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Support Local Brands at This Weekend’s HIMÔ Fair

HoliCOW and 32 Sanson by Rockwell come together to celebrate local artisanal furniture and home accessories at the second HIMÔ: A Space + Making Fair.

Shelves of handcrafted products—made from various materials, and in a myriad of colors and textures—fill up the 32 Sanson by Rockwell office this weekend, as it’s turned into a furniture and home accessories bazaar in the second run of the HIMÔ: A Space + Making Fair.

Named after the Visayan word for making something, HIMÔ is a curated pop-up marketplace that encourages people to create a space that reflected their personality, by bringing Filipino artisanal products into their homes. At the helm of the trunk show is HoliCOW (Holistic Coalition), a company that believes in sustainable design, and bringing together traditional and modern techniques.

At HIMÔ, HoliCOW features home accessories like table napkins made of local fabrics, seagrass trays, napkin rings with “coral” details upcycled from surplus rubber, crocheted Christmas wreaths, among many others. Those looking for a fashionable fix will find accessories and jewelry from All That Glitters and Strozzi, as well as clutches from Neil Felipp. Foodies can enjoy delicacies from neighboring provinces, local cheeses from the Malagos Farmhouse in Davao, and bottles of Don Papa’s premium local rum. Selected paintings by Sio Montera are also on display for the art-inclined.

“We always look to the three values that began and uphold the essence of Holistic Coalition,” says communications offer Kae Batiquin about how they chose which products to put on display. “First is Sustainability—is your company or are your products espousing or working towards sustainability in production and design? Next is Community—does your product and company uplift a community in the Philippines within your value web? And lastly, Identity—authenticity and spirit, because in a world of copy-for-capitalism, Filipino products shine in their genuine artistry.”

“The companies we partner with are collaborators whose values intersect with ours, always with a community that is empowered and enabled,” Kae continues. “Within this circle of companies, we curate items that fit the lifestyle we envision as HoliCOW: sophisticated and genuine, with an identity all its own, that fit industry standards of safety and ergonomics. Everything we carry or are affiliated with is handcrafted.”

As the former headquarters of one of Cebu’s pioneering furniture export companies, 32 Sanson by Rockwell seems like the perfect place to celebrate local artisans and companies at the grassroots. “32 Sanson by Rockwell is one of the companies in the real estate industry that share and wholeheartedly believe in our values as well,” Kae shares. “Situated in a historical location within Cebu City, they have endeavored greatly—and to rewarding effect—to preserve the aspects of 32 Sanson that endear it to Cebuanos; from preserving the authentic ancestral showroom of one of our oldest furniture companies (and a HoliCOW-affiliated brand), to making breathable, private but open units that are truly ‘living spaces.’ A perfect meet-in-the-middle of what we aspire to do and be, with our products.”

Catch the last day of HIMÔ: A Space + Making Fair today, November 12, 2017 at 32 Sanson by Rockwell, Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City. Hours are from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

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.

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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.

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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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