 paintings collected by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, including Ang Kioks, Sanso, Manuel Rodrigues, and many more representing both avant-garde and classic Filipino masters. The New York collection is only available until March 2024 and is not to be missed.

Writer Eva Gullas beside Elmer Borlongan’s Battle of Mactan

The National Museum Cebu has been years in the making, and this cultural milestone has finally been made possible under the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who famously said during the inauguration, “I am a museum fan, and I can stay in art museums for hours and hours.” He added, ” museums are considered valuable natural assets to a nation as they build a sense of community, document history, inspire creativity, promote tourism, and unite people through a shared heritage.” Kudos to the National Museum Board of Trustees, chaired by Andoni Aboitiz and Museum Director Jeremy Barnes, for this cultural gift to Cebu!

Arts & Culture

The Uncommon Traditions that Mexicans and Filipinos share when celebrating the Day of the Dead.

Dia de los Muertos

By Allain Dumon Fonte

The 2nd of November is All Soul’s Day, a holiday that is very important to many Filipinos to remember our loved ones who passed on. This is also widely celebrated in Mexico as “Dia De los Muertos” or in English, “The Day of the Dead”. And Mexicans celebrate the 2nd of November grander than they celebrate Christmas. Well, you can witness it from the Disney movie, “Coco”.

As All Soul’s Day or Dia de los Muertos is about to end, here are some interesting traditions and superstitions that Filipinos and Mexicans share:

1. IT IS NOT ON THE 31st OF OCTOBER

Dia de los Muertos or All Soul’s Day is not practiced on October 31st or on the Hallow’s Eve as many other western cultures practice; but we celebrate it on the 2nd of November. We celebrate November 1st as All Saint’s Day or the Day of the Holy, while in Mexico they call it Dia de los Innocentes or Dia de los Angelitos to commemorate the children who died too early in life.

2. THE RITUAL

Both in Mexico and in the Philippines, we visit the grave of our loved ones and we clean it well. This is a ritual to honour their resting places and to let them know that they are never forgotten.

3. FLOWERS INVITE SPIRITS

In Mexico, they believe that the scent of flowers attract spirits. So the flower offerings are invitation to their dead loved ones to visit the living families. While in the Philippines, we believe that flowers offered to the dead exalt the souls and somehow fill in the sadness that we feel when missing our dead loved ones.

Most of the time, Filipinos choose all-white flowers to offer because white is the absence of colour, which means the absence of Joy and happiness. White also symbolises purity of soul which we hope our dead loved ones will attain as they journey to heaven. While in Mexico, they have the yellow Mexican marigolds as the official flowers of the dead that will guide them in their journey to the afterlife.

4. THE LEGEND OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

Both cultures believe that monarch butterflies are dead loved ones who visit us and show their appreciation that we have not forgotten them. A presence of monarch butterflies also means that our dead loved ones are always there guiding us and looking after us.

5. A PICNIC IN THE GRAVEYARD

Spending a night at the graveyard and picnicking with the rest of the family may sound very creepy to many; but to both Filipino and Mexican cultures, picnicking and spending a night at the cemetery is a must to show our love to our dearly departed. It is the only time in the year that families gather and tell stories of the dead loved ones and how colourful or how great their lives were.

6. FOOD FOR THE DEAD

In Mexico, they have what they call “ofrendas” or an altar where the pictures of their dead loved ones are displayed and offered with flowers, candles, and their favourite food. Very similar to the Filipino culture of cooking the favourite food of our dead loved ones and everyone in the family enjoys the food for dinner.

My family tradition involves me driving all the way to Colon street and buy that famous Snow Sheen’s “pancit canton”. This is my granddad’s favourite snack. Sadly, the old Visayan Restaurant is no longer there. My late uncle and my late grandpa love their sweet ad and sour fish. We also set up an “ofrenda” on their graveyard and eat their favourite food while picnicking in the cemetery. We do not spend a night in the cemetery; but while we are picnicking there, we usually play the songs of Pilita Corrales and Susan Fuentes that my late grandpa used to listen every afternoon while enjoying his coffee, pan de sal, and pancit canton.

What about your family traditions? Share your thoughts by commenting to this article.

MODEL: Michael Joseph Mortola Enriquez & Alexis Wingfield
PHOTOGRAPHER: Gianne Paolo Anciano
HMUA/DESIGNER: Hazel Ocaba
STYLING: GPA Lifestyle + Clothing